More Reasons to Travel: The World's Best Foods

The world has voted and we now know the name and origin of the world's most delicious food. But have you eaten it?

Read more: World's 50 most delicious foods: Readers' picks #3 | CNNGo.com http://www.cnngo.com/explorations/eat/readers-choice-worlds-50-most-delicious-foods-012321?page=0,2#ixzz1bcvxwv9i

Did you know that Pho is pronounced "fuh"? I had no idea. But, I do love it.

How to Avoid Flights That May Get Cancelled

Anyone who says it's about the journey, not just the destination, has never stood at an airport gate and learned that their flight is canceled. Last month, the US Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a report about whether airlines are canceling more flights now than before. The answer: Yes.
http://overheadbin.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2011/10/18/8385631-how-to-avoid-flights-that-may-get-canceled
(Tip from Sara: This is just another reason to let a tour company handle your flights. Let them deal with the rebooking !)

Is it Coincidence or is Venice Really Calling?

Near & Far travelers Mike and Laurie (Peru 2007) are currently off on the "Toast to Tuscany" tour. While preparing materials for their trip, I found myself falling deeply in love with all things Venice. Since that time, it seems that several times a day I run across something Venetian related. Is the Universe pointing me towards "The City of Light"? Perhaps. But meanwhile, allow me to share this really cool video and website.

Venice Backstage. How does Venice work?
Venice is not just a stage set. It is also a city with a resident population, which has productive activities, transportation and services. But how does the “Venice system” work? How do the tides in the lagoon behave? How are the canals formed? And the embankments? What’s under the buildings?
Directed by Nicolò Scibilia (teodolinda.it). Motion graphics: pholpo. Produced by Insula spa, operational division of Venice Municipality.

venicebackstage.org

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.