Category

Sightseeing

Mar 05
0

🌺 A Romantic 2-Island Hawaiian Escape: Maui & Kauai for the Perfect Couples Getaway 🌴💕

By | Adventure, Honeymoons and Weddings, Romance, Sightseeing, US Domestic | No Comments

If you and your special someone are dreaming of a Hawaiian vacation that blends stunning beaches, lush landscapes, and unforgettable adventures—look no further. Imagine starting your honeymoon or romantic retreat hopping between two of Hawaii’s most enchanting islands: Maui and Kauai. Here’s a personalized itinerary crafted for relaxation, connection, and discovery.

🏝️ Destination #1: Maui — Beachfront Bliss & Island Magic
Stay: Outrigger Kaanapali Beach Resort
Room: Signature Garden View, 1 King Bed (2 Adults)

Nestled right on Kaanapali Beach, this 4-star resort offers romantic ocean views paired with lush gardens and modern comforts. Enjoy waking up to the sound of the waves and easy access to shoreline strolls.

Why it’s perfect for couples:

  • Relax poolside or beachside with ample spots for intimate moments
  • Save up to 45% with exclusive offers included in your stay

Adventures to Ignite Your Spirit:

  • Molokini Crater & Turtle Town Snorkeling: Dive into crystal-clear waters and swim alongside vibrant marine life in these protected spots—perfect for shared awe and underwater memories.
  • Myths of Maui Luau: Experience Hawaii’s rich culture and fiery dance performances, enhancing your tropical escape with authentic flavors and storytelling.

Note on fees: Resort fees and parking fees apply—details provided at check-in.

🏝️ Destination #2: Kauai — Lush Landscapes & Tranquil Vibes
Stay: Sheraton Kauai Coconut Beach Resort
Room: Standard Double Queen, with mini fridge and complimentary Wi-Fi (2 Adults)

Located in the charming Kapaa/Wailua area, this resort blends beachside beauty with Hawaiian culture and conveniences such as cruiser bikes and daily live entertainment.

Why it’s ideal for couples:

  • Resort activities that immerse you in authentic Hawaiian culture—lei making, hula lessons, and ukulele workshops
  • Complimentary beach gear and cruisers to explore Kapaa’s scenic paths together
  • Attractive “Stay 4 and Save 25%” offer making an extended stay more affordable

Adventures to Enchant Your Journey:

  • Secret Falls Kayak & Hike: Paddle down the Wailua River then stroll through rainforest trails to a stunning waterfall—an intimate experience only Kauai can offer.
  • Na Pali Sunset Sightsee: Embark on a breathtaking evening boat tour of Kauai’s majestic Na Pali Coast, witnessing vivid sunsets and dramatic sea cliffs together.

Important fees: Resort imposes mandatory fees plus parking charges; details confirmed at check-in.

✨ Pricing & Travel Details ✨

Starting from under $2,700 per person, this unforgettable 8-night Maui and Kauai island-hop vacation includes your accommodations, select adventures, and the interisland nonstop flight from Maui to Kauai—making your transition smooth and stress-free.

✨ Why This Maui-Kauai 2-Island Trip is a Romantic Dream ✨

  • Variety & Pace: Perfect balance between Maui’s iconic beaches and Kauai’s lush jungles keeps the adventure fresh and the memories rich.
  • Shared Experiences: Unique snorkeling, cultural feasts, hiking, and sunset cruises give couples countless moments to bond deeply.
  • Comfort & Convenience: Carefully selected resorts combine modern amenities, cultural immersion, and beautiful settings so you can relax fully between excursions.
  • Excellent Value: Early booking discounts, inclusive adventure add-ons, interisland flight, and resort amenities make this a truly worthwhile escape.

See some of what you might experience with photos at this link

If you’re ready to treat your loved one to a Hawaiian getaway that mixes romance, adventure, and unforgettable island charm, this Maui-Kauai combination is a perfect pick.

📞 Reach out today to scott@eztravelpad.com or +1 (317) 731-2293 to start planning your unforgettable two-island Hawaiian vacation. I’ll take care of the details so you can focus on making memories!

Mar 04
0

🌹 Why AmaWaterways is the Perfect Cruise Choice for Couples & Honeymooners Seeking the Heart of Europe 🌹

By | Cruise, Europe, Romance, Sightseeing | No Comments

If you’re dreaming of a romantic getaway through the heart of Europe that blends comfort, charm, and incredible local experiences, AmaWaterways should be at the top of your list. Known for their intimate river cruises, AmaWaterways crafts seamless, relaxed journeys perfect for couples of all ages and especially honeymooners wanting to explore Europe’s cultural gems without the crowds or hassle.

Here’s why AmaWaterways stands out for couples seeking that unforgettable European river adventure:

🚢 A Beautiful Fleet, Freshly Enhanced for 2027
AmaWaterways is renovating nearly 15 ships for the 2027 season, thoughtfully upgrading onboard comforts to keep every moment delightful. From fresh paint to adding espresso machines in every cabin—even the cozy E category singles—every upgrade focuses on guest convenience and relaxation. Imagine waking up to your own espresso while gazing out at Europe’s stunning river landscapes. Pure bliss!

🍷 Culinary Delights & Drinks That Celebrate Local Culture
Food and drink are at the heart of any great trip, and AmaWaterways knows this well. They’ve expanded their onboard culinary experiences to include daily bread tastings, a massive wine selection featuring 32 different regional varieties you can reorder as much as you like, and a new Italian lunchtime dining concept offering fresh pasta and pizza. A generous and flexible dining schedule means you’re never rushed, and special dietary needs are a breeze to accommodate.

What truly makes this special for couples? The wines come from the very regions you’re cruising through—the Rhone, the Danube, and more—giving you a true taste of the local flavors and traditions, enhancing your immersion in the destination.

🌿 Authentic, Inclusive Shore Excursions Built for Connection
AmaWaterways shines with shore experiences that highlight deep local connections and sustainability. Romantic couples can enjoy intimate activities like cooking classes with local chefs, guided bike or hiking tours, or visits to charming farms specializing in truffles and honey. These are all included in the cruise price—no surprise fees! Small group sizes mean you get personalized attention and a chance to really connect with the destination—and each other.

💑 Tailored for Couples & Honeymooners
Whether you’re newlyweds or just want a romantic escape, AmaWaterways’ inclusive and comfortable atmosphere is ideal. The ships are designed with couples in mind—from flexible dining settings that invite cozy conversations to premium onboard amenities—and even solo cabins with stunning swan views for those traveling solo but craving luxury.

Plus, the relaxed pace and intimate group sizes mean you can relish both quiet moments together and engaging social experiences if you choose.

🎉 Extra Perks & Value for Planning Ahead
Planning a honeymoon or couples’ getaway? Booking early, especially booking into group departures, unlocks stacked savings like prepaid gratuities, doubled amenity points, and extra onboard credits—making luxury a little sweeter on your wallet.

AmaWaterways also partners with travel advisors through exclusive offers, ensuring you get personalized service that truly caters to your travel dreams.

🗺️ Romantic Itinerary Ideas for Couples & Honeymooners

1. Danube Dream (8 Days)

  • Route: Passau (Germany) → Vienna (Austria) → Bratislava (Slovakia) → Budapest (Hungary)
  • Highlights: Start in fairy-tale Passau, soak in Vienna’s imperial palaces and cozy cafés, explore Bratislava’s charming old town, and end with a romantic Danube sunset in Budapest. Onboard, enjoy wine tastings featuring local Hungarian and Austrian vintages and a special couples’ spa treatment.
  • Ideal for: Couples craving a mix of culture, history, and relaxing river views.

2. Rhône Romance (7 Days)

  • Route: Lyon → Tournon → Viviers → Avignon → Arles → Avignon
  • Highlights: Discover the culinary capital of Lyon, tour truffle and olive farms, enjoy private vineyard tastings in the Rhône Valley, and stroll the historic streets of Avignon. The onboard dining features fresh regional cuisine paired with wines directly from vineyards you pass by.
  • Ideal for: Foodie couples and honeymooners looking for a sensory-rich journey with elegant French charm.

See dozens of photos from a recent Amawaterways cruise through France along the Rhone at this link

Ready to set sail on a romantic European river cruise that feels tailored just for you? AmaWaterways offers the perfect blend of comfort, culture, and connection at every turn—a remarkable journey for couples looking to treasure every moment. Reach out to me at scott@eztravelpad.com or +1 (317) 731-2293 to start planning your unforgettable honeymoon or couples’ escape today!

Jan 14
0

⚓️✨ Sail the Mediterranean in Style on Celebrity Xcel – July 18 Departure! ✨⚓️

By | Blog, Cruise, Europe, Mediterranean, Sightseeing | No Comments

Hey travel lovers! If you’re dreaming of pristine seas, timeless history, and luxury cruising, we’ve got a special gem to share with you. Picture yourself aboard one of the newest and most elegant ships at sea — the Celebrity Xcel — setting sail July 18 on a dazzling Mediterranean voyage that touches Greece, Turkey, Malta, and ends in vibrant Barcelona. This is not just any cruise; it’s a premium experience tailored for the discerning traveler.

🚢 Why Celebrity Xcel?
The Celebrity Xcel combines cutting-edge design with sophisticated comfort. Expect spacious, modern concierge level cabins designed to be your sanctuary at sea, outstanding dining options, and world-class amenities. This isn’t just a cruise; it’s a floating luxury retreat.

📅 Your Mediterranean Itinerary — A Journey to Remember

  • Sat, 18 Jul: Board in Athens (Piraeus), Greece at 5:00 PM — the gateway to ancient wonders and Greek hospitality
  • Sun, 19 Jul: Santorini, Greece (7:00 AM – 10:00 PM, tendered) — wander through iconic whitewashed buildings perched above stunning caldera views
  • Mon, 20 Jul: Mykonos, Greece (7:00 AM – 7:00 PM, tendered) — enjoy the lively streets, beautiful beaches, and charming windmills
  • Tue, 21 Jul: Ephesus (Kusadasi), Turkey (7:00 AM – 6:00 PM, docked) — deeply explore the ancient city during your exclusive shore event, soaking in the grandeur of history
  • Wed, 22 Jul: Cruising — relax and indulge in all the ship’s luxurious amenities while sailing the Mediterranean
  • Thu, 23 Jul: Valletta, Malta (8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, docked) — step into a medieval treasure trove of Baroque architecture, quaint streets, and stunning seaside views
  • Fri, 24 Jul: Cruising — another glorious day at sea to enjoy the endless ocean and onboard experiences
  • Sat, 25 Jul: Disembark in vibrant Barcelona, Spain at 5:00 AM — ready to explore a city with incredible art, food, and energy (or continue your travels!)

💼 Exclusive Group Space & Pricing
We’ve secured a special group block of space onboard the Celebrity Xcel — and here’s the kicker — concierge level cabins are available with nearly $1,200 off the current best rates! This is an unbeatable opportunity to enjoy the premium lifestyle onboard while saving big.

🌟 Perks Just for You
Booking within our held group space unlocks incredible extras to elevate your journey:

  • A dedicated onboard host ensuring your trip is seamless and stress-free
  • An exclusive private reception for all guests in the group—great chance to mingle and toast to an unforgettable voyage
  • An included exclusive shore event exploring the ancient wonders of Ephesus, where you’ll step back in time and uncover the stories of one of history’s greatest civilizations

🎟️ Perfect for the Discerning Traveler
If you value refined experiences, exclusive access, and traveling in style, this Mediterranean sailing on the Celebrity Xcel is made for you. Spaces are limited in this special group block, so don’t miss your chance to sail in comfort and sophistication at a fantastic rate.

See a few snapshots of life aboard Celebrity Xcel at this link shot on a recent cruise experience I had on board the naming ceremony in November

Ready to reserve your cabin or want more info? Reach out to Scott at EZTravelPad — your gateway to the cruise of a lifetime – but DO NOT delay – this special pricing is for a very limited time only, now is the time to decide to save!

📧 Email: scott@eztravelpad.com
📞 Phone: +1 317-731-2293
🌐 Visit: www.eztravelpad.com

Set sail this summer and create memories that last forever aboard the Celebrity Xcel. Your luxurious Mediterranean escape awaits!

Jul 06
0

Essence of Burgundy & Provence – a River Cruise with AmaWaterways – Join us!

By | Blog, Cruise, Romance, Sightseeing | No Comments

Join us on 7 Nights through France THIS September 30 – Oct 7, 2021

EZTravelPad is delighted to announce that we are headed back to Europe this September and would love for you to join us.

We will be embarking the AmaWaterways ship AmaCello at Chalon-Sur-Saone on Sep 30 to cruise the Rhone and the Saone rivers in route to Arles, France. Additionally, there are options to extend pre-cruise for 3 nights in Geneva, Switzerland and/or 3 nights in Barcelona, Spain post-cruise.

With a maximum of just 130 guests, the AmaCello is a perfect size to relax, enjoy, and meet new friends along the way.

Indulge in French flavors on a palate-pleasing itinerary that highlights the essence of France’s Burgundy and Provence. Uncover the Roman history of Chalon-sur Saône and delight in charming Tournus with its towering Romanesque abbey and historic apothecary shop. Visit French châteaux from Burgundy to Provence, taste your way through the French culinary capital of Lyon and visit the Papal Palace in Avignon. While you’ll get more than a taste of Burgundy and Provence during this itinerary, the essence of these destinations will linger on your palate – and in your heart – for a lifetime!

Along the way we will experience cities and towns including Tournus, Macon, Lyon, Vienne, Avignon, Arles & more

 

Celebrating a birthday in style

On day 5 (October 4) we will celebrate Scott’s 60th birthday with a Tasting Tour in Lyon – “France’s Culinary Capital” followed by a bike tour along the ViaRhona Bike Route. These are just 2 of the daily tour options which include many hiking, biking or tasting options multiple times per day (over 30 options throughout the week).

 

Every day you can choose to relax, or you can choose to explore, and every day your tours and your meals are included in the fare along with champagne for breakfast plus local beers & wines for lunch & dinner.

If you have always wanted to experience a river cruise

– or you have always wanted to explore more of France outside of Paris

– or you are just itching to get back to traveling and want to be included in a terrific experience that you will never forget, then this may be for you.

Pricing starts from only $3395 per person based on double occupancy (just $4814 for single occupancy)

Learn much more about AmaWaterways in this eBrochure or this video

We hope that you can join us, but if not then do consider this type of experience in the future – it is a wonderful way to experience Europe and beyond.

For more info contact us today!

 

Jul 25
0

RV Vacations are Popular in 2020 – EZTravelPad Can Help

By | Adventure, Family Travel, Sightseeing | No Comments

Rent a Motorhome and Find Your Own Way in your RV

It’s true – this is the year for the RV vacation. RVing has always been a popular option for American families, but this year especially, with Covid-19 raging and social distancing required, camping in the great outdoors is hugely popular.

RV sales have been through the roof, but that might be more of a commitment than you are willing to make right now. Fortunately there is an option. A trusted and reliable RV rental company such as CruiseAmerica can make the process simple, safe and a great value.

From less than $100 per day for the more compact variety, to a bit over $300 per night for the larger model that sleeps 7 can make for a terrific value (seasonal pricing does apply) – plus you can take along the family pets!

Whether you escape to a park not far from home, or take to the road of a long trip exploring some of the US National Parks, this could be a great option for your family.

See this blog post direct from CruiseAmerica for some additional info – and remember –

“Your friends….in the travel business” are here to help. When you think vacation, think EZTravelPad

Apr 23
0

Europe THIS Fall? Maybe?

By | Adventure, Europe, Family Travel, Honeymoons and Weddings, Luxury, Romance, Sightseeing | No Comments

Europe This Year? It May Be Awesome!

During this global pandemic especially, but really anytime- trusting experts to rely on vetted in-destination experts may be the key to most fully enjoying your experience.

Over the years I have built a reputation on knowing the destinations that I help people experience. Some of that is a result of direct, on the ground time spent in various destinations and resorts throughout the Caribbean – or on a variety of cruise ships both large and small….but I can’t go or know everywhere, and the other part of the equation that you may not realize is that I spend a significant amount of time at conferences networking with the top experts in destination to better understand what they offer, and who they are.

Going wide-open at a conference for 3 days can be fun, but it’s also hard work – and I do that to prepare to be able to better guide you when you want to experience a destination that I am less familiar with.

One of those destination experts is Titanium Tours specializing in Spain, Portugal and France. They may not be “the cheapest”, but I am not here to guide you to the cheapest experience possible – I am here to guide you to the BEST experience that you will long remember fondly. For that type of experience, Titanium is one of the best!

Below are some ideas from Titanium Tours – ideas that may inspire you to get a trip plan started – and maybe as soon as this fall, the best time of the year to go!

When to Go?

September – November are great months for travel to Spain, Portugal or France. The weather is still beautiful and autumn seasonal activities abound. According to the news coming from each country, we are confident that tourism will resume by then. As you can see above September and October are great months for travel in a typical year.

Furthermore, you can now find good fall airfares going to any of our airports. For example IND – BCN for well under $1000 ($600-700)  with one connection!

What to Book?

The beauty of custom independent tours and partnering with a company like Titanium Tours is that they can guide you to areas where COVID-19 is not present or has had little impact. They can help us help you to pick boutique hotels, less crowded routes, private experiences, etc where you will feel safe while traveling abroad. Their 3 countries in which they specialize have been impacted very differently and different areas of each country have been affected very differently. They can guide you to create an itinerary that’s both exciting and safe.

For instance, Portugal has had significantly less cases than France and Spain. If you want off the beaten path experiences, they can for example, take you 90 minutes north of Lisbon to our Castles and Wild Horses experience.

In France, you can avoid crowded areas to visit the Hill Top Villages of Luberon in Provence and go truffle hunting. Winter truffles are more aromatic and their season starts in November.

In Southern Spain, where COVID-19 has also had a much smaller impact, you can go to the private workshop of a silk shawl craftsman who’s family has been embroidering silk shawls, most typical in this region, for generations. Not only will you observe an artist at work, but you can even try your hand at it.

Or perhaps this is the year to go admire the beauty of the Azores….

The point is simply this – there is a big wonderful word of experience and the tourism industry is eager to help you discover them. In Europe it’s not all about cafes and museums – there are wonderful experiences to enjoy and still be safely guided!

EZTravelPad is here to guide you to the best tour operators with the best guides – who will help you have the best experience possible – custom designed for YOU!

We’re here to help when you are ready. Contact us today for more info

 

 

Aug 19
0

Krka National Park in Croatia – simply gorgeous

By | Adventure, Cruise, Europe, Sightseeing | No Comments

Croatia is a HOT Destination in Europe

Well, it’s warm in the summer and cool in the winter – but as far as popular destinations are concerned Croatia is HOT!

Why? Well there are many reasons –

  • Croatia is one of several destinations made more popular by the HBO series Game of Thrones
  • Croatia offers a terrific array of  medieval cities
  • Croatia offers some amazing small ship cruises (mostly from cruiselines you have never heard of)
  • Croatia offers some of the most spectacular natural beauty to be found

Krka

Krka National Park is a popular place for hiking and enjoying the natural beauty of pristine waterfalls and more. On a recent cruise vacation we enjoyed a stop in the port city of Zadar (famous for it’s Sea Organ – a very unique piece of musical art). The Krka National Park was an offered excursion from Celebrity cruises so we checked it out and here’s what we found….

 

a beautiful forest populated by dozens of cascading waterfalls (too many and too vast to experience them all)

 

The hike was too short,..but it was beautiful

 

with some swimming possible…

 

in the waters just past the most beautiful of the falls in this area

 

Zadar-

Whether spending some time in port or staying in a hotel or nearby resort, the city of Zadar is a good place to spend some time shopping or dining. Actually I could not believe how affordable it was to purchase some great pastries!

There are some cool tours that allow you to experience the city by foot, bike, segway, kayak or e-scooter – or do something really exhilarating like going skydiving!

Yes…Croatia is beautiful with several national parks and other places of outstanding beauty, but there is so much more. Whether it’s an excursion while cruising on a mass market cruise ship, or a small ship cruise with several stops along the long Croatian coastline, or a fully independent yet structured tour incorporating several stops such as Zagreb, Split, Dubrovnik & other parts of the interior of the country you can count on “Your friends….in the travel business” at EZTravelPad for sound advice and the ability to leverage our relationships to make sure that you have the best possible experience!

 

Aug 15
0

Cruising into or out of Venice as a Port

By | Cruise, Europe, Family Travel, Romance, Sightseeing | No Comments

Venice, Italy – A lovely city to start or end your cruise vacation

There are not many things more enchanting than arriving to your Venice hotel in a water taxi.

Words and photos are not entirely capable of describing the emotions that you experience- the sounds, the sights, the sunshine on your face – the anticipation of visiting such an iconic destination.

Hotels-

Of course there are dozens and dozens of terrific hotels with varying levels of service. We chose the lovely Hotel Danieli located just steps from The Bridge of Sighs leading to Doges Palace and Piazza San Marco (St Mark’s Plaza) – terrific service and as convenient as it gets.

Venice is a city built on 118 islands (some small and others tiny) connected by hundreds of bridges that make up the city. The history of Venice dates back around 1600 years so as you might imagine there are some amazing examples of many different types or architectural influences including Gothic, Byzantine, Islamic & more.  Below is but 1 of many gorgeous buildings

If you are a lover of any style of art and craftmanship then a visit to Murano is a must-do. Murano is a small island about 15 minutes boat ride from Venice. Complimentary tours are available and you will not see a better array of glassworks than you will here. The island is home to hundreds of glassblowers who have different specialties. The glassblowing demonstration is amazing

but what is more amazing is the showroom which consists of room upon room with unbelievable displays of artistic genius ranging from chandeliers to wine glasses and every type of glassware in between

St Marks’s Square & Basilica along with the Doges Palace are also must-see

Water Taxis and Gondolas

Of course no trip to Venice would be complete without spending some time on the water. Whether touring by water taxi…

or enjoying a gondola ride complete with serenade…

 

these are the memories that you will carry with you for many years to come (and of course taking a few photos helps too)!

Shopping

There are more shops that you can ever hope to get to even if staying for weeks – and cafes & restaurants are also in no short supply so save up some energy for that!

After a few hours of touring and shopping then a Spritz or 2 in a cafe is not to be missed

 

In short – Venice is simply magical and unforgettable.

When it’s time for your trip to Venice (or other bucket list destination) then you know you can turn to “Your friends….in the travel business” at EZTravelPad for expert guidance and the best values to be found.

Aug 07
0

Escape to Imperial Europe

By | Blog, Europe, Romance, Sightseeing | No Comments

The more I experience Europe the more I want to go back…it gets under your skin…it lures you to return…it stays with you

A couple hours at Széchenyi Thermal Bath is the perfect way to unwind after a long flight

Imagine an 8 night itinerary beginning in Budapest for 2 nights, then 2 nights in Vienna, 2 nights in Prague, and finishing with 2 nights in Berlin

  • Transfers included
  • 8x Breakfast Included
  • 3x Dinner included
  • Guided Tours included
  • Good hotels (Hilton, Marriott, Mercure, Crown Plaza, etc) in the heart of the cities

    • Vacation Highlights

    BUDAPEST
    Welcome dinner; guided sightseeing, panoramic view from Fishermen’s Bastion

    VIENNA
    Guided sightseeing, visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral

    PRAGUE
    Guided sightseeing, Astronomical Clock, visit the Hradčany Castle grounds; [LF] farewell dinner at a local restaurant

    BERLIN
    Guided sightseeing, take pictures of Brandenburg Gate and the Holocaust Memorial, visit Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church; farewell dinner

    Now imagine this

    …all of this

    Including International flights (from Chicago for example)

    All for under $1999 per person (based on double occupancy)

    Perhaps it’s time to get in touch with “Your friends….in the travel business” at EZTravelPad