The Travel Edit
Inspiration
So much to do, so little time!
French Riveria, Provence, Alps & the Alcase
Itinerary Idea
Best for: Slow-paced travel, exploring a few regions of France (but not all), and enjoying natural beauty.
- French Riveria: Villefrance-Sur-Mur – 3-4 Days
- Recover from jet lag with a relaxing beach day, tour the hilltop village of Èze, and explore the coastal charm of Nice.
- Provence: Saint-Remy – 3-5 Days
- Use Saint-Rémy as your home base to explore Provençal towns and the Luberon, visit castles and Roman ruins, and enjoy incredible dining.
- French Alps: Chamonix – 3 Days & Annecy – 2 days
- Ride gondolas into the French Alps, relax in a thermal water spa, explore alpine towns, bike or boat around the lake, and enjoy scenic hikes.
- Alcase Region: Colmar – 3-4 Days
- Wander through storybook half-timbered towns, bike between charming villages, enjoy local wine tastings, and pop over to Germany for a day trip.
Carol’s Recommended Experiences:
- Dining at Clover Gordes with stunning views of Provence
- Staying in a wooden chalet at Hameau Albert 1er in Chamonix
- Strolling the streets of Colmar and tasting a traditional Tarte Flambée
- Taking a dip in the Mediterranean while sipping a drink at Plage de Passable
Christmas Markets on the Danube
River Cruising
Itinerary Idea
Best for: Easy travel—especially in winter—with a focus on the Christmas experience, minimal activity, and ideal for couples or groups.
8-day cruise plus a few days on your own.
- Munich & Regensburg, Germany: On your own for 2-4 Days
- Arrive early and explore Germany’s festive side with Christmas markets, a visit to the famous Neuschwanstein Castle, or a fairytale day trip to Rothenburg ob der Tauber.
- Passau, Germany
- Board the ship and explore the traditional Christmas market in Passau, then join Viking’s excursion to Vienna to visit even more festive markets.
- Linz, Austria
- Visit two UNESCO sites—start with Linz, then take an optional excursion to Český Krumlov, a beautifully preserved town known for its Baroque and Renaissance architecture and cobblestone streets
- Krems, Austria & Scenic Sailing
- Sail through the stunning Wachau Valley (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), then enjoy time in the riverside town of Krems.
- Vienna, Austria
- Take the complimentary panoramic bus tour by day, then explore the magical Christkindlmarkt at night
- Bratislava, Slovakia
- Stroll through Bratislava’s charming Old Town and soak up the festive atmosphere at the Christmas market.
- Budapest, Hungary – 2 days
- Unwind in a traditional thermal bath, tour the historic palace, and visit Budapest’s impressive Christmas market to end your journey on a festive note.
Recommended Experiences:
- Grab a giant pretzel at a Vienna Christmas market
- Collect the unique ceramic mugs from each city’s market
- Catch live carolers or brass bands in Bratislava’s Old Town
- Sip hot mulled wine (glühwein) under twinkling lights in Budapest
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Greece
Easy roads, great food, casual, amazing history
Itinerary Idea
Best for: A blend of Greece’s best history and natural beauty, ideal for travelers comfortable with car rentals.
- Athens – 2-3 Days
- Visit the Acropolis and Ancient Agora, wander the charming streets of the Plaka, and take a 3–4 hour round-trip to watch the sunset at the Temple of Poseidon in Sounio
- Meteora – 1 Day, 2 Nights
- Explore the awe-inspiring monasteries perched atop towering rock formations, with time to enjoy the peaceful landscape and incredible views
- Delphi & Glyfada – 1 Day & Night
- Explore the sacred ruins of Delphi, then unwind overnight in Glyfada, a quaint seaside village near Athens.e
- Nafplion 2-3 Days
- Step through the ancient Lions Gate at Mycenae, dating back to around 1700–1100 BCE. Visit the ruins of Ancient Nemea, then stroll Nafplio’s charming Old Town and climb to its hilltop Venetian fortress.
- Greek Islands – 3-5 days each
- Combine Milos, Paros, and Santorini for a mix of beaches, Cycladic charm, and iconic views. Explore beaches, hike scenic trails, and take unforgettable boat trips to hidden coves. (Santorini is a must-see at least once, but it can be very crowded.) If time is limited, consider visiting fewer islands to avoid travel fatigue.
Carol’s Recommended Experiences:
- Take a boat tour and swim in sea caves around Milos – a true highlight!
- Dine on the steps of the Plaka and enjoy a rooftop cocktail with an Acropolis view at A for Athens
- Stand under the ancient Lions Gate at Mycenae and feel the weight of history
South Africa & Victoria Falls
Bucket list trip!
Itinerary Idea
🐅See the Big 5: Elephants, Lion, Leopard, Buffalo, Rhino.
- 3 nights in Cape Town: city views, wine country, and optional scenic flights
- 3 nights for a safari such as Greater Kruger safari lodge: Big 5 drives, sundowners, bushwalks
- 2–3 nights in a 2nd Safari location – good time to focus on specific animals of interest and extend viewing probability. Add a reserve with water that includes hippos or crocs.
- 2 nights in Victoria Falls: guided tour, sunset cruise, optional helicopter flight
Check out my Destination Guide & Inspiration for more info & estimated prices.
Alaska
Easy roads, great food, casual, amazing history
Itinerary Idea
Best for: A relaxed mix of scenic cruising, small-town charm, wildlife viewing, and easy, do-it-yourself exploring—perfect for travelers who want adventure without intense activity or hiking.
- Vancouver – 3 Days
- Arrive early and explore Vancouver. Optional day trips to Victoria or Whistler before boarding your Alaska cruise.
- Cruise: Alaska Southbound – 7 Nights
- Sail through the Inside Passage with stops in Ketchikan, Juneau (helicopter + glacier), and Skagway (Yukon drive). Enjoy scenic sea days including Glacier Bay and College Fjord.
- Anchorage to Denali – 2 Days
- Disembark and travel north by bus and rental car. Explore Denali National Park by sled dog demo and guided park bus tour.
- Talkeetna – 3 Days
- Charming small-town base with a flightseeing tour, jet boat adventure, galleries, and plenty of local dining.
- Seward – 3 Days
- Drive south along Hatcher Pass. Enjoy Kenai Fjords by boat, Exit Glacier, and the Alaska Sealife Center before heading home.
Carol’s Recommended Experiences:
- Drink fresh, ice-cold water straight from a glacier—nothing more pure or refreshing.
- Spot wild otters holding hands as they float along the Alaskan coast.
- Watch vibrant fall colors blanket the mountains in Denali—truly breathtaking.
Travel Edit’s Top Destinations
Europe & Abroad
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Greece
Croatia
Germany
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Portugal
Austria
Japan
United Kingdom
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Alaska
San Diego
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