by Brad Smith | May 6, 2020 | Cruises, Europe, River Cruises
European river cruising offers something for all types of adventurers. From wine lovers to history lovers to hiking fans, any personal interest can be met with a customized, themed travel itinerary. Travel in your own personal style while also meeting like-minded cruisers. (more…)
by Brad Smith | Feb 25, 2020 | Advice, Europe, Food
It was mid-March and I was on the hunt for food, perched along the Grand Parade in Cork City, near the River Lee — one of many urban rivers that punctuate Ireland’s major cities. But I’m not paying much attention to the water. I’m waiting on people — several thousand of them — to flow past in the St. Patrick’s Day parade, full of bright costumes, music and movement. (more…)
by Michael Kerbelis | Jun 28, 2019 | Adventure, Europe, Scotland
Last month, the Southern Travel Agency team sent clients Tim and Summer Bell on an exciting Scotland vacation to celebrate their 10-year wedding anniversary in Europe. We couldn’t wait to hear all about how the couple celebrated this special milestone abroad, and to share the fun details with you! From the medieval streets of Edinburgh to the majestic Highlands landscape, read on as Summer brings us back to their Scottish sojourn. (more…)
by Michael Kerbelis | Apr 10, 2019 | Advice, Cruises, Europe
When our client, Phil Motes, told us he wanted to plan a special vacation in honor of his daughter’s college graduation, we knew they would love to go on one of the top river cruises in Europe as the perfect way to celebrate. (more…)
by Brad Smith | Feb 4, 2019 | Europe, France
Paris, 2/1/19, Café Procope, in rue de l’Ancienne Comédie, 6th arrondissement, 5 pm. We arrived Café Procope after snaking through the backstreets and across the avenues; its not a likely place to stop, and not one on most peoples itineraries. Nothing calls attention to it’s modest exterior, except maybe the sketch of Benjamin Franklin featured prominently underneath a warm Edison lightbulb in the window. For an American though, this is perhaps the most important place to stop in a city positively bursting with places to have a pause and a ponder, a moment to marvel, pull up for a pig in a poke. (more…)
by Michael Kerbelis | Sep 28, 2018 | Europe, River Cruises
Castles flanked by centuries-old ruins crumbling into the countryside. Vineyards with endless rows of vines heavy with grapes just waiting to be plucked. The glittering lights of romantic cities, where cobblestone streets twist past a mix of medieval, renaissance and Belle Epoque architecture. You can see it all on the best river cruises in Europe! (more…)
by Brad Smith | Jul 14, 2018 | Advice, Europe, Greece
Santorini Travel – Client Italy and Greece Travel Journal: The following entry is an excerpt from Esther’s own travel journal. Our Augusta team of experienced travel agents are excited to share her travel story. (more…)
by Brad Smith | Jul 2, 2018 | Advice, Europe, Italy
Sorrento and Amalfi Coast Travel – Client Italy Travel Journal: The following entry is an excerpt from Esther’s own vacation journal. We were honored to help Esther plan her exploration of these beautiful European countries. Our Augusta team of experienced travel agents are excited to share her travel story.
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by Brad Smith | Jun 30, 2018 | Advice, Europe, Italy
Rome Travel – Client Italy Travel Journal: The following entry is an excerpt from Esther’s own vacation journal. Our Augusta travel expert team was honored to help Esther plan her exploration of this beautiful European country, and we are excited to share her travel story. (more…)
by Brad Smith | Jun 25, 2018 | Advice, Europe, Italy
Tuscany Travel – Client Italy Travel Journal: The following entry is an excerpt from Esther’s own vacation journal. Our travel advisor team here here at Southern Travel Agency were honored to help Esther plan her exploration of these beautiful countries, and we are excited to share her story. (more…)
by Brad Smith | Jun 12, 2018 | Advice, Europe, Italy
Florence Travel – Client Italy Vacation Journal: The following entry is an excerpt from Esther’s own travel journal where she visited Florence on her Italy and Greece vacation. Our Augusta team of experienced travel agents were honored to help Esther plan her exploration of these beautiful European countries, and we are excited to share her travel story. (more…)
by Brad Smith | May 21, 2018 | Europe, Italy
Italy Luxury Travel – Our Client Esther’s Vacation Journal: Sometimes travel can become more meaningful than to simply “make a journey, of some length or abroad.” This was certainly the case for our client Esther Murray and her vacation through Italy and Greece. Her dear friend and travel companion passed away a month before their planned luxury Europe vacation, but Esther knew what she had to do for her friend and for herself. (more…)
by Michael Kerbelis | Apr 28, 2018 | Anniversaries, Couples, Cruises, Europe, France
Our clients Jeffrey and Kathleen Gingera recently packed their bags and jetted off to France — their dream destination — to celebrate their 45th wedding anniversary. We caught up with Jeffrey and Kathleen to learn more about their France trip, including an exciting cruise trip and city activities that are absolute must-dos, and what they would choose to pass on if they could do it all again:
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by Michael Kerbelis | Mar 12, 2018 | Caribbean, Cruises, Europe, Family, North America
Long lines, crowded photo opps, and “kid-friendly” (aka boooring) food options …. That’s what many people imagine when they think about a theme park vacation. Luckily, Disney makes it easy to upgrade the theme park resort experience with luxury add ons. Plus, Disney has expanded outside of the theme park resort vacation with travel options that make Disney fans and general luxury travelers alike say “wow!” Explore our favorite luxury Disney vacation options below: (more…)
by Michael Kerbelis | Mar 10, 2018 | Cruises, Europe
Our clients Kathy and Steve Rotert took a travel risk, one that paid off big time. They decided to take a romantic European river cruise down the Danube, even though they never river cruised before. The result?
The couple will never return to their old way of traveling again! Read on to discover why this type of travel captured Steve and Kathy’s hearts:
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by Michael Kerbelis | Mar 6, 2018 | Europe, France
Never thought luxury European vacations was quite in your grasp — too out-there, too foreign, too unaffordable? We’d argue that’s just not the case! The truth is, right now is a great time to start planning first-time travel to Europe, since you’ll currently find pretty competitive pricing for European vacations on airline seats and accommodations. In fact, you can plan a whole escape for not much more than you’d spend on a resort vacation in the Caribbean or Mexico. You just have to be open to new experiences, ones that can broaden your mind — and just maybe change your life forever. Photo by Jad Limcaco on Unsplash (more…)
by Michael Kerbelis | Feb 24, 2018 | Europe, Family, Food
Some people travel for a sense of adventure, while others just want to unwind and relax. But almost all travelers look forward to tasting something new on vacation. Get in touch with your inner foodie with these four can’t-miss culinary experiences on your foodie trip in vacation hot spots around the world. Photo by Mike Fox on Unsplash
by Michael Kerbelis | Feb 12, 2018 | Europe, Family, Groups, Italy
Italy is one of those European destinations that you can never grown tired of. That’s why we love creating custom family group trips to Italy! There’s always something new to discover — which is why West Virginia resident Andrew Kinsey, along with his wife, brother, and sister-in-law, decided to return. From the breathtaking vistas of the Cinque Terre cliffside towns to the winding alleys and waterways of romantic Venice, here’s what Andrew and his travel companions discovered on this European trip:
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by Michael Kerbelis | Feb 10, 2018 | Adventure, Europe, Family, France
Family vacations are the perfect time to strengthen bonds while traveling with teenagers, go on new adventures together, and create family memories that will last a lifetime. But if you’re the parent or grandparent of a tween or teenager, you know how hard it can be to get kids at this age to get excited about anything — even a vacation! Instead of seeing the sights with the family, tweens and teenagers are too busy rolling their eyes or texting on their iPhones to notice. But traveling with your older kids can be rewarding, if you know how to keep them interested. Our client Kari Baker shares her family travel experiences about her fantastic 10-day trip to Lucerne, Paris, and London with her husband and 12-year-old twin daughters.
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by Michael Kerbelis | Dec 15, 2017 | Adventure, All Inclusive, Beaches, Caribbean, Couples, Europe, Honeymoons, North America, Resorts, Romantic, Sandals, Vacations
Are you making your must-visit travel list for the new year? From quaint, cobblestone-streets in Europe to sun-soaked beaches in the Caribbean, there are so many wonderful places to explore. That can make narrowing down your list a tough job! Luckily, our travel experts here at Southern Travel Agency are ready to help. Whether you’re looking for a romantic just-for-two escape or a heart-pumping adventure through breathtaking wilderness, you’ll love our picks for the top travel destinations 2018. (more…)