A quick demonstration on a travel tool for those road trips, youth hostel stays, and even five-star resorts.

Christmas Markets October 15, 2020 7:00 PM Eastern An age-old tradition in Europe, the Christmas Markets are just the thing to put you in that Christmas spirit. Please welcome back Sebastien Leroy from AmaWaterways to take us on this magical journey discovering the Iconic Christmas Markets in Europe. Sebastien will touch on a sampling of the unique experiences you might have when traveling the Christmas Markets. Travel back through centuries as you walk along cobblestone streets through grand cities and historic towns bedecked with twinkling Christmas trees and lined with wooden huts gleaming with handcrafted treasures. Iconic Christmas markets are plentiful and are on full display for your pleasure. Budapest’s Vörösmarty Square, where all products sold in the market are guaranteed as traditionally handmade; Vienna with its impressive Christmas markets that seem to majestically appear around every corner; Nuremberg’s festive Christkindlesmarkt, the largest and oldest Christmas market in Germany; and Regensburg’s Christmas market at Thurn and Taxis Castle, considered one of Bavaria’s most beautiful and romantic, are yours to explore. Sparkling lights; the festive sounds of children dressed as angels singing carols; enticing smells of hot-mulled wine, roasted chestnuts, sausages and sweet treats of every kind; and timeless wonders are a feast for all your senses. Invite your friends and family on this amazing journey. Space is limited so please register below and save your spot. I hope to see you there! Click here to register: October 15, 2020 7:00 PM - Christmas Markets of Europe After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Christmas Markets in Vienna In Europe, as in the US, Christmastime is a wonderful time of year. We think of friends and family, great meals, holiday festivities, and of course shopping. In Europe, it is taken to a whole new level with wonderful fairy tale Christmas Markets full of holiday crafts, hand-made ornaments, wooden-toys, nut crackers, food, and drink all with amazing backdrops. Imagine shopping in the presence of Imperial Palaces, city halls, cathedrals, or walking among rows of vendors on tight picturesque cobblestone alleyways. Throw in a chill in the air and a little, or lot, of snow, and you have the miracle of the holidays. There are markets throughout Europe but one city that regularly tops the list is Vienna, Austria with over 20 official markets and many more unofficial markets running from the end of November to Christmas Eve and a few even longer. The first Christmas markets appeared in Vienna in 1298 and remain a long-standing tradition today. The Markets The most recognized market is the Viennese Dream Christkindlmarkt at City Hall. It is also the largest in Vienna, includes a 32,000 sq ft ice rink, over 150 stalls, reindeer rides, a Ferris wheel, and an old-fashion style carousel. Try as many markets as you can to get a flavor of the different variety in ambience, goods, food, and drink. Here are a few favorites around Vienna. Schonbrunn Palace Belvedere Palace Christmas Village Alte AKH Christmas Village Freyoung Christmas Village on Maria Theresien Square Christmas Market at Spiettelberg The Fun Many of the markets will provide music on the weekends including local or international choirs. Ice skating, curling, and crafts for the children are available depending on which markets you attend. The Food As you approach the market, you will notice the wonderous smell of mulled wine, sausages, and many, many sweets. Many locals attend each year just for the food and drink. When you are visiting make sure to try the local favorites. They all have roasted chestnuts but each vendor adds its own flavor so try a few different “maroni”, as they are called in Vienna. The region is known for sausage so, you will want to try a few of those as well. I recommend Kaisekrainer (sausage with cheese in it) or the Bratwurst to start. A favorite sweet is the Bauernkrapfen, which is a farmer donut, much flatter than our donuts and usually with a jam on top. Pastries and cookies decorated for the holidays abound and the Lubkuchen (gingerbread) is a must this time of year. The Drink When you are walking around the markets you will find the annual favorite mulled wine. Look for the “Gluhwein” signs and like the maroni, the vendors will have different flavors. Hot chocolate is a definite holiday treat for kids of all ages. Punsch, an alcoholic holiday punch is another favorite which comes in the kinder punch, or non-alcoholic version, as well. Bring an extra suitcase just in case you are tempted to keep the mugs they come in. Each market has its own mug created specifically for that market and that year. If you do not want to collect them, make sure you remember where you got it so you can get your deposit back. Final Thoughts Dress warm or better yet, buy a scarf and gloves while there as a souvenir. It can get cold in the winter. To avoid crowds, go in the morning. If you want to see the twinkling lights for a magical experience, go in the evening. Cash is king. While some may take credit cards, it is best to have euros ready and in small bills. Vienna is considered to be a very safe town but, like many places, this is a good time for pick-pockets so be aware. Also check the goods you buy for authentic Viennese merchandise, like here in the US, you may see multiples of the same items sourced from other countries. If you are looking to get away near the holidays and want an authentic European experience, grab your family or a group of friends and head to the Christmas Markets of Europe. River cruises and tours are a great way to see markets in several countries or park yourself here in Vienna, see the sights and experience a real European holiday.

The Galapagos Islands In this article I will discuss the best time to go, the best way to go, the wildlife and the Islands of the Galapagos. The Galapagos islands are situated 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador and consist of 19 islands and 42 islets. They were created from volcanic eruptions and are 3-4 million years old. It is a bucket list destination for many inquisitive and curious travelers who want to learn about the history, secrets, and unique ecosystems including rare and endemic species of animals to the islands. What’s not to love? These islands straddle the equator making for a great destination year-round, not to mention snorkeling in the winter! There are only 4 inhabited islands in the Galapagos, Santa Cruz, San Cristobel, Isabela, and Floreana. The other islands and islets are inhabited but not by humankind and are only open during specific times to protect the wildlife. Of historical note, the Galapagos islands are where Charles Darwin studied his theory of evolution and adaptation and is home of the famous Darwin finches. The Best Time to Visit the Galapagos Islands There is no bad time for your trip, but it does come down to what you really want to see. There are only two seasons here: cool and dry (generally early-June through November) and warm and wet (generally early-December through late-May). Each season has its benefits. Weather variations range from a daily high temperature of 74°F in August to a slightly warmer 88° in March. Water temperatures remain in the mid-70s year-round with underwater visibility ranging from 30-70 feet and tends to get extra clear from January through March, with visibility often around 100 feet. In cool and dry season, the marine life is closer to the islands and you will see birds hunting for fish. One note of caution, the sea can be a bit rougher this time of year so bring your sea-sick remedy or avoid this time. Jan – June the seas are the calmest. Warm and wet is a daily drizzle that soaks the islands with water. During this time, you may be lucky enough to see wildlife babies. Green sea turtles lay their eggs in December and January so cross your fingers for baby turtles. There is a risk that it can be extremely hot so sunscreen is an absolute must, you are on the equator after all. Be sensitive to wildlife and use the right lotions and cover up when you can. The best way to see the Galapagos This part is up to you but my recommendation is a cruise. This gives you more sea time, snorkel opportunities, and visits to various islands without having to base on land and make your way to new islands each day. There are a variety of ships including premium, luxury and even expedition ships to take, most of which are usually on the smaller side so book early! There are hotels on the inhabited islands if you are not a cruiser. Wildlife of the Galapagos One mention of the Galapagos and wildlife comes to mind and rightly so. The Islands remain pristine and were isolated for so long that the animal inhabitants have not yet developed a fear of humans. They may even come right up to you on your visit. Fortunately, you will be in small groups and with a naturalist to help protect the wildlife and decrease impact to them and the environment. Wildlife Favorites to See The Galapagos Marine Iguana is unique to the Galapagos and is the only iguana that is marine based. Marine iguanas are the only seagoing lizards in the world, and they are found on the rocky shores of most of the Galapagos Islands. The absence of mammalian predators has helped them adapt well to a marine environment. Because the water surrounding the islands can be cool, they come ashore often to warm up. They live in colonies near shallow reefs and rocky coastlines. Galapagos land iguanas are endemic to the Galapagos Islands as well, and they are found on several islands with South Plaza offering the best viewing opportunities. They prefer drier, scrubbier areas and live in burrows. The preferred food of Galapagos land iguanas and Santa Fe land iguanas is the prickly pear cactus. Land iguanas live in small colonies where males will head-butt each other to defend their territories They can live for at least 60 years. The Galápagos penguin, considered endangered, is a penguin endemic to the Galápagos Islands and is the only penguin found north of the equator. It is the smallest in South America standing only 21 inches tall. The cool waters of the Humboldt and Cromwell Currents allow it to survive despite the tropical location. The Galápagos sea lion is a species of sea lion that breeds on the Galápagos Islands and, in smaller numbers, on Isla de la Plata. They are social and are often spotted sun-bathing on sandy shores or on rock groupings. Bull sea lions can weigh up to 900 lbs., although they average 550 and can be aggressive. The females and pups, on the other hand, are more friendly and may even swim with you, best to avoid the bulls. Galapagos Fur Seals, also endemic to the islands, are common but hide much of the time. They are much smaller than the sea lions. You can tell them apart by size. There are two species of the Galapagos Frigatebirds, the magnificent frigatebird, and the great frigatebird. Colonies exist on many islands, but the consistently energetic, magnificent frigatebird colony on North Seymour Island offers the best opportunity for viewing. They have an 8- foot wingspan and when searching for a mate a scarlet gular pouch under their neck is inflated to attract females. The Blue-footed booby is probably the most well-known bird on the islands with its unique blue feet and can be seen as far north as California and as far south as Peru. Half of all breeding pairs, however, live in the Galapagos Islands. They come to land only to nest, preferably on lava rock. Sometimes, blue-footed boobies join in groups to search for food far out to sea. They eat sardines, anchovies, and mackerel almost exclusively. When diving for food, they fold their wings around their aerodynamic bodies and dive into the sea from as high as 80 feet. The Nazca Booby is completely white except for a black band adorning the edge of its wings and tail. Its face mask is formed by a blackish area of naked skin encircling its reddish-pink or orange bill. At 3 feet long, with a 5- to 6-foot wingspan, the Nazca is larger than any other Galapagos booby. Due to their large size, they usually nest near the tops of cliffs where they receive the greatest advantage for taking flight. In contrast to other boobies, they breed annually on a cycle that varies across the islands. Darwin’s finches, named due to their role in Charles Darwin’s theories on evolution, are ostensibly the most renowned land birds of the Galapagos. Darwin was fascinated with diversity found among the thirteen species and the speed with which they evolved from a common ancestor to adapt to the varied supply of food available on individual islands. Though these 13 finches are the most well-known and scientifically important Galapagos birds, they are not very remarkable looking. Endemic and typically easy for visitors to spot, it takes an expertly trained eye to differentiate the thirteen species who scientists believe descended from a shared ancestor. The differences in distribution, plumage, feeding habits, body size, beak size, and shape helped inform Darwin’s theories. Galapagos Giant Tortoises are found only on the Galapagos Islands and prefer to live in dry lowlands. They are found on the islands of Pinzon, Española, and Isabela. Scientists guess that the tortoise’s lifespan is somewhere around 150 years. They lead a relatively peaceful life, napping almost 16 hours per day. The rest of the time is spent foraging on leaves and cactus and basking in the sun. Sally Lightfoot crabs are hard to miss with their bright colors. They are found in the Galapagos Islands and across the western coast of South and Central America. As scavengers they are an important part of the ecosystem, as they keep the shore clean of any organic debris and can be seen eating ticks off marine iguanas. They feed in large groups on most beaches and in shallow water all around the Islands. Popular Islands of the Galapagos Baltra Island – This is the location of a small harbor and the international airport. It is a former military base and some of the old base can still be seen. The base was used to protect the Panama Canal during WWII. Santa Cruz Island – This is the main island of the Galapagos, home to the town of Puerto Ayora , the tortoise breeding center, the Charles Darwin Research Station, and the forest highlands. The white sand beaches of Las Bachas is a favorite nesting site for sea turtles. Santa Cruz is also home to Dragon Hill named for the population of Land Iguanas. In South Plaza you may see a colony of sea lions. You may also spot flamingos here. Floreana Island – Common sites to visit are Punta Cormorant with greenish sand and it is another nesting place for green sea turtles, Post Office Bay, and the Devil’s Crown. East Champion Island, just east, is great for snorkeling. Espanola Island – The oldest island and home to Suarez point where you will see Nazca and Blue footed boobies, Española lava lizards, and a host of other birds. From April to December you will see 10K-20K pairs of waved albatrosses here. San Cristobal Island – This island has many sites, including Puerto Baquerizo Moreno and the San Cristobal Interpretation Center. Punta Pitt with its green sand beach and plateau is worth a climb for the view. And catch a glimpse of all three nesting boobies, the only place in the Galapagos you can find all of them together. The stunning Leon Dormido rock, a must-see rock formation is also here. Los Lobos has a large colony of sea lions and pups and you may also see fur seals. Santa Fe Island– Watch sea lions swimming in the surf. See the massive Santa Fe opuntia cactus and be on the lookout for hawks, finches, and other birds. Genovesa Island – Genovesa (or Tower Island) is a rocky volcanic caldera that is due north of Santa Cruz and home to Darwin Bay and the Prince Phillips Steps. The steps lead to a seabird colony full of Nazca and red footed boobies. Santiago Island – Buccaneer Cove pays homage to the pirates that stopped here to rest and gather food. Egas Port is a black sand beach with coastal tide pools and grottoes. You can snorkel here among the sea lions, marine iguana, and Galapagos fur seals. On a visit to Sullivan Bay you will see what volcanic eruption does to the landscape. Isabela Island – This is the largest island and includes Elizabeth Bay, Punta Vicente Roca where you see its cave and snorkeling with turtles, Urbina Bay, Tagus Cove, and the massive Sierra Negra volcanic caldera. Here you may also see Galapagos penguins. Urvina bay is home to the most recent active volcano with an eruption in 2015. With any luck here you will find the giant tortoise. Fernandina Island – The youngest of the islands offers an opportunity to see the lava fields of Puna Espinoza. It also has the largest colony of marine iguanas in the archipelago. Sea lions also call this home. As you can see, this memorable journey has so much to offer, from landscapes, wildlife, snorkeling, diving, history and more. Why not put this one on your bucket list?

This presentation from Vibrant Travel and AmaWaterways discusses the cruise, food, wine, and sites along the way.

Lyon, France a Gastronomic Delight Lyon, originally named Lugdunum by the Romans in 43 BC, lies at the confluence of the Rhone and Saone rivers in France. This 2000+ year old city is the gastronomic capital of France and home to many famous chefs including Paul Bocuse, twice named chef of the century. Lyon is a very walkable city and bike friendly too! If you are staying for a few days and want to see as much as possible, pick up a Lyon City Card for access to museums, Basilique Notre Dame de Fourvier, city tours, and even local transportation. With over 4,300 restaurants in Lyon metro area and 15 Michelin star restaurants, you will have no problems finding something wonderful to eat. However, if you love authentic experiences, you must try eating at a “bouchon” at least once while there. Bouchons are small mom and pop type cafes that will serve traditional food from locally sourced ingredients. Some would call it comfort food. They originated during the beginning of the 20th century when many large bourgeois families let their cooks go and the Meres (mothers) then opened their own restaurants. The best are certified by “Les Authentiques Bouchons Lyonnais” and you will see the plaque outside the establishment. As the gastronomic capital it is hard to select just a few items to try but here are a few. Lyon is famous for various versions of sausage including boiled pork sausage with pistachios or black truffle sprinkles, “Boudin Blanc” which is a veal sausage, or boudin noir aux pommes, blood sausage with apples. You must try the quenelles while there, which are light dumplings, usually fish and served in a creamy sauce. You can not be in France and skip the cheese. Their most famous is the local St Marcellin. Traditional desserts of Lyon include the “Tarte Aux Praline” It is a reddish pink crème fraiche with crushed sugar coated almonds, Les bugnes lyonnaises , thin fried dough sprinkled with powdered sugar, and Coussin de Lyon a chocolate ganache coated with a thin layer of candied marzipan. You are in wine country so take advantage of it. Start with a Communard, a deep red aperitif of Beaujolais wine mixed with crème de cassis. This aperitif is named after the supporters of the Paris Commune killed in 1871. With your meal, you will ask for a “pot”, a carafe-like glass bottle, of Brouilly, Beaujolais, Cote du Rhone, or Macon. You will need at least 3 days to see most of Lyon so I have only included the top few sights to see. Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse, this local indoor food market is something to experience like a local. Grab some cheese and a dry cured sausage and head over to the park for a picnic or try one of the sit-down stalls’ offerings. Fourviere Hill offers a challenge of steps to the top or take the funicular. Either way, you simply must see the view from the top. Musee des Beaux Arts has a collection that is said to be second in France to the Louvre. History buffs should stop by Centre d’Histoire de la Resistance et de la Deportation, now a museum, was once the WWII headquarters of Gestapo commander Klaus Barbie and shows the role Lyon played as the capital of the resistance. Photos top to bottom: Lyon, Quenelles, Coussin de Lyon, Fourviere Hill

3 Popular Countries with Hidden Gems Traveling on the Danube River you will discover hidden gems you may not have heard of in these frequently traveled countries. Germany Nuremberg is the home of the Imperial Castle, the famous town wall, and the legendary fountain of the Market Square. For history buffs, take a guided tour of the city’s most significant WWII sites, including the Documentation Center Nazi Party Rally Grounds, and the Nuremberg Trials Memoriam and Courtroom 600 (if the courtroom is not in session). Make sure you try traditional Franconian specialties including Nuremburger bratwurst, rotbier (red beer) and lebkuchen (gingerbread). Regensburg, one of Germany’s best-preserved medieval cities contains many architectural highlights, including the Old Town Hall and the Porta Praetoria. Here you will want to try the old Bavarian specialties, beer, sausage, and pretzels. Lower Bavaria’s city of Passau has charming cobblestone streets and NeoGothic and Italian Baroque architecture as well as St. Stephen’s Cathedral. If you’re looking to work in a little work out take a guided hike up to the Veste Oberhaus Fortress. Austria Continuing down the Danube, stop at the scenic town of Melk, which is celebrated for its magnificent Benedictine Abbey. The abbey contains the tomb of Saint Coloman of Stockerau and the remains of several members of the House of Babenberg, Austria's first ruling dynasty. Try a guided bike tour that takes you through the UNESCO-designated Wachau Valley or stroll the cobblestone streets of Dürnstein’s to the famed Baroque church tower, Stiftskirche. Worth noting is the sailing time through the Wachau Valley, where you will see vineyards along the Danube. Hungary The city of Budapest is known as the Queen of the Danube, and your first top should be the Great Market Hall. Here you will find the wonderful treats we talked about last week. You will see Buda (hilly) on one side of the river and the Pest (flat) on the other. Try a hike up to Castle Hill for breathtaking views of the city. If you like churches, watch as you cruise by Mohács, a town sprinkled with magnificent churches, including the 18th-century Baroque Protestant church, the Roman Catholic church (1776), the Serbian Greek Orthodox church, the votive church (1926), and the Avas church with its bell tower. Pécs, a city founded more than 2,000 years ago by the Romans, is filled with historic architecture including the Christian Necropolis; St. Peter’s Basilica, the city’s main Catholic cathedral along with its catacombs, and Széchenyi Square, the heart of Old Town Pécs. For wine connoisseurs, there is the Szekszárd wine region, one of the oldest red-wine-growing areas in Hungary, established more than 2,000 years ago. Photos Top to Bottom: Nuremburg, Melk Abbey, Pecs.

Burgundy & Provence, France September 24, 2020 7:00 PM Eastern Time We are welcoming back Sebastien Leroy from AmaWaterways to take us on a wonderful wine cruise through France! Grab your favorite wine, sit back, and enjoy cruising through a county known for its food and wine. Hear about the authentic experiences and unique places you will see. Indulge in French flavors on a palate-pleasing itinerary that highlights the essence of Frances's Burgundy and Provence. Uncover the Roman history of Chalon-sur-Saone and delight in charming Tournus with its towering Romanesque abbey and historic apothecary shop. Visit French Chateaux form Burgundy to Provence, taste your way though the French culinary capital of Lyon and visit the Papal Palace in Avignon. While you'll get more than a taste of Burgundy and Provence during this itinerary, the essence of these destinations will linger on you palate - and in your heart - for a lifetime! Invite your family, friends, and wine club too. Space is limited so please register below and save your spot. I hope to see you there! Click on the dates below to register for this and other Virtual Cruise Nights: Time: 7:00 PM EDT September 24, 2020 - Burgundy and Provence October 15, 2020 - Christmas Markets of Europe After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

In Central and Eastern Europe, you will find some of the most spectacular landscapes, architecture in their castles, churches, and war memorials. The people have some of the most colorful and inviting cultures in the world. The storybook towns below are towns you can visit on a river cruise down, or up, the Danube. Croatia Croatia is not just about Dubrovnik, stop by the beautiful Baroque Croatian city of Vukovar, situated at the banks of the Vuka and Danube Rivers in the region of Srijem/Syrmia. It is known as the “hero town” because of the amazing valor of brave Croatian civilians and volunteers during the 1991 war with Serbia. Make sure to see important landmarks such as Ovčara Memorial and Eltz Castle. If history is not your thing, go wine tasting in Ilok, a center of wine production since Roman times, where you must try the famous Grasevina, Traminac, and Frankovka wines. Serbia Novi Sad, sometimes called the “Serbian Athens.” is a great place to take a walking tour to Dunavski Park, a beautiful urban park or through old town Stari Grad. Do not miss the Petrovaradin Fortress. It was a significant military fort of the Austrian rulers who, during Napoleon's raids, hid their treasures in the fortress. Explore Serbia’s capital, Belgrade and stop by the Kalemegdan Fortress and the Serbian Orthodox Temple of St. Sava. Other options include the Royal Palace, the official residence of the Serbian Royal Family; the House of Flowers, or the mausoleum of Marshal Tito, who became the first President of Yugoslavia. Or enjoy a taste of the region by sampling Serbian plum brandy, Šlivovitz, and delicious local delights at the Quburich Distillery. Romania Enjoy a full day of scenic cruising as you pass through the Iron Gates, one of Europe’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders. At the Iron Gates, the Danube narrows as it winds through a series of magnificent gorges between the Carpathian and Balkan Mountains. Say hello to King Decebalus, who’s head is carved in stone on the mountain. Bulgaria Explore Vidin, one of Bulgaria’s oldest cities, and surrounding areas and see the Baba Vida Fortress, the largest preserved medieval castle in Bulgaria. Who doesn’t love a good medieval castle? Belogradchik, one of Bulgaria’s natural wonders, will get you stretching your legs on a hike around its spectacular rock formations. A river cruise option that I just adore is a visit with a local home for a cooking demonstration of traditional Bulgarian yogurt and Banitsa, a local pastry. Although not technically a destination, try it if you have a chance. Visit Bulgaria’s ancient capital, Veliko Tarnovo, with its medieval fortress and multiple orthodox temples. Pop over to Rousse, known for its 19th- and 20th-century Neo-Baroque and Neo-Rococo architecture, and then afterward visit the Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo with exceptional 14th-century paintings.

Gems of Southeastern Europe September 3, 2020 7:00 PM EDT We are welcoming a special guest, Sebastien Leroy from AmaWaterways, to take us on a virtual cruise down the Danube River to visit Southeastern Europe. Touch history in Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria and Romania, as you sail along the exotic lower Danube. Celtic fortifications, medieval towns and grand cities, along with the natural beauty of pastoral landscapes and the Danube’s famed Iron Gates, showcase the best of eastern Europe. Nature lovers will relish the opportunity to see Bulgaria’s natural wonder, Belogradchik, a fairytale stone world of fantastic shapes associated with interesting legends; or to bike through Belgrade’s sprawling Kalemegdan Park. Wine connoisseurs will have a chance to taste history from the centuries-old wine-growing hills dating back to the Romans in Ilok, a royal and vinous town. Be treated to the flavors, sights, sounds and cultures of this diverse swath of the continent. Invite your family, friends, and anyone interested in this part of Europe or just wanting to know more about what river cruising is all about. Space is limited so please register below and save your spot. I hope to see you there! Click on the dates below to register for this and other Virtual Cruise Nights: September 3, 2020 - Gems of Southeastern Europe September 24, 2020 - Burgundy and Provence October 15, 2020 - Christmas Markets of Europe After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

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Have you ever been on a long flight and think, "I wish I had my..." ? This video shares my favorite items to bring on a long flight.