Stories

How to Party like a Prince in Antigua and Barbuda

Story About Antigua and Barbuda
How to Party like a Prince in Antigua and Barbuda

This British Caribbean nation celebrates Prince Harry's Commonwealth visit with a modern twist on a local cocktail that has a royal heritage. Antigua and Barbuda is a twin-island nation located in the heart of the Caribbean Sea; the largest Leeward Islands. 365 white and pink sand beaches, one for every day of the year, are attraction enough, but the country also has a rich history and topography.  Highlights include a 1755 Georgian fort, a full-scale sugar plantation from 1674, Devil's Bridge, a natural limestone arch carved by Atlantic breakers and the world's largest frigate bird sanctuary.  Photo of Turner Bay Beach: UpstateNYer It's a dream for visitors who love the water and sailing; the country hosts World Class Antigua Sailing Week, a Classic... more


New, Highly-Anticipated Destination Opens in Belize: Harvest Caye

Story About Belize
New, Highly-Anticipated Destination Opens in Belize: Harvest Caye

Spectacular, resort-style port of call showcases authentic Belize and offers eco and wildlife adventure for cruise travelers on Norwegian Cruise Lines, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, and Oceania Cruises guests on Western Caribbean itineraries. Belize is one of the hottest Caribbean destinations, and now, cruise travelers have a new port of call to explore the best of Belize.  Harvest Caye is an island a mile offshore mainland Belize, developed by Norwegian in collaboration with Belize. The development preserves and improves the native eco-system, uses indigenous, responsible hardwoods in the buildings, and is creating 500 direct and 1500 indirect jobs for the local economy. Resort Highlights at Harvest Caye: We can't imagine having just one day in Harvest Caye.  There's a 7-acre pristine beach with... more


Three European River Cruises You May Never Have Heard Of

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Three European River Cruises You May Never Have Heard Of

River cruising is taking off.  It has become one of the most popular ways to visit the heartland of Europe, a relaxed way for travelers to explore famous cities and the scenic villages, history, and vineyards of the countryside. The 'Big Three' river cruises are the Rhine, the Danube and the Rhone/Saone.  But lesser-known rivers are finally getting their day in the sun. Here are our favorites to check out, even if you haven't already checked the Big Three off your travel bucket list: The Seine: Route:  Seine river cruises usually begin, and often round-trip to Paris.  The river flows north, ending at the sea in Normandy.  Some itineraries include crossing the Channel, with a stay in London. London, Paris, and French countryside... more


Behind the Scenes: A Year of Culinary Experiences at the World's Largest Luxury Hotel/Resort Company

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Behind the Scenes: A Year of Culinary Experiences at the World's Largest Luxury Hotel/Resort Company

Half a million bottles of champagne, 9 Michelin starred restaurants, 81 million meals… When we travel for business or pleasure, alone, with our families, or a large group, how often do we pause to think what it takes to deliver 5-star service any time of day, at any hotel or resort in the world, to any guest or group? Now, as part of its 70th anniversary celebrations, the world’s largest luxury hotel brand has offered us a glimpse into how it delivers five-star service around the clock, across over 180 hotels and resorts from Marseille to Macau.   A year of luxury cuisine in numbers at InterContinental Hotels & Resorts:  81 million meals served   27 million pastries made for guests  500,000 bottles of Champagne... more


Tall Ship Sailing Cruise Line Recreates Largest Ship of its Kind

Story About Sweden
Tall Ship Sailing Cruise Line Recreates Largest Ship of its Kind

Star Clipper's New 'Flying Clipper' is Largest Square Rig Sailing Ship Ever Built. We love the romance of sailing. We also love the story of this specialty cruise line. Star Clippers allows travellers to revisit a modern, luxurious reincarnation of the era before steam ships and ocean liners, when there were sailing ships. Star Clippers is the vision of Swedish yachtsman and entrepreneur Mikael Krafft to recreate the 'Golden Age of Sail' a hundred years after its decline. In 1991, Star Clippers launched its first ship the “Star Flyer,” a recreation of the classic sailing ships of the 19th century. Since then, the Star Clipper fleet has grown to three, and the company decided that the best way to celebrate this silver anniversary... more


All-New Luxury Travel Concept Design Details Revealed: Crystal AirCruises Jet

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All-New Luxury Travel Concept Design Details Revealed: Crystal AirCruises Jet

Crystal announced its latest innovation, Crystal AirCruises, a few months ago.  Now Crystal has shared the designs for the first Crystal AirCruises aircraft, and we think this innovation is going to change the way you - and the rest of the world - think about luxury travel. Ultra Luxury Cruise Concept, but Traveling by Air In fall 2017, Crystal’s acclaimed luxury travel experience will elevate to new heights with Crystal AirCruises.  It's so elegantly obvious, how did no one think of this before?  A jet that transports just 84 guests (compared to the usual hundreds of passengers on a 777) to itineraries that include the world’s most exotic and remote locales.  Like Crystal's legendary luxury ocean cruises, AirCruises offer guests first class... more


What to Order at the Bar in... Mediterranean Travel Destinations

Story About Mediterranean Sea
What to Order at the Bar in... Mediterranean Travel Destinations

When you imagine an escape to the sunny, sensuous Mediterranean, what drink are you ordering at the bar?  Lynn Elmhirst, BestTrip.TV's producer/ host, shares her favorites. I once traveled with a cameraman who spent our entire 3-week, 10+ city film shoot in the Mediterranean trying to teach bartenders how to make a White Russian. The confusion – and often disdain - on their faces was priceless. On one occasion, the rest of the crew was blissfully sipping delicious local wine at a table under umbrellas on Barcelona's Las Ramblas pedestrian thoroughfare, soaking in the ambiance and enjoying a rare break. He spent half an hour trying to explain to the waiter how to make a White Russian. Finally the waiter exclaimed, 'But... more


Three 'Starter' European River Cruises

Story About Europe
Three 'Starter' European River Cruises

If you haven't tried a European river cruise yet, here are the big three 'starter' cruises we're certain will get you hooked on river cruise travel.   Photo courtesy: BestTrip.TV The Rhine River Route: Rhine River cruises span at least four countries: usually the Netherlands or sometimes Belgium at one end, then through Germany and France to Basel, Switzerland at the other end.  They cover a lot of cultural and scenic ground in a week or two. Photo courtesy: BestTrip.TV Highlights:  The Rhine River may be the granddaddy of European river cruises.  As far back as the 19th century, tourists took cruises to see the most outstanding feature of this river: a stretch of the Rhine where there are 40 castles in 40 miles.  Most... more


More than Tropical Beaches: Exploring the Natural Beauty of the Dominican Republic

Story About Dominican Republic
More than Tropical Beaches: Exploring the Natural Beauty of the Dominican Republic

Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism If you thought a vacation in the Dominican Republic was all about the sand and the surf, think again. Outside the resort areas you can find some of the most diverse natural beauty in the Caribbean. No less than nine different ecozones mean there's natural diversity and varying climates:  the perfect eco-playgrounds for all nature enthusiasts. Both the Highest and the Lowest Points Above and Below Sea Level in the Caribbean Lake Enriquillo is a scientific marvel situated in a rift valley. This saltwater lake is both the largest lake and the lowest elevation in the region, at 42 meters below sea level. The lake is a designated Ramsar Site you can best explore by boat, allowing visitors to... more


Saying 'I Do' Off-the-Beaten Path in Treasure Beach, Jamaica

Story About Treasure Beach
Saying 'I Do' Off-the-Beaten Path in Treasure Beach, Jamaica

With its famous tropical beaches, music and lifestyle, no wonder Jamaica is a favourite Caribbean island for destination weddings.  Most couples who travel to Jamaica to celebrate their special day at one of the remarkable all-inclusive resorts. But some couples may want to venture off the beaten path to the southwest part of the island, where farming and fishing and a more authentic Jamaican way of life provide a different destination wedding experience far away from tourist crowds. At Treasure Beach, guests are welcomed into a relaxed atmosphere where community and sustainability are the focus.  It's a different approach to travel that includes local food, farm-to-table dining events, and visitors integrating with the local residents. If your idea of a dream wedding is... more


Planning a Destination Wedding in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Story About Puerto Vallarta
Planning a Destination Wedding in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Puerto Vallarta, on the Pacific coast, is one of Mexico's top resort destinations.  In town, in the ocean, or in forest, there's plenty to entertain visitors.  Boardwalks in town are worth a stroll to see sculptors and artisans at work.  On the water, active visitors enjoy snorkeling, diving and kayaking, and less active guests can to get on boats to spot whales and dolphins.  Thrill seekers head to the jungle for zip lining and bungee jumping adventures. With something for every travel style, it's no surprise that this town on the Pacific coast of Mexico is also one of the country's top destinations for weddings, honeymoons, and vow renewals. With a gorgeous ocean bay and mountain views, an outdoor ceremony is guaranteed... more


Romance Thrives in the Dominican Republic

Story About Dominican Republic
Romance Thrives in the Dominican Republic

One of the Caribbean's most popular island destinations is more than sandy beaches, clear aqua waters, family all-inclusives and tropical forest backdrops.  Couples will find the perfect way to celebrate a milestone engagement, wedding or vow renewal, honeymoon, or a private getaway to rekindle the romance. Celebrate For couples looking to get married or renew their vows in Dominican Republic, Punta Cana’s all-inclusive hotels and resorts make wedding planning a breeze, with packages to fit any budget. On-site wedding planners take care of all the details, from menus to centerpieces, so you can relax and soak in every moment of your big day. Recharge in a Spa A spa visit to Punta Cana and Bávaro’s all-inclusive luxury resorts and spa facilities is an ideal... more


Same-Sex Couples Can Get Married on Cunard

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Same-Sex Couples Can Get Married on Cunard

Many couples dream of getting married at sea.  And now, British luxury cruise line Cunard has welcomed its first wedding booking by a same-sex couple. Cunard has offered weddings on its ships since 2012 and has married hundreds of couples, but can now also conduct same-sex wedding ceremonies at sea. Same-sex marriages have been practiced in Britain since 2014. But the Cunard fleet of ships: the Queen Mary2, the Queen Victoria, and the Queen Elizabeth, are registered in Bermuda. A Supreme Court ruling enabling same-sex marriages in Bermuda now enables same-sex couples to be married on board any of the line's 'Three 'Queens' ships. So in addition to enjoying Cunard's grand scale of British traditional luxury including impeccable White Star Service, gourmet dining... more


Paul Gauguin Cruises Named Top for Honeymooners

Story About French Polynesia
Paul Gauguin Cruises Named Top for Honeymooners

Small ship, South Pacific luxury cruise line specializes in romance. Brides magazine has named Paul Gauguin Cruises '#1 for Honeymooners'.   The cruise line operates the longest continually sailing luxury cruise ship in the South Pacific.  The 'Paul Gauguin' is a 5+ star, 332-guest idyllic ship that sails to some of the most exotically romantic locations on any honeymoon couples' list: Tahiti, Fiji, French Polynesia, and other once-in-a-lifetime destinations in the South Pacific. Honeymooners receive a complimentary honeymoon package when sailing with Paul Gauguin Cruises, which includes a special Polynesian blessing ceremony aboard the ship performed by Les Gauguines and Les Gauguins and hosted by the Cruise Director, an in-stateroom celebratory bottle of Champagne, one 8" x 10" photo portrait, and an exclusive... more


What European River Cruise is the Most Romantic?

Story About Rhine
What European River Cruise is the Most Romantic?

It's the time of year when we celebrate love - and love of travel. We've hand-picked our favorite travel experiences for treats, pampering, romance, the good life, and celebrating traveling with everyone in our lives we love. Beginning with... the most Romantic river cruise in Europe: Castles and wine and lovers' legends, oh my! Lynn Elmhirst, producer/ host and cruise expert of BestTrip.TV, explains how 'The Romantic Rhine' weaves a perfect romance of Northern European culture for river cruise travelers to watch, listen, and taste. Castles to Watch Image: BestTrip.TV 40 castles in 40 miles. There's a castle or fortress, those ultimate symbols of the Middle Ages celebrated in fantasy literature, nearly every mile.  That stretch of river known as the Middle Rhine has a... more


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