TravelHaven Destination — Off-the-beaten-path European cruises

Jolynn Haven — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 20:27:58 +0000

Western Mediterranean cruises along the Spanish, French, and Italian coasts are great, as are Eastern Mediterranean trips that focus on ports in Greece and Turkey and those that concentrate on the Greek Isles sounds. They are charming and romantic and sun-soaked. They even pack in a lot of history and shopping. But if you’ve been there, done that, you might want to consider some alternatives.

A Mediterranean cruise doesn’t have to mean the Riviera coasts. There are fascinating places to visit along the African shore to the south. Smaller ports often have less tourist traffic and serve up new and exotic experiences. Ships may visit Tunisia and Morocco, as well as Corsica, Sardinia, and Malta. Western Mediterranean voyages can include Turkey, Rhodes, Crete, Cyprus, and Egypt

Northern Europe has its own attractions. Cruising the Baltic Sea on a Baltic capitals cruise lets you visit such ports-of-call as Helsinki, St. Petersburg, Tallinn, Estonia; Stockholm, Gdansk, Copenhagen, and Oslo. A Norwegian fjords cruise is a perfect way to see those spectacular fjords. It can be a thrifty alternative for food and lodging in often pricey Scandinavia.

When you think about voyaging in Europe, don’t forget the United Kingdom and Ireland. These islands aren’t of the sun and surf variety, but the cultural experience and shore excursions are fascinating.

Usually, mainstream lines stick to the most popular destinations. More exotic sailings may be offered by the premium and luxury lines. Smaller ships can often visit less common ports than mega-liners, being able to navigate shallower waters and dock at smaller piers.

So get started! Bring your sense of exploration and adventure to your travel agent and find a cruise that everyone hasn’t already done. One that scratches your particular itch.

TravelHaven News Brief – Chinese Quarantine

Jolynn Haven — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 14:11:55 +0000

The U.S. Department of State is alerting U.S. citizens to the quarantine measures imposed by the Government of China in response to the 2009-H1N1 (Swine Flu) pandemic that may affect travel to China. This Travel Alert expires on Sept. 30, 2009. Current quarantine measures in China include placing arriving passengers who exhibit fever or flu-like symptoms into seven-day quarantine. Although the proportion of arriving Americans being quarantined remains low, the random nature of the selection process increases the uncertainty surrounding travel to China. The selection process focuses on those sitting in close proximity to another traveler exhibiting fever or flu-like symptoms or on those displaying an elevated temperature if arriving from an area where outbreaks of 2009-H1N1 have occurred. The State Department has received reports of passengers arriving from areas where outbreaks have occurred (including the U.S. and Mexico) being placed in precautionary quarantine simply because they registered slightly elevated temperatures.

In some instances, children have been separated from their parents because either the parent or the child tested positive for 2009-H1N1 and was placed in quarantine for treatment. This situation presents the possibility of Chinese medical personnel administering medications to minors without first having consulted their parents. The Department of State has received reports about unsuitable quarantine conditions, including the unavailability of suitable drinking water and food, unsanitary conditions, and the inability to communicate with others.

For more information, visit www.travel.state.gov .

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TravelHaven Destination — Off-the-beaten-path European cruises

TravelHaven News Brief – Chinese Quarantine