Cruises By Connie

10/17/2024

Happy birthday to Eric!!!

09/19/2024

US Passport Renewal Now Available Online

Are pigs flying? I had doubts about getting here, even with all our tech advances, but Americans can now finally renew their passports online!

For the first time ever, the State Department announced this week that Americans can renew adult passports online, skipping the old method of waiting in long lines with printed forms and mailing checks.

🛂 How can I renew online?

To renew your passport online, visit the State Department's renewal website. Ensure your passport is eligible (expired within the last five years) and prepare your current passport, a recent photo, and payment information. Complete the online form, upload your photo, pay the fee, and submit your application. You can expect to receive confirmation and updates via email.

The renewal process takes about six to eight weeks and costs $130 for a passport book with standard shipping, the same as renewing by mail or in person.US Passport Renewal Now Available Online

Are pigs flying? I had doubts about getting here, even with all our tech advances, but Americans can now finally renew their passports online!

For the first time ever, the State Department announced this week that Americans can renew adult passports online, skipping the old method of waiting in long lines with printed forms and mailing checks.

🛂 How can I renew online?

FINALLY YOU CAN RENEW YOUR PASSPORT ONLINE!!!!!

To renew your passport online, visit the State Department's renewal website. Ensure your passport is eligible (expired within the last five years) and prepare your current passport, a recent photo, and payment information. Complete the online form, upload your photo, pay the fee, and submit your application. You can expect to receive confirmation and updates via email.

The renewal process takes about six to eight weeks and costs $130 for a passport book with standard shipping, the same as renewing by mail or in person.

Send a message to learn more

09/12/2024

When and where fall foliage will peak this year
New Hampshire
September 30-October 4
Exception: In southern Vermont, you can catch peak leaf turn throughout early October.

Maine
October 7-11

New York
October 7-11

Vermont
October 7-11
Exception: In southern Vermont, you can catch peak leaf turn throughout late October.

Rhode Island
October 7-14

Maryland
October 21-25

Tennessee
October 21-25

Washington
October 21-25

North Carolina
October 28-November 1

05/07/2024

What adventures are still on your 'must do' list? Let's check one off in 2024!!

Send a message to learn more

03/24/2024

Anyone interested in sailing on the Celebrity ECLIPSE Aug 16, 2024 sailing from Iceland to Boston? I have 1 group blocked balcony cabin for up to 3 open that includes beverages, wifi, and gratuities. A good time will be had by all with our MotleyCru24!

01/29/2024

To welcome 2024, 14 of us flew to Bali on Dec 28th, boarded the Celebrity Millenium on Jan 4th, and cruised Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and ended in Singapore on Jan 16th.

An amazing adventure, beautiful and historic scenary, and very informative thanks to our guides from Tours by Locals and the ship excursions.

The most notable thing on the adventure was that despite dense traffic in most locations, and hundreds of motor bikes zipping in and out between cars, we rarely heard a horn other than a friendly 'beep'. There were no accidents, or bodies on the side of the road, or road rage screaming, etc. The residents are very respectful of each other, accept things as they are, and impart a sense of calm and balance. They are a mixture of Buddist, Muslim, and Hindu religions, worship in some of the same temples regardless of religion, and all seem to coexist very peacefully. We saw no fights in the streets, absolutely no guns, and no shouting even in crowded malls on Chinese New Year's opening day.

I think there are lessons to be learned for peaceful coexistence between races, religions, political views, etc. Life is much simpler there - and so much less tense and full of anxiety. If you have a chance, by all means spend some time there enjoying the quiet and peaceful atmosphere.

12/25/2023

Merry Christmas to all! Hugs to you and all your furry buddies.

We hope all of you have a safe and happy holiday season and a stellar 2024.
Connie, Jeff and the Echoglen Clan

12/19/2023

The Three Best Months to Travel
If you postpone your winter travels until January, you’ll end up saving a wad of cash.
January is the cheapest month to travel to 15 top destinations, including Athens, Greece; Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia; Lisbon, Portugal; Barcelona, Spain; Antalya, Turkey; Prague, Czech Republic; Rome, Italy; Dublin, Ireland; Amsterdam, Netherlands; Berlin, Germany; Seoul, South Korea; Vienna, Austria; Toronto, Canada; London, Enland; and Hanoi, Vietnam.

11/13/2023

For a city break with a bit of festive magic, check out these hidden-gem picks.