2026 August Newsletter

Tue, 04 Aug 2026 17:52:15 GMT

New Website Feature, Cruise Update, International Travel Advisory

Breaking News. There is a new service on my website - RDTravelLimited.com. Now, you have a choice of over 500,000 hotels and resorts worldwide. This includes the US. There are packages that include airfare. Take a look. You might see something you like.

The cruise line industry is facing a late fall and winter booking dilemma. Too many ships are sailing the Caribbean. More ships are repositioning from Europe and the Mediterranean. There could be lower rates coming. Call me for the latest information as things change.

This summer is not being kind to Europe again this year, with wildfires and heat waves. Remember, some European hotels are not air-conditioned. Lots of France shuts down in August for vacations. In my opinion, the time to travel in Europe is spring and fall.

Sargassum, a seaweed that sits on top of the ocean and flows into the Caribbean from the East, has been a problem this year, especially in Mexico. As the tide rises and then falls, the sargassum remains on the beach. As it begins to ferment, it gives off a most unpleasant odor. This also affects some of the Caribbean islands. Experts say the problem will only get worse. Call me if you would like more information.

Our State Department offers travel advisories on a regular basis. If you are planning to travel outside of the US, I suggest you sign up for STEP, the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program. Go to: travel.state.gov/en.html , scroll down, and click on Enroll Now.

Happy Travels from Your Hometown Travel Advisor.

Russ

Joyce and Bob's tell about their 2025 trip to Japan

Fri, 12 Sep 2025 21:31:14 GMT

Our trip couldn't have been better...

From Konansou, our driver took us to Odawara Train Station , where we boarded the Bullet Train to Kyoto. The trip was just as fast and enjoyable as described.

The flight both to Tokyo and returning went very smoothly. Flying at night to Tokyo-Haneda was perfect, sleeping on the flight made the first hours in Tokyo very good (14 hr. time difference).

All 3 hotels during our stay in Japan were A+++. Each of them was such that it was very easy for walking, site seeing and meeting up at our tour departure points.

Tokyo accommodation, the Keio Plaza Hotel, is very beautiful and centrally located. Tours departed from near the hotel, the restaurants were superb, and the staff very knowledgeable and cordial. The view from our hotel room window, 32nd floor, was amazing.

After a tour to beautiful Hakone Mt. Fuji and the garden area (driver, guide, and ourselves), we had a Japanese lunch, and toured a Japanese market. The hotel, Konansou Ryokan was conveniently located with stunning views of Mt. Fuji making it simple to explore the local shops and neighborhoods. At the hotel, we enjoyed delicious dinner meals served in our room example: including plum wine, sashimi, Koshu beef sirloin, and Fujisakura pork, and finishing with watermelon and passion fruit sorbet.

The last 4 days were spent in Kyoto at the Hotel Okura , which was luxurious and accommodating. Our tour of sites in Kyoto was very good. The hotel, located very near the shopping area, allowed us a super time roaming! We enjoyed The Japanese Tea Ceremony

Experience, which included not only a demonstration but also allowed each of us to take part in the ceremony.

From Kyoto a driver took us to Osaka Itami Airport, to board a plane to Tokyo Narita Airport for our return flight to the USA.

We landed at KCI having enjoyed a trip of a lifetime!

RD's Travel Blog

2026 August Newsletter

New Website Feature, Cruise Update, International Travel Advisory

Joyce and Bob's tell about their 2025 trip to Japan

Our trip couldn't have been better...