Adventures with Sarah

25/08/2026

It's Travel News Tuesday

This is a UK site, but many of the same points apply to American travelers. ETIAS implementation keeps getting pushed back, so we're looking at 2027. But even then, there will be a 6 month transitional period, followed by a "grace period."
https://www.the-independent.com/travel/news-and-advice/etias-uk-europe-visa-travel-application-start-date-b3038008.html

"The Department of Transportation is considering loosening or eliminating a rule requiring airlines to show fares including taxes and fees from the start." 🤦‍♀️
https://www.travelandleisure.com/airline-ticket-price-rules-could-change-12064519

"This month, after a 10-year legal battle, the owner has been jailed for forging works of art"...the owner of the "54,000-square-foot “ancient” site, charged visitors up to 40 euros ($46) to visit the “theater” he had built from scratch." What a crazy story!
https://www.cnn.com/2026/08/24/travel/anfiteatro-berico-italy-fake-greek-theater-roman-amphitheater

The online permit will cost €20 (£17) and is valid for three years

25/08/2026

The cool (literally) thing of my day: waking up to the majestic Dawes Glacier. I happened to hear some BOOMS and caught this icefall.
FWIW this is way better than the cruise we did a few years ago!

I’m starting to wonder if another group cruise would be fun to do on Virgin Voyages … maybe drop a comment if you’d like to go to Alaska with me in 27 or 28?

24/08/2026

23/08/2026

When is a bargain not really a bargain?
As I was shopping for the cruise for Lucca’s grad gift, Virgin came in towards the top, price-wise. I shopped a bit and found another cruise that came in $1000 less, plus a free drinks package and a suite. What was the catch? We couldn’t find one! We ultimately chose Virgin because we like good food and variety, and the vibes in general fit us better. My kids are over 18 and I wasn’t really looking for a family oriented cruise. Those things felt worth the extra cost.

So, look what I found out today: we saw the cheaper ship on departure from downtown Ketchikan, docked way outside of town. Guests there must take a 30 minute excursion bus to see the historic town, while we stepped off the ship in it.
That bargain didn’t turn out to be much of a bargain if you’re paying in time and excursion dollars, so read the fine print about where the ports actually are. Apparently, this is pretty common for lower price point Alaska cruises.

Also to note: this was an observation of a port employee which I thought I’d pass along. We were parked with Cunard and another luxury line so I was curious and it seems certain lines are willing to pay more for better spots.

21/08/2026

I’ve been told the inside passage is really pretty, but this is our second Alaska cruise and this is the same view of it as last time 🤣

19/08/2026

Calling all cruisers!
My son asked for an Alaskan cruise for his graduation gift, and we are heading off soon!
So tell me, what is your best cruise packing tip? Anything I might not think to bring?
We are going to be pretty crammed in, with three of us in a cabin, so thoughts on maximizing space?

Virgin Voyages

17/08/2026

Our Morocco tour for 2027 is sold out, BUT, did you know we arrange private departures on your schedule? 🐪 🐪

Any of our tour itineraries can be a private tour just for your group of 6 or more. We can even do a smaller group (but the price is usually a bit higher.)

You can even choose your favorite guide to accompany you, if the schedule works!

Have a look at our tour offerings at adventureswithsarah.net and email us at [email protected] to get started planning your next adventure with our family of amazing tour guides! ❤️