International | Notable Travels

Viking Ocean Cruises’ Viking Jupiter

Posted by Linda Fasteson

We booked our Viking Ocean Cruise for all that it is. We loved it for what it is not. Here’s why.

Charlevoix: life inside a crater

Posted by Linda Fasteson

As part of the French-speaking province of Quebec, Charlevoix is an easy getaway with a European ambience.

An art lover’s perfect day in Amsterdam

Posted by Linda Fasteson

There are over 70 museums in Amsterdam, and our tour began at Museumplein, or Museum Square, which includes the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum.

Holland America’s 17-Day Circle Hawaii cruise: paradise lost and found

Posted by Linda Fasteson

We dreamed about basking in tropical sunshine under gently swaying palm trees, walking along black sand beaches, exploring volcanoes and coral reefs, and hiking to thundering waterfalls.

Four sides of Switzerland: a microcosm of European cultures

Posted by Linda Fasteson

Switzerland was named the #1 country in the world for the third year in a row by U. S. News and World Report.

Northern Ireland’s Coastal Causeway: one of the world’s most scenic road trips

Posted by Linda Fasteson

The 120 mile winding and roadway known as the Coastal Causeway hugs the coast between Belfast and Londonderry with panoramas that change with each bend in the road.

NCL’s Breakaway: Florida and the Bahamas cruise from New York

Posted by Linda Fasteson

People who live within driving distance of New York and can eliminate the expense and inconvenience of a flight with Norwegian Cruise Line’s Bahamas and Florida cruise aboard the Breakaway.

Northern Ireland: Seamus Heaney HomePlace

Posted by Linda Fasteson

Anyone who wants to learn more about Seamus Heaney’s poetic insights on Ireland’s past and present should not miss the exhibits at Seamus Heaney HomePlace.

Local food and drinks aboard a Viking River Cruise.

Posted by Linda Fasteson

One of the pleasures of travel is experiencing the local foods and drinks. And that is just one of the things we have enjoyed on our Viking River cruises.

Derry-Londonderry: The Walled City

Posted by Linda Fasteson

Called Derry or Londonderry, depending on political persuasion, this was where Ireland’s last walled city was built.

Northern Ireland: The Giant’s Causeway

Posted by Linda Fasteson

Over 40,000 exposed vertical hexagonal basalt columns soar as high as 200’ above sea level at the Giant’s Causeway. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and nominee for the Eighth Wonder of the World.

Carrick-a-Rede: crossing the mouth of a 60 million year old volcano

Posted by Linda Fasteson

The Carrick-a-Rede Bridge is one of the top attractions along Northern Ireland’s Coastal Causeway. It crosses over the 60’ chasm formed by the mouth of a 60 million year old volcano. Waves rage 100′ beneath the bridge and break against the rocks. The stronger the wind the more the bridge swings and sways.

Glenarm Castle, County Antrim, Northern Ireland

Posted by Linda Fasteson

Glenarm Castle is the ancestral home of the MacDonnells, who have been Earls of Antrim for 400 years.

Breakfast at Ballygally Castle: farm to table at its finest

Posted by Linda Fasteson

A wee book on the breakfast table tells the tales of other local fare like the White’s Porridge Oats served with Waggle Dance honey and Bushmills Whiskey, yogurt from the Marchioness of Dufferin’s estate, and Guinness Wholegrain Bread.

Belfast cuisine: pub grub to 5-star

Posted by Linda Fasteson

Belfast’s culinary scene has runs the gamut from pub grub to five-star dining. And it can often be enjoyed in a grand historic building that dates to Belfast industries like linen production and ship building were the best in the world.

Belfast, Northern Ireland: A Titanic Adventure

Posted by Linda Fasteson

Belfast’s culture and heritage is seen and enjoyed in its world-class architecture, treasured traditions, abundance and range of dining options, and vibrant music and arts scene.