It's a country of phenomenal geographic diversity and is reputed to be the single oldest uninterrupted civilization in the world. China's rich history boasts of many legends and dynasties. It's a country of abundant natural splendor. From the majestic Himalayan Mountains to the mighty Yangtze River, the land is broad and diverse. It's a country of old and new cities, earthly and ethereal landscapes, and impressive historical sights. Picture a beautiful pagoda with golden dragons or a luminous statue of the Buddha alongside new office buildings and shopping malls. The vastness and profoundness of this great land can't be fully explained with words. It needs to be experienced first hand.

Pay in full at time of booking and receive a FREE upgrade to an Executive Suite while sailing onboard a Victoria Cruises ship along China's legendary Yangtze River in 2011!

The first Floriade Expo was held in 1960 in Rotterdam, Netherlands. The Dutch Horticultural Council set itself a goal when it launched the Floriade. It was to be ‘a major cross-sector horticultural exhibition that will attract both national and international attention’. With over 3 million visitors, it was a definite success. The Euromast tower was built just for the Floriade, between 1958 and 1960 by Hugh Masskant.

The next Floriade was held 12 years later in 1972, and took place in Amsterdam. The ’72 expo was the busiest horticulture exhibition in all the world at the time, bringing in 5 million people between March and October. All the sections were held in different locations, and were brought together by a special Floriade train. Two of the biggest highlights of the 1972 expo were the lily display and the Dahliarama. The Floriade was held in Amsterdam again in 1982.

In 1992, the Floriade was held in Zoetermeer, and it attracted 3.3 million people to the grounds. Nearly 30 percent of all tourists that visited the Netherlands during this time came exclusively for the Floriade. The 1992 expo included a tramline that had been laid for the exposition, and there was a unique sculpture display. After the Floriade Expo was finished, the grounds were immediately reused for the Rokkeveen-West residential estate.

In 2002, the Floriade was held in Haarlemmermeer. The theme was ‘feel the art of nature’, and was divided into three separate sections. The sections were the Roof, the Mountain, and the Lake. The Roof was a large, floating piece made of 19,000 solar panels and fashioned the 30,000 square meter indoor display. Another key element was a 30-meter high pyramid called Spotter’s Hill. Floriade 2002 saw around 2.1 million visitors.

The 2012 Floriade Expo will take place in Venlo, Netherlands on an area that covers about 163 acres. There is to be 5 different sections of interest. The sections are: Relax and Heal, Green Engine, Education and Innovation, Environment, and World Show Stage.

The Relax and Heal section will allow visitors to see, smell, feel, hear, and taste how nature affects their mood, health, and wellbeing in the tranquil surroundings. It will have an Oriental setting, tea rituals, a barefoot path, and healing herbs to give each person a special experience. There will be a Restaurant Relax and Heal, with choices of Thai dishes, Japanese snacks, mint tea, and delicious fruit juices.

The Green Engine section houses the Villa Flora, the biggest indoor flower show which was designed just for Floriade 2012. You can take part in a fake flower auctions which allows you to bid on your own flowers, learn to make striking floral arrangements, and even plant your very own Dutch tulip as a souvenir. There is also a Restaurant Green Engine, where you can enjoy robust soups, organic salads, and sandwiches with generous fillings.

In the Education and Innovation section, you can watch a film, American-style, at the special Drive-In Cinema, and in the DALC travel pavilion, you can take a seat in a comfy car on the motorway. At Bee for the World, you can not only learn about the life of a bee, but also experience it for yourself! You will climb to different heights with your nose in flower blooms, land in a dim beehive, and move around while surrounded by the sound of bees buzzing. Make sure to visit the Restaurant Education and Innovation, where you can eat asparagus and strawberries from Netherland gardens.

In the Environment section, you’ll learn about the importance of bringing ‘green’ into the city, indoors and outdoors, and at home and work. You will also watch a special virtual tour of the Floriade. At the Restaurant Environment, you will enjoy barbecued dishes and divine cocktails.

At the World Show Stage section, you will be able to enjoy stunning performances on Theatre Hill, take a stroll down the Floriade Boulevard, and take in the Indonesian cultures. Make sure to visit the exquisite Rose Garden, filled with vivid colors of red, pink, and green roses. At the Restaurant WSS, you will be able to enjoy fresh Italian pastas and pizzas, Oriental delicacies, and Asian stir-fries.

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises inaugurates their new Super Ship, S.S. Antoinette, and those who attended the inaugural weekend festivities were treated to a very special experience that no other river cruise line in the world can deliver.  Uniworld is the world’s only authentic boutique cruise as no other cruise line in the world has a partner and sister company like the award-winning luxury boutique hotel operator, Red Carnation Hotels, to design and train staff on the luxury boutique hotel experience.

Lead by Mrs. Beatrice Tollman, President and Founder of Red Carnation Hotels, and her daughter Mrs. Antoinette Tollman, godmother and namesake to S.S. Antoinette, who is also the designer and the visionary behind the S.S. Antoinette’s lavish design and décor, and their lead designer Mr. Brian Brennan, they worked closely with the shipyard De Hoop to bring a new class of ships to the cruise industry.

Mrs. Antoinette Tollman explained the concept of the ship’s design was based on 18th century France in the 21st century as it embodies the spirit of France’s Château de Versailles with all of the conveniences of modern day living. Wanting to find the perfect home for the chandelier, they placed it in the lobby of the S.S. Antoinette and designed the ship around this beautiful focal point that reflects the sunlight so perfectly.

When you are a family-run company such as Uniworld and Red Carnation, you have greater passion, greater commitment, and a greater connection to ensuring your hotels—whether on land or on the water—provide guests with the ultimate experience incorporating the finest luxuries and comforts, as evident throughout the S.S. Antoinette and all of Uniworld’s ships; a world-class Food and Beverage program as recognized by Zagat;  and intuitive and award-winning hospitality as evident by esteemed travel entities including Conde Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure.

Uniworld, the world’s only river cruise line to have been acknowledged by Zagat Survey® for “Top Dining,” can certainly be attributed to Mrs. Beatrice Tollman’s philosophy on food and her desire for ensuring both her hotel guests and her family were always treated to sumptuous cuisine using the finest ingredients.  Mrs. Beatrice Tollman wrote her memoir, A Life in Food, as a cookbook made up of recipes she has collected over the years during her travels and from people she has met. She has since refined and personalized the recipes and taught many chefs in her hotels and at Uniworld, including Bernhard Zorn, Uniworld’s Global Master Chef. In the book, she recounts how she came to learn and love the recipes—many of which have become Signature Comfort Dishes at the hotels and onboard Uniworld’s ships. Uniworld’s professionally trained culinary team creates these Signature Comfort Dishes, including the more traditional such as “Bea’s chicken soup” to the more exotic “Black peppered prawns” to the sweeter side with “Honeycomb ice cream and Bea’s cheese cake.”

The S.S. Antoinette begins her inaugural season sailing on March 27, 2011 on Uniworld’s popular Castles along the Rhine, and certainly guests traveling on this “Super Ship” will be in for a “Super Experience.”

Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection 2011...a new way to see the world.  Watch this wonderful video to learn more about Uniworld River Cruises.

Fast Facts

• Countries: Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Romania, Bulgaria, Moldova, Ukraine
• Source: Black Forest, Germany
• Mouth: The Black Sea
• Length: 1,777 miles

View our selection of Danube River Cruises for 2011

As the Danube leaves the cover of German'’s Black Forest, it trolls through the pristinely-preserved medieval town of Regensburg. This bustling university town boasts ancient treasures like the Porta Praetoria—the north gate to the ancient Roman fortress, Castra Regina, built in 179 A.D. During the holidays, Regensburg shines bright with its Christmas market lighting up the historic market square.

Farther downstream, Passau, Austria, is a gem of a city located at the confluence of the rivers Inn, Ilz, and Danube. Cobblestone streets lead the way to St. Stephen’s Cathedral, which houses the world’s largest church organ with more than 17,000 pipes.

Continuing along, the village of Grein offers excellent photo opportunities, with its turreted houses lining the main square in the shadow of its idyllic castle perched high on a bluff. Situated in the rolling green hills of the Wachau Valley, Melk is home to the magnificent Benedictine Abbey, one of Europe’s largest and most intriguing monasteries. Step out onto the monastic terrace to look out over the Danube and take in the mesmerizing view of the sweeping countryside.

Float through the Wachau wine region to Dürnstein, known for the magnificent baroque Stiftskirche with its blue façade. Above town are the ruins of the castle where England’s King Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned in 1192.

Vienna, Austria’s capital, is next. The “City of Music” inspired the creative genius of Mozart, Beethoven and Strauss. Once the center of the mighty Habsburg Empire, the city has much to offer—the lavish Hofburg Palace, the impressive Vienna Opera House, and the majestic Ring Boulevard, to name just a few. Visitors can waltz their way down shop-lined streets, savor the sounds of an orchestral concert, or delight in a Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel in a neighborhood café.

Sail on through the picturesque Austrian views before heading to the heart of Hungary. Spanning both banks of the Danube, Budapest is Eastern Europe’s liveliest and most cosmopolitan metropolis. Seven bridges, including the famous Chain and Elisabeth Bridges, connect ancient Buda on the right bank with Pest on the left. The massive hilltop castle complex with Fisherman’s Bastion and the Matthias Church is among the many sights of Budapest that impress and excite.

South of Budapest, the quiet town of Kalocsa, Hungary, was founded by St. Stephen in 1009. The Archbishop’s Palace and the Kalocsa Cathedral are must-see sights in this town that is most known for paprika and folklore art.

The Danube winds away from Hungary and through the city of Novi Sad, Serbia. Steeped in history, the hilltop Petrovaradin Fort affords dramatic views of the Danube. On to Serbia’s capital, Belgrade, situated at the confluence of the Danube and Sava Rivers. Full of lively pedestrian areas and imposing cathedrals and fortresses, Belgrade is a riveting study in contrasts.

The Danube flows away from Belgrade, through rustic hills lined with stunning Roman fortresses, and through the dramatic gorge of the Iron Gates. This narrow and formerly very dangerous passage divides Europe’s Alps in the northwest from the Carpathians in the southeast and forms a natural border between Serbia and Romania.

Downstream, Bulgaria’s most ancient and breathtaking treasures can be found a short drive away from the Danube. Veliko Târnovo, situated on three hills surrounding the Yantra River, is a natural fortress with stone houses clinging to its steep slopes. The historic village of Arbanassi is nearby, featuring the well-known Etnographic Museum and intricately designed frescoes in its Church of the Nativity.

Silestra is a key port city—essential to Bulgaria’s thriving agricultural industry. A short distance away, the resort town of Varna sits on the shores of the Black Sea. Its storied past comes to life as you walk through Roman baths and marvel at the Gold of Varna, an archaeological wonder.

Bucharest, Romania’s lively capital, is only a short drive from the shores of the Danube. Its wide boulevards and Arc de Triomphe have gained it the name "Paris of the East." Enjoy people-watching in the Royal Palace Square, the scene of riots in 1989 which led to the collapse of the communist dictatorship. The Royal Palace now houses the National Art Museum and is filled with priceless examples of Eastern European art.

View our selection of Danube River Cruises

Six NEW expertly planned itineraries:

Treasures of Prage, the Rhine & Main
Cologne to Prague | 10 Days

Imperial Capitals of Europe
Istanbul to Vienna | 15 Days

Grand European River Voyage
Amsterdam to Istanbul | 27 Days

Grand European Odyssey
Paris to Istanbul | 31 Days

Classic Christmas Markets
Nuremberg to Franfurt | 8 Days

Imperial Waterways of Russia
Moscow to St. Petersburg | 13 Days


Included in your Uniworld Boutique River Cruises are: beautifully appointed riverview stateroom; all meals onboard with complimentary fine wine, beer, and soft drinks during dinner onboard cruises in Europe; captivating shore excursions hosted by English-speaking local guides using Quietvox audio headset systems; Captain's Welcome Gala and Farewell Dinners; Signature Lectures; captivating onboard entertainment; and all transfers on arrival and departure days.

The River Victoria’s beautifully appointed riverview staterooms and suites have hotel beds draped in fine linens, and all staterooms and suites on the Neva and Volga decks have full private balconies. Her common areas are just as meticulously designed for our guests’ comfort and enjoyment. The Chagall Lounge offers a full-service bar and dance floor; the Katarina Bar features an outdoor patio; and the Pushkin Restaurant has stunning panoramic views.

Uniworld’s company-owned boutique hotel-style ships
Boutique hotel designers often invest a lot of thought, time and resources into an interior decor reflective of a destination, as well as the amenities that assure an elegant, relaxed and intimate experience. This is apparent on each of Uniworld’s ten company-owned ships! Over the course of the last couple of years, Uniworld’s ships have been completely refurbished to the highest standard of comfort, so guests travel from one exciting destination to the next with access to stylish lounges, cozy libraries, panoramic restaurants offering sumptuous cuisine and inviting riverview staterooms.

Expect more personalized attention with Uniworld
Uniworld employs an all English, professionally trained staff, so there are no language barriers and no problems with understanding what is being said or going on. All announcements are made only in English. Unlike many companies offering river cruise programs in Europe and elsewhere, Uniworld is an American company focused on North American travelers, or at least English-speaking clientele (the trips are popular with Canadians and folks from Down Under as well).

Early Booking Discount - SAVE up to $600 per couple (Europe)

BOOK AND DEPOSIT on or before February 28, 2010 to SAVE up to $600 per couple ($300 per person) off select 2010 Europe river cruises.

SAVE $600 per couple onselect 2010 Cruises

BOOK AND DEPOSIT on or before February 28, 2010 to SAVE $600 per couple ($300 per person) off select cruise itineraries.

This offer is available on the following itineraries:

• Be mindful of who is around when you are discussing your trip - there is no need to let too many people know or draw attention to the fact your house might be empty for a period.
• The best deterrent is to have someone housesit. If that is not possible, ask a trusted neighbor or friend to take in the newspaper, mail, and any other deliveries and keep an eye on the house. Give them your trip plans and an emergency phone number so they can reach you in case of an emergency. You can also arrange with the post office and newspaper to suspend delivery for the time you are away.
• Lock doors, windows and secure sliding doors (a metal rod or a broomstick in the sliding door track is an inexpensive lock), as well as the garage, the basement, and the attic. Some people even disconnect the power to motorized garage door openers.
• Move any valuables from plain sight.
• Check on your appliances, unplug anything that doesn't need to be on while you're away. Lower air conditioning/heating units to energy-saving levels.
• Set timers to turn on lights if you do not have someone staying at the house.

Services offered include services of 24/7 agent for any last minutes changes, pre-trip travel advice such as what vaccines are required, embassy contacts, weather and currency information.  They also offer assistance for last minute changes, such as cancelled or delayed flights, making hotel reservations or ground transportation reservations. Benefits include coverage in the event of cruise line, airline or tour operator default (financial default non applicable to all suppliers) Coverage for sickness, injury or death of immediate family member. Terrorist incident that results in loss of life or major damage to property, by any person

With a good policy, you receive 24 hours assistance replacing lost or stolen documents such as visas, passports or tickets. Cash advance for travel or medical emergencies. They can also help you locate English speaking medical specialists, facilities and assistance with medical evacuations anywhere in the world.

They will provide you with baggage and personal effects loss coverage, baggage delay coverage and luggage tracing services. They have a bilingual staff for telephone interpretation for medical or legal emergencies.

If you purchase your travel insurance within 15 days of making your initial deposit your coverage will include pre-existing conditions which applies to the first $25,000 of trip cost.

Whether a child gets the flu, or a close family member has a medical emergency, travel protection has a plan that will protect you before or during your vacation. The right kind of insurance is essential. It will provide you with peace of mind, medical evacuation in case of an emergency, baggage coverage, flight delay and flight cancellation coverage.

In addition to these services some insurance policies also provide a concierge service which is available to assist you with restaurant reservations, event tickets, tee time reservations and floral services.

This is only a brief description of some of the benefits and travel services provided. All policies and coverage may vary, and may not be available in all states. There are also expanded coverage plans that offer business related covered reasons for trip cancellation and interruption, and other that let you cancel for any reason.

At times it is best to purchase the insurance with the tour operator or cruise line as part of your package, where on other occasions you can save money and get better coverage medical and evacuation coverage. An experience agent can explain your options to that you can purchase the best policy for your individual needs.

Good travel insurance isn't always expensive. We have negotiated excellent policies exclusive to Atlas, where rather than paying by age, which can add up for seniors, everyone is charged a flat amount base on the cost of the trip.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site is a site that holds a list of outstanding cultural or natural universal value such as, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. It could be a monument, building, mountain, forest, lake, desert, complex or city.

So how is a site selected?

Only countries that have signed the World Heritage Convention, pledging to protect their natural & cultural heritage can submit nominations for properties on their territory to be considered for inclusion in UNESCO’s World Heritage list.

A nominated property is independently evaluated by several Advisory Boards. Once a site has been nominated & evaluated, the intergovernmental World Heritage Committee makes the final decision. One per year, the Committee meets to decide which sites will be inscribed on the World Heritage list.

The program aims to catalogue & preserve sites of outstanding importance, either cultural or natural, to the common heritage of humankind.

There are currently 878 World Heritage Sites in 145 countries. These include 679 cultural, 174 natural and 25 mixed properties.

You may have visited a place in the U.S. already, not realizing it was a UNESCO site such as the Statue of Liberty, Grand Canyon, Yosemite Yellowstone or Olympic National Park.

Click here for a full list of site.

I have seen 20 sites in 9 countries, so only 858 to go, but I have to say that certain countries do not interest me AT ALL, so my goal would be to see at least half of the UNESCO sites while traveling the world.

How many UNESCO sites have you visited?

Should you bring a laptop while traveling?

This is a personal question that really depends on many things. What you’ll be doing, where you are going and how long will you be traveling?

I would like to share some guidelines that may help with your decision.

Reasons you should bring a laptop:

You can email your family and friends. Having your laptop, you can email your loved ones back home. This is something you could do at most internet cafes, which is a much nicer atmosphere than your hotel room. Most cafes around the world do offer free Wifi when you order something. Not all cafes have free Wifi; some do have a small charge. Newer cruise ships also offer Wifi, but make sure and purchase a package, as usage rates can be high.

You can download all your photos. You can download your digital photo right to your laptop. This will keep your camera’s memory stick free everyday. This will allow you to capture that favorite photo. If your memory stick is full, you would lose that favorite photo moment.

Keeping a journal of the cities you visited. Sometimes we see so much on our vacation that we tend to forget something. Keeping a journal along the way will allow you to never forget. It also allows you to post your travel blogs in writing.

Calling home for free (or very cheap) with Skype. For mere cents per minute you can make calls to landlines and cell phones from all over the world with Skype. It allows you to call from any web-enabled laptop. It’s a great way to keep in touch over the phone.

You can get lots of local information. Many laptops today have maps, directions, schedules and must-see sites for key cities. Maybe you would like get tickets to a play or need to get those directions to a restaurant. You can get all the information you need right from your laptop. Usually it’s much better than carrying around big guidebooks.

You can work. Even though we are on vacation, sometimes we still have our work on our minds. Maybe you have an on-line business and need to be kept informed. Having your laptop with you allows you to still work.  

Reasons you should keep your laptop home:

It could get lost, stolen or damaged. Where you are traveling really depends on the risks, which could range from mild to extreme. Getting your laptop insured by home or travel insurance is really not likely. Most insurance companies won’t cover you unless you pay a very high premium.

It’s extra weight to carry. If weight is an issue then you may want to keep it home. Depending on where you are traveling, you would need to bring your power adapter and any plug in devices to operate your laptop.

Surfing the internet. As we all know, the internet can be addicting. You could spend hours surfing the web, when we should be enjoying the experience of the city that you paid to see.

Checking in at the airport.  Our new airport regulations require us to open our carry bags to get through security. When you are traveling with your laptop, you will have to remove your laptop from the carry case for security inspection, so allow extra time for check-in.

You need to base your decision on where you are going. The more remote destinations you are traveling to, the less likely you will find a Wifi connection. Some remote islands will probably only have a dial up connection, which would probably be very slow.

The biggest consideration is whether you feel you actually need a laptop. Some people absolutely need to stay connected. If you decide to bring it, I would recommend a soft case to protect it. I would use a water-resistant case. Remember to never stow your computer in your luggage.

Contributed by: A Sternberg
angie@atlastravelweb.com

We were very pleased to see our web site, www.rivercruisetours.com featured as an option for booking river cruises. The good news is that the other suppliers mentioned including Tauck, Viking & Uniworld river cruises can also be booked through our agency, in many cases due to our membership in a consortia, at lower prices than booking direct.

Before You Go:

Research:  Do your homework and find out what each area is known for and decide what items you'll look for. Find out what similar items sell for. If you are considering pictures or other items to decorate your home with your travel finds, take measurements, then pop your tape measure into your travel bag. Bring a fabric swatch if needed as well. If you plan on having garments custom-made in the Orient for example, pack a favorite item to copy. Also research customs, GST and VAT tax refunds, shipping large items, and other important rules. Thailand and China, for example, are known for antiques, but you'll need appropriate paperwork to bring them home. In Europe when you make a purchase you must fill out the tax refund form supplied by the ship. You pay the full price, but when you leave Europe there is usually an area in all major airports called 'VAT Refund' after you have cleared security. You take the tax forms to be stamped and drop them in a box. In one to two billing cycles you should see the tax refunded back onto your credit card. If you are traveling on an escorted tour, your tour manager can give you tips on the best places to shop. On a cruise, they normally hold presentations and replay them on the ship channel in the cabin, with shopping tips on each port as well.

Shopping Strategies:

Local markets offer a rich travel experience, and a treasure trove of shopping options. Here are some bargaining tips to make that a more rewarding experience:

Get the Lay of the Land - Be Strategic:  Stroll around, take in the colors and the smells of the market while checking around prices on similar items. Watch how merchants interact with their customers. In Italian markets you'll encounter a hard sell; merchants in Arab markets often bargain after you've shared a cup of tea.

The Art of the Deal: Start by offering half the quoted price. Your merchant will tout the value of his handicrafts and bring the price back to almost the original. Split the difference. By the 3rd round your price will likely be about 75% of the original. Instead of haggling again, count out your cash until you reach slightly less than his price. You should have a deal. If the merchant is aggressive, step away. Likewise there is no need to be rude to the merchants, as they are only try to make a living.

Consider Shipping Your Items Back Home: The most difficult part is waiting a few weeks for your items to arrive if you are overseas, but with airlines charging for additional baggage weight, shipping can save you money. Just make sure to insure the package if it is breakable.

In the end, the important thing is that you enjoy the experience and keep in mind, more important than the exact cost will be priceless travel memories derived from your new-found treasures.

We'd love to hear about some of your shopping strategies?

Contributed by: S Brage

For bookings made between January 15 & February 27, 2009, Uniworld is offering travel companions a FREE AIR TICKET on International Travel for all Europe, Russia and Egypt River Cruises departing in 2009.

To take advantage of this great offer, simply book and deposit on or before February 27, 2009. AND if you book before January 31, 2009 you can combine this with Uniworld’s early booking discount with another savings of up to $600 per couple.

Add in the all inclusive features of a river cruise, and there is every reason to enjoy a trip of a lifetime on one of Uniworld’s wonderful itineraries.

* 2 for 1 economy air promotion requires first traveler to pay Uniworld’s 2009 published brochure air rate on travel from select U.S. Gateway Cities. Companion traveler pays government taxes and fees up to $200 – $200 deposit must be made at time of booking on or before February 27, 2009. Full payment of air is due on or before February 27, 2009. Once air is paid-in-full, it is non refundable. 2 for 1 air promotion is for new bookings and is based on double occupancy only. Air promotion is not combinable with Pay-In-Full Savings. Subject to availability. Other restrictions may apply and Uniworld reserves the right to withdraw or change this offer at any time. Amenities and inclusions may vary on Uniworld’s non-company owned ships. For complete details, general information, and Terms and Conditions applicable to all Uniworld trips, please visit www.rivercruisetours.com or call 1-888-942-3301

The third largest river in the world, the Yangtze River winds 3,900 miles through the country from west to east cutting through 10 provinces before disgorging its water into the Yellow Sea. The Upper Reaches are the most attractive part to cruise with wild mountain ranges, unbroken ravines, and charming landscapes. Along this 130 mile stretch, the river passes through the Three Gorges. There's plenty of time to unwind and plenty of opportunities to see the sights and the history of Magical China.

We suggest at least 12 days to enjoy a few nights before and after a Yangtze cruise in cities such as Shanghai, Xian & Beijing, although the cruises are normally only 3 or 4 nights.  Prices begin as low as $2,400 per person, not including airfare. There are trips as long as 23 days, but this is to spend more time in Asia, not a longer cruise experience. Visit www.escortedasiatours.com to see a great selection of packages.

This video highlights some of the things you would see on a Yangtze River cruise:

Great post...blogged exclusively via IPhone while on the river cruise! After reading, I am ready to book!

I told her they would be delivered by UPS to her home address on Monday.

This is 8 days prior to her departure.

She was satisfied with this and we ended the call.

She called back about 10 minutes later and asked where the documents were being mailed to. I told her they were on their way to her address in Chicago. She said, “But I’m in Rhode Island”.

I asked why she did not advise me of this and she said, “We always spend our summers in Rhode Island”

Okay, so now I need a crystal ball with all of the other hats I wear! I was supposed to know this??

I told her I would see what I could do and called the supplier to ask if another set of documents could be generated and mailed out.

This reservation was made with a Luxury Tour supplier and they agreed to send the documents directly to her Rhode Island address.

If this were a supplier other than a Luxury Tour operator, a duplicate set of documents would have a fee to generate and the overnight mail would have to be paid for by the client.

Please think of your travel agent as one of your circle of family and friends. Keep us in mind to notify us of any changes in your life. Give us your airline schedule if you make your own airline reservations; give us all contact numbers and dates when you’ll be at another location. Don’t think you’re bothering us with trivia. Our job is to give you the best customer service we can, but to do this we need your help.