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14D11N GEMS OF SPAIN & PORTUGAL

Testimonials.

@Ms. MARGARET TOK

We would like to compliment one of the tour leader from SA tour - Rachel - the tour leader for the Europe Trip. Rachel has been very professional and helpful and knowledgeable and her flexibility to adjust the itinerary has reduce a lot of waiting and travelling time for us. The itinerary was well paced with nature and city scene. There is never a perfect itinerary that suits all of us but I personally feel that a tour leader plays a important part in ensuring we had a enjoyable trip and we are indeed blessed to have Rachel and the group we travelling with to make our trip a very enjoyable one. Personally it was since 10 years plus that I join a group tour. There was some unpleasant experience I had with one of the SA colleague which commented that I was being unfair to him in a email that was sent to my friend. It does started me with a bad note and I start to wonder whether did I make the right choice? However it turns out to be a pleasant trip and the credit goes to Rachel. Nowadays it is difficult to find loyal and staff who work with passion and SA is blessed to have Rachel as their staff. I am in service line and I know it is not easy as there is ups and downs. I am sure SA tours will continue to be popular with good word of mouth from customers through the service from the good tour leaders( including Rachel) Last but not least ,Thank you to SA Tours. Thanks again to Mickey and Carol too for replying to my emails too.

@Mr. FELICIA PEI TING

I would like to thank Miss Winnie Woo for her help in planning a wedding proposal on our Dream Cruise holiday from 11-16 Feb 2018. We were planning to go on Royal Caribbean initially, however decided on Dream Cruise after Winnie’s strong recommendation. She explained to us how Dream Cruise will be more suitable for our lifestyle - such a Penfolds bar, Johnnie Walker bar and also the high restaurant standards. This shows that she is very observant and patient to understand our needs. As she knows that my friend was going to proposed on Valentine's Day, she suggested we book the dinner with Mark Best. And on 11 Feb, she even called to reconfirm the arrangement for us again. Luckily, she did that as the restaurant did not remember when I went to check earlier in the day. I’m very impressed with her! On 14 Feb, the four of us were even more surprised when we walked into our friend’s room with decoration! She went the extra mile to her Dream Cruise to do it for my friend. And the proposal was very impressive and successful! I must say that this makes me want to book more holidays with SA tour as I know the consultant is so considerate and dedicated to take care of us. Once again, a big thank you to Ms Winnie Woo!

@Ms. CELINA LOW

Following our recent tour Guangzhou Family Fantasia 24 Dec-1 Jan, I would like to compliment your staff for their excellent professional services. Mr. Louis Lee is a very dedicated and organized tour leader. He did everything to ensure our safety, fast free check-in, luggage and meals that leave us to enjoy with a peace of mind. His cheerful, enthusiastic and thoughtful nature kept us in a happy mood so much that we bonded a strong friendship. Together with Mr. Jin our China tour guide, they shared general knowledge of places, tips on where, what to do and eat. From their sharing, I myself as an avid photographer, discovered a lot of nice interesting sceneries. Mr. Lee is definitely the best tour guide I have met so far and I am looking forward to explore China by joining his tour group again. Also, not forgetting the courteous friendly Mr. Kenneth Tan, who did our booking. Despite near closing time, he took the time to explain and answer our queries well. The trip to China was splendid. Many thanks for creating good memories. Kudos to you guys!

@Mr. Lee Loon Yang

Hi, My parents and I have joined SA Tour's 14D European Treasure Trove (EETT14) from 3-16 Dec 2022. We are very grateful to Cyril for all the assistance that he rendered to my family and me throughout the trip. My parents are elderly (age 67 and 72) and compared to other tour members, needed more time to walk and help with luggage. At Jungfraujoch, I was impressed that Cyril prepared sweets and ginger to help all tour members gain the energy to adjust to the high-altitude effect as well as reminded us regularly to walk slowly and be careful of the slippery surfaces. Cyril's care and concern for the safety and comfort each member has been prevalent throughout the tour. At each hotel, Cyril has done his best to accommodate needs of the families travelling together (swapping rooms where necessary) and helped everyone with our heavy luggage such that any inconveniences were kept to the minimum. My family has been travelling to Europe for several years before Covid so we are familiar with the long distances expected in the itinerary and are cognisant that we will only be staying for a short time in each city. This is my third visit to Italy and my mother's second visit; visiting Sistine Chapel at Vatican City during each trip. Through our description of Sistine Chapel, my father (a devout Christian) was looking forward to visiting it at the Vatican City during this trip to Italy (his first visit). We realised that the visit to Vatican City did not include Sistine Chapel while we were waiting to enter the St Peter's Basilica. My father was distraught and kept saying that he really wanted to visit the Sistine Chapel once in his lifetime and at his age, he may have a chance to return to Italy again. Cyril heard my father saying this and explored with the local tour guide on how we can fulfil my father's wish to visit Sistine Chapel though my mother and I were explaining to my father that we should just continue with the tour itinerary in order not to inconvenience the other tour members. As we are in Rome on 14 and 15 Dec (15 Dec was a free day), it may be possible for my family to return to Vatican City to visit Sistine Chapel on our own on 15 Dec before meeting the tour group at the airport. After discussion with Cyril and the local tour guide, we decided that the best approach would be to skip the next leg of the walking tour in Rome (14 Dec) to Colosseum and go to Sistine Chapel (next to St Peter's Basilica) while we are still in Vatican City. We will catch up with the tour group at Trevi Fountain. As the local guide is with our tour group throughout the walking tour and will take care of the safety of 17 members, Cyril quickly brought the 3 of us to the entrance of Musei Vaticani to get tickets before he ran back in the rain to catch up with the tour group at the Colosseum. We went for a short route to Sistine Chapel and took a taxi to Trevi Fountain to meet the group within 2 hours to continue our walking tour to Spanish Steps. Cyril could have left the 3 of us to locate the entrance of Musei Vaticani on our own (which I offered) and stayed with the 17 members of the tour group and the local guide on the walking tour. Cyril went with us because it was raining the entire day and he was concerned about whether we can locate the entrance in time, particularly with my elderly parents. At the same time, the local guide was with 17 members of the tour group ensuring their safety while Cyril quickly caught up with them; drenched in the process. We apologise for the inconvenience caused to Cyril and the other members of the tour group to fulfil my father's wish. Weighing the options, this approach caused the least inconvenience to the rest of the tour members. It meant a lot to my family that Cyril made the extra effort to fulfil my father's wish to visit Sistine Chapel in his lifetime. My family and I have joined many packaged tours over the past 14 years. We know what a tour leader would typically do in a packaged tour. From this trip after Covid, we also saw that many things changed in Europe. Cyril has struck us as a tour leader who went above and beyond the typical role of the tour leader and went through hardship (carrying heavy luggage up flights of stairs at hotels) to ensure the safety and comfort of tour members. My parents and I would like to express our deepest appreciation for Cyril's assistance during our tour to Europe from 3 to 16 Dec 2022. We seek SA Tours' assistance to convey our appreciation to Cyril and recognise his good performance during the tour. Thank you.

Dear Sir/ Mdm, Hope this email serves you fine and well. I am a customer of yours for the European 14D European Treasure Trove from 3 Dec 2022 to 16 Dec 2022. I will like to take this opportunity to thank my tour manager Mr Cyril Sheng for the great experience that he has given me and my wife for the honeymoon holiday. Firstly, Mr Cyril Sheng has been very accommodating and very detailed in his daily itinerary planning for the whole trip. There were many requests put up during the trip by many passengers on an adhoc basis. Without any hesitation, he has been in the forefront to take care of all our needs and wants within the time limit. He has paid detailed attention to an elderly couple who wanted to pay their respects in the 16th Chapel whilst he ensured that we are safe in the hands of the local guide. He went the extra mile to reach our next destination on foot after bringing the couple which is admirable. Mr Cyril has also showed the care and concern for all his passengers. Since my wife and I are on a special diet of vegetarian and having fish and eggs, he ensured that we are served the right food at all times. This is an admirable character of his. What touched me was he came over to all his passengers including us to ensure the right food is served. When some of the fellow passengers changed their dietary requirements, he went the extra mile to change without any complaints. This is the star quality that we see in him. In addition, when my wife needed to go to the toilet as she was not feeling well, without much hesitation or complaints, he directed the bus captain to detour to show care and concern. He also checked in twice on the same day to see if she was fine and checked in again the next day. This is something that I have not seen in other tour manager in other agencies. In Switzerland, whilst other tour managers in other groups only brought their passengers up, Mr Cyril has gone the extra mile to buy sweets for passengers to have sugar and go up the mountain. This was on his own accord. He ensured all passenger young and old were fine throughout the journey. When an elderly passenger was not well,he rushed to help her and assisted the family. He also spent his own money to get doughnuts for his passengers. I am also amazed that Mr Cyril Sheng went the additional mile to carry all the luggage for his passengers. He smiled and helped all of us. This is really admirable in him. I hope you would take this opportunity to praise him for his hard work and effort. Any complaints against him is something that you can dismiss against. Please do call me if you need any clarification. Thank you. Regards, Mr Prem Ms Kalphna

@Mr. Jason Tan

Hi SA tour team, I am currently on 14D11N EUROPEAN TREASURE TROVE trip with Cyril Sheng from 03 Dec to 16 Dec. The thing about going on a trip and especially on a tour is to be accommodating with each other and not put in tough and unreasonable requests to tour guide. Cyril was the complete opposite of the worst. He puts in his best effort and goes all out to assist each and every member in the tour. He’s nothing short of being an excellent tour guide. I hereby put in my testimonial to him and I will continue to support SA Tours. Warmest Regards, Jason Tan

@Ms. Eunice Chua

Dear SA, Happy New Year 2023! Hope this finds you well. I meant to write earlier but was busy traveliing and celebrating the festive season. This a belated thank you to Keith Ng who was Tour Leader on my trip to Hokkaido 1st to 8th December. He looked after us very well. I was particularly impressed with his caring attitude and he conscientiously helped me throughout the tour. Please pass my compliments to Keith for a job well done during our tour. The group was also appreciative of his attention and commitment. Many thanks for a wonderful holiday and I will certainly consider SA Tours in the future.

@Mr. Samuel Lee & Emely

To the Management of SA Tours, I have just returned from the Hokkaido Package 8 days tour from 11 to 19th of May on the Scoot Flight Package.I would like to mention something today that is on every leisure traveller’s dream to have a pleasant and memorable trip just outside my usual business travels. When we landed in Sapporo , we were greeted with a 60 ?year old tour guide ( Tao yu , BEI ZI ) and my first impression was what can this lady do for the 8 days continuous journey that we are going to embark on while most of the time, I would expect a 30 to 40 years plus tour guide are the usual ones with the appropriate energy to carry us all the way throughout the comprehensive journeys . I saw even at the first meeting she was pretty tired , stunned and wear out. I was literally not expecting any potential exciting tours ahead. After the 8 days , I was totally wronged and what I witnessed was that Bei Zi has brought us the tour group to an exhilarating , entertaining , knowledge riched journey and most importantly with great sense of humour that bombarded us till we are totally impressed with her experience and skills of a well rounded tour guide. Her style of organising the tour schedule was kept detailed and meticulously carried out the proposed events with utmost responsibility to ensure everyone is safe and understood the message she tried to deliver. Never had I and my wife came across such dedicated and professional attitude that she carried with her to ensure that the tour group members broke ice on friendship quickly and allow us to find common ground together through her lively humour and simplistic philological understanding about how we should appreciate our life both by leading simple, happy and a meaningful life. It’s really a 5 stars quality. I would like to also comment on the professionalism displayed by Rachel ( SA ) who has to juggle between 2 travel groups while keeping pace with the tight schedule moving from one hotel to another and it is no joke considering we are changing hotels every day. She brought snacks to ensure that we are in good mood and continue to keep us well informed on the day’s schedule. Her bilingualist ability was able to put into good use. She is very kind, gentle and understanding. Last but not least, another commendable person we would like to thank is Hirasawa San, the perfect and meticulously dressed driver who makes our journey seamlessly safe and given strategically challenging driven coach routes that only experience and passionate driver can execute. The coach is too clean that we felt guilty eating some snacks inside the coach. Many thanks to SA tours, and very lucky to have such great people like BEI ZI , Rachel and Hirasawa San, who I hope will continue to upkeep great standards of tour guided packages offered. Once again, thanks to wonderful people like BEI ZI that makes my holiday so worthwhile not just on beautiful sceneries alone but we certainly make great pleasant friends along this nice and memorable journey. I wish everyone best days ahead , till we meet again.

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SELECT TOUR CUTI CUTI MALAYSIA ================== SARAWAK ------- • 3D2N KUCHING GO AS YOU PLEASE • 3D2N HIGHLIGHTS OF KUCHING • 3D2N MULU CAVES & CANOPY WALK • 3D2N SARAWAKIAN NATIVE HOSPITALITY SABAH ----- GROUP DEPARTURE • 4D3N POM POM ISLAND • 4D3N SEMPORNA INDIVIDUAL DEPARTURE • 4D3N POM POM ISLAND • 4D3N SEMPORNA • 3D2N KUNDASANG ESCAPE • 4D2N CUTI CUTI KUNDASANG ISLAND TOUR ------------ • 3D2N PERHENTIAN ISLAND BUBU RESORT ESCAPE • 3D2N & 4D3N SUMMER BAY LANG TENGAH LANGKAWI • 3D2N LANGKAWI RESORT WORLD SUNSET CRUISE • 3D2N LANGKAWI RESORT WORLD FAMILY FUN • 5D4N LANGKAWI RESORT WORLD SYOOK CATION • 3D2N LANGKAWI TANJUNG RHU RESORT • 4D3N LANGKAWI LANGKWI GETAWAY REDANG • 3D2N LAGUNA REDANG • 4D3N LAGUNA REDANG PANGKOR • 3D2N PANGKOR CORAL BAY RESORT • 3D2N PANGKOR LAUT RESORT • 4D3N PANGKOR LAUT RESORT TERENGGANU • 3D2N TANJUNG JARA RESORT PRIVATE FAMILY & FRIENDS CITY BREAKS ==================================== TWIN CITY --------- > 7D6N HONG KONG + SEOUL > 7D6N HONG KONG + TOKYO > 7D6N HONG KONG + OSAKA > 7D6N HONG KONG + TAIPEI > 7D6N HONG KONG + BEIJING MONO CITY --------- AUSTRALIA +++++++++ > 5D4N SYDNEY > 5d4n MELBOURNE CAMBODIA ++++++++ > 4D3N PHNOM PENH HISTORICAL DISCOVERY > 4D3N SIEM REAP HISTORICAL CLASSIC > 5D4N SIEM REAP / PHNOM PENH DISCOVERY CHINA +++++ BEIJING ------- > 4D3N BEIJING SHANGHAI -------- > 4D3N SHANGHAI JIANGNAN > 6D5N SHANGHAI / WUZHEN WATER TOWN / WUXI NIANHUA BAY > 6D5N SHANGHAI / SUZHOU / WUXI / HANGZHOU / WUZHEN WATER TOWN XIAMEN ------ > 5D4N SHANTOU / JIEYANG / MEIZHOU/ CHaoZHOU > 6D5N XIAMEN / MT WUYI / HUAÁN TULOU > 6D5N SHANTOU + XIANMEN + HUAAN TULOU + CHAOZHOU XIAN ---- > 5D4N XIAN / MT HUASHAN > 6D4N XIAN / DENGFENG / ZHENGZHOU / KAIFENG / LUOYANG SICHUAN ------- > 5D4N CHENGDU / JIUZHAIGOU > 5D4N CHENGDU / BIPENGGOU > 6D5N CHENGDU / LESHAN / MT EMEI > 6D5N CHENGDU / MOUNT SIGUNIANG / HAILUOGOU SHANDONG -------- > 7D6N SHANDONG QINGDAO / WEIFANG / ZIBO / QUFU / TAIAN / JINAN DUBAI +++++ > 4D3N DUBAI HONG KONG +++++++++ > 4D3N HONG KONG > 4D3N HONG KONG MACAU > 5D4N HONG KONG / SHENZHEN > 5D4N HONG KONG / GREAT BAY AREA JAPAN +++++ TOKYO ----- > 4D3N TOKYO / MT FUJI > 5D4N TOKYO / MT FUJI > 6D5N TOKYO / MT FUJI / KAWAGUCHIKO ONSEN / YOKOHAMA OSAKA ----- > 4D3N OSAKA / KYOTO > 5D4N OSAKA / KYOTO WORLD HERITAGE > 6D5N OSAKA / KYOTO / SHIRAKAWA-GO / KANAZAWA HOKKAIDO -------- > 5D4N HOKKAIDO WINTER FUN > 6D5N HOKKAIDO WINTER FUN > 6D5N HOKKAIDO / SAPPORO / NORIBERTSU / TOYA LAKE / HOKADATE / OTARU KOREA +++++ JEJU ISLAND ----------- > 4D3N MONO JEJU ISLAND > 5D4N MONO JEJU ISLAND SEOUL ----- > 4D3N SEOUL > 4D3N MONO SEOUL > 5D4N MONO SEOUL > 4D3N MONO SEOUL WITH SKIING > 5D4N MONO SEOUL WITH SKIING LAOS ++++ > 5D4N LAOS DISCOVERY MYANMAR +++++++ > 5D4N MYANMAR CULTURAL DISCOVERY NEPAL +++++ > 5D4N KATHMANDU/NAGARKOT > 7D6N KATHMANDU / POkHARA / NAGARKOT TAIWAN ++++++ > 6 DAYS 5 NIGHTS PENGHU ISLAND [2 WAYS DOMESTIC] / TAICHUNG / TAIPEI > 6 DAYS 5 NIGHTS TAICHUNG / NANTOU / QINGJING FARM / TAIPEI > 6 DAYS 5 NIGHTS YILAN / HUALIEN / TAITUNG / KAOSHIUNG / TAICHuNG/ TAIPEI THAILAND ++++++++ CHIANG MAI ---------- > 3D2N CHIANG MAI ELEPHANT DELIGHT > 4D3N CHIANG MAI MONO > 4D3N CHIANG MAI + LAMPANG > 5D4N CHAING MAI + CHIANG RAI [OVERNIGHT] > 5D4N CHIANG MAI / PAI [SEA CLOUD] > 5D4N CHIANG MAI / DOI INTHONON NATIONAL PARK INDONESIA > 4D3N MEDAN / LAKE TOBA / BERASTAGI > 5D4N LOMBOK EXPLORATION > 5D4N BALI & LOVINA DOLPHIN EXPERIENCE VIETNAM ++++++ HANOI ----- > 3D2N HANOI + WATER PUPPET SHOW / HALONG BAY > 4D3N HANOI + WATER PUPPET SHOW / HALONG BAY > 4D3N HANOI + WATER PUPPET SHOW / HALONG BAY OVERNIGHT CRUISE > 5D4N HANOI + WATER PUPPET SHOW / HALONG BAY / NINH BINH [Tam Coc] > 5D4N HANOI + WATER PUPPET SHOW / HALONG BAY OVERNIGHT CRUISE / NINH BINH [Tam Coc] > 5D4N HANOI FULL DAY CITY TOUR / SAPA > 6D5N HANOI / SAPA / HALONG BAY DANANG ------ > 3D2N DANANG / HOI AN / MY SON > 3D2N DANANG / HOI AN / BANA HILLS > 4D3N DANANG / HUE / HOI AN > 4D3N DANANG / HOI AN / BANA HILLS > 5D4N DANANG / HUE / HOI AN / MY SON > 5D4N DANANG / HUE / HOI AN / BANA HILLS NHA TRANG -------- > 4D3N NHA TRANG / DA LAT > 5D4N NHA TRANG / DA LAT > 5D4N NHA TRANG / DA LAT / MUI NE > 6D5N NHA TRANG / DA LAT HO CHI MINH CITY --------------- > 3D2N HCM CITY / CU CHI or MY THO > 4D3N HCM CITY / CU CHI / MY THO [Mekong Delta] > 5D4N HCM CITY / CU CHI / VUNG TAU / MY THO PHU QUOC -------- > 4D3N PHU QUOC / SOUTH & NORTH ISLAND SRI LANKA +++++++++ > 7D6N CLASSIC SRI LANKA GROUP TOUR =========== EUROPE • 9 Days 6 Nights Beautiful Georgia [ETT] • 9 Days 6 Nights Paris / London [EPL] • 10 Days 7 Nights Best of Central Europe - Switzerland / Germany / Netherlands / Belgium / France [EZP] • 10 Days 7 Nights Splendour of Italy [EVF10] • 10 Days 7 Nihts Southern Italy [EFF] • 10 Days 7 Nights Classic Southern France [EMM] • 10 Days 7 Nights Wonders of Greece [EAA] • 10 Days 7 Nights Scenic Iceland [ECS] • 10 Days 7 Nights Norway & Finland's Aurora [EOR] • 10 Days 7 Nights Amsterdam / Brussels / London [EAL] • 11 Days 8 Nights Eastern Europe + Poland [EBP] • 13 Days 10 Nights Highlights of Scandinavia [ECH] SPAIN & PORTUGAL • 10 Days 7 Nights Spain Highlights [EBM] • 12 Days 9 Nights Spain & Portugal [ESP] SWITZERLAND • 10 Days 7 Nights Scenic Switzerland [ESGZ] • 10 Days 7 Nights Southern Germany / Switzerland [ESMZ] • 14 Days 11 Nights Switzerland / Austria [ESZV] BALKANS • 10 Days 7 Nights Pearls of The Balkans - Slovenia / Croatia / Montenego / Bosnia-Herzegovina [EB10] • 15 Days 12 Nights Pearls of The Balkans - Romania / Bulgaria / Macedonia / Albania / Montenegro / Bosnia-Herzegovina / Croatia / Slovenia [EB15] TURKEY • 10 Days 7 Nights Turkey Highlights [TIH] KOREA - Spring/Summer • 6 Days 4 Nights Seoul / Gangwon-Do / Gyeonggi-DO [KSG] • 6 Days 4 Nights Seoul / Gangwon-Do / Gyeonggi-DO + Jeju Island [KSJ] JAPAN • 8 Days 6 Nights Classic Honshu [JKIX] ASEAN ----- MEDAN • 4 Days 3 Nights Medan / Lake Toba / Berastagi [IKK] Vietnam • 5 Days 4 Nights Hanoi / Halong Bay / Ninh Binh [VHN] CHINA ENGLISH SPEAKING TOUR • 6 Days 5 Nights Scenic Guangxi - Guilin/Lipu/Yangshuo/Longsheng [CKWL] • 7 Days 5 Nights Shaanxi - Xian/Huashan [CXIY] • 7 Days 5 Nights Beijing + Gubei Water Town [CPEK] • 7 Days 5 Nights Scenic Hunan - Changsha/Fenghuang/Zhangjiajie [CCSX] • 7 Days 6 Nights Shanghai Double Theme Park + Wuzhen - Shanghai/Suzhou/Wuzhen/Hangzhou/Huzhou [CPVG2T] • 7 Days 6 Nights Shanghai Huangshan + Qiandao Lake - Shanghai/Shaoxing/Hangzhou/Huangshan/Tunxi [CPVGHS] • 8 Days 7 Nights Best of Fujian - Xiamen/Huaan Tulou/Mt Wuyi/Fuzhou/Putian/Quanzhou [CXMN] NEPAL • 7 Days 6 Nights Kathmandu / Pokhara / Nagarkot [NKTM]

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The 15 Best Wrinkle-free Pants, Shorts, and Skirts to Pack for Your Next Trip, According to a Travel Writer

They work for any trip,

Travel + Leisure / Reese Herrington

No matter where you’re headed on your travels, there’s one thing that’s a surefire annoyance once you reach the destination: a suitcase full of wrinkled clothing. Seriously, no one wants to spend the precious moments of an itinerary breaking out the hotel ironing board to erase the creases in their shirts. That’s why, as an avid jet-setter and proud carry-on-only traveler , I’m incredibly particular and strategic about what pieces that I decide to pack — and that includes opting for wrinkle-free pants, skirts, and shorts (I mean, I already loathe ironing at home, so there’s no way I’m about to do it on a trip).

Below, I’ve rounded up 15 of the best wrinkle-free travel bottoms that are great staples for any trip destination — including a classic Madewell denim piece , ultra-comfy Vuori pants (I'm a big fan of the brand ), and some of the best options at Amazon for sleek trousers , maxi skirts , and more. Each piece is not only functional, but also versatile so as to not waste precious luggage space. Trust me, if you pack any of these items, you’ll be sure to spend less time ironing and more time enjoying your vacay.

Tronjori Women's High-waist Casual Wide-leg Palazzo Pants

There’s no denying that I’m a big fan of chic trousers for any occasion — but especially for travel. These wide-leg pants drape nicely, and work for a dressed up or dressed down scenario. They have over 12,000 five-star reviews on Amazon, with customers sharing that they’re lightweight, comfortable, and easy to wear. Plus, countless reviews confirm that they’re wrinkle-resistant and great for travel .

Modegal Women's Satin High-waist Midi Skirt

I love including a silk skirt in any warm weather capsule wardrobe; it adds an elegant touch to your favorite outfits while being extremely versatile — and they take up virtually no space in your luggage. However, in my experience, a lot of options out there look like a crumpled paper bag by the time that they come out of my suitcase. This skirt, however, seems to be the answer to my never-ending quest.

As one Amazon reviewer wrote : “This is a great product to have if you travel a lot. You can dress it up or dress it down, and it does not wrinkle.” Other reviewers confirm that it doesn’t wrinkle when you roll it up in your luggage, and it makes for a great travel companion. With 27 gorgeous colors to choose from, it's bound to suit your travel style.

Libin Women's Cargo Joggers

These joggers have a whopping 10,000-plus five-star reviews on Amazon, and for good reason. “I love these pants. They are so comfortable and lightweight. They wash well, are great for travel, and they never wrinkle,” one customer wrote , calling them a “great buy.” In fact, hundreds of reviews say that these joggers are ideal for long-haul flights and outdoor adventures , alike. The lightweight, UPF 50+ fabric will keep you cool and safe from the sun, and ensure that the pants take up little to no space in your luggage.

Amazon Essentials Women's Mid-rise Shorts

Finding a pair of staple travel shorts can be a true challenge. But with nearly 4,000 five-star reviews to back them up, this mid-rise option from Amazon Essentials should do the trick. They feature a classic straight fit and a tailored look. They’re made with a breathable cotton fabric — and before you raise an eyebrow at the wrinkle-potential, check out this rave review from a pleased traveler: “They washed well, I rolled them up into my bag and when I got to the hotel, I didn't need to smooth any wrinkles out.“

Eddie Bauer Women's Departure Ankle Pants

I’m all for outdoor-ready pants that also function as cute travel bottoms. These Eddie Bauer ankle pants are made with a moisture-wicking, UPF 50+ material, and they’re a favorite amongst shoppers. One Amazon customer said : “These are great pants for travel. [They’re] wrinkle-free, thin, and you can dress them up or wear super casual.” Plus, they come in seven different earthy colors — what more could you ask for?

Madewell Women's The Rilee Denim Midi Skirt

I love packing at least one skirt in my carry-on, just to have a bit of outfit variety. Reminiscent of the classic ‘90s style, this long denim Madewell skirt is an absolute dream since it pairs great with a simple T-shirt or tank for a breezy day of sightseeing. Alternatively, you could elevate the look with a white button-up and heeled sandals. One reviewer wrote that the denim “isn’t too heavy, which will make it very comfortable transitioning into the summer” — this also means that it will pack nicely into a suitcase without taking up too much space. And, of course, since it’s denim, you don’t need to stress about wrinkles.

Madewell Women's Harlow Wide-Leg Pants

These wide-leg trousers from Madewell are a T+L favorite. In a recent review , one Travel + Leisure writer said that she wore these pants from a plane ride straight to dinner, and they were super comfortable for the entire journey. “I was pleasantly surprised that the pants were barely wrinkled,” she wrote. “I practically rolled off the flight and straight to the restaurant. If it weren’t for the luggage in tow, I’m almost certain no one would have guessed that I came straight from LaGuardia.” The popular pants are also available as shorts , which are perfect for spring and summer travel.

Everlane Women's The Dream Maxi Skirt

The name of this skirt says it all: the versatile design, stretchy yet substantial fabric, and just-right length make this piece an absolute must-have for your travel wardrobe. One reviewer summed it up beautifully, writing, “The length is very easy when traveling as there’s no worry about wrinkles or constantly pulling the skirt down. I wear mine with a tee and sandals now but, this fall might bring more options. I plan to purchase the black skirt as well, as the tan has been great.”

Everlane Women's The Easy Pants

The Easy Pants from Everlane are a fantastic packing staple. They're made with a lightweight, breathable cotton twill fabric that's perfect for warmer climates. Plus, the elastic waistband and pockets galore make it highly functional during any trip. One reviewer wrote: “We just spent 10 days traveling with just carry-ons and these were the perfect pants to bring. They're super versatile and packed well; I will probably buy it in another color.” Although they're made with cotton, these pants stay wrinkle-free.

Aritzia Women's Effortless Pants

These pants have become one of my go-to travel wears. As the name suggests, they're truly effortless to wear (and you feel effortlessly chic whenever you slip them on). They are a breeze to dress up or dress down — I like to pair mine with a T-shirt and sneakers, or a nice blouse and heels — making them a fabulous travel staple. Best of all, the drapey crepe material of these pants never seems to wrinkle. I’ve packed these pants for over 10 trips at this point, and they always emerge from my suitcase looking flawless. I currently own them in black, but I plan to add one of the 15 other colors to my collection very soon.

Vuori Women's Volley Skirt

Speaking of skirts, you can’t go wrong with this sleek option from Vuori if you’re in the market for something a little sportier. Complete with built-in shorts and moisture-wicking material, this skirt is great for any outdoor sport — but it’s also much more versatile than that. “It’s great for wearing casually, for travel, and yes for tennis/other activities as the advertisements suggest,” said one reviewer. The fabric of the skirt is peachy-soft to the touch, and you’ll never need to worry about wrinkles.

Vuori Women's Daily Wide-leg Pants

I’ve raved about the Vuori Daily Leggings time and time again — and now the brand makes a wide-leg version. These pants feature the same buttery soft, breathable fabric, but with a flared silhouette for extra pizzazz. This cut is perfect for plane travel, walking around a new city, or even working out on your trip. Not to mention, there won’t be a wrinkle in sight when you pull them out of your carry-on.

Lululemon Men's ABC Classic-Fit 5 Pocket Pants Warpstreme

Lululemon may be primarily known for their women’s leggings — but don’t sleep on the brand's men’s activewear selection, particularly when it comes to pants. I think this may be one of its best categories, though it’s still a bit of a hidden gem. Take the ABC Classic Fit Pants, for instance. They feature the brand’s signature four-way stretch and wrinkle-resistant fabric, which holds its shape and feels comfortable for many hours of wear. Plus, there are so many ways to personalize them to suit any preference — including five choices for length, three additional fabric options, and 11 different colors. And it probably goes without saying, but they look super sharp, whether you’re hopping on a plane or headed to dinner.

Vuori Men’s Pebble Shorts

Featuring a recycled material made from plastic bottles, these lightweight shorts are a true standout. They’re quick-drying, which makes them perfect for outdoor activities, warm-weather sightseeing, or sprinting through an airport terminal when needed. While these shorts are suitable for active adventures, they’re also tailored and look put together enough for a more elevated outing. With nearly unanimous five-star ratings, customers love wearing these wrinkle-resistant shorts for travel and everyday life.

Vuori Men’s Cascade Tech Chino Pants

Whether you’re headed to a golf game or hopping on a plane, these chinos are ready to perform. They’re made with the brand's performance stretch fabric, which is also water-resistant (a.k.a. great for any surprise weather) and ultra breathable. One satisfied customer specifically called out the fabric, noting that it “drapes well when wearing it, does not wrinkle, dries quickly.” They also added, “You can come off a long flight and not look like it.”

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U.S. reissues Level 2 travel warning for Germany. Here’s what you need to know before your next trip

Updated: May. 04, 2024, 10:10 a.m. |
Published: May. 04, 2024, 10:00 a.m.

The U.S. State Department has reissued a Level 2 travel advisory for Germany due to fears of terrorism. AP

Katherine Rodriguez | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

The U.S. State Department has reissued a Level 2 travel advisory for Germany due to fears of terrorism.

The State Department issued the advisory on Wednesday, ranking the travel advisory on a scale of two out of four. This means that those traveling to an area must “exercise increased caution.”

“Terrorists may attack with little or no warning,” the State Department noted.

The agency added that terrorists could target tourism and transportation hubs, as well as shopping destinations, hotels, clubs, restaurants, local government facilities and major events.

The State Department noted on its website that for those who do decide to travel to Germany, travelers should pay attention to their surroundings , follow the instructions of local authorities, be aware of the latest breaking news in the area and adjust your plans, if necessary. The organization also urges travelers to Germany to create a contingency plan for emergency situations as well as sign up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program ( STEP ) to receive alerts and make it easier for the State Department to locate you in case of an emergency.

The U.S. Department of State has issued several travel warnings this year with those most recently centered around the Caribbean.

One was a Level 4 “do not travel” warning against traveling to the country of Haiti due to kidnappings and gang violence.

Another warning from the State Department cautioned travelers to “reconsider travel” to the country of Jamaica after 65 people were murdered in one month.

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A travel planner shares the 10 biggest mistakes people make while booking all-inclusive vacations

As a travel planner, I regularly stay at all-inclusive resorts and book luxury trips for my clients.
The vacations can be daunting and complicated to book, and many people make mistakes along the way.
Booking the cheapest room , requesting an ocean view, and always bringing kids isn't the way to go.

As a travel planner at Marvelous Mouse Travels , one of my areas of expertise is booking all-inclusive vacations.

The luxury trips can be complex to book, so it's easy to get tripped up if you're new to them. And if you're spending upwards of $3,000 for a weeklong getaway for two, you want to ensure you're getting your money's worth.

Here are the biggest mistakes people make while booking all-inclusive vacations .

Jumping into internet searches before thinking about what you want

When choosing an all-inclusive resort , it's important to consider your dream vacation before you even start looking online. Determining a trip bucket list will greatly help to narrow down your search.

I encourage clients to think about things like their budget, nonnegotiable amenities, ideal locations, flight accessibility, desired room features, and resort size.

Booking the cheapest room at the cheapest resort

In all-inclusive travel, you truly get what you pay for.

I recommend focusing searches on properties with at least a 4.5 rating. Value properties often struggle to provide quality food options, comfortable accommodations, and adequate service.

Although entry-level rooms are the least expensive, booking them can also come at a price.

The cheapest rooms can have views of the parking lot or construction sites. Or they're located on the ground floor, which can get musty if you're in a humid, tropical location.

You can often upgrade to a better room for a minimal extra cost, and I think it's more than worth it. If you're really on a strict budget, shorten your trip by a day or two to allow for a higher-quality experience.

Taking your kids along every time

There are many great kid-friendly, all-inclusive resorts, but taking an adults-only trip is so much fun.

Grab your friends, family, or significant others to rewind for a few days without the kids.

On a recent trip to Le Blanc Spa Resort in Cancún, my husband and I appreciated the time we spent reconnecting, unwinding, and unplugging from work and family responsibilities.

Forgetting to research the food

One of the best parts of an all-inclusive vacation is enjoying the all-you-can-eat cuisine and top-shelf drink selections.

Spending up to a week at a luxury resort with mediocre food can be an unenjoyable experience. When reading reviews, p ay close attention to comments about the food quality.

I love the food and drinks at Palace, Sandals, and Beaches resorts and often recommend them to my clients.

Completely ruling out hurricane season

Booking a trip to the Caribbean or Mexico in summer and fall ( hurricane season ) carries some risk, but prices are usually significantly lower than at other times of the year.

The weather can be gorgeous, and there's no guarantee your trip will be impacted by bad weather. If you're concerned, definitely keep an eye on the weather and add on travel insurance while you're booking.

My husband and I honeymooned in the Caribbean in the fall , and the weather was some of the best I have ever had on a vacation.

Booking an ocean-view room

One of the biggest disappointments I hear from clients is that their view didn't meet their expectations.

Some resorts are more liberal with their categorization of partial-ocean-view and ocean-view rooms — maybe you can see a sliver of blue through the trees if you crane your neck.

If you want to see the beautiful blue of the sea from your balcony, you need to book an oceanfront room.

Limiting your search to tropical destinations

Many popular all-inclusive resorts are in tropical locations , but there are also some great options in places like Canada, Europe, and Japan.

Club Med offers all-inclusive resorts worldwide. One of its newest offerings is Club Med Charlevoix, which offers an all-inclusive ski experience in the winter and an adventure experience in the summer.

Trusting your friend's recommendations implicitly

Your friend might have impeccable taste, but that doesn't mean their favorite resort meets your style or needs.

One of my clients might love a resort, but another may not enjoy the experience at all. Finding the resort that's right for you is a very personal process.

Not booking with a travel planner

Sure, I'm a little biased, but hear me out: Choosing the right destinations and resorts for your all-inclusive vacation can be daunting. In Mexico alone, there are hundreds of lodgings to choose from.

Most travel planners offer complimentary services (we get commissions from hotels and other bookings), which can greatly reduce the headache of planning your trip.

I always look for the best pricing and make sure to support my clients before, during, and after their vacations so they can relax.

As part of being an agent, I also visit resorts to vet them for my clients. Reading reviews online can be helpful, but they can also be confusing, so I like to be able to make personal recommendations.

Main content

U.S. issues travel warning for major European country: ‘Terrorist groups keep planning attacks’

Updated: May. 04, 2024, 12:12 p.m. |
Published: May. 03, 2024, 12:50 p.m.

(AP Photo/Michael Probst) AP

Dr. Gracelyn Santos | [email protected]

The U.S. State Department has issued a new advisory urging travelers to Europe to be extra vigilant when visiting Germany due to concerns about potential terrorist activity.

The advisory, a Level Two – which suggests heightened caution— was released on May 1 and highlights ongoing threats from terrorist groups in Germany, cautioning travelers to remain alert as attacks could occur with minimal warning, noting that “terrorist groups keep planning attacks in Germany.”

The advisory states: “They target tourist locations and transportation hubs. They also target markets/shopping malls and local government facilities. They target hotels, clubs, and restaurants. They also attack places of worship, parks, and major sporting and cultural events. They target schools, airports, and other public areas.”

For reference, Level Three (Reconsider Travel) and Level Four (Do Not Travel) advisories represent more critical levels. However, Germany’s Level Two advisory is noteworthy, given its significant size in central Europe, robust economy, and second-largest population after Russia.

Over the past year, the most severe travel advisories in Europe were primarily linked to the conflict in Ukraine. Do-not-travel advisories were issued for Ukraine (May 2023), Belarus (July 2023), and Russia (September 2023) due to the ongoing hostilities.

If you must travel to Germany, the State Department recommends:

Be aware of your surroundings when traveling to tourist locations and crowded public venues.
Follow the instructions of local authorities.
Monitor local media for breaking events and adjust your plans based on new information.
Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program ( STEP ) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter .
Review the Country Security Report for Germany.
Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.

OTHER TRAVEL ADVISORIES ISSUED BY U.S. IN 2024

With Jamaica and Bahamas under travel advisories, which Caribbean islands are safe to book your next vacation?

Following ‘nationwide state of emergency,’ State Dept. issues travel advisory to South American spot

Amid do-not-travel alert, major cruise line stops visits to popular Caribbean resort

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20 out of 10.

The trip was just great - I can't really think of any negatives. Diane will back me up when I say I usually give 10/10s - I gave her 20/10. Trish, Canada/Alaska

Excellent trip

I found the overall trip excellent. I believe Diane's professionalism, inclusive personality and ability to relate to all contributed to this. She worked to ensure the group was cohesive without individuals impinging on the personal space of others etc. a good skill to have and one she applied effectively. Kate, Canada/Alaska

Fantastic value for money

Fantastic value for money paid. Russell our guide is an asset to your company... he was fantastic! Overall the trip was magical from start to finish. Well done Two's a Crowd ... the best trip ever. Barbara, Canada/Alaska

Fantastic first solo trip

I had a fantastic trip. Absolutely loved Canada and Alaska. It's the first time I have travelled solo and was pleasantly surprised to find a bunch of people that all got on so well. Diane our host was great. She did a good job of getting us altogether for meals, excursions, shopping trips etc. I liked that she quietly got things done without being loud or "in-your-face". She was good at being one of us as well as our leader. Wendy, Canada/Alaska

Good balance of activities and spare time

Had a great time. Good mixture of organised activities and spare time. Diane was an excellent tour host. Russell the tour guide was great, very knowledgeable and personable with his insights into growing up and living in Canada. Sharon, Canada/Alaska

Well organised trip with an excellent host

The trip was well organised, with a good mix of activity and free time. The scenery was spectacular and fellow travellers were a great bunch. Diane is a excellent host - helpful, courteous and above all a pleasure to know. I found her bubbly personality a bonus and can only speak highly of her. Gary, Canada/Alaska

I had a fabulous time

I had a fabulous time. Lake Louise and the hotel were magnificent. The cruise was excellent. Diane made sure that she was available for group meals and sightseeing, and was alway in good humour and great fun. I would recommend your company to everyone and am very interested in the Scandinavia tour at the end of 2017.

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Great holiday

What a great trip! I experienced so much and participated in all that was offered. I had read and reviewed as much as time allowed me but was not prepared for what the trip gave me and that is a better understanding of the beautiful people of both countries. - Lesley on Vietnam/Cambodia

In good company

I thought the suggestions for optional things to do, in the "free" time were very good. So good, we really ended up with very little free time. So much to do! - Mary on Vietnam

Great time together

I found the trip interesting and eye opening with a great overview of both Vietnam and Cambodia. The other travellers on the trip were fabulous and we had a great time together. - Anonymous on Vietnam/Cambodia

Fantastic first experience!

Extremely well organised with fabulous guides throughout - especially in Vietnam! First holiday with your company and certainly not the last. - Glenys on Vietnam

Great group to travel with

Having a small group meant that the days were more relaxed and flexible and I really felt spoilt and looked after. Melinda on Borneo

Thoroughly enjoyed Uganda

Thoroughly enjoyed my trip especially Uganda. There was so much variety of things to do on this trip. Jaros & Julius were great. Thought in Kenya the Maasai Mara were beautiful people, so easy to get along with. Judy

Can’t stop talking about my experience

I just feel so privileged to have shared with the Maasai the most awe-inspiring majestic sights and sounds of Africa. The fantastic memories will be with me forever. Maureen

Absolutely enjoyable

Gillian was a fantastic host. She was there for us from the moment we reached Hotel Troy. Heather on Africa

Best holiday I’ve been on!

One of the best holidays that I have been on - really well organised. I would never have travelled to Vietnam or Cambodia on my own. Bronwyn

Well organised

Fun, well organised and a really great group. Barbara on Vietnam/Cambodia

I found the trip interesting and eye opening with a great overview of both Vietnam and Cambodia. The other travellers on the trip were fabulous and we had a great time together.

Great value

Well done. No complaints. Very pleased with this trip. Great value for my hard earned dollars! Really enjoyed the [Vietnam/Cambodia] tour.

Fabulous rapport filled with much humour!

A great bunch of people & I can't believe how we all had such a fabulous rapport filled with much humour!!!

I couldn’t fault anything.

The (Uniworld River) cruise was great, I met up with some wonderful people who treated me like part of the family ! The ship & crew were fantastic & the excursions were very good, I couldn't fault anything. I'd recommend this cruise to anyone. Peter

Informative and educational

The entire trip was one of the most enjoyable and exciting. Also so informative and educational. I was so pleased to make the trip. Wish I was over there in that magical place. Marjorie

I’ve just returned from the wonderful Kimberley trip. It was my first experience with Two’s a Crowd and I was delighted. Kay

Opportunity to experience

I have had the opportunity to experience things I would never had done by myself. Solo travellers is a fantastic concept and use of social media has been a great way to share and keep in touch with friends and family. Judi

I need not have worried

Being my first tour and a senior member, I admit I was apprehensive but I need not have worried. It was great and I was very well looked after. Can’t wait to go to Kenya with Two’s a Crowd. Maureen

Smooth and seamless

A memorable trip of a lifetime, a wish fulfilled. A fascinating cultural country steeped in history which I found totally enthralling. Two’s a Crowd service was smooth and seamless. Pam

A wonderful experience

It was a wonderful experience visiting Cambodia and Vietnam and gave me a better understanding of these countries. I had a great time with new friends, we had a good bunch and Leonie was the perfect host. Eric

Value for money

Value for money and outstanding co-operation from your staff and tour operators. Joan

Safe and secure and totally looked after

An awesome adventure for my first time overseas alone. Leonie was excellent and both guides were also fantastic. At all times I felt safe and secure and totally looked after. Melinda

Well done Two’s a Crowd.

Leonie was an excellent host, the ideal person. I never felt any pressure to be involved in every activity so I could explore alone during free time. Having 2 or 3 nights in most places was great – you could rest up or party. Well done Two’s a Crowd. Jenny

A completely different experience

It was a nice surprise holiday, a completely different experience from all my other holidays. Thanks. Piroska

I’ve had at least 10 travel agents.

In my travelling life, I’ve had at least 10 travel agents. Two’s a Crowd is the first one where I haven’t had to correct anything in my travel documents. Piroska

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Two’s a Crowd on the internet was definitely meant to be!

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Sequoia National Park’s giants are the friendly type. Hugs are welcome.

People all over the world watched with rapt attention in 2021 as wildfire threatened to engulf the world’s largest tree . Firefighters carefully wrapped the base of the General Sherman Tree in shiny, protective blanketing as flames drew closer at Sequoia National Park .

Ultimately, the roughly 275-foot-tall icon was spared, but other giant sequoias weren’t so lucky. Redwood Mountain Grove in neighboring Kings Canyon National Park “lost an estimated 974 to 1,574 large sequoias,” according to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, which are managed jointly.

“Given the amount of giant sequoias that were lost in the last few years – almost 20% of the entire giant sequoia population was lost in a short amount of time – we're not feeling as confident as we were just a few years ago about these trees really being around for generations and generations to come,” said Sintia Kawasaki-Yee, chief of Communications and Management Support for both parks in California. “We really want to bring attention to their mortality.”

That’s not the only thing Sequoia visitors should know.

What is so special about Sequoia National Park?

Sequoia protects the largest trees in the world and a wide array of habitats.

“I would say the most special feature is that you enter at about, I want to say, 1,600 feet of elevation and within about a 45-minute span, you're able to reach 6,500 feet, which is a huge elevation gain in a really small amount of miles,” said Kawasaki-Yee. “You come in in the foothills area. In the spring, we have really great wildflowers. We have the river. We have great access there year-round, but if you drive just 45 minutes into Giant Forest , you get to see the change in the terrain and wildlife.”

Visitors can feel the change too, as temperatures dip and winds whip higher up, so pack accordingly.

Is the General Sherman Tree the tallest tree in the world?

No. It’s not the tallest tree in the world. That title belongs to Hyperion, a coast redwood at Redwood National Park, according to Guinness World Records .But the General Sherman Tree is the largest by volume, with a trunk volume of 52,508 cubic feet, according to the park.

Can you touch the General Sherman Tree?

No. “The Sherman Tree is fenced off, so you cannot touch it, but there are many other sequoias in that same area that you can definitely walk up to and touch,” said Kawasaki-Yee.

She recommends feeling their fibrous bark, which she noted is softer to the touch than one might expect.

“Feel free to hug a tree, connect with a tree,” she added. “That connection is really important to really build that connection for people and hopefully that commitment to protect these trees in the long term.”

From Acadia to Zion: What travelers should know about each of America's national parks

Which park is better, Redwood or Sequoia?

“They're basically siblings, and so it's like comparing your kids,” Patrick Taylor, Interpretation and Education manager for the National Park Service at Redwood , told USA TODAY in April. “You love them both for slightly different reasons.”

He explained that giant sequoias tend to have more volume to them.

“So they're bigger in the sense that they usually have a wider base, and they don't taper off as fast,” he said. “The coastal redwoods are usually a little taller and a little more slender.”

Is Sequoia National Park free?

No. Most visitors will have to pay a flat $35 vehicle entrance fee that covers access to both Sequoia and Kings Canyon.

Certain groups are eligible for free entry to all national parks, namely military service members, veterans, Gold Star families , U.S. citizens and permanent residents with permanent disabilities, and fourth graders and their families .

Can you just drive through Sequoia National Park?

Yes. “You can actually do both parks in one drive,” said Kawasaki-Yee. “A lot of people that are doing road trips will drive through both parks on the same day or the same trip.”

The park is located about an-hour-and-a-half drive from Fresno. Fresno Yosemite International Airport is the nearest commercial airport.

What is the best time of year to visit Sequoia National Park?

Kawasaki-Yee recommends visiting in the spring or fall to avoid summer crowds and winter road closures.

“Maybe right before Memorial Day weekend, so you don't get the crowds but you still get access to the areas,” she suggested.

Can I stay inside Sequoia National Park?

Yes. The park offers a variety of on-site camping and lodging , though some lodges, operated by third parties, only open seasonally.

Who are the Indigenous people of the area?

“Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are the homelands of the Mono (Monache), Yokuts, Tübatulabal, Paiute, and Western Shoshone,” according to the parks’ website, which lists the following affiliated federally recognized tribes:

Big Pine Band of Owens Valley Paiute Shoshone Indians
Big Sandy Rancheria Band of Western Mono Indians
Bishop Paiute Tribe
Bridgeport Indian Colony
Cold Springs Rancheria
Fort Independence Indian Community of Paiute Indians
Fort Mojave Indian Tribe
North Fork Rancheria of Mono Indians
Paiute-Shoshone Indians of the Lone Pine Community
Picayune Rancheria of the Chukchansi Indians
Santa Rosa Rancheria Tachi-Yokut Tribe
Table Mountain Rancheria
Tejon Indian Tribe
Tule River Tribe
Utu Utu Gwaitu Paiute Tribe of the Benton Paiute Reservation

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Travel website's top 20 list includes 2 beach towns in or near Delaware. What earned nods?

Delaware is known for its beach towns, and one of them was selected as one of the top 20 in the country by a popular travel website.

Thrillist writers and editors named Rehoboth Beach as one of the top 20 in a list released in April. Down the road, Ocean City, Maryland, also made the list.

"Our group of travel writers have pulled the best of the best, places where those sands give way to dreamy towns, where the locals vibe with the visitors, and the food and drink become the stuff of endless summer memories," the site wrote of the list.

'Fun for all'

Alongside a bizarre reference to “buff dudes” in “supernaturally small speedos,” Thrillist hyped Rehoboth’s LGBTQ community, its boardwalk, amusement parks, free summer concerts and its proximity away from the more youthful good times in Dewey Beach.

“It’s also a haven for craft beer nerds: Dogfish Head founder Sam Calagione can often be seen skateboarding around town, and his flagship brewpub and restaurant, Chesapeake & Maine, is one of the first signs you’ve made it to the beach,” the website states.

BEST BEACHES: This Jersey Shore beach ranks among top 25 in the U.S.

Among the top attractions, Thrillist listed sushi at The Cultured Pearl, Henlopen City Oyster House’s raw bar, partying at Blue Moon and taking a bike ride to see homes you’ll never be able to afford around Silver Lake.

Forever trapped in the '80s

Thrillist says everybody loves Ocean City because it's forever trapped in the ‘80s, citing the “vast majority” of hotels and rental properties built around that decade.

“Nothing from the outdoor cover band at Seacrets to the French fries at Thrasher’s seems to have changed,” the website states.

The website hypes eating food with Old Bay seasoning and fries with vinegar along with drinking an orange crush at Harborside Bar and Grill.

Travel+Leisure, another popular travel website, also named Ocean City among its 25 best beaches in the country .

PRESIDENTIAL VISIT: Biden will have ice cream with a supporter in Rehoboth Beach. We have guesses where

The top 20 beach towns selected by Thrillist

Asbury Park, New Jersey
Nags Head, North Carolina
Saugatuck/Douglas, Michigan
Cannon Beach, Oregon
Ocean City, Maryland
Anna Maria Island, Florida
Haleiwa, Oahu, Hawaii
Rehoboth, Delaware
Rincon, Puerto Rico
Tybee Island, Georgia
Santa Barbara, California
Ogunquit, Maine
Folly Beach, South Carolina
Paia, Maui, Hawaii
Gulf Shores, Alabama
Wellfleet and Provincetown, Massachusetts
Narragansett, Rhode Island
Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Ocean Springs, Mississippi

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The Rick Steves guide to life

Travel mogul. Philanthropist. Legal weed champion. The real Rick Steves is so much more complex than who you see on TV.

EDMONDS, Wash. — At first glance, it is hard to tell that Rick Steves is protesting.

In the center of his hometown, America’s favorite travel host is perched on the edge of a fountain roundabout engaging in some friendly civil disobedience. As cars circle the intersection, Steves smiles and waves, looking more like an Elf on a Shelf than an angry picketer. This is his way of reminding people he wishes they’d stop driving here.

Steves’s family moved to Edmonds when he was 12, and the 68-year-old is still happy to call it home. Rather than relocate to his beloved Europe, he dreams of bringing some European sensibilities to the edge of the Puget Sound, less than 20 miles north of Seattle.

When he’s not traveling around Europe, writing about Europe or running his multimillion-dollar European tour company, the prolific TV host and author likes to squeeze in some local activism. The roundabout routine is his push to block off Edmonds’s very American Main Street for pedestrians. If you squint at it, you can see what Steves sees: This would be the perfect place for a lively town square.

“I like a lot of things about Europe, but I love the urban energy of Europe. I love the piazza,” Steves said in a wistful tone you might recognize from PBS. “We don’t have a piazza.”

Unfortunately for Steves, the voting majority of the city does not love the idea of parking their SUVs farther away to shop. So despite his Boy Scout enthusiasm, the most famous man in Edmonds must keep up the perch-and-wave. This is not his only crusade.

Spend any amount of time with Steves, and you’ll encounter a total ham who loves a zany bit. But if you ask him about serious issues such as car-free zones, he’ll bring up other causes that are dear to him: affordable housing, supporting the arts, creating senior centers for the elderly to age with dignity.

He’s anti-Trump and pro-cannabis. He does not care if that is bad for business.

The average Rick Steves fan has probably missed this side of him. On TV, they see an always-sunny history lover who makes going abroad feel approachable for the average American. That’s an incomplete picture, like thinking you know Paris because you’ve seen the Eiffel Tower on YouTube.

Meet him in Edmonds, and he’ll fill in the rest.

It may look like a lot of gallivanting, but being Rick Steves takes a lot of work.

He spends three months of the year overseas, researching, writing, recording, refining tours, updating guidebooks. If he’s not planning or producing content, he’s often doing promotional events across the United States. This year, Steves is celebrating the 40th edition of his first book, “Europe Through the Back Door.” Over the course of his career, he has built a privately held company that generates $120 million in revenue a year, published 110 books, filmed 12 seasons of “Rick Steves’ Europe” and produced more than 750 podcast episodes.

“It’s just like coordinating a three-ring circus,” Steves said.

That is: really fun, sort of exhilarating and extremely complicated. To pull this off, Steves does not observe the French 35-hour workweek. He’s a workhorse with a reputation for keeping a frenetic pace year-round.

“It’s more of an American work culture,” Amy Duncan, Steves’s communications director, told me. “He’s an unapologetic capitalist, but he is also a socialist.”

He makes enough money to fly first class, but he sits in only economy, claiming that he doesn’t mind being cramped.

“It never occurred to me that I’m suffering,” he said. “As long as I’ve got an aisle and a seat that reclines, I’m happy.”

Actually, Steves believes airlines should have only one class. It’s part of his egalitarian worldview. He’s also anti-points and anti-miles, refusing to sign up for airline loyalty programs because he believes that they bully us into complicating our lives.

Steves also enforces a self-imposed “ carbon tax ” on his tour company, which takes more than 30,000 people to Europe annually. For every customer, Steves invests $30 to atone for emissions created by their flights between the United States and Europe. Last year, that added up to $1 million donated to a portfolio of organizations, Steves said.

“I don’t need to be a slave to the quarterly profit statement. I want to be around and profitable in 10 years from now in a world that you can travel in that’s stable,” Steves said. “This is a smart investment, and it’s an ethical expense that I should pay for.”

Rick Steves will tell you he’s motivated by making money; the more he can earn, the more good he can do with it.

“Vicarious consumption, that’s one of my things,” Steves said.

After amassing a windfall from the 2001 George W. Bush tax cuts for high earners, Steves donated $1 million to support the local symphony and performing arts center. In 2005, he used retirement savings to buy a 24-unit apartment complex for the local YWCA’s use as transitional housing for women and children. He figured he’d eventually sell the complex and live on the earnings. About a decade later, he changed his mind and donated the complex valued at $4 million.

He also gave more than $4 million to help build the Edmonds Waterfront Center, a vibrant gathering place for seniors where his daughter had her wedding in 2021. And he gave another $2 million for a similar center in the nearby city of Lynnwood, which broke ground in mid-April .

“Rick puts his money where his mouth is,” said Nancy Leson, a former Seattle Times food critic who used to let Steves’s daughter babysit her son. She has appreciated his regular presence in the community, which has entailed hosting events for local politics at his house and shopping at the farmers market .

“He changed travel,” local resident Karen Howe said on her way into the Waterfront Center with a friend. She has used Steves’s guidebooks for years. “He’s introduced us to places that most of us would never think of going.”

Steves hasn’t won his piazza battle, but he has brought European touches to Edmonds. At the Rick Steves’ Europe headquarters, there’s an E.U. flag hanging from the mocha brick facade. And gargoyles that drain rainwater, just like at the Notre Dame cathedral.

“Gargoyles scare away evil spirits,” Steves points out, unable to suppress his inner tour guide.

Here Steves employs more than 100 people: editors, audio producers, tour specialists and cartographers such as Dave Hoerlein, his first employee. That’s excluding the fleet of guides and drivers he contracts across the pond to shepherd tour customers.

Inside, he bounds through a maze of cubicles, his neck craned forward, always at an eager pace. His 6-foot frame appears leaner than in previous seasons of his life, but his signature look is familiar. No, not khakis and a button-down. That’s vintage Rick. These days, he wears dark jeans and a button-down, plus a thin scarf and leather sneakers.

During a day of meetings, Steves’s fjord-blue eyes lit up at the minutia of the business. He went over new maps with Hoerlein. He and longtime co-author Cameron Hewitt addressed problems such as finding a “less glitzy” stop on the Amalfi Coast that’s not Sorrento. They discussed whether a place is worth visiting after it’s gotten too popular, and Steves indulged in some gallows humor.

“It’s going to be like holding the corpse of a loved one who just died,” he said.

His critics argue that the “Rick Steves Effect” can turn a charming village, restaurant or museum into a tourist magnet. Matthew Kepnes, the travel writer behind the blog Nomadic Matt , points to the Swiss town Zermatt, which he says Steves put on the map, and has since dealt with overtourism . You’re bound to bump into groups with Rick Steves guidebooks in Italy’s increasingly crowded Cinque Terre.

Whether Steves is actually to blame for changing a place is up for debate. There are plenty of destinations he’s covered that haven’t been inundated with swarms of Americans (see also: Gdańsk).

Steves says he assesses whether a place wants tourism, if it can handle it gracefully. If it doesn’t or can’t, he may mention it but not promote it.

He has faith — maybe too much — that his clients share his values.

“Does [my work] change the personality of a town? It can. Am I a dramatic impact on Europe? No,” he said.

“There’s a handful of places I really promote aggressively that I’ve had a serious impact on, but otherwise ... my travelers are the kind of people that take only pictures and leave only footprints. ... They’re good travelers.”

You don’t have to spend much time in Edmonds to see why Steves never considered leaving.

The city — population roughly 42,000 — sits on a majestic inlet. You can get to a major international airport in about an hour. The community is so courteous, it has an “umbrella share” program in case people forget their own on a rainy day. As Steves walks around town, he greets people by name. He lives within walking distance to both his favorite diner and a pétanque court, the French answer to Italian bocce. He plays bongos at his church on Sundays.

In 1967, Richard “Dick” Steves moved the family here because he was worried about Rick Junior.

“I was hanging out with dangerous kids and going down the wrong trail,” Steves said. Seriously.

His dad, an Army veteran, got by in the upscale suburb as a piano technician and importer. When Steves was 14, his parents dragged him on a work trip to Europe to visit piano factories; it was a radical experience that sparked his lifelong passion for travel.

Back in Edmonds, Steves started teaching piano, eventually turning his savings into trips abroad of his own — not only to Europe, but also to Turkey, Nepal, Afghanistan. He went to college nearby, earning degrees in European history and business from the University of Washington, where he played in the Husky Marching Band.

After graduating, Steves figured he could keep up his routine: give piano lessons during the school year, then travel during the summer. He started teaching travel classes in the same recital hall where his piano students performed. This was back when there was no internet and there were few guidebooks to consult for trip planning.

The classes were a hit. At 25, Steves turned his lecture materials into a 180-page book, and self-published “Europe Through the Back Door,” in 1980.

Four years later, he hosted his first European minibus tour group, serving as both bus driver and guide.

His businesses have evolved; his bus tours now take up to 28 travelers, a number Steves says is a sweet spot between making the tour more affordable yet enjoyable for customers and profitable for the company. But his mission has remained the same: to be the best resource for European travel and help Americans travel better.

“I just focus on that and I love it,” he said. “It takes my life out of balance — which is not good — but it lets me do a lot of stuff that I believe in and that’s good.”

Steves has been open about the challenges of being a travel mogul. As he built his empire, he was also raising a family. Being “married” to both took a toll. In 2010, Steves and his wife, Anne, divorced after 25 years of marriage.

Up the hill from his junior high, Rick Steves’s modest beige home offers a window into his many lives. There are family photos on the walls, from older relatives to his baby grandson, Atlas. He hosts political fundraisers on the sprawling deck. A painting of Kerala, India, nods to one of his favorite countries. (People forget that Steves did four editions of “Asia Through the Back Door.”)

Next to his grand piano, there’s a stuffed creature that Steves calls his “Silver Fox” baring its teeth and wearing novelty sunglasses with cannabis leaves on the lenses — a nod to two of his interests: taxidermy and marijuana activism.

“It’s the civil liberties. … It’s the racism. … Everything about it is wrong,” he said of keeping weed illegal.

As for the toothy fox, Steves doesn’t do typical souvenirs anymore, but he makes an exception for stuffed animals.

“The wooden shoes and the pewter Viking ships are so obvious,” he said. “I like to do something a little more organic and a little more striking, and it takes me back there — I like it.”

He’s a very good piano player. He can also play the sousaphone and the trumpet — which he did regularly during the pandemic, performing taps for his neighbors at sunset.

The coronavirus was a nightmare for the travel business, but a miracle for Steves’s love life.

After running in the same social circles for years, he and Shelley Bryan Wee, a prominent local bishop, started dating at the end of 2019. They had a lot in common. Both are progressive Lutherans. Both are divorced with adult children. But neither worked a typical 9-to-5, and one of them spent three months of the year in Europe.

Then shutdowns happened. Steves, who couldn’t remember whether he’d ever had dinner in the same place 10 nights in a row, spent 100 nights at the same table with Wee. It solidified their relationship.

“Shelley is a constant,” Steves said. He still struggles with the balancing act between work and love.

When the stars align and they’re both in Edmonds, Wee cooks, and Steves plays sous-chef. They walk Jackson, Wee’s labradoodle, creating their own version of the passeggiata, Italy’s traditional evening stroll. They play table tennis before dinner.

When the world reopened, they started traveling together. They’ve made time for a few big vacations: a trip to Morocco, where they were caught in a windstorm that blew the windows out of their car; a luxury barge cruise through Burgundy, France, “that was embarrassingly expensive,” Steves confessed, followed by a week hiking in the Swiss Alps; and another hiking trip between remote lodges on Mont Blanc.

Before their first trip, Steves edited the contents of Wee’s suitcase, because packing light is part of his philosophy.

“What do you say?” she asked. “You’re talking to Rick Steves.”

Editing by Gabe Hiatt. Additional editing by Amanda Finnegan. Design editing by Christine Ashack. Photo editing by Lauren Bulbin. Videos by Monica Rodman. Senior video producer: Nicki DeMarco. Design by Katty Huertas. Copy editing by Jamie Zega.

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A travel planner shares the 10 biggest mistakes people make while booking all-inclusive vacations

Jumping into internet searches before thinking about what you want

Booking the cheapest room at the cheapest resort

Taking your kids along every time

Forgetting to research the food

Completely ruling out hurricane season

Booking an ocean-view room

Limiting your search to tropical destinations

Trusting your friend's recommendations implicitly

Not booking with a travel planner

U.S. issues travel warning for major European country: ‘Terrorist groups keep planning attacks’

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