Travel Blog

IMPORTANT – If booking international travel, PLEASE make sure you have a valid passport at the time of book. Also, COVID Travel, Testing and Health Requirement information is provided by your Travel Advisor as guidance only and can change without notice. Always reconfirm information by checking government & airline websites before booking and traveling.

 

1. Under The Tuscan Sun is a romantic story set in rural Tuscany. Lush landscapes, scrumptious looking food, gorgeous Italian people and places…the perfect flick to watch if you want something easy on the heart and eyes.

2. Out Of Africa is an oldie but goody. This movie was filmed in Kenya and the UK, and became an instant classic, nabbing 7 Oscars. It will get you hungry for a safari or wildlife adventure.

3. Amelie is almost synonymous with Paris, and for good reason. The iconic cinematography, the accordion-heavy soundtrack, it’s a gorgeous example of authentic French cinema.

4. Lost In Translation is a must for anyone who has traveled or wants to travel–it’s a film about the little random experiences that stay with you long after you return home, and it’s also a poetic homage to Tokyo. If this doesn’t give you a hankering for Japan, nothing will.

5. Lion is good for a good cry and a virtual trip to India. Moving, heartstopping, and a visual feast, this film, based on a gripping true story about homelessness and adoption in Kolkata, gives you a taste of India and will leave you wanting more.

6. The Secret Life Of Walter Mitty is on every single “Best Travel Movies” List, without fail. The film shows how taking bold risks and leaving your comfort zone can lead to the greatest things in life–plus, if Iceland is of interest, you’ll be booking your ticket before the film finishes.

7. Vicky, Cristina Barcelona may deceive you into thinking everyone in Spain looks like Penelope Cruz and Javier Barden…and after a few glasses of Sangria, they all will! We jest–but the passion and emotions that ooze out of this film are distinctly Spanish and totally charming. Plus, the scenery is pure eye candie.

I will be happy to help you plan a worry-free getaway. Please contact me at (801) 483-6533 or to view my full travel biography, please click this link.

Bon Voyage!

Murielle Blanchard
Black Pearl Luxury Services
A division of Morris Murdock Travel
(801) 483-6533
email me

 

 

I just returned from a 7-day cruise on the Rhine on one of Viking” s ship, Viking Kara, exploring Switzerland, France, Germany, and the Netherlands. The Rhine River runs from the Swiss Alps through the Franco-German border and empties into the North Sea up in the Netherlands. I embarked in Basel on a beautiful sunny Sunday. I spent the night before in Basel and discovered its lovely medieval old town. Embarkation was seamless. Upon entering the ship, I was happily surprised by the décor, simple, classy, and inviting. The entire trip was peaceful and relaxing, a perfect balance between cultural excursions and leisure time. The atmosphere on board was casual, intimate, and friendly. We were only 123 guests which gave us the feeling of a large family reunion. I stayed in a French balcony cabin. The cabin had several outlets, both European and American, so I could easily keep all my electronics charged. The bathroom was perfect, from the shower to the heated floor to the fog free mirror. The large drawers and hanging closet allowed me to unpack completely.

All the Viking’s ships are individually named after different Nordic gods and goddesses. Our ship, Viking Kara, had a giant painting at the top of the main staircase. The painting represented Kara. in Norse mythology, Kara is one of the Valkyries, who are also known as swan maidens or wish maidens.

I enjoyed the small colorful towns, World War II history, amazing castles perched up high on the hills surrounded by forest and the vineyards. For the scenery, my favorite excursions were the Black Forest, the highlights of Strasbourg, and the bike ride in Kinderdijk in the middle of the windmills. The half day sail along the Middle Rhine was spectacular. All the cultural sites, many of them UNESCO sites, were interesting: the Imperial cathedral of Speyer, the Fortress of Koblenz, and the Cathedral of Cologne.

Overall, Viking exceeded my expectations in many ways. Often trips to Europe are so exhausting that you need a vacation when you get home. My seamless, stress-free journey was a pure pleasure.

I cannot wait to travel again on a Viking ship.

I will be happy to help you plan a worry-free Viking cruise. Please contact me at (801) 483-6533 or to view my full travel biography, please click this link.

Bon Voyage!

Murielle Blanchard
Black Pearl Luxury Services
A division of Morris Murdock Travel
(801) 483-6533
email me

 

 

 

I decided to go back on a cruise after months of hiatus. Once all the arranging was done and close by the cruise date I went for my PCR COVID test at CVS pharmacy. I was nervous, but it was not a big deal a couple of swabs later I was done and then In just a little over 24 hours I had my results.

When checking in there was more things they asked for, but it was still a quick process. Once on board I went to a little station that talked about your muster station and that was it so easy and better than before. It was uphill from there things could not have gone any better. Royal Caribbean had the right amount of cleanliness without going over the top. Masks were required inside unless you were eating and it was a V event which there was plenty of those.

The buffet was more pleasant you just grabbed a plate and they put anything you wanted on it. The ship was only 1/3 of the way full so I never had to wait long in lines or at the elevator. The staff was amazing so personable I even became Facebook friends with my head waiter something I have never done before.

Getting off the ship and clearing customs was so easy one look at my face and I was done. I felt so secure even more so than I feel at home.

I would not hesitate to do a cruise with Royal Caribbean and I am already looking forward to a new adventure with them.

Please contact me and I can help make your Disney dreams become a reality!

Amber Lee Johanson

If I can help plan your next vacation, please contact me:

Street: 101 S. 200 East, Suite 100
City: Salt Lake City, UT 84111
Phone: (801) 483-6314

Business Days: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday