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Go behind the scenes with Holland America

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Holland America Line will visit a maiden port in 2026, stopping for the first time in Odda, Norway. Before the town was added to more than a dozen itineraries, Paul Grigsby, the cruise line’s vice president of deployment and itinerary planning, had to see it for himself.

He and Robert de Bruin, director of deployment and itinerary planning, traveled to Bergen in January 2024 and on to Odda, where they surveyed the port’s conditions, met with officials and explored the surrounding region.

“Even in the harsh conditions of January (everything was frozen and snowy – shows the grit of our Pacific Northwest cruise line to do port research in the Norwegian winter!), it was clear it would be the perfect stop during a cruise of the fjords, sailing past the region’s apple orchards and offering some excellent shore excursions,” Grigsby told USA TODAY.

That’s all part of the itinerary planning process. Well before guests embark, many months of preparation go into crafting the routes they’ll take during their trip. Here’s how cruises are planned.

How are Holland America cruises planned?

When creating new itineraries, Grigsby said guest feedback informs the team’s thinking.

“We take seriously the surveys that we do,” he said. “We do a couple of those a year where we get a sense of what destinations guests are interested in.” They ask about preferred ports, how long they’d like to visit and more.

The cruise line also keeps an eye on industry trends and “what’s motivating people to travel these days.” Grigsby cited astrotourism, for example, which has shown up in itineraries designed around seeing solar eclipses or the Northern Lights.

After developing the concept, the cruise line incorporates it into an itinerary plan, utilizing the expertise of its team members.

“I have a couple of navigators that came off the ships that are the ones that are really essentially designing these cruises to make sure that they are, let’s say, navigable, right? That you can actually sail these things,” Grigsby said.

The cruise line’s port operations team is typically the “boots on the ground” when it comes to scouting out new ports the cruise line hasn’t visited before, while its marine team investigates whether these ports can accommodate its ships. “Not just if it’s a dock, but also if it’s an anchorage, they need to make sure that the tender docks are adequate and meet the expectations of our brand,” Grigsby said.

Because Holland America is part of Carnival Corp. – which includes Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Seabourn and other brands – he added that even if their team hasn’t visited a given destination, they can tap their colleagues elsewhere in the company who may have. “And we’ll use some of their research to help guide us,” Grigsby said.

Some destinations also demand a certain amount of flexibility. 

“We have a few cruises that go to Greenland, and you really never know until you get to a couple weeks before a departure what the ice conditions are going to be like,” he said. “So, what we do is we build in some buffers. We add some slow speed – slow steaming, as we call it – so that the ship can adapt to whatever ice conditions they may be dealing with.”

The planning isn’t limited to what happens on the ship, either. The cruise line has a dedicated shore excursion team that helps build out a selection of land-based activities to accompany the ocean-going adventures.

How long does it take to plan a cruise?

Itineraries usually take between two-and-a-half to three years to plan, according to Grigsby. Sometimes the process can take even longer.

What makes a good cruise itinerary?

Some cruises – such as Alaska itineraries, where there are only so many ports ships can visit – are more straightforward. Those satisfy guest expectations, but Grigsby particularly enjoys planning voyages that have something extra thrown in.

For example, he designed a 2025 sailing through the Coral Triangle – the most diverse marine ecosystem on Earth – in collaboration with a marine biologist. The cruise, which is available to book again for 2027, incorporated programming about wildlife, volcanology and indigenous cultures.

“I think that the best itineraries are those that have various layers of stories and themes, and not just a collection of ports,” Grigsby said.

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at ndiller@usatoday.com.



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Budget & Luxury Travel

Perfect Stay Guide: Must-Have Tips for Effortless Travel Style

Discover how the perfect stay guide can help you choose accommodations that match your travel style, whether you’re seeking luxury indulgence or budget-friendly comfort for an unforgettable trip.

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How to Choose the Perfect Stay for Your Travel Style

Choosing the perfect stay for your travel style can make or break your entire trip experience. Whether you’re planning a relaxing retreat or an adventurous getaway, where you choose to stay sets the tone for your journey. The decision often hinges on several factors, including preferences like luxury vs budget accommodations, whether you’re traveling solo vs group, or if your destination is more urban or rural—city vs countryside. Navigating these choices can be overwhelming, but with the right guidance, you can tailor your accommodation to perfectly align with your travel style. Here’s how to approach this important aspect of travel planning.

Understanding Your Travel Priorities

Before diving into specific options, it’s crucial to identify what kind of travel experience you want. Are you aiming for rest and rejuvenation, cultural immersion, or social interaction? Your answers will reveal a lot about the kind of stay that will best suit you.

Luxury vs Budget: Finding the Right Balance

One of the most common dilemmas travelers face is choosing between luxury vs budget accommodations. Both have distinct advantages depending on your needs and style:

The Appeal of Luxury Stays

Luxury accommodations offer comfort, top-notch amenities, exclusive services, and often prime locations. These stays are perfect if relaxation and indulgence are top priorities. You’ll find five-star hotels, boutique resorts, or lavish villas equipped with spa services, gourmet dining, and concierge assistance. For travelers who value impeccable service and extra pampering—often a solo traveler looking to recharge or couples on romantic retreats—luxury stays can turn an ordinary trip into an extraordinary experience.

Why Budget Stays Are Sometimes Better

Budget options like hostels, guesthouses, or budget hotels appeal to those prioritizing cost savings without compromising on cleanliness and basic comforts. Backpackers, students, and group travelers often prefer budget stays to maximize their travel duration or spend more on experiences rather than lodging. Interestingly, budget accommodations can also foster community and social interaction, especially in dorm-style hostels that encourage mingling among solo travelers.

Bargain Your Way to the Best Hotel Stays

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Striking the Balance

Sometimes, a mid-range option with boutique hotels or higher-end Airbnb units can combine comfort with affordability. Think about how much time you plan to spend in your room versus exploring the destination—this can help you decide how much to invest in your stay.

Solo vs Group: Tailoring Your Stay to Company

Your choice of accommodation should reflect whether you’re traveling solo vs group, as this can significantly influence comfort, privacy, and convenience.

Solo Travel: Emphasis on Security and Connection

Solo travelers often look for safe, comfortable places that also offer opportunities to meet others if desired. Hostels with social areas, small bed-and-breakfasts, or co-living spaces are great for creating connections. On the other hand, solo travelers seeking solitude might prefer boutique hotels or private rentals where they can enjoy peace and quiet. Importantly, solo stays require accommodations that are easy to navigate alone and offer good customer support in case of emergencies.

Group Travel: Focus on Space and Shared Experiences

Groups, whether friends or family, demand ample space and cost-effective options. Vacation rentals or serviced apartments with multiple bedrooms and communal areas work wonderfully for groups. These options often allow you to cook your meals and enjoy quality time together, enhancing the group dynamic. Hotels offering suites or adjoining rooms can also be convenient, providing individual privacy alongside shared space.

City vs Countryside: The Setting Matters

Your destination’s environment—whether city vs countryside—plays a key role in shaping your lodging preferences.

City Stays: Convenience and Connectivity

Urban destinations are typically bustling with activity, so accommodations here often prioritize proximity to transportation, nightlife, museums, and dining hotspots. Hotels or apartments in the city center or near major transit hubs make it easier for you to explore without wasting time commuting. For solo or group travelers alike, the city offers plenty of social opportunities and amenities.

Countryside Stays: Nature and Tranquility

If your aim is to disconnect and recharge, rural stays provide a serene atmosphere surrounded by nature. Farmhouses, cabins, or countryside inns often embody the essence of peace and offer authentic local experiences. These types of accommodations encourage relaxation and allow travelers to engage in outdoor activities like hiking or stargazing. However, keep in mind the potential trade-off in terms of fewer dining and entertainment options nearby.

Additional Tips for Choosing the Perfect Stay

  • Read Reviews Thoroughly: Past guest experiences can offer invaluable insights into what to expect.
  • Consider Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, kitchen facilities, and laundry services can significantly affect comfort.
  • Check Accessibility: Make sure the accommodation suits your mobility needs and proximity to points of interest.
  • Book Early: Especially in popular destinations or during peak seasons, early booking ensures availability and better rates.

Finding the ideal accommodation depends on a clear understanding of your travel style and priorities. Balancing luxury vs budget needs, choosing based on solo vs group dynamics, and factoring in the environment—city vs countryside—will guide you toward the perfect stay. Remember, your lodging isn’t just a place to sleep; it’s part of your travel adventure. Choose wisely, and your stay will enhance your journey, creating memories you’ll cherish forever.

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Travel Trends

Tour Packages in Kerala: Exclusive & Affordable Getaways

Discover the magic of God’s Own Country without breaking the bank by exploring the top tour packages in Kerala—designed to offer unforgettable experiences that are both exclusive and affordable. Whether you crave serene backwaters or vibrant culture, these tour packages in Kerala make planning your dream getaway effortless and budget-friendly.

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Discover the Top Tour Packages in Kerala: Your Guide to Cost Effective and Trendy Travel

Kerala, often called “God’s Own Country,” has long been a favored destination among travelers seeking scenic beauty, rich culture, and tranquil backwaters. For those planning their next vacation, exploring the top tour packages in Kerala can be an excellent way to experience the best this southern Indian state has to offer. Whether you’re after cost effective options or are on the lookout for trendy itineraries, this guide will help you select the perfect package and suggest places in Kerala that you simply cannot miss.

Why Choose Tour Packages in Kerala?

When planning a trip to a diverse destination like Kerala, a structured itinerary saves you time, money, and stress. Tour packages are curated by experts who understand the nuances of the region—from weather patterns to local festivals—and can tailor a trip to suit every type of traveler. With numerous options available, you can pick packages that focus on adventure, wellness, culture, or even luxury experiences. Additionally, these packages often include accommodations, transportation, guided tours, and meals, making them truly cost effective.

Cost Effective Tour Packages in Kerala: How to Get the Best Value

While Kerala is known for luxury resorts and expensive houseboat stays, there are plenty of cost effective options that do not compromise on the experience. Look for packages that include:

  • Economy accommodations: Homestays and boutique hotels offer authentic experiences at friendly prices.
  • Group tours: Shared group packages reduce per-person costs while allowing you to meet fellow travelers.
  • Seasonal deals: Traveling in the off-season (monsoon months or early summer) can score you big discounts on transport and lodging.
  • Local transport: Packages that utilize buses, ferries, and non-private transfers help keep budgets in check.

Tour operators specializing in budget Kerala tours often include must-see destinations like Munnar, Alleppey, and Fort Kochi without charging a premium.

Trendy Kerala Tour Packages for Modern Travelers

Kerala’s tourism sector evolves continually to meet traveler interests. There’s a growing trend toward eco-tourism, wellness retreats, and offbeat cultural experiences. Trendy tour packages often feature:

  • Ayurvedic wellness: Multiday packages emphasizing detox, yoga, and traditional healing.
  • Adventure activities: Guided trekking in the Western Ghats, kayaking in backwaters, and wildlife safaris in Periyar.
  • Culinary tours: Foodie-friendly itineraries blending cooking classes with market visits.
  • Photography tours: Curated routes that explore scenic spots at optimal times for capturing Kerala’s natural beauty.

For travelers who want to combine Instagram-worthy locations with meaningful interactions, these contemporary tours can make the trip unforgettable.

Suggest Places in Kerala You Shouldn’t Miss

When considering which tour package to pick, the destinations included can be a deciding factor. Here are some places in Kerala that top itineraries consistently feature:

  • Munnar: Famous for sprawling tea plantations and misty hills perfect for trekking and sightseeing.
  • Alleppey (Alappuzha): Known as the backwater capital, it offers unique houseboat stays amid coconut groves.
  • Fort Kochi: A historic town blending colonial architecture, spice markets, and vibrant art scenes.
  • Wayanad: A less touristy hill station with waterfalls, caves, and wildlife sanctuaries.
  • Kumarakom: A birdwatcher’s paradise on the coast of Vembanad Lake.
  • Thekkady: Home to the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, ideal for jungle cruises and elephant rides.

Selecting tour packages that include these renowned places ensures a comprehensive experience of Kerala’s highlights.

Suggest the Best Kerala Tour Packages Based on Interests

Choosing the best tour package depends on your interests and travel style. Here are some tailored suggestions:

  • Best for Nature Lovers: A package incorporating Munnar, Wayanad, and Thekkady offers extensive opportunities for trekking, wildlife spotting, and nature photography.
  • Best for Culture Enthusiasts: Tours that explore Fort Kochi, Thrissur (for festivals), and traditional village life provide immersive experiences.
  • Best for Relaxation: Wellness retreats combined with beach stays in Varkala or Kovalam and Ayurvedic treatments in Alleppey.
  • Best for Budget Travelers: Group tours focusing on key destinations with economy accommodations and public transport.

Many tour operators allow customization, so you can combine elements from different packages to suit your preferences.

Making the Most of Your Kerala Journey

Kerala’s rich tapestry of landscapes, traditions, and flavors makes it a captivating destination for every traveler. By choosing from the top tour packages in Kerala, you can enjoy a well-planned, cost effective adventure that also taps into the latest trendy experiences. Whether you wish to cruise the serene backwaters, stroll through timeless plantations, or immerse yourself in local culture, Kerala tour packages provide a hassle-free way to explore all corners of this enchanting land.

Remember to compare packages not only on price but on inclusions, reviews, and the credibility of the tour provider. With the right guidance and options, your Kerala trip can become a memorable journey, blending relaxation, exploration, and cultural discovery—all wrapped in the state’s natural splendor.

Travel tip for today: Bargain for hotels and stays in kerala at cheQin.ai

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Trip Planning

Solos introduces women-only tours: Travel Weekly

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Tour operator Solos has launched women-only itineraries this week with plans to unveil more tours soon.

The itineraries will be led by women and include experiences with women-focused nonprofits, advocacy groups, businesses and artists. Solo said it created the itineraries after seeing a demand for solo travel from women ages 50 and up. 

The tours will not have a single supplement fee.

The tours follow a trend toward women-only or women-focused tours, especially those with a solo component.

The “Women-only India- The Golden Triangle & Rajasthan” itinerary will explore India’s Golden Triangle, Jodhpur and Udaipur on a 12-night tour. It includes sunrise yoga at the Taj Mahal, a safari to the Bishnoi Villages and a visit to Sheroes Hangout, an initiative operated by women who have survived acid attacks. Participants will also ride through Jaipur in a rickshaw through Access Development Services, which trains low-income women to become drivers.

Travelers on the 12-night “Women-only Morocco: Medinas, Mountains & Coast” itinerary will visit Casablanca, Rabat, Fes, Marrakesh and Essaouira. They will meet with women entrepreneurs in Fes and artisans in Essaouira, and they will visit with Berber women in the Atlas Mountains. They will also visit a rural women’s cooperative that produces embroidery, pottery and argan oil.

The 10-night “Women-only Greece: Ancient Wonders & Island Hopping” itinerary will take travelers to the archaeological highlights of Athens, the Cycladic islands and historic sites like Mycenae, Epidaurus and Olympia. Travelers will take a pottery class led by a woman at her Paros studio.

“These unique experiences allow travelers to interact directly with women’s groups in destinations across the globe and to give back to local women’s initiatives,” said Kendra Guild, the vice president of North America for Solos.



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