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Critics Choice Vacations
Alaska Railroad - Denali Park, Alaska
The Alaska Rail Road offers various routes for passenger traffic (tours, group specials, individuals, etc.) between many of the famous cities in Alaska. They offer the Coastal Classic Train which traces the scenic Turnagain Arm from Anchorage to Seward. The Glacier Discovery Train which curves around the Cook Inlet, giving passengers frequent spottings of beluga whales in the waters below and dahl sheep along the rocks above. The Denali Star Train (featured above) offers passengers a fantastic journey to visit Alaska's most popular national park. The 365-mile route provides frequent views of Mt. McKinley and offers spectacular first-class travel with GoldStar Service. The Aurora Winter Train, whispers its way past snow-blanketed landscapes, through the peaceful land of the Aurora Borealis. Arctic-blue skies backdrop glimpses of Denali and some of Alaska's most inspiring scenery. Lastly, the Hurricane Turn Train is a one of a kind, flag-stop train which runs between Talkeetna and Hurricane Gulch, threading its way along the Susitna River. Many of these Train routes can be booked together with a plethora of Alaska Cruise Tours. Now is the time to start planning for the 2008 Alaska Cruise Season! Email soon for more details! (Thanks to JAD for the use of her photo!)
Like so many other parents this Fall, my husband and I became “Empty Nesters”. Our baby girl, and youngest of three was heading off to college and we were faced with the reality of being alone for the first time in 26 years. We decided that this was a life milestone that we should observe, rather than dread. We had spent years devoting endless time and energy to our children and now they were all out in the world as healthy, happy, productive members of society. We had much to celebrate. So, after dropping our daughter off at college we traveled to Montana’s Paradise Valley and spent a few days at Sage Lodge to mark this special occasion. Montana’s Paradise Valley starts near Livingston, which sits on I-90, and stretches south along highway 89 towards Yellowstone National Park. It is the major river valley of the Yellowstone River and is flanked by the Gallatin and Absaroka Ranges. Highway 89 was the original entrance into Yellowstone National Park, although there are now two additional entrances, one each in Montana and Wyoming. Along with its unmatched beauty and world-class fly fishing on the river, the valley also offers other natural wonders such as several natural hot springs.
Ernest Hemingway once described Switzerland as “a small, steep country, much more up and down than sideways, and stuck all over with large brown hotels built on the cuckoo clock style of architecture.” Susan’s recent travels between Geneva and Zurich proves that a lot has changed in the Swiss hotel scene since Hemingway’s observation. While she has lots of experience setting up pre- and post-river cruise activities and private trips in the area, this “self-imposed” familiarization was to acquaint herself with Virtuoso’s Swiss properties. Susan’s excited to share her thoughts on this diverse list of hotels, as well as the historic cities they call home.
This past fall, Susan was invited to sit on the Advisory Board for the German National Tourism Offices out of New York City. In partnership to boost tourism to Germany, she toured two of the country’s most iconic cities. From the eclectic coffee and artistic scenes of Hamburg, to an exploration of the tumultuous history of Berlin, there was a lot to take in. Susan hopes her journey will shed light on why Germany should be the destination of your next European vacation. Below you’ll find some incredible places to stay, cuisine to sample, and experiences that will put the discovery of German culture at the forefront of your travels.
With Paris and Rome, London forms the trifecta of must-visit cities for those first taking the dive into European culture. A hub of history, politics, architecture (both very old and very new), and the arts, London has a little bit to offer everyone. This November, Susan had the opportunity to tour over a dozen of the city’s best boutique hotels so you know where to stay during your visit. In addition, Susan also toured some of the charming villages that surround London that are perfect for a day trip, or quick weekend, to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. She hopes her exploration of this British metropolis will help you know where to start when planning your first (or next) European getaway.
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