November 2, 2025 - This week in Travel

​Your Weekly Roundup of Travel News & Tips

Hello, fellow travelers! Kevin O'Connor here, from Out A Here Travel. My wife Michele and I specialize in planning adventures for travelers aged 50 and over—just like us. We believe that after years of hard work, you've earned the right to explore, relax, and have some well-deserved fun without feeling guilty about it.
That's why I've put together this weekly roundup. Think of it as your personal guide to the latest travel news, destination inspiration, and helpful tips to make your next trip unforgettable. So, grab a cup of coffee, and let's dive into what's happening in the world of travel.


This Week in TravelEvery week, I'll bring you the most important updates, from exciting promotions to major industry announcements. This week is packed with news from Cunard, Disney, and some important considerations for your next cruise.

Cunard's Queen Elizabeth Sets Sail for Its Final Alaska SeasonIf an Alaskan cruise aboard a classic, elegant ship is on your bucket list, now is the time to act. Cunard Lines has announced that 2026 will be the final season for its magnificent Queen Elizabeth ship in the Alaskan market. Starting in 2027, this beautiful vessel will spend its summers in the Mediterranean.
What does this mean for you? It's your last chance to experience the unique blend of British refinement and Alaskan wilderness that only Cunard can offer.

The Queen Elizabeth Experience:
This ship is a fantastic choice for travelers over 50 who appreciate a more relaxed, sophisticated cruise experience. It’s less about high-energy activities and more about savoring the journey. Here’s what makes it special:

• Relaxed Ambiance: Forget the hustle and bustle. This is about sitting back with a loved one, enjoying impeccable customer service, and soaking in the scenery. Think traditional cruising with ballroom dancing and elegant evenings.
• Exceptional Food: From fine dining to the famous afternoon tea at four o'clock, the culinary quality is a highlight that guests rave about.
• Longer Port Stays: Cunard often schedules its itineraries with late arrivals and early departures to avoid the busiest times in port, giving you more time to explore.
• Enriching Guest Speakers: As you sail through majestic Glacier Bay—a must-see on any Southeast Alaska cruise—onboard experts will share insights into the region's native heritage and geology.

This cruise is not geared toward young families. If you’re traveling with grandkids, you might prefer a ship with more kid-focused activities. But for a couple looking for a refined, peaceful getaway, the Queen Elizabeth is perfect.

Cunard Voyage Details and a Can't-Miss Sale:

• Itinerary: Round-trip sailings from Seattle, Washington, running from May to September 2026.
• Duration: Voyages range from 7 to 12 days, allowing you to choose between a quick glimpse or a comprehensive tour of Southeast Alaska's ports.
• Black Friday Sale: Mark your calendars! From November 12th through December 3rd, Cunard is holding a massive sale on over 100 destinations, including these final Alaska sailings. Expect fare discounts, onboard credits, and special perks for Grill Suite guests.

Don't let this opportunity sail away. If a Cunard cruise to Alaska has been on your mind, this is the year to book it. Let's talk and get it planned.

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party:
A Foodie's Guide as soon as Halloween ends, Disney works its magic, and the parks transform into a winter wonderland overnight. This year, Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party is introducing over 40 new menu items, and as someone who was just there, I can tell you the festive spirit is already in the air!

The party is a special ticketed event that takes place after regular park hours, typically from 4 p.m. onwards. It’s a magical experience with snow falling on Main Street, exclusive parades, and spectacular fireworks.

Here’s a sneak peek at some of the delicious treats you can find:

• Casey's Corner: Try the Holiday Pot Roast Hotdog, topped with beer-cheese sauce and crispy onions.
• Plaza Ice Cream Parlor: Indulge in a Santa's Hat Brownie Sundae or a festive Gingerbread Milkshake.
• Columbia Harbour House: Enjoy hearty Orange-Glazed Chicken Strips.
• Specialty Restaurants: Cinderella's Royal Table and Be Our Guest Restaurant will feature special holiday menus with items like lamb chops and caramelized apple tarts.

Many of these treats are only available during the party, so you'll need that special ticket. And trust me, with so many options, you might need to attend more than once to try them all! If you're thinking about a Disney trip, Michele is our resident expert. We can help you book your resort, tickets, and of course, your spot at the Christmas party.

Destination of the Week:
Rocky Mountaineer's Southwest Route. While many know the Rocky Mountaineer for its breathtaking Canadian train journeys, the company has expanded into the United States with a stunning Southwest route: "Rockies to the Red Rocks." This is an incredible way to celebrate America's beauty, especially with the country's 250th anniversary coming up on July 4th, 2026.

This journey takes you from Denver, Colorado, to Moab, Utah, with stops in Glenwood Springs. You can even add an extension to Salt Lake City.

Why Take the Train?
Imagine relaxing in a glass-dome railcar, enjoying gourmet meals, and watching the dramatic landscapes of the American West unfold. The route travels through iconic scenery, including:

• Ruby Canyon: Marvel at the stunning red rock walls carved by the Colorado River.
• Mount Garfield: See the distinctive flat-topped peak as you travel through Colorado.
• Moffat Tunnel: Journey through this historic engineering marvel under the Continental Divide.

You don't have to worry about driving or logistics. Just sit back and let the scenery captivate you.

Extend Your Adventure: The real magic of this trip is the ability to connect with America's most treasured national parks. You can create a longer itinerary that includes visits to the "Mighty Five" in Utah:

• Arches National Park
• Bryce Canyon National Park
• Canyonlands National Park
• Capitol Reef National Park
• Zion National Park

We can arrange hotel packages, day tours, and local activities so you can get off the train and immerse yourself in these incredible landscapes. For any photographers out there, the sunrise and sunset opportunities are simply exceptional. It's an unforgettable adventure that combines the romance of train travel with the grandeur of the Southwest.

Travel Tips: 
As your travel agent, my job is to make your trips as smooth and stress-free as possible. Here are a couple of important tips to keep in mind for your next vacation.

Decoding Cruise Line Drink Packages. If you're a regular cruiser, you've probably noticed that drink packages are changing. Lines like Princess and Royal Caribbean have recently updated their offerings, and it’s worth taking a closer look before you automatically add one to your booking.

Here’s what’s happening:

• More Complexity: Some packages are becoming so intricate that you practically need a spreadsheet to figure out if they’re worth it. Pay attention to what’s included—does it cover drinks on the cruise line’s private island? How many drinks per day are allowed?
• Rising Costs: Like everything else, prices are increasing. Do a quick calculation of your likely consumption to see if a package will save you money.
• Expanding Options: In response to changing trends, cruise lines are expanding their non-alcoholic offerings. You'll now find packages that include specialty coffees (lattes, cappuccinos), mocktails, and non-alcoholic beers.

The bottom line? Don't assume the package you bought last year is the same this year. Read the fine print to understand what you're getting. Alternatively, some lines offer a prepaid bar tab, which might be a simpler and more flexible option.

The Unskippable Step: Travel Insurance! talk about this a lot, and for good reason. Travel insurance is one of the most important parts of planning a trip. It's about risk avoidance. Life happens—flights get delayed, health issues pop up, or a family emergency can force you to cancel. For those of us over 50, this is especially critical. Your regular health insurance may not cover you if you have a medical emergency abroad or on a cruise ship. An emergency airlift can cost a fortune, and you don’t want to be caught unprepared.

When you book with me, I'll always recommend travel insurance. It’s not just about protecting my business; it’s about protecting you and your investment. These trips are expensive, and insurance provides peace of mind, allowing you to relax and enjoy yourself, knowing you're covered if the unexpected happens.

Let's Plan Your Next Adventure! I hope this week's roundup has sparked some ideas for your travel dream board. Whether it's the last call for a Cunard cruise in Alaska, a festive trip to Disney, or a train journey through the red rocks of the Southwest, the world is waiting for you.

My goal is to reduce your stress and handle all the details, from packing lists to transportation, so you can focus on what matters: making memories!

Ready to start planning? Let's talk about where you want to go next! Head over to our Contact Us page to get the conversation started.