If You Think Bigger is Better, You'll Love the New Largest Ship at Sea
March 31st 2018 was a red-letter day in marine lore. Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas set sail with her first group of passengers. It marks the 25th ship of the fleet – and the largest passenger cruise ship ever built. 5518 guests sail on this architectural marvel of a ship that's 3 and a half football fields long and 2/3 the height of the Eiffel Tower! Like other ships in its Class, the aft of the Symphony of the Seas...
Juno Beach: The Ultimate Canadian Pilgrimage
The past and next few years mark a number of World War 1 and World War 2 anniversaries. Commemorations take place here at home, and we hope everyone takes a moment to pause and reflect or attend a memorial service. Our thoughts also turn to the lands fought for and freed by Canadians, and how families, school and other groups, and independent travelers can make trips to the actual sites where our ancestors fought so bravely.
Video: California Cool in Palm Springs
Fresh, dry air? Check. 300 sunny days a year? Check. A minimalist desert landscape framed by mountains? Check. 'Desert Modern' Mid-Century design and architecture and breezy, indoor/outdoor cocktail lifestyle? Check. Natural hot springs and more golf than anywhere else in California? Check and Check. It's been a while since BestTrip.TV traveled to a vacation destination that wasn't coastal. Find out why we've fallen in love with the mountain/desert hangout of the Rat Pack and all the Hollywood cool cats: Palm Springs,...
Tips for Biking Bermuda's Railway Trail National Park
It may be one of the best ways to see the beauty of Bermuda. The train system in Bermuda was short-lived, but its legacy is a National Park trail that is a gift to islanders – and visitors to the island – for generations. In the '30's and '40's, the train, fondly known as 'Old Rattle and Shake', spanned the island 22 miles across, from east to west. It ceased operations shortly after WW2. But then something quite wonderful happened. With the...
Video: The Best of Buenos Aires: A Monograms Tour with a Local Host
Buenos Aires ranks high on travel bucket lists: an exciting, European-influenced city in a remote country, renowned for a passionate history and punching above its weight in contributions to global culture. Argentina has given the world the breathtaking music and dance of tango, the legendary Eva Peron (immortalized in the timeless musical Evita!), some of the New World's best wines from its vineyards, finest beef from its ranches, not to mention its famed polo players, soccer stars, and rabid soccer fans. With...
Video: Meet the Cobbler Hand-Crafting Italian Sandals on the Silver Muse
There's a tinkling, tap-tap-tap coming from the pool deck of the Silver Muse. It's being made by a hammer against a tiny shoe nail in the hands of an Italian cobbler. Before your eyes, he custom-makes Italian leather sandals for another fortunate guest. One of the hallmarks of a Silversea cruise is the exceptional level of service. It's personified in the white-gloved, formally-suited butlers who not only provide, but actually anticipate your every need. Before we boarded the Silver Muse, I was...
Film Set Fantasy: Go On Location in Ireland
The Emerald Isle is Hollywood gold! Lovers of green beer and big parties may dream of visiting Ireland for St. Patrick's Day festivities. But if cinematic drama is more your style, Ireland is where your fantasy of standing in the spectacular natural setting of some your favorite movies can come true. Ireland's dramatic scenery has been the backdrop of some of the world's biggest film and video sensations. (All images courtesy Ireland.com). It’s where Game of Thrones, Harry Potter and Star...
McPhail Travel & Discovery Tours 2018/2019 Small Group Tours Announced
Having travelled on several different coach tours we felt that there had to be a better way to introduce people to a country using a more personal, relaxed and in-depth approach.
Video: 8 Restaurants You Won't Want to Miss On This Luxury Silversea Cruise
Silversea's 'Celebrity' Culinary Partnership By: Lynn Elmhirst, Producer/ Host BestTrip.TV These days, celebrity chefs and cruise lines sail hand in hand. Silversea's interpretation of luxury cruising is an understated elegance where service and attention to detail are primary. The Silver Muse at anchor in Paraty, Brazil (Photo: BestTrip.TV) So it's no surprise that Silversea's culinary partnership is not with a famous chef with a flamboyant TV show. Instead, Silversea partnered with Relais & Chateaux, a world-wide association long dedicated to the highest culinary...
5 Reasons To Love Your Suite Butler on a Silversea Cruise
If you've never sailed on Silversea Cruises before, you might not realize something very special you will come to love: your Silversea Butler. This is the only cruise line that provides its famous Butler service in every suite on the ship, where the staff-to-guest ratio is nearly one to one. If you're trying to picture how that level of service – and butlers! - translate to your experience, here are 5 reasons the BestTrip.TV team loved our Suite Butlers when we...