Travel & Tours Leader, Sharon Lucas: For biographical information click here.
 
February 2021 Travel News

• NEW SMARTERTRAVEL Tips
• NEW New air travel routes
• NEW The Best of France Tour with Rick Steves 2021
• NEW 10 Trips for Multigenerational Groups

 
January 2021 Travel News

• Worldwide Covid-19 Restrictions
• Travel Blog List

 
November 2020 Travel News

• How to fly safely during the pandemic: click here
• Rick Steve’s Europe – Season 11
• Stevens Pass Skiing Covid-19 Info (Owned by Vail Resorts)
• Opening/Closing Dates for Major Ski Resorts
• American Airlines – American Way – “Which Ski Resort Fits Your Personality?”

 
Best Virtual Tours click here to view
 
Articles – Good To Know

1. Some Airlines don’t show up on Airfare Shopping Sites (like Kayak, Hipmunk, Google Flights): LA Times Travel
2. Only two companies command 93% of the online hotel booking market: See the KOMO News story
3. After researching hotels on a consolidation site, you get the best deals/guarantees by joining a hotel’s discount club and booking directly at the hotel website- See Frommers Tips

Other Resources

1. Traveling Solo – articles, resources, tours See Solo Traveler World article
2. Great travel resource for women looking for group travel, solo travel, articles or other relevant info. Read JourneyWoman Article
3. Free Classes @ Rick Steve’s Edmonds, Wa location; many classes offered on locations in Europe; Languages, Voluntourism See Rick’s Europe website
4. Up to date, thorough travel information on many destinations: (click the links to connect)
1. CNN Travel
2. Fodors
3. Frommers
4. Travel and Leisure
5. All big cities offer “free” (pay what you want) or low cost walking tours, 2 to 4 hours, that are a great way to see and learn about a city. Here are a few resources: (click the links to connect)
   1. Free Walking Tour Listing
   2. Discover Walks
   3. Context Travel
   4. newEUROPE Tours
   5. London Walks
   6. Free walking tours in Barcelona
6. Travel Blogs aimed at retirees, with great first hand experience and advice: (click the links to connect)
1. Retired and Traveling
2. Travel Past 50
3. The Traveling Boomers
4. My Itchy Travel Feet
5. Additional Travel Blogs

Reputable Guided Tours / Travel Companies (click the links to connect)

1. Costco Travel – great rates on rental cars and package vacations Costco Travel
2. National Geographic Expeditions – expensive, but high quality National Geographic Expeditions
3. Rick Steve’s Europe
1. Europe mid-price travel: Rick Steve’s Travel
2. Rick Steves’ Europe Season 11 Sneak Peak
4. Austin Adventures – small groups, mid-price, many options Austin Adventures
5. Intrepid Travel -small groups, budget, great for Africa and Asia Intrepid Travel
6. Ideas for exploring the U.S./North America:
1. River cruises and more – American Cruise Lines River Cruises
2. Nat’l Parks Adventure – REI National Park Trips
3. Rail Vacations – Vacations by Rail