​Ocean vs. River cruising: Which one is right for you?
 
When it comes to taking a cruise on river or ocean, it’s pretty tough to go wrong. Both offer incredible views, luxurious amenities, and the opportunity to explore interesting ports.
 
But each one comes with its own unique perks and depending on your specific needs for your next trip, you might find that one is a slightly better fit than the other. So, what are the major differences?

Snuggle up to these amazing and romantic island getaways!

What is it about a tropical beach that says ROMANCE?  It doesn’t matter whether you’re planning a proposal, you’re celebrating an anniversary, or just feel the need to spend some quality time with your significant other, there’s nothing quite like a beach to bring out the romantic in us.

If you’re in need of recharging those romance batteries in your relationship, here are five places – something for everyone – where you can escape reality and rekindle the flames!  Sit, sip, swim, hold hands, or just enjoy the majesty of the ocean and rolling waves.
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My number one Bucket List destination for a romantic get-away is, without a doubt, Fiji!  It’s the ultimate tropical fantasy.  Did you know there are more than 300 separate islands – some almost completely untouched.  Escape to a secluded, luxurious resort.  Explore one of the world’s largest Asian orchid collections (orchids always make me think of love & romance!).  You can visit the shores where Tom Hanks taught himself to fish and make a fire in Castaway. If you’re a diver or love to snorkel, you lose yourself in the magic of exotic fish, gorgeous coral, and crystal-clear waters! Fiji has it all.  

Ready to wet your whistle?  Well, here’s your chance to explore the birthplace of Bourbon and awaken your senses during a self-guided tour that reveals the story inside the Kentucky Bourbon distilleries.

What is the Kentucky Bourbon Trail?
In 1999, a group of bourbon whisky distilleries created The Kentucky Bourbon Trail as a way to increase Kentucky’s tourism. Visitors get an up-close look at how bourbon is distilled, while learning the history behind the crafting of bourbon and the art behind the perfect bourbon tasting.

There are ten bourbon labels that are a part of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail:

• Bulleit Fronteir Whiskey
• Evan Williams Bourbon Experience
• Four Roses Bourbon
• Heaven Hill Distilleries, Bourbon Heritage Center
• Jim Beam
• Maker’s Mark
• Town Branch Bourbon
• Wild Turkey Bourbon
• Woodford Reserve
• Angel’s Envy

These distillers are preserving a tradition handed down through centuries of dedication, care and craftsmanship.

All of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail distilleries charge a fee for a tour or a tasting. Fees rang from $5 to $15 per person, depending on the distillery and the type of tour you choose to take. Specialty tours cost more. (You can visit the distillery's website for up-to-date pricing.)  Touring the distilleries, learning about the origins of bourbon, and tasting lots and lots of bourbon whiskey is an excellent way to spend a long weekend.

But there's more to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail than just distillery tours and bourbon tastings. It’s a step back in time where you learn about the history of Kentucky. You will drive through scenic bluegrass Kentucky, with horse farms as far as the eye can see. Spend the night in a historic tavern, enjoy the nightlife in Louisville, or visit the birthplace of Abraham Lincoln. Whether you have two days or a week, there is plenty here to keep you busy.
So let’s look a little closer and check out what the Kentucky Bourbon trail has to offer!

I love this quote.  As we’ve negotiated this journey of Dan’s cancer, we have sometimes sprinted, sometimes hopped left then right, sometimes taken one step forward and two steps back and, often, just limped along.  We have truly learned that adjusting our sails is the only way to get through this and maintain some semblance of sanity.

Cancer affects every part of life for everyone involved:  the patient, the caretaker, the family members and the friends.  We’ve tried very hard not to let the “C” word take over our thoughts or conversations.  It’s a new member of our family, it will forever remain a part of our lives, but it will not control our lives.

It can be frustrating to reschedule, and reschedule again, our calendar:  day-to-day activities, events we wanted to attend, family and friends we’d hope to visit and, of course, our travel plans.  Once upon a time, losing control over anything would have driven me up the wall.  Control was my middle name and I clung to it as a child clings to her favorite teddy bear.  But God is good and He showed me how to let go, just in time to receive Dan’s diagnosis.  And as a result of that blessing, I have learned that I don’t own our plans.  If we’re unable to attend an event, or a trip gets delayed or canceled, I can take a big breath -- and let it go,  because I know the Lord has control and He’s got our back. I don’t know His plan, but I trust in it and I trust in Him.
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From the beginning of our relationship, Dan and I knew we wanted to travel in our “retirement.”  Once the kids were all out on their own, we began taking a cruise or two each year – but the wanderlust in us was fierce!  It made us crave more adventures and more experiences.  We became travel addicts.