River cruises are changing. Today, you’ll find more options than just a few years ago, including different cruise lines, ships, levels of luxury, activities, and destinations.

The best choice isn’t always the newest ship or the most advertised brand. It really comes down to your travel style.

What Is Shoulder Season in Europe? Shoulder season in Europe is the time between the busy summer months and the quieter winter period. In most places, this is from April to June and from September to October. Many people think these months are the best time to visit Europe. The weather is pleasant, and the […]

U.S. river cruises may not be the first thing that comes to mind when we think about river cruising. We tend to picture the Rhine and Danube, with their castles, vineyards, and European villages. But some fascinating rivers are much closer to home, offering an entirely different experience filled with American history, regional culture, and […]

Budapest, Hungary is a city with many unique contrasts. In this article you’re going to first see some of those contrasts. Then we’ll move into the cuisine, and on to things to do.   Hungary, country of contrasts. Hungary is a country in the European Union, but it does not use the Euro. Instead, the currency […]

When you travel with Collette Tours, you get both expert guides and trips that match your interests. A lot of people still picture guided travel as endless bus rides, always packing and unpacking, quick hotel stops, rushed sightseeing, and hardly any free time. Some companies still do things that way. But with the right tour […]

Skip-Gen travel, short for Skip Generation Travel, means grandparents and grandchildren traveling together without parents. Unlike a trip with the whole family, it’s just the two generations spending time together. Picture the joy of being with someone who loves you, away from daily routines.  A few years back, one of my clients began taking trips […]

On October 12, 2025, the European Union began gradually rolling out the Entry/Exit System (EES) at external borders. Full implementation is expected by April 10, 2026. This new digital border management tool will change the way travelers from outside the EU enter and exit the Schengen Area. However, there is nothing you need to do […]

How the Global Entry Mobile App Works The Global Entry Mobile App is a real improvement, helping you get through the airport faster and with less hassle. For international travelers, coming home is just as important as setting out. After coming home from an international trip, no one wants to wait in long U.S. Customs […]

Traveling internationally requires proper documentation, notably a U.S. Passport Book for all forms of travel. While a Passport Card is limited to land crossings, securing a passport early enhances travel flexibility and purchasing opportunities. Always ensure consistency between your passport and travel documents, and keep copies for safety while abroad.