Sunset Vacations and Travel Planning is taking a river cruise in France, roundtrip from Paris, October 5-15, 2025. This is a chance to immerse into French culture, delve into history, and absorb beautiful scenery along the Seine. We hope you’ll consider joining Denise...
Europe
Is seeing the Northern Lights on your bucket list? Top tips and ideas for 2024
Nothing quite prepares you for seeing the northern lights in person. The colors and movements are hypnotizing, graceful, and mysterious, and they have captivated people for millennia. If seeing the northern lights is a bucket list item, know that 2024 is an especially...
Sunset Groups to Italy April 11-23, 2025
Come join us in the historic country of Italy! From the west coast around the boot to the Adriatic Sea, you’ll witness iconic landscapes, magnificent churches, imposing palaces, ancient temples, elegant squares, incredible art galleries and museums. Arrive at the...
How to have an enjoyable river cruise: A first timer’s guide
If you’re considering taking a river cruise as your next getaway, – great idea. Here are some of the top ways to maximize enjoyment while on board and during your stops.
Will you need a “Visa” to visit Europe in 2024? Here’s what to know
starting in 2024, the European Union is preparing new document requirements for American citizens to visit. Is it technically a “visa”? No. But there will be some additional hoops to jump through before you can begin your European escape. Here’s what is changing and what you need to know.
It’s hot outside! How to travel safely during a heat wave
There has been a lot of news coverage recently about the extreme temperatures in much of the northern hemisphere. Traveling in the summer has its perks – generally it’s peak time for tourism so everything is open and running, but you do need to be weather-aware....
Experiencing the Northern Lights in Alaska and Beyond
If you want the chance to “catch the Lights”, contact us and we will design an adventure for you that is as exciting, memorable, and brilliant as the Lights themselves.
10 Gorgeous Reasons to Visit the Emerald Isle, Ireland
Why do millions visit and continue to return to Ireland? This week we focus on 10 of the most beautiful sites in Ireland and invite you to join our small-group tour this October 2023.
Traveling to Europe soon? Avoid these common scams
It’s an unfortunate fact especially in tourist-heavy areas of Europe, that scammers take advantage of even the savviest travelers. Some are virtual pros at extracting money and passports, which can spoil a trip in an instant. Most scams have a common purpose – to...
You’re invited to join Sunset Vacations on our Second escorted group tour of 2023 – Ireland!
Is the Emerald Isle on your bucket list? Imagine experiencing rolling green hills, magical castles, vibrant towns, friendly people, and history everywhere you turn. Drum roll please as we announce our next Sunset group tour: Irish Legends, a 9-night/10-day land tour...
Our Guide to Visiting Europe’s Christmas Markets
What comes to mind when you think of holiday shopping? Overcrowded parking lots? Long lines at the mall? Instead imagine miles of twinkle lights, festive live music, the smell of mulled wine, and perfectly crafted gifts that anyone on your list would feel blessed to...
Best Souvenirs to Take Home from Ireland
Millions of people visit Ireland each year to view its stunning green landscapes, castles, pubs, coastlines, quaint villages and more. Ireland is perfect to visit any time of year, with changing seasons offering different experiences, sights and sounds. And when...
Here’s what you can expect on a European river cruise right now in October 2021
My husband and I just returned with our Sunset group of 17 which included old friends and now new friends from sailing the Rhine River from Basel, Switzerland to Amsterdam. Prior to boarding we spent a week doing a circle tour of Switzerland that was over-the-top...
Inspired to visit Switzerland? Here are some top sights for your next Swiss getaway
Switzerland may be small in size, only slightly larger than Maryland, but it pulls far more than its weight on sightseeing, culture, food, and adventures. Located between Austria, France, Germany and Italy, Switzerland is a diverse country, taking on the various...
Greece is opening to tourism! Here are 5 reasons to go.
Greece remains one of the most popular and beautiful destinations in Europe. Thinking about the country conjures up images of monuments, white-washed villages perched atop cliffs, and islands surrounded by stunning deep-blue water. Beginning in mid-May, the government...
About Denise
My goal is to simplify travel-planning through an equal exchange process where I acquire your ideas and expectations for your trip relieving you of the worry, hassle, stress and time that accompanies Do-It-Yourself planning. Recent Posts
Do your homework before you leave: These international laws may surprise you
One of the joys of travel is stepping outside your comfort zone and experiencing all the sights and sounds of a new culture. Anytime you leave the U.S., though, you’re likely to encounter different laws, some of which may seem trivial to you but are taken seriously....
Traveling During Hurricane Season: What NOT To Do
Hurricane season runs from June 1st through November 30th each year, and in 2024 there were a total of 11 hurricanes that impacted the Caribbean and U.S. Besides the untold loss of property and life that hurricanes cause to residents, this time of year can create...
DOT Unveils New Refund Requirements for Airlines: Here’s What to Know
As of October 28, 2024, the U.S. Department of Transportation has a new policy in effect that requires airlines to automatically issue refunds within 7 business days to travelers in certain situations. Previously, air travelers often had to request refunds through...
How to handle confusing rental car questions
Renting a car is sometimes a necessity when you travel. You might be inclined to think it’s as simple as booking the car, picking it up, and driving away. But the process is a bit more complicated these days. From all the extra questions the rental agent asks, to...
Stay safe when traveling with these expert tips and gadgets
Travel creates rich and rewarding experiences with memories that can last a lifetime. For the most part, the world is a pretty safe place for travelers, but bad actors exist, and this can turn a stress-free trip into a real spoiler. Being aware of your surroundings,...