Tis the season to sail?

Kayaking through Halong Bay, Vietnam

Sailing through the green mountains and kayaking around beautiful blue water was my way of finding a break from overnight bus after overnight bus in Vietnam. I found myself sailing on the traditional boats for three days in Halong Bay.

This beautiful bay is a UNESCO site and it is amazing. These limestone islands jut out of the water and offer visitors even a chance to see caves where Viet Cong used to, and stalactites do, hide. Throw some crab on my plate and garnish it with shrimp and I’m not sure why I left.

Or why you’re not going! And why not go for Christmas? For $5,999 you can sail on the luxury yachts of Seabourn around Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam for 16 days! The cruise departs on December 21 and will be the ultimate in luxury as it pulls-in to Hanoi and Bangkok to name a few of the stops. The cruise used to be $13,000 but if you contact CTravel they can help you book for the recently reduced price.

Or maybe you’re hoping to infiltrate a closed country? No I’m not talking about North Korea….it’s Bhutan. A beautiful and often forgotten country north of India. From yak herders, rhododendron forests, snow-capped peaks, alpine meadows, rare birds and animals, and intricate temples, Bhutan offers it all….but it also requires you to have a guide. Yep! Unfortunately there is no such thing as independent in this aggressively closed country.

Bhutan Trip with Zeghram and Eco

So why not join Gary Wintz and Zegrahm and Eco Adventures and spend 14 days trekking to ancient monasteries, nature preserves, and sacred spaces in a country nearly unknown to Western travelers.

Book with CTravel for your April 10 to the 23rd adventure in one of the most secret societies!

But Robyn, you say, you were going to tell us about travel deals in Europe! You’re right I was (I said so in yesterday’s blog for those who haven’t been ardently following). None of that is to say these deals are to be forgotten. Nope!

Instead Abercrombie and Kent are offering a trip through the Winter Wonderland of Prague, Munich and Berlin for nine nights at the price of six. When? Well for the winter markets of course. This includes Munich’s traditional market, which has been held on Marienplatz for 600 years where the festive Alpine music rings out and the mulled wine never ends! And Prague’s Old Town Square, which fills with festive market stalls and is overlooked by gothic buildings that ring with Christmas carolers.

Of course all of these deals are available by contacting CTravel (it is CTravel Thursday by the way). So get on the phone and get yourself on one of these amazing vacations!