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Windstar Cruises Offers All-Inclusive Upgrade on Worldwide Voyages

lynn.elmhirst@gmail.com (Lynn) — Fri, 17 Apr 26 18:12:50 +0000

For a limited time only, get free Wi-Fi, gratuities, and beverages on global Windstar sailings through June 2027. Book by June 30, 2026, for this can’t-miss offer on a wide range of itineraries, from winter sailings in the Mediterranean to far-reaching journeys in Tahiti and Alaska.

Windstar Offer Details:

Get a value of more than USD 1,300 on a seven-day voyage for two guests with these complimentary inclusions:

Wi-Fi,
gratuities and
select unlimited cocktails, wine by the glass, and beer.

It’s a value of up to USD 1300 on a 7-day voyage for 2 guests.

Why Cruise the Windstar Way?

With yachts carrying just 148 to 342 guests, Windstar feels closer to a private yacht than a traditional cruise, with access to smaller ports, city centers, and hidden harbors that larger ships cannot reach.

That access translates into more time in port, more flexibility, and a more personalized connection to each destination. Guests might find themselves paddleboarding straight from the yacht’s Marina, joining a market visit with a local chef, or staying late in port with an evening ashore.

As the Official Cruise Line of the James Beard Foundation, Windstar also brings on board food and wine experiences that reflect the destinations guests are exploring. It is a style of travel built around going beyond the crowds, beyond the guidebook, and beyond the expected.

Where Does Windstar Sail?

With voyages spanning multiple continents and a range of travel styles, the All-Inclusive offer is designed to appeal to both first-time Windstar guests and returning travelers. The promotion applies across all regions in Windstar’s global portfolio within the travel window, with a small number of exclusions including select specialty sailings such as the Grand Prix, Eclipse, and Mystery cruises.

This offer includes regions and itineraries, including:

Europe and the Mediterranean (Year-Round): Windstar continues to expand its presence in Europe, including the debut of Star Explorer launching in December 2026. Alongside peak-season sailings, winter itineraries offer a quieter, more local perspective on iconic destinations. Voyages like Europe’s Winter Riviera (with extended stays in Nice, Florence, and Barcelona) and Southern Spain Winter Escapes (which pairs Andalusian culture with food-focused experiences) invite guests to experience the region without the crowds. Across the Mediterranean, Windstar combines headline destinations with smaller ports often missed on larger ships, creating a more enjoyable way to experience one of the world’s most traveled regions. Treasure Troves of Corsica & Sardinia weaves together vineyard-covered hillsides and secluded harbors, while Treasures of Southern Spain & Morocco pairs Spanish coastal cities with time in Tangier’s medina.
South Pacific: Year-round voyages in French Polynesia highlight Windstar’s long-standing presence in Tahiti and the broader region. With its small ships, guests can go deeper on voyages like Maori Storytellers & French Polynesian Treasures (which includes the Cook Islands and extended time in Raiatea and Bora Bora) and Far Flung French Polynesia & Marquesas Magic (which reaches the remote Marquesas).
Greece: Windstar’s Greek itineraries include well-known sites and smaller ports with a more local perspective, plus time in neighboring destinations. Postcards from Northern Greece highlights lesser-visited destinations across Greece and western Turkey, while Enchanting Greece & the Amalfi Coast combines Windstar-favorite stops (Monemvasia, Gythion) with Pompeii and Taormina in Italy.
Canary Islands: Windstar’s small ships bring a different perspective to the Canary Islands, with access to smaller ports and a more relaxed pace across the archipelago. On sailings like Colorful Canary Islands, guests have time to explore each island beyond the usual stops.
Alaska: Windstar’s small ships offer closer access to glaciers, wildlife, and remote wilderness areas. Itineraries like Scenic Alaska and Alaskan Splendors bring guests face-to-face with dramatic landscapes, from glacier-carved fjords to coastal forests, with opportunities to experience local seafood and regional traditions along the way.

ASK US TO HELP YOU PLAN YOUR NEXT WINDSTAR CRUISE

AND ENJOY THESE LIMITED-TIME INCLUSIONS!

More About Windstar Cruises:        

For four decades, Windstar Cruises has been reimagining small-ship cruising. From its origins with motor sailing yachts, Windstar has grown into a diverse fleet of four Star Class all-suite yachts—including its newest addition of Star Seeker in December 2025—and three Wind Class sailing yachts, offering voyages that are both intimate and inspiring. Its highly anticipated yacht, Star Explorer, is set to debut in December 2026, expanding the fleet to eight yachts accommodating 150-350 guests. Windstar’s legendary Wind Class sailing yachts are also undergoing a meticulous two-phase redesign to be completed by 2027.

Windstar yachts sail to more than 330 ports across Europe, the Caribbean, Costa Rica and the Panama Canal, Alaska, Canada and New England, Japan, the South Pacific, and Asia. Unlike most cruise lines, Windstar sails year-round in the Mediterranean and Tahiti, offering different destination experiences seasonally. Each Windstar voyage is designed to immerse guests in authentic cultural experiences, all while delivering the comfort, service, and style that define the Windstar difference. 

Windstar Cruises is proud to be part of the Xanterra Travel Collection, a distinguished group of global hospitality and travel companies with a legacy spanning over a hundred years. Xanterra operates iconic national parks, including Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Glacier, and Death Valley. The Xanterra Travel Collection is owned by The Anschutz Corporation, the ultimate owner of the Broadmoor, Sea Island, and entertainment giant AEG, Anschutz Entertainment Group. 

*** Images courtesy of Windstar

*** Terms & Conditions apply; ask us for full offer, itinerary, date, and pricing details.

Riviera Travel Europe Sale Up to 50% Off Sailings

simratgill@travelonly.com (Simrat Gill) — Fri, 17 Apr 26 18:12:50 +0000

If Europe is on your list, Riviera Travel is making it easier to plan with one of its strongest offers of the season.

Travellers can save up to 50% on select sailings, along with up to $1,500 in hotel and airfare credits, making it a great opportunity to turn a European river cruise into a more complete vacation experience.

To add even more value, select departures also include a complimentary all-inclusive drinks package, allowing you to enjoy wine, beer, and cocktails throughout your journey while taking in Europe’s iconic scenery.

From vineyard-lined waterways to historic cities and charming towns, Riviera Travel river cruises focus on immersive destinations, comfortable ships, and thoughtfully designed itineraries that balance guided experiences with free time.

For travellers considering Europe, this is a strong opportunity to combine meaningful savings with a well-curated river cruise experience.

Two New Ships, Two Ways to Cruise: There Really is a Cruise Out There for Everyone

lynn.elmhirst@gmail.com (Lynn) — Fri, 17 Apr 26 18:12:50 +0000

Two very different new ships—one an intimate, design-forward superyacht, the other a high-energy floating resort—are sending a strong message. Whether you’re a cruise lover or a cruise newbie, there’s a cruise style and ship that’s perfect for you.

The recent, back-to-back debut of Emerald Cruises’ newest intimate, modern yacht and Norwegian Cruise Line’s latest Caribbean mega-ship shows just how wide that spectrum has become—and why first-time cruisers, in particular, have never had more options to ‘dip your toes’ into cruising waters.

Emerald Kaia and the Rise of Yacht-Style Cruising

At one end, yacht-style cruising is booming! Fewer guests, more space, and a strong connection to the destination. The new Emerald Kaia is home to just 128 guests, a scale that feels closer to a private club than a cruise ship.

What that size delivers is not just intimacy, but a different rhythm of travel in the warm-water destinations she’s designed to sail. Days unfold at a slower, more immersive pace.

Whether you sail the Emerald Kaia on the Adriatic coast between Venice and Dubrovnik or island-hopping through the Seychelles, the ship’s design leans into that philosophy: expansive outdoor decks, seamless indoor-outdoor living, and suites filled with natural light.

The latest Emerald Cruises yacht includes a reimagined observation deck, larger suites, and more flexible interconnecting accommodations for groups. The onboard experience leans further into immersive, contemporary luxury: more varied dining venues, stronger indoor-outdoor flow, and a purpose-built wellness deck that integrates spa, fitness, and relaxation into a single, cohesive experience that opens onto the sea.

Relaxing at Sea: Dining and Design Re-imagined aboard Emerald Kaia

It’s easy yachting luxury rather than traditional cruising formality. Dining is designed to feel interactive and varied—an open kitchen concept that brings guests closer to the culinary process, relaxed Mediterranean-style poolside dining, and small-scale, highly curated private dining inspired by regional cuisines.

Wellness, too, is no longer a side offering but a central pillar. The dedicated wellness deck integrates spa treatments, salt therapy, cold plunges, and fitness spaces in a way that feels holistic.

Even the accommodations reflect changing travel habits. The introduction of interconnecting suites speaks to a growing segment of travelers who want to share experiences—families or groups of friends—without sacrificing privacy.

Norwegian Luna, A Ship That’s Its Own Destination

At the other end of the spectrum: a ship designed to deliver around-the-clock variety, energy, and choice on a much larger scale.

The new Norwegian Luna brings more than 3,500 guests together in a floating playground of options. But unlike older-generation mega-ships that could feel overwhelming, the modern approach is about letting guests shape their own experience—whether that means adrenaline, entertainment, or quiet escape.

With Norwegian Luna, what’s new isn’t just the hardware—it’s the way a large ship is organized around choice and personalization. The ship introduces next-level attractions like a hybrid rollercoaster-style waterslide, immersive game zones, and outdoor activity spaces designed for all ages, alongside more segmented experiences that let different travelers coexist without overlap.

There’s a clear evolution toward multi-generational travel, with purpose-built zones for families, teens, and adults—including elevated “ship-within-a-ship” suites in the Haven for those seeking privacy. Add in a broader range of dining and entertainment, and the innovation here is about flexibility: a large ship that doesn’t feel one-size-fits-all, but instead lets guests design their own version of the cruise experience.

The Ultimate Vehicle for Multi-generational Travel

For active travelers and families, the appeal is immediate. Attractions blur the line between cruise ship and theme park, while expansive outdoor spaces offer room to move and play.

Alongside the high-energy attractions are adult-only entertainment venues, private retreat areas, and a “ship-within-a-ship” suite complex that offers a more exclusive, insulated experience for those who want it.

Dining follows the same logic of abundance and choice, with a wide range of global cuisines and multiple venues that allow guests to curate their own culinary journey rather than follow a fixed schedule.

Beyond the Ship: The Rise of Curated Destinations

And then there’s the destination. The Norwegian Luna is focused on Caribbean itineraries out of Miami and New York, anchored by private island experiences—Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas and Harvest Caye in Belize, Norwegian’s private beach resort. Complete with beach clubs, waterparks, and curated shore amenities, these exclusive spaces are designed to extend the Luna’s lifestyle ashore.

The Big Takeaway: A Cruise Style for Every Traveler

So what ties these two very different ships together? Choice.

Options for experienced cruise travelers to try something new – and a way for new-to-cruise travelers to find the voyage that’s exactly right for you.

START YOUR TRIP!

Images: Emerald Cruises/ Scenic Group and Norwegian Cruise Line

Up To 40% Off Emerald, Scenic River Cruises During Their “Insider Sale” – Plus Solo Offer

lynn.elmhirst@gmail.com (Lynn) — Fri, 17 Apr 26 18:12:50 +0000

Only until April 19, enjoy savings of up to 40% off select full-fare, Emerald, and Scenic European river cruises of 7 nights or longer – plus solo travelers can sail with no single supplement!

Available for a limited time, the Insider Sale spans select 2026 European sailings with Scenic’s Truly All-Inclusive journeys and Emerald’s contemporary luxury river experiences.

Eligible river cruise departures span both Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours and Emerald Cruises & Tours, sailing April through August, as well as November 2026, covering some of Europe’s most iconic waterways, including the Rhine, Main, Danube, and Rhone.

By focusing on longer, more immersive journeys, the Insider Sale unlocks meaningful savings on itineraries that allow travelers to experience Europe at a deeper pace, with more time in destination and fewer transitions between cities.

REMIND YOUR TRAVEL ADVISOR TO USE THE PROMO CODE ‘INSIDER’ WHEN BOOKING YOUR CRUISE TO GET FULL SAVINGS!

Secure your space on some of the most in-demand itineraries during peak travel months.

Solo Travelers Save, Too!

In addition, the Insider Sale extends a dedicated offering for solo travelers. Guests traveling independently can enjoy No Single Supplement on select 7+ night sailings.

Featured Sailings for Emerald Cruises & Tours Include:

Jewels of the Rhine – 7 nights
Rhine Castles & Moselle River – 10 nights
Legendary Rhine & Moselle – 7 nights
Danube Explorer & Budapest – 9 nights
Danube Explorer – 7 nights
Sensations of Southern France – 7 nights

Featured Sailings for Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours Include:

Gems of the Danube – 7 nights
Jewels of Europe – 14 nights
Beautiful Bordeaux – 10 nights
Rhine Highlights – 7 nights
Danube in Depth – 9 nights
Spectacular South of France – 9 nights

Book early! Limited availability remains on these extended departures.

*** Images: Scenic Group

*** Terms & Conditions apply; ask us for full offer, itinerary, date, and pricing details.

Discover Solo River Cruising with AmaWaterways

simratgill@travelonly.com (Simrat Gill) — Fri, 17 Apr 26 18:12:50 +0000

Solo travel should feel exciting, not complicated. AmaWaterways has created an environment where travelling independently feels natural, comfortable and rewarding from the moment you step on board.

Solo travellers are welcomed with thoughtful touches such as guided ship tours designed specifically to help you get familiar with the ship and meet fellow guests early in the journey. It is a simple way to start the experience feeling confident and at ease.

Social opportunities are always available but never forced. Invitations to cocktail gatherings or the Captain’s Table provide relaxed ways to connect with others, while still allowing you to enjoy time on your own whenever you choose.

On shore, smaller excursion groups make it easier to interact with local guides and fellow travellers, creating a more personal experience while exploring each destination. On board, dining is designed to feel comfortable as well, with select tables arranged to encourage easy conversation without feeling overwhelming.

For solo travellers looking for a river cruise that balances independence with connection, AmaWaterways continues to make the experience feel effortless.

Discover Japan and Southeast Asia with Princess Cruises

simratgill@travelonly.com (Simrat Gill) — Fri, 17 Apr 26 18:12:50 +0000

Princess Cruises is expanding its presence in Asia with the launch of its 2027 and 2028 Japan and Southeast Asia program, now open for reservations with a wide range of itineraries and limited time savings.

This new season features up to $800 in instant savings per stateroom, along with Captain’s Circle savings of up to $200 per stateroom and complimentary stateroom upgrades on select sailings.

The program includes dozens of departures from Tokyo, with both Diamond Princess and Sapphire Princess homeporting in Japan, making it easier to explore the region. Guests can choose from 7 to 28-day voyages visiting 55 destinations across nine countries.

Highlights include visits to iconic landmarks such as Mount Fuji, Himeji Castle, Halong Bay, and Ayutthaya, along with opportunities to experience seasonal moments like cherry blossom season and Japan’s vibrant fall colours. Some itineraries also feature special cultural events, including the Osaka Bon Odori festival.

On board Diamond Princess, guests can enjoy a distinctly Japanese-inspired experience, including authentic dining, traditional Izumi baths, and regional entertainment, while Sapphire Princess offers Princess’ signature dining and amenities after days spent exploring ashore.

With one of Princess Cruises’ most expansive Asia seasons ever, this program offers a compelling way to experience Japan and Southeast Asia in one seamless journey.

Sail Solo and Save with Virgin Voyages Reduced Single Supplement

simratgill@travelonly.com (Simrat Gill) — Fri, 17 Apr 26 18:12:50 +0000

Solo travel continues to grow in popularity, and Virgin Voyages is making it easier to experience an adults-only cruise without paying the usual high single supplement.

On select sailings, solo travellers booking a Sea Terrace cabin can save significantly, with the second fare reduced by up to 70%. Instead of paying the full price typically required for a double occupancy stateroom, this offer allows Solo Sailors to enjoy meaningful savings while still getting the full Virgin Voyages experience.

That means more room in your budget for the fun parts of the trip. Think Shore Things excursions, spa treatments, onboard dining experiences, or even Virgin’s popular pub crawls.

Virgin Voyages has become a strong option for solo travellers thanks to its social atmosphere, modern ship design, and adults-only environment, making it easy to meet people or enjoy the journey at your own pace.

If you have been considering a solo cruise, this offer makes it a great time to try it.

River to Ocean Onboard a Single Ship: Windstar’s New Way to Cruise

lynn.elmhirst@gmail.com (Lynn) — Fri, 17 Apr 26 18:12:50 +0000

If you love river cruising and you love ocean cruising… then there’s a new cruise style on the horizon for you. Beginning December 2026, Windstar’s newest ship, Star Explorer, will offer new river-to-ocean cruises combining the best of both experiences.

No changing ships. Your floating boutique hotel seamlessly transitions from a river cruise to an ocean voyage, and your trip continues from an intimate river experience into equally compelling coastlines.

Purpose-built for river-to-ocean travel, the 224-guest, all-suite yacht can navigate waterways that are too small for larger ocean ships and reach coastal destinations that traditional river vessels can’t access.

Even if you’ve already sailed aboard the world’s iconic rivers, this new way of cruising offers the next frontier. Think cultural connections, the opportunity to immerse yourself in less-traveled ports, and authentic maritime exploration.

Where Does Star Explorer Sail on Her River-to-Ocean Voyages?

Star Explorer’s 2027 itineraries showcase exactly what makes this concept so appealing: sailings that bring guests into city centers by river, then continue on to coastlines, islands, and unexpected ports beyond.

Impressionist France (10 nights) – Ideal for Seine veterans ready to go further, this trip from Bordeaux to London / HMS Belfast pairs the Seine and the Thames with overnights in Bordeaux, St. Malo, and Paris/Rouen, plus access to the D-Day beaches.
Connoisseur’s Delight: Northern Spain & Portugal (8 nights) – Perfect for travelers who have sailed the Rhône and are ready to expand their wine-focused journeys, this voyage extends from France into Spain and Portugal, pairing Bordeaux’s Garonne and Gironde rivers with culinary discoveries along the Spanish coast and time in Portugal’s Douro region.
Moroccan Markets & Iberian Icons (8 nights) –Journey into Seville via the Guadalquivir, continuing on to a broader mix of Iberian and Moroccan destinations.
Ireland Circumnavigation (10 nights) – Craving wild and dramatic landscapes? This sailing includes a call at Cork City Quay on the River Lee, then continues along Ireland’s rugged coastline of cliffs and castles.

Other River-Meets-Ocean Inspired Windstar Cruises

Beyond Star Explorer, Windstar offers travelers more ways to experience small-ship cruising across Europe and beyond.
French Feast: Normandy, Brittany & Aquitaine – A natural extension for Seine cruisers, this culinary-focused itinerary blends Bordeaux and Rouen/Paris with nearby coastal regions.
British Isles Medley This sailing from Paris/Rouen to Leith includes small-ship-only ports like Swansea and Fort William.
Quick Getaways: St. Malo Getaway A natural add-on for Thames and Seine cruisers, this round-trip from London / HMS Belfast includes visits to St. Malo and Brittany.
Quick Getaways: Belgium: A Sweet Getaway River cruisers seeking a shorter escape will love this 3-day trip that combines London and Antwerp via the Scheldt, offering Belgian charm, historic streets, and culinary pleasures.
Ancient Wonders of Vietnam & Angkor Wat Ideal for Mekong cruisers interested in a new Southeast Asia option, this journey sails through Halong Bay and along the Saigon River into Ho Chi Minh City, then continues to Bangkok via the Chao Phraya River, with inland stops like Angkor Wat and Phnom Penh.

Growing Windstar Fleet

Star Explorer will be the 8^th yacht-sized ship in the Windstar fleet. Over four decades, Windstar has grown into a diverse fleet of four Star Class all-suite vessels and three Wind Class sailing yachts, accommodating 150-350 guests. In addition to the arrival of Star Explorer, Windstar’s legendary Wind Class sailing yachts are also undergoing a two-phase redesign to be completed by 2027.

START YOUR TRIP!

Image courtesy of Windstar Cruises

Kensington Tours, Ancestry.com’s Private Personal Heritage Journeys Connect Travelers to their Roots

lynn.elmhirst@gmail.com (Lynn) — Fri, 17 Apr 26 18:12:50 +0000

Searching for your family heritage in the lands where your ancestors came from?

Kensington Tours launched Personal Heritage Journeys in partnership with Ancestry.com in 2021 as a way to provide the most personal, in-depth, and privately guided exploration of a traveler’s family roots built on DNA insights and professional genealogical research.

Each experience pairs one of Kensington's local Destination Experts with a genealogist from AncestryProGenealogists to uncover detailed family history and guide you and your family to the towns, regions, and historical sites directly connected to your ancestry. It may be the best multi-generational family trip ever.

By integrating the Ancestry genealogist's comprehensive analysis of each distinct family history, the Destination Expert designs a custom itinerary centered around the most significant sites and events from that history. The trip is designed with the traveler's objectives as the foremost consideration and is led exclusively by local private guides who are specialists in the area's history and culture. Moreover, for an enhanced and more insightful journey, an on-site Genealogist can also join the trip, providing a deeper understanding and a more meaningful and engaging experience.

WHERE CAN KENSINGTON TOURS' ANCESTRY TRAVEL TAKE US?

While each trip is customized, the itineraries Kensington Tours has developed have a general and cultural appeal, combined with more historical elements, and are tied together by a story of emigration. Any or all of these locales and experiences can be customized, as can the hotels, length of stay in each locale, and types of touring. You can add an on-site genealogist to any of the days and include any sites or locales that are relevant to anyone’s family story.

Kensington Tours has continued to expand the locations, with several thought-starter itineraries to places from Ireland, Germany, Italy, Poland, Japan, Ghana, and New York, but you can get us to help you curate a trip to just about anywhere.

ASK US TO HELP YOU DESIGN THE FAMILY HERITAGE TRIP OF A LIFETIME!

Northern Italy Heritage Journey – 11 days
- Florence, Rome, Benevello, Verbania
Tracing Irish Ancestry: A Heritage Journey – 10 days
- Dublin, Cork, Killarney, Newmarket on Fergus
Door of No Return Ancestral Journey to Ghana – 11 days from USD 13, 750
- Accra, Elmina, Kumasi
New York City: Immigration & Heritage – 6 days from USD 11,634
Heritage Journey: American Airfields in England – 9 days
- London, Cambridge, Canterbury, journeying through England’s WWII history

*** Image: Getty

*** Terms & Conditions apply; ask us for full itinerary, date, and pricing details.

Ancestry Travel Tips

lynn.elmhirst@gmail.com (Lynn) — Fri, 17 Apr 26 18:09:28 +0000

Do you travel for the food? Festivals? Or maybe family? Over a quarter of travelers these days are interested in heritage or ancestry-based trips. The surge in DNA testing has been accompanied by a corresponding rise in the popularity of genealogy-focused trips.

People are putting their traveling ‘genes’ on. And not going sightseeing, but searching for their roots. Motivations vary from family heritage to the story of migration from their ancestral homes.

Do any of these ideas strike a chord in you and beckon you to your ancestors’ distant shores?

Learning: discovering your original identity
Connection: walking where your ancestors lived and left
Closure: if your family didn’t choose their displacement or migration
Curiosity: sparked by DNA surprises or family lore
Legacy: sharing “where we come from” with the next generation

Ancestry Travel Hotspots

Do these destinations call you home? Here are some of the more popular destinations for North Americans to trace their roots.

Ireland and Scotland, the emotional epicenter for those with Celtic roots
Italy (especially Sicily and southern regions) draws diaspora descendants in droves
Germany and Eastern Europe are seeing new interest as archives become more accessible
Nordic countries like Sweden and Norway are booming with ancestral travelers, thanks to strong genealogical records
West Africa — particularly Ghana — has become a powerful destination for many with African heritage, due to its connection to the transatlantic slave trade

How to do Ancestry Travel?

Family heritage travel is genealogy, part emotional archaeology. But how much information do you need to ‘start digging?’

Some travelers arrive armed with binders of family trees and DNA results. Others simply know that “Grandpa was from somewhere near Kraków.”

Ancestry travel gives all the questions new meaning: Who? Where? When? Why? How?

Here are tips to get the most from ancestry travel:

Do the Homework (But be Realistic)

Before you book a ticket, spend time with records — immigration documents, ship manifests, census forms, church registries. Sites like FamilySearch are invaluable, and many towns will respond to polite archive requests.

But remember: villages change. Borders shift. Records disappear.

Go looking for discovery — and be open to whatever you find, or don’t find.

Bring in a Local Expert

If you’re zeroing in on a specific town, hire a local genealogist or guide. They know which municipal office holds the birth records and who still remembers the families who left.

In small places, people — not paperwork — may be your best resource.

Balance Roots With Real Travel

Don’t turn your trip into a full-time research project.

Yes, visit the ancestral village. But also experience the destination. If your roots are in southern Italy, explore Puglia. If they trace to Portugal, spend time in Porto to understand the country's rhythm. Today’s lifestyle is as valuable a lesson in your heritage as your history.

Strike up Conversations

Walk into bakeries. Visit parish offices. Ask about your surname.

Bring documents. Smile. Be curious. And friendly.

A shared name can open doors you didn’t even know existed.

Manage Your Expectations

Sometimes you’ll find long-lost cousins. Sometimes you’ll find a locked archive and a shrug.

No matter what you discover, if you travel with an open mind and open heart, you’ll always come away richer than when you left.

START YOUR TRIP!

Image: Getty

5 Spectacular Annual Flower Shows Worth Planning a Trip Around

lynn.elmhirst@gmail.com (Lynn) — Fri, 17 Apr 26 18:09:28 +0000

It’s spring at last, and our thoughts turn to the outdoors and our gardens. What better inspiration for a trip than some of the most breathtaking flower shows on earth - that take nature’s horticultural gifts and maximalize the colors, the spectacle and the drama!

1. Keukenhof Gardens — Netherlands

Keukenhof’s claim to fame is scale and control. More than seven million bulbs are planted by hand each year in layered sequences—early, mid, and late bloomers—so the park continuously evolves across its eight-week season each March and April.

WATCH VIDEO ABOVE: Our Tulip Time River Cruise on the Emerald Sky in the Netherlands

It’s also known for its indoor pavilions, where Dutch growers stage rotating displays of orchids, lilies, and cut flowers at exhibition quality—essentially a showcase of the country’s global flower industry. Add the classic windmill overlooking surrounding tulip fields, and you get both the postcard and the production line behind it.

Why go: The world’s largest spring flower garden, paired with a living showroom of Dutch floriculture.

2. Chelsea Flower Show — London, UK

The Royal Horticultural Society Chelsea Flower Show is a highlight of Britain’s royal, society, and gardening calendar. Only 5 days long, usually in the third week of May, it draws the who’s who of the Royal Family, celebrities, and flower lovers from around the world.

Defined by its Show Gardens—full-scale, meticulously judged landscapes installed from scratch and dismantled days later, the Chelsea Flower Show is horticultural theater – and big business. Winning “Best in Show” can launch a designer globally. Inside the Great Pavilion, growers compete for medals with near-perfect specimens, and the “Plant of the Year” regularly introduces varieties that go on to dominate garden centres worldwide.

Simultaneously, Chelsea in Bloom transforms the streets of London’s Chelsea—especially Sloane Square and King’s Road—into a free, whimsical open-air floral art trail created by local boutiques, hotels, and restaurants.

Why go: To see the exact gardens, plants, and ideas that will shape how the world gardens next.

3. Floriade Canberra — Canberra, Australia

Spring Down Under is in September and October, and that’s when Aussie gardens shine. Floriade is known for its mass plantings arranged in bold, almost graphic patterns—entire beds of tulips and annuals laid out like landscape-scale design pieces around Lake Burley Griffin.

Each year follows a theme, and the planting schemes are executed with striking precision, more akin to outdoor installation art than traditional bedding displays. Its signature NightFest adds a second layer, with light projections and illuminated sculptures transforming the gardens after dark.

Why go: Monumental tulip displays by day—and a fully reimagined, light-driven experience at night.

4. Chiang Mai Flower Festival — Chiang Mai, Thailand

This northern Thailand festival, held for three short days in early February, is best known for its elaborate flower-float parade, where entire scenes—temples, animals, mythological figures—are constructed from orchids, marigolds, and chrysanthemums.

Chiang Mai is also a centre of orchid cultivation, and the displays highlight rare varieties alongside fields of locally grown damask roses used in regional perfumes and oils. Much of the action centres on Suan Buak Haad Park, where competitive displays and precision planting showcase the region’s horticultural expertise.

Why go: Intricately constructed floral floats and a rare window into Thailand’s orchid and rose-growing traditions.

5. Genzano Infiorata — Genzano, Italy

Genzano’s Infiorata, held over a weekend in mid-June, is defined by precision petal mosaics. Artists use thousands of hand-placed petals—sorted by colour and texture—to create highly detailed images that resemble paintings more than floral displays. The carpets run down a steep street in the historic centre, creating a dramatic, gallery-like perspective.

By Sunday afternoon, a traditional procession deliberately walks across the designs, dismantling them in minutes and highlighting the ephemeral nature of flowers and the natural world.

Why go: Hyper-detailed floral “paintings” you can walk through—before they’re intentionally erased.

START YOUR TRIP!

Video and Story: Lynn Elmhirst, Cruise/ Travel Journalist and Expert

Images: Getty

Explore Europe for Less with Riviera Travel Up to 50% Off

simratgill@travelonly.com (Simrat Gill) — Fri, 17 Apr 26 18:09:28 +0000

There is a certain way Europe is meant to be experienced. Slowly. Intentionally. With time to actually take it in.

Riviera Travel is leaning into that idea with an offer that makes it easier to explore more while spending less. Travellers can enjoy up to 50% off select sailings, along with up to $1,500 in hotel and airfare credit, creating real value across the entire journey.

And it does not stop there.

From the moment you step on board, drinks are included, adding to an experience that is designed to feel seamless, relaxed, and complete from start to finish. It is the kind of detail that quietly elevates everything.

What makes this offer stand out is not just the savings. It is what it allows you to do with them.

More time in the cities you have always wanted to explore. The ability to extend your stay and actually immerse yourself in a destination. A journey that feels curated, not rushed.

This is Europe, done properly. Thoughtful itineraries, comfortable ships, and the freedom to experience each destination in a way that feels personal.

If Europe has been on your mind, this is one of those moments where the timing makes sense.

Reach out to us to explore Riviera Travel sailings and find the itinerary that fits exactly how you want to travel.

Plan a Summer Getaway for Two with Air Canada Vacations

simratgill@travelonly.com (Simrat Gill) — Fri, 17 Apr 26 18:09:28 +0000

Some trips are better when they are shared.

Whether it is a long-overdue getaway, a spontaneous escape, or the trip you have been talking about for months, Air Canada Vacations is making it easier to bring someone along with up to 50% off the second traveller on select vacation packages.

This is the kind of offer that shifts a maybe into a booking.

From the beaches of Mexico and the Caribbean to the energy of Palma de Mallorca, or even a quick city escape to Hawaii, California, or Orlando, the options are wide open. And with packages that include flights, accommodations, and baggage, the experience is designed to feel simple from the start.

But what makes this offer stand out is not just the savings. It is what it allows you to do with them.

It is the extra dinner you do not think twice about. The upgraded room. The excursion you say yes to. The feeling of knowing you made the right call booking when you did.

The best trips are rarely about the destination alone. They are about who you experience them with.

This offer is available to book until May 3, 2026, for travel between April 7 and October 31, 2026.

If there is someone you have been meaning to travel with, this is your moment to make it happen.

Save Up to 25% on G Adventures Small Group Tours

simratgill@travelonly.com (Simrat Gill) — Fri, 17 Apr 26 18:09:28 +0000

Adventure is Taking Off ✈🌍

Big adventures, smaller groups, and even bigger savings — your next trip starts here with G Adventures.

Where will you go?

🌴 Costa Rica’s lush rainforests
🏔 Peru’s ancient wonders
🏜 Morocco’s vibrant markets
🍣 Japan’s rich culture & cuisine
🇪🇸 Spain’s sun-soaked cities
🌊 Belize’s laid-back charm
⛵ Sailing in Greece or Croatia

Why travel with G Adventures?

Born in Canada. Made to travel the world.

✔ Small group sizes for a more personal experience
✔ Expert local guides who bring each destination to life
✔ Thoughtfully designed itineraries that balance highlights with hidden gems
✔ Authentic, meaningful travel that connects you to local communities

Like a Canadian flag patch sewn into your backpack, G Adventures is synonymous with friendly, open-hearted travellers looking for adventure and connection around the globe. Founded in 1990 by Bruce Poon Tip, their Canadian sensibilities paved the path as pioneers in community tourism, responsible travel, and changing the world through travel.

Don’t miss out.

The most popular trips fill quickly — secure your spot while savings are available.

Contact us today to save up to 25% on select G Adventures small group tours and start planning your next adventure today.

Save Up To 30% and More for Holland America Line’s Anniversary Sale

lynn.elmhirst@gmail.com (Lynn) — Fri, 17 Apr 26 18:09:28 +0000

For 153 years, Holland America Line has been inviting guests to join this storied cruise line on the seas. Only for April, it’s saying ‘thank you’ with a month-long Anniversary Sale featuring discounts, onboard credits, reduced deposits, and free fares for kids.

Holland America Line’s Anniversary Sale Details

Get:

Up to 30% off cruise-only fares
onboard credits up to USD 400 per stateroom,
50% reduced deposits, and
free third and fourth kids when traveling in the same stateroom—making it the perfect time to book a cruise vacation.
Book by: April 30, 2026
Travel: departures from April 2026 through Spring 2027
Cruise durations: 4 to 69-day cruises

Sailings across all Holland America Line regions are part of the offer:

Alaska cruises and Cruisetours,
Caribbean,
Canada/New England,
Northern Europe,
Mediterranean,
Australia/New Zealand,
South America/Antarctica,
the Pacific Coast,
Hawaii,
Tahiti,
Panama Canal,
Mexico and Asia.

Collectors’ Voyages, which combine two back-to-back, non-repeating itineraries, are also included in the sale.

Anniversary Sale Combines with ‘Have It All’ Premium Fare

The Anniversary Sale is combinable with Holland America Line’s popular “Have it All” premium fare. When booking with Have It All, in addition to the Anniversary Sale fare discounts, onboard credit, free third and fourth kids, and reduced deposits, guests also receive four high-value amenities: shore excursions, a Signature Beverage Package, specialty dining, and a Wi-Fi Surf Package.

Spend Your Onboard Credit Good on Dining, Shore Excursions, and More

When you get up to $400 per stateroom onboard credit (depending on stateroom category and length of cruise) during HAL’s Anniversary Sale, you can use it for a variety of amenities, including specialty dining, spa services, shore excursions, gift shop purchases, beverages, photography, and more.

3rd or 4th Guests – Kids Sail Free on Select Cruises

Whether it’s exploring the glaciers of Alaska or soaking up the sun in the Caribbean on a multigenerational family cruise, third and fourth guests ages 18 and under can cruise for free on select departures when traveling in the same stateroom. This makes a family getaway even more affordable.

ASK US HOW TO TAKE MAXIMUM ADVANTAGE OF THIS SALE!

Hundreds of cruises and Alaska Cruisetours on all ships are included in the Anniversary Sale. Example departures and per person, double occupancy starting fares:

7-day Alaska Explorer on Noordam, May 3, 2026, starting at $103 per person per day.
7-day Canada & New England: UNESCO Sites & Quebecois Nights on Zuiderdam, May 2, 2026, starting at $79 per person per day.
9-day Southern Caribbean on Nieuw Amsterdam, Oct. 30, 2026, starting at $89 per person per day.
10-day Signature Denali Alaska Cruisetour on Nieuw Amsterdam, May 31, 2026, starting at $100 per person per day.
7-Day Eastern Caribbean Holiday: San Juan & St. Thomas on Eurodam, December 19, 2026, starting at $143 per person per day.
35-day Voyage of the Vikings: Solar Eclipse on Zuiderdam, July 18, 2026, starting at $240 per person per day.

Taxes and fees are included in the fare. The Anniversary Sale is not valid on cruises of three days or less or Grand Voyages.

More About Holland America Line

Holland America Line has been exploring the world for more than 150 years with expertly crafted itineraries, extraordinary service, and genuine connections to the destinations. Offering a perfectly-sized ship experience, its fleet of 11 vessels visits nearly 400 ports in 114 countries around the world and has shared the thrill of Alaska for more than 75 years — longer than any other cruise line. Savor the Journey isn’t just their tagline; it’s a reinforcement that the cruise line provides experiences too good to hurry through, connecting travelers to the world and each other. Award-winning enrichment programming, entertainment, and cuisine that brings each locale on board, including a revolutionary Global Fresh Fish Program, put Holland America Line at the forefront of premium cruising. Holland America Line is part of Carnival Corporation, the world’s largest cruise company.

*** Terms & Conditions apply; ask us for full offer, itinerary, date, and pricing details

*** Image courtesy of Holland America Line

Sunwing June and September Deals Save Up to 30%

simratgill@travelonly.com (Simrat Gill) — Fri, 17 Apr 26 18:09:28 +0000

The best trips are not always the ones taken at peak season.

Sunwing is highlighting exactly why with its off-season savings, offering up to 30% off for travel in June and September. It is a simple shift in timing that can completely change the experience.

Fewer crowds. More space. A more relaxed pace from the moment you arrive.

Whether it is Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, or destinations across the Caribbean and Central America, travelling just outside the busiest months means you can enjoy the same beaches, the same resorts, and the same experiences, but in a way that feels more effortless.

There is also a strong value built in. Packages include your first checked bag, a carry-on, and in-destination transfers, making the entire journey easier from start to finish.

This is the kind of travel decision that feels smarter. The same destination, a better experience and meaningful savings.

Book by April 30, 2026, for travel between June 1 to 30 and September 1 to 30, 2026.

If you are flexible with your timing, this is where it pays off.

Reach out to us to explore Sunwing off-season deals and find the right escape for you.

Virgin Voyages Spring Sale 70% Off Second Sailor

simratgill@travelonly.com (Simrat Gill) — Fri, 17 Apr 26 18:09:28 +0000

Spring is when travel starts to feel exciting again. Longer days, warmer weather and the urge to get away.

Virgin Voyages is leaning into that moment with its Spring Savings offer, giving travellers up to $1,000 in instant savings along with 70% off the second Sailor on select sailings.

This is where the value really comes together.

From the start, Virgin Voyages is designed differently. More than 20 eateries are included, along with WiFi, fitness classes and entertainment, creating an experience that feels elevated without constantly adding to the cost.

And then there is the atmosphere. Adults only, modern, and intentionally built for travellers who want something that feels a little more considered and a little less traditional.

The longer you sail, the more you save, making it easy to turn a short getaway into something more memorable.

This is one of those offers that makes it easier to say yes.

Reach out to us to explore Virgin Voyages sailings and find the right itinerary for your next escape.

Thank You Contest

anabelunga@gmail.com (Anabel Fernandez) — Tue, 14 Apr 26 18:19:03 +0000

Thank you for entering our CIE Tours! Entries will remain open until Dec 31, 2026.

And the winners will be notified by email in January, 2027.

Discovering the Future of Wellness Travel in Sweden

lynn.elmhirst@gmail.com (Lynn) — Mon, 30 Mar 26 18:40:36 +0000

Recently in Sweden, I experienced ancient wellness practices intertwined with new science and artistic sensibilities. In many ways, Sweden wrote the book on wellness as a way of life and a travel destination. And my stays at two sister hotels in Stockholm proved the country is in the vanguard of redefining wellness travel again.

In case you missed it, in 2025, Sweden became the first country where doctors can prescribe travel for wellness. The global leader in quality of life, renowned for its thousands-year-old sauna culture, is an inspiration for wellness lifestyle – and a beacon for wellness travelers… and now this:

The “Swedish Prescription”

In a wellness ‘first,’ Sweden has become the first country where patients can download a medical referral form to take to their physician for wellness travel to the country!

The Swedish Prescription isn’t a marketing gimmick. The program is rooted in deeply-held Swedish beliefs and practices, like

‘fika:’ social rituals of connecting with loved ones;
‘lagom,’ or achieving balance, moderation, and sustainability in your way of life;
love of getting outdoors, no matter what the weather, and of course,
sauna and thermal hot/cold practices,

all of which combine to create meaningful and scientifically supported health benefits.

Hagastrand and Hotel J: Beyond the Spa Hotel

All that said, why would anyone go to Sweden in the winter, far enough north that the sun rises after 8 am and sets mid-afternoon?

I went to spend a week immersed in the wellness experiences at 2 of Stockholm's Nobis Hospitality Group hotels: Hagastrand and Hotel J.

The company has set a new gold standard for wellness travel, following a three-year renovation program, masterminded by Alla Sokolova, its Head of Wellness.

“I think every human being has an innate wish to be in their best form,” she explained to me. Her vision for the wellness program at the hotels is for a stay there to be part of a “never-ending learning journey” to help create winning conditions for guests to achieve their maximum performance, their best selves.

HAGASTRAND SPA AND HOTEL

When it re-opened in Fall, 2025 as part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection, Hagastrand Spa and Hotel was already billing itself as a “new social wellness destination” in Sweden’s capital. A post-modern building attached to a historic military barracks in the quiet, seaside location of Stockholm’s Royal Park, Hagastrand re-launched with a 27,000 square foot, cutting-edge wellness center with some practices that are the first of their kind.

If you’re imagining a clinical, white-jacketed, James Bond-style European health retreat, think again. Instead, Hagastrand offers warmth, along with a masterful and welcoming blend of ancient practices and advanced therapies, including modern technologies that deliver wellness experiences to guests in one-of-a-kind ways, all under one roof.

There’s also a focus on music, “a universal language” that “everyone can relate to,” Alla adds.

“Tuning our bodies and our minds,” as she puts it.

Hagastrand’s facilities incorporate both traditional Nordic and international wellness practices, as well as sensory design and the newer concept of ‘biohacking.’

Along with treatment rooms and private suites you expect to find in a spa or wellness center, Hagastrand’s includes:

Underwater therapeutic music in its 18-meter indoor pool;
A Thermal center, with multiple saunas, including herbal and hammam, and also:
- Sweden’s first "Event Sauna," one of the few in the world, for up to 60 guests. As an ‘event,’ one of Hagastrand’s trained sauna masters invites guests in the wellness center to join them in a paced series of rituals where the sauna master employs herbs, music, infused ice, and spoken word to lead guests through a wellness journey that changes every time.
- Scandinavia's largest snow room for cryotherapy
Experience showers, red light therapy, and neuro-acoustic massage loungers.
Gongs, handmade in Italy, including a giant (as tall as a person) gong at the end of the pool played by hand by sauna masters, and
- in the ‘Gongmatic’ room (pictured, top), a ‘self-playing’ gong – also the first in the Nordic countries – which plays in timed performances as guests lie on warm ceramic lounge beds. The audio art installation immerses guests in vibrations and invites them to embark on a meditative journey.
Cardi suit – like a giant diving dry suit with hands and feet, except that a therapist fills this suit with carbon dioxide. The therapy increases blood flow to the cells, resulting in improved oxygen delivery, performance, and rest. Cardi suits are already used extensively by high-performance athletes, but are rarely available to the wellness-seeking public – including me!

The state-of-the-art wellness experiences flow harmoniously with the new versions of familiar practices and are woven seamlessly into a hotel stay that includes warmly Nordic accommodations, stylish bars, and a fine dining restaurant (no restricted, seaweed smoothie diet here unless you wish!) that even drew a member of the Swedish Royal Family while we were dining one evening.

HOTEL J

Sister property Hotel J draws inspiration from its location on the Stockholm archipelago in a Newport, Rhode Island-type neighborhood of illustrious and historic seaside homes.

The nautical and natural themes run deep, from stunning water views and terraces overlooking the sea, extensive gardens that are not just visual but also harvested for wellness herbs and botanicals, and, of course, its wellness offering.

Hotel J’s Sauna by the Sea is a ritual all the more memorable for its location in the Panorama Sauna perched on rocks rising from the waves. The sauna itself is on the second story, with floor-to-ceiling windows providing the perfect vantage point over the sea to become part of your herbal-infused sauna ritual. And a cold plunge into a wintery sea is just steps out the door to conclude your authentic Swedish sauna!

But we also got off property, accompanied by ‘nature therapist’ Lisen Sundgren, who took us on a Swedish interpretation of that famous Japanese wellness practice, ‘forest bathing.’ During a walk in a nature reserve next door in the twilight, where dimming sight helped sharpen our other senses as we were guided to literally feel, hear, and smell the woods. We ended up on a rocky lookout over the sea and the lights of Stockholm on the opposite side of the archipelago, sipping her homemade Swedish rosehip soup and communing by the mystical twinkles of lamp light.

SANCTUM

From the primal forest… to a wellness rave!

In another ‘first,’ Hagastrand and Hotel J’s parent company has introduced ‘Sanctum’ to the Nordics as part of its wellness experience offering. We were invited to the launch party at the Nobis Hospitality Group’s event space at the Stockholm Opera House.

Sanctum hosts these ‘wellness raves’ around the world for a growing community drawn to the euphoric release of its hour-long, high-intensity, music-led 55-minute sessions that combine HIIT, Kundalini yoga, breathwork, and meditation. Ours in Stockholm was candle-lit in the awe-inspiring historic surroundings… in complete silence, with sound healing, music, and guidance delivered through headphones.

***

Embracing the widest interpretations of wellness lived through ancient traditions, Nature, technology, art, and the most welcoming Scandinavian culture and lifestyle… these Swedish hotels are setting the stage for a new global approach to wellness travel.

The Nobis Hospitality Group’s founder gives all the credit for the hotels’ pioneering wellness journeys to Head of Wellness Alla Sokolova – a risk, but a calculated one, with a simple foundation of beauty and hospitality.

“Everybody today is talking about longevity and all these things, and sometimes it's too much,” Alessandro Catenacci, owner and CEO of the family-owned Nobis Hospitality Group, told me.

“I hate the word ‘trend.’”

He acknowledges that the groundbreaking wellness offerings of the two hotels are “a new thing for us,” but “things are not so complicated usually if you do it in the right way.” He points out that wellness practices are a natural way of life for Swedes.

“We are a sauna family.

“And this is very important because you, you can't go on doing things if you don't like that. I love it, really.”

Hagastrand and Hotel J may be on the leading edge. But advanced wellness experiences for travel are no longer a novel trend.

As more travelers intentionally incorporate their wellness practices from home into their travels to new destinations, and expand their wellness horizons while traveling, wellness hospitality will take the lead from Hagastrand and Hotel J in helping us discover the destinations’ best experiences to hone our mental, physical, and spiritual health.

START YOUR TRIP!

Images and story by: Lynn Elmhirst, travel journalist and expert

Astonishing Facts About China's Terracotta Warriors

lynn.elmhirst@gmail.com (Lynn) — Mon, 30 Mar 26 18:40:36 +0000

You never forget the moment you come face-to-face with one of the thousands of Terracotta Warriors underground in Xi’an, China. As ancient wonders of the world go, these may make the strongest impression even on an experienced traveler like me.

I think it’s because, unlike the vast, mystical monuments like Egypt’s pyramids or Machu Picchu, the warriors are so… personal. On a human scale, individually, even if the archaeological site is breathtakingly vast. And you also feel like you are looking at recognizable fellow people – not mythological gods or legendary beasts - eye to eye. With a quick change of clothes, he could be the guy sitting beside you on the plane!

In 1974, farmers digging a well accidentally uncovered the location of a vast clay army guarding the underground tomb of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang.

Today, the site, known as the Terracotta Army, is among the most astonishing historical attractions in the world. Millions of travelers explore the enormous excavation halls each year, contemplating the silent ranks of soldiers who have been standing guard since before 200 BCE.

Think about it. They’ve been here for over 2200 years! That means they are:

about the same age as the pyramids of Giza in Egypt,
more than two centuries older than the Colosseum in Rome,
nearly 1,700 years older than Machu Picchu in Peru, and
had been standing at attention for a millennium before Mexico’s Chichen Itza was built.

And that’s not even the most extraordinary fact about the largest burial site on earth!

Every Warrior Has a Different Face

Look closely, and you’ll realize: no two warriors look exactly alike. Rather than a burial installation, it feels like a busy airport or stadium lineup!

Astonishingly, ancient craftsmen achieved this incredible individuality using a modular system of sculpted features—ears, noses, brows, moustaches, and hairstyles—that could be combined in different ways to create unique faces. (Like an early Mr. Potato Head!) Some warriors look youthful, and others, much more weathered; some are clean-shaven, others wear thick beards; some have stern, and others rather friendly expressions.

The result feels uncannily lifelike.

The Warriors Are Surprisingly Tall

Many statues stand between 5'9" and 6'5" (175–195 cm) tall—considerably taller than the average height of people during the Qin dynasty, but very familiar to us today.

They Were Originally Fully Armed

But they didn’t really feel like ordinary people – instead, robust and fierce warriors. Excavations uncovered thousands of genuine bronze weapons among the soldiers—swords, lances, crossbows, arrowheads, and spear tips. Many remain astonishingly sharp even after more than 2,000 years underground.

Some blades had a chromium-rich coating that protected them from corrosion, with technological sophistication centuries ahead of its time.

In other words, the emperor’s afterlife army wasn’t ceremonial – it was battle-ready.

The Army Once Blazed With Color

The statues we see today appear in shades of clay, but originally, they were brilliantly pigmented in reds, greens, purples, blues, and flesh tones, then coated in lacquer.

Unfortunately, exposure to air after excavation almost immediately caused the lacquer to crack and flake. Within minutes, many figures lost the vivid hues they had worn for two millennia.

Today, archaeologists use advanced preservation techniques to stabilize pigment on newly uncovered warriors.

They’re One Part of a Vast Underground World That Has Yet to be Fully Revealed

So far, more than 8,000 warriors, along with hundreds of horses and chariots, have been identified. But the Terracotta Warriors represent just a single section of an immense burial complex.

The mausoleum stretches roughly 56 square kilometers – 22 square miles or 14,000 acres! Archaeologists believe it includes palaces, government offices, stables, acrobats, musicians, and entire landscapes recreated underground.

Remarkably, the central tomb itself has never been opened.

And large sections of the complex remain untouched as scientists wait for better conservation methods before opening additional pits.

Which means the Terracotta Army is still revealing its secrets.

START YOUR TRIP!

By: Lynn Elmhirst, travel journalist and expert

Images: Getty

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Windstar Cruises Offers All-Inclusive Upgrade on Worldwide Voyages

Windstar Offer Details:

Why Cruise the Windstar Way?

Where Does Windstar Sail?

This offer includes regions and itineraries, including:

ASK US TO HELP YOU PLAN YOUR NEXT WINDSTAR CRUISE

AND ENJOY THESE LIMITED-TIME INCLUSIONS!

More About Windstar Cruises:

Riviera Travel Europe Sale Up to 50% Off Sailings

Two New Ships, Two Ways to Cruise: There Really is a Cruise Out There for Everyone

Emerald Kaia and the Rise of Yacht-Style Cruising

Relaxing at Sea: Dining and Design Re-imagined aboard Emerald Kaia

Norwegian Luna, A Ship That’s Its Own Destination

The Ultimate Vehicle for Multi-generational Travel

Beyond the Ship: The Rise of Curated Destinations

The Big Takeaway: A Cruise Style for Every Traveler

START YOUR TRIP!

Up To 40% Off Emerald, Scenic River Cruises During Their “Insider Sale” – Plus Solo Offer

Solo Travelers Save, Too!

Featured Sailings for Emerald Cruises & Tours Include:

Featured Sailings for Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours Include:

Discover Solo River Cruising with AmaWaterways

Discover Japan and Southeast Asia with Princess Cruises

Sail Solo and Save with Virgin Voyages Reduced Single Supplement

River to Ocean Onboard a Single Ship: Windstar’s New Way to Cruise

Where Does Star Explorer Sail on Her River-to-Ocean Voyages?

Other River-Meets-Ocean Inspired Windstar Cruises

Growing Windstar Fleet

START YOUR TRIP!

Kensington Tours, Ancestry.com’s Private Personal Heritage Journeys Connect Travelers to their Roots

WHERE CAN KENSINGTON TOURS' ANCESTRY TRAVEL TAKE US?

ASK US TO HELP YOU DESIGN THE FAMILY HERITAGE TRIP OF A LIFETIME!

Ancestry Travel Tips

Ancestry Travel Hotspots

How to do Ancestry Travel?

Here are tips to get the most from ancestry travel:

Do the Homework (But be Realistic)

Bring in a Local Expert

Balance Roots With Real Travel

Strike up Conversations

Manage Your Expectations

START YOUR TRIP!

5 Spectacular Annual Flower Shows Worth Planning a Trip Around

1. Keukenhof Gardens — Netherlands

2. Chelsea Flower Show — London, UK

3. Floriade Canberra — Canberra, Australia

4. Chiang Mai Flower Festival — Chiang Mai, Thailand

5. Genzano Infiorata — Genzano, Italy

START YOUR TRIP!

Explore Europe for Less with Riviera Travel Up to 50% Off

Plan a Summer Getaway for Two with Air Canada Vacations

Save Up to 25% on G Adventures Small Group Tours

Save Up To 30% and More for Holland America Line’s Anniversary Sale

Holland America Line’s Anniversary Sale Details

Anniversary Sale Combines with ‘Have It All’ Premium Fare

Spend Your Onboard Credit Good on Dining, Shore Excursions, and More

3rd or 4th Guests – Kids Sail Free on Select Cruises

ASK US HOW TO TAKE MAXIMUM ADVANTAGE OF THIS SALE!

More About Holland America Line

Sunwing June and September Deals Save Up to 30%

Virgin Voyages Spring Sale 70% Off Second Sailor

Thank You Contest

Discovering the Future of Wellness Travel in Sweden

The “Swedish Prescription”

Hagastrand and Hotel J: Beyond the Spa Hotel

HAGASTRAND SPA AND HOTEL

HOTEL J

SANCTUM

START YOUR TRIP!

Astonishing Facts About China's Terracotta Warriors

Every Warrior Has a Different Face

The Warriors Are Surprisingly Tall

They Were Originally Fully Armed

The Army Once Blazed With Color

They’re One Part of a Vast Underground World That Has Yet to be Fully Revealed

START YOUR TRIP!

More About Windstar Cruises:        