Yosemite & Sequoia: John Muir’s California with Tauck

Last summer I had the great fortune to travel to San Francisco, Sequoia National Park, Kings Canyon and Yosemite National Park on an itinerary crafted by Tauck and the great documentary film director, Ken Burns. The tour introduces travelers to the history of the U.S. National Parks, as well as the early battles and current efforts to create, save and expand the National Park system. We walked in the footsteps of naturalist and conservationist John Muir, who helped to preserve large tracts of California wilderness.Continue reading

Getting the “Insider Experience” in Italy with Trafalgar Tours

Some people like to take vacations without a real plan in mind: They want to be open to experiencing whatever strikes them on a given day. That can be a fine, spontaneous way to travel.

On the other hand, having a plan and some guidance can really help you get the most out of your time on a trip. Vacations can’t last forever, and you don’t want to have any days where you don’t have anything to do, or any regrets about missing something special. The “Trafalgar Insider Experience” is a great way to do that, as Trafalgar Tours can provide you with a number of unique experiences, based on their use of local guides and their travel directors’ years of experience.

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A Primer To Italy

A First-timer’s Guide To Italy
Italy has long stood as a popular travel destination, and it’s not hard to see why. Italy has a rich cultural history, from the Roman Empire to the Renaissance, and is full of art and architecture that reflects that history. Its Mediterranean climate makes visiting a pleasant experience at almost any time of year. The geography is gorgeous, from the beaches of southern Italy to the hills and mountains of the north.

It’s still possible to have a bad experience if you aren’t prepared, though. While there are plenty of sights to keep you entertained, you don’t want to be miserable because you got ripped off by a taxi or failed to bring adapters to make your electrical devices compatible. It’s very possible if you don’t know what to expect. Here are some basic trips to help you prepare for your first trip to Italy.

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Destination Spotlight: Ireland & The Gathering

AffordableTours.com Presents Destination Spotlight: Ireland & The Gathering

Ever wanted to learn how to Riverdance? Or see how Jameson is made? Or are you just fond of Ireland and Irish culture in general? The Gathering may be the place for you, and AffordableTours can take you there.

The Gathering is the name for the year-long celebration of all things Irish that takes place all across the Emerald Isle. The Gathering is actually a collection of many smaller, local events, also called Gatherings, which take place all across the country and celebrate different aspects of Irish culture. If you have any interest at all in Irish culture, there will be something here for you.Continue reading

New Orleans and Louisiana are Back on Track!

By: Luis Herrera
AffordableTours.com Tour Consultant

I’ve just returned from an awe-inspiring trip to Cajun Country Louisiana (Baton Rouge and New Orleans) where I had the opportunity to visit a few plantations and sites of historical importance. First on my lists of sites was the impressive Louisiana State Capitol building which is listed as a National Historic Landmark and built on the former grounds of LSU (Louisiana State University). Standing tall at 34 stories, Louisiana’s State Capitol building holds two proud distinctions; the tallest building in Baton Rouge and the tallest capitol building in the United States. I was surprised to learn that Huey Long, Louisiana’s 40th Governor was buried on the grounds of the capitol which was a project he championed as governor.Continue reading