River cruises have taken the travel world by storm since their popularity skyrocketed (largely as a result of Viking’s adds on Downton Abbey). Besides the old standbys along the Danube and Rhine Rivers, one of the most popular European river cruise is along Portugal’s Duoro River Valley. And no one does European luxury better than Uniworld. Meanwhile, until we can get back to Europe, the pandemic has introduced Americans to ideas in their own backyards. US river cruises are fun and friends are loving them. 

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When 6, 8, 10, or more friends want to travel together, one of the best ideas (and deals) is to rent a villa, like this award-winning 8-bedroom villa on the ocean near Cancun. It’s near tennis courts and boat rentals are a hop, skip, and a jump away. We love working with Villas of Distinction. They have properties of all shapes and sizes, are reliable, and responsive. 

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Seeing Alaska by ocean cruising is a classic way friends enjoy being together with a wow-factor always present. Silversea, which is legendary for service, has smaller ships that permit entry into nooks larger boats bypass. You’ll see a subtle and spectacular natural beauty, whales, and waterfalls, elks and mountains. It’s an eye feast, that’s even better enjoyed with friends.

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