Summer 2026 / By Land or Sea / Alaska & Hawaii

By Land or Sea or Both
“If you can dream it, I can make it happen.” It’s time to start thinking & planning for 2027.

Closer to Home
Although I’m usually working on more complex international travel, I do offer 2 domestic U.S. destinations, closer to home. My newsletter is based on travel interests. I haven’t discussed cruising in a long time & I’ve had recent requests. I’m aware that some of you prefer land getaways. No worries, I’ve got you covered too.

Alaska & Hawaii by Request
Exploring our 49th state of Alaska, the Last Frontier. Wilderness. Wildlife. History. One of my top recommendations for summer travel. Enjoying our 50th state of Hawaii. Our Tropical Paradise. An easy & accessible Island Getaway. Each island a different adventure.

 

Alaska by Land
8 days Group Land Only Guided Tour with overnights at Alaska Lodges.
to Anchorage, Girdwood, Denali National Park, Kenai Peninsula & Seward.
Active & family-friendly. Ideal for grandparents, parents, teens & kids.

 

Included Highlights:
A wilderness hike around Talkeetna Lake; Flightsee over the soaring peaks of Denali National Park; Cruise the Kenai Peninsula; Meet Iditarod sled dogs in training; Take a jet boat ride in “bush” Alaska; Explore the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center; Attend a cultural performance at the Alaska Native Heritage Center;  Go on a geocaching treasure hunt. Contact me for the full details.

The Complexities of Cruising
There are so many options now that it can be an overwhelming avalanche of information to sift through. I help travelers find the best fit in terms of lines, ships, cabin/suite categories, inclusions, excursions, promotions & bonuses. Cruise lines have personalities. Ships within a line vary by design & age. All inclusive is a relative term. I can read  a deck plan like nobody’s business. And I have access to 2027 Cruise Groups with extra amenities!

Alaska by Land & Sea
If you are only going once, a Cruise Tour combines the best of both worlds. Sail along the Inside Passage before heading inland to the heart of Alaska: the Yukon Territory & Denali Natioal Park. If you have already done the Inside Passage Cruise, this take you deeper into Alaska.

Planes, Trains . . .  and a Cruise
11 days on a  Cruise Tour. A short 3 nights coastal cruise from Vancouver including Ketchikan & Glacier Bay. Then 8 days overland from Skagway to Whitehorse & Dawson City in the Yukon.  A flight takes you to Fairbanks for your continued journey on to Denali National Park. Finally luxury domed rail transports you to Anchorage. Think “cruising on land” with meals & activities included. Contact me for the full details.

Alaska by Sea
If you just want an intro cruise, consider the Inside Passage cruises. 7 nights sailings from Seattle to Vancouver, roundtrip or one way with a return flight back. Ports typically include Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway & Glacier Bay, Hubbard or Dawes Glacier, sometimes Tracy or Endicott Arm fjords.

Keep in mind, these roundtrip itineraries are limited in range. With stops at coastal ports as access points, you’ll have to venture farther inland to experience the wilderness, the wildlife & the culture.
See video: Alaska Inside Passage Cruise

Hawaii by Sea
Did you know? There are longer seasonal cruises roundtrip from San Diego or Vancouver on the West Coast to Hawaii. Ports of call include Hilo & Kona on Hawaii island, Maui, Kauai & (Honolulu) Oahu.

 

 

There are shorter one way sailings, between Hawaii and the West Coast. Cruise in one direction & fly the other direction. Available on specific dates only, Typically, ports include Hilo, Kona & Honolulu. Pre + Post Cruise land segments create a Hawaii Cruise Tour, similar to Alaska Cruise Tours. Contact me for more details.

Hawaii by Land
I have my own curated list of  Hidden Gems, extraordinary one-of-a-kind hotels & resorts, all over the world. I have a few on the Hawaiian islands, in quieter, less touristy locations. The Tahiti Private Island from my last newsletter is another example. If I have ever created a custom land getaway for you, then you already know what I’m referring to. It’s also where I go on my own time & money. 

Conversation Required
Island Getaways is an award-winning custom travel company. There is nothing generic or prepackaged. My recommendations are tailored to the travelers. It is not possible to get into specifics within the scope of the newsletter. My expert advice isn’t free but it is very reasonable. You just have to be working with me to get the benefits of my knowledge, experience & connections,  Please contact me to discuss your needs.

 

Out of Office
July 24 – Aug 12
Since I’ll be on the move all day, every day, I can only action urgent matters while traveling
Please contact me NOW (before) or LATER (after these dates) for routine travel requests.