They are some of the most recognized structures in the world and perhaps the most photographed. Maybe the fascination is just that they are located near where the land ends or maybe it’s there singular purpose; to stand as a beacon. to sailors at sea.
We have over a hundred lighthouses in or photo library and are encountering new ones.
Planning A Cruise? Start With The Intentional Travelers Port Guides
There are more cities worthy of visiting in Italy than almost anywhere else in Europe. If you’re plans include a trip to this amazing country be sure and allow enough time to explore not just the amazing history but soak up its vibrant culture, cuisine and get to know the locals.
One this page we offer a collection of links to help plan your time in Italy…
If you need to pick a place to start experiencing Italy, start in Rome. From the iconic wonders of the Roman Empire to Vatican City to this vibrant city itself, Rome will live with you forever.
Florence is the city where the Renascence first blossomed. Its culture and history are inspiring as you explore the many museums, palaces and cathedrals .
There is an expression “see Venice and die” suggesting that once you have witnessed the beauty of Venice, there is nothing left to see or do in life that comes near. It may be true…
This east coast city was once the Capital of the Roman Empire and a city renowned for its stunning, well-preserved Byzantine mosaics, which date back to the 5th and 6th centuries and are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
One of Italy’s major seaports and gateway to the iconic coastal town of Sorento along with the archeological site of Pompeii, Naples has much to see and do.
Civitavecchia is one of Europes busiest cruise ports and the official port for cruising from Rome. But don’t overlook this interesting city.
Once a city state that rivaled the wealth and power of Venice, Genoa is all too often overlooked by cruises as a port of call. Set aside time to visit this historic city.
Just a little over 25 miles south of the seaport of Genoa, Italy is a small peninsula that’s been a popular resort area for decades. Picturesque houses cling to the cliffs that rise from the azure Tyrrhenian Sea
Planning A Cruise? Start With The Intentional Travelers Port Guides
You can make your own travel plans and reservations but in many cases there’s a better option. After decades of international and domestic travel, with over fifty cruises, more flights than we could count and hundreds of hotel bookings we’ve learned when to book directly and when to seek professional assistance.
Our first recommendation is to find a local travel agent you can work with. They will have lots of resources at their disposal and their services will normally not cost you anything. They can even save you some money at times and are a valuable contact while traveling if you need help.
Often before we contact our travel agent we explore a number of options with an online travel site. Our preference is Expedia for a number of reasons. Their resources are extensive, prices are generally good and we have little issues when we book. We have used other sites in the past like Booking.com and had serious problems. It’s also important to understand that some areas travel usually don’t get commission, like airfare.
Our agent is affiliated with Avoya and is someone we’ve worked with for years and consider her a friend. There have been more than a few times that she has rescued us while traveling internationally and often saves us money.
Click the Avoya logo to find an agent near you or click HERE to find out more about using a travel agent.
Travel planning takes time and requires numerous online resources. Our approach involves starting with a destination, reviewing transportation and accommodation options while exploring local history and highlights we shouldn’t miss.
Besides our agent we also regularly book through a selection of travel companies listed here. While there is a large number of other options we have used all of these a number of times and generally have been pleased enough to use them often.
Guided Tours
As you make travel plans one thing at the top of most lists is – “What to see and how to go about it?” Viator provides guided tours all around the world featuring knowledgable guides for groups and individuals.
A number of years ago we were planning a trip to Peru and Ecuador that included air travel, hotels and specific destinations. After we had a bottom line for costs, friends let us know they were considering the same itinerary but were booking with a specific travel company (exoticca). When we compared costs, it turned out their booking was almost half our estimated cost!? We joined them and booked together. Since that time we have booked a number of exoticca tours. For more on our experiences with exoticca click HERE.
Packaged Tours
All inclusive tours to destinations world wide. Most include air fare, hotels, local tours and a number of meals all at very reasonable costs.
Of course exoticca is not the only option and we’ve talked with a number of people who have been pleased using Intrepid Travel, Globus, Trafalgar and several more but exoticca is the one we currently use and are generally pleased with.
Our preference has been and still is, to do our own research and plan our own itinerary when visiting a city 0r location. Cruise port visits with time limitations often require us to book tours through the ship or preferably with local guides**. The two we most often check on and book with are Get Your Guide and Viator and usually select on the basis of the tour descriptions and cost.
Get Your Guide provides guided tours all around the world featuring knowledgable guides for groups and individuals.
Noted as a family oriented cruise company, RCL offers itineraries worldwide from a few days to weeks.
Since 1999 we’ve done a lot of cruising. Our first experience was taking our family on a cruise with Royal Caribbean and were thrilled. Since that cruise we have traveled with Carnival, mostly shorter Caribbean cruises and Celebrity Cruises for longer and more distant itineraries. Each one has a different character but we’ve not been disappointed with them.
Thinking about a cruise? Carnival is a leader in moderate priced cruising. Click below to visit their website.
For just browsing cruise deals one of the best options we’ve found is CruiseWatch which regularly displays a range of cruise listings that include prices and several cruise lines.
Viking River
A highly respected river cruising company with amazing itineraries and top-shelf service.
Our experience is with Viking but we have travel friends that swear by Emerald along with Avalon so shop around for itineraries and value.
Those Big Red Buses
Usually we have ignored those Red Bus tours but recently we’ve decided they can be a valuable resource
We have taken a few river cruises and, thus far, only with Viking. We recognize that Viking is a premium option and we’ve been very pleased with the itineraries and the level of service. We have travel friends that only use Emerald and rave about the service as well.
This article is a first but with the intention of enlarging it and updating it on a regular basis. We encourage our subscribers and visitors to send us their recommendations through comments below or email us at theintentionaltraveler@gmx.com with input and recommendations…
Planning A Cruise? Start With The Intentional Travelers Port Guides
I’m not sure how she got out there, especially with her cellphone, but it asks interesting questions…
This image was taken on a day spent visiting Vietnam’s most popular beach resort. Nha Trang is a busy, developed beach town with a long stretch of golden sand, clear blue water, and a vibrant center of international tourism with a wide range of amenities, including numerous hotels, restaurants, and bars, as well as water sports including a number of great diving opportunities.
Planning A Cruise? Start With The Intentional Travelers Port Guides
Going to Nevis from St. Kitts (Basseterre) is a popular day excursion to visit its beaches and upscale resorts. Only a thirty to forty minute ferry ride with a round trip costing only about US$24.
The twin island nation of Saint Kitts and Nevis gained full independence from Great Britain in 1983. The country is a federation with a unique constitutional provision that gives the island of Nevis a high degree of autonomy and the right to secede if a two-thirds majority of its citizens vote for it. The population of the island of Nevis is 13,180 according to the 2021-2022 census and represents about 26% of the total population of the Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis.
Basseterre
Port Zante St. Kitts
If you’re interested in visiting St. Kitt’s sister island of Nevis while spending time in the port of Basseterre there are a number of tours available. starting from US$100 per person that can be booked with companies like Viator (example click HERE). There are water taxis between the two islands that start from about US$40 each way, but the least expensive option is to catch a scheduled ferry. There are several ferry docks available around the island but the most convenient to the cruise port (Port Zante) is located at the Basseterre Ferry Dock with fares starting at US$12 each way.
All the ferries are independent concessions and at the Basseterre Ferry Terminal ticket windows open to sell tickets for each ferry before its scheduled departure. Because they are independently operated it’s best to buy one way tickets. Return ferries from Nevis work much the same way but be careful to catch the ferry back to Basseterre Ferry Terminal.
Getting to the Ferry Dock is only a 10 to 15 minute walk from the Port Zante cruise pier and it’s located right next to the Basseterre bus terminal. The ticket offices accept cash only both EC and US$. The trip takes about 40 minutes and the ferry will dock on Nevis right in Charlestown. There are a number of attractions near town like the Hot Springs, a craft village and the Nevis Museum but it will require a taxi to visit the resorts or go up on the mountain.
Planning A Cruise? Start With The Intentional Travelers Port Guides
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On a recent visit to Antigua W.I. we had an opportunity to experience LaBelle Vue. This well equipped micro-hotel is located in a quiet neighborhood on a hillside with breathtaking views of the sea. Only a short drive from the international airport the on site owner/manager can quickly arrange for a rental car to be delivered for use during your stay. But maybe we should let LaBelle Vue speak for itself…
Welcome to Labellevue Antigua – Your Exclusive Hideaway
Discover the ultimate Caribbean escape at Labelle Vue Antigua. Nestled atop a hill with stunning ocean views, our boutique hotel offers a perfect blend of luxury and tranquility. Enjoy our elegantly designed rooms, world-class amenities, and personalized service, all set against the breathtaking backdrop of Antigua’s natural beauty.
Soak in panoramic ocean views, relax in elegantly designed rooms, and enjoy personalized service tailored just for you. Whether you’re here for tranquility or adventure, this micro-hotel offers the perfect fusion of comfort and style.
Whether you’re here for a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or an adventure-filled holiday, Labelle Vue Antigua promises an unforgettable experience. Explore the island with our convenient car rental service and indulge in the best of local attractions.
Saint John’s, Antiguas
LaBelle Vue is gaining favor with Digital Nomads featuring a peaceful environment equipped with reliable high speed internet and featuring affordable rates.
Contact Us For Availability Here
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Planning A Cruise? Start With The Intentional Travelers Port Guides
The Intentional Travelers 