--- title: Travel blog | Diana Cowgill (2) description: Diana Cowgill is a copywriter at YMT Vacations. She and her husband love to flit around the world together, gorging on regional baked goods and petting as many street cats as possible. Diana’s favorite places to visit are Greece, the Santa Ynez Valley, and the pages of a good book. She enjoys travel writing because it allows her to play a small part in making other people’s dreams come true. (2) --- [![YMT Vacations](https://blog.ymtvacations.com/hs-fs/hubfs/logo-1.png?width=150&height=90&name=logo-1.png "YMT Vacations")](https://blog.ymtvacations.com/) [877-332-6185](tel:+1-877-332-6185) Show Menu - [Return To Main Site](https://www.ymtvacations.com) - [Travel Deals](https://www.ymtvacations.com/travel-deals) - [Popular Posts](https://blog.ymtvacations.com/author/diana-cowgill/page/2#popular-posts) - Find a Vacation - [Alaska](https://www.ymtvacations.com/browse-vacations/all/alaska) - [Hawaii](https://www.ymtvacations.com/browse-vacations/all/hawaii) - [USA & Canada](https://www.ymtvacations.com/browse-vacations/all/usa-canada) - [U.S. National Parks](https://www.ymtvacations.com/browse-vacations/all/national-parks) - [Europe](https://www.ymtvacations.com/browse-vacations/all/europe) - [Latin America](https://www.ymtvacations.com/browse-vacations/all/latin-america) - [Asia](https://www.ymtvacations.com/browse-vacations/all/asia) - [Transatlantic](https://www.ymtvacations.com/browse-vacations/all/transatlantic) - [Australia and New Zealand](https://www.ymtvacations.com/browse-vacations/all/australia-and-new-zealand) - [Africa](https://www.ymtvacations.com/browse-vacations/all/Africa) - [Oberammergau](https://www.ymtvacations.com/browse-vacations/all/oberammergau) - [Rose Parade](https://www.ymtvacations.com/browse-vacations/all/rose-parade) - About Us - [The YMT Experience](https://www.ymtvacations.com/about-us/ymt-experience) - [Why Choose YMT](https://www.ymtvacations.com/about-us/ymt-experience/why-ymt) - [YMT Loyalty Program](https://www.ymtvacations.com/about-us/ymt-experience/ymt-ohana-club) - [YMT Guest Reviews](https://www.ymtvacations.com/about-us/ymt-experience/our-guest-reviews) - [Refer a Friend](https://www.ymtvacations.com/about-us/ymt-experience/refer-friend) - [Group Travel & Tours](https://www.ymtvacations.com/about-us/ymt-experience/group-travel) - [Terms & Conditions](https://www.ymtvacations.com/about-us/general-information-policies/terms-conditions) - [YMT General Information & Policies](https://www.ymtvacations.com/about-us/general-information-policies) - [FAQ](https://www.ymtvacations.com/about-us/general-information-policies/questions-answers) # Travel blog ## Diana Cowgill Diana Cowgill is a copywriter at YMT Vacations. She and her husband love to flit around the world together, gorging on regional baked goods and petting as many street cats as possible. Diana’s favorite places to visit are Greece, the Santa Ynez Valley, and the pages of a good book. She enjoys travel writing because it allows her to play a small part in making other people’s dreams come true. ### Recent Posts ## [Top 4 European Rivers to Experience on a River Cruise](https://blog.ymtvacations.com/top-river-cruises) [![](https://blog.ymtvacations.com/hubfs/600x400-European%20River%20Cruise.jpg)](https://blog.ymtvacations.com/top-river-cruises) A [river cruise](https://blog.ymtvacations.com/european-sailings-top-tips-for-river-cruising) is one of the best ways to see a lot of Europe’s most stunning scenery on one easy and fun trip. Much like an ocean cruise, you get the benefit of living aboard a comfortable floating hotel. All your needs are taken care of on the water, and you get to enjoy port stops at the most iconic destinations along your route. European river cruises enable you to get the most out of your time in Europe. They take travelers from great city to great city, past lush countryside, towering castles, ancient villages, and climbing vineyards. You will be able to see countless landmarks in style and comfort. River cruising is an exceptional way to travel. Four of the best rivers to cruise in Europe are the Danube, the Rhone, the Rhine, and the Douro. Learn about these rivers, including what you can see as you cruise down them with YMT Vacations. --- [Read More](https://blog.ymtvacations.com/top-river-cruises) 2 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://blog.ymtvacations.com/top-river-cruises#comments-listing) Topics: [River Cruises](https://blog.ymtvacations.com/topic/river-cruises), [Travel Inspiration](https://blog.ymtvacations.com/topic/travel-inspiration) ## [Top 10 Things to Do in Munich, Germany](https://blog.ymtvacations.com/things-to-do-in-munich) [![](https://blog.ymtvacations.com/hubfs/600x400-Munich%2c%20Germany.jpg)](https://blog.ymtvacations.com/things-to-do-in-munich) Deciding what to do in Munich is as fun as it is fascinating and overwhelming. Where will you go in this special city that perfectly fuses the past, present, and future? Its past is demonstrated by its many historic sites, from churches to centuries-old taverns. Its present is shown by its modern architecture and sophisticated culture. As for the future? This cutting-edge city is full of technology and progressive policies. One of the richest cities in Europe’s wealthiest nation really shows how a thriving city should look. --- [Read More](https://blog.ymtvacations.com/things-to-do-in-munich) 1 Comment [Click here to read/write comments](https://blog.ymtvacations.com/things-to-do-in-munich#comments-listing) Topics: [Europe](https://blog.ymtvacations.com/topic/europe) ## [8 Historical Sites of Egypt](https://blog.ymtvacations.com/egypt-historical-sites) [![](https://blog.ymtvacations.com/hubfs/600x400_Giza%20Pyramids%20and%20Sphnix_Egypt.jpg)](https://blog.ymtvacations.com/egypt-historical-sites) Egypt’s culture and historical sites have held our attention and sparked our imagination for thousands of years. Its colorful myths, all-powerful pharaohs, burial rituals, and reverence for cats are irresistible to everyone from children to retirees. And nothing captures our interest more than the epic, iconic monuments that Egyptians erected over the course of its millennia in power. Egypt is on many people’s bucket list. From pyramids to grand temples and lavish tombs, these are the must-see sites of this can’t miss destination. --- [Read More](https://blog.ymtvacations.com/egypt-historical-sites) 6 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://blog.ymtvacations.com/egypt-historical-sites#comments-listing) Topics: [International Travel](https://blog.ymtvacations.com/topic/international-travel), [Travel Inspiration](https://blog.ymtvacations.com/topic/travel-inspiration), [Africa](https://blog.ymtvacations.com/topic/africa) ## [Maine: The Way Life Should Be](https://blog.ymtvacations.com/maine-the-way-life-should-be) [![](https://blog.ymtvacations.com/hubfs/Acadia%20National%20Park-CMTR.jpg)](https://blog.ymtvacations.com/maine-the-way-life-should-be) Maine changed its state slogan from Vacationland to “the way life should be.” Which is a lot more accurate. The [23rd state](https://www.maine.gov/portal/index.html) is known for its slower pace, open spaces, and spectacular scenery. Maine’s long coastline and thickly forested interior are ruggedly and expansively beautiful. Granite mountains look out over quaint towns, and Maine’s rocky shores are the first place in America to greet the sunrise. People visit here, move here, and stay here because there’s room and opportunity to enjoy life. There’s no reason to rush. The seasons change when they change, the fish will bite when they’re ready, and Mainers move on Maine Time. YMT’s [Coastal Maine & Acadia](https://www.ymtvacations.com/tour/coastal-maine-acadia) tour is a relaxing, peaceful, delightful journey through America’s Easternmost state. A memorable mixture of tours, activities, and free time allows guests to experience Maine at its fullest. --- [Read More](https://blog.ymtvacations.com/maine-the-way-life-should-be) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://blog.ymtvacations.com/maine-the-way-life-should-be#comments-listing) Topics: [US National Parks](https://blog.ymtvacations.com/topic/us-national-parks), [Guest Stories](https://blog.ymtvacations.com/topic/guest-stories), [Travel Inspiration](https://blog.ymtvacations.com/topic/travel-inspiration) ## [Tips for a Stress-Free Airport Experience](https://blog.ymtvacations.com/airport-tips) [![](https://blog.ymtvacations.com/hubfs/Group%20of%20women%20happy%20at%20airport.png)](https://blog.ymtvacations.com/airport-tips) Planning your next vacation and deciding where to go is an exciting endeavor. The anticipation builds as your getaway draws near, but sometimes the thought of navigating the airport can be stressful. With some preparation and our list of tips for airport travel, you can enjoy a stress-free airport experience as you embark on your next vacation. --- [Read More](https://blog.ymtvacations.com/airport-tips) 2 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://blog.ymtvacations.com/airport-tips#comments-listing) Topics: [Travel Tips](https://blog.ymtvacations.com/topic/travel-tips) ## [Your Guide to Visiting Yellowstone National Park](https://blog.ymtvacations.com/yellowstone-national-park-guide) [![](https://blog.ymtvacations.com/hubfs/600x400-yellowstone-great-prismatic-spring-national-park.jpg)](https://blog.ymtvacations.com/yellowstone-national-park-guide) --- It’s impossible not to enjoy a Yellowstone [National Park vacation](https://blog.ymtvacations.com/americas-best-idea-history-national-parks). The 2-million-acre park in the Wyoming wilderness is one of the most beautiful places on earth. Its wild terrain is diverse, with deep canyons, towering mountains, rivers, lakes, forests, and most famously, geysers. There’s so much to see in this magnificent national park, the third [most popular park in America](https://blog.ymtvacations.com/top-national-parks). If you’re planning a trip to Yellowstone, this guide can help you have a truly memorable experience. --- [Read More](https://blog.ymtvacations.com/yellowstone-national-park-guide) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://blog.ymtvacations.com/yellowstone-national-park-guide#comments-listing) Topics: [Planning a Vacation](https://blog.ymtvacations.com/topic/planning-a-vacation), [US National Parks](https://blog.ymtvacations.com/topic/us-national-parks) ## [Quiz: What Should Be Your Next Summer Getaway?](https://blog.ymtvacations.com/quiz-summer-getaway) [![](https://blog.ymtvacations.com/hubfs/Summer%20Getaway%20Quiz%20Header.jpg)](https://blog.ymtvacations.com/quiz-summer-getaway) The long days of summer are meant to be cherished. This is the season for barbecues and beaches, stargazing and relaxation. It's also the best time of the year to get out of town on the perfect summer vacation! There are so many incredible destinations across the United States, so where should you go? Take this quiz to find out! --- [Read More](https://blog.ymtvacations.com/quiz-summer-getaway) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://blog.ymtvacations.com/quiz-summer-getaway#comments-listing) Topics: [Travel Inspiration](https://blog.ymtvacations.com/topic/travel-inspiration) ## [How to Avoid Jet Lag on Your Next Flight](https://blog.ymtvacations.com/avoid-jet-lag) [![](https://blog.ymtvacations.com/hubfs/600x400-Airplane.jpg)](https://blog.ymtvacations.com/avoid-jet-lag) We all wish we could avoid jet lag, the annoying side effect of long flights. Your internal clock, or circadian rhythm, is thrown off. So, for a few days, your sleep/wake cycle remains out of sync with the time zone you’ve flown into. Jet lag can make you wake up at 2 AM, want to go to bed 4 PM, and just not feel your best for the start of your vacation. Thankfully, there are ways you can minimize the severity and length of jet lag. Smart choices before, during, and after you fly give you more time to enjoy your vacation without being bogged down by the frustrating symptoms of jet lag. --- [Read More](https://blog.ymtvacations.com/avoid-jet-lag) 1 Comment [Click here to read/write comments](https://blog.ymtvacations.com/avoid-jet-lag#comments-listing) Topics: [Travel Tips](https://blog.ymtvacations.com/topic/travel-tips), [International Travel](https://blog.ymtvacations.com/topic/international-travel) ## [Set Sail With YMT: 2022 Cruising Update](https://blog.ymtvacations.com/2022-cruising-update) [![](https://blog.ymtvacations.com/hubfs/600x400-NOCR-NCL%20Breakaway.jpg)](https://blog.ymtvacations.com/2022-cruising-update) *Photo Credit: Daniel Hernandez* Cruise lovers have been dreaming of returning to sea, including YMT Tour Director Daniel Hernandez. Daniel is an avid cruiser who has led countless cruise tours over the course of his career. He was as enthusiastic as our guests to board Norwegian Cruise Line’s [Norwegian Breakaway](https://www.ncl.com/cruise-ship/breakaway) for a 7-day Caribbean Cruise—his first cruise in two years. Daniel’s experience leading our [New Orleans & Western Caribbean Cruise](https://www.ymtvacations.com/tour/new-orleans-western-caribbean-cruise) left him happy and enthusiastic for what’s to come. He observed a few changes and new protocols, but the fun of cruising is back and better than ever. Are you curious what cruising is like now? Read about Daniel’s experience, and what you can expect on a cruise in 2022! --- [Read More](https://blog.ymtvacations.com/2022-cruising-update) 3 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://blog.ymtvacations.com/2022-cruising-update#comments-listing) Topics: [Travel Tips](https://blog.ymtvacations.com/topic/travel-tips), [Guest Stories](https://blog.ymtvacations.com/topic/guest-stories) ## [Most Visited National Parks in the US](https://blog.ymtvacations.com/top-national-parks) [![](https://blog.ymtvacations.com/hubfs/600x400-blue-Ridge-Smokey-Mountain-BRTR.jpg)](https://blog.ymtvacations.com/top-national-parks) America’s national parks are so precious that they are nationally protected and preserved as a birthright for all future generations. These natural wonders make us feel small—and we can’t help but marvel at their extraordinary beauty. Popular parks receive over a million visitors annually. The 10 most visited parks welcome more than 3 million people each year. --- [Read More](https://blog.ymtvacations.com/top-national-parks) 1 Comment [Click here to read/write comments](https://blog.ymtvacations.com/top-national-parks#comments-listing) Topics: [US National Parks](https://blog.ymtvacations.com/topic/us-national-parks), [Travel Inspiration](https://blog.ymtvacations.com/topic/travel-inspiration) [Previous](https://blog.ymtvacations.com/author/diana-cowgill/page/1) [All posts](https://blog.ymtvacations.com/all) [Next](https://blog.ymtvacations.com/author/diana-cowgill/page/3) [![Send Me a Brochure](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/361468/1f0e1efc-058a-41db-b1df-1aa6404814cc.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/361468/1f0e1efc-058a-41db-b1df-1aa6404814cc) ### Recent Posts ### Popular Posts ### Posts by Topic - [Travel Tips (140)](https://blog.ymtvacations.com/topic/travel-tips) - [Americas (110)](https://blog.ymtvacations.com/topic/americas) - [Europe (104)](https://blog.ymtvacations.com/topic/europe) - [Planning a Vacation (84)](https://blog.ymtvacations.com/topic/planning-a-vacation) - [Travel Inspiration (48)](https://blog.ymtvacations.com/topic/travel-inspiration) - [Hawaii (43)](https://blog.ymtvacations.com/topic/hawaii) - [US National Parks (34)](https://blog.ymtvacations.com/topic/us-national-parks) - [International Travel (31)](https://blog.ymtvacations.com/topic/international-travel) - [Senior Travel (24)](https://blog.ymtvacations.com/topic/senior-travel) - [Asia (22)](https://blog.ymtvacations.com/topic/asia) - [Alaska (21)](https://blog.ymtvacations.com/topic/alaska) - [Food and Dining (21)](https://blog.ymtvacations.com/topic/food-and-dining) - [Ireland (21)](https://blog.ymtvacations.com/topic/ireland) - [Packing Lists (20)](https://blog.ymtvacations.com/topic/packing-lists) - [Rose Parade (17)](https://blog.ymtvacations.com/topic/rose-parade) - [Cuba (14)](https://blog.ymtvacations.com/topic/cuba) - [Airlines (11)](https://blog.ymtvacations.com/topic/airlines) - [History (11)](https://blog.ymtvacations.com/topic/history) - [River Cruises (11)](https://blog.ymtvacations.com/topic/river-cruises) - [Solo Travel (9)](https://blog.ymtvacations.com/topic/solo-travel) - [Guest Stories (8)](https://blog.ymtvacations.com/topic/guest-stories) - [Australia & New Zealand (7)](https://blog.ymtvacations.com/topic/australia-new-zealand) - [Balloon Fiesta (6)](https://blog.ymtvacations.com/topic/balloon-fiesta) - [Greece (5)](https://blog.ymtvacations.com/topic/greece) - [Quizzes (5)](https://blog.ymtvacations.com/topic/quizzes) - [England (4)](https://blog.ymtvacations.com/topic/england) - [Africa (2)](https://blog.ymtvacations.com/topic/africa) ### Stay posted on the latest travel tips ![](https://blog.ymtvacations.com/hubfs/YMT_logo_notag_white.svg "YMT_logo_notag_white.svg")       YMT Vacations has been providing quality, care-free discount vacation packages since 1967 - that’s over 50 years of serving our satisfied clients! 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