Vacation Ideas

My Burgundy & Provence river cruise with Avalon Waterways was the most relaxing vacation I ever experienced. The lovely ship Avalon Scenery was modern, and the crew was so accommodating.

The most southern area of Spain is an autonomous community called Andalusia. The region is so rich in culture and history, and it's the home of flamenco and bullfighting.

A review of a Caribbean cruise aboard the MSC Poesia -- great ship layout, fine restaurants, a wine bar and more surprises!

Coastal Barcelona and inland Madrid are both booming cities in Spain. But they also contain treasure-troves of historic buildings, ancient churches, pretty plazas and interesting neighborhoods.

If you're looking for a tropical vacation that will delight the entire family, consider a cruise to the Bahamas on board the brand new Disney Dream.

Fine dining, elegant accommodations and interesting activities mark the top-notch offerings on the Oceania Marina.

A three day weekend is plenty of time to see the best of Eastern Austria. While the region is beautiful any time of year, it is transformed into a magical snowy fairytale setting during late autumn and as a bonus the Christmas markets (open air craft and food markets sprinkled throughout the region spreading holiday cheer) are open from November through the end of the year.

Here's a look at two quintessential Austrian cities; one straddles the Danube River in the eastern part of the country, and the other is further west, and a bit inland from a significant waterway, but it's a popular day trip on many cruises along the Danube River.

With its history, sophistication and culture, London is not only the United Kingdom's capital city, but a treasure-trove of important architectural sites, royal buildings, theatre experiences, and myriad of shops and world-famous department stores.

This AffordableTours.com staffer thoroughly enjoyed her "Burgandy and Provence" river cruise aboard the River Royale.

An amazing multi-generational adventure on board Holland America Line's ms Zuiderdam included bear sightings, helicopter rides, massages and bingo games.

This Tauck cruise-and-tour vacation combines touring in Turkey and Greece with a magnificent 7-night cruise aboard a 148-passenger motor yacht. It is a delightful way to explore this ancient part of the world by land and by sea.

Cobblestone streets lined with historic buildings and moss-laden oak trees provide a charming backdrop for visitors to Charleston, the oldest city in South Carolina that dates back to 1670, when it was known as Charles Towne.

This "Black Sea Discovery" river cruise from Avalon Waterways is an excellent introduction to Eastern Europe. From Budapest to Bucharest, the Avalon Tranquility makes stops in ports filled with interesting museums, majestic fortresses and lovely churches.

Ephesus in present-day western Turkey was an important trade center in ancient Greek times, later growing to become the second-largest city in the Roman Empire. Today, visitors can tour the archaeological site to see the ruins of the Temple of Artemis.

If you're looking for a hassle-free, stress-free vacation, consider an escorted tour. On these types of packaged trips, your travel arrangements are made for you -- from your accommodations and airport transfers to your sightseeing excursions and many of your meals. All you need to do is show up at the start of your tour!

Cruising the rivers of Europe, Russia, Egypt and China is a wonderfully intimate way to travel to a foreign country. Not only is it incredibly relaxing to rest on the deck of a river-cruising ship and watch amazing scenery and majestic sights pass, but the service on a small river-cruising ship is top notch.

Experience Australia through the eyes of a traveler like you.

Who doesn't like free attractions? Check out these options for a budget-friendly trip to Amsterdam.

Intriguing itineraries, great entertainment and multi-national mix of crew and customers on this Italy-based cruise line.

Modern-day cowboys in 1880s garb drive about a dozen cattle down Exchange Avenue in a nod to Fort Worth's contributions to the cattle industry.

If your time in London is limited, here are five not-to-be-missed experiences to enjoy in England's capital city.

Karon Warren is a freelance lifestyle and travel writer living in Ellijay, Georgia. Learn more about Karon at her website, www.karonwarren.com.

Situated on the Oslo fjord, the capital city of Norway is compact, making it a great place to explore on foot. Here are some must-see sights.

Four attractions on Cape Cod offer ample evidence that there is much more to do in the area in poor weather than retreat to your room and play Trivial Pursuit.

New England offers visitors a wonderful blend of cultural, culinary and historic experiences -- from the ocean to rolling farmland to rocky mountaintops.

From ancient archaeological sites to the plethora of beaches, active volcanoes to white adobe architecture hugging seaside cliffs, the islands of Greece beckon visitors with so much to see and do.

AffordableTours.com Travel Consultant Jeri Davis dishes about her Southern Caribbean cruise with Carnival.

Away from the crowds, this Aegean jewel is rich in legendary and natural wonders. Take the time to explore Mykonos off the beaten path during a day-long cruise stop or tour of multiple Greek islands.

Germany's reborn capital provides plenty of natural and man-made action. Watch windsurfers on an urban lake, rent a bike and ride in the dedicated cycling lanes, or stroll through history at the Olympic Stadium.

While Carnival Cruise line is known for its family-friendly activities and adventures, there's also plenty on board for the retired set. It's also a cruise line that is very conscious of treading lightly on Mother Earth.

Astounding views of Mount Vesuvius pale against the sky, lingering scents of lemon groves, quiet winding wide streets, busy town squares abuzz with traffic--all combine to make this seaside resort as alluring a mix today as it has been for visitors throughout the ages.

Rome is awash in the exciting culmination of nearly 2,700 years of history -- from the weathered arches of the Roman Forum and Renaissance palaces to hand-sculpted Baroque fountains and Michelangelo's marvelous artwork that glorifies the Vatican's Sistine Chapel.

Get up close and personal with amazing sights in Europe, Russia and China -- and you only have to unpack once!

Take four good friends (and busy moms), mix with a four-diamond resort on Maui's famed white-sand beach, and it's a recipe for relaxation!

The oldest state capital (and highest at 7,000 feet above sea level) celebrates its 400th anniversary in 2010. Here is a look at some of its most beloved sightseeing attractions, including ancient churches and modern museums.

Taking an escorted tour of Hawaii is a marvelous way to get an overview of the islands. Each one has its own distinct personality, filled with sightseeing treasures and wonderful natural attractions.

Every great city in Europe is a spectacle, pulsating with drama. Prague is a lyric opera. Get to know this enchanting capital on an escorted tour of the Czech Republic.

Affordable attractions in Canada's largest city include Saint Lawrence Market, CN Tower, Hockey Hall of Fame and Casa Loma.

If you want to see the most active volcano in Europe burst lava in the darkness, you need to get up at the crack of dawn. And even then, an eruption is not guaranteed!

It's European charm without the European price tag. Montreal offers visitors budget-friendly things to do all year long.

Opt for a serene stay on the cliff side of Negril, or a more upbeat vacation on the bustling beach side. No matter where you stay, it's easy to experience the best of both worlds, since one side of town is just a seven-minute drive away from the other.

New York City may be full of upscale restaurants and high-end shopping, but the Big Apple also offers so many cheap and free things to see and do around the five boroughs. Here are ways to enjoy the city without going bankrupt.

Get to know the island's history in Old San Juan, then get in touch with nature by horseback riding, snorkeling or hiking.

This pretty seaside city may be the site of the 2010 Winter Olympics, but there's also loads to do see and do in the warm-weather months here, including biking around town and kicking back in expansive Stanley Park.

Along with Delhi and Agra, Jaipur forms the famous "Golden Triangle" in India that is popular among international travelers. Here's what you can see and do during your visit.

One traveler's impressions of what remains of the Berlin Wall,which once stopped the migration of Germans from East to West. Its rubble is a reminder of the Cold War.

Get gussied up and enjoy an afternoon of elegance and tradition. High tea at one of London's finest hotels is an experience you won't soon forget. And it's not just tea: choose from an array of sandwiches, scones, champagne and other treats!

Explore Bali's beaches, temples, rice fields or art colonies with your very own private guide and van. This day-long shore excursion is offered on many cruise itineraries with a port call on Bali.

Here's what to see and do in Lisbon, Portugal's capital city on the Atlantic coast.

Visit historic monuments, museums and pretty pockets of green in this bustling, cosmopolitan city.

Tour the ancient ruins that were once a ceremonial site dedicated to Ixchel, an important Maya goddess.

For cruise passengers and day-trippers, here are some of the best things to do on Mexico's largest island.

Accessible only by boat, this tiny town on a golden-sand beach is a delightful respite from the hustle and bustle of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

While the Taj Mahal is a must see on your trip to India, the historically significant Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri are also worth a visit.

It's a mix of old and new in India's capital of Delhi, where you'll find ancient monuments and historic stone structures alongside cosmopolitan skyscrapers and modern discos.

From its rich collection of historic sites to its funky and fun neighborhoods, Washington, D.C., is packed with plenty to see and do.

A detailed review of a 9-day journey in the Burgundy and Provence regions of France, including 7 nights on the MS River Royale.

Hong Kong is a highly autonomous "Special Administrative Region" of the People's Republic of China. With its own history, culture and customs, Hong Kong offers visitors a myriad of interesting excursions and sightseeing visits.

If you've never been to Italy, taking an escorted tour that visits three of the most popular cities is an excellent way to get an overview of Italian culture, art, cuisine and history.

A city known for its coffee culture, opera, classical music and ultra-rich Sachertorte, Vienna is a wonderful city to visit.

More than 160 types of fish and nearly 40 coral species make their homes in Hol Chan Marine Reserve. Then there are the sharks and stingrays...

One of the best ways to get an overview of everything Australia has to offer is on an escorted tour.

If you want to feel indulged and pampered on a romantic ocean cruise, check out Regent Seven Seas.

A relaxed trip to Italy features good food, medieval architecture, a scenic boat ride and plenty of Italian art.

Visiting this exotic country with a reputable escorted-travel company is the best way to get a wonderful overview of China's historical monuments and its unique culture.

As the leaves turn golden yellow, burnt orange and brick red in September and October, it's the perfect time to take an escorted tour of the U.S. Northeast or Eastern Canada.

Soaring red-rock towers, vast canyons, stunning mesas and snow-capped mountains... all of these amazing natural wonders can be seen in America's National Parks in the southwestern section of the United States.

A visit to Beijing is a cultural and historical journey that gives the western visitor an insight into the complex social and cultural climate that makes up today's modern China.

It's hard to beat cycling for delivering so much of the rhythm of the city in such a short period of time -- from the sound of a marching band at the Eiffel Tower, to the scent of spring blooms at Jardin des Tuileries, to the thrill of the find at the Carreau du Temple flea market.

Proximity to the United States makes the Bahamas a very popular cruising destination, especially for short trips. Spend just one overnight on board a ship originating in Florida, and in the morning you can be sunning yourself on the white-sand beaches of the Bahamas!

What better way to travel with your children or grandchildren than on an escorted tour? All of your hotel accommodations, transportation, baggage handling, sightseeing, activities and many meals are pre-arranged, so you can simply focus on what's most important to your family. Experience these vacations with Globus Tours and other tour operators.

More travelers are planning international vacations specifically designed to explore their religion and deepen their faith with Globus Tours and other tour operators.

Traveling by train evokes adventure and romance. After all, a rail journey is reminiscent of an era when long-distance travel was conducted only by luxury train-airplanes hadn't been invented yet!

The most popular museums in Florence are The Accademia and Uffizi, housing truly the best Renaissance art collections in the world. But Florence also features smaller, equally jaw-droppingly impressive art museums.

An overview of the art and architecture of Florence, Italy. This city is home to the largest collection of Renaissance art and architecture in the world.

Travel plans for Peru usually include popular tourist spots in Cusco and Machu Picchu. The Sacred Valley, which connects them, is an important part of the Inca Empire.

Ten reasons to book your Caribbean resort vacation on the peaceful island of Anguilla.

When you stay at this property on the Pacific coast of Mexico, you can enjoy the best of both worlds--an intimate property for rest and relaxation, with privileges at other El Cid resorts for spa treatments, more varied dining options and easier beach access.

The Iberostar Tucan, along with its sister property Iberostar Quetzal, offer a plethora of activities for all ages--from Spanish lessons to poolside bingo, beach volleyball to a fun kids' club.

If you're looking for a peaceful beachfront resort along Mexico's Riviera Maya, consider this intimate property where you'll be pampered like royalty.

The historic capital of Massachusetts is a treasure-trove of fun--and educational--activities for all ages. Here's a peek at five favorites.

AffordableTours.com Travel Consultant Brenda Priest details her journey along France’s Seine River

AffordableTours.com Travel Consultant Donna Humble shares her experiences on the glorious Hawaiian Islands

AffordableTours.com Travel Consultant Lida Gutierrez dishes about her family's Western Caribbean Cruise with Carnival.

AffordableTours.com Manager Marilyn Minke explains why she loved her stay at this beachfront resort.

River cruising is one of the fastest-growing modes of travel worldwide. From castles to Christmas markets, here’s what you can expect to see on this famous waterway in Germany.

With an abundance of natural wonders, magnificent archeological ruins and exquisite white-sand beaches it's no wonder this destination on the Caribbean Sea is surging in popularity among travelers from all over the world.