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Why Travelers in the Know are Booking A Douro River Cruise in Portugal

lynn@influenceproductions.com (Lynn Elmhirst) — Wed, 15 Jan 20 16:04:09 +0000

Have you taken a river cruise in Europe yet? The 'Big Three' river cruises are the Rhine, the Danube and the Rhone/Saone. You may have heard about cruising on the Seine, even Main and Moselle cruises.

But for a little 'off the beaten track' river cruising in Europe, Portugal's Douro river is enjoying its day in the sun. Warm-weather Portugal, in the heart of the Porto wine region's, scenic villages, history and picture-perfect vineyards, is an idyllic spring, summer and fall river cruising destination.

Here's why we love river cruising on the Douro:

The Route:

The Douro river flows from Spain in the east, across northern Portugal to the western city of Porto on the Atlantic coast. Bookended by two UNESCO World Heritage cities, a river cruise on the scenic Douro Valley passes through mainly rural landscapes with historic villages, dramatic cliffs, famous vineyards, and for many people, the heart of Portugal's Latin culture.

(Image: Getty/Pietro Faccioli)

Even early and late in the season, the weather in Portugal is warmer and drier than in other popular river cruising destinations in Northern Europe, so if basking in pleasant summer weather is how you picture a river cruise, the Douro is for you.

The Highlights:

At the eastern end of the Douro: Spain. Most itineraries include nearby, renowned Salamanca, a UNESCO World Heritage city, with a 13^th century university where Christopher Columbus once studied, and whose signature golden sandstone architecture glows in the summer sun.

At the western end of the route, the port city of Porto (pictured top; image: Getty/Mirifada) is the second largest in Portugal (behind Lisbon), and also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If its famous bridge reminds you of the Eiffel Tower, you are not crazy; its architect studied under Eiffel. It was a small world, even in the 19^th century.

A river cruise on the Douro is even more charming passing through the undisturbed countryside between the ports at either end. The Douro is far less traveled than the major European river cruise routes. You may rarely even see other river cruise boats or guests in the small villages where you can wander in a truly local, authentic, un-hurried rhythm and un-touristy environment.

The Wine:

The name of the city of Porto suggests its long-lasting claim to fame. This is the home of port wine as you may have guessed, and also other delectable Portuguese wines like Muscatel. It's one of the world's oldest wine producing regions, with two millennia of viticulture traditions.

When it comes to port wine, a Douro river cruise brings you to the doorstep of some of the region's best places to experience a rich and storied wine that has become less commonly served. (These days, it's mostly in British costume dramas where we see men retreating to their studies and clubs for 'port and cigars').

You can sip your way along the Douro river with expert, hosted wine tastings in famous and out of the way wineries, including the UNESCO World Heritage Vinhateiro wine region, the scenic Varosa Valley, the beautiful vineyards of Regua that produce the best range of port wine in the country, Casa de Mateus, the castle made famous on the labels of Portugal’s renowned Mateus wine, and other viticulture treats.

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Top Reasons This is Puerto Rico's Most Iconic Luxury Hotel

lynn@influenceproductions.com (Lynn Elmhirst) — Wed, 15 Jan 20 16:04:09 +0000

Whether you love Old Havana colonial style, rhythms and cocktails, Mid-Century modern tropical, Rat Pack vibes, or contemporary luxury urban resort on a world's top beach... Puerto Rico's El San Juan Hotel fits the bill.

Following a post-hurricane, $65-million reno, this grande dame of Puerto Rico society and must-visit destination for visitors to Puerto Rico's capital is back - in spectacular style combining all three eras and captivating your travel imagination.

The El San Juan Hotel alone is worth the trip to this US island territory!

It's ideal as a destination tropical resort for your whole vacation or destination wedding/ vow renewal / business event, or as an extension before or after your Caribbean cruise embarking or disembarking from Puerto Rico; the El San Juan Hotel is 5 minutes from the Luis Muñoz Marin International Airport, 10 minutes from San Juan Cruise Port… and 15 minutes from historic Old San Juan, on 2 miles of Isla Verde Beach that's been voted the Best Urban Beach.

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5 Reasons to Get Excited About Booking an Expedition Cruise This Year

lynn@influenceproductions.com (Lynn Elmhirst) — Wed, 15 Jan 20 16:04:09 +0000

Leave your evening gown at home and pack your hiking shoes instead. For more and more travelers, an expedition cruise is on the horizon.

Expedition cruises speak to our inner adventurers. Smaller ships, more remote and tiny ports, untouched destinations, natural beauty, deep cultural interaction.

They're perfect for travelers who want to explore the world's natural wonders and the most distant reaches of the planet in an active way: out of a zodiac, in a kayak, hiking to the tops of peaks, gazing in awe at human masterpieces and photographing rare creatures.

Instead of a cruise director and onboard entertainment team, expedition cruises have teams of experts in the nature, science and human experience of the region. In early days, paying guests joined teams of working researchers in 'roughing it' conditions.

Nowadays, expedition cruising is much more comfortable, but still ranges from a basic onboard experience where you can wear cargo pants all day, all the way to luxury expedition cruising, where you enjoy the finest hospitality, cuisine and service onboard in a relaxed atmosphere, and once-in-a-lifetime adventures on shore.

Whatever your cruising style, if active, in-depth exploration of destinations less-traveled is what piques your travel imagination, expedition cruising is for you.

BestTripTV's Lynn Elmhirst shares her favorite developments that make this the best year yet to book that expedition cruise of your dreams.

CELEBRITY FLORA

Spring 2019 marks the debut of the Celebrity Flora (pictured, top), bringing the total number of the cruise line's 'modern luxury' ships devoted to sailing expeditions of the legendary Galapagos Islands up to 4. Celebrity Cruises has been sailing expedition cruises in the Galapagos for over a dozen years, and their destination expertise means they understand everyone's dream experience of the Galapagos is different, and the Celebrity Flora is the perfect vessel for the modern explorer. The 100-guest Celebrity Flora's mega-yacht sleek curves are breathtaking. Her design is intended to immerse, not separate guests from this bucket-list destination.

It's an all-inclusive experience where every stateroom is a suite, dining is curated by a Michelin-starred chef, and they even offer a 'Glamping' experience where guests can sleep one night under the Galapagos' magnificent stars in a cabana, with campfire themed dinner, cocktails, star gazing and private breakfast served in the morning of one of the most memorable nights of your life.

MYSTIC CRUISES

A new expedition cruise company has launched with the spring 2019 christening of 200-guest luxury ship, World Explorer, by singer/songwriter and former French First Lady Carla Bruni-Sarkozy in Portugal. Mystic Cruises joins the small 'club' of five-star cruise lines with ice class ships and advanced technology able to navigate rivers, iceberg fields including Antarctica, Northern Europe, Iceland and Greenland.

It's the first ocean cruise ship for this hospitality company that already provides river cruises, hotels and resorts, museums and helicopter tours. The World Explorer is chartered by Quark Expeditions for breathtaking Antarctica sailings in winter 2019-2020. Mystic Cruises adds two more ships in the next two years, so you'll be seeing and hearing more about this new entry into the luxury expedition cruise space.

SEABOURN VENTURE

Ultra-luxury cruise line Seabourn is no stranger to expedition cruising, but this is its first purpose-built expedition ship. The 260-guest Seabourn Venture sails in June 2021 for an inaugural season in the Arctic, then a summer season in Antarctica. With polar class engineering and advanced technology, the Seabourn Venture also includes the exceptional design, service and destination-unique experiences Seabourn guests have come to expect from the official cruise partner of UNESCO.

Design icon Adam Thihany, who has designed other boutique-hotel-like Seabourn ship spaces, lends his touch and taste to the Seabourn Venture's interiors as well. The ship will carry two custom-built submarines, zodiacs and kayaks to launch from the ship's marina, for guests to step seamlessly from Seabourn luxury to be immersed into the natural wonders around the ship.

Seabourn has been sailing expedition cruises to the Antarctic since 2013, which led to the Ventures by Seabourn program featuring outdoor adventures in zodiacs, kayaks, hikes and other ways of exploring the natural wonders of Seabourn destinations around the world. The Ventures by Seabourn program inspired the name of the line's first purpose-built expedition ship. The Seabourn Venture is being joined by a sister ship in 2022.

SILVERSEA'S EXPEDITION WORLD CRUISE

It's the first-ever Expedition World Cruise. 250 guests make expedition cruise history in January 2021, setting sail on the Silver Cloud from Ushuaia at the southern most point of South America, south to Antarctica, up the West coast of South America, making a trans-Pacific crossing via Easter Island and Tahiti to Australia, then sailing to South-East Asia, southern India, the Gulf States, Egypt and the Suez Canal to the Mediterranean, then the UK and the North Sea to Iceland, before finally arriving in Tromso, in Norway's far north, in July. That's 167 days. 6 continents. 30 countries. And 107 incredible Destinations.

It's a 5 ½ month journey of a lifetime, in Silversea's signature ultra-luxury style, enhanced by the expertise of over a dozen feature lecturers including a Garden Designer, Anthropologist, Archeologist, Film-Maker, Explorer, Astronomer, RGS Member and others.

and the SILVER ORIGIN

In 2020, Silversea adds another expedition ship to its fleet, this one destination-specific, for Galapagos. The Silver Origin includes Silversea's signature butler service and all-suite accommodation, and adds Ecuadorian expert guides as well as locally-inspired cuisine for a true destination experience.

PONANT'S LE BOUGAINVILLE

The only French cruise line, Ponant is a world leader in luxury expeditions. Its fleet has expanded with the arrival of Le Bougainville. The 3^rd ship in the Ponant Explorers series features the incredible, world's-first 'Blue Eye' lounge, an underwater 'salon' with two portholes that resemble a marine mammal's eye. There are even hydrophones to hear the undersea world.

The sleek, elegant design and luxury hotel service are unmistakably French, so Le Bougainville's 200 guests can live the French version of the good life while exploring the Mediterranean in its inaugural season, followed by the Seychelles, Mahe, the Indian Ocean, the Vanilla Islands and everywhere in the world Ponant sails its signature expedition cruises. 4 more new ships join the Ponant fleet by 2021.

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Ponies and 3 More Reasons to Visit Scotland's Shetland Islands

lynn@influenceproductions.com (Lynn Elmhirst) — Wed, 15 Jan 20 16:04:08 +0000

They say on St. Patrick's Day everyone's a little bit Irish. So it's fair to say that on Rabbie Burns' Day, we're all a little bit Scottish. The national poet of Scotland – he wrote the song you likely sing every New Year's Eve: Auld Lang Syne – was born on January 25, 1759. And every year on January 25th, Scots and people of Scottish ancestry world-wide celebrate the man voted the 'Greatest Scot' in the country's history.

In Scotland and in many communities with Scots heritage, especially in Canada, where more than 15% of the population have ancestors from Scotland, the day is marked with Rabbie Burns Day Suppers. Gentlemen lucky enough to own a kilt suit up, bagpipers pipe in the haggis, Burns' 'Address to a Haggis' is read as the stuffed sheep's stomach is ceremonially carved and served, many toasts are made with whisky (all the better to wash down the haggis!), and it wraps up with everyone singing Auld Lang Syne.

If you're one of the millions of North Americans of Scots ancestry – or are an honorary Scot on Rabbie Burns' Day – we hope you attend a Rabbie Burns supper on January 25^th in your hometown. Even better, once in your life, make the trip to join the festivities in Scotland itself. It's a bucket list trip much like being in Ireland on St. Patrick's Day. You'll feel like a true Scot for the rest of your life.

Here's our salute to Robert Burns Day: BestTrip's video / love letter to the Shetland Islands, the most remote part of Scotland and northern-most point of the British Isles. (Click on the video above to watch).

The Shetland Islands are where 'Scotland meets Scandinavia and the North Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean'. Directly due west of Norway, the Shetland Islands are as far north as St. Petersburg, Russia, and Anchorage, Alaska.

With over 4000 years of history, enchanting wild coastline and charming farms - and an estimated 1500 of its famous, local namesake breed of Shetland ponies roaming its green pastures - the Shetland islands are a time capsule of unique Scottish history, heritage and traditional lifestyle.

(Seabourn Ovation docked next to Oslo's historic fortifications)

We sailed to the Shetland Islands on our luxury Seabourn cruise of Scandinavia and the Northern British Isles. The Shetland Islands are yet another reason we love sailing on smaller ships like Seabourn, whose itineraries include not just marquee destinations like Copenhagen, Oslo and Edinburgh, but also small ports in remote destinations - like the Orkney and Shetland Islands. Imagine a cruise port where you barely see another tourist while you experience untouched Nature and authentic local life.

It's cruise travel as the explorer inside you dreams it will be.

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Las Vegas Has a New Culinary Destination

lynn@influenceproductions.com (Lynn Elmhirst) — Wed, 15 Jan 20 16:04:08 +0000

24 hours a day, 40,000 square feet, 400 types of wines from all 20 Italian wine regions, 2 restaurants, 3 bars, an educational chef's table, 6 food counters representing authentic versions of your favorite Italian delicacies and comfort food plus 5000 retail products you can take home – directly on the Strip. Foodies are asking themselves why Eataly hasn't opened a Las Vegas outpost before now.

The debut of Eataly in Vegas' newest resort, Park MGM, marks the world's largest Italian shopping and dining experience's sixth US location. Now, there are more than three dozen global Eataly centers celebrating high quality, sustainable Italian gastronomy.

Eataly's philosophy is 'Eat. Shop. Learn'. Part food hall, part restaurant, bar, cooking school, and culinary education destination, Eataly Las Vegas continues favorite experiences and adds some new ones.

'The Kitchen of the Market' blurs the lines between shop and restaurant. Pull up a seat at one of the 6 fresh counters where you can eat what you shop, and shop what you eat of Italy's most iconic dishes:

La Macelleria: Butcher & Kitchen and La Pescheria: Fishmonger & Kitchen: choose any cut of sustainably sourced meats and sausages from the case at La Macelleria, or daily catches, seasonal oysters, and Italian ceviche at La Pescheria, watch chefs prepare it for you to eat there, or package it for you to take back to your own kitchen.

All Photos: Francisco Lupini/Eataly USA

La Salumeria: Cheesemonger & Kitchen: The best of Italian snacking: meat and cheese boards with salumi and formaggi chosen by an Eataly cheesemonger, or by you.

La Pizzeria: Roman Handcrafted Pizza alla Pala: Ah, pizza. The Roman variety, served up on a wooden paddle and featuring seasonal ingredients

More Italian Street Food: Il Fritto, La Rosticceria, and Mozzarella Bar: There's more than pizza to Italian Street Food, and this fresh counter is divided into three areas: Il Fritto, offering lightly fried bites like arancini and fried seafood; La Rosticceria, serving rotisserie roast chickens, seasonal vegetables, and panini; and Mozzarella Bar, offering house-made mozzarella favorites.
La Pasta Fresca: Market & Kitchen: Everyone's favorite carbs, kneaded, rolled, cut and formed by expert pasta makers in front of you, covering all the regions of Italy and paired with traditional sauces. In season, you can even order black or white truffles by weight because if there's anything that makes fresh, hand-made pasta even better, it's fresh truffles.

Italian wines and spirits and coffee traditions hold place of pride in three new venues:

L'Aperitivo – The perfect place to start your exploration of Eataly. L'Apertivo is at the entrance, and a hand-crafted Italian cocktail of your taste, from a Venetian Aperol Spritz to a fortifying Negroni, will get you into the spirit of Eataly Las Vegas.

Gran Caffè Milano – an upscale, full-service bar inspired by the elegant cafes of Milan, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Don't miss the replica of Milan's famous bull mosaic – a good luck symbol helpful to gamblers in Las Vegas when you put one foot on the mosaic and spin three times around.

L'Enoteca – The 'Wine Bar' is Eataly's premier bar and serves up all of Italy's finest – from more than 80 regional wines by the glass or bottle, craft cocktails, even bitters. and will feature a wide selection of regional Italian wines by the glass or bottle, craft cocktails, and Amari (Italian bitters).

Your wine selection is even greater at the wine shop and tasting table, where you'll find one of the largest selections of Italian wines in the States: over 400 labels from all 20 regions of Italy.

Relax at the table at two classic restaurants: Manzo, La Pizza e La Pasta, or grab take-away pizza by the slice, pastries, all things Nutella at the Nutella bar, true Italian coffee, even pastas, sauces and gifts or souvenirs like Eataly branded clothing, kitchenware and mementos.

Live culinary demonstrations at the interactive Chef's Table inspire visitors of all ages to explore and taste the world of Italian cooking traditions hands on, from shaping gnocchi to understanding the difference between Toscana and Sicilia extra virgin olive oil. And makers at many stations and shops create fresh pastas, bread, gelato, cheese, and more to your wondering eyes.

Eataly's Italian gastronomic playground joins other star power dining and entertainment experiences at the new Park MGM. If you haven't been to the Strip lately, follow the scents anytime day or night to Eataly, which we're predicting will be one of the most iconic, must-do experiences in Las Vegas.

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Go Glamping in the Galapagos on the Celebrity Flora

lynn@influenceproductions.com (Lynn Elmhirst) — Wed, 15 Jan 20 16:04:08 +0000

What's better than a once-in-a-lifetime cruise to the Galapagos Islands? Sleeping under the spectacular night skies in one of the most remote places in the world on the deck of a ship that's the height of modern luxury.

The Celebrity Flora is a first for the cruise line, dedicated to exploration of the natural wonder of the Galapagos islands. The ship launches in May, 2019, and is based on the island of Baltra in the Galapagos.

100 privileged guests at a time will experience the Galapagos islands in the Flora's all-suite environment. In addition to the stylish design, dining, cocktails and onboard signature Celebrity Cruises lifestyle, this exploration ship is designed specifically for the best possible Galapagos luxury experience:

innovative, outward-facing design providing 360-degree views of the islands, open air lounges with hot tubs and cabanas with a view,
expert-led ecological seminars,
seamless sea-to-shore transportation in yacht tenders off the open marina at the ship's aft,
environmentally-conscious features like extreme energy efficiency and anchorless technology to protect the sea floor, and
an open-air stargazing platform on the top deck.

That's where Celebrity has crafted a whole new Galapagos cruising experience: 'glamping' (glamorous camping) with the Galapagos' brilliant night sky and millions of stars above. It's a one-night experience you'll never forget. Four guests each night will be able to reserve the experience that includes two cabanas with deluxe appointments, one with a bed for sleeping, the other for dining alfresco with curated cocktails, wines, even campfire favorites like s'mores under the stars. And a naturalist is available to point out stars and constellations as seen only from this part of the world. The magical overnight experience concludes with sunrise and a full bed-side breakfast. Glamping under the stars isn't a one-time PR stunt –it's a full-time part of Celebrity's Galapagos experience.Guests on every sailing of the Celebrity Flora on her 10- or 11-day tours as well as 16-night inner plus outer loop Galapagos itineraries can reserve Glamping under the stars on the top deck to add another unforgettable experience to their bucket-list travel to these remote islands and natural wonders.

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Discover Dazzling Winter Evenings at Hong Kong's New Light Festival

lynn@influenceproductions.com (Lynn Elmhirst) — Wed, 15 Jan 20 16:04:08 +0000

For a city whose nighttime skyline overlooking Victoria Harbour is already a global icon of urban lighting and signage, a light festival might seem like overkill.

But the new Hong Kong Pulse Light Festival expands the effects of Hong Kong's famous neon signs and lit-up skyscapers to a street-level playground of luminous artworks during the darkest months of the year.

Debuting in 2018, the Pulse Light Festival runs from the last week of November through late February. Not only does the artistic light festival brighten the longest nights of the year, it also overlaps Chinese New Year festivities, a high point on Hong Kong's calendar of celebrations for an amplified celebratory atmosphere.

Artists from around the world contribute to the Pulse Light Festival to bring Hong Kong to even greater heights of brilliance in the winter. Here are some highlights visitors shouldn't miss:

'A Symphony of Lights'

It's one of the world's most spectacular light and multi-media shows, and now, Hong Kong's 'A Symphony of Lights' festival gets a winter edition. Every night, Victoria Harbour will get more dazzling, with more participating skyscrapers, more color, more pyrotechics from rooftops, and more lighting effects, all put to music that inspires. Check the calendar for special shows on red-letter dates like Christmas, New Year, and other holidays.

'A Tale of Two Trees'

The holidays are the inspiration behind 2 very different tree installations in Hong Kong. A glorious, traditional, lit-and-decorated Christmas tree lights up Hong Kong's Statue Square with the magic and wonder of the season.

Next to Hong Kong's brilliantly-lit Observation Wheel, a completely different kind of 'tree' installation reinterprets the traditional motif. The 'XTree' is a 25-metre, cubist, 'tree' made from metal scaffolds that evoke tree branches. Its strategically-placed lighting 'dances' to a soundtrack, making the 'XTree' come 'alive'. More than a visual treat, the installation is intended to inspire discussion and debate about environmentally friendlier ways to maintain and translate holiday traditions for the future.

'International Light Art Display'

The 'XTree' is one installation of a much larger display, the incandescent 'International Light Art Display'. Over a dozen, curated light art pieces by global artists from Europe, the US, India, Israel, and elsewhere in Asia, as well as several symbolic works by local Hong Kong artists, line Hong Kon's iconic Victoria Harbour for the festival.

Many installations are interactive and change color or appearance over time and in contact with visitors: revealing your inner beauty with 'Angels of Freedom' (pictured above), witnessing the dialogue of 'Talking Heads', walking through arches of 'Bat and Coin'. The light installations turn stunning Victoria Harbour from a breathtaking view to be seen from a distance, into a destination to explore and experience up close and in a festive evening atmosphere.

The Pulse Light Festival creates an unforgettable visual journey through Hong Kong, and joins other magical winter and holiday festive events, activities and celebrations that light up the night and warm hearts through the entire season.

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Where's the Best Place to be on National Cake Day?

lynn@influenceproductions.com (Lynn Elmhirst) — Wed, 15 Jan 20 16:04:08 +0000

If it isn't on your calendar already, get out a red pen and mark November 26. That's National Cake Day, and although we don't need any excuses to enjoy the star of any birthday, wedding, or Tuesday afternoon, it got us thinking: where is the best travel destination for a day dedicated to celebrating cake?

Our conclusion: Austria, with not one, but two flagship cakes.

Linzer Torte

Linz is the home of Linzer Torte. Since it's said to be the world's oldest cake recipe, Austria could be considered the birthplace of cake. Every sponge, Christmas, devil's food, red velvet or spice cake we've ever enjoyed, owes its origins to the bakers of Linz. A recipe for Linzer Torte dated 1653 was discovered in an abbey. (And of course, the cake would have become an established tradition much sooner than that for its recipe to merit recording).

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: LEARNING TO BAKE LINZER TORTE IN LINZ, AUSTRIA

Linzer Torte has survived until today pretty much unchanged. It's a dense, not-too-sweet cake, rich in the luxury ingredients of early Europe: ground hazelnuts and almonds, eggs and lemon zest, with red currant jam filling and a pretty lattice pattern of dough on top.

It's become a Christmas holiday tradition not only in Austria, but also Germany, Hungary and Switzerland.

Luckily, original, authentic Linzer Torte is a year-round local delicacy for residents and visitors to Linz. Try Linzer Torte in its hometown - as we did - when we visited K und K Hofbackerei, an historic bakery/café. The two 'K's refer to 'King' and 'Queen' in German - and you know you're getting an authentic experience in a bakery with a history of royal patronage.

Sacher Torte

Capital city Vienna doubles down on Austria's famous cake sweepstakes. It has its own can't-miss confectionary, named after its most famous hotel.

Compared to Linzer Torte, Hotel Sacher's Sacher Torte is new on the world's dessert menu, dating 'only' from 1832. Chocolate had arrived on the European confectionary scene by then, and Sacher Torte is a dense chocolate cake with an apricot jam coating. The real magic may be the dark chocolate icing that's said to contain 3 different types of chocolates made expressly - and only - for Sacher Torte.

Even if you're not staying at the opulent Hotel Sacher in the heart of Vienna, it's the perfect place to rest and recharge with chocolate Sacher Torte. You'll be indulging in local flavors and local lifestyle: for hundreds of years, long before no-fat double lattes, the Austrian capital cultivated coffee house culture. It claims to be the 'coffee house capital of the world', so sitting back, enjoying a coffee and a piece of Sacher Torte may be one of the most authentically local things you can do while visiting Vienna.

There's even a Sacher Torte Day – December 6^th, making it easy to span both celebratory cake dates on a single visit to Austria.

No matter what time of year, you have at least 2 reasons to make Austria your next sweet-tooth travel destination. Land trips, including active cycling and hiking tours, are a wonderful way to experience Austria in the warmer months, or explore Christmas markets and ski hills in the winter. Danube river cruises call in both Vienna and Linz, where you can make your way to K und K bakery or the Hotel Sacher for an afternoon treat, or pick up a boxed cake to take home to share.

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Four New Shows Onboard Seabourn

lynn@influenceproductions.com (Lynn Elmhirst) — Wed, 15 Jan 20 16:04:08 +0000

The new evening entertainment experiences debut on the Seabourn Odyssey alongside updated popular 'An Evening with Tim Rice' and coincide with an upgraded Grand Salon.

Time your enjoyment of Seabourn's delectable dining on the Odyssey so you'll be comfortably seated in the Grand Salon with an after-dinner drink for the evening's entertainment.

Four new shows are joining a revamped 'An Evening with Tim Rice' in a Grand Salon that's been updated with new LED screens, lighting, and redesigned stage.

Expect evocative music, original costuming and modern creative direction in the four new shows premiering for the 2019 cruising season:

A Stroke of Genius – if you love the art world's Great Masters and more recent artistic groundbreakers, imagine their masterpieces coming to life through music, song and dance. From Monet and Picasso, to Van Gogh and Warhol, every wildly different picture has its backstory, and Seabourn's performing artists tell you the tales behind the famous canvases.
Viva Italia – it's the Dolce Vita on stage. From film to fashion, literature to opera, this sophisticated performance is a stylish adventure through Italian culture. Rich classical music and compelling contemporary Italian tunes in both Italian and English will transport you to Italy's magical lifestyle.
Latin Quarter –it may be hard to stay in your seat during the vibrant beats of Latin American music, including favorite artists like Gloria Estefan and Pete Rodriguez. Sexy rhythm and style take over the night with an expert dance couple steaming up the stage with Cha-Chat, Rhumba, and Salsa.
That’s Life – you'll be swept away to Rat Pack days through the iconic sounds of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Bobby Darin and more; featuring big band arrangements to ensure a memorable evening.

And a Seabourn favorite is updated for the new season of Seabourn luxury cruise travelers:

An Evening with Sir Tim Rice – from Jesus Christ Superstar to The Lion King, the lyrics of the Emmy/Grammy/Oscar/Tony-award winner are the soundtrack of modern musical theatre. Sir Tim Rice himself narrates this celebration of his career in this musical journey of his best-known works. New, unseen footage and graphic design are featured in this new version of this exclusive and intimate show.

Take in these shows on the Seabourn Odyssey as she sails in 2019 through the Caribbean and then in southern Europe. They debut on the Seabourn Sojourn in summer of 2019 and on the Seabourn Quest in spring 2020, along with upgrades to their Grand Salons.

About Seabourn:

Seabourn is consistently ranked among the world's top travel choices. Its stylish, distinctive cruising vacations are renowned for:

Intimate ships with a private club atmosphere
Intuitive, personalized service provided by staff passionate about exceeding guests expectations
Curated voyages to all seven continents delivering award-winning experiences
All ocean front suites, luxuriously appointed
Complimentary premium spirits and fine wines available onboard at all times
Welcome Champagne and complimentary in-suite bar stocked with your preferences
Tipping is neither required, nor expected
Finest resort at sea that is masterfully designed
World-class dining, further enhanced through a culinary partnership with Chef Thomas Keller
All dining venues are complimentary, dine where, when and with whom you wish
Seabourn Conversations, connecting with visionary experts
Ventures by Seabourn, optional shore excursions, enhance and extend destination experiences in select destinations.
Select purposeful and sustainable travel experiences in partnership with UNESCO
Spa & Wellness by Dr. Andrew Weil, featuring an exclusive mindful living program
An evening entertainment experience in collaboration with Sir Tim Rice, produced exclusively by Belinda King Creative Productions.

Searching for 'Hygge' in Copenhagen - and Happiness at Home

lynn@influenceproductions.com (Lynn Elmhirst) — Wed, 15 Jan 20 16:04:08 +0000

It's a global buzzword and cultural phenomenon. And today, more and more of us are in need of Denmark's signature recipe for happiness: 'hygge'.

Danish 'hygge' (pronounced 'HOOG-uh') is sweeping the world – everyone wants in on Denmark's famously convivial way of life. The Danish are the happiest people on the planet – even during the long, dark days of winter - and it's all about hygge.

So much so, hygge has actually been nominated for UNESCO World Heritage status. It might be the world's first UNESCO World Heritage… feeling.

But translating hygge – and living it - aren't so simple. A hug? Mindfulness? Cozy?

Hygge is often referred to in design, with tips for creating rooms with 'hygge'. It's been said the Danish buy more candles per capita than anyone else on the planet. Add snuggly wool throws. Nature-inspired materials. A crackling fire. Comfort foods. And the simple pleasures of good company and togetherness.

All things that mean more to us than ever.

BestTrip was in Copenhagen at the height of a hot summer on a pre-cruise weekend before boarding our Seabourn cruise… and with Copenhagen Urban Adventures, we discovered 'hygge' isn't just something you find indoors in winter. It happens year round, indoors and outdoors, with people, spaces and activities you love.

Hygge has caught on as a catchphrase with its appeal as an antidote to the ails of the modern world. Travel to Denmark, and you'll discover not only the scenics that stand out in Scandinavian style. Danish food and drink, obsession with cycling and life balance… a concept that's been around for a couple of hundred years has new and more powerful relevance in a busy, connected-yet-impersonal, disengaged and over-programmed world.

Hygge might be the very best souvenir from Denmark of all: once you learn how to capture hygge like we did from Mie at Copenhagen Urban Adventures, you'll be able to recreate that feeling home with you and implement its practice into your and your family's life.

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Oprah, Music and More: 6 Things You'll Love About Holland America's Nieuw Statendam

lynn@influenceproductions.com (Lynn Elmhirst) — Wed, 15 Jan 20 16:04:08 +0000

Is there room for more than one at the top? Holland America's Nieuw Statendam joins the Konigsdam in the line's newest 'Pinnacle' class of ships. Fan favorites from the first Pinnacle-class ship join new innovations on the latest ship for the beloved Dutch cruise line.

Here are just 5 reasons you'll want to be among the 2600 guests sailing on the Nieuw Statendam:

History

This is the sixth 'Statendam' ship for Holland America; the 'Nieuw' was added to distinguish it from the original, 19^th century ship for this storied ocean line- turned- cruise line, and to celebrate the line's new era in cruising with its Pinnacle-class ships.

History-Making:

The ship's godmother is Oprah Winfrey, the icon of 21^st century lifestyle goals.

Oprah has had a relationship with Holland America for a couple of years now, but the Nieuw Statendam is the first time she takes on the role of godmother for a ship. In a peak Oprah experience, she hosts a sold-out 'Girls' Getaway cruise this season, and we hope, at least one a year to come. But if you're not on a cruise with Oprah, you'll still feel her influence: O's Reading Room inspired by her book club, O-mazing Activities that help you live your best life onboard, like healthy eating workshops, guided morning meditation, even some of her 'favorite things' available for sale in shops.

Walk and Roll:

The Nieuw Statendam in so many ways has been inspired by music. Stateroom decks are named after famous composers as diverse as Gershwin and Mozart. The ship's unique interior boasts grand, light-filled spaces, spectacular shapes and scale and curves inspired by musical instruments.

On Deck 2 you'll find a firm Holland America cruise ship favorite, the 'Music Walk' – with a new venue for the Nieuw Statendam. The 'Music Walk' is a simple premise: nearly the full length of the ship, you can wander among music lounge venues featuring different atmospheres and types of music. The venues open out onto the 'walkway' so you can stop for a pre- or post-dinner drink here or there for a song or a dance or more as the mood and the music strike you, all the way from the World Stage entertainment venue with LED wrap-around screens and multi-channel entertainment innovation at the forward end of the ship to the Dining Room aft.

The Music Walk includes B.B King Blue's Club, Lincoln Center Stage's classical music, Billboard Onboard re-playing the pop music of several generations to keep every guest on their toes, and new on the Nieuw Statendam, a partnership with Rolling Stone, playing iconic rock hits through the history of the genre.

The Art of Cruising

Holland America Line is famously devoted to the artistic community, sourcing extensive collections for each of its ships from artists in different media from around the world.

On the Nieuw Statendam, artists from a mind-boggling 150 countries are featured in the 1920 works of art valued in the tens of millions of dollars. Art is everywhere on the ship, not just in the gallery, and a high tech self-guided art tour is a favorite sea day activity.

Wine

It's the only purpose-built wine-blending venue at sea. BLEND brings the art of winemaking to guests on the Nieuw Statendam. Whether you're a connoisseur or just know what you like to drink, the process of blending your own wine and learning from the onboard wine expert will be a highlight of your cruise… as will drinking the fruits of your efforts either at dinner or in your stateroom.

Dine

The Culinary arts are prioritized on the Nieuw Statendam, too, as on all Holland America cruise ships. Your favorite Dining Room and specialty restaurant dishes are on the latest HAL ship, in over a dozen fine and casual venues including the Pinnacle-class venues Sel de Mer, the French brasserie, and the Grand Dutch Café in blue-and-white Delft style.

Holland America's exclusive partnership with America's Test Kitchen is manifested on the ship in the form of onboard cooking shows and hands-on workshops for the home chef.

Where Can You Sail?

The Nieuw Statendam sails her inaugural season in the Caribbean, with all sailings including a day at HAL's private island, Half Moon Cay. She sails to Europe for summer explorations to the Mediterranean and Norway, and returns to the Caribbean in October.

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Monaco Mystique: 5 Things You Didn't Know About the World's Most Glamorous Destination

lynn@influenceproductions.com (Lynn Elmhirst) — Wed, 15 Jan 20 16:04:08 +0000

It's been featured in no less than two James Bond movies. Not to mention To Catch a Thief, the Alfred Hitchcock thriller starring Grace Kelly. Filmed on location in glitzy Monaco, it's where she met a prince and then became Princess Grace.

Monaco – and Monte Carlo – have established and maintained an allure as one of the world's most glamorous destinations. Casinos and royalty, yachts and racing. Fast cars and beautiful women. Tuxedos and champagne all hours of the day.

But there's more to Monaco than a real-life movie set.

BestTrip reveals 5 things you didn't know about this sexy Mediterranean destination.

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Top 6 Wellness and Fitness Cruises You Should be Booking Now

lynn@influenceproductions.com (Lynn Elmhirst) — Wed, 15 Jan 20 16:04:08 +0000

Have you resolved to travel more AND be more fit and well? Why not put these life goals together on your next cruise? Cruise lines have upped their health, wellness, and fitness games in recent years. In fact, some of the best wellness experiences in the world are now at sea.

BestTrip's Lynn Elmhirst has put together her list of wellness/fitness opportunities on river, ocean, luxury and more affordable cruise lines you should be booking now.

Seabourn:

This ultra-luxury cruise line has partnered with acclaimed wellness pioneer Dr. Andrew Weil. All the Seabourn ships fleet-wide incorporate a Spa and Wellness program featuring Dr. Weil's mindful living program, and holistic spa and wellness experience that integrates physical, social, nutritional, environmental and spiritual well-being designed to relax and rejuvenate your mind and spirit as well as body.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: EXPERIENCING THE DR. ANDREW WEIL WELLNESS PROGRAM ON SEABOURN

Complimentary sessions of Mindful Meditation and restorative yoga enhance personalized treatment plans to address guests' specific health and wellness needs, mental focus, and happiness. Mind and Body seminars are designed to educate guests about philosophies and practices that marry Eastern and Western traditions and empower them to advance their own wellness. A Wellness Guide is a new staff member on all ships to guide guests through classes and personalized treatment programs.

Dr. Weil himself sails annually on a Seabourn cruise, delivering lectures and guiding informal group sessions.

Avalon Waterways:

River cruising is getting more active, and Avalon Waterways' 'Active Discovery' cruises give you multiple ways to explore new European river cruising destinations. These included shore excursions span 'Classic', 'cultural Discovery', and for the wellness and fitness-minded guest, 'Active' options at ports of call.

These shore excursions put exploration in motion, including jogging tours of Amsterdam, a biking tour of the Dutch countryside or urban Vienna, a hiking tour of vineyards along the Rhone, or even a canoe trip on the Danube.

Avalon's AvalonGo App enhances your Active discovery of your river cruise route with daily, detailed itineraries, lists and directions of nearby attractions, cafes, bars, restaurants as well as their opening details… you'll even be provided with a picnic for your exploration!

Cunard

British luxury is at its best on the 'Three Queens'. In 2019, Cunard introduces a new spa concept Mareel Wellness & Beauty. New treatments featuring sustainable products and renovated spa bring a whole new wellness experience to Cunard guests. The spa renovations include a couples' suite and seaweed bathing ritual, a meditation room equipped with acoustic resonance loungers, an updated fitness center, class studio and sound therapy facilities.

The program's signature treatment is 'Ocean Discovery'. It features organic, marine-based ingredients sustainably sourced from Ireland, and other treatments feature seaweed wraps, luminescence massages and other advanced wellness experiences. Following rollout on the Queen Elizabeth, the new spa concept will be introduced on the Queen Victoria, and then on the Queen Mary 2 in late 2020.

AmaWaterways

This is the line that first introduced complimentary bicycles to river cruising and got us all cycling around ports of call in Europe. AmaWaterways has now expanded its wellness activities on shore with hiking and other active shore excursions, as well as on board.

Wellness hosts on each ship as well as classes for all levels and aspirations of fitness, from stretching, core strengthening, resistance bands, and soothing or therapeutic massages, even lecture sessions.

Princess Cruises

17 Princess cruise ships sail guests to hundreds of destinations around the world, and everywhere you sail on Princess, you have the opportunity to relax, recharge and stay fit on your cruise vacation in the cruise line's award-winning Lotus Spa and Fitness Centers. Even the most dedicated gym-goer will be impressed by Princess' up-to-the-minute fitness equipment and classes, from spinning, yoga, and Zumba, as well as massages and body treatments.

Uniworld and U by Uniworld

Luxury river cruise line Uniworld and its experiential sister cruise U by Uniworld take health, wellness and fitness seriously on board and on shore. On select sailings, an onboard wellness instructor teaches TRX® Suspension Training classes in addition to individual workouts-with-a-view.

Uniworld has also partnered with luxury active tour company Butterfield & Robinson to provide unique cruise + cycling holidays in Europe. The company also offers a dedicated wellness cruise along the Ganges River in India.

Whether it's advancing your fitness goals, or enhancing your serenity, some of your best travel health, fitness and wellness options are at sea.

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11 Best Places in the World to Go Whale Watching

lynn@influenceproductions.com (Lynn Elmhirst) — Wed, 15 Jan 20 16:04:08 +0000

70 percent of our planet is covered by oceans, and whales are not only the largest marine mammals, but the largest animals alive. No wonder humans are drawn to the oceans and these mammals who dwarf us and remind us how small we are in the universe.

Whale watching tops many travelers' wish lists. Seeing whales in their natural environment touches every traveler, no matter how young or old, and it's an experience accessible to travelers of all budgets.

As with any interaction with Nature, we recommend booking only with a licensed and reputable operator who knows the area and how not to interfere with the wildlife. Many regions are now protecting whale feeding and breeding grounds. Following protection guidelines helps ensure these fascinating creatures will continue to thrive for future generations.

Here's our list of the top whale watching destinations around the world, when to go, and what types of whales you can hope to see.

ALASKA

America's 49th state is a magnet for summer visitors, and May-September just happens to coincide with its prime whale-watching season, which is concentrated in the Inside Passage area, with tours originating from Juneau, Gustavus, Ketchikan, Petersburg and Sitka.

Although Orcas are seen along the Alaskan coast year round, and gray whales spend summers in the Gulf of Alaska feeding, the star of the show in the Inside Passage is the humpback whale, so numerous many operators guarantee you a free trip if you don't spot a whale on your tour. The incredibly rich waters provide enormous quantities of food the humpbacks need to gain literally tons of weight before migrating for the winter months to breed and calve in …

HAWAII

From December – April, an estimated 10,000 northern pacific humpback whales congregate in the warm waters of Hawaii to give birth to their calves, safely away from northern orca whale predators.

The calm and shallow waters between Maui, Lanai, Molokai and Kahoolawe provide humpbacks with the optimal conditions. Most tours originate on the west coast of Maui, like Lahaina and Maalaea. Tour operators also offer whale-watching excursions from the main island Hawaii.

BRITISH COLUMBIA

You may not be able to identify all the world's whales, but orcas (sometimes called 'killer whales') are unmistakable with their stylish black and white coloring. They are not the world's largest whale, but among the most popular – and the very best place in the world to see an orca in its natural environment is Canada's Vancouver Island mid May to mid September, with most whale watching tours starting in the Vancouver Island city of Victoria. For a more active option, try a whale-watching tour by kayak.

If you get off the beaten path, to the island's west coast, Tofino and Ucluelet are ideal places to see the migration of 20,000 gray whales as they pass the island on their journey between the Gulf of California and the Bering Sea between February and May. If you're there in mid-March, don't miss the Pacific Rim Whale Festival.

BAJA CALIFORNIA

The gray whales' yearly migration between Alaska and Mexico is one of the longest migrations of any marine creatures in the world. At the southern end of their journey, 20,000 or more gray whales as well as humpbacks, finbacks, and even blue whales gather in the rich, subtropical waters around the Mexican peninsula. Between December and March, the region is a whale nursery, where females give birth in shallow lagoons before heading north again in April.

Tours focus on gray whales, who are known to be curious, approaching boats, with gray whale calves often visible playing. Check out one of several annual whale festivals on the Baja peninsula in the early months of the year.

THE CARIBBEAN:

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

You can combine your beach vacation in one of the most popular Caribbean islands with whale watching. This is the biggest whale-watching destination in the Caribbean, based in Samana Bay on the island's northern coast, which is now a designated sanctuary. At the beginning of every year, from January through March, thousands of humpback whales migrate to breed and calve in these protected waters.

In addition to having the opportunity to see humpback behavior like breaching and diving, and slapping the water with tail or fins, some tour operators are equipped with underwater hydrophones for you to hear these whales' unique 'singing'.

DOMINICA

Prime season for whale-watching on this island is from October through March. This long season includes migrating whales like humpbacks, and several varieties of dolphins, as well as sperm whales who live here year round. The steep mountains of the island are mirrored underwater. 3000-foot deep waters close to the west coast create a unique and protective home for 200 female sperm whales who can dive deep for food like giant octopus, and also rest in sheltered waters. Male sperm whales join them for a few months late winter and early spring for mating.

GUADALOUPE

The islands of Guadaloupe are in the midst of a ocean freeway for dozens of marine mammals. Even taking a ferry between islands, you can often spot wildlife. For a dedicated whale-watching tour, head to the north coast of Basse Terre, the closest point to waters that are home to sperm whales, migrating humpbacks, as well as a dream list of other Caribbean whales including pilot whales, orca, pygmy right whales, pygmy sperm whales, melon-headed whales and even the rare Antilles beaked whale along with several species of dolphins.

THE AZORES

They're like the Hawaii of the Atlantic. The Azores islands belong to Portugal but are 1500 km away from mainland Europe – almost halfway to Canada. There, in the middle of the Atlantic, 30% of all types of the world's whales and dolphins live permanently or pass by, including sperm whales, the most commonly-seen here as the males live here year-round and the females visit with their calves May-October, pilot whales, who live here all year too, and even the largest whale in the world, the blue whale, and finbacks during their migrations April/May and again September/October. Whale-watching is one of the top reasons travelers come to the remote Azores islands.

QUEBEC AND CANADA'S EAST COAST

The might Gulf of St. Lawrence stretches from Quebec, to New Brunswick, Labrador and the island of Newfoundland, with sheltered waters and abundant fish for hungry whales. The region has a 1200 km 'Whaleroute'. You can follow the route on a road trip that connects national parks for different whale experiences along the way, with many spotting opportunities from the land, and marine tours offered at many points along the way.

The southernmost pod of extraordinary, white beluga whales in the world live in Saguaney Fjord year round, blue whales in the summer, as well as minke, humpback and finback whales in different waves from May through October. Whale watching tours are popular in all of Canada's east coast provinces, including Nova Scotia's Bay of Fundy, one of the very few places n the world where rare northern right whales make an appearance.

ICELAND

Whale-watching is a year-round event in Iceland, where 11 species of whales can be spotted including blue whales, humpback, minke, sperm whales and orca. Most visitors travel to Iceland during the summer months, but whales can even be spotted in the winter. The town of Husavik, whose whale museum is well worth a visit, calls itself the 'Whale Watching Capital of Europe'.

SOUTH AFRICA

You may go to Africa for its Big Five land mammals, but don't forget the marine life off its coast. South Africa is surrounded on three sides by oceans rich in wildlife. From July til October, bulky but agile and playful southern right whales attract hundreds of thousands of whale watchers. 100 km east of Cape Town, Hermanus hosts a whale festival and even has a 'whale crier' who blows a horn when a southern right whale is spotted in Walter Bay.

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Video: A Canadian Veteran of DDay Explains Why You Should Visit the Juno Beach Centre

lynn@influenceproductions.com (Lynn Elmhirst) — Wed, 15 Jan 20 16:04:08 +0000

There are fewer and fewer veterans of the DDay Landing Beaches to tell their stories, but Canada's Juno Beach Centre introduced us to Jim Parks, who shared his memories of landing on DDay as a young soldier, and why he believes all of us should travel there today.

DDay remains the iconic symbol of Allied unity and sacrifice to end World War 2. Thousands of soldiers from the US, Britain, Canada and other Allied nations landed on the beaches of France to free Europe. Today, you can visit the DDay Landing Beaches in Normandy, walk in the footsteps of those Allied soldiers, and learn about the history of DDay on the very beaches where those history-changing events took place.

These are some of Jim's memories, insights, and his thoughts on visiting the DDay memorials like the Juno Beach Centre in Normandy.

Honor Jim's service and the sacrifices of all veterans of DDay and WW2 by paying a visit to Normandy's Landing Beaches and Canada's Juno Beach.

Let us help you make the ultimate Canadian pilgrimage to France.

Fact or Fiction? 3 Things You Need to Know About 'Dracula's Castle'

lynn@influenceproductions.com (Lynn Elmhirst) — Wed, 15 Jan 20 16:04:08 +0000

Before every travel destination had a ghost tour and haunted hotels, there was Dracula's Castle.

Irish author Bram Stoker's 1897 Gothic horror novel 'Dracula' popularized the vampire genre of fantasy fiction that today is more popular than ever.

And although the character of the undead Transylvanian Count is fictional, the Romanian national monument known all over the world as 'Dracula's Castle' is real. 14^th century Bran Castle is about a hundred miles from Bucharest and has long been considered the 'home' of Dracula - even though the genuine Romanian nobleman that supposedly inspired Dracula has only a weak connection to Bran Castle.

Characters in a novel, historic rulers, and real castles? How's a fan of vampires or Halloween to know what to believe about the world's original 'horror'-themed attraction and travel destination?

Here's some help sorting out what's fact and what's fiction for a trip to Dracula's Castle.

Is Bran Castle really 'Dracula's Castle'?

Fictional Count Dracula lives in what Stoker describes as a ruin of a castle in the Carpathian Mountains. Real-life Bran Castle is no ruin. It's a well-preserved medieval stronghold with fairytale turrets, hidden passageways, grand hall, and a stone courtyard.

But it's the only castle in Transylvania that matches Stoker's description of its location: dramatically perched on the rocks 200 feet high above a flowing river gorge through the forest.

Dracula author Bram Stoker never visited Romania. But he did years of research. And the illustration of Dracula's Castle in the first edition looks like the image of Bran Castle that appeared in an earlier book published in London about Transylvania. The illustration does not resemble any other Romanian castle.

Was there a real 'Dracula'?

Since Stoker's novel, the name 'Dracula' keeps readers awake with the lights on at night. But the term in reality is horror-free. 'Dracul' means 'Dragon' and the title originates with a Crusader 'Order of the Dragon' whose knights vowed to protect against the Ottomans.

So there were a number of 'Dracula's, including the Transylvanian-born, real-life prince now connected to the fictional character Dracula. Vlad III / 'Vlad the Impaler' was a 15^th century local ruler associated with the Order of the Dragon, so he was also titled 'Vlad Dracul'.

100,000 people or more are said to have died at his hands, many by impaling. However, they were brutal times, and Vlad Dracul was a local hero for fending off Ottoman invaders.

His own castle (now in ruins) wasn't even in Transylvania, but he was imprisoned for a time during local conflicts in… Bran Castle.

Stoker mentions his 'Dracula' fought against the Ottomans and was later betrayed, which dovetail with the history of the real Vlad III Dracul.

How about Vampires?

If Dracula's name and pieces of his back story were borrowed from a local prince, the vampire myth was borrowed from Transylvanian folklore. 19^th century works in English describe Eastern European legends about evil souls coming out at night to cause trouble and feed on the blood of the living to sustain them in immortality.

Stoker would have had access to these legends, as well as reports of local myths coming out in real life with cases of 'sightings', corpses being staked and people being accused of being vampires. Prior to 'Dracula', a couple other works of fiction created the persona of a pale, sophisticated, aristocratic vampire. The popularity of Stoker's novel fueled the rise of the vampire genre as we know it today.

Our Conclusion?

There was no 'real-life Count Dracula', certainly not one living at Bran Castle.
Stoker borrowed the name 'Dracula' and bits of Vlad's history, as well as documented Transylvanian folklore, local stories and previous novels to create a character and story of his imagination.
Bran Castle is probably the real-life location the author pictured from books when he described the home of his fictional aristocratic vampire.

Bottom line: if you're a fan of vampire fiction, we do think Bran Castle qualifies as the 'spiritual home' of the modern vampire legend.

(G Adventures' Halloween Tour of Translyvania and Dracula's Halloween Party in Transylvania)

The castle is the country's first private museum, displaying the historic furniture, weapons and armor collections of its last inhabitant, Queen Marie of Romania. It towers over the picturesque historic village of Bran. And it's part of a region with other medieval castles, towns and fortresses, winter ski hills, and some of Europe's richest forests with rare wildlife.

How To Get There?

You can travel to Transylvania pre- or post- Danube river cruises sailing out of Bucharest, or as a dedicated tour, cycling, or hiking trip. There are even special Halloween tours to pay homage to 'Dracula's Castle' and celebrate the haunted holiday inside its walls.

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You Can Stay in this Spa Hotel Over Top of Iceland's Blue Lagoon

lynn@influenceproductions.com (Lynn Elmhirst) — Wed, 15 Jan 20 16:04:08 +0000

A primeval landscape of black lava rocks covered in moss. Pools of chalky, ice-blue healing waters heated by the earth's core. Iceland's Blue Lagoon is mystical and almost surreal to see even in person. It's even been called one of the Wonders of the World.

Now, there's a spa hotel where you can sleep overtop of one of the earth's most remote and celebrated wellness destinations.

What is the Blue Lagoon?

Iceland's Blue Lagoon is man-made; water pulled from the depths of the earth at a nearby geothermal power station, once most of the heat is used, is released into pools in the lava field. The water re-absorbs into the earth, completely renewing itself every 2 days.

The released water in the pools is still delightfully warm - 39°C/102°F - and rich in minerals and an algae that gives the lagoon its opaque blue color, as well as a healthy bacteria that's only been found in the Lagoon.

With a far-north European tradition of sauna, spas and bathing, the Blue Lagoon quickly became a local hit with Icelanders. Bathing or swimming in the Blue Lagoon is believed to be wonderful for your skin and overall health and wellness, especially when breathing in the pure Arctic air all around.

It's also an unforgettable outdoor spa experience.

Pro-Tip: The Blue Lagoon remains open in the evening, so an afternoon visit that extends into the evening lets you enjoy the Blue Lagoon colors in the daytime, then Northern Lights dancing in the sky in the winter, or the midnight sun in summer months.

Day Tripping to the Blue Lagoon

Until 2018, the Blue Lagoon was mostly a day trip to the other-worldly environment and minimalist design of the Blue Lagoon's spa. Wood and lava construction materials, exposed lava cliff walls, waterfalls between lava pools… it almost feels like a science fiction destination!

If your sci-fi dream includes:

In-water massages
Silica mud masks and wraps
Algae masks and wraps
Waterfall by the saunas that's the perfect stress-relief for your shoulders
3 saunas and steam rooms
Floating salt scrubs
Relaxation cave
Swim-up lagoon bar serving smoothies for the health-conscious or wine, beer and champagne for those celebrating the escape
Upscale restaurant with a view over the lagoon

There has been a nearby overnight option, the adults-only Silica Hotel a 10-minute walk from the Blue Lagoon with its own private bathing lagoon.

The New Retreat Hotel

But for the height of romantic, luxury spa retreat, nothing can match the new Retreat Hotel on the Blue Lagoon itself. Opened in 2018, it's an exclusive spa-within-a-spa concept: luxury hotel with private suites – two of which come with your own private lagoon.

You are welcomed by your private host and can participate in daily yoga and hikes. You have access to the Blue Lagoon plus Retreat experiences:

the Retreat Spa with terrace, steam cave, lava spring and lounges featuring a fireplace or suspended nests where you can cocoon while gazing out at the landscape,
the private Retreat Lagoon and
the Blue Lagoon 'Ritual' of treatments based on the rejuvenating powers of the Blue Lagoon's three natural wonders: silica, algae and mineral in three interconnected chambers. And of course the geothermal seawater.

You may dream of overwater bungalows in the South Pacific or the Caribbean, but this uniquely Icelandic overwater hotel will transform your sense of well-being as well as your concept of over water resorts.

Travel Tips to the Blue Lagoon:

Pre-booking for any guest is required, the earlier the better before your trip as daily admissions are limited to ensure the quality of your experience.

The Blue Lagoon is 15-minutes from the Keflavík airport, and half an hour from Reykjavík. That makes it the perfect first or last stop in Iceland, whether you're taking a cruise, tour or traveling privately through the country.

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This City Gets Another Designer Parking Garage - Yes, 'Park-itecture' is a Thing

lynn@influenceproductions.com (Lynn Elmhirst) — Wed, 15 Jan 20 16:04:08 +0000

Architecture is the calling-card of a city. Some destinations are made famous by cathedrals or castles, towers or temples, statues or skyscrapers… in modern-day Miami, it's all about the designer parking garage.

They even have a name for it: 'park'-itecture.

In this glittering city, there's an expanding list of chic places to park your car and gaze on the work of some of the world's leading architects – or 'star-chitects'.

In other cities in the world, the likes of Frank Gehry, Herzog & de Meuron and a constellation of celebrity architects are designing landmark museums and opera houses and condo towers. In Miami and Miami Beach, the architectural stargazing has also turned to statement parking garages.

It's the latest signature architectural phase in this ultimate urban resort town.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: MIAMI DESIGN FROM ART DECO TREASURES, TO MID-CENTURY MODERN ICONS, EDGY WYNWOOD WALLS AND ONE-OF-A-KIND 'PARK-ITECTURE'

The Wynwood Garage is the latest addition to the high-concept streetscape, opening in November, 2018 to join half a dozen fabulous places to park or take a selfie in Miami:

Ballet Valet Parking Garage

210 Seventh St. at Collins, Miami Beach

Nicknamed the 'Chia Garage' for its lush green walls, the Ballet Valet Parking Garage was in the vanguard of South Beach's renaissance in the mid-90's and was Miami's first statement 'park-itecture'.

Like the chia pet it resembles, the 'vertical green zone' wrap of the building grows in the tropical climate. It even requires occasional trimming. When filled out, the breezes from the sea only a block away rustle through the greens like a wave, simulating the ocean surf. Watch for it flying into town; it's in the flight path to MIA airport.

1111 Lincoln Rd, Miami Beach

Designed by celebrity architect firm Herzog & de Meuron, this edgy, minimalist-design-lover's dream really put Miami parkitecture on the world style map.

With slanting angles and exaggerated ceiling heights, 1111 Lincoln Rd is parking garage, event space, a residential penthouse for the developer, semi-secret retail space in a glass box perched at the edge, and a restaurant.

Wangle an invitation to an event here if you can to have the pleasure of sipping a cocktail while enjoying the spectacular views of Miami and Miami Beach, Fisher Island, the bay and the ocean from the top floors.

Pennsylvania Avenue Garage at New World Symphony

500 17th St., Miami Beach

The City of Miami Beach and the New World Symphony brought on celebrity architect Frank Gehry to build the parking structure for the NWS Orchestral Academy. Less dramatic at first glance than other Gehry designs, it's wrapped in metal mesh that is illuminated with an LED light show by night.

For the best view, head to 17^th street – or if you're in town on business, there's a great view from the convention center.

City View Garage

59 NE 38th St., Miami

Split-personality City View Garage stands out as you drive into Miami on the elevated I-95. It's a billboard for Miami's new Design District.

Each of 4 facades was given to a different designer. The perforated gold metal panels on the southwest side are famous for catching Miami's spectacular sunsets in an explosion of brilliance. The garage gives you a stylish place to park as you shop among luxury boutiques in the neighborhood.

Museum Garage

1 NE 1st St., Miami

2018's Museum Garage livens up Miami's Design District even more, doubling down on the eclectic design with a mash-up of 6 eye-popping facades.

Different designers were given free rein without knowing what the others were creating. The playful, standout designs range from psychedelic candy cane stripes, to black and white comic graphics, to gold and silver 3-dimensional car installations whose lights go on at night…

Museum Garage cements parkitecture in Miami as an attraction of its own; you'll want to make sure you walk around and appreciate it from all sides to appreciate the full creativity of the designers, and get a chuckle from the next design that pops up at you.

The Wynwood Garage

321 NW 26th St, Miami

With the November, 2018 opening of The Wynwood Garage, Miami's Wynwood Arts District gets its first public parking garage that will serve the visitors coming to discover this emerging, hip neighborhood. It pays homage to the creativity of the district. Visitors come from all over the world to admire the curated, world-class street art on its Wynwood Walls, visit art galleries and studios and draw energy from the creative community.

The Wynwood Garage takes inspiration from this neighborhood of painted building walls, with a unique façade of abstract shapes that become a 3-d canvas for urban design. The exterior walls can change appearance – different pieces of curated art will be printed on new technology 'skins' that will fit inside sections of the graphics.

Parked cars share the structure with ground floor retail, and office space on upper floors. It's a traffic-stopping street corner; The Wynwood Garage is next door to the dramatic, black and white striped Wynwood Building.

Not reserved exclusively for the rich, famous and fabulous of Miami and Miami Beach, you too can park in a designer parking garage- they are public parking! And rates even in these ultra-stylish structures are on a par with other major North American cities.

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This Ship Has a Magic Carpet - And 8 Other Things You'll Love About the New Celebrity EDGE

lynn@influenceproductions.com (Lynn Elmhirst) — Wed, 15 Jan 20 16:04:08 +0000

The Celebrity EDGE has launched and is turning heads at every port. Its standout sleek, urban resort styling and game-changing technology have a high point: the Magic Carpet.

You'll see what we mean in the video above. But the Magic Carpet isn't the only showstopper on the EDGE. You'll also fall in love with:

1. The Resort Deck, encompassed by an outward-facing, untraditionally asymmetrical terraced pool deck nearly 22 feet high that makes the ocean views and landscapes the focal point while lounging poolside.

2. Spectacular martini glass-shaped hot tubs suspended elegantly in the air on the slenderest glass stems and bookend the pool.

3. A larger-than-life artistic mirror installation – an ever-changing, abstract piece positioned above the Pool Bar.

4. The pool deck's oversized sculptural pieces unlike anything we've seen at sea. Dramatic, unique tree sculptures add an air of whimsy and create an intimate setting at night when lit up.

5. The Rooftop Garden, a living, urban playscape designed to awaken the inner-child in everyone, tended to daily by a resident horticulturist, an interactive space, including pop-up live music performances from musicians in the treetop sculptures.

6. The Retreat Sundeck rivaling any high-end resort, with over-water hanging chairs while the water laps beneath your feet or you lay back in the shaded resort-style cabanas and soak up the nearly 240-degree panoramic views on the forward end of the ship.

7. The Retreat Lounge, located just below The Retreat Sundeck and open around the clock, touching the sea on both the port- and starboard sides, and offering seemingly endless ocean views.

8. Edge staterooms with Infinite Verandas, revolutionizing the standard veranda stateroom with the touch of a button, blurring – even erasing – the boundaries between inside and outside. The entire living space becomes the veranda, letting you walk right out to the water’s edge.

The billion-dollar EDGE has been breaking ground since its conception. It's the first ship designed entirely in 3-D, in the world's largest and highest resolution 3-D virtual reality simulator in the world.

We think she's even more amazing in real life, and you will, too.

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4 Local Markets You Can Go Shopping with the Chef on a Seabourn Cruise

lynn@influenceproductions.com (Lynn Elmhirst) — Wed, 15 Jan 20 16:04:08 +0000

It's a long-standing tradition and one of guests' favorite experiences of a Seabourn cruise. And it doesn't even take place on board the ship.

Seabourn's Shopping with the Chef complimentary shore excursions to landmark local markets in ports of call are legendary, and a signature of the luxury cruise line.

It's no surprise to find Seabourn chefs shopping in local markets. Take a Seabourn cruise. Then take another. No two Seabourn cruises are quite the same. You'll realize how much effort Seabourn chefs (and all the crew) put into constantly innovating new ways to delight guests. On a canvas of Seabourn service excellence, there's an ever-changing palette of colorful, unexpected moments that become some of your favorite memories of your cruise.

Unique local ingredients and flavors from your cruise destinations take center stage in those delightful Seabourn moments. The chefs source them locally on arrival, so they change seasonally and even every time Seabourn calls in port through a sailing season in a region.

Shopping with the Chef gives guests behind the scenes insights into what they'll soon find on board on their plates, appearing on the pool deck in an epicurean moment, taking center stage on a breakfast or lunch buffet display, or proudly featured in a new course on the dinner menu. In historic local markets, the chef reveals favorite suppliers of the freshest, most unique ingredients, and discovers what's new at the market.

If you're a foodie like me, the famous local market is on my list of experiences at any port of call in the world. Having the opportunity to experience that market Shopping with the Chef on a Seabourn cruise makes it even more delicious.

Here are 4 renowned markets in 4 Seabourn destinations where you can go Shopping with the Chef.

By: Lynn Elmhirst, BestTrip.tv Producer/Host

Cruise: Canada & New England

Market: Old Port Market, Quebec City, Canada

Charming Quebec City is, as they say, a taste of Europe without the jet lag. Its Old Town preserves delightfully walkable 17^th and 18^th century neighborhoods. No surprise the Quebec market dates from 1640! Today, following its French heritage, Quebec is one of the epicurean centers of Canada. The famous Ile d'Orleans is a hotbed of gastronomic agriculture only minutes away from downtown, and food producers bring their prize-winning products to the new location of Quebec's market.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE OF OUR SHOPPING WITH THE CHEF SEABOURN EXPERIENCE IN QUEBEC CITY

The Old Port market is just steps away from the cruise port. There are local Canadian products you expect like local maple syrup, as well as things you might never have heard of, like Haska berries and things made from both. French bread like you last tasted in France, local types of cheese you won't find anywhere else, hand-made sausage and charcuterie, even iced apple cider that takes advantage of cold winters to produce a one-of-a-kind taste – the small bottles make terrific souvenirs!

Cruise: Australia & New Zealand

Market: Queen Victoria Market, Melbourne, Australia

Another market that dates from the earliest days of 19^th century colonists, Melbourne's 19^th century Vic Market or Queen Vic is now protected by heritage status. The market sprawls over 17 acres that make it the largest open-air market in the Southern Hemisphere. There's even a campaign underway to have it declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Many original structures are preserved and restored, including the oldest, the 1869 Meat Hall, and the Elizabeth Street façade. Shopping in the Queen Vic is experiencing a working modern market in a 19^th century Australian streetscape.

Victoria State feeds Melbourne shoppers its beef, cheese, local produce, and famous regional wines. If you don't go on a wine tour of the nearby countryside, the market is a wonderful place to explore the local wine flavors alongside residents who do regular shopping here. Watch for local delicacies Murray River salt and gum tree honey. Follow the locals to the famous hot jam donut van. And in addition to local gastronomic treats, you'll find local jewelry, arts and craft vendors to stock up on gifts and souvenirs.

You'll hope your Seabourn cruise is in town on the right days; this market closes Mondays and Wednesdays, although there's a Wednesday night market in the summer, that adds dining, bars, and live entertainment to other vendors' stalls.

Cruise: The Mediterranean

Market: The Central Market of Valencia, Spain

Everyone talks about Barcelona's La Bouqueria, but Seabourn takes its Shopping with the Chef experience to Valencia, further west on the sunny coast of Spain. This is the largest market in Europe, with a whopping 1500 stalls over 2 acres. The building itself is a remarkable Art Deco landmark with high ceilings that dominates the streetscape of this Spanish port city. Shopping with the Chef in Valencia is a morning endeavor; like much of the rest of Spain, it closes before mid afternoon.

The Mercado Central de Valencia is still a truly local gastronomic and home-cook experience, as you'll see by the number of elderly ladies still doing their daily shopping for supper and bargaining for the price of their fish or produce. The fish market is its own area, almost a quarter of the market, testimony to Valencia's fishing port status. Local cheeses and local sausage and cured meats will inspire you to go home and serve tapas, and for a culinary souvenir, indulge yourself in local pressed olive oil. You'll also find stands representing local artists, designers and souvenirs.

While you're at the market, follow the locals to the line up for a can't-miss local delicacy just inside the market's main entrance. Fartons is an unappealing name for a delicious sweet bun. Wash yours down with the equally famous horchata (nut milk).

Cruise: South-East Asia

Market: Ben Thanh Market, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

The Saigon district (District 1) of central Ho Chi Minh City is home to the city's most spectacular historic architecture: wedding cake-like confections of colonial buildings, grand hotels… and the Ben Thanh Market. Its stand-out early 20^th century clock façade has made it a meeting point, backdrop for countless photo shoots and selfies, and unmistakable landmark of this bustling Vietnamese city.

The earlier the better for this market – both the crowds and the heat will be less. Any time of day you should still expect a riot of color, smells, and textures unique to this part of the world. Fresh fish still wriggling in pans at your feet. Shrimp too big to fit in your hand. Vast bunches of pungent herbs and greens that make Vietnamese cuisine so mouth-watering. Spices and pyramids of fruit, and other local flavors Seaborn's chefs introduce into the on board menus.

And then there's the non-culinary part of the market with cheap clothing, sandals and electronics to some crafts, jewelry and art where you might happen across something souvenir-worthy.

Markets are my favorite places in any new destination to get a finger on the pulse of the local culinary scene and lifestyle. Seabourn chefs' insights, passion for food and sharing new tastes and experiences with guests make Shopping with the Chef anywhere in the world a travel memory of a lifetime.