Yes, of course, the four Central European capitals we visited on our Danube River Cruise with Grand Circle – Prague, Czech Republic, Vienna, Austria, Bratislava, Slovakia and Budapest, Hungary – all wrapped in wonder, overwhelmed with their impressive history, expansive promenades and architectural grandeur. But it was an experience in Linz in Upper Austria that most impacted me.

Over 26% of the Netherlands is under sea level. For centuries the Dutch have battled against the water and with a system of polders, dykes and weirs have a well-managed way of keeping the water at bay. This creates a beautiful and unique landscape across the country.

So yes, of course, the highlights of our Blue Danube River Cruise with Grand Circle Tour Company were the four European capitals we were visiting: Prague, Czech Republic, Vienna, Austria, Bratislava, Slovakia and Budapest, Hungary. But it was the many surprises surrounding the experiences on the ship that truly enhanced the trip.

Are you wondering if a cruise holiday is right for you? There are also many hidden benefits of cruising that might surprise you... The airplane cabin of the future will include luggage bins that glow red when they’re full, seats tailored to passenger preferences and seat belts that alert cabin crew when they’re unbuckled, according to Airbus.

There are plenty of exciting destinations that may not be new, but they are emerging as exciting destinations worthy of a visit. Plus, the crowds haven’t gotten to them yet... Inspirato announced the nationwide rollout of a new subscription service offering unlimited access to 60,000 luxury villas, estates, hotels and resorts around the world for $2500 a month.

OK, hear me out on this because what I’m going to share with you is not only surprising, but also – in my humble view – almost unknown. Which is why I call my features “Travel With A Difference.”

Driving through the mountains of Bosnia, it’s easy to become enchanted by the verdant beauty of this little visited Balkan country. It’s also easy to forget it’s one of Europe’s poorest countries, and that through the 1990’s, it was torn by the worst ethnic warfare Europe has seen since the Second World War.

Inkaterra, Peru’s leading hotel group in sustainable tourism and hotel development, has succeeded in making Machu Picchu Pueblo the first city in Latin America to manage 100% of its solid waste... Karnika, the first cruise ship to be operated by Jalesh Cruises, itself the first-ever domestically owned mainstream cruise line in India, has made her maiden port call in Dubai.

British Airways has used facial-recognition technology to streamline the boarding process for more than 250,000 passengers traveling internationally from US airports... When flying, the following seven behaviors should be avoided at all costs... The Loro Parque Foundation warns that there are increasingly more inhabitants and endangered species whilst the forests and animal populations decline...

Will you be visiting Holland in spring? Then be sure to visit Keukenhof, where you will experience the gorgeous views of blooming Dutch tulips and other flowers for which Holland is famous... There’s always a good reason to come to Québec City!... If you want a jaw-dropping shoreline without the sunburned tourists and splashing masses, head for one of these lesser-known gems that are just as dazzling.