Author Archives: zest4travel

Exploring Sitka – 11 Things to Do

Sitka is located on Baranof Island and is nestled between the mountains and sea. The arts flourish and an ancient native culture still thrives. Surrounded by rainforest, they share their home with brown bears, bald eagles, otters and all five species of Pacific salmon. Cruise ships dock at the island’s Old Dock at Halibut Point,Continue reading “Exploring Sitka – 11 Things to Do”

Fort Lauderdale, FL – “Venice of America”

Fort Lauderdale….known as the “Venice of America”. The city is famous for its beaches, arts, culture and the 3rd largest cruise port in Florida. You can shop on Las Olas Boulevard, ride the water taxi on the canals, wonderful cuisine and visit the historic riverfront, all while enjoying bountiful sunshine…over 300 days each year! Located justContinue reading “Fort Lauderdale, FL – “Venice of America””

Seattle – The Emerald City

Seattle – the beginning of so many fun adventures. There is much to see and do in this beautiful city. Where to stay? Downtown is expensive…..especially in the summer! Hotels near the Space Needle are a little lower in price. To really save money, consider staying by the airport. Taxi or Uber will take aboutContinue reading “Seattle – The Emerald City”

14 Things to do before going on vacation

Vacation time is finally here! You’ve researched what you want to do and where to stay. Made list upon list of things you need take. But have you really thought of everything? 1. Contact your credit or debit card company There is nothing worse than being on vacation and having problems with your credit orContinue reading “14 Things to do before going on vacation”

Icy Strait Point….Hoonah, Alaska

Icy Strait Point is Alaska Native owned-and-operated. All profits directly support the community of Hoonah…Alaska’s largest Native Tlingit village. The dedicated staff….many who call Hoonah home….is committed to providing a unique experience for every guest. You will be hard pressed to find a port that is more infused with local Native culture and hospitality. LocatedContinue reading “Icy Strait Point….Hoonah, Alaska”

Let’s visit Victoria

Victoria….the capital city of British Columbia. Named for Queen Victoria, the city is one of the oldest in the Pacific Northwest, with British settlement beginning in 1843. The city has retained a large number of its historic buildings…..the Parliament Buildings (finished in 1897) and the Empress hotel, which opened in 1908, are two great examples. The city’s Chinatown is the secondContinue reading “Let’s visit Victoria”

Cruising from Vancouver, Canada? Here’s some fun ideas for things to do in the city!

Vancouver is a vibrant city, with beautiful buildings and a plethora of things to do. It is a rare blend of big-city lifestyle and outdoor adventure. Where else can a person ski, sail and dance the night away, all in one single day? Not to mention all the hotels readily available for your vacation! The VancouverContinue reading “Cruising from Vancouver, Canada? Here’s some fun ideas for things to do in the city!”

Let’s visit Seward, Alaska!

Many cruises begin or end in Seward. What is there to do? Is it possible to stay a few days before or after? And how do I get there from Anchorage…or back? First, let’s get there! You need a minimum of about 2 1/2 hours to travel between Anchorage and Seward. The 125-mile trip betweenContinue reading “Let’s visit Seward, Alaska!”