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Expeditions Beyond Polar the Polar Regions

May 26, 2023

Travel Inspiration   Europe Embark on a captivating Mediterranean odyssey aboard an expedition cruise ship, exploring the storied coastlines of Europe. Sail from historic ports such as Barcelona and Venice, immerse yourself in the ancient ruins of Rome and Athen...

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Four Seasons Resort Hualalai

May 26, 2023

Travel Inspiration   Kailua Kona, Hawaii, United States NEAREST AIRPORT: Kona International Airport (KOA) - 7 mi/11 km SIZE: 243 rooms ROOM STYLE: Contemporary VIBE: Casual   Set on the picturesque Kona-Kohala coast on the island of Hawaii, is a magnif...

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Borgo Santandrea

April 26, 2023

Travel Tips   NEAREST AIRPORT: Capodichino (NAP) - 23 mi/37 km SIZE: 45 rooms ROOM STYLE: Contemporary VIBE: Casual   Borgo Santandrea A 5-star hotel just a few minutes from Amalfi, where you can experience the luxury of a world created for your...

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Six Senses Douro Valley, Portugal

March 30, 2023

Travel Inspiration   Lamego, Portugal NEAREST AIRPORT: Francisco Sá Carneiro (OPO) - 45 mi/72 km SIZE: 71 rooms ROOM STYLE: Indigenous VIBE: Zen   For an eco-conscious trip to wine country, look no farther than Six Senses Douro Valley. Localness...

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Avocado Chocolate Mousse Recipe

March 30, 2023

Recipes   Enjoy this indulgent yet low-carb and sugar-free dessert.   AmaWaterways understands and appreciates that many of their guests have unique dietary needs. That’s why they are pleased to share one of their guests’ favorite lo...

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Discover the Mekong River with AmaWaterways

March 30, 2023

Travel Inspiration   The sagas of ancient empires, colonial powers and modern conflicts have unfolded along her banks. And, through it all, the Mekong remains first and foremost a lifeline. Temples, trade routes and fishing villages in the river’s path are ...

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Butter Tarts

February 24, 2023

Recipes   INGREDIENTS (short dough) Butter 1 cupIcing sugar⅔ cupEgg yolks 3Egg white 1Vanilla extract 1 tbspSorghum flour 1 cupPotato starch ¼ cupArrowroot starch ¼ cupTapioca starch ⅛ cupChick pea flour ⅛ cup   METHOD•...

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Andaz Costa Rica Resort At Peninsula Papagayo

February 24, 2023

Travel Inspiration   Located within the exclusive Peninsula Papagayo community on Costa Rica's north Pacific coast, Andaz captures the magic of Costa Rica’s pristine natural beauty with breathtaking views of Culebra Bay and an immersive ...

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Longitude 131˚, Ayers Rock, Australia

January 27, 2023

Travel Inspiration   Destination Home to the World Heritage-listed natural icons Uluru (Ayers Rock) and Kata Tjuta (The Olgas), Australia’s Red Centre is a vast outback wilderness characterised by endless horizons of rolling red sand dunes, green Desert Oa...

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Aussie Cinnamon & Apple Teacake

January 27, 2023

Recipes   This classic teacake recipe deserves a spot in every baker's cookbook.   Ingredients - 80g unsalted butter, chopped, at room temperature. - 100g (1/2 cup) caster sugar. - 1 egg. - 1 tsp vanilla extract. - 225g (1 1/2 cups) self-ra...

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Where to Find the Best Chocolate Tours in the World

January 26, 2023

Travel Inspiration Almost everyone on the planet loves chocolate. It is estimated that nine out of ten people love it, and 1 billion people eat it every day.   Most of us clearly have a passion for the stuff, and it’s always easy to get in different qualit...

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Australia's Best Seafood Experiences

November 25, 2022

Travel Tips   If there’s one thing Australia boasts, it’s an enviable smorgasbord of high-quality seafood. While you can certainly experience the country’s delicacies cooked to perfection at one of their incredible restaurants. Why not ge...

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qualia, Great Barrier Reef

November 25, 2022

Travel Inspiration   Set on Hamilton Island’s northern-most tip (Queensland), qualia is the perfect place from which to explore the beautiful Australian icons of the region, including Whitehaven Beach and the Great Barrier Reef.   Hamilton Island is ...

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Dreams Curacao Resort Spa and Casino

October 29, 2022

Travel Inspiration   Escape to a tropical paradise at Dreams Curaçao Resort, Spa & Casino. Ideally located on the sandy beaches of Piscadera Bay, this all–inclusive family-friendly resort sanctuary offers luxury suites with opportunities to relax...

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Pumpkin Cheesecake Squares

October 28, 2022

Recipes   The only trick to these treats is to not eat them all in one sitting.   Ingredients 1 cup graham-cracker crumbs 2 tbsp finely chopped candied ginger 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted 1 egg 3/4 cup pumpkin purée 1/2 cup packe...

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Top Beaches to Relax on this Winter

October 28, 2022

Travel Inspiration   Jalousie Beach, St Lucia This beautiful Caribbean beach sits right at the foot of the majestic Pitons. With its crystal-clear waters and an underwater marine reserve, it is home to many coral and tropical fish, making it an excellent place f...

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The Palm Beaches

October 28, 2022

Travel Inspiration The Original. The One. The Only. The Palm Beaches. With some of the best beaches in South Florida, great local cuisine, and a history of genuine hospitality, The Palm Beaches are a premier destination, and make a great pre- or post-cruise stay! &nb...

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Two Packing Tips That Can Change Your Vacation

September 26, 2022

Travel Tips   Stephen Smith, our SVP of Marketing, shares some essential packing tips for your next adventure. Here are some tips I learned recently that can make your travels less stressful. One of them came from a recent experience, and the other a reco...

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Hotel Boutique Casa Colonial Beach & Spa

September 26, 2022

Travel Inspiration   Located on the exotic north coast of the Dominican Republic and directly on the water, Casa Colonial Beach & Spa is the ultimate, world-class seaside resort.   This tastefully intimate resort features an exceptional fusion of old-w...

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Top Five Travel Destinations for this Fall

September 26, 2022

Travel Inspiration   1. The U.S and Canada  Staying close to home is  a popular option for fall travel. We’ll always love a classic road trip. We can’t wait to explore more under-the-radar national parks, and are looking forward to the star...

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Coconut Macaroons

September 26, 2022

Recipes   Chewy and rich on the inside, crisp and golden on the outside, enjoy this delicious coconut macaroons recipe.   Ingredients 6 Egg Whites1 cup Granulated Sugar2 cups Fine Dry Coconut flakes or Shred2 Tbsp Cornstarch1 Tbsp Cake Flour1 T...

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Most Popular Riviera Cocktails of the World

August 31, 2022

Recipes Our friends from the iconic Beach Club at the Carlton Cannes shared with us their favourite cocktails from the French, Italian, Mexican, and Brazilian Rivieras for you to enjoy at home.   French Riviera  - 1930 This creation refers to ...

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5 Reasons to Book a Villa Vacation

April 19, 2023

Travel Inspiration     1. Bring the Generations Together What more natural way can multigenerational families unite than under one commodious roof? Villas work well for families because everyone has a different place to relax alone and larger areas to spen...

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Best Winter Travel Options

August 26, 2022

Travel Inspiration   With this being the first winter since 2019 that most of the world will be open for travel, our top advice for the upcoming season is to plan ahead and be aware that flight schedules are still changing. Currently, flights are limited to some ...

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Casa de Campo® Resort & Villas

August 26, 2022

Travel Inspiration   Casa de Campo® Resort & Villas opened in La Romana, almost 50 years ago, as the first resort in the Dominican Republic. They have been a favorite luxury destination for discerning travelers and celebrities who relish the private gated...

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Five Ways to Expand Your Culinary Horizons in 2022

July 25, 2022

Travel Tips   Taste your way across the world, from farm-to-table dining in Mexico to cooking classes in Japan.   Boost Your Home-Chef Skills with Cooking Classes Food and wine connect us with destinations in a way few other things can. Even better...

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Grand Hotel du Palais Royal

July 25, 2022

Travel Inspiration   Set in the heart of Paris’ Right Bank just steps from the Louvre, Grand Hotel du Palais Royal has the city’s only guest rooms with a direct peek into the Palais-Royal gardens. This hotel gives a nod to its leafy neighbor with disp...

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A Trip to Europe with Stephen Smith

July 25, 2022

Travel Inspiration   The Airport Experience in Europe     When we planned our family vacation to Europe, our biggest concern was whether there would be entry and exit restrictions on our way overseas and on our return.  While I had been supp...

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Why your next cruise should be a River Cruise

July 6, 2022

Travel Inspiration   It’s no secret that river cruising is one of the hottest trends in travel. More and more Canadians are intrigued by the small-ship intimacy, the off-the-beaten waves itineraries and generous inclusions to be found on a river cruise. &n...

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Summer Travel Tips

June 24, 2022

Travel Tips   Summer travel is in full swing and for many of us, this is the first time we are taking to the skies in the last two years. Here are some travel tips to help you navigate this summer:   Plan ahead. Pre-book your transportation where yo...

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Park Hyatt Sydney

June 24, 2022

Travel Inspiration   Experience a 5-Star luxury hotel situated on Sydney Harbour in The Rocks at Park Hyatt Sydney.   The waterfront Park Hyatt Sydney offers a spectacular location on one of the world’s most beautiful harbors. Its 155 guest rooms hav...

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New Zealand Lamb Burger

May 28, 2022

Recipes   Did you know there are more sheep then people in New Zealand? Based on that fact we figure they must have the recipe for the ultimate lamb burger.   Ingredients   Patties600g Quality Mark lean lamb mince½ large onion...

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Banyan Tree Samui

May 28, 2022

Travel Inspiration   Overlooking the azure waters of the Gulf of Thailand, Banyan Tree Samui is nestled amid the lush jungle of a private bay in Lamai.   This luxury all-pool villa resort in Samui combines the best elements of a tropical getaway with a pri...

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Australia Ultimate Packing List

April 28, 2022

Travel Tips   If you’re planning a trip to the land down under then you’re going to need a lot more than just your swimming costume and a pair of flip flops. After all, Australia is an incredibly huge and astoundingly diverse place.   Bu...

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The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort

April 28, 2022

Travel Inspiration   Welcome to your tropical paradise at The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort, a luxury resort on French Polynesia's iconic island with beachfront and overwater villas. Suspended over water is the Lagoon Restaurant, with views of Mount Otemanu, while ...

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Top Santa Monica Experiences

April 28, 2022

Travel Inspiration   SANTA MONICA BEACH  The long, wide expanse of Santa Monica Beach is distinguished from other Southern California shorelines by the sheer extent of activities one can enjoy. Both sand and ocean are clean and beautiful, making for some gr...

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Meet Cunard’s New Ship – Queen Anne

March 25, 2022

Travel Tips Meet Cunard’s New Ship – Queen Anne Debuting in early 2024, Cunard welcomes Queen Anne which will make up a remarkable quartet alongside Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria, and Queen Elizabeth.   Background The name “Queen Anne&r...

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Shutters on the Beach - Santa Monica

March 25, 2022

Travel Tips   White sandy beaches, sunlight reflecting off crystal blue waves, and gentle ocean breezes. Shutters on the beach resort is your seaside ahven, set on one of the Southern California's most iconic beaches.   Comfortable and luxurious, th...

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Travel Ideas for your Next Adventure

March 25, 2022

Travel Tips   Go wild in Africa Lions, boars, and bonding – oh, my! Few experiences tie travellers together the way a shared wildlife encounter does, and Africa offers them at every turn. While journeying through Botswana, float over the Okavango De...

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Top Travel Ideas for the Year Ahead

February 24, 2022

Travel Tips   Embark on a thrilling outdoor adventure.   From the Arctic Circle to the White Continent, polar expeditions are one of the hottest tickets around. On a tour of northern Norway, zoom through rugged wilderness on a snowmobile, then set o...

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Fairmont El San Juan Hotel

February 24, 2022

Travel Inspiration   Between downtown San Juan and the award-winning Isla Verde Beach lies Fairmont El San Juan Hotel, this property is a mecca of sophistication, style, and sleek ocean-view accommodations.   Accommodation   Feel immersed in the Pue...

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The Results from our Travel Survey

January 28, 2022

Travel Tips Thank you to all our dedicated clients who took the time to fill out our recent travel survey. Your insight is critical as we continue our safe return to travel and strive to help make all your travel dreams come true.     Here are s...

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The Original Sacher-Torte

January 27, 2022

Recipes   Sacher -Torte is a chocolate cake, or torte of Austrian origin, invented by Franz Sacher, supposedly in 1832 for Prince Metternich in Vienna. It is one of the most famous Viennese culinary specialties.   Ingredients: Cake:   13...

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The Hotel Sacher in Vienna, Austria

January 27, 2022

Travel Tips   An iconic property that I admittedly knew little about before I spent 4 remarkable nights there.   I arrived by van and pulled up to multiple bellmen ready to assist. I was whisked inside and since they had anticipated my arrival, ever...

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The Art of a Perfect Day

December 7, 2021

Travel Inspiration     Rebecca Adams, Direct Travel’s Director of Supplier Relations, recently sailed on board Royal Caribbean’s Odyssey of the Seas.   Here are Rebecca's thoughts on the Experience:   One of my favorite things abou...

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The Gift Of Travel

November 25, 2022

Travel Inspiration   Gift of Travel with Family  Spend quality time together where no one has to do dishes and the toughest decision all day will be beach or pool. We have really been seeing an increase in families choosing to forgo more “stuff”...

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Hot Mulled Wine from AmaWaterways

November 26, 2021

Recipes Gühwein: an essential part of winter in Europe Brighten up the long winter nights the way Europeans have for centuries with an intensely warming and fragrant drink of hot mulled wine fortified with spices, herbs, fruit and fruit juices, hard al...

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Princess Medallion Cruise Experience

November 10, 2021

Travel Tips   Rebecca Adams, Direct/Vision Travel’s Director of Supplier Relations, recently sailed with Princess Cruises and shared how the MedallionClass® enhanced her cruise experience.   Princess Medallion Your Medallion stores a...

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6 Things You Didn’t Know You Could Do While Cruising

October 29, 2021

Travel Inspiration   1 - Heli-Hike in Antarctica Heli-hiking, offered on Quark Expeditions’ new Ultramarine Ship, gives adventurers two experiences in one. First, the flight provides spectacular coastal and mountain views. Next, you get to trek or snowshoe...

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Pumpkin Soup

October 29, 2021

Recipes It’s that time of year, everything is coming up pumpkin! As the days start to get chillier, cosy up with this pumpkin soup from our friends at St.Anne’s Spa in Grafton, Ontario.   INGREDIENTS   • 2 finely diced white on...

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The New Hotel Athens, a Design Hotel

October 29, 2021

Travel Inspiration Athens’ New Hotel feels as though you’re staying in an eclectic, eco-friendly, and ultra-luxe art gallery. Everything about this 79-room boutique hotel is playful and smart, from mismatched chairs that resemble sculptures to the restauran...

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My Trip to Greece

October 29, 2021

Travel Inspiration   This past September, I traveled to Greece and enjoyed a seven-night cruise on board Azamara. It turns out the biggest hurdle wasn’t navigating the new travel requirements, it was getting myself ready to be part of the world again. For t...

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Carlisle Bay – Antigua

September 27, 2021

Travel Inspiration   Located on a stunning horseshoe bay on the South Western shore of the island of Antigua, overlooking tranquil turquoise waters and swathed by lush rainforest, Carlisle Bay offers a haven of seclusion and relaxation. Sophisticated and contempo...

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What it's like to Travel to Mexico Right Now

September 27, 2021

Travel Tips   Rene Schneeberger, VP, Leisure Supplier Management, Direct Travel recent experience as a US citzen traveling to Mexico.   Trip: San Francisco to Cancun Date: June 25-28, 2021 Purpose: Apple Leisure Group Annual Meeting   Exper...

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What it's like to Travel to Europe Right Now

September 27, 2021

Travel Tips   Rene Schneeberger, VP, Leisure Supplier Management, Direct Travel recent experience as a US citzen traveling to Europe.   Trip: San Francisco to France Date: July 22-29, 2021 Purpose: AmaWaterways River Cruise   Experience: &...

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Jade Mountain

August 28, 2021

Travel Tips   Rising majestically above the 600 acre beach front resort of Anse Chastanet, Jade Mountain Resort on St. Lucia’s south-western Caribbean coastline is a cornucopia of organic architecture celebrating St. Lucia’s stunning scenic bea...

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Confused by Travel Requirements?

August 28, 2021

Travel Inspiration   We are here to help! Borders are opening and travel has cautiously restarted.  With this new beginning, new travel requirements have been implemented. At first glance these regulations seem daunting, but there is a way to break them down...

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How to Make a Mojito

July 30, 2021

Recipes   Nothing captures the true passion, culture and taste of Havana like the authentic Cuban Mojito.   Ingredients 2 oz. Havana Club 3 Year Old Rum 1 oz. Simple Syrup ¾ oz. Lime Juice (half a lime) 2 Mint Sprigs 4 oz. of Sparkli...

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No-Bake Berry Cheesecakes

June 28, 2021

Recipes   Make this delicious dessert without turning on the oven.   INGREDIENTS   FOR THE CRUST   1/2 c. graham cracker crumbs   2 tbsp. unsalted butter, melted   1 tbsp. light brown sugar   FOR THE CHEESECAKE...

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Curtain Bluff Resort - Antigua

June 28, 2021

Travel Inspiration   Effortless Island Luxury   Intimate and Inviting, Curtain blends timeless seaside elegance with toes-in-the-sand charm at Antigua's premiere all-inclusive destination.   Relaxation Awaits   Tucked away on a rocky promonto...

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Traveling to Europe This summer

June 28, 2021

Travel Tips   If you are thinking about visiting continent this summer, here are a few of our travel tips.   1 – A Travel Advisor is essential. Yes, it can be said we are biased, however, while countries are open to travellers, there are still...

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Best Beach Resorts in the Caribbean

May 31, 2021

Travel Tips It's very difficult to identify the best beach resorts in the Caribbean.  The reality is the best resort is the one that suits your needs, therefore, we have broken them into categories.  Here are some of our recommendations for the best be...

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European Food Destinations

April 28, 2021

Travel Inspiration Did somebody say food?  An exploration of some of the top European food destinations.   Paris French cuisine is rated as one of the world’s finest. So Paris is a foregone conclusion on any list of top food cities. French gastronomy...

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Classic Shrimp Scampi

April 27, 2021

Travel Tips Enjoy this fresh and delicious recipe, ready in just 30 minutes!   This recipe is one of the most searched recipes on FoodNetwork.com and the #shrimpscampi has more than 134,000 posts on Instagram.   Ingredients:   Kosher salt 1...

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Pink Royal Margarita

March 31, 2021

Recipes   This cocktail is regal and delicious and suitable for any king or queen.   Ingredients: 4cl Don Julio Blanco Tequila 2cl Cointreau 3cl Strawberry puree 2cl Agave syrup 2cl fresh lime juice Dash of balsamic vinegar Pinch of groun...

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A Gradual Return to Cruising is Underway

March 31, 2021

Travel Inspiration   It is in some ways hard for us to grasp that it’s already been 12 months since the world stood still mid-March 2020, when cruise lines voluntarily suspended all operations globally.   Few of us could have predicted that it wou...

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The Best Vacation Spots across Florida

March 31, 2021

Travel Inspiration Plan your next Florida vacation with personalized experiences for everyone!   Florida is a top destination for vacationers around the world and for good reason! The weather is warm and the activities are endless. Many people decide to take the...

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Top 10 Hikes in New Zealand

March 31, 2021

Travel Inspiration   Whether you call it hiking, tramping, or trekking in your corner of the world, it is frequently named as one of the top reasons for visiting New Zealand. Aotearoa New Zealand offers an abundance of tracks available to choose from, varying in ...

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Irish Buck Cocktail

March 17, 2021

Recipes   Something a bit different for this St Patricks Day: Irish Buck Cocktail   Irish Buck Ingredients 1 1⁄2 oz Irish whiskey 1⁄4 oz Fresh lime juice 2 oz Ginger ale   Add the whiskey and lime juice to a Collins glass f...

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Unique Irish Experiences

March 17, 2021

Travel Inspiration   Private Lambay Island Whiskey Expereince Enjoy a private tour and experience like no other with an exclusive visit to Lambay Island and Distillery. Owned by The Barings from 1904 to present day, the residents of Lambay Island live off-grid &...

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Cap Maison Resort & Spa

February 26, 2021

Travel Inspiration   Cap Maison Resort & Spa   On a magnificent oceanfront bluff high above picturesque Smugglers Cove on the north end of Saint Lucia, Cap Maison Resort & Spa’s incomparable setting is a prize. The exclusive resort is unique ...

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Spicy Sausage Rigatoni

February 24, 2021

Recipes   This Spicy Sausage Rigatoni is so simple and SO GOOD. Chewy tubes of rigatoni swimming in a delicious sauce made of Italian sausage, San Marzano tomatoes, red wine, and spices. Add some crusty bread to sop up some of the sauce!   INGRE...

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Local Stays

January 13, 2021

Travel Inspiration   California Canyon Ranch, Woodside Set among centuries-old redwoods just south of San Francisco, Canyon Ranch Woodside is a new form of intimate, immersive, and elevated retreat experience.   Woodside artfully orchestrates your connec...

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Direct Travel marks 25th Town Hall for Advisors

December 24, 2020

Travel Inspiration   It’s no secret that Covid-19 has brought a lot of hardship and isolation to travel advisors. When Direct Travel and its Canadian division Vision Travel started Town Hall zoom meetings for its advisors across North America six months ago...

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Appointment Announcement

December 18, 2020

Travel Tips   Direct Travel is pleased to announce the appointment of Nicole Goodheart to the newly-formed position of Director, Leisure Operations. Goodheart was most recently the Leisure Operations Manager at CWT Vacations in the United States.   ...

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Greece with Azamara

December 18, 2020

Travel Inspiration   With countless miles of coastline, nearly 6000 islands, unparalleled history and amazing cuisine, it could take an entire lifetime to explore. With the experts at Direct Travel along with Azamara’s Destination Immersion  approach t...

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Easy Apple Strudel

November 27, 2020

Recipes   Here is a simplified version of normally time-consuming apple strudel pastry so you can enjoy this traditional Viennese treat at home.   Ingredients   1 sheet (1/2 box) frozen puff pastry, thawed Flour for dusting ½ C (...

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Coming Soon: Holidays for Heroes

November 27, 2020

Travel Inspiration   To wrap up a year marked by widespread change and industry challenges, Direct Travel, Inc. is launching a community-driven initiative of celebration and renewed hope with its Holidays for Heroes giveaway. The contest will provide 10 winners w...

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Private Villa Stays

November 27, 2020

Travel Inspiration   Close to home or far-flung: There’s a private stay for every type of travel.   As we dust off our suitcases and venture back into the world, there’s a certain peace of mind to be found from settling into a private villa. Lu...

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Pumpkin Pie

October 30, 2020

Recipes   Fall has arrived and with it everything pumpkin.   Ingredients   2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 2 tbsp granulated sugar 1/2 tsp salt 1 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed 1/4 to 1/3 cup ice water FOR FILLING: 2 kg sugar-pie pump...

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Trend Alert: Travel with your Bubble

October 30, 2020

Travel Inspiration   We recently asked Rene Schneeberger, Vice President Leisure Supplier Management, for what he saw as the biggest trends in travel as we navigate these challenging times.  Here are his thoughts.    The upcoming holiday season i...

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10 Trips of a Lifetime

March 8, 2021

Travel Inspiration   How many of these trips of a lifetime are on your must experience list?  Direct Travel can help you turn your Dream into Reality.   1. Set Sail on World Cruise Almost every major cruise line offers a world cruise and they are fan...

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Red Canyon Lodge

October 1, 2020

Travel Inspiration   Discover one of Utah’s hidden treasures, Red Canyon Lodge in Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area.  They’re surrounded by Flaming Gorge’s incredible scenery, abundant wildlife and a huge variety of outdoor recreation....

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Hidden Gems

September 30, 2020

Travel Inspiration   With many Direct Travelers looking for vacations close to home this year; we asked our team of expert travel advisors across the country for their Hidden Gem Hotels and Resorts and they delivered!  Here are a few of the properties they r...

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Best Drives in the U.S.

August 31, 2020

Travel Tips   While some this year’s grandest travel plans may be on pause, not all vacation hope is lost. As countries and states ease restrictions and hotels, national parks, and other attractions cautiously begin to reopen, the allure of the open ...

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Villa Rental Tips

July 28, 2020

Travel Inspiration   Nothing will make you feel like an A-Lister quite as much as your own villa. Besides the considerable glamour factor, renting a home away from home has several advantages. Depending on the size of your group, a villa may be better value than ...

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Summer Mojito

July 28, 2020

Recipes   The classic mojito is a traditional Cuban cocktail made with lime, mint, soda, and rum. Enjoy your summer with this refreshing drink.     Ingredients:    - 3 mint leaves. - 2 ounces white rum. - 3/4 ounce fresh ...

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Top 5 Benefits from Traveling Solo

July 20, 2020

Travel Inspiration   There are many reasons to travel solo; maybe you’re single, in a relationship, or want the privacy of your own room while travelling with friends. Regardless of the reason, solo travelling is a unique and rewarding experience that allow...

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Your Celebration Planner

July 14, 2020

Travel Tips   There is no question that due to COVID-19, celebrations have had to adapt. From virtual birthday parties, drive-by graduations and lawn signs, to creating special meals at home, we found new ways to show how much we cared.   This chang...

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What is Travel like during COVID-19?

July 2, 2020

Travel Tips   There’s a lot of talk about travel these days and as can be expected, many questions.   Have you flown yet? Which borders are open? Are there restrictions? When should I book my next vacation?   While we do have answers to...

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Caviar Recipe

June 29, 2020

Recipes   We recently held a Virtual Caviar Conversation with Seabourn Cruises and their partner Regiis Ova. It was extremely interesting, if you were able to attend we hope you enjoyed it too.   We have had many requests for Seabourn Chef, Anto...

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Happy 4th of July

June 26, 2020

Travel Tips   While your Fourth of July festivities might look a little different this year, what doesn't change are all the amazing things there are to celebrate.   Here are some fun facts about our fantastic country:   • George Washing...

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What is in store for travel?

May 7, 2020

Travel Tips There’s no denying it is a strange world we live in right now.  None of us could have expected this, and everyone is dealing with the unknown in different ways.   With #StayAtHome orders starting to lift, the destinations or experie...

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Crab Tostadas

May 1, 2020

Recipes The perfect snack food for your Cinco de Mayo party.   Crab Salpicon Tostadas Ingredients: Corn tostadas 500 g of crab pulp 2 tomatoes ½ red onion ½ cup of lemon juice ¼ cup of cilantro Salt and pepper   Cle...

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5 Margarita Recipes

May 1, 2020

Recipes Celebrate Cinco de Mayo and dream of your next Mexican vacation with these Margaritas.   For a Spin on the Classic The Cabo Green Margarita is from Esperanza, an Auberge Resorts Collection resort in Los Cabos. 2 oz. silver tequila (100 perce...

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Gluten-Free Vegan Sweet Potato Tart

April 22, 2020

Recipes From our friends at Oceania Cruises, this gluten-free vegan dish is perfect as a main course or an appetizer.   NOTE:  As this recipe uses Metric measurements, we have provided approximate North American equivalents.  For best result...

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Spring Hope Cocktail

April 14, 2020

Recipes From the Oscar Bar at the Charlotte Street Hotel located steps from Soho in London.  INGREDIENTS30ml Ketel One Botanical Peach and Orange Blossom (or a vodka of your choice)½ a passion fruit½ a peach20ml fresh lemon juice20ml ag...

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10 Great Travel Movies

April 14, 2020

Recipes Under the Tuscan Sun As summer takes its time to arrive in North America, take a virtual journey to Tuscany with Diane Lane. Murder on the Orient Express Agatha Christie’s classic tale featuring the golden age of train travel in Europe. Did ...

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The Value of a Direct Travel Advisor

March 19, 2020

Travel Tips Our Expertise   Our Advisors are our biggest asset and your best advocate when planning travel. You are currently hearing about travelers being on hold 6 or 7 hours with some travel retailers or suppliers. When you book with Direct Travel, we ...

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Fun Facts about The Americas

March 3, 2020

Travel Tips   From the top of Alaska to the bottom of Patagonia, here are some fun facts about the Western hemisphere we call The Americas that will excite your need for adventure across these beautiful lands!    Denali, located in south-centra...

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Raspberry Brownies

February 28, 2020

Recipes   Raspberry Brownies for Two with Chambord Glaze from Desserts for Two by Christina Lane.   Ingredients 5 tablespoons (2.5 ounces) unsalted butter 1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons granulated sugar 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder 1/2 teaspoon...

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In Praise of the Staycation

February 28, 2020

Travel Tips   Travel is great for the soul.  It expands our worldview, gives us an even greater appreciation of our own home and reenergizes us as it forces us to step away from the treadmill of every day.   The only thing is, sometimes the pro...

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What travelers are seeking in 2020

February 28, 2020

Travel Tips   Updating your travel wish list?  Here are some of our top travel trends.   Untouristed and Unexpected Destinations   With some favorite destinations seeing an untenable rise in demand, the well-traveled luxury set is seekin...

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Belmond Maroma Resort and Spa | Riviera Maya

February 28, 2020

Travel Tips   Set among verdant jungle beside a white, sandy beach, Belmond Maroma Resort & Spa is one of Mexico’s top luxury hotels. Here you can start the day with yoga and end with a session in a traditional temazcal sauna.   Spend lazy...

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Top 5 Experiences in Greenland with A&K

February 21, 2020

Travel Tips   Located between the Arctic and Atlantic oceans, Greenland is the largest island of the world and an exciting destination for all adventure minded travellers. Greenland is also a place of fascinating contrasts, where enduring Inuk and Viking t...

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Deep Alaska with Seabourn Cruises

February 21, 2020

Travel Tips   The immensity of the Great Land complements the intimacy of Seabourn Sojourn. Seen from the deck, snowy mountains loom in the blue sky, seeming almost close enough to touch.    Imagine the scene, here at the top of the world. Your...

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Antarctica with Intrepid Travel

February 21, 2020

Travel Tips   Filled with natural wonders, unique wildlife, and many adventures, Antarctica has become one of the most popular travel destinations among the adventure travellers.   Intrepid runs a variety of Antarctica tours between November and Mar...

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Top 3 ways to Travel in Europe

January 31, 2020

Travel Tips   Europe is a diverse continent filled with incredible experiences. Where you want to explore is up to you but picking your travel style is best left to a professional. What do you want to see? Where do you want to go? Do you want VIP access? L...

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The Perfect Wanderlist

January 30, 2020

Travel Tips   Creating a wanderlist is your opportunity to dream big, go beyond and put down everything you want to see, touch or experience.   Here are 5 different strategies that we believe can help bring your dreamed wanderlist to life.   ...

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What to Pack in your Carry-on?

January 30, 2020

Travel Tips   What to pack in your carry-on? You know about keeping the basics with you: your passport, itinerary, the address where you’re staying, additional travel documents, medications, jewelry, electronics and other valuables.   But you ...

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The Springs Resort & Spa - Costa Rica

January 30, 2020

Travel Tips   Welcome to The Springs Resort & Spa where the word "Vacation" is truly defined. With a spectacular view of the Arenal Volcano, natural hot and cold springs, five unique dining experiences, and an impressive full-service Spa, The Springs R...

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Chili

January 30, 2020

Recipes   Take the chill out of winter and enjoy this delicious chili recipe.   Ingredients:   2 pounds ground beef 2 cloves garlic, chopped One 8-ounce can tomato sauce 2 tablespoons chili powder 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon g...

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Hearty Egg and Bread Bake

January 17, 2020

Travel Tips   Be brunch ready with this make-ahead casserole.   Ingredients   ¼ cups pancetta, diced 1 medium onion, diced 1 red pepper, seeded and diced 8 eggs 2 tsp Italian seasoning ½ tsp salt ½ tsp ground mustar...

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Top Alaskan Adventures

January 17, 2020

Travel Tips   When it comes to describing wild Alaska, the word ‘beautiful” is often used. Vast, striking landscapes are found over every horizon, from deep and luscious green forests that coat mountainsides to towering off-white glaciers that ...

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Extraordinary African Adventures

January 17, 2020

Travel Tips   We are excited to share this guest blog from our valued active travel partner Sherwin Banda, President of African Travel.   My Top 7 African Countries   Zimbabwe   Africa is a wonderful place to experience with family.&nb...

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Top 6 Reasons to Cruise

January 3, 2020

Travel Tips   Different Destinations    Explore multiple locations with the added perk of only having to unpack once! Cruising is a convenient way to visit multiple destinations without the hassle of moving to different hotels, passing through ...

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Madagascar Vanilla Chicken

December 30, 2019

Recipes   Ingredients:   - 1.5 kg Chicken cut into pieces - 1 Onion finely chopped - 3 Cloves of garlic finely chopped - 4 Vanilla pods catted in half on the lenght - 1 Sprig of fresh thyme - ½ Teaspoon turmeric powder - 2 Cups crea...

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Four Seasons Resort Hualalai

December 30, 2019

Travel Tips   Located 17 minutes from Kona International Airport, Four Seasons Resort Hualalai is perfectly situated for all kinds of island adventures. The spirit of Hawaii, from its long-held traditions to its inspired art, informs every detail of our id...

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The World's Best New Year's Eve Celebrations

December 30, 2019

Travel Tips   These NYE parties make global headlines for over-the-top pageantry.     Sydney, Australia   More than a million people gather every year to witness Sydney’s New Year’s Eve celebrations, and the party starts ear...

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Pizza, Florentine Style

November 29, 2019

Recipes   In Florence, pizzerias make pizzas with thin crusts and bake them in wood burning ovens. Here is a basic recipe for the crust, plus the ingredients for making a simple Margerita Pizza. Pizzas are also generally individual size so the recipe b...

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Explore off the Beaten Path

November 1, 2019

Travel Tips   Exploration comes in all shapes and sizes. From an Arctic hike through the freezing tundra to a bike ride through the Austrian countryside dotted with castles and churches, adventure can be found in all corners of the world.  Turn these ...

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Pastel de Nata

April 16, 2023

Recipes   Easy to make, the rich, eggy filling is pure comfort food. Here, we have simplified the recipe by using puff pastry dough for the shell. These are best eaten the day they are made, still warm from the oven.   Ingredients   Flo...

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Our Top Packing Tips

October 30, 2019

Travel Tips   How and what you pack often depends on the trip you are embarking on.  We have put together a few suggestions for you to consider your next big adventure!   Travel Light   Try to avoid checking a bag if it is not necessaril...

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Micato AmericaShare

October 24, 2019

Travel Tips   Micato’s non-profit arm, AmericaShare, was founded over 25 years ago. Dedicated to helping populations in Nairobi, Kenya who have been affected by the HIV/AIDS epidemic, AmericaShare has made a tremendous impact by providing a bridge be...

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Tips for Taking the Best Safaris Photos

October 24, 2019

Travel Tips   Africa’s incredible wildlife is the central reason to go on safari. Micato Safaris share their tips on ensuring your photographs are as vivid as the memories you’ve made.   Tips for Taking the Best Safari Photos By Micato ...

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Why your next cruise should be a River Cruise

October 21, 2019

Travel Tips     It’s no secret that river cruising is one of the hottest trends in travel. More and more our clients are intrigued by the small-ship intimacy, the off-the-beaten waves itineraries and generous inclusions to be found on a river c...

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The Unique World of Rail Travel

October 11, 2019

Travel Tips   Within the unique world of rail travel, Rocky Mountaineer is so much more than just a train. It’s the key to unlocking a hidden world of unparalleled beauty as you carve through otherwise inaccessible terrain in the Canadian Rockies. &...

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New in Cruising for 2020

October 7, 2019

Travel Tips   Here is what is new for 2020 from some of our cruise partners.     Celebrity Apex from Celebrity Cruises The much anticipated Celebrity Apex℠, the second ship in Celebrity Cruises Edge® class series, will make her debut in...

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Raspberry Sorbet

September 27, 2019

Recipes   Enjoy this fresh dessert recipe!   INGREDIENTS   • 4 cups Frozen raspberries.   • 1½ cups Cane sugar.   • 1¼ cups Water.   • 2 tsp Orange extract.   • ¾ c...

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Ste. Anne’s Pumpkin Soup

September 17, 2019

Recipes   It’s that time of year, everything is coming up pumpkin! As the days start to get chillier, cosy up with this pumpkin soup from our friends at St.Anne’s Spa in Grafton, Ontario.   INGREDIENTS • 2 finely diced white on...

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Best Ways to See Asia

September 3, 2019

Travel Tips   By land and by sea, here some of the best ways see Asia.   Small Ship Cruising The benefit of exploring Asia on a small ship is the ability to visit multiple countries during one trip. This is a great way to get a taste...

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Cabo Thyme

August 27, 2019

Recipes     "Cabo Thyme"     Mostly sunny throughout out the year, Cabo San Lucas is the perfect destination if you are looking for relaxation and adventures with friends and family.   Refresh your summer with this cocktail re...

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Best of the Best in Travel 2019

August 27, 2019

Travel Tips   Best of the Best in Travel 2019 Recently over 180 members of the Direct Travel team traveled to Las Vegas for Virtuoso Travel Week, the premier travel conference of the year. This year the conference had a record number of attendees, over 6,...

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3 Reasons to Choose a Small Ship Cruise

August 7, 2019

Travel Tips   Here are three reasons you should consider this option for your next vacation.   1. Destinations Small ship cruising is all about relaxation, learning, and enjoying your destination. As these boats can access secluded ports, you ...

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What is your Luxury?

July 30, 2019

Travel Tips   What is your Luxury? The word luxury is interesting. Traditionally it has been associated with items, for example there are cars and then there are luxury cars. The assumption being the luxury cars have something extra, that while a regular ...

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Classic Bruschetta

July 30, 2019

Recipes Classic Bruschetta Bruschetta is one of those rare appetizers that’s loved by all and easy to whip up in a flash. This recipe is best with tomatoes fresh off the vine.   Prep Time: 15 minutes   Ingredients: 3 slices (3/4 inch ...

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Best Tour Experiences in Saint Lucia

July 25, 2019

Travel Tips   Whether you’re looking for a romantic retreat or an eco-adventure, Delta Vacations offers you the benefits, flexibility and service to make your getaway a dream come true. Here is a list with some of the best tour experiences in Saint L...

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Expedition Ships

July 4, 2019

Travel Tips   Expedition cruises are quickly emerging as one of the must-experience trips on travellers’ wanderlists. What’s an expedition ship?  It’s a small ship (maximum around 175 passengers) dedicated to visiting some...

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Choosing your Stateroom for a Cruise

June 25, 2019

Travel Tips To the uninitiated, it appears there are three choices for staterooms; inside, outside and balcony. The reality is on most ships is there is an array of staterooms to choose from leading many guests to ask, "what is the best choice."  And like w...

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Packing for a Cruise

June 11, 2019

Travel Tips Packing for a cruise presents its own set of challenges so we have gathered together a few of our top tips to help ease packing stress for your next cruise.       Plan, Plan, Plan Traditionally cruising comprised casual or "cruise...

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Australian Fruit Pavlova

March 20, 2019

Recipes This Australian classic will delight at your next dinner party.    Ingredients 4 egg whites 4 drops lemon juice ½ teaspoon granulated sugar, plus ½ cup and 2 tablespoons granulated sugar 1 tablespoon cornstarch ½...

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