A white Christmas is not your speed? Looking to escape the winter blues? Or are you just looking to take advantage of the kids being off of school for a while? Change the Christmas trees for palms and consider one of the many popular destinations for a Christmas vacation.

Cruising for a Tropical Christmas

While last-minute cruise deals are much harder to find than in the past, they still exist. You do need to be flexible as to dates and cabins. 

Virgin Voyages Bimini Beach is beautiful.

Richard Branson’s new cruise line is winning every award in sight and they do things differently. Virgin Voyages has done away with the main dining room and buffet; every night is specialty dining with 20+ eateries.  And there is no extra charge for any of them! Virgin fares include crew gratuities, wi-fi, group fitness classes, gelato-style ice cream, and much more.  No one under 18 allowed but adults are encouraged to embrace their inner child. Virgin sails the Caribbean out of Miami. Contact us about December sailings, and we will put together some special offers not available by booking directly through the website.

Celebrity Cruises, the upscale cruise line known for its food and excellent service, still has space.  When you sail in December you enjoy traditional holiday meals created by a Michelin-starred chef and decorating with no prep or cleanup. You experience festive holiday shows and carolers. Everyone gets to enjoy downtime during the holidays to spend with those who matter most. Corks pop on New Year’s Eve.

We love Princess Cruises because it not only offers a high-quality cruise experience, but also lets us help you pile up the perks. The December 16 sailing of the new Sky Princess looks especially fun for a tropical Christmas. If booking Princess be sure to consider the high-value Princess Plus add-on.

A Hawaiian Tropical Christmas

If you’re looking to stay in the U.S. for Christmas, look no further than Hawaii for a tropical Christmas vacation.

Hawaii Wants Visitors

After the devasting Maui wildfires, tourism to Hawaii has understandably declined.  As a result, flights and accomodations are much more inexpensive than usual.

Now the islands are asking for the support of the traveling community and are making excellent travel offers for the holiday season. Also, you can our Best Hawaiian Travel Tips. We also share how to choose the best Hawaiian island to visit.

Christmas in Mexico

Because of its strong Christian traditions, Mexico is a fantastic place to get into the Christmas spirit without dealing with the Christmas weather.

A Tropical Christmas in Brazil

As another strongly Catholic nation, Brazil knows how to do Christmas. While not as famous as their Lent celebration, Carnival, there is a lot to do in Brazil for Christmas. And the weather is warm enough to hit the beaches.

Attending a “Missa do Galo” (Midnight Mass) at one of Rio’s historic churches, such as Candelária Church or the Metropolitan Cathedral can be ver memorable.

Merry Christmas for the Santa Chamelon

Subdued Tropical Christmas Choices

If you are looking for a relaxing tropical vacation with fewer Christmas-themed festivities, consider traveling to some of the non-Christian parts of the world. Malaysia and Vietnam offer beautiful views and beaches without decking the halls.

Ready for More Great Travel Tips?

We share our favorite travel secrets and tips every week. You can see them all here.

The post You Can Still Have a Tropical Christmas in 2024 appeared first on Far Far Away Travels.

Family Fun

Destination 1: Orlando,

Of course, one of the popular spring break travel ideas is Orlando, chock-full of family fun. There’s Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, SeaWorld, and the very cool Discovery Cove. But planning a trip to any of the parks can be daunting. There are many choices and much to know to plan a great trip. So your family does not miss out on the best ways to visit, and getting you the best value, please contact our Orlando specialist, Karen Dziadosz-Evans. Karen has achieved the highest training levels with the Orlando theme parks, keeps track of the continuing park changes, and travels to Orlando herself, all so she can help you plan the perfect trip.

Also, don’t forget California’s Disneyland. We love it for it’s more manageable size. And there are many attractions in Southern California especially in San Diego.

Cruises provide a great experience at a great vlaue

Destination 2: Cruise

Whether you are looking for a family cruise or adults only, we can help you find the right cruise for you. You can sail from Florida, California, New Orleans, Galveston, New York, and more. We work with all the cruise lines but especially love the adults-only Virgin Voyages, Disney Cruise Line, Princess, and Celebrity.

A cruise is the perfect way for a multi-generational family to travel together. The kids will have a great time in the children and teen programs while the parents and grand-parents can relax by the pool, go to games and events or just chill on the balcony. No driving, no packing and unpacking, no figuring out where to eat or where to sleep. It’s all there for you.

Whale in Hawaii

Destination 3: Hawaii

After the devastating Maui fire, many visitors understandably canceled plans to visit the gorgeous Hawaiian islands. Now the islands are asking visitors to return. Because of the decline in visits, prices for flights and accomodations are the lowest we have seen in years. If you have always wanted to visit Hawaii, but felt you could not afford it, you should consider visiting soon.

In fact, West Maui has reopened, except Lahaina, of course. We have seen many special offers for all of the islands and would be happy to share them with you.

Destination 4: All-Inclusive Resorts

Sandals Resorts are considered some of the best all-inclusive resorts. Sandals’ luxury beach resorts, set along the most gorgeous tropical settings and exquisite beaches in Saint Lucia, Jamaica, Antigua, The Bahamas, Grenada, Barbados and Curaçao, feature unlimited gourmet dining, stunning and unique luxurious suites, exceptional bars serving premium liquors and wines, and every land and water sport, including complimentary green fees at their golf resorts and PADI®-certified scuba diving at most resorts.

Not ready for Sandals? We represent virtually every all-inclusive resort and can help you sort out the best for you.

Destination 5: Mexico

Mexico is always considered one of the best places to travel for spring break. It is renowned for it’s beautiful resorts and beaches on both the Pacific and Caribbean shores. Mexican all-inclusive resorts are very high value for the discerning traveler who wants to rest and refresh on the beach. We can help you decide which is best for you.

Destination 6: Something Different

How about some different spring break travel ideas?

This can be a great time to visit Washington D.C. and its amazing array of museums. Or how about some of our country’s world-famous National Parks?

Spring is a delightful time to take a European river cruise. Experience the charm while the crowds and prices are down.

Or how about that fantastic Galapagos cruise you’ve been dreaming about? It’s a good idea to go soon as they are discussing limiting access.

Ready for More Great Travel Tips?

We share our favorite travel secrets and tips every week. You can see them all here.

The post Spring Break Travel Ideas appeared first on Far Far Away Travels.

Cruising for a Tropical Christmas

While last-minute cruise deals are much harder to find than in the past, they still exist. You do need to be flexible as to dates and cabins. 

Virgin Voyages Bimini Beach is beautiful.

It’s the new Richard Branson cruise line that is winning every award in sight. Virgin Voyages has done away with the main dining room and buffet; every night is specialty dining with 20+ eateries.  And there is no extra charge for any of them! Virgin fares include crew gratuities, wi-fi, group fitness classes, gelato-style ice cream, and much more.  No children allowed but adults are encouraged to embrace their inner child. Virgin sails the Caribbean out of Miami. Book a balcony cabin through us on December sailings, and you will receive $300 toward your beverages, and $100 on board credit from us.

Celebrity Cruises, the upscale cruise line known for its food and excellent service, still has space.  When you sail in December you enjoy traditional holiday meals created by a Michelin-starred chef and decorating with no prep or cleanup. You experience festive holiday shows and carolers. Everyone gets to enjoy downtime during the holidays to spend with those who matter most. Santa brings gifts to all the kids and the halls will be decked to perfection. Corks pop on New Year’s Eve.

We love Princess Cruises because it not only offers a high-quality cruise experience, but also lets us help you pile up the perks. The December 16 sailing of the new Sky Princess looks especially fun for a tropical Christmas. 

A Hawaiian Tropical Christmas

If you’re looking to stay in the U.S. for Christmas, look no further than Hawaii for a tropical Christmas vacation.

Hawaii Wants Visitors

After the devasting Maui wildfires, tourism to Hawaii has understandably declined.  As a result, flights and accomodations are much more inexpensive than usual.

Now the islands are asking for the support of the traveling community and are making excellent travel offers for the holiday season. Also, you can our Best Hawaiian Travel Tips. We also share how to choose the best Hawaiian island to visit.

Christmas in Mexico

Because of its strong Christian traditions, Mexico is a fantastic place to get into the Christmas spirit without dealing with the Christmas weather. We can find you an all-inclusive resort at a Four Diamond Cancun resort for under $4,000 per couple, including air.

A Tropical Christmas in Brazil

As another strongly Catholic nation, Brazil knows how to do Christmas. While not as famous as their Lent celebration, Carnival, there is a lot to do in Brazil for Christmas. And the weather is warm enough to hit the beaches.

Attending a “Missa do Galo” (Midnight Mass) at one of Rio’s historic churches, such as Candelária Church or the Metropolitan Cathedral can be ver memorable.

Merry Christmas for the Santa Chamelon

Subdued Tropical Christmas Choices

If you are looking for a relaxing tropical vacation with fewer Christmas-themed festivities, consider traveling to some of the non-Christian parts of the world. Malaysia and Vietnam offer beautiful views and beaches without decking the halls.

Ready for More Great Travel Tips?

We share our favorite travel secrets and tips every week. You can see them all here.

The post You Can Still Have a Tropical Christmas in 2023 appeared first on Far Far Away Travels.

Along the way, you will explore a lake created by a human-made natural disaster, which became a hip resort, and is now faded and sad.

Finally, your day trip from Palm Springs culminates in the California desert where a single man built his inspired, unique artistic vision.

Plan Your Palm Springs Day Trip

Before you start: This is a long day with few amenities along the way. Please pack lunch, some water, and start with a full tank of gas. And don’t forget a sun hat.

First stop: Dates for Your Day Trip

On the way out of Palm Springs, in Indio, you should stop by the Shields Date Garden for a true mid-century tourist experience. Where else can you see a film called “The Romance and Sex Life of the Date?” For date lovers, there are two important words: Date Shakes. And, while we are on the subject of salvation, you can visit their biblical garden walk.

Second Stop: The Salton Sea

The Salton Sea is California’s largest body of water. It is an inland salt water sea created by accident. Not only is it fascinating to view, it also serves as a cautionary ecological tale.

As such, it has a very interesting history. The sea was created by an accident when a canal was dredged in 1900. In 1905 the Colorado River flooded and created the Salton Sea.

In the fifties and sixties it became a thriving resort community, but now it is rarely visited except for bird-watchers and those who like to view the old and odd. Back in the day, it was popular destination for Rat Pack types and their followers. You can still see many abandoned resorts, restaurants, and gas stations.

What happened to the Salton Sea? It is a terminal lake, meaning water does not flow out of it. Most of its current water comes from agricultural runoff filled with fertilizers. This causes algal blooms which in turn provoke fish die-offs. In recent years, primarily only tilapia seem to survive, and the shores often littered with their carcasses.

On the plus side, it is a huge habitat for migratory birds. In fact, the Audubon Society has a fascinating post where you can learn more.

The state of California now has a project to restore it.

Prepare yourself for interesting odors coming from the persistent fish die-off. Of course, this is a big reason why it is no longer a popular resort area.

There is an interesting state park visitor center and recreation area.

Fans of modernist architecture should take note that the remains of the Albert Frey designed Salton Sea North Shore Yacht Club are still visible in the town just north of the park. Once filled with the Rat Pack and their hangers-on, who visited the area from their mansions in Palm Springs, it fell into serious disrepair. It was restored to some degree in 2010.

Important tip: The park is the best place on the whole trip for a restroom break.

Third Stop: Bombay Beach

Next on the day trip is Bombay Beach. In the fifties it was deluxe resort area, frequented by the likes of Frank Sinatra and his friends. By the seventies it was all but defunct.

However, Bombay Beach is experiencing a small resurgence as an artist and outsider colony. Many call it a living ghost town as there are people living in rusted trailers and broken down buildings.

It is fascinating drive around the area as many residents have put up their own artistic decorations. Don’t expect tourist amenities. There is no gas station and one bar-restaurant which may or may not be open.

Fourth Stop: Salvation Mountain

The main event is Salvation Mountain. Now run by a trust, it is all the work of one man, Leonard Knight, who spent 28 years building the site. Visit their website for opening information. You will be asked to make a donation to the trust when you visit.

When you arrive, the obvious sight is the mountain itself, a riot of color and religious messages. Several painted vehicles are nearby.

Take some time and meander as there is more to see. For example, there is this interesting grotto.

There is even a Wizard of Oz themed section. Yes-there is a yellow brick road!  Well, it’s yellow, anyway.

Fun fact: A scene in the movie Into the Wild was filmed at the site. You can view the clip here.

How Can You Not Visit East Jesus and Slab City?

Just a few miles from Salvation Mountain you can check out East Jesus and Slab City, two outsider art towns if ever there were.

Intriguing off-the-beaten-path is East Jesus, where the centerpiece is an expansive, year-round outdoor art exhibit. This is no ordinary display; you can marvel at a backdrop of shattered televisions, each emblazoned with thought-provoking inscriptions, and a car bizarrely festooned with doll heads, among other eclectic curios. But don’t stop there. The air of eccentricity, and unity is captivating in this unusual enclave. Definitely worth a short visit if you enjoy outsider art or the eccentric.

Homeward Bound to Palm Springs

Heading back to Palm Springs, the nearby town of Niland is your best bet for gas. And, if you have time, try to find the Niland mud pots. We probably should not say so, but we snuck in.

We share our favorite travel secrets and tips every week. You can see them all here.

The post A Great Day Trip from Palm Springs California appeared first on Far Far Away Travels.