Zee Michaelson Travel

When you travel the globe, it opens you mind and heart and gives you a new understanding of people and cultures.  When you explore cultures and traditions you expand your imagination.  You may even start a new tradition of your own.  It also has you dreaming of all the places you may want to go to, and you know something…. We are going to swing that door wide open for you to peak through it……because there is one thing no one can take away from you…your Dreams and we want you to Dream and Dream Big.  that’s what I do …I help make your travel dreams come true.

So many of us say I have 10 days’ vacation, so I am going to cram as many places in…in that short time.  If you try to get 6 countries and 12 cities in that short amount of time…yes, you see it…but do you really.  Some of the best things happen when you slow down and enjoy the place you are in.  The food the people the location itself.  I will give you an example.  My husband and I went on a cruise around the British Isle.  We went to England/Southern Ireland/Wales/Northern Ireland and Scotland.  We visited several cities in each area.  However, when we got to Wales, we said. Let’s just walk around soak up the local atmosphere maybe stop in to a pub and grab a pint.  It was one of our best memories.  Because when we stopped in at the pub…the locals heard there were Americans in there…they came in and grabbed a pint and we were all chatting and exchanging stories. 

Hurtigruten has 144 expedition cruises. I won’t be able to talk about all 144 but I will be able to give you a nice taste of what you can see and do.

Few voyages capture the imagination quite like the Northwest Passage. Spanning almost 1,700 nautical miles from Canada’s Baffin Island in the east, to Alaska’s Beaufort Sea in the west, traversing this isolated and wild sea route is an adventure like no other. It’s only possible to sail the Northwest Passage during the brief summer of just a few weeks when the ice conditions become more favorable.

Zee Michaelson Travel Podcast is Sponsored by: Collage Travel Radio may be focused on the travel industry, but it brings you great light and bright music streaming on the internet 24/7 and is absolutely free.  Not elevator music…the great music from the 60’s to today’s hits.   The station is for the independent traveler and for travel advisors and just anyone that loves music and travel … All you got to do is click and listen to Collage Travel Radio.

Traveling the globe brings new understandings about people and places.  Different cultures to explore…It opens up your imagination of all the places you’ve dreamt about…and We are going to open up that door for you to peak through it……because there is one thing no one can take away from you… it is okay to Dream and Dream Big.  And that’s what I do …I help make your travel dreams come true.

In this wide wonderful world of ours…what do you think about sailing the seven seas on a yacht.  Not just any yacht…a WINDSTAR yacht.  Windstar Yachts offer a relaxed ambiance…. the largest has accommodations only for 342 guests…that’s the largest…. These ships due to their size can take you off the Beaten Path…as you know Jay and I always go Off the Beaten Path.  Because they are smaller you can get into the smaller ports…and hidden harbors…. even gorgeous secluded beaches…. I also say traveling opens your eyes to different Cultures and cuisines…. This is private yacht cruising at its finest.

Look where Windstar sails to Asia/Alaska/Australia & New Zealand/Canada and New England/Caribbean/Costa Rica & Panama /Canal/Greece/Italy/Mediterranean
/Mexico/Northern Europe/South Pacific/Tahiti and so many more places.

Featured product of the Week Smartpack by SKYBORNE.

Collage Travel Radio may be focused on the travel industry, but it brings you great light and bright music streaming on the internet 24/7 and is absolutely free.  Not elevator music…the great music from the 60’s to today’s hits.   The station is for the independent traveler and for travel advisors and just anyone that loves music and travel … All you got to do is click and listen to Collage Travel Radio.

   

We are just sailing through these episodes…like that…Sailing through these episodes… We of course are talking TRAVEL!!!!! You know Jay, we started talking about Luxury travel…and Luxury means so many different things to different people…So We are going to take it one step further and talk about Expedition Sailings….

Weekly TIP of the Week  So, I am going to talk about packing again.  With travel opening up again all over the world.  Which I love…. I want to talk about your luggage and airlines. So, as you know delays on airlines happen and when this does happen your luggage may not get on board the next plane, your connector.  So, I recommend your carry on contain a few things.  Two days’ worth of under garments and at lease one change of clothing perhaps a p.  of slacks and shirt and some toiletries.  Just in case your suitcase comes a day or two later than your arrival. I always put a bathing suit and flip flops in my carry on during the summer if I am going somewhere warm.  This way if I have to chill before my luggage comes…I can chill out by the pool. Don’t get frustrated or aggravated. It can happen accept it be ready for it and move on.   I also recommend never ever ever put your medications in your stowed luggage.  For the same reason.  If your luggage gets lost or is delayed, you need your daily meds. 

Most people think that when they go on an expedition, they are grabbing their machetes and hacking their way through the jungle. Thick with vines and jaguars.  Well, if you want you can do that.  But we are going to stay with our Luxury theme and Expeditions.   

Collage Travel Radio is focused on the travel industry, but it brings you great light and bright music streaming on the internet 24/7 and is absolutely free.  Not elevator music…the great music from the 60’s to today’s hits.   The station is for the independent traveler and for travel advisors and just anyone that loves music and travel … All you got to do is click and listen to Collage Travel Radio.

Featured product of the Week  

Luxury is a state of mind.  Something I have always thought about doing was traveling around the Greek Isles in a Large Yacht….why a Yacht and not a large ocean liner….one main reason.  The yacht is smaller and can get into the smaller ports.  I also think the intimacy of sailing this way will allow you to get to know your fellow shipmates…and there is more of a local flair.  You really get to experience the country you are visiting.  And what are we talking about.

Did you ever think about Tahiti…can you imagine an all inclusive to Tahiti.  I know many young couples are looking at Tahiti as a Honeymoon destination.  I never even thought about going when I was young…but now….I think it may be fun to Explore the Tahitian Island…so let’s take it one step further aboard a Yacht.

All-Inclusive Yachts like WIndStar it could start as low as 5100 per person… there are many other all inclusive ship lines and resorts and more…

Collage Travel Radio may be focused on the travel industry but it brings you great light and bright music streaming on the internet 24/7 and is absolutely free.  Not elevator music…the great music from the 60’s to todays hits.   The station is for the independent traveler and for travel advisors and just anyone that loves music and travel … All you got to do is click and listen to Collage Travel Radio
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Every Dream comes with everyone’s idea of what a dream is.  Is it relaxing beach side with your own butler bringing you your cocktail?  Or is it climbing Mt Everest…. or did you want to go on an African Safari complete with all your glamping needs.  

I know what everyone is saying right now.  Sure sure…I would like this that and the other thing but what is it going to cost me.  I battle with this for a very long time.  Hard to make your travel dream come true if you are blinded by dollars signs and you try to nickel and dime yourself.  Consequently, I did some research…and you know what I found out.  Luxury travel is not such a hard to reach dream…and when it comes right down to it you can actually save by looking at a few different things…Like All Inclusive…or Luxury Ships.

In my future podcasts I will be doing a deeper dive in which cruise lines and which all-inclusive and I will do some comparisons for you to see…you have your travel dream.

So, what you want to do is first look at what Luxury means to you.  My perception of luxury is having everything handed to me when I am traveling.  I don’t want to break my charge card out for anything.

So here is what I would like everyone to do today…Make a travel dream list.  Write down everything and anything that you would like to do.  Remember it’s your dream…not ours.  Ask yourselves those questions…Why/Who/What…I don’t want you to say how much yet. 

Collage Travel Radio may be focused on the travel industry, but it brings you great light and bright music streaming on the internet 24/7 and is absolutely free.  Not elevator music…the great music from the 60’s to today’s hits.   The station is for the independent traveler and for travel advisors and just anyone that loves music and travel … All you got to do is click and listen to Collage Travel Radio.

Cruising is my passion and I have something on my bucket list that I must do.
 I want to visit Hawaii.  I know Hawaii can be pricey and you want to visit more than one island and you don’t want to jump on and off planes to go island hopping…Today we are going to talk about a ship called Pride of America.    It is the Norwegian Cruise lines. 

You can take in the best of Hilo with a leisurely drive through Hilo Walk of Fame known for those beautiful banyan trees.

Or what about the Land of Frozen Fire…you will pass through the lava fields. This is simply remarkable.  

Honolulu, Oahu   You will board here…but you will see the Stunning Koolau mountains.  Honolulu is Hawaii’s largest city…but you can still clime to the top of Diamond Head.  Or stroll along Waikiki beach…or if you are into history, you can visit Pearl Harbor and the National Memorial Cemetery….

 Kahului, Maui  Hawaii's second most popular island. Explore the fascinating history of the town of Lahaina. Or just go to the pristine beach, or if you are into golf…there are a few of the world’s most beautiful golf courses

 Kona, Hawaii   Kona offers the quintessential Hawaii experience. Sunny, warm weather and crystal blue waters you can partake in a variety of surfside fun. Snorkel amongst a kaleidoscope of tropical marine life. Take a surfing lesson, a kayaking trip or head out to deeper waters for some deep-sea fishing. Oh yeah   (wait for it) .... Kona Coffee

 Nawawi, Kauai  Named after the Weiwei trees, which once lined its picturesque harbor, this lovely port of Kauai is your gateway to what many believe to be Hawaii's most beautiful island. On "The Garden Island," nature is truly the star, from the dramatic mountains of Kokee to the cool rainforests of Heena. And the tradition of the luau adds lively entertainment unique to Hawaii. 

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Do you have a favorite location…or an interesting travel tip…? let me know at [email protected]  and you may just hear your name and tip talked about over the air.

THERE ARE FOUR DIFFERENT CRUISE PORTS IN CALIFORNIA!

1.   LONG BEACH

2.   LOS ANGELES

3.   SAN DIEGO 

4.   SANFRANSICO

Long Beach:
Carnival Miracle, Inspiration and Imagination destinations are Baja Mexico 3 & 4 day, Mexican Caribbean
(Cabo) 6 days and Hawaiian Islands 15 days
Carnival Cruises, Carnival Miracle
Carnival Miracle Cruise Ship 15 Days Hawaii from Los Angeles, CA
15 Days - Starting in Long Beach with stops in Hilo, Kahului, Honolulu, Nawiliwili, Kona, Ensenada

Los Angeles:
Princess Cruises--Star, Island, Celebrity, Coral, Crown and Sapphire Princesses cruises last 4 days, 15 days Mexico, coastal Santa
Barbara, Panama, Hawaii, Osaka Japan, Vancouver BC, Panama, Ft. Lauderdale, Cape Horn, Santiago Chile
Seabourn, Seabourn Sojourn world voyages up to 94 days or segments
Silversea, Silver Whisper lasts up to 113 nights to China, Barcelona or 20 nights to Auckland, New Zealand
Carnival Imagination, Inspiration, Miracle and Legend Baja sampler 4 days, Tahiti & Fiji 23 days
Costa Cruises, Costa Deliziosa up to 72 days
Celebrity Century to Santa Barbara 8 nights
Holland America up to 71 days to Great Barrier Reef
Azamara Club Cruises, Azamara Quest to Sea of Cortez, Copper Canyon
 
San Diego:
Holland America up to 45 days to Panama, Incan Empires, Mexican Riviera, Hawaii, Tahiti and Marquesas, Vancouver BC, Coastal
Celebrity Cruises - Century, Infinity to Panama Canal Cruise 15 days
Royal Caribbean (RCL), RCL Legend of the Seas 15 Night Eastbound Panama Canal Cruise, Fort Lauderdale
Disney Wonder 14 day to Vancouver, Port Canaveral Florida, coastal California
 
San Francisco:
Cunard Queen Elizabeth, Queen Victoria world cruises up to 91 nights
Princess Grand, Star Princesses - Panama, Mexico, Coastal California, Hawaii
Oceania Cruises, Oceania Regatta 18 days trips goes to Alaska, New York
Regent Seven Seas Navigator 31 Nights to Montreal, Vancouver Canada, New York
Celebrity Century up to 23 nights to Sydney, Alaska
Holland America 17 night Panama Canal
Crystal Cruises Serenity 102 nights Grand Pacific Panorama

Port Canaveral (Orlando region)

Let’s start with the home port that is closest to us…. Port Canaveral voted the Best Cruise Homeport in the United States of 2021 and comes out over other nearby Florida ports.  The Florida cruise port is the second busiest in the world, with multi-day embarkations and catering to some of the largest cruise ships from the largest cruise lines in the world. The port has already welcomed the new Terminal 3 to cater to Carnival’s new LNG-powered mega-ships, resulting in increased capacity.  LNG is the Natural Gas type…more echo friendly…

Port Tampa Bay

There has never been a better time to cruise from Port Tampa Bay. Port Tampa Bay works closely with cruise line partners, service providers and government agencies to establish protocols to ensure a safe and healthy environment for the return of cruising to Tampa. It cannot be denied that Port Tampa Bay is a consistent source of vacation travelers seeking exotic locations. Excellent terminal facilities; close proximity to numerous Caribbean destinations; proximity to one of the country’s top-rated airports; and a host of popular tourist attractions are some of the reasons Port Tampa Bay is a favorite point of departure for cruise vacationers. Not to mention, passengers can also enjoy an exceptional experience on the front or back end of their cruise vacations—with Tampa Bay’s vibrant nightlife, white sand beaches, outdoor activities, museums, restaurants, and proximity to six of the top ten theme parks in the nation, there is no shortage of things to see and do. However, at the moment you will not find the mega ships leaving Tampa.  Due to some of the heights of the ships cannot get in and out of the port due to Tampa Bay bridge.  

 Port of Miami

Known as the “Cruise Capital of the World”, Miami cruise port is the largest and busiest in the world and is part of Port Miami’s 518-acre site. It makes sense to know which cruise terminal your cruise will depart from, and what amenities are available.  Port Miami cruise terminals are among the best and most modern in the world. They have to be, as they need to accommodate over 6.8 million cruise passengers and their luggage in a speedy, secure and efficient manner! The port deals with 55 different cruise ships from 22 different cruise lines each year.
Every Miami cruise terminal has parking, special facilities for disabled travelers, lounges, check-in desks, security checks, and must be able to deal with thousands of taxis, shuttle buses, and other vehicles delivering excited cruisers to the correct ship.

Port Everglades… (Fort Lauderdale)

Port Everglades, located in Greater Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood, Florida, is ranked third among cruise ports worldwide and has more homeported cruise ships than any other port.  And yes, I have sailed out of Fort Lauderdale.  I have to say it was a little easier than Miami.

 Jaxport in Jacksonville

The Jacksonville Port Authority (JAXPORT) and the Port of Fernandina, the area’s two deep-water ports, continue to set records with recent highlights and activity to remain globally competitive. Even though you can catch a cruise ship from here.  JAXPORT is Florida’s No. 1 container port complex by volume, offering worldwide cargo service aboard the world’s major shipping alliances with direct service to Asia, Europe, Africa, South America, the Caribbean and other key markets.  

Port of Palm Beach.  Now I have to say I have not heard of this Port

A Popular Spot is Death Valley National Park…. Yes, I have been there it is the largest, lowest, hottest, and driest national park in the contiguous United States. Believe it or not even though it can get very hot in the summer and pretty cold at night in the winter…This place is full of life.  Fabulous views from the mountain peaks and even in the desert basins…. There are places where you can discover old gold mines or during the spring some of the wildflowers can come alive….it truly is amazing…but know this if you decide to hike…make sure you take along plenty of water.

Golden Gate Bridge…there is a great park…. now this is in Northern California.  If you are traveling to San Francisco…there is a recreation area teeming with outdoor recreation opportunities. While enjoying the great outdoors, you can also learn about California’s Indigenous cultures and their histories here. The park also includes Alcatraz Island, the famous prison off the coast of San Francisco. If you have a dog (or dogs), this is also known as one of the most dog-friendly national parks. Finally, it’s also the most visited national park unit in the country and of all the national parks in California.

Joshua Tree National Park is best known for its ancient, scraggly trees and world-class bouldering and rock climbing. Additionally, the park offers incredible hikes across desert landscapes, insanely beautiful night skies, and rich history. Unless you grew up in this area, chances are you’ve never seen anything like this place. Discover the unique ecosystem and environment by hiking, taking short strolls, or enjoying a few scenic drives.  I lived in this part of the desert.  Those Joshua Trees look crazy…and are very sharp…. but going there you think you are on another planet….

Everyone has heard of this one…Redwood National Park it is home to some of the world’s tallest trees.  This was one place I never got to when I lived in California…. I still want to visit…the Redwood trees are ginormous.  

Whiskeytown National recreational Area…preserves incredible recreational opportunities in northern California. The lakes are crystal clear and of course they are surrounded by mountain peaks.  There are miles of hiking trails…that you can see many waterfalls and of course…California…you can learn more about the Gold Rush. 

Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail…well Illinois is just one of many of the states the traveled through…The Trail is approximately 4,900 miles long, extending from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to the mouth of the Columbia River, near present day Astoria, Oregon.  It follows the historic outbound and inbound routes of the Lewis and Clark Expedition as well as the preparatory section from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to Wood River, Illinois.  I know I was on it in South Dakota.  Just knowing that back in the day they traveled this journey…it’s amazing. Did you go to this park Jay….???

Lincoln Home National Historic Site…our 16th President

This site offers guided tours of the Lincoln Home, giving visitors a look into the Lincoln family during the seventeen years they lived in the house on the corner of Eighth and Jackson Streets. Visitors will get a glimpse into Lincoln’s life as a family man, as well as explore his rise as a successful lawyer and politician through the context of the Lincoln Home….

Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail… Explore the Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail across five states to see the 1,300-mile route traveled by Mormons who fled Nauvoo, Illinois, to the Great Salt Lake Valley in 1846-1847. Some brief history… Mormons settled along a bend of the Mississippi River in Illinois. There they established a community they called Nauvoo, a Hebrew word meaning “beautiful place.” It was at Nauvoo that Smith cautiously began introducing the Old Testament practice of “plural marriage,” or polygamy, among select church leaders.

Thousands of converts flocked to Nauvoo, soon making it the largest town in Illinois. Neighbors initially welcomed the orderly, industrious settlers despite their religious differences. But relations gradually soured, with complaints centering on Mormons’ 

Pullman National Monument Pullman National Monument was designated by President Barack Obama on February 19, 2015, making it the first National Park Service unit in Chicago. The park tells the story of one of the first planned industrial communities in the United States, the sleeping car magnate who helped create it, and the workers who lived there. The district is significant for its influence on urban planning and design, as well as its role in American labor history, including the 1894 Pullman Strike and Boycott.
 
Located in what is now the Pullman neighborhood of Chicago, the historic district includes the site of the former Pullman Palace Car Works shops and administration building, the Hotel Florence (named after George Pullman's eldest child), Arcade Park. and the Greenstone Church (currently the Greenstone United Methodist Church). Also within the district is the A. Philip Randolph Pullman Porter Museum, named for the prominent leader A. Philip Randolph, which recognizes and explores African American labor history

Trail Of Tears National Historic Trail Remember and commemorate the survival of the Cherokee people, forcefully removed from their homelands in Georgia, Alabama, and Tennessee to live in Indian Territory, now Oklahoma. They traveled by foot, horse, wagon, or steamboat in 1838-1839.