TRAVEL INSPIRATION

By Lori Crittenden, Owner of Saltwater Travel Company Your vacation time is valuable. Planning it shouldn’t require weeks of research, dozens of browser tabs, and evenings spent figuring out how to get from one place to the next. I’m Lori Crittenden, owner of Saltwater Travel Company, a boutique travel agency based in Lincoln, California. I help busy professionals, couples, and groups plan custom European vacations, ocean and river cruises, all-inclusive getaways, and shared

When should I book my vacation? Gone are the days when travelers could count on scoring amazing last-minute deals. Today's travel industry works very differently. Airlines, cruise lines, and hotels use dynamic pricing, meaning prices fluctuate based on demand. As cabins, rooms, and flights fill up, prices usually increase—not decrease.

Experience the magic of Europe’s Christmas markets with a river cruise in 2026 or 2027, from Vienna and Strasbourg to Budapest and Cologne. Early booking ensures the best cabins, exclusive perks, and access to personalized itinerary planning while navigating updated travel regulations with ease.