Swan Family Travel

Stories

"Cape Breton Island"

Lights Out on One of the Hottest New Travel Trends

Adventure

For generations, travelers have organized their days around daylight. Get up. See the sights. Take the photos. Then, as the sun sets, the day starts wrapping up. One of travel’s fastest-growing...

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European Cruising After the Christmas Markets: River and Ocean

River or Ocean Cruises

What cruises give you the warmest welcome in Europe’s coolest months? River and coastal ocean cruising doesn’t completely stop when the Christmas holidays start. In fact, Europe’s “quiet season” is...

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New Zealand Attracts a New Generation of Lord of the Rings Fans on 25th Anniversary of Film

Adventure

Twenty-five years ago, moviegoers got their first glimpse of Middle-earth — and savvy travelers discovered that it looked remarkably like New Zealand. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the...

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Rob Swan's Late-Night Discovery in San Juan

When a long wait for dinner led our group to wander the streets of San Juan, I stumbled onto a culinary experience that changed how I think about adventure.

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Amanda's Go-To Pre/Post-Cruise Stop Near Fort Lauderdale

Most cruisers overlook Dania Pointe entirely. After multiple stays and countless meals, I've made it my personal favorite spot to extend the vacation feeling.

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D-Day Landing Beaches Achieve Overdue Milestone; How to Make Your Own Pilgrimage

River or Ocean Cruises

82 years after what Winston Churchill called “the most complicated and difficult” military operation in world history, Normandy’s D-Day Landing Beaches finally achieved long overdue recognition of their place in...

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Walk on the Wild Side: Animal Encounters on the Beaches of the Caribbean

Rest & Relaxation

You came to the Caribbean for the beach. So did the wildlife. Throughout the islands, some stretches of sand come with company: two legs or four, from birds to beasts...

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How Low Can They Go? Historic Water Levels and the Future of River Cruising in Europe

River or Ocean Cruises

I adore river cruising. I constantly recommend river cruises to viewers and followers. But river cruising is facing an industry-changing crisis. And I think it’s time to face it head-on with...

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Attention Cycling Fans: Tour de France Rolls Across the English Channel in 2027

Adventure

In July 2027, the Tour de France will make cycling history in the UK. Three men’s stages and three women’s stages will put Britain on the cycling world stage. In...

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St. Kitts Stole My Heart, Thanks to a Guide Named Royston

After six visits and counting, I've learned that the best way to experience this Caribbean island is through the eyes of a local who runs toward every pickup with pure...

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Rob Swan: How One Cruise Converted a Total Skeptic

River or Ocean Cruises

I'd seen Titanic and wanted nothing to do with cruising. Fourteen sailings later, I've discovered insider tricks that transform first-timers into lifelong fans.

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Mexico Discovery: Why Sandos Playacar Surprised Me

After reading mixed reviews online, I decided to see this resort for myself. What I found changed everything I thought I knew about value and experience.

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Spain’s Summer Spectacles

Adventure

For most travelers, summer in Spain means lazy days on Mediterranean beaches, late-night tapas and sangria in sunny plazas. Summer is also Spain’s festival season – with two events famous...

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Top “Coolcation” Travel Destinations

River or Ocean Cruises

Record-breaking summer heatwaves throughout Europe have more travelers looking for cooler destinations to spend the holidays. I have some favorites. By: Lynn Elmhirst, travel journalist and expert Some like it hot!  And...

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Amanda Swan's Guide to Why Christmas Cruises Are Pure Magic

Caribbean Key, Florida

After working on cruise ships and traveling over the holidays multiple times, I finally understand why Christmas at sea feels more festive than staying home.

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Why I Fell in Love With Alaska All Over Again

River or Ocean Cruises Alaska

I thought I knew Alaska from my days working on cruise ships. Then I experienced it as a passenger on Holland America, and everything changed.

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When Volcanoes Wake Up: Travel to the World’s Great ‘Fire Mountains’

Adventure

Mount Etna's July 2026 eruption sent lava and ash plumes into the Sicilian sky, creating spectacular images—and temporary travel disruptions. Volcanic ash interrupted flights at the local Catania Airport. Luckily,...

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3 Sandals Resorts Get $200 Million Glow Up in ‘Great Jamaica Comeback’

A trio of storied resorts on the island where Sandals was born is being reborn as part of Jamaica's comeback. A new name, new dream-inspiring accommodations, new dining venues, new...

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Christmas in July Question: Which Christmas Market River Cruise to Choose?

River or Ocean Cruises

It’s never too early to start counting down the days until Christmas – or plan a holiday getaway. Christmas in July reminders are a great opportunity to think about how...

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New European Hotels in Landmark Historic Sites to Inspire your Next Trip

Hotels

London. Venice. Lisbon. Each powerhouse travel destination already has its share of iconic hotels. But new properties opening in 2026 give visitors the unique ability to live inside the history...

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Discovering the Japan You Didn’t Expect Beyond the Main Island

Adventure

For many travelers, the increasingly popular destination of Japan begins and ends on the island of Honshu – literally, it’s ‘Main Island.’ I can’t blame them – so much of...

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The Cruise Line Breeding “Super Coral” and Other Good News for World Oceans Day

River or Ocean Cruises

The private island for Explora Journeys and MSC Cruises, MSC Ocean Cay Marine Reserve, is at the forefront of a cruise-industry-wide drive to support and sustain the world’s oceans. World...

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Gaudí at 100: Barcelona's Most Famous Architect "Raising the Roof" of the City

Culture & History

One hundred years after his death, Antoni Gaudí remains impossible to separate from Barcelona. The Catalan architect died on June 10, 1926, one of the most defining architects of any era,...

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When Your Overwater Bungalow Sails with You in Tahiti: Paul Gauguin Cruises' Room Tour

River or Ocean Cruises

It’s a tropical vacation fantasy: staying in an overwater bungalow over breathtaking, warm, turquoise waters in the legendary and romantic South Pacific. But what if your overwater bungalow floats with...

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