An AmaWaterways river cruise is much more than a vacation…it’s a collection of unforgettable travel experiences, both onboard and off. What kinds of adventures and activities might you experience on your first AmaWaterways river cruise? We give you the inside scoop below:

What is it like to sail on a floating boutique hotel, you may ask? Unlike any hospitality experience you have likely had before. With a name like Ama ("Ama" means love), you can be certain that luxury and love are at the heart of each AmaWaterways sailing, and this starts with their award-winning fleet of ships. Here is everything you need to know about AmaWaterways amenities and accommodations:

If you are planning your first AmaWaterways river cruise through Europe, Africa or Asia, prepare yourself for world-class luxury, one-of-a-kind local experiences, a staff that sparkles, and a truly memorable culinary adventure unlike any other. We know that traveling is more than just experiencing a place. It is about connection. Often a deeper connection with yourself, the locals, your travel partner or your fellow travelers. The connection that takes place over a thoughtfully prepared meal or a perfect glass of wine (or that specialty beer being enjoyed in a new place) is palpable. If you love to experience exquisite locally-inspired haute cuisine, as well as traditional Western offerings, get ready. AmaWaterways treats its guests to world-class culinary acumen aboard every ship.

I experienced another first on my most recent trip to Costa Rica, the Cloud Forest! One of the things I have always loved about this beautiful country is the diversity. This applies to the wildlife, the flora, the foods and the climate.

I recently spent a week on the beautiful and remote Osa Peninsula of Southwest Costa Rica. In all my years of traveling here, this is the first time I ventured into this region and of course I fell in love with the area.

Culinary delights, European-style grandeur, bubbles and bites. Summer is the perfect time to explore this unique winegrowing region, and there is something for everyone. Surrounded by lush gardens, vineyards and mountains, the Wine Country offers a rustic-chic atmosphere that is sure to be your peaceful retreat.

How many of you are old enough to remember the Mervyn’s Department Store commercials with the woman tapping on the glass door saying “open, open, open”? Well, that is kind of how we are all feeling in the Travel Industry. BUT, I’m here to tell you, there are several locations that are indeed Open, and more and more opening on a regular basis. Yes there are requirements (COVID testing, vaccines, travel insurance, etc.) but the World is opening, and there has never been a better time to plan your 2021, and all of 2022 vacations!

There is something tremendously exciting about twilight hours in the African bush. As darkness sneaks in, the trees almost become works of art against the sunset, owls and nightjars replace the cheerful chirps of daytime birds, and predators prowl from their afternoon resting spots.

I’ve realized that the planning, anticipation, excitement, and let’s not forget the SHOPPING, can be just about as much fun as the actual vacation itself. As I prepare for my upcoming Costa Rica adventure, I get that great feeling deep in my soul. I’ve pulled out, and literally dusted off my suitcases after almost 18 months of non-use. I dragged out the passports, and have looked at them about 20 times, to make sure they are the correct ones and not expired. I’m making lists of what to wear, pack, bring for the plane. And let’s not forget about the SHOPPING!

Botswana offers an amazing diversity of fauna and flora and often clients wonder how they will be able to see everything in one trip! Fortunately, all of the prime areas are easily linked by safari transfer flights that are not only convenient, but offer spectacular views along the way. Bearing this in mind, the best Botswana safaris include a combination of camps in “wet”, “woodland”, and “desert” ecosystems.

Guaro is the national alcoholic drink of Costa Rica and has become the trademark liquor associated with the country, much like Pisco is in Peru or tequila in Mexico. The name is derived from ‘Aguardiente’, which literally translates as ‘burning water’. This clear spirit is made from distilled sugar cane, deriving from the same family as rum. However, unlike rum, which contains rich flavorings from products such as molasses, this spirit lacks that depth in taste. Often compared to the properties of vodka, it has a clear, slightly sweet and pleasingly smooth taste.

It’s great to be back in Costa Rica! I am currently on a four-week exploration of some areas I have not visited before, as well as going back to some old favorites. This first week I headed East to the Caribbean Coast in advance of a group I want to bring in 2022 to see the nesting and hatching of the sea turtles that northeast Costa Rica is famous for.

When I think of Telluride, I picture myself surrounded by massive snow capped mountains adorned with frozen crystal blue waterfalls, coyotes casually walking through the fields, and the sweetest village bustling with smiling faces. It was majestic and spectacularly inspiring.

People always ask me what my favorite Greek island is. And I always tell them that this would be like asking which of my children is my favorite; I love them all. Yet they each have their special characteristics and beauty, their quirks and endearing qualities. They are different, but equally loveable. I can’t say that I’ve ever visited an island and not been enchanted by some aspect of its unique magic, yet if I’m being completely honest, there are a few that have captivated me more than others.