By Karen Quinn-Panzer
Travel Matters
Karen Quinn-Panzer
A lot of us don’t like to fly. Some of us do, but many people do not like dealing with the hassle these days. So, what’s a stressed-out, vacation-craving person to do?
Travel by boat, car or train. There are so many options now, including Europe, that are outside the box and worth talking about.
Starting with car travel, my husband and I had the pleasure of exploring the Delmarva peninsula – with our base in Bethany Beach, Delaware. Delmarva refers to the 170-mile long peninsula comprising the Delaware, Maryland and Virginia coastline. Not only did we enjoy the crab cakes, oysters and big waves of Bethany Beach, we also explored Berlin, Maryland, officially chosen as “America’s coolest small town” by Budget Travel in 2014. It has over 50 boutiques, cafes, bars and restaurants. Taking the Lewes-Cape May car ferry, a 75-minute ride, was a relaxing way to shorten the highway ride back to Milford.
Train travel has become a renewed trend – both in this country and around the world. The California Zephyr from Chicago to San Francisco is one of the most beautiful train rides in America. You travel through the Rocky Mountains and Utah desert and see places you can only see by rail.
Did you know that you can travel Canada coast-to-coast by rail? There are also many train-based trips, including National Parks, Alaska, Southern Jazz Cities and California Wine Country with stops in hotels along the way.
You can sail through the Great Lakes, the mighty Mississippi or Columbia and Snake rivers in the Pacific Northwest. The major cruise lines have increased the number and variety of cruises sailing roundtrip from the New York piers. They include Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Carnival and Norwegian. Destinations include Bermuda, Bahamas/Florida, the Caribbean and the Panama Canal. Princess and smaller luxury ships also offer New England/Canada trips during fall foliage season.
Let’s talk about Europe without flights. Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 sails between Brooklyn, New York and Southampton, England continually between the months of April and December. Theoretically, you could travel transatlantic eastbound to England for seven days, stay in Europe for two weeks, and return on the westbound sailing back to Brooklyn.
We did the eastbound sailing. There is so much to do on this ship, including dance lessons, dramatic performances and classes, trivia contests at the English Pub onboard, spa treatments and events with special guests such as the Greatest Generation – a panel discussion of World War II Veterans. Themed cruises include: Fashion Week, Genealogy Cruise and Wine and Theatre cruises.
While you’re in Europe, there are many top rail trips to discover. The Royal Scotsman goes through the highlands of Scotland. The Glacier Express in Switzerland is non-stop picture postcard views from Zermatt to St. Moritz, including the Matterhorn. The London to Venice Orient Express is a nostalgic indulgence with fine dining and wines to match the scenery.
Who needs to fly?
Karen Quinn-Panzer is the owner and vacation specialist at Dream Vacations Quinn Panzer Travel.