Don't Let Media Hype and Fear Mongering Stop Your Travels

Afar Magazine Co-Founder shares his experience of recent travel to Cairo:

"According to the Egyptian government, 2.2 million people visited Egypt in the second quarter, and none were attacked. That doesn't make headlines.


Bad things happen everywhere, and there are no guarantees. According to the New York Times, 67 people were shot in various incidents in New York over Labor Day weekend; 13 died. When I traveled to New York, nobody emailed me to make sure I was OK. But when things happen in a foreign land—and let's be honest, particularly in the Middle East—people are more likely to assume an isolated incident is indicative of much more."


Read the article: http://www.afar.com/posts/in-egypt-getting-beyond-otherness

Sometimes Credit Cards are Good

CNN.com recently posted this article "Five credit cards every traveler should consider". Personally, I prefer a pre-loaded debit (sometimes called "gift") card for each trip. I set my budget for each trip and load that onto a debit card. This allows me to easily track my spending and keeps me from returning from the trip with a huge balance on my credit card. However, if you are traveling to a country without multiple ATM access points, you must be sure to get cash before moving on to your next destination.  I have learned this lesson many times, unfortunately.


Here's some links to finding ATMs worldwide:

MasterCard/Cirrus/Maestro ATM Locator

Visa/PLUS ATM Locator

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words

A Toast to Tuscany, October 13 - 24, 2011

You deserve this trip. Read about it here. 

And view more incredibly beautiful photos of "la Toscana fra mura e paesaggio" by Andrea Bonfonti here. 

It's over 100' in Kansas and I'm dreaming of Christmas in Europe. You?

Truly one of my very favorite travel memories was a charming Christmas time cruise along the Danube. Myself and a small group of public radio listeners happily floated along the historic Danube in 2007. Nothing in the USA can compare to the old world holiday traditions and winter scenery of Europe. Each port along the way soothed our souls with real holiday spirit. Beautiful displays, children's  choruses, warming Glühwein, roasting chestnuts (really!), and friendly people filled our days and nights.  


Every year at Christmas I am reminded of the wonderful Christmas Markets when I unpack my collection of mugs from the Nuremberg, Wurzberg, Vienna and Regensberg Glühwein stalls. Visits to historic sites and ancient churches and even a little time for shopping for those very special European gifts rounded out our trip. 

I'd love for you to experience an old-world Christmas too. Ama Waterways, widely regarded as one of the very best River Cruise companies, has just announced a special deal which can make this dream trip a reality for many of you. Click on through to learn more.


Watch videos about the Ama Waterways experience. 


If you'd like to find yourself on one of these relaxing, luxurious, and yet affordable Christmastime river cruises,  please let me help you make this dream come true.  Contact me at nearandfarjourneys@gmail.com or call me direct at 913-677-6336. 


Yours in Travel and Adventure,


Sara Jane Crane
Near & Far Journeys

Important Notes: 

Airfare from KC: The price for air (utilizing free air for a companion) from Kansas City, is around $620 pp (including taxes and fees). 


**Must be booked by August 31st and is subject to availability.

12 new sites on UNESCO World Heritage List

From a Western Australian coastline to the deserts of the Middle East to the coffee plantations of Colombia, here are 12 more places to add to your must-go list. FULL STORY

Get to Amsterdam! Quick!

Many people of a certain generation were upset to learn about the Dutch government's new plan to stop tourists from purchasing and smoking cannabis in the infamous coffee houses of Amsterdam. I met with a nice woman last week who was eager to plan her trip to Amsterdam as quickly as possible. Along with her sister, she plans to "relive the 70's one more time" this coming August. Her wish was for a small boutique hotel as near to the coffeehouse area as possible. After just a bit of research, I learned that many of the historical boutique hotels in Amsterdam do not have lifts, so unless you are happy lugging your suitcases up and down several flights of stairs, you would do well to stay at one of these lovely and historic hotels.

The Convent Hotel Amsterdam is a 4-star hotel with a unique history that makes it the perfect place to stay. Its location in the center of Amsterdam is ideal for visiting the city. It is a five-minute walk from Centraal Station, Dam Square and the Royal Palace. The hotel building previously housed 2 monasteries from the 13th & 14th centuries, plus a printing house and now has 148 rooms, including 11 Junior Suites, each with their own history and character.

Opened in 1896, Hotel De L’Europe is often referred to as the other “Royal Palace of Amsterdam”.  The hotel’s impactful décor sets it apart, surrounding its visitors with original Dutch Masters paintings from the private collection of Alfred “Freddy” Heineken. Plush furnishings, discreetly anticipatory service, and contemporary comforts create a sophisticated luxe guest experience. Located on the Amstel River in Amsterdam’s center and five minutes from several of the world’s most heralded museums and attractions, the hotel offers breathtaking views of the city and river to its visitors.

Overlooking two of the city's most picturesque canals, Prinsengracht and Keizersgracht, Hotel Pulitzer is ideally located in the middle of the old city center of Amsterdam, is comprised of 25 restored 17th and 18th century canal houses. Each of the 230 distinctive guest rooms represents a small piece of Dutch history and culture.

There is much more to explore in Amsterdam than just the coffeehouses. Be sure to take several boat trips along the canals, and visit the Anne Frank House, the Heineken Brewery, the wonderful Flower Market, the Rijksmuseum and of course, the Van Gogh Museum!

Finally, here are a few free tips from your trusty travel advisor, Sara Jane Crane

1. To book your stay in any of these hotels, be sure to call me so that you can partake in the very worthwhile Virtuoso amenities available. These usually include complimentary upgrades, free full breakfasts, late check out times and much more.

2. Hard soled walking shoes are very important when exploring Amsterdam. The cobblestone or brick streets and sidewalks will raise havoc with your ankle and calf muscles at the end of the day if you don't have good shoes. (Trust me on this! I was brought to tears with pain after my first day of exploring Amsterdam in sandals)

3. Here's a handy map of the coffeehouses in Amsterdam.  Don't get lost or you might end up in the nearby Red Light District. (wink wink nudge nudge)

Call or write me if you'd like help in planning your trip to Amsterdam.
nearandfarjourneys@gmail.com
913-677-6336

Ken Burn's Civil War 150th Anniversary Tour

Dear Travelers,

Knowing that many members of our group are big fans of PBS and Ken Burns, I was excited to run across this exciting tour celebrating the 150th anniversary of The Civil War. Additionally, I am sure that many of you are very interested in Civil War history and this could be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience it through the expert lens of Ken Burns.

Ken Burns, award-winning documentary filmmaker and creator of The Civil War, one of American public television’s highest-rated series, brings personal stories, insightful interpretations and behind-the-scenes perspectives to Most Hallowed Ground, a Civil War tour crafted by Tauck Tours and Ken Burns.

This 11-day trip masterfully chronicles some of the most pivotal events and venues of the Civil War, highlighted by: guided visits, living history reenactments and unique access to some of the war’s most significant sites; private presentations and talks by experts in their various fields, from history to music and more; a behind-the-scenes experience at the National Archives with an archives expert; and an interactive experience during which guests assume the identity of an actual Confederate or Union soldier. A Tauck Exclusive on this tour– film vignettes by documentary filmmaker Ken Burns. Throughout your extraordinary journey through the Civil War’s “most hallowed ground,” Ken Burns offers his unique perspectives on the terrible conflict and its pivotal role in shaping the nation we live in today. Sharing fresh insights to accompany images from his documentary, The Civil War, Ken’s vignettes enliven your travels in Washington, Gettysburg, Harpers Ferry, Charlottesville, Appomattox and Richmond. (Note: Ken Burns does not accompany this tour)

11 Days from $3,890 plus airfare

(10 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches & 7 Dinners)

Begins in Washington, DC with departures on Oct 3, 10, 14, 21. (There are also some September departure dates but they are almost full)

Tauck Tours is an excellent luxury tour operator. The hotels will all be 4 -5 star quality.

If you would like more information on this tour, I'd be happy to discuss it with you. This is not a KCUR tour, but if enough people are seriously interested, I would be glad to block a group date for it.

Sara Jane Crane
Near & Far Journeys/ Great Getaways
913-677-6336
nearandfarjourneys@gmail.com
http://www.nearandfarjourneys.com/