top of page

TRAVEL BLOG & INFO
Search


Fort Eben-Emael: When Innovation Overran “Invincibility”
Fort Eben-Emael stands as one of the most significant military sites of early World War II, not because of how long it resisted, but because
Brad Kaplan
Apr 113 min read


Maastricht: Where History Still Works
With unseasonably beautiful spring weather, the city opened itself up in a way that made exploration feel effortless. Sunlight reflected off
Brad Kaplan
Apr 114 min read


River Cruising in Europe: Growth, New Players, and the Over Tourism Challenge
European river cruising has evolved from a niche travel style into one of the fastest-growing segments in the industry. Once marketed as a q
Brad Kaplan
Apr 103 min read


A Day in Nijmegen: Walking Through the Layers of the Netherlands’ Oldest City
Spending a day in Nijmegen feels less like visiting a destination and more like stepping into a living timeline. Known as the oldest city in
Brad Kaplan
Apr 103 min read


Tulips as a Business: What’s Really Being Sold
This morning’s excursion to Polder Pride Tulip Farm—an included experience on my Avalon Waterways river cruise, offered far more than just p
Brad Kaplan
Apr 94 min read


Welcome and Initial Impressions
There is a unique kind of electricity that buzzes through the air on the first day of a grand adventure. Today, that electricity was officially colored in shades of Dutch orange and canal blue. My long-anticipated 8-day voyage through Holland and Belgium has officially begun! For months, I have been finalizing itineraries, confirming flight details, and dreaming of the iconic waterways of the Netherlands. Today, that dream became a beautiful, floating reality.
Brad Kaplan
Apr 83 min read


Premium Plus Seating: Is the Upgrade Worth It? (Hint-it is up to you to decide)
When it comes to long-haul air travel, not all seats are created equal—but not everyone is flying at the very front of the plane either. The
Brad Kaplan
Apr 73 min read


The Shattered Peninsula of Italy: Unraveling the Jigsaw Puzzle of Its History
Imagine the greatest empire the world has ever known collapsing, leaving its crown jewel—the Italian peninsula—completely up for grabs.
When the Western Roman Empire fell in 476 AD, "Italy" ceased to exist as a unified concept for the next 1,400 years. Instead, it became a battleground, a chessboard for foreign kings, and a cradle for fiercely independent city-states. To understand modern Italian regionalism
Brad Kaplan
Apr 23 min read
Top 10 Character Dining Experiences at Disney Parks 🐭
If you’re planning a trip to Walt Disney World, there’s one magical experience you don’t want to miss—character dining! Imagine enjoying a delicious meal while your favorite Disney characters walk right up to your table for hugs, autographs, and photos. No long lines, no rushing—just pure magic! Here are the Top 10 Character Dining Experiences you’ll want to add to your Disney itinerary: 1. Chef Mickey’s (Contemporary Resort) Start your day with the Fab Five—Mickey, Minnie, D
Brad Kaplan
Mar 272 min read


The Lion of St. Mark: Looking East from the Serene Republic
When you step off the train at Santa Lucia station in Venice, you aren’t just entering a city of canals and gondolas; you are stepping into the remnants of an empire. For over a thousand years, the "Most Serene Republic of Venice" wasn't just a city—it was an independent, dominant maritime superpower that ruled the Mediterranean. While the rest of Europe was looking inward, dealing with the struggles of feudalism and the Dark Ages, Venice looked East. With a massive naval fle
Brad Kaplan
Mar 263 min read
bottom of page