My travel features and reviews encourage seasoned and newbie travelers to connect to cruise, rail and land outlets to explore their bucket list dreams.
A University of Wisconsin Journalism graduate and widely published travel writer, I frequently write features about destinations in the USA, Canada and Europe. In addition, I shoot my own digital images plus write guest blogs and product reviews. Formerly I wrote, edited and produced company publications for 25 years.
"Bear on the right!" a male Aussie voice shouted as heads swivelled and hands fumbled with cameras and phones. After months of planning, husband Rob and I were riding through the rugged Canadian Rockies in a Gold Leaf dome car on a Rocky Mountaineer rail trip.
The Fraser River sparkled in the morning sun. Following the river, we passed through the fertile agricultural valley, tiny British Columbia towns and scenic Fraser Canyon. Fir, aspen, maple and other hardwood trees grew a few feet from our window. Crossing the South Thompson River, we caught a glimpse of snow-capped Mount Baker.
If your last Milwaukee visit was several years ago, consider revisiting Wisconsin's largest city-or add seeing it for the first time to your bucket list. With summer temperatures averaging 77 degrees, Milwaukee is a delightful summer destination. Located at the junction where three rivers flow into Lake Michigan, Milwaukee is a study in blue water and green foliage.
Rob and Pat Woods on deck of Regent Mariner at Hubbard Glacier, Alaska
When wicked winds whip through cold climates, Southern California basks in warm sunshine. With 345 sunny days each year, Long Beach offers a delightful break from grey skies and snow. This pretty ocean side city in the shadow of Los Angeles is a great pre-cruise, post-cruise or anytime destination.
When wicked winds whip through Canada's Coast Mountains, Southern California basks in warm sunshine. With 345 sunny days each year, Long Beach offers a delightful break from grey skies and snow. This pretty oceanside city in the shadow of Los Angeles is a great pre-cruise, post-cruise or anytime destination.
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While on a Norway Coastal Voyage, I fell in love with Scandinavian countries' gorgeous scenery. After reviewing Holland America Line's (HAL) six-country Baltic Gems cruise itinerary, I was hooked. Stockholm's beautiful island scenery - Copenhagen's Tivoli Gardens and canal cruises, Tallinn's cobbled streets and high-tech energy, Helsinki's park concerts, St.
After several wonderful river and ocean cruises in Europe, we needed a break from costly and exhausting international travel getting to and from European ports. A California Coastal cruise had been on my radar several years. When we found the right deal and itinerary for a seven-day round-trip Los Angeles Princess cruise, husband Rob and I grabbed it.
Our California Coastal cruise close to home eliminated last-minute travel tension. By Pat Woods. After four wonderful river and ocean cruises in Europe, husband Rob and I needed a break from costly and exhausting international travel getting to European ports. A cruise close to home that departed on the west coast proved to be a wise choice.
On a Holland America Gems of the Baltic cruise, the ms Eurodam visited ports in six countries. Husband Rob and I found each port city had its own unique personality, charm and challenges. Our 10-day voyage began and ended in Copenhagen (Part 1 of the series ran Aug.
After several wonderful river and ocean cruises in Europe, we needed a break from costly and exhausting international travel to and from European ports. A California Coastal cruise had been on my radar several years. When we found the right deal and itinerary for a 7-day round-trip Los Angeles Princess cruise, husband Rob and I grabbed it.
To celebrate our anniversary, husband Rob and I took a seven-day Alaska cruise on Holland America's ms Oosterdam. We enjoyed seeing God's natural wonders from a safe and comfortable ship - giant glaciers, abundant wildlife, majestic peaks and luscious rainforests. Embarking in Seattle on a sunny Sunday, we saw Mt.
Entering stateroom C921, we thought were in heaven on this all balcony, all-suite ship. A bottle of chilled champagne, fresh flowers and fruit basket awaited our arrival.
Stockholm’s beautiful island scenery, Copenhagen’s Tivoli Gardens and canal cruises, Tallinn’s cobbled streets and high-tech energy, Helsinki’s concerts in parks, St. Petersburg’s fine arts museums and Germany’s bucolic countryside — sounded appealing.
Dozens of art works depicting European and Mediterranean scenes enhance the Crown's beautiful interior. Along with customary large-ship features, the Crown has three pools and a large outdoor screen for movies, videos and sports events. Crown Princess provides a bevy of tempting dining options. For lunch we favored the International Café's specialty salads, quiche and pastries.
Pat Woods to the rescue. As my last Baltic cruise was several years ago, I was very happy when Pat offered to share her recent Baltic cruise experience on CruiseMaven.com. Pat's articles are always timely, informative and good read. So, from Russia (and nearby!) with love, here's a recap of Pat's cruise.
Known for summer temperatures in the 70s and frequent light rain, sunshine is a treat in Seattle. Fortunately we hit three sunny days in a row with Mount Rainier views and daytime temperatures in the 70s and low 80s. Nights cooled down to the 50s.
California Classy Spectacular AND 22 www.groupstoday.com Picture a destination with year-round sunshine, moderate temps, boundless beauty, plus a bevvy of group-friendly attractions. sound too good to be true? Not if you're in the San Diego/Carlsbad area of southern California. San Diego/Carlsbad welcomes groups. By Pat Woods
The Fox Cities boast one of Wisconsin's largest urban shopping areas. With 180 retail and dining options, the Fox River Mall is the second largest mall in Wisconsin and attracts customers statewide and from Upper Michigan. Your money goes farther here because Wisconsin's state sales tax is only 5 percent.
When husband Rob and I signed up for a Coastal California Princess cruise embarking at the San Pedro pier in Los Angeles, it was logical to visit nearby Long Beach. This pretty oceanside city in the shadow of LA is a great pre-cruise, post-cruise or anytime destination.
Milwaukee's lakefront has morphed into a stellar culture and recreation mecca. Visitors can walk, jog or bike on a broad scenic paved trail than runs along the lakeshore for miles. The three-mile RiverWalk flanking north and south sides of the Milwaukee River connects downtown hotels to dozens of traditional and trendy eateries, brew pubs, parks, historic sites, retail outlets, boutiques, boat tours and other attractions.