Fly Away

This week we are also excited to welcome back Heidi to help us with our topic!A few weeks ago in episode 245 we talked about responsible tourism, and how not to be “that” person. This week we wanted to dive a little deeper into the problem of Overtourism. With the surging popularity of social media, we’re seeing more and more people traveling, which is a good thing. We always have to be mindful, however, of the impact we’re having on the places we visit. We’re starting to see places like Venice, Amsterdam, and Barcelona put policies in place to actually discourage tourism. 

So what should you do when you want to visit that bucket list place but you know there are issues with crowds? We have some suggestions to help you!

Sandy – Donna – Elizabeth – Lindsay

“All-Inclusive” means different things to different brands. Often food and drink are included. Sometimes various non-motorized water sports are included. And some even include Scuba and Golf. But did you know that there is an all-inclusive in Mexico that also includes seven interactive parks? Hotel Xcaret opened a couple of years ago as part of the Xcaret family of leisure products. The Xcaret Eco park has been a popular Riviera Maya attraction for almost three decades now, and the Xcaret Experiences Group has been opening new parks and experiences over the years. They focus on sustainable, recreational tourism. This addition of a “All Fun Inclusive” hotel to their portfolio really brings the resort to a whole new level, allowing guests to stay “on property” and enjoy all of these parks without additional cost. Elizabeth and her family recently spend a week at this property and we thought we would chat with her tonight about what they thought!

Sandy – Donna – Elizabeth – George

Venice is one of those cities that most people dream about visiting.  They imagine singing gondoliers, excellent Italian cuisine and strolling along the canals where they meet the perfect man or woman to sweep them off their feet.  Hollywood movies aside, Venice can be a destination or just a passing fancy on your way to another land.  Whatever your reasons for visiting, Venice can offer you a peek into history with flair and elegance.  Today, we invite our friend, Heidi, to join us and give her thoughts and insights into this exciting city.

Sandy – Donna – Lindsay

Donna recently spent over a week exploring Austria with her family by car.  Austria is located in Central Europe and borders with Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Slovenia, Hungary, Slovakia and the Czech Republic.  From the Alps to rolling farmland, Austria has a rich history filled with Kings & Queens, War Stories and Music!

Sandy – Donna – George – Lindsay

This week we’re here to talk about George’s cruise to Alaska onboard Royal Caribbean’s Ovation of the Seas.  Ovation of the Seas is a Quantum class ship and is the largest ship currently sailing in Alaska.  She was launched in 2016 and has some amazing features and we’re here to tell you all about them!

Sandy – Donna – George – Lindsay

We’ve all heard the stories…from the absurd to the destructive to the fatal.  We here at Outlander Travel have touted the virtues of responsible tourism by choosing quality tour operators, responsible resorts and safe air carriers.  By the same token, we have to BE responsible tourists. Today we explore how not to be THAT person while still enjoying your adventure.

Elizabeth – Sandy – Laura – Donna – George – Lindsay

Outlander Travel Agent Robin had the opportunity to participate in a Seminar at Sea onboard Royal Caribbean’s beautiful Freedom of the Seas.  She sailed out of San Juan, Puerto Rico on an amazing Southern Caribbean itinerary.  She visited the countries of Curacao, Aruba, St Kitts, and St Thomas.  And she’s here to tell us all about it!

Elizabeth – Sandy – Laura – Donna – George – Lindsay

this week we talk all about Virgin Voyages, with our Sales Manager for Virgin Voyages, Kristy Giragosian.

Virgin Voyages is Richard Branson’s new cruise line that is pushing the boundaries and always finding ways to “Stray the Course”. The entire fleet will be Adult-by-Design meaning that you must be 18+ to sail. The first ship, Scarlet Lady, will set sail for the first time from Miami to the Caribbean in April of 2020. We are super-excited to talk about this new cruising concept that is, dare we say, revolutionizing the industry!

Elizabeth – Sandy – Laura – Donna – George – Lindsay

Azamara Club Cruises is a division of Royal Caribbean International but is unlike her much more popular mass-market sister products like Celebrity and Royal Caribbean. Azamara is built small and is intended to be small. Currently with only three mid-size ships in the fleet, Azamara is a port-intensive, destination focused, small ship experience with interesting itineraries all over the world, including round-the world options! Elizabeth recently took a tour of the Azamara Journey and we thought we would talk to her about the line and what her impressions were.

Kevyn Matijevich is a clinical research professional who works to travel and sometimes travels for work.  She has a great deal of wanderlust and puts it to good use finding adventures across the globe.  She was diagnosed approximately 2 years ago with Celiac disease and since has been searching out and eating the best gluten-free food the world has to offer.

This week we wanted to focus on the logistics of traveling with a special restrictive diet, and places Kevyn has experienced who do it exceptionally well.

Elizabeth – Sandy – Laura – Donna – George