Movies can take you right to the heart of some of the world’s most romantic, vibrant and adventurous destinations. If you’re doing a lot of streaming these days, here some titles that will let you dream now and travel later. “La La Land,” a love story between a musician and an actress, is a valentine to classic Los Angeles. It was filmed at some of … Continue reading Movies That Inspire Travel

If your favorite TV show or streaming series has inspired your travel dreams, why not plan a trip to see the places where it was filmed?  The Netflix series “Bridgerton,” based on Julia Quinn’s romance novels, explores life among the nobility during England’s 19th-century Regency era. The city of Bath, a 90-minute train ride from London, is a center of Regency history. A Bridgerton tour … Continue reading TV-Inspired Vacations

Whether you enjoy theater, dance, opera, music or you’re just looking for a good laugh, summer is a great time to explore the world of culture while basking in the fresh air.   Here are some ideas to get you started:   The Ravinia Festival, 25 miles north of Chicago, presents more than 100 concerts from May 20 to Sept. 18. Nestled in a 36-acre park in … Continue reading Summer Cultural Festivals

If you have visiting a national park on your travel bucket list, this a good time to plan that dream vacation ahead of the summer rush. And if you’re a veteran park visitor, you know there’s always more to see.   Here’s some of what’s coming up for 2022.  The National Park Service offers free entrance days during the year, including April 16, the first day … Continue reading Visiting National Parks in 2022

If modern life has left you running on empty and yearning for more authentic experiences, then the island of Ireland is the perfect antidote. Ireland is more than just a destination, it’s a feeling. Ireland doesn’t do seasons: year-round, it will refill your heart with the joyful love of life. And the great news is that it’s only a six-to seven-hour flight away. Things to do … Continue reading Fill Your Heart With Ireland

If you’re looking for vacation with sun, sand and lots to do away from the beach but you’re not ready to travel abroad, consider these two destinations on opposite coasts: Santa Monica, California, and the Palm Beaches region of Florida.  Set along a 3½-mile stretch of coastline just south of Malibu, Santa Monica has the laid-back vibe of a beach town along with celebrated hotels … Continue reading Beach Vacations Stateside

You’ve booked your vacation and now the time to leave has arrived. Here are some tips to make sure everything goes smoothly.  First, it’s a good idea to make a checklist of the things you need to do — and bring with you — in the days leading up to your trip. Don’t forget to include items like medications and travel documents. Then you can … Continue reading Pre-Vacation Checklist

With the COVID vaccine now available to younger children, many parents who’ve stayed close to home for the past couple of years are planning a family vacation in 2022.   Just as adults have missed traveling to new and exciting destinations, kids have missed those opportunities, too. And just like adults, they have their bucket list of places they’d like to visit.   One way to make this first family trip in … Continue reading Family Travel

When you need a vacation that really takes you away from the stresses of everyday life, a remote destination can be the perfect spot to unwind and relax.  Depending on your travel style, remote can mean a resort hidden in the wilderness, set along a rugged landscape, or located on a private island. Here are a few examples of properties that are part of Travel Leaders’ SELECT program, where you’ll be … Continue reading Remote Vacation Ideas

The holiday season is a popular time to get engaged, so if there’s a wedding in your future, here are some top honeymoon destinations according to a recent survey by wedding planning website The Knot.  Hawaii is number one on the list, and there’s a lot to choose from among the major islands. On Oahu, you’ll find the capital, Honolulu, iconic Waikiki Beach and historic sites like the Pearl Harbor National Memorial. Maui offers luxury resorts, the scenic … Continue reading Honeymoon Destinations