Category: Travel Tips

2026 Princess Cruises Drinks Packages and Fare Packages – Which One is Best?

This guide has all the information needed to make an informed decision about which Princess cruises drinks package or Princess Fare package to choose. I keep this post updated with the latest Princess Cruises information.

Princess has instituted new rules and prices for their Plus and Premier fare packages, which apply to sailings beginning in 2026. I have updated this article accordingly.

One of the most common questions I see about a Princess cruise is which of the Princess cruises drinks packages or fare packages is the best. I have put together this guide to help cruisers (especially first-time Princess cruisers) make that decision. I keep this post updated with the most current information from Princess.

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My Favorite 25 Things To Do In Chicago Like A Local

I grew up in Chicago and still visit frequently and after traveling the world, it still remains my favorite city. Here is a list of my 25 top things to do in a Chicago.

Frank Sinatra said it best when he sang “My Kind of town Chicago is”. In the “Windy City”, there is a wide range of sights and things to do in Chicago for all interests. Here is my list of the top 25 Chicago attractions in my favorite city.

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Chasing the Aurora Around the World – My Tips to See the Northern Lights

After traveling the globe to personally experience the aurora borealis, these are my tips to see the northern lights.

Seeing the aurora as it undulates across the night sky is an unforgettable experience. I was fortunate to see it for the first time in Alaska. Since then, I’ve chased the northern and (soon) southern lights around the world and have been very fortunate to see them on many occasions.

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Yes, You Should Visit Fairbanks in Winter to See the Northern Lights!

Want to visit Fairbanks in winter? I am sharing my one week itinerary, personal experiences and tips on seeing the northern lights in Fairbanks, along with ideas for other things to do in Fairbanks and the surrounding area.

Alaska is a popular travel destination. With glaciers, an abundance of wildlife, and the tallest mountain in North America, the diversity of things to see and do is as big as the state.

For most people, an Alaska journey usually takes place in the summer months, but not for my husband and me. Always on the lookout for unique travel experiences, we chose to visit Fairbanks in winter because we hoped to see the northern lights.

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After Cruising to Alaska Many Times, These are My Tips for Planning an Alaskan Cruise

After many cruises to Alaska, these are my Alaska cruise planning tips.

There is no doubt that Alaska is a beautiful state. With glacier-studded mountain ranges, rugged coastlines, wildlife galore, and ancient native cultural traditions, it’s no surprise that it is a bucket list destination for many. Cruising southeast Alaska is an easy and (relatively) budget-friendly way to see one of the most scenic parts of this huge state.

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What to do in Burano – My 25 Colorful Photos and Tips for Visiting Burano, Italy

In some ways I love Burano more than Venice – it is so colorful and photogenic. Use these Burano photos as inspiration for visiting Burano. I am also sharing tips for what to do in Burano and tips for why an overnight Burano stay is even better.

I love the little island of Burano, Italy in the Venetian Lagoon. Visiting Burano for a day or half day is a common side trip from Venice, but spending the night was even better. Once the day trippers were gone, I had the island practically to myself – well, along with all the locals of course.

In this guide I share my favorite photos along with many tips on what to do in Burano from all my trips to inspire a day visit or an extended stay on this easy excursion from Venice.

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How to Visit Petra – My Petra Travel Tips For A Perfect First Time Visit

Are you planning to visit Petra? After two trips to Petra, I share this long list of tips to help make your visit to Petra memorable and easy.

There are many wonderful things to do and see in Jordan, but for most, a trip to the Hashemite Kingdom in the Middle East is not complete without a visit to the rose city of Petra.

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13 Petra Photography Tips For All Skill Levels

After visiting Petra twice, I am sharing my Petra photography tips so that you too can have memorable images of your once in a lifetime experience regardless of whether you are using a fancy camera or your smart phone.

Petra was at the top of my travel bucket list for a long time so I was thrilled when I finally had the chance to visit this world famous sight in Jordan.

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Photographing in Antarctica – 19 Antarctica Photography Tips for All Skill Levels

Photographing in Antarctica can be challenging. Whether you use a cell phone or a large digital camera, use these tips to help you get the best possible photos of your once-in-a-lifetime trip.

This story has received an Honorable Mention in the annual Society of American Travel Writers Lowell Thomas competion in the Service Oriented Consumer Work category. This is the premier awards recognition for American travel journalists.

You’ve just booked and paid for that top bucket list trip to Antarctica. It will be your dream trip come true and you want to make sure you come home with the best possible Antarctic photos along with all those special memories.

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My Halkidiki Road Trip Itinerary Lets You Discover This Wonderful Greek Jewel

Use this Greece Halkidiki road trip itinerary to help you discover the best things to see in the Sithonia, Kassandra and Mt. Athos peninsulas.

I was excited to experience the other side of Greece, the Greece beyond Athens and the Cycladic islands in the Aegean.

After a lovely Greek Island cruise followed by a few days in Athens, I was ready to explore Greece off the beaten path. I had read that Halkidiki had its share of Greek historic sights as well as an unlimited variety of beautiful beaches – my perfect combination for an ideal getaway.

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