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Greetings!
The Colors of Fall
In many locales throughout the United States and the World, Fall is a time for trips to enjoy the breathtaking sites which exhibit the colors of Fall. It may be to observe the intense gold of the Aspens in the West, or it may be to indulge in the stunning array of colors throughout much of our great nation. Some travel experts recommend visiting one of our national parks to find vacation bliss. One park seems to be a favorite among these experts—Great Smoky National Park. An expert writes, “There's perhaps no better way to spend fall in the United States than by exploring the nation's national parks—especially if they include a fantastic kaleidoscope of fall colors." "In the Smokies, hike up to Rainbow Falls or go to Gatlinburg Scenic Overlook; both loved by locals and tourists alike," Buss shared about exactly where to go to see the best fall foliage in the park. "As you explore the winding trails, cozy towns, and fiery colors of fall, the whole region starts to feel like home. One visit during fall and it’s as if you’re practically related to Dolly Parton by the time you leave." Wherever you decide to go, we hope you enjoy this wonderful time of year when temperatures and humidity abate, and nature treats you to this glorious season."
Cruise News
In keeping with the Fall theme, Holland America Line has launched its 2027 Canada and New England season. Volendam and Zuiderdam will operate 20 voyages across 13 itineraries, between seven and fourteen days. Every other major cruise line has likewise published its 2026 and 2027 New England and Canada offerings. As we noted last month, these cruises are extremely popular and sell out quickly. May we help you find the right one for you? Of course, we are also able to help plan a land tour if that is your preference.
Civil unrest has forced Royal Caribbean to extend its pause to all visits to Labadee amid ongoing safety and security concerns. The popular cruise line initially paused visits to Labadee, Haiti, in April 2025, citing political instability, and has now extended the suspension by another year. The destination, located on the country's northern coast, is a private beach resort owned and operated exclusively by Royal Caribbean. In a statement provided to Travel + Leisure, Royal Caribbean said: “Out of an abundance of caution, we have paused our upcoming visits through April 2026. We are communicating with our guests directly.” According to the U.S. Department of State’s travel advisory, Haiti remains at a Level 4: Do Not Travel, the highest level of risk on its scale. The current advisory, last updated on July 15, outlines significant safety concerns related to crime and civil unrest.
Margaritaville at Sea: we will experience this Jimmy Buffett inspired cruise line about the time you are perusing this newsletter, so look for our observations in the next issue. We’ll let you know if “Changes in Latitudes” make for “Changes in Attitudes.”
Sustainable Travel
We have received a few inquiries about sustainable travel. For those of us looking to participate in responsible and sustainable travel, The Nordics continue to set the global benchmark. Across Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden, Greenland, Iceland and the Faroe Islands, the region’s destinations are blending cutting-edge innovation, deep cultural preservation, and regenerative tourism practices to create experiences that align with traveler values while protecting fragile ecosystems. From UNESCO-protected landscapes to zero-emission transport and community-based experiences, the region provides rich storytelling opportunities to inspire bookings and deepen client relationships. We have enjoyed our vacations to Scandinavia and can attest to the intense natural beauty of these areas. Ready to go? Give us a call.
Passport Information
One of the more frustrating situations is sending off your application for a new passport only to receive a notice that your application has been denied. Did you know a wardrobe color choice could send your application straight to the rejection pile? The one color you should absolutely never wear in your passport photo? White. The issue comes down to the United States Department of State's requirement for passport photos to have a white or off-white background. "Because the background must be white or off-white, wearing a white shirt can make you appear to blend into the background and make it hard to see your outline," says David Alwadish, founder and CEO of ItsEasy.com Passport & Visa Services. Alwadish explains that non-compliant photos are the top reason passport applications are suspended or put on hold by the Department of State. Instead of white, choose darker, solid colors that create a strong contrast against the light background.
Promotions
We are inundated every month with promotions from every cruise line and every tour company. The problem for us is that many promotions expire before we can publish our newsletter. So, whenever you see a promotion that is of interest to you, call us or email us immediately, so we can help you take advantage of the promotion.
So, where in the world do you want to go?
Betty & Frank Villani
909-980-6040
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