Mountain City's Travel Blog

The COVID-19 pandemic kept everyone at home, resulting in an unexpected and heartening clearing of skies and revival of Mother Nature in surprising places. But one thing that continues to disappear from the world… is darkness.Light pollution doesn’t just prevent you from seeing the constellations in the middle of the city. Light spilling far into the countryside interferes with nocturnal creatures’ ability...

These historic photos and delightful vintage posters trace one of the longest journeys of any cruise line. Holland America Line commemorates its 147th anniversary in April 2020. While 147 years is not the round number milestone that usually marks big anniversary celebrations, this anniversary takes place while travel has paused globally and HAL cruise operations have temporarily ceased for only the...

That phrase seems the best way to sum up the business of travel these days. Most of us remain self-isolating at home for our own safety and the safety of our communities. Travel is at a standstill. As of this week, every cruise ship in the world is at anchor, and one airline has even announced it is temporarily canceling all flights...

While we are all practicing #StaySafeStayHome, it can be hard to stay positive or be optimistic that things we love and used to take for granted will return.  We can’t wait to be able to gather again with family and friends, celebrate holidays, go to concerts and festivals and markets and games… and travel. Right now, travel may seem distant on the...

It’s a paradise where Mexico’s Sea of Cortez meets the Pacific. Los Cabos has become synonymous with a chic coastal retreat for Hollywood celebrities and global jetsetters.The southern tip of the Baja Peninsula teems with luxury beachside resorts and spas, where stylish people relax, go golfing, horseback riding, and dancing til dawn.But Cabo is first and foremost about the sea. Its...

From rivers, to oceans and lakes… and now to America’s heartland. Viking Cruises has announced it will cruise the Mississippi between St. Louis and New Orleans beginning in 2022.The company’s first custom vessel, purpose-made in America for these iconic river itineraries, is named Viking Mississippi and debuts in August 2022.  It will be the largest and most modern ship in the...

You know the rum, but do you know the story? Bacardi is the world’s most famous rum, but it’s also the largest private, family-owned spirits company in the world.When the first Bacardi traveled from Spain to Cuba in the early 1800’s, he tasted a raw local spirit made from sugar cane. Recognizing the potential, the wine merchant worked to refine rum. Bacardi...

 The COVID-19 pandemic is cancelling Easter celebrations large and small around the world. Thousand-year-old cathedrals will make history as they remain empty and silent.Enter Andrea Angel Bocelli.Celine Dion has said that, 'if God has a singing voice, he must sound a lot like Andrea Bocelli.'The Italian tenor who made pop music audiences fall in love with classical opera, who has received...

”When there’s enough time I’ll get to that,” is something you’ve likely not heard for about a month.   Some of you are trying new recipes, learning to bake bread and logging hours in the kitchen. Toss in Netflix binge-watching, spring cleaning, crafting, yoga, Facebook, and the-project-that’s-been-waiting-for-when-there’s-enough-time, are life’s activities these days. I’d be remiss not to mention the time spent settling...

Plan a trip to Ontario, Canada's Niagara region, and your list may include the iconic Falls, world-class theater at the Shaw Festival, fine dining inspired by the region’s orchards, most definitely a wine tasting, especially the ice wine that is its global viticulture claim to fame.

It’s been going on for 400 years. Every year ending in 0: 1990, 2000, 2010… and this German cultural tradition was supposed to happen again in 2020.

And this wouldn't be the first time ocean liners have served.

We hope you are well and keeping yourself, your family and your community safe by staying at home. Now, more than ever, we all really need some good news.

An airline has cracked the code to providing some of the same comforts for economy class passengers as their fellow passengers in costlier business and first-class enjoy.After three years in development, Air New Zealand has revealed the prototype of an innovation that could forever change the way you look at long haul travel – even in coach!They’re calling it the...

If you’re one of the almost 20% of Americans and Canadians with Irish ancestry – or have fallen in love with the lore of the ‘Emerald Isle’ – a trip to Ireland is the perfect way to immerse yourself in its vivid scenery, storied towns and landscapes… and of course, stock up on the souvenirs that symbolize the country’s history,...

March 8th is a day dedicated to uplifting women all over the world. The Travel Corporation (TTC), is a family of travel companies including Uniworld Boutique River Cruises, Insight Vacations, Luxury Gold, Trafalgar, Contiki and others.TTC took the opportunity of International Women’s Day to highlight its commitment to a world enriched by travel empowering women, and women empowering travel.At a Trailblazing...

 The COVID-19 pandemic will pass. Until then, the global travel scenario will continue to change daily.Our top advice for people with travel booked – or considering travel – is to stay calm. And work with a trusted, expert travel advisor when you’re making travel plans.A responsible, qualified, and professional travel advisor will always:1. Only use and refer you to credible...

With the recent announcement that the Coronavirus is now characterized as a Pandemic I wanted to personally reach out to reassure you that your health and wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do. You are in experienced and steady hands. We, at Mountain City Travel, are constantly monitoring this fluid and evolving situation and rely on only reputable and official sources for accurate and up-to-date...

Sounds impossible, doesn’t it? The Emerald Azzurra is the first ship launched under the new Emerald Yacht Cruises brand, which is now part of the newly formed Emerald Cruises. You may already be familiar with Emerald Waterways’ affordable river cruises. Now, the company is bringing that same accessibility to a new cruise line and new, 100-guest ship with inclusive prices – and...

Amsterdam. Venice. Barcelona. Just to name a few. These are spectacular, vibrant, magical cities… reeling under the weight of tourists.I’m very fortunate to have visited a number of cities that are now on the list of overtouristed destinations. They are magnificent and life changing. But sadly, each subsequent visit, I see the very qualities travelers go there to seek eroded a little...