Travel blog

There are places around the world where you want to hit the ground running, soaking up the culture and visiting all the must-see sights as quickly as you can. Cartagena, Colombia is not like that. This is the type of place where the most memorable sights are not the ones you read about in a guide book, but the ones you stumble across unknowingly. Take in Old Town’s vibrant buildings on an afternoon stroll, fall asleep on the warm Caribbean sand, or see what’s on the menu at a tiny mom-and-pop restaurant. Here are five things we love about Cartagena and why you should visit now:

When the air turns crisp and the trees come alive with color it’s a sure sign fall has arrived. Head outdoors with the leaf peepers looking for brilliant foliage, or visit a harvest festival for cider donuts and pumpkin pie. Stop by a you-pick-it-farm or get lost in a corn maze. Now that school’s back in session, you can avoid crowds and pay less, as well. So what are you waiting for? It’s time to get out and experience the season. Here are a few of our favorite fall destinations:

From upscale restaurants, to small family-run eateries, to bustling street food stalls, China offers an abundance of good food. It’s no wonder since the country is home to 23 provinces and more than 50 ethnic groups—all with their own diverse culinary histories.

Here are 10 of our favorite things to eat while traveling in China:

Dads know what to expect on Father’s Day—they’ve received the same gifts for years. Not that they’d complain, mind you, but they can only use so many ties and “World’s Best Dad” mugs. This year, why not surprise the dad in your life with a less traditional Father’s Day Gift?

A capsule wardrobe is a minimalist set of clothing. The concept was designed to help people downsize and simplify their lives. Creating a capsule wardrobe for vacations helps you travel light—in some cases you’ll be able to pack everything you need in a roll-on carry-on bag and small backpack.

Time with your family is a great way to spend a vacation, and a romantic getaway is certainly a must…but sometimes what you need most is one-on-one time with your BFFs. A Girls Weekend isn’t just fun, it’s essential to maintaining your friendships. From Old World villages to beachside retreats, museum hopping to holiday celebrations, we’ve got some incredible ways for you to reconnect and enjoy time with your girlfriends:

In the golden days of travel a transatlantic crossing was only for the fabulously rich and famous, but today anyone can enjoy a grand ocean voyage. With a nice mix of days spent on the water and in port, this land and sea vacation proves that the joy is truly in the journey. Here are some things to consider when embarking on a transatlantic cruise:

A summer packing list helps ensure a smooth, hassle-free vacation, whether you’re planning a road trip to visit the grandkids or flying off to explore foreign lands. Stay organized while you travel with this handy summer packing list.

Those of us in the Western world are familiar with the richly flavored coffees of Columbia, the Andes, and other South American regions. But did you know that Australian coffee has a following too?

New Zealand is home to 3 million people and a whole lot of sheep. In fact, it’s estimated there are 10 sheep for every person, giving this tiny island country the highest sheep density in the world. Far from just part of the pastoral landscape, sheep are a vital part of the economy. They were first introduced by Captain Cook in 1773 when herds were used to feed local whalers. As a source of meat and wool, they were soon exported, and mutton became a preferred protein on London dinner tables.

Sheep aren’t the only animals you’ll discover in New Zealand. This lush landscape is also home to yellow-eyed penguins and the royal albatross, Hector’s dolphins and fur seals. It’s a rugged wilderness straight out of the Lord of the Rings. Take a cable car to see the surging waters of the Cook Strait or wander through a historic settlement in search of art and a slower pace of life. Enjoy the flavors of world-renowned vineyards or sail through a cluster of 150 undeveloped islands. It’s all here in this tranquil green landscape where sheep still heavily pepper the hillside.

You can experience New Zealand for yourself on the Highlights of Australia & New Zealand Cruise & Tour or the Discover Australia & New Zealand Cruise and Tour. These land and sea journeys take you to the other side of the world, where you’ll see the Sydney Opera House, the fjords of the Milford sound, and tiny penguins… perhaps even a wild wallaby! For more information on these itineraries, or to book a seat, call your travel professional or YMT Vacations at 1-888-756-9072.