Mountain City's Travel Blog

Break the boredom of March Break getaways. There’s still time to make March Break about more than the beach. This time of the year presents a whole planet of excitement – and it’s not too late to plan the family break that will create memories of a lifetime. If swapping flip-flops by the pool, with the wonder and exploration that...

Cruise lines love to break records – competing for the biggest ships, introducing firsts-at-sea, and of course, creating record-breaking events that give thousands of guests the chance to make history… well, until the record is broken again! Princess Cruises is no stranger to world records. In 2024, the cruise line set a record for the largest pizza party at sea, with...

Inky, luminous, and subtly sophisticated. There’s a reason Tahitian “black pearls” are among the most sought-after additions to a jewelry box and a coveted memento of what may be the most exotic and romantic escape. Entire honeymoons are designed around visiting exotic lagoons, choosing an heirloom piece of jewelry and returning home with an iridescent miracle of nature in a...

The next 2030 Winter Olympics will be the only Games where you can watch skiing in the morning and sip local Provencal rosé by the Mediterranean in the afternoon. Inspired by the images coming from the Winter Games, and wondering why you aren’t in Europe in the stands? It’s not too early to plan ahead for the next Games –...

When you start to see Easter candy on the shelves, you know it’s time for… Carnival! It’s one of the biggest celebrations – that looks wildly different! - in countries around the world. While always colorful, Carnival is celebrated with such intensely localized traditions that it’s easy to forget that all the Carnivals have the same medieval roots. Christians prepared themselves...

The romance of sailing cruise ships is back, and the new generation of sailing cruise ships has a modern and eco-friendly twist. The latest cruise line to announce it’s building a sailing yacht is Atlas Ocean Voyages, whose new ship – a luxury, expedition sailing yacht – is set to embark on the seas in late 2028. If you’re imagining historic-looking...

France’s legendary Côte d’Azur has long been a fabled coastline of sunshine, glamour, and the good life in true French and Mediterranean style. It’s irresistible! And of course, you’re going to want to bring some of it home as gifts or ways to re-live your vacation in one of the original chic holiday destinations. From pastel fishing villages to seaside promenades,...

If you love the sounds of sails snapping in the tropical breeze, St. Maarten stands out with two iconic ways to discover your inner sailor: the largest regatta in the Caribbean, and the year-round, hands-on 12-Metre Challenge racing experience even landlubbers can win – and which has been voted the #1 shore excursion in the Caribbean for 15 years! At just...

Small-ship cruise line Windstar has christened the first newbuild ship to join its fleet. Star Seeker represents a new class of ships and a new era for the small-ship cruise line, which is already looking forward to the ship’s twin, Star Explorer, to expand its fleet even more. Star Seeker’s Debut in 2026Star Seeker is home to just 224 guests and...

Technology is “no longer a luxury, but the very pulse of global aviation.” Many lists have ranked airports by wait times, missing luggage, and even wellness experiences. Still, a new one evaluates the world’s airports by how they incorporate artificial intelligence, biometrics, digitalization, automation, sustainability-driven smart systems and more as core operational infrastructure – transforming and improving your journeys. The 50...

Sun and sand are relaxing, but if you love the outdoors and getting active among scenery that takes your breath away… these natural wonders in Caribbean islands should inspire your next tropical vacation. Twin Pitons, Saint Lucia The two volcanic spires, dramatically piercing the sky and surrounded by brilliant waters, make the sail-in to Saint Lucia one of the most magnificent in...

'Tis the season for cruise travelers to save! Wave Season is that time of year when cruise lines roll out wave after wave of promotions, perks, and irresistible offers. They’re all competing to capture your attention… which means you get the chance to save, spoil yourself a little, and maybe even try a whole new style of cruising. Lynn Elmhirst, cruise/travel...

Travel beyond ‘the boot’ to Italy’s inspiring islands. With thousands of miles of Mediterranean coastline, some of the best Italian destinations are floating dramatically offshore, from the world-famous to others that feel like secrets shared over a late-night glass of local wine. Travel like someone in the know, island-hopping in Italy with insider info and tips. Sicily Epic, cinematic, and deeply delicious. Famous...

Oceania Cruises has joined an exclusive cruising club, announcing that it’s joining the ranks of cruise lines banning kids. You may be surprised which – and how few - cruise lines are truly adults only. If you’ve done any luxury, especially small-ship cruising, you’re likely used to NOT seeing many children. That’s certainly about to be true on Oceania Cruises. Oceania Cruises...

It’s official: ‘FOMO’ is out. And ‘JOMO’ is in. After years of racing through “bucket lists,” something quieter is reshaping travel. We’re no longer chasing the Fear of Missing Out on travel experiences. Instead, we’re discovering the Joy of Missing Out — and we’re not alone. According to a recent survey for Norwegian Cruise Line, over 70% of travelers are moving...

Every year, “travel more” is in the mix of resolutions. But what travel resolutions can get you from dreaming of a trip… into the beauty and benefits of real travel experiences? Surveys consistently show that nearly two-thirds of Americans leave a third of their vacation time unused, and a quarter of workers don’t take any time off at all! That’s despite mounting...

Wellness travel is being redefined for a new, more aware generation of travelers, and the destinations wellness travelers are seeking combine ancient practices, new approaches and focus on different outcomes. It’s not about counting calories or just getting a massage. Today, it’s about rediscovering your best self — through movement, nourishment, sleep, connection to people and nature, and mindfulness. All...

If you’re the kind of traveler who believes every destination (in fact, every good moment in life!) becomes even better with a glass of something effervescent (excellent life choice), this guide is for you. Sparkling wine isn’t just a drink; it’s a cultural passport. The wine of celebration and occasion is produced in vineyards around the world, and depending on...

The immersive, state-of-the-art culinary theaters feature the ‘Epicurean Passport Series,’ chef-hosted dining, and destination-inspired shore excursions. Epicurean Enrichment Studios debuts in spring 2026 exclusively on board 2 of the ultra-luxury cruise line’s fleet of ships: Seven Seas Mariner and Seven Seas Voyager.  The Epicurean Enrichment Studio was inspired by the phenomenal success of the Culinary Arts Kitchen on board Regent’s newer,...

Christmas has traveled around the world – and along the way, it’s picked up local flavors, traditions and folklore. You may have traveled to sip gluhwein at Germany’s Christmas markets, attend midnight Mass at the Vatican, or even been to Bethlehem at Christmas, but you haven’t really experienced Christmas as a global phenomenon until you’ve explored some of the twists...