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"You have to go to Solvang"! As we met people along the way during our 2018 California road trip - this was a common recommendation we received. When learning my husband is from The Netherlands - people suggested we visit this "Dutch" town. Piquing our interest, we took a detour and discovered the picturesque Santa Ynez Valley and the very charming Danish village. 😉  With our schedule…

Miles of beaches, a fun boardwalk, terrific shopping and an interesting historic district - let's go to Galveston, Texas! In my Travel by Kris video series I share my personal travel and destination tips with you - only recommending restaurants, activities and accommodations I've experienced first hand. Until the next…

On my trip to Maui during the fall of 2019 I wanted to check out some unique smaller hotels - I chose The Plantation Inn as home during my last 2 nights in Hawaii.  The Plantation Inn boasts an excellent location (although keep in mind it's not on the beach) in Lahaina. A couple blocks off Front…

Flowers, small towns and music - experience springtime in Texas Hill Country with me! In my Travel by Kris video series I share my personal travel and destination tips with you - only recommending restaurants, activities and accommodations that I've experienced firsthand. Until the next adventure - bon voyage! Kris

We must have looked completely lost as the gentleman approached us while we wandered the streets of Fira. Trying to find where to pick up our rental car had proved much harder than we anticipated! A very kind Greek man took pity on us... led us to his shop and called the rental car agency…

1. Escape in a Book Immerse yourself in a different world through the pages of a book or magazine! Conde' Nast Traveler and Travel and Leisure are two of my favorites to fuel wanderlust. Now's the time to read that guide book (my local bookstore is delivering) or check out a travel book from your local library…

The Crawford opened in 2014 along with the newly renovated Denver Union Station. Since that time it's been on numerous "best of" hotel lists and is a hotspot in Denver!  Even though the hotel lobby is in the mix of the hustle and bustle of the terminal; the top notch service was evident from check in. Thinking…

Ready to cruise?! Join me on the Celebrity Reflection and learn why cruising is such a popular vacation choice! In my Travel by Kris video series I share my personal travel and destination tips with you - only recommending restaurants, activities and accommodations that I've experienced firsthand.

Besides the usual advice of getting enough sleep, exercise and eating healthy before your next vacation - I have some tried and true "tricks" for keeping up your immune system!  Years ago - a fellow "soccer Mom" recommended Umcka to me - it's been my go to at the first sign of a sniffle ever since! Besides my normal vitamins I talso…

Conveniently located about 15 minutes from the Fort Lauderdale Airport - my husband and I stayed 2 nights at the newly renovated Hollywood Beach Marriott before our cruise departure from Port Everglades last fall. With nothing on our agenda for a couple days - it was the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the Florida lifestyle! There are a…

Looking back at my year of travels and adventures - it was a memorable one! For my second year of sharing TBK's Editors' Picks - I've added some new categories; such as favorite hotel stay and top beach visit. I hope this inspires you to scroll through your camera roll and make your own…

3 Reasons You Need a Bucket List As I'm on the brink of turning the big 5-0, it's fun sharing this half century birthday with Royal Caribbean Cruise Line, Apollo II landing on the moon, Princess Cruises inaugural cruise to Alaska, and Boeing's first flight for the 747. Not travel related - but I also celebrate…

Let's go to Hawaii and live aloha! You'll discover why Maui is always one of the top rated islands in the world. In my Travel by Kris video series I share my personal travel and destination tips with you - only recommending restaurants, activities and accommodations that I've experienced firsthand.…

One of the most popular day trips during a vacation on Maui is driving The Road to Hana! My husband and I recently drove this infamous road and survived the 620 curves - on Friday the 13th no less 😉 ! In all honestly I was the passenger, so kudos to my hubby for his driving skills!…

On my recent vacation in Hawaii, I spent the first night at one of Maui's most talked about hotels - Paia Inn. This small, boutique hotel is located in the trendy Paia Town - on Maui's North Shore. The best reason to stay at Paia Inn is LOCATION. If you enjoy being in the heart of…

Living in Colorado for 29 years... and in the mountains for the past 6 - I've done my fair share of leaf peeping! Aspens thrive at our high elevations and show off their golden hue in the fall. It's a spectacular time to visit my adopted state! All 8 of these areas on my list have been…

1. Carry small bills and coins for tipping, toll roads, purchases at markets and to use the toilet. Don't call it a bathroom in Europe, as they'll literally think you want to shower or take a bath (important tidbit I learned from my Dutch hubby)! 2. Look for McDonald's! No, not for an American lunch! 😉 In most of…

I'm just back from a trip visiting my daughter and excited to share my insights about staying at The Guild- a gorgeous hotel in downtown San Diego. As I've paid my dues living in dorms and campus housing - this was a good reason to stay at a brand new hotel! 😉  The Guild is in the historic…

Having just spent a couple days visiting family in Salt Lake City - my husband and I couldn't resist a detour to Park City on our drive home. Living in a tourist mountain town myself - I was anxious to compare notes. 😉  With it's mountain backdrop - Park City offers an abundance of year round outdoor…

Upon my arrival at the Westin Puerto Vallarta, I was greeted by friendly people at the front desk for my tour of the resort. Even though the expansive, marble lobby isn't the most welcoming entrance - the extra nice staff at the Westin made up for my first impression. The resort sits…

Welcome to the Travel by Kris Book Club - I’m so happy you’re here! Being an avid reader and traveler my entire life - I’ve come to realize how closely the two are intertwined. Growing up in rural Iowa, books transported me to exotic locales before I had even flown…

Enjoy the views, learn some history and get some exercise while you join me in San Antonio, Texas! In my Travel by Kris video series I share my personal travel and destination tips with you - only recommending restaurants, activities and accommodations that I've experienced firsthand. Until the next adventure…

It's been 10 months since my detox - and as I read through my notes of this experience I realize I'm in dire need of another one! 😉 During our vacation in Puerto Vallarta last June I took a much needed break from social media! My husband and I both own small…

You may be wondering why the title of this is not Travel by Kris's Top 10 - I need to give credit where it's due! Even though it's now his favorite hobby - my husband was a professional photographer in The Netherlands for many years (he studied it and also perfected his…

Two years ago I discovered the allure of Moab, Utah. Living only a few hours away in Colorado -not sure why it took me years to experience this gem for myself! Don't wait as long as I did - I can't rave enough about this special area where desert, red…

After road tripping for 6 weeks last spring my husband and I were ready to slow down (I also unplugged from social media for the entire trip and will share my experience with that soon!). Puerto Vallarta turned out to be the perfect fit of what we were looking for in that…

Join me as I play with cute pups and mush a team of Siberian Huskies! In my Travel by Kris video series I share my personal travel and destination tips with you - only recommending restaurants, activities and accommodations that I've experienced firsthand. Until the next adventure - bon voyage!…

1. Shore Excursions River cruise lines have upped their game in the active tour department! Besides complimentary bikes to use on many ships - a few of the lines have partnered with adventure companies such as Backroads and National Geographic. On all the river cruises there are active excursions to choose from; such as guided hiking…

Bundle up and join me in chilly Breckenridge, Colorado to enjoy some icy works of art! In my Travel by Kris video series I share my personal travel and destination tips with you - only recommending restaurants, activities and accommodations that I've experienced firsthand. Until the next adventure - bon…

www.tsa.gov All your questions answered about security screenings, what you can pack in your luggage, TSA Pre and all those important details! Also, the MyTSA app is handy to download to check on current airport security lines. www.travel.state.gov Passport information and forms, visa requirements, country information and safety measures are…

2018 was an exciting year of travel adventures for my Travel by Kris clients! From European river cruises, African safaris, a flight tour landing at Denali's base camp and romantic stays in overwater bungalows in Tahiti - my clients were quite the jet setters! Mother/daughter trips, multigenerational families traveling together,…

Drumroll please... I'm excited to announce my first annual Travel by Kris "editors' picks". I was extra fortunate with a travel filled year in 2018... so I admit - narrowing this down to 10 was a little difficult! Also, since I live in a vacation destination - I wanted to…

Do you have a favorite themed hotel? Last July I stayed at the Im Schulhaus in Lorch, Germany for two nights. In 2013 this former school house was converted into a modern hotel with 44 rooms. I grew up attending grade school in the States - but from the moment…

Last July I had a wonderful two night stay at this small, family owned hotel in the southern part of The Netherlands. The pronunciation may be difficult, but de 4 Jaargetijden translates into meaning four seasons in English. 😉 This was actually my second visit, but the first under it's…

Even after living in Colorado for over twenty years, I'm still discovering things to love about this beautiful state! Visitors ski down the snow capped Rocky Mountains during the winter and tourists flock here in the summer for the numerous warm weather activities Colorado has to offer. But, I'll let…

Join me in Colorado Springs as I showcase some of my favorite things to see and do there! In my Travel by Kris video series I share my personal travel and destination tips with you - only recommending restaurants, activities and accommodations that I've experienced firsthand. Until the next adventure…

During our trip to The Netherlands (watch the video here) in July, my husband and I took a detour (ok, truthfully a break from our busy schedule of visiting friends and family! 😉 ) to the Rhine Valley in Germany. With no set plan and a couple of free days, we…

Join me in Germany to explore the Upper Rhine River Valley. You'll experience local villages, historic castles, and cruise down the romantic Rhine! In my Travel by Kris video series I share my personal travel and destination tips with you - only recommending restaurants, activities and accommodations that I've experienced…

I'm in The Netherlands for a new Travel by Kris video! Follow along in one of my favorite countries, which also happen to be my husband's birthplace! There's so much more to this beautiful country than Amsterdam (even though it is a terrific city - you can read my Amsterdam…

When you think of The Netherlands you most likely envision a flat landscape with perfectly lined rows of tulips or the canals of Amsterdam, but the southern province of Limburg is rolling hills with quaint villages dotting it's countryside. I encourage you to get outside of Amsterdam on your visit…

Join me in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico with the latest Travel by Kris video! During my recent visit there I encountered some of the friendliest local people I've ever met during my travels! In my Travel by Kris video series I share my personal travel and destination tips with you -…

The Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort and Spa (formerly the Casamagna) is a lovely resort located in the Marina District. I've just returned from a relaxing week long stay and am already excited for a return visit! When they say "welcome home" on your arrival - you know you're in the…

I'm excited to introduce my Travel by Kris video series where I'm sharing my personal travel tips with you! I'll only be recommending restaurants, activities and accommodations that I've experienced firsthand. In my first Travel by Kris video -  I share some of my tips for traveling to the spectacular…

If you want to stay in the heart of the action on Waikiki beach - The Outrigger Waikiki is the place for you! During a tour of this hotel I discovered it's a family friendly resort, is home to a prime Waikiki beachfront location and offers great dining and entertainment!…

On a recent trip visiting my daughter in San Diego, (lucky girl is going to college there!), I visited lovely Coronado Island several times. As it sits across the San Diego harbor, it's only a few minute drive from downtown San Diego. She showed me some of her favorite Coronado…

As my daughter is finishing her first year of college and living away from home; I've been thinking about how travel has affected her life and decisions so far. Growing up in Colorado and living her first 18 years here, she's attending college states away in California. I believe her…

Documentation - Before you arrive at the ship for embarkation make sure you've filled out the online registration with your cruise line. If everything is taken care of it will speed up your boarding process. Most importantly - don't forget your passports!! Luggage and a Carry On Bag - When you…

After working in the travel industry 23 years my best advice is  - you need travel insurance (especially if you have a prepaid/nonrefundable vacation package)! Please note that there are many different travel insurance companies/coverages and not each policy contains each of the benefits on this list. When we work…

Union Station went through a major refurbishment in 2016 and on my most recent day trip to Denver I checked it out. If you're visiting downtown Denver, it's worth a peek and stroll inside as it's beautiful. It's like a step back in time with the elegant interior and it…

Packing for your Alaska trip requires a little more planning than throwing your swimsuits in a suitcase for a beach vacation! Even though summer is the main tourist and traveling season in Alaska, I've learned after several trips there that you need to prepare for all kinds of weather! The…

You all know that feeling when your vacation is over! The long faces as you collect your luggage and on the drive home. Returning to the real world after your time off - to work, cooking, cleaning and your regular schedule. It's hit you - the post vacation blues! 🙁…

After taking my first plane ride as a teen, I've been a fairly frequent flier my entire adult life. Over the years as plane travel has become less comfortable, I've learned some tricks to make it a little more pleasant. STAYING HEALTHY - Pack wipes and hand sanitizer! I recommend wiping…

Personal Service/Your Best Interest When you choose to work with Travel by Kris you are guaranteed your responses will be from me! No matter how you contact me (text, email, phone call, social media) you can count on a timely reply. I'm working for you and I have your best travel…

The apps I use for travel have evolved since purchasing my first smart phone almost 10 years ago! I've also learned some are tried and true, that I keep using year after year. The app usage also depends on my travel style for the year... am I spending time in…

Is a trip to New York City on your bucket list? The Big Apple has so much to offer on your vacation! You can experience broadway shows, history, museums, world class shopping, top rated restaurants and numerous iconic sites during your trip to New York City. With an extensive subway…

There are so many ways to travel in Europe, I'll help you find your travel style for your European vacation. After traveling to Europe many times (cruises, road trips, city visits, escorted tours and train travel!) I have the experience to guide you in the right direction for your next Europe…

One of the most spectacular drives in Colorado (and it takes a lot for me to say that - I've lived in Colorado for 27 years!) is over Independence Pass! It's a beautiful drive during the summer as well (it closes for the winter season), but it's extra special during…

After taking my first cruise in 1995, it was love at first sailing for me! Since then I've been fortunate enough to have cruised all over the world. When I board a ship I still get that same childlike excitement!  I could easily list a gazillion reasons you should take…

After traveling through many airports around the world the past 20 years, I've put together a list of my best travel tips for a stress free airport experience. 1. Allow extra time! My #1 tip and best advice is to always arrive to the airport with more time than you…

The Residence Inn Bayfront is a new hotel (built in 2016) in downtown San Diego. While moving my daughter to start her college adventure, I stayed at this Marriott property for three nights over Labor Day weekend. I've stayed at quite a few Residence Inn's and am familiar with their…

1. Wheeled Luggage - I highly recommend using luggage (your checked bags) that has four wheels. It's much easier to get through the airport if you can wheel your largest bag beside you (I've had my red Samsonite suitcase for 12 years... it's survived numerous trips with the wheels in…

Touring the Westin Moana Surfrider Resort and Spa in Waikiki last fall was quite the treat! With it's prime location, lovely courtyard with it's gorgeous banyan trees and Westin hospitality you'll be spoiled with a stay here!

With it's beautiful red rock formations, Arches really is a must see national park! Having lived in Colorado for 27 years, I can't believe this was my first visit! Arches is easily accessed either from Moab (the entrance is 5 miles north on US 191) or I-70. On I-70 take…

With only a mountain pass between Vail and where I live, it's fun to pop over there and play tourist on occasion! As most people know, Vail is a skiing and winter hotspot - but it's also a terrific summer destination. One could easily spend days in this area, with…

1. Pack Your Patience - No matter how or where you are traveling to, trips are filled with things to test one's patience! You will encounter lines getting through airport security, waiting to ride Space Mountain at Disney, or entering Yellowstone National Park during your road trip. Use these times…

In the past 20 years I've been fortunate to cruise to Alaska several times. After visiting the Inside Passage ports quite a few times I've tried many of the shore excursions - here's the top five for you to try! 1. Flight Seeing - If you splurge on one excursion on your…

If you enjoy getting off the beaten path, then Ameland is a great spot to do that when traveling in Europe. Ameland is in the Wadden Islands off the northern coast of the Netherlands. With it's small size, abundance of nature/history, and easy access, it's the perfect place to get…

Last summer my husband and I ventured on a long weekend road trip from Colorado to visit one of the most popular summer vacation spots in the States! I hadn't been to the Black Hills since I was a kid and this area was new to my Dutch hubby! 1.…

During a visit to Oahu last fall I had the opportunity to tour the iconic "Pink Palace of the Pacific". The Royal Hawaiian was one of the first hotels in Honolulu and has played host to numerous dignitaries and movie stars. The famous pink stucco facade can't be missed from…

Inhale some extra oxygen before heading up to 10,200 feet for your day in Leadville! After living in Denver for over 20 years, I had never visited Leadville until I moved up to the Colorado mountains. Now that I live 30 minutes from this historical mountain town and visit frequently,…

Rotterdam is on most travel destination hotspot lists the past couple years! About 30 minutes from Amsterdam, this cosmopolitan city is worth at least a day trip on your visit to The Netherlands! A few summers ago, my husband and I spent a day exploring Rotterdam and I'm excited to…

After surviving my first winter living at 9000 feet, spring called for a change of scenery other than snow! As my husband had always wanted to visit New Orleans, we ventured south for a long weekend. Spring is a great time to visit this beautiful city - the crowds of…

The Residence Inn in downtown New Orleans is a great location to home base during your NOLA visit.  My husband and I stayed for a few nights in the spring of 2014 and found you can walk to all the popular neighborhoods and main sites from here. Near the Warehouse/Arts…

Considering a trip to Amsterdam? Don't rule out winter for a visit to this beautiful, historic Dutch city! Two years ago my husband (he's from a village about an hour away from Amsterdam) and I stayed for two weeks and lived like locals in his sister's apartment in South Amsterdam…

While you wait for your ship to set sail, there's plenty to keep you busy in Miami! Since you'll be boarding your ship around noon on the first day of your cruise... I always highly recommend to my clients they arrive at least the night before departure. You don't want…

FOOD - After enjoying a wonderful vacation, you don't want to come home to a nasty smell or spoiled food! Run the dishwasher, take the garbage out and clean out the refrigerator of foods that may go bad.

It's that time of year... and for most of us; the arrival of snow, the temperatures dropping and preparing for all the celebrations December brings! Christmas markets are a quintessential December activity and destination! Being in the travel industry it's also something I plan my clients' trips around. People flock…

1. Infinity Pool The infinity pool started out third on my list, but I realized this was our favorite spot at the Sheraton! My daughter and I spent many hours here enjoying the views, talking to other guests, watching the ocean and just relaxing (it's for ages 16 and above…

After traveling between the States and Europe quite a bit the past few years (before getting his green card, my Dutch husband and I were living an ocean apart!), I've discovered what I need to survive those long travel days!

While honeymooning in South Florida my husband and I decided to take a "short" road trip to the Florida Keys for the day. Leaving our resort (read my review of the beautiful Turnberry Isle here!) with my purse, car keys and our sunglasses we were set for a day of sightseeing!…

Day 10 - Diano Marina, Italy to St. Martin D'Ardeche, France After enjoying another al fresco breakfast, it was time to cruise the Italian and French Rivieras! I wish could say in our convertible with the wind whipping through my hair, big sunglasses on... but the scenery was just as…

The Turnberry Isle Resort and Club in Aventura, Florida is a luxurious resort located between Miami and Fort Lauderdale. This 300 acre paradise is part of the Autograph Collection of Marriott properties. My husband and I enjoyed a wonderful stay here in late October of 2013. This resort is extra…

Day 9 - Ferry across the Adriatic to Chianti Classico area of Tuscany On day 9 of this epic road trip, we awoke with views of Italy again. I would like to say awoke from a good night's sleep... but that would be a bit of a stretch. We had…

When Royal Caribbean's ship the Oasis of the Seas debuted in 2009 it was the largest cruise ship afloat! At 225,000 tons and carrying 5000-6000 passengers (along with 2000 crew) it remains one of the biggest. During a preview cruise; I had 48 hours to explore, zip line, ride the…

The Villa Sant' Uberto Country Inn is a restored farm in the heart of Tuscany (about 40km from Florence and 20km from Siena). It sits on 25 acres, with panoramic views of the olive gardens and vineyards from the hilltop it resides. It's in the country, with the closest villages…

Day 6 - Caorle, Italy to Omis, Croatia As we said goodbye to Italy (read the first part of our Italian adventure here), we were so excited for our next destination - Croatia! On a cruise in 2003 I had a port stop in Dubrovnik and had raved about it…

Denver International Airport finally has an on site hotel! Last fall (November 2015) was the much anticipated opening of The Westin at DIA. After dropping off my daughter for a flight, I was able to tour the hotel as it had just opened and they were welcoming their first guests.

I've just returned from a short visit to Crested Butte and want to share how much I loved it! This was only my second visit there (first one during winter), even though I've lived in Colorado for many years. Crested Butte is surrounded by the Elk Mountains, about 220 miles…

The Nordic Inn is a lovely small lodge located within walking distance of the Mt. Crested Butte ski area. My husband and I stayed here for one night on a spur of the moment trip to Crested Butte in July. The location of the Nordic Inn is hard to beat -…

Day 4 - Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland to Baveno, Italy After one last gaze at that spectacular view from our room it was time to leave the picturesque Lauterbrunnen (read part 2 here) to outrun the rain. Before we got on the road, I enjoyed (ok inhaled!) the best bread I've ever had…

Day 2 - Vianden, Luxembourg to Ettenheim, Germany After staying in Vianden for the first night of our road trip (read Part 1 here), day 2 started with exploring more of Luxembourg. My husband sold his motorbike a few months prior (it didn't make the cut for his upcoming move…

The Residence Inn located in Vancouver, B.C. has the ideal location for exploring this gorgeous city! I stayed here for 4 nights last fall and easily explored many of the Vancouver neighborhoods on foot. It's only a few blocks walk to catch the small ferry to visit Granville Island and…

I met Rob and Peter a few years ago during one of my summers in The Netherlands with my husband (Peter and Stefan are childhood friends, having met in the Boy Scouts). They are born and bred Dutchmen, but have lived, worked and traveled all over the world. Last year…

Like many Americans, road trips as family vacations were a big part of my youth. Consequently, for the first couple decades of my adult life I wanted to travel farther, fast and on planes! During the past few years I've come to appreciate the road trip... and during the summer…

Hotel Belle-Vue is a lovely hotel in the picturesque village of Vianden, Luxembourg. My husband and I stayed here for one night at the beginning of our epic European road trip (honeymoon part 2 🙂 ) during the summer of 2014 (read more here)! It's a very clean and well maintained…

What was the first National Park you visited? For many of us living in the States, it's one of our first vacation memories! Mine was a road trip with my Grandparents, with a stop in Yellowstone. Even though I was only about 8, the images of walking amongst the geysers…

Jeff and I grew up in the same small, rural town of Storm Lake, Iowa. We were friends in high school and have reconnected the past few years over social media and our shared passion for travel! After graduating from college Jeff spent two years with the Peace Corps in Poland.…

Being a CSU grad, I decided Fort Collins was the place to celebrate my beer loving husband's 50th birthday! Besides being a college town - Fort Collins is a thriving community with an abundance of outdoor activities, culture, shopping, and craft breweries. I won't lie, this trip was all about…

The Armstrong is a unique hotel with a fantastic location in Fort Collins! If you want to be within walking distance of Old Town (with many shops and restaurants) and the CSU campus, there's no better spot. I stayed for 1 night last fall for a quick weekend getaway to…

Jo is one of the most well traveled, interesting, and generous person that I know! We met when our girls were toddlers and have spent many hours together scrapbooking our travels and kids' memories. She's also spent a quite a few hours trying to fix my tight muscles (needling!)... as she's…

After living in Colorado for 25 years, I finally visited my state's wine country last summer (maybe it's because I'm a beer drinker 😉 )! But I have been enjoying the drip down your face juice of the famous Palisade peaches for years!

The Wine Country Inn is a charming hotel in Palisade, Colorado - in the heart of Colorado wine country! My husband and I stayed in this 80 room boutique property last summer for two nights. We had planned on staying in a bed and breakfast for our visit, but after our…

Vancouver is one of those rare cities that makes city and nature lovers happy! Surrounded by water and mountains (truly spectacular views!), it’s an outdoor lover’s paradise. The downtown area is thriving with unique neighborhoods to explore, a foodie’s dream destination, and many cultural events.

  Sally-anne Shields-Gillman I first met Sas in 1986 while she was an exchange student from Sydney...

Full diplomatic relations were established between the U.S. and Cuba this year, making visiting Cuba a reality for Americans! If Cuba is on your bucket list, you can finally check if off! Please keep in mind that it's still not allowed to travel to Cuba solely for the purpose of…

While the aspens were at their peak color in late September - it was a perfect time to explore more of Colorado and celebrate our first anniversary a month early (still living with the Atlantic between us…but that's another story!) in Steamboat Springs. After living in Colorado for over 20…

One word sums up trying to write this first blog post - intimidating! I've wanted to start writing about my travels and business for the past few years, but the mentality of something must be perfect before starting had won out. I decided I needed to get that "Just Do It" attitude…