Our Bucket List

Monday, March 11th, 2019

We are lucky to have the opportunity to go to amazing destinations as part of our job, but get asked all the time, “where do you want to go next”? Just like you, we each have our own personal bucket list that we keep adding to. So what is at the top of each of our lists?

Malori: Antelope Canyon, Arizona. Those who know me know I love to be outdoors and I love to hike. I get inspired by nature and the visual beauty of Antelope Canyon makes me want to jump right in and explore!

Courtesy of the Arizona Office of Tourism

Erin: There are so many places I want to go, but I really want to go to Peru. I would love to push myself to do the Inca Trail, ending the 4 day hike with the incredible views of Machu Picchu!

Michele: I can’t wait to go to the Canadian Rockies. I love the majestic beauty and being able to be surrounded by nature. The colors are just amazing and you get different scenery at every turn.

Stacey: I’d love to spend more time in Thailand. I can’t get over all of the gorgeous wats (temples)! Combine that with green countryside, a plethora of beautiful Buddhas and delicious food, I’d love to immerse myself into the culture and country of Thailand.

We want to know what’s at the top of your bucket list, too! We may already be planning a trip there for you to get excited about and we are always open to your suggestions to plan upcoming adventures!

Tags: Amazing Journeys, Antelope Canyon, bucket list, Canadian Rockies, Jewish Singles, Machu Piccu, Peru, Thailand, Travel
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The Colors of French Polynesia

Wednesday, February 27th, 2019

by Erin

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but in some cases, a picture can leave you speechless. Imagine capturing an image that is so beautiful that people don’t believe it’s real. But that is exactly what happens as soon as you take out your camera in French Polynesia. Even the amateur photographer who simply snaps a picture – without care of composition or settings – is able to catch the most beautiful colors that is at every turn in French Polynesia.

The water changes from azure to cobalt to cerulean to turquoise as you sail through the lagoon. As you cruise up to an atoll, the water is so clear you can see the fish swimming around you before you even jump in the water. The sunsets bring gorgeous amber, tangerine and lavender that slowly fade behind the black silhouette of the island leaving you ready for another day of sheer amazement.

These pictures are not retouched in the slightest – there are no filters to enhance the colors nor are they edited to any degree – they just show the true colors of French Polynesia and you can see why this destination is such a dream to visit. Take a look at some of the incredible beauty that we saw on our cruise through French Polynesia by clicking on the images and be sure to add this drool-worthy destination to your bucket list!

Tags: Amazing Journeys, French Polynesia, Jewish Singles, ocean, photography, Sunset, Travel
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Find Your Balance

Thursday, January 31st, 2019

by Malori

If travel provides a respite from daily responsibilities, then nature re-balances the soul. Spending time in the outdoors is uplifting and provides an energy seldom found in day-to-day life. Having just returned from a trekking adventure in Argentina, the goal I set was to create a special opportunity where we could explore the beauty of the land as well as some self discovery along the way.

After gathering the group in Buenos Aries and learning a bit about several of the neighborhoods that make up this energetic city, the next morning we got on a plane and headed south – three and a half hours south – to the bottom of the globe. We landed in El Calafate where the sun was bright in the sky for long hours each day and didn’t set until 11:00 pm. After all, it’s summer here in the Southern Hemisphere. Snow covered mountains, glaciers and lakes filled with flamingos were but a few of the many surprises awaiting us.

We spent our time in this amazing region visiting the Estancia Christina, reachable only by a 3 hour boat ride, passing icebergs and glaciers and highlighted by a pristine turquoise blue (we call it “amazing” blue) moraine lake. It truly took our breath away. The next day we were treated to the Pertido Moraino Glacier where we stood under absolute perfectly blue skies (a rarity here) and watched as this spectacular glacier calved, losing large chunks, the size of buildings. I call this “natures fireworks” and as we stood silently waiting, we’d hear a thunderous roar and then gaze giddily as we heard the cracking as we experienced parts of the glacier crashing into the water. We all clapped as if seeing a live theater performance. Although this glacier is neither shrinking nor expanding, this is the normal growth cycle of a glacier. We were happy to know that it was not a shrinking glacier as so many of the earths glaciers are. We hiked the trails from below and above with a picnic lunch along the way, and happily enjoyed the views from each angle.

With a three hour drive across the beautiful and stark Patagonian landscape, seeing little else but guanacos along the way (a cousin of the llama), we arrived in the trekkers town of El Chalten. It was here we experienced the heart and soul of our adventure and our most challenging trekking of our entire journey. Over the next three days, we embarked three different hikes within Los Glaciares National Park. On our arrival day, we set out into a beautiful landscape enveloped by meandering rivers, snow capped mountains and several different rock types including red rocks, granite, sandstone and basalt, a combination generally not found together. The windswept valleys were covered with clouds that have formations unlike those we had ever seen anywhere. Most were long flowing cloud formations in the shape of ribbons across the big sky. Others were wispy yet round taking on the shape of a spaceship. Under these skies, our journey began. We walked six miles through and beside the mountain valley to a waterfall. It was really lovely.

The next day was our most demanding. We set out early in the morning for our 11-13 mile trek. Backpacks filled with water, layers of clothing and snacks, our walking sticks in hand and hiking boots laced, we began our walk on the Fitz Roy Footbath to the Glacier of the Three, one of the most breathtaking hikes in the world. Those who wanted the longer hike were challenged not only with an additional two miles of trekking, but going nearly straight up the side of the mountain, climbing 1,200 feet in only half of mile. That means on the way down, heading nearly straight down. The view from the top was amazing and described by one of our passengers upon reaching the summit, “it was as if a curtain opened and the most incredible scenery on earth stood before us.”

The following day we were supposed to climb another 10 – 12 miles, but the unpredictable Patagonian winds and rain were starting to form so on this day, some of the group walked six miles while others did about eight.

It wouldn’t have been an adventure in Argentina without a visit to the wine growing region of Mendoza where Malbec wines are produced. Winding our way through the vineyards at the base of the Andes Mountain which form the border between Chile and Argentina, we visited three different wineries, tasting 12 different wines. By the end of the day, we couldn’t tell which wine was which, but then again, it didn’t matter much. Our wine pairing lunch was an amazing combination of gourmet food, freshly baked breads and desserts that were as tasty as they were spectacular to look at. This was paired with a late-harvest dessert wine.

Finally, our last stop brought us back to nature where we visited one of my favorite spots on earth, Iguaçu Falls. Imagine you’re at the center of an IMAX movie, and you are surrounded by water on all sides – and above you, and below you, and you hear the sound of the rushing water all around you – that’s the feeling you get in Iguaçu Falls. Visiting both the Brazilian and the Argentinean side of the falls, you get the full scope of just how massive these 275 waterfalls are, and how in touch with nature you are at that moment in time. The feeling stays with you for a lifetime and the memories never fade. Iguaçu Falls touches you in a way few places can.

I recommend treating yourself to a getaway in nature. Reset your mind. Invigorate your body. Balance your soul. And then be thankful for all the treasures we have on this earth.

Tags: Amazing Journeys, Argentina, culture, glacier, hike, Jewish Singles, Mendoza, Patagonia, South America, Travel
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Surprises at Every Turn

Tuesday, January 15th, 2019

by Malori

Turning travel logistics into dreams: that’s what I do. Thousands of moving parts turn into a vacation of a lifetime through creativity, attention to detail plus a bit of magic.

Recently, I had the opportunity to create and lead a group to the exotic destinations of India and the United Arab Emirates. These two countries offered unique experiences for the traveler and are, in fact, polar opposites. They are diametrically opposed in so many ways and the differences are apparent.

I love India! Its a feeling you walk away with. And it’s not just me. I’ve planned 7 trips to India for our Amazing Journeys groups. I’ve seen the faces and gleaned the reactions of over 130 travelers who came away from the experience with the same feelings. It’s just amazing! Even if you’re super well-traveled, until you’ve seen India, in my opinion, you have not checked off the world. You can’t complete your “world jigsaw puzzle” without having experienced India.

India has an ancient history. The architecture and history date back thousands of years. Palaces, ancient forts, art and treasures plus stories of the Raj and the Taj bring to light the history lessons learned. The collective favorite day of all of our groups is a visit to the incomprable Taj Mahal – it never disappoints! The culture is one of the oldest, the religion, too. Locals think a lot more deeply, bringing a religious base of Hinduism and rebirth to the surface. Every action has a reaction. Karma is a top of mind thought.

The population is one of the largest in the world at 1.3 billion. It’s one of only two countries who have populations over a billion. There is poverty.

India appears to be in a state of organized chaos. I didn’t make that up, many feel the same. Cars are driving on the opposite side of the street, elephants and camels may be next to you at a stoplight, babies and chickens and dogs may be sauntering across the road as your bus is about to meet them head on. And then there are the cows… you see livestock everywhere, including a goat wearing a sweater! In India, there is an explosion of colors in the beautiful traditional sarees.

Not so in the UAE. The UAE was established as a country in 1971. Sure, the culture and civilization are old, but being there you see that it’s as if there isn’t a building older than that, with most being built in the last few years. Do you know that 25% of the worlds active cranes are currently working in Dubai?

The population is small, with only about 1.4 million Emirati citizens. The rest of the population is made up by foreigners who come over as workers. This is an very organized country with lots of rules. The traffic is organized. There is a calm in the streets. The traditional clothing is very monochromatic with crisp white for the men and stark black for the women. The Sheiks Palace in Abu Dhabi sits in the center of the city and is quite impressive in its size and architecture, including its gold-leaf domes and private airport.

The opulence is inexplicable. You just have to experience it. And that we did. You can get a cappuccino with gold-leaf. They boast the worlds largest mosque housing the worlds largest chandelier (12 tons) and largest area rug (over 60,000 square feet), the worlds tallest building, worlds fastest accelerating roller coaster, an indoor ski resort , a mall with a separate gold mall and shoe mall attached. Dubai hosts one of the largest New Years Eve gatherings.

Two countries, dissimilar yet each amazing in their own ways. And isn’t that what travel is all about? World travel allows you to see for yourself the beautiful differences each country offers and to embrace a world of memories long after the journey has ended. That’s why I travel.

Tags: Amazing Journeys, culture, history, Jewish Singles, Taj Mahal, Travel, UAE, United Arab Emirates
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9 Reasons to Travel to Antarctica

Thursday, January 10th, 2019

What do you most look forward to when getting ready for a vacation? Is it the sites you’ll see, or the fun and exciting things you’ll do? Do you long to explore a new place, or wish to get away from the noise of your day-to-day life? Regardless of which camp you fall into, there’s no better destination to visit than Antarctica. It may seem like a long time away, but for those who have already signed up for our upcoming trip to Antarctica, the countdown to 2020 has already begun! We are looking forward to another amazing expedition to Antarctica and we still have a few spaces for those who want to join us on a truly amazing journey! All of the trip details for our adventure can be found by clicking here and below are nine reasons you should join us on an Antarctic expedition.

1. The Cold

You probably weren’t expecting this to be first on this list, but there’s something about being in a truly cold environment that wakes up your brain. As long as you’re dressed for the weather (hint: layers), you’ll be fine; in fact, you’ll be amazed by how quickly you adjust to the temperature!

2. Adventure

Adventure is the very nature of an expedition to Antarctica. After all, you certainly don’t go to the Great White Continent to lay out in the sun! Traveling to Antarctica means kayaking, hiking, and exploring one of the most untouched destinations on the planet. When you visit Antarctica, you’re sure to have an experience you’ll never forget.

3. Part of History

Because Antarctica is so far away and has such extreme weather, few people have even visited the continent; which means, when you do visit the southernmost realm, you’re a part of history! Instead of traveling to established destinations, you’re discovering a remote region. Here, you’re part of the story.

4. The Most Remote Destination

The vast emptiness of Antarctica cannot be exaggerated. When you travel to the region, it’s just you and your shipmates; occasionally, you may meet scientists staying for an extended period of time. You’re not even in a location people used to live—not only has Antarctica never had an indigenous population, there’s no evidence to suggest anyone ever stepped foot there until the last few centuries.

5. Another World

Gabrielle Walker, an environmental scientist who has visited Antarctica to study the effects of climate change, describes the continent as being almost alien.

“The first time I went there,” she says in a video about her travels, “It was like walking on another planet. It’s just ice and rock—no trees, no plants, nothing else. No humans have ever lived there, so it really was like walking on the moon…”

Anyone who has ever been fascinated by the thought of traveling through space to an uninhabited world can find that experience right here on Earth, no spaceship required. Antarctica is your alien landscape right at home.

6. Wildlife

That uninhabited quality means the wildlife, particularly the penguins, have no fear of humans at all. They’ve never had predators on land, so they’re confident—and extremely curious. Traveling to Antarctica is your chance to get up close and personal with everyone’s favorite flightless bird.

In addition to penguins, there are also many whales and seals that live in the southernmost part of the world. If you travel to their feeding and breeding grounds, you’ll get a glimpse into their lives in the wild—something no zoo or aquarium can ever truly replicate.

7. Science

From a scientific perspective, Antarctica is one of the most exciting places in the world. It likely comes as no surprise that this is a prime destination for those studying climate change, but it’s also a favorite spot for astronomers. The clear air, stable weather, and absence of light pollution make the South Pole one of the best places in the world to look at the sky, which means scientists can take a better look at what’s happening in the universe around us. It also gives even casual stargazers visiting Antarctica a chance to see the night sky like no other place on Earth.

8. Icebergs

Even if you’ve seen icebergs before, you’ve never seen ones like those in Antarctica. As your ship draws nearer to the Great White Continent, the concentration of icebergs increases. These floating structures come in all shapes and sizes, and no two are alike—you’ll be amazed at the sight of dozens of icebergs surrounding you on all sides.

9. Photography

Whether you’re a casual hobbyist, or hoping to become the world’s next great nature photographer, Antarctica presents the opportunity of a lifetime. From the utterly un-shy creatures to the foreign and captivating landscapes, this continent will give you the chance to take some absolutely incredible pictures. The images you capture here will be unlike any you’ve shot before.

With such incredible beauty, awe-inspiring landscapes, playful wildlife and an amazing group to travel with, this is truly a trip of a lifetime! We hope you will join us as we travel to this unbelievable destination!

Edited from Hurtigruten

Tags: adventure travel, Amazing Journeys, Antarctica, Cruise, Hurtigruten, Jewish Singles, penguins, Travel
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Screenshot Your Travel Documents

Tuesday, September 4th, 2018

Your mobile boarding pass should always be a tap or two away from your home screen. You’ve got a link to it in your email or your texts, or you’re sure you put it into Apple Wallet. But should isn’t always good enough when you get up to the TSA desk and the airport’s wifi is flaking out. Always take a screenshot.

Screenshotting everything is an indispensable travel hack. (On iPhone, hold down the power and home buttons at the same time; on Android, it’s usually the power and volume-down buttons.) This way, the information you should have available will always be in your photos app. That said, your photos aren’t super private, say if you were to hand your phone over to somebody, so consider whether you want to keep that information in your camera roll long-term.

While you’re traveling, consider screenshotting:

– Any emails with a confirmation number (like your hotel booking)
– The addresses and phone numbers of any person or place you plan to visit
– Maps and directions, even if your map app should have that data available offline – you know better than to rely on should.
– Any important information that came to you in an email or text, or that requires a special app (even something as simple as a PDF reader) to view.

This is, of course, in addition to taking snapshots of street maps, signs, and any important piece of paper that crosses your path. Have everything in your photos app, and it will be right there when you need it.

Edited from lifehacker

Tags: airport, Amazing Journeys, boarding pass, insider, screenshot, Travel, Travel Tips, TSA
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Tips on Saving Money When Traveling Abroad

Wednesday, May 23rd, 2018

Did you know that over 72 million Americans traveled outside the country in 2016, where they spent more than $140 billion? While much of that money was used to create memories that will last a lifetime, a portion of it went to financial fees that might well have been avoided.

Here are five tips for keeping costs low and managing your money during your next trip abroad.

Steer clear of transaction costs

Most credit and debit card issuers charge foreign-transaction fees, which typically run between 2% and 3% of the purchase price, as well as ATM fees. That might seem like a minor expense per transaction, but all those extra charges can really add up.

Look into the fees imposed by your banks and credit card companies. (The overall fee is often a combination of two fees, one from the issuing bank and one from the card company.) And note that even if you have a fee-free card, there may still be circumstances in which ATMs or merchants themselves charge a fee. Always check your card’s terms and conditions to find out exactly what fees you’re responsible for.

Find the best exchange rate

Airport currency kiosks may be convenient, but they also tend to be pricey, often charging as much as $10 for exchanging any amount under $500. Even so-called no-fee exchanges tend to make a profit off their highly unfavorable exchange rates. All told, Fodor’s estimates that travelers pay an extra 4% to 9% when exchanging currencies at such convenient but costly locations.

Cash withdrawals from ATMs are generally the best choice for day-to-day funds—but, again, beware transaction fees. Some banks impose a flat fee per withdrawal, while others do not and may even refund those levied by others.

Watch out for “dynamic currency conversion”

Many travelers are enticed by the convenience and familiarity of receiving bills – at restaurants, for instance – in U.S. dollars. But this new trend, called dynamic currency conversion, often comes with an unfavorable exchange rate, transaction fees or both. So when asked if you want to pay a bill in the local currency or in dollars, go with the local option – unless you can verify that the cost is negligible and worth it, to you, for the familiarity factor.

Secure your information

Nothing ruins a trip like a lost or stolen wallet, so take a picture of the contents of your wallet, including the fronts and backs of credit and insurance cards so you can find all those important phone numbers to call in case of emergency. Keep a copy on your phone – or better yet, in the cloud – along with pictures of your passport and any other important documentation.

Also, be sure to activate fraud alerts for all accounts that offer them so you’re notified right away of suspicious activity. Sophisticated cybercriminals are often able to capture your financial information even if your cards stay in your possession.

Take advantage of built-in benefits

Before you book your trip, see if your credit or debit cards offer travel-related perks that can save you money or ease your journey. For example, many offer help with hotel and restaurant reservations, free Wi-Fi access on eligible flights, and even discounts on certain types of accommodation and transportation. Review your cards’ benefit terms or call your providers for full details.

Edited from Charles Schwab

Tags: Amazing Journeys, atm, credit card, currency conversion, foreign transaction fee, insider, Travel, Travel Tips
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Ask AJ

Thursday, April 12th, 2018

We get questions all the time about our travel preferences, our favorite places and what we like to do in certain countries, so we thought we would answer some of the questions here. Take a look at the Q&A’s below and feel free to send other questions our way for the next edition of Ask AJ!

When packing for a trip, I can’t leave without my __________
Stacey: Snacks and my camera.
Michele: AJ windbreaker and a bathing suit! Rain or shine, always be prepared!
Erin: A camera and comfortable walking shoes. If I don’t have either of those, it will be a rough trip!
Malori: Packing cubes! Especially for land trips, it organizes your suitcase so well. It’s like having a set of drawers inside your suitcase!

My ideal vacation spot is ___________
Erin: Anywhere that I get to experience a new culture. Being able to interact with people from different countries and finding our similarities is so interesting.
Michele: Anywhere where I can have sand between my toes! White sand in the Keys, black sand in Costa Rica, pink sand in Bermuda … it’s all welcome!
Malori: Hiking in a majestic mountain setting dotted with lakes. Take me to the Canadian Rockies, Patagonia, Switzerland, Alaska or Colorado and I will be beyond happy!
Stacey: Anywhere with intriguing architecture and patterns to photograph – ancient columns in Greece, cobblestone streets in Ireland, intricate arches in India, lanterns in Vietnam, pebbled beaches in Argentina – always keep your eye out for a great shot!

My favorite travel experience is ____________
Malori: I call it my favorite day of travel and it’s in Cairns, Australia: hot air ballooning in the morning with kangaroos hoping below and snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef in the afternoon.
Erin: The day in India where we were driving to Jaipur. First, we came across a roadside dance party, so we hopped out of the bus and joined in. The same night, we were dressed in saris and henna for dinner and randomly joined in a wedding procession in the streets, complete with the groom riding an elephant and a 12-piece band marching us down the street!
Michele: Meeting new people and finding new adventure. There is nothing quite like creating new friendships across the globe. Travel provides unbreakable bonds with people you otherwise may have never met, embrace it!
Stacey: Hiking the Inca Trail in Peru with an active group of travelers. Hiking for four days, through countless different ecosystems (in the rain) and ending at Machu Picchu was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Although I am a professional traveler, I am still guilty of ____________
Michele: Triple checking my packing list to make sure I didn’t forget anything!
Erin: Leaving behind my “dress up” layers. I assume that if I am going to Italy in July, it will be hot – I forget that if I am on a cruise, it will be chilly on the ship at night.
Stacey: Forgetting to pack pajamas.
Malori: Leaving hotel frequent flyer points behind. I know I should be more fastidious, but sometimes I just don’t think about it like I do my airline miles.

When I am in a new city, the first thing I do is __________
Stacey: Drop my bags off at my hotel and explore the area! I like to check out fun things to do, cool places to visit and the bar and restaurant scene.
Michele: Hit the ground running! I love to check out the area and find a local café where I can sit and take it all in. I enjoy meeting locals and hearing what they like to do most and go off the beaten path.
Malori: Walk around and notice the daily life of the people in the neighborhoods. I notice the differentiation in architecture which sets one city apart from others in my mind.
Erin: Stroll through town and get my bearings. I usually explore the area, pop into a grocery store to pick up some snacks and learn what is around.

Tags: Amazing Journeys, beach, India, insider, Italy, packing tips, Peru, Travel
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Highlights of Scandinavia and Russia

Monday, August 28th, 2017

by Malori

What do kroner, queens and Carlsberg all have in common? These are some of the local discoveries we made while in Scandinavia (yes, we even got to see the Royals on their yacht in Copenhagen)! Amazing Journeys just returned with 111 travelers on a cruise to Scandinavia & Russia, seeing seven countries in 12 days, and for those who stayed on with us and visited Iceland, it was another two days and another country! There were so many high points, and the experiences we shared touched us all in so many different ways. Here are a few highlights:

Copenhagen, Denmark
Tivoli Gardens is a 170 year old amusement park and is the second oldest in the world! The oldest one is also in Denmark. It’s iconic Copenhagen and a magical place and we were all so excited to spend the evening there. We retraced a rescue route used during the Holocaust to save Jews from the Nazis, and moved them safely to Sweden. The path was long and it took lots of countrymen and women to risk their lives in order to save hundreds of people from death. The story is an amazing one, and one we heard over and over again on our journey. Some went on a food tasting tour of local delicacies. The mouth watering morsels they sampled were appreciated as was the local beer they experienced.

Oslo, Norway
From Viking ships to Vigeland Park, we explored Oslo like the ancient Vikings. Some discovered on bikes, while others on foot. Those on the Jewish tour were taken aback about the history of the Resistance in Norway and visiting the Resistance Museum while learning about the Norwegian resistance while under Nazi occupation was a real eye-opener.

Berlin, Germany
The Brandenburg Gate, the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, the site of the 1936 Olympic Stadium, and the train tracks from which thousands of Jews were deported were but a few of the amazing sites we saw in and around Berlin. Some went on a Cold War tour and saw a piece of the Berlin Wall, learned about the Stasi (secret police) and heard stories about time of Communist Rule in Berlin. Those on the Jewish tour saw synagogues, the Old Jewish Quarter and heard stories of hardship, heartbreak and harrowing experiences. We learned about the Jews who came to Berlin in search of a better life, only to find that life was not good for Jews anywhere in Europe. Those who explored the Third Reich learned about Hitler and his home in Berlin, his rise to power and his fall as the Communists moved in. We all learned about modern Berlin and the “eat, drink and be merry” approach of Berliners. We dined on local fare as well as yummy pretzels and beer.

Tallinn, Estonia
In Tallinn, we were surprised by this gem of a Medieval town that most were not familiar with. We began at the Synagogue and a discussion with the Rabbi which was a highlight for us. He was charming and enthusiastic and began a community where there was none. He has made a difference in this small town. We walked through the Upper and Lower towns, and experienced all the charm of this little town.

St. Petersburg and Moscow, Russia
This was the favorite stop by far for our Amazing Journeyers, and the one many took this trip to see. We had two days to explore Russia and while the majority of our group spent all of their time in St. Petersburg, some spent one day in Moscow and the other in St. Petersburg. There were so many highlights, it’s hard to name just a few! In Moscow, we saw the impressive St. Basil’s Cathedral, toured the Kremlin, walked in Red Square, had tea at the famous Metropole Hotel, GUM Department Store (where once this was the only place to shop) and the Armory.

Those who visited St. Petersburg were treated to the opulent architecture which defined the era of the Czars with palace after palace, each trying to outdo their predecessors in France, Austria and others throughout Europe. We saw the impressive Catherine’s Summer Palace, with its defining blue and white exterior, highlighted by gold leaf. It was a sight to be seen. Inside, we viewed the lavish lifestyle of the time including the Amber Room, if you can imagine an entire room made from amber! We got to visit the Throne Room, the Photo Gallery and more. The grounds were just as impressive as the home itself and we got to view the lake, the French and English Gardens. This fairytale-like palace was amazing! After, we visited the Great Choral Synagogue, a spectacular building constructed between 1880-1893. We were so happy to see this refurbished shul and after a kosher lunch at L’Chaim Restaurant, we listened to stories of growing up Jewish in St. Petersburg during the time of communism and the great suffering and hunger of the people during the time of Stalin. We were then treated to a private violin concert.

The next day we saw an overview of St. Petersburg complete with all of the highlights, followed by a walk through the famous Hermitage Museum, also known as the Winter Palace. This amazing structure was filled to the brim with renowned artwork from the European masters as well as other famous artists and styles from around the world. Because the museum is normally closed on Mondays, it opened just for us – what a treat to be able to walk through without the crowds! We stopped for a traditional lunch including Russian caviar, vodka shots, borsht and live music. We completed our visit to Russia with a visit to my favorite palace, Peterhof, also known as Peter the Great’s Summer Palace. Amazingly beautiful on the inside, but it’s the outside, facing the Gulf of Finland that captures the fun and flavor Peter had in mind for the place, with over 250 fountains adorning the “backyard.”

Helsinki, Finland
Our visit to Helsinki was a gentle stroll through a city where “old meets new.” We saw classic Russian influenced architecture, paired with a growing modern city filled with architectural gems which is defining the new look of the city. Some saw by bike, others walked and still some in our group saw the city through the eyes of the Jewish world with a visit to a local synagogue and a talk with someone from the Jewish community. With free time in the afternoon, we loved having some playtime to relax and enjoy whether shopping, walking, photographing or stopping for a local meal.

Stockholm, Sweden
The last stop on our cruise was highlighted by an entrance into the city through the archipelago of Sweden, where 4,000 islands make up this land mass. We watched our arrival as the sun rose on the Baltic Sea and we welcomed a new day. We saw the changing of the guards at the palace, enjoyed the old city of Gamla Stan and saw the beautiful mosaics which adorn the City Hall, and home to the Nobel Peace Prize inductions ceremony. We ended our day with some free time to take it all in.

Reykjavik, Iceland
But wait, there’s more! Those who ventured with us to Iceland for a post-cruise adventure were so happy they had chosen to do so. Upon our arrival, we began with the iconic Icelandic experience and went for a dip in the Blue Lagoon. We slathered ourselves with masks and enjoyed soaking in the warm waters as steam rose from the pools. We enjoyed saunas, a waterfall and getting treats from the bar, located in the water! The next day in Iceland was filled with a tour of the Golden Circle where we saw erupting geysers, the enormous and powerful Gulfoss Waterfall and a walk through Thingvellar National Park. Our nights were filled with the sights and sounds of the busy and fun-loving people of Reykjavik. We were there for the largest festival of the year – the Cultural Festival.

Our trip was an amazing bounty of cruising, culture, locally defined architecture and Jewish spirituality. Our travelers happily took it all in and shared the myriad of experiences with their fellow travelers, bonding one to another sharing memories to last a lifetime.

Tags: Amazing Journeys, Cruise, Group Travel, history, Jewish Singles, Russia, Scandinavia, summer, Travel
Posted in Blog, Europe, General, Interesting Things about Interesting Places | Comments Off on Highlights of Scandinavia and Russia

Experience Adventure at Every Turn

Tuesday, August 8th, 2017

by Malori

Wow! That is the word heard by our group of 9 travelers over and over again on our heli-hiking adventure with CMH. Since 1967, Canadian Mountain Holidays has been using helicopters to transport their guests up into the 9,000 feet elevations first for skiing, and then realizing they could fill their off-season, they invented heli-hiking as well.

After a two-hour bus ride from Banff, we arrived at a field, surrounded by local farms. We were given a briefing on helicopter safely, including how to properly load a helicopter, buckle in and a few other safety notes.

Hearing the distant sounds of helicopter blades in the background, we became more and more excited. The sounds became more prevalent as they moved closer to us. Now in complete view, we realized this is our transportation for the next three days. Excitement grew as we climbed onboard and smiles radiated from our faces. We would soon be off!

Up in the air, climbing higher and higher over rivers, trees and then granite, glacier-filed mountains, the smiles didn’t leave our faces. We knew we were in for the most special three days anyone can experience.

Once at our remote lodge, situated in front of a beautiful glacier, we were outfitted with jackets and pants, boots and poles. With our equipment and a few instructions, we checked into our rooms, had a bite for lunch, packed a snack, met our guides and off we went – onto our helicopter for the first drop off point.

We spent the next two and a half days playing and hiking in the mountains. Each morning we began our day with a stretch class for those who wanted, followed by a hearty breakfast, a packed lunch (we packed it from a variety of options set out for us each morning). And then we were off! One-by-one, the groups were gathered and off we’d fly, towards a different adventure spot each day. Building on the skills we had learned the day prior, we felt ourselves becoming more confident on the mountains, participating in more technical climbs, and bring dropped off on higher and higher mountaintops, sometimes along the edges or cliffs! But the guides were skilled, patient and friendly, and could help us through any situation.

Seeing meadows, wildflowers, streams, granite spires, lakes, snow covered mountains and some wildlife, the scenery was varied and each view amazing. We didn’t want to leave!

The food and service at our lodge were amazing! Our meals were creative and yummy. Prepared and shared by professionals, the quality was there in every sense of the word.

Too soon, our held-hiking adventure was coming to an end. Saying we wanted to stay was an understatement. Most of us were already making plans for our next visit, whether with family, friends or another group of Amazing Journeys travelers in the future. Let us know if you’d be up for a trip like this in the future – we can’t wait to share it with you!

Tags: Amazing Journeys, Banff, British Columbia, bugaboos, Canada, Canadian Rockies, Heli-hiking, helicopter, hiking, Jewish Singles, mountain, outdoors, Travel
Posted in Blog, General, Interesting Things about Interesting Places, North America | Comments Off on Experience Adventure at Every Turn