California’s wine country is world famous, but when you’re choosing where to explore, it can be tricky deciding between Napa Valley, Sonoma County, and Santa Rosa. Each destination offers incredible wines and stunning scenery, yet each provides a uniquely different experience. Let’s dive into what makes each special to help you find the perfect fit. Santa Rosa & Sonoma – The Heart of Authentic Wine Country Santa Rosa sits in the heart of Sonoma County, which is celebrated for its relaxed, genuine atmosphere. Sonoma County as a whole offers a broad range of wineries—from small family owned estates to larger vineyards—many focusing on innovative techniques and sustainable practices. The vibe here is down to earth and inviting. Think cozy tasting rooms, picturesque vineyards surrounded by redwoods, rolling hills, and charming small towns. Sonoma is also known for its farm to table dining scene, pairing beautifully with local wines. Outdoor lovers will appreciate Sonoma’s mix of wine tasting and adventures like hiking, biking, and river rafting. Plus, accommodations and dining tend to be more budget friendly compared to Napa, making it a great option for travelers seeking value with great quality. Napa Valley – The Glamorous Wine Lover’s Playground Napa Valley is synonymous with luxury, elegance, and classic wine prestige. The valley is home to world renowned wineries, Michelin starred restaurants, lavish resorts, and spas. The tasting experiences here are typically upscale, with iconic estates offering expertly curated tours and tastings. It’s a great pick for travelers wanting a high end, polished wine getaway. Napa tends to be busier, especially during peak seasons and weekends, so advance planning is recommended to make the most of your visit. Which Should You Choose? If you’re after a laidback, authentic, and adventurous wine country trip with diverse experiences, Santa Rosa and the greater Sonoma County have your name on them. If luxury, refined dining, and iconic vineyards are what you seek, Napa Valley delivers the ultimate indulgence. Of course, a blended itinerary is also a fantastic option—sampling Sonoma’s heartwarming charm alongside Napa’s sophistication makes for a truly memorable wine country adventure. Blue Water Travel can help you craft the perfect personalized itinerary that fits your tastes and travel style. Ready to sip and savor your next wine country journey? Let’s start planning today!
0 Comments
We were honored to partner with ALGVacations and Amstar on our first Voluntourism Trip!!
Tuesday, April 8 went to Asociación Microtia Quintana Roo. This is a school for children with hearing disabilities. We were able to donate enough money for their hearing aid needs, uniforms and get water to their upstairs! This school costs $100-150 per month for the children and a lot of the families cannot afford it much less the hearing aids for their children. Wednesday we took the money we raised and went shopping for our Wednesday visit. We went back to the resort and got all our shopping items and donations the agents had brought from the US and organized them! Thursday we visited Vifac which is an organization that probides housing and resources for pregnant women in need and their children as well. They provide a home for those that need it and resources for anyone that needs. Beyond our tons of donations, we also took their yard and turned it into a fun, safe place for the moms and kids! The little kids watched us work all day and just waited for it to be done so they could play. Seeing the joy on their faces filled our hearts!! This truly was an amazing trip and we don’t plan to stop here!! Since 2005 we have been told we need to get REAL ID to board an airplane. It has been delayed so many times I began to wonder if it would ever happen. Apparently this May it will go into effect!
Federal agencies, including the TSA, will begin REAL ID enforcement on the deadline, which is May 7, 2025. Starting that day, only state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards that meet the security requirements established by the REAL ID Act will be permitted for official purposes, including boarding commercial aircraft. Here are some charts showing you the differences in the luxury cruise lines and the deluxe cruise lines.
A perfect day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s private island in the Bahamas, offers an incredible mix of relaxation and adventure. Here are 5 must-do activities to make the most of your visit:
1. Thrill Waterpark
And for those wanting Adult Time - be sure to go to Hideaway Beach!! I just got back from my trip to South America. I flew into Rio and stayed one night, we boarded the Atlas World Navigator ship and cruised South hitting Brazil ports and Uruguay. Once in Montevideo we spent one night there before heading to Lima for two nights. Unfortunately we didn't plan this trip in enough advance to get Machu Picchu tickets. I'd love to help you plan your trip!
South America is a land of vibrant culture, breathtaking landscapes, and rich history. From the Amazon’s dense jungles to the awe-inspiring Andes and the charm of coastal cities, this continent offers experiences to excite any traveler. If Brazil, Peru, and Uruguay are on your radar, here are a few tips to start the adventure! Brazil
Peru
Uruguay
The hurricane season has been very active this year. This has me thinking about all the ways we as Travel Advisors help our clients during this stressful time. I personally had a conference last week in Florida. I spent one day changing everything to arrive one day early to beat the storm only to find out that afternoon that it was cancelled. I had to then go back and make sure everything was cancelled without any fees!
I definitely stress to clients the need for travel insurance no matter what, but especially during hurricane season!! Here are the top 5 reasons you should ALWAYS use a Travel Advisor, but specifically how we help you during a hurricane! Why You Should Book with a Travel Advisor During a Hurricane:
By booking with us, you’ll have an experienced travel advisor on your side, ready to navigate the complexities of travel during a hurricane and ensure that your safety and peace of mind are our top priorities.
I was fortunate enough to attend the PRE Inaugural cruise on the brand new Royal Caribbean ship Utopia of the Seas. She will be sailing from Port Canaveral for weekend sailings and will be stopping at the fantastic Perfect Day at CocoCay!!!
The ship is beautiful. Although she is massive, getting around is very easy and the elevators are a plenty!! There is so much entertainment and area of fun on board for adults as well ask the kids! I do believe this ship may be more for Adults!! The aqua show, the ice rink show, games at the pool, a comedy theater, casino, Boardwalk area with slides, Central Park, the Royal Railway experience and so much more!! I was on ship for 4 days and there is no way I could see and do everything!! Perfect Day at CocoCay has waterparks and slides for the kids and an adults only beach with an infinity pool and bar! It has been a while since I was on such a big ship and I was very impressed!! See more pictures and videos on our Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/bluewatertvl The Fairytale Fantasy of the RhineCruising along the timeless rivers of the world has understandably become one of the most desirable ways to travel today. Yet with so many alluring waterways, it can be difficult to choose where to make your splash. Do you choose by country? By sights? By unique experiences? When you choose the romantic Rhine River – with its 800 miles of winding whimsical wonder – you choose all of the above.
Enchanting Scenery and Historic Landmarks:Rhine River cruises reveal breathtaking vistas of rolling hills, medieval castles, and charming villages lining the riverbanks. Each day unveils new sights and offers opportunities to explore historical landmarks, museums, and vibrant local markets. Intimate Connection: Designed from the bottom up for comfort, space, and room to dream, each Avalon Waterways Suite Ship® consists of 80% Panorama Suites—offering the widest view in river cruising. Larger suites result in fewer passengers, so you’ll never feel crowded anywhere on board. Accessible Exploration: Rhine River cruises navigate small ports and picturesque villages off the beaten path, providing an authentic taste of local life. Here are some of the small ports and towns you might encounter while cruising the Rhine River:
Some examples:
Embark on a journey of a lifetime with Avalon Waterways, where each day unveils enchanting landscapes, cultural immersion, and unforgettable connections along the Rhine River. |
Terri JobeOwner/Travel Agent Archives
June 2025
Categories
All
|