10 Bucket List Trips That Are Actually Worth the Hype
Which bucket list trips are actually worth the hype? Here are 10 that deliver, with the best time to go, typical costs, how far ahead to book and the entry rules that changed for 2027 planning.
Sue Nelson
Hi, I'm Sue. I plan cruises, all-inclusive resorts, and slow multi-country trips through Europe. I'm a certified Hawaii travel specialist, and I book through host agency Outside Agents as a member of the Travel Leaders Network. Twenty years in senior HR leadership before this, which mostly taught me how to read what people actually want. I live in Grain Valley, Missouri with my husband and business partner Mike.
Group Cruise vs All Inclusive Resort: Which Is Better for Groups?
Group cruise or all-inclusive resort? Here's which one fits your crew and how to compare the real cost per person, plus the group perks cruise lines don't advertise loudly.
How to Choose the Right European River Cruise Itinerary (Without Regret)
Rhine, Danube, Douro or Rhône? Here is how to match the river, route, season and length to the way you travel, so you book the right European river cruise the first time.
Best Travel Items to Use at Home (Bring Vacation Vibes Into Everyday Life)
Missing that travel feeling? These are the best travel items to use at home, with cozy comforts and smart organizers that bring a little vacation energy into your everyday routine, plus the airline and cruise rules to know when you pack them again.
How to Plan a Trip to Europe Without Getting Overwhelmed
Planning a trip to Europe doesn’t have to take 47 browser tabs. Here is how to pick fewer places, map a route that makes sense, book things in the right order and get your documents ready for 2027.
Do Cruise Prices Drop Closer to Sailing? (What Actually Happens)
Do cruise prices drop closer to sailing, or is waiting a risky move? Here’s what actually happens to cruise pricing, when deals appear, and why booking early often gives you better options, pricing, and peace of mind.
When to Book a European River Cruise: How Far in Advance You Really Need
(And Why Waiting “Just a Little Longer” Is Usually a Bad Idea) Last updated: September 4, 2026 :: Written by Sue Nelson, Travel Advisor | Adventures by MJ Book a European river cruise for 2027 between 12 and 18 months…
Europe Christmas Market River Cruise vs DIY Trip: Which Is Better in 2026?
Should you book a Europe Christmas market river cruise or plan the trip yourself? Here’s how the two compare on cost, effort and the markets you’ll see, plus 2026 dates, low-water warnings and the new EU entry rules.
Small Ship vs Large Cruise Ship: Which Cruise Experience Is Better?
Small ship or large cruise ship? Here's how they really differ on crowds, dining, ports and price, with real ship sizes from Viking and Windstar and a quick way to pick the one that fits you.
Luxury European River Cruise: Are They Worth It or Just More Expensive?
Are luxury European river cruises worth the extra cost? Here’s what you actually get for the money, what a river cruise costs per day, which lines fold drinks and tips into the fare, and when a premium line makes more sense.