Although the original Panama canal was completed in 1914, in 2016 the expansion project was completed. This added 2 new sets of locks, one each on the Atlantic and Pacific sides which doubled the canal’s capacity and allows larger vessels to pass. The ship I was on would not have been able to get through the original locks but we were able to transit the new Agua Clara 3-step locks. At dawn we cruised under the new Atlantic bridge which was built in 2019 to make a 3rd crossing over the canal.
Shortly after the bridge the canal separates, the new canal to the left and the old one to the right. Approaching the locks we are greeted by 2 tug boats to guide us through, one in front and one behind. A pilot also needs to come aboard our cruise ship to navigate us through the 3 new locks. This takes about 2 hours until we pass the visitor observation point and enter the Gatun lake.
The new locks are built with sliding gates and each lock has 3 water saving basins to reduce the volume of water that is needed from lake Gatun for lock operation. The operation of the new locks uses gravity and valves. There is no pumping involved. It was an amazing experience to watch the opening and closing of the gates.
Our cruise was staying on the Atlantic (north) side of the canal which meant that we were only going as far as Gatun lake before turning to go back through the same 3 locks. Once we had passed through the 3rd lock into Gatun lake, we stayed there for about another 2 hours while some of the passengers left the ship in tenders to go on various excursions.
The length of time in Gatun lake depends on how many other ships are coming through the canal as we needed to wait for them before going back through. Once back through the 3 locks we docked at Port Cristobel to collect the passengers who had been on excursions.
Oktoberfest is a celebration of all things beer and Bavaria, its origins date back to 1810 and a royal wedding between Crown Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen. The meadow in front of Munich’s city gates was named Theresienwiese in her honour, and it remains at the epicentre of all the Oktoberfest.
The Bavarian charm has spread far and wide, however, and most of us can enjoy a special Oktoberfest Mass or two without even hopping on a plane. But that’s no fun, really. So we say, why not mix it up a little and visit one of the world’s other great Oktoberfests instead?
Blumenau, Brazil The (joint) second-largest Oktoberfest in the world is held in the Brazilian city of Blumenau. Having been founded in 1852 by German colonists, the city’s heritage is still clear to see in its architecture, restaurants and—you guessed it— beer. The area is frothing over with exceptional breweries, so you might need to work on your bar crawling stamina in advance.
Festivities at the 19-day event serve up everything you could hope for, with Lederhosen, beer tents, parades and live music all on offer. Plus, there’s an added splash of Samba to spice things up. But it can also get slightly surreal at points. Just know that you’re not imagining things if you spot a giant herring named Rollmops presiding over a herring-eating competition.
Blumenau will undoubtedly transport you right back to Munich, but no matter how much you like beer, you probably aren’t going all the way to Brazil just to drink a pint.
Right on its doorstep is the Spitzkopf Ecological Park, where you can sweat off the hangover with a hike along rainforest trails towards panoramic views, before a refreshing dip in a river or waterfall. Keep your eyes peeled for protected species, like the white-bearded antshrike, white-necked hawk, cougar and margay.
Kitchener-Waterloo, Canada Also in the running for second place after Munich is the Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest in Ontario, Canada. This is another area with deep German roots, having been settled by German Mennonite farming families from the early 1790s. In fact, until a referendum in 1916, Kitchener was actually called Berlin.
Known as the Twin Cities, Kitchener and Waterloo both take Oktoberfest seriously. What started out as a modest trial run in 1969 has become three weeks of partying, feasts, and family-friendly fun across the two cities.
The official keg tapping is the ceremonial opening event, but it’s the Oktoberfest Thanksgiving Day Parade that really gets attention. The floats, marching bands and dancers make up the nation’s only Thanksgiving parade, drawing thousands come rain or shine.
Get views of Chicago’s most famous buildings, as well as insider info from an expert guide, on this architecture-focused cruise. See all the most important buildings on one tour, a hard-to-accomplish task on foot. View the skyline from the Chicago River while listening to live commentary. Snap photos of the Willis (Sears) Tower, Old Post Office, 360 Chicago Observation Deck, Wrigley Building, and more.
Highlights
See all of Chicago’s architectural masterpieces in a single tour
Choose from multiple departure times to fit your busy schedule
Learn about the city’s architectural history through an expert’s live narration
If you are thinking of visiting Japan in 2024 there are a couple of extra-special events in the calendar.
Our trip to the Sapporo Snow Festival returns, with departures in February ’24. Visit this fascinating festival to marvel at enormous snow and ice sculptures in the shape of cute characters, ice caves and architectural landmarks. Combine this with bullet train journeys through wintery landscapes and an ice-breaker cruise for a unique take on Japan – a great way to experience Japanese culture for the first time, or for an alternative view if you’ve already seen Japan in the warmer seasons.
Or, if springtime is more your season, did you know Japan is famous for its cherry blossom? In 2024 the blossom trail is expected to start from mid-March and run until early April. Join one of our bestselling Japan trips at this to be treated with a spectacle for the eyes, with landscapes blooming in pink and white as you explore this fascinating country.
Forget the 1970s stereotypes — package holidays deliver all sorts of experience, from fly-and-flop to stirring adventure. Here’s what you need to know
Sales of package holidays are soaring in 2023 thanks to the cost-of-living crisis and post-pandemic anxiety about securing a refund if things go wrong.
Over 80 per cent of 2,000 people polled by the UK’s largest tour operator, Jet2, said they were now considering a package because of the current economic climate. Jet2’s summer 2023 programme will be the biggest ever — it has just added flights to Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, Larnaca, Majorca, Tenerife, Faro and Malaga.
Meanwhile, travel trade association Abta has revealed that 29 per cent of Brits are planning on taking an all-inclusive holiday this year to keep costs under control.
Still think this style of trip is just not for you? Here are eight popular myths about package holidays that you shouldn’t believe.
A mural in Buenos Aires, Argentina (Alamy)
1. Package holidays involve two weeks in Spain, eating at the same restaurant every night
Forget that 1970s fly-and-flop stereotype: packages come in all shapes and sizes. Any type of trip, from trekking through Bhutan to exploring the vineyards of California’s Napa Valley on horseback can be a package holiday. The definition of a package is simply that a travel company has put at least two elements of your trip together for you, such as flights, accommodation and car hire. Check out Aito, a brilliant site for sourcing every style of holiday, in destinations from Argentina to the Azores, offered by independent and specialist travel companies.
The view from Manhattan Bridge of New York’s Chinatown (Getty Images)
2. Packages are more expensive than booking hotels and flights separately
Not necessarily. You may think you’re getting better value for money by going it alone but for traditional seaside summer holidays in destinations such as Greece and Portugal package holidays will generally be cheaper than DIY trips, and you won’t run the risk of losing your holiday if your airline or hotel goes bust.
Even city breaks can be cheaper when booked as a package: BA Holidays has some great hotel and flight deals especially off season. Short-haul trips tend to offer fairly modest savings, but long-haul deals can be incredible bargains if you strike lucky: a three-night trip to New York from Gatwick, staying at the plush Indigo Hotel on the Lower East Side in mid-March was £565pp if two people are sharing a room, saving an astonishing £2,275 on the cost when booked separately.
Dining out at Oliva Restaurant, Ikos Aria, Kefalos, Greece (Ikos Resorts)
3. All-inclusive holidays are all wristbands, cheap booze and dodgy food
All-inclusive holidays have always been a brilliant way of keeping spending under control and according to Abta, 40 per cent among those aged 44 and under and 57 per cent of young families are planning to take one in 2023 to manage their finances.
All-inclusives cover all price points and if the cheap and cheerful doesn’t appeal, a new breed of high-end all-inclusive has redefined the experience. Five-star Ikos Resorts (with resorts in Greece and Spain) offers the “Infinite Lifestyle concept”, including restaurants with Michelin-starred menus, cocktails designed by top mixologists, 24-hour complimentary room service, kids’ clubs and a dine-out option that means that guests can try local restaurants. Book through tour operators such as Jet2Holidays.com, trailfinders.com and britishairways.com.
4. It’s quicker and easier to book everything myself
The internet can be a wonderful resource but planning a complicated trip online will be time-consuming and can be stressful and confusing. Book through the right travel agent or tour operator and their staff will be on top of the logistics; they’ll have been on the excursions, stayed in the hotels, eaten in the restaurants and know the right time of year to travel, so you shouldn’t get any nasty surprises.
The Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque in Beirut (Getty Images)
5. An escorted tour means endless coach travel and a big group wearing name badges
Small group escorted tours have soared in popularity in recent years, partly because they’re a brilliant option for solo travellers. They’re led by expert guides (whose services would cost a fortune if booked privately) and often include packed itineraries and experiences that would be impossible to arrange privately, in off-the-beaten track destinations that can be daunting to navigate for newbies. Group sizes are often no more than 12.
Explore! for example, whose average group size is 11, has a week-long Highlights of Lebanon tour including crusader castles and Phoenician ruins, and a sobering reminder of the civil war on a walking tour of Beirut. Some operators offer different grades of comfort and pace: Intrepid, whose new trips for 2023 range from communing with penguins in Patagonia to hiking and biking through Morocco, has four, ranging from “Basix” itineraries for those on a budget to “Premium”, with top-notch accommodation, many meals and tips included.
On the Danube cycle path (Alamy)
6. Packages are a one-size-fits-all trip
Many tour operators offer tailor-made trips so that you can explore at your own pace, stay in exactly the sort of hotel that suits you and eat when and where you want. Exodus, for example, has a self-guided seven-night cycling holiday starting in Vienna that meanders along the Danube and includes cycling in three countries in one week, with stays in four-star hotels, luggage transfers and flights from £1,299pp. Tailor-made trips can also include insider access: try Abercrombie and Kent, whose little black book of contacts will get you an exclusive pre-opening tour of the Grand Egyptian Museum in Cairo if you book a wider itinerary.
A dramatically active volcano lies next to this scenic little town and gardens where you can swim in hot, mineral-rich water that bubbles up from deep within the earth.
A spectacular caldera and a pair of hauntingly beautiful crater lakes that are entangled with local myths and legends. Ethereal and mystical, the area makes for some of the best hiking on the islands.
This wild headland only reared out of the sea split-seconds ago in geological time, though it first emerged in 1957. An enthralling museum is found within the lighthouse, which is still half-buried under volcanic ash.
This local landmark sits on Ponta Delgada waterfront. It has great views over the harbour and some of the finest dining on the island at Balcony restaurant
This is a maritime-themed four-star hotel is by the Horta marina. It has legendary status in Faial’s seafaring history and was once an overnight stop for passengers on the Star Clipper flying boat between Lisbon and New York.
This is a four-star stay set in luxuriant gardens by the sea and in full view of the Monte Brasil fortress. It is only a short walk to the historic centre of Angra do Heroísmo
Here are 6 reasons why everyone needs to go to London at least once:
1. The famous sights
Big Ben, the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, the London Eye, the list goes on and on. There’s nothing quite like the experience of hopping on a red double-decker bus and seeing some of the most recognisable sights in the world from its top deck.
2. The shopping
Whether you’ve got money burning a hole in your pocket or you just want to have a nose past some windows, there is no better place to experience the best shopping in the world than London. Get overwhelmed by the number of people on Oxford Street, stunned by the prices in Knightsbridge and charmed by the boutiques around Carnaby Street.
3. The nightlife
Londoners may work hard, but they also play hard too. There’s everything any night owl could possibly want in the capital, from classic pubs, to chic clubs, quirky dive bars, theatres packed with Hollywood stars taking their turn on the boards. Whatever you decide to do, make sure you book tickets for some kind of show one evening, whether it be a West End musical, a stand up comedy show, or a great live concert. The biggest stars and the best shows always make a stop in our nation’s capital, so you’re sure to find something that will blow you away.
4. The history
The story of London is ever so long and dramatic. So much of our culture as a country developed in this city and you’ll discover more than you can possibly remember if you visit some of its museums and historical attractions. Terrify yourself with the gruesome past of the London Dungeons or bask in the splendour of royalty at Hampton Court Palace.
5. The unexpected bits
The best bits of a trip to London will be the bits you won’t expect. There are some things you’d never know until you experience them in person, like how peaceful the green spaces in such a bustling city can be, or how distinctive different neighbourhoods can feel. The one-of-a-kind memories can only come from travelling to the city, putting on some comfortable walking shoes, and going out to explore.
6. The people
London, and in fact Britain in general, may not have a great reputation for being full of friendly, welcoming people, but actually, the city is the wonder that it is because of the great diversity of fascinating people that live there. Everywhere you look you’ll see people doing incredible things, whether it’s building businesses or performing circus acts in the street. Everyone has a story to tell, and on a visit to London it’s worth talking to as many people as possible to hear some of the amazing stories, as well as creating one of your very own.
Check out the amazing range of tours available here
Vast and cinematic, this famed national park is an absolute showstopper, with bands of red rocks and carved canyon walls as far as the eye can see. No wonder it draws millions of visitors every year. But if you want solo time in nature, you’re in luck. The window of December to February gets only a sliver of summer’s peak crowds. Yes, it’s cold—highs tend to hover around 45 degrees—but this season has its own attractions, like seeing the Canyon’s walls dusted in snow. South Rim trails also stay open for the most part. One good bet: The Hermit Trail tends to stay relatively snow- and ice-free because of its lower elevation and sunlight exposure. Need another reason to come? January is also when the park’s historic photo studio, Kolb Studio, has its art exhibition and sale.
The town of West Yellowstone just over state lines is a great base for National Park adventures. Plus, it’s the only place you’d actually want to run into a grizzly bear. When it comes to Montana’s big moments in history, The Battle of the Little Bighorn might sound familiar, aka Custer’s Last Stand (not Custard, as some of us may have thought as children). Today you can visit a monument to the battle near Crow Agency, Montana, taking in the beautiful sculptures and gravestones dedicated to the men and women who died there.
The Crow fair is another important stop during August, when the hills surrounding the Little Bighorn River are turned into the “teepee capital of the world.” Members of the public are welcome to witness the parades, rodeos and dance competitions celebrating tribe culture. Ya·qawiswit̓xuki—or Glacier National Park as it’s known in English—is your next stop. It was formerly a homeland of the Kootenai people, but years of development and global warming have changed the landscape greatly. Visiting is allowed, just take time to be respectful of the land and learn about the local history before you go. The glaciers are receding more each year, but a day hike in Many Glacier Valley can still provide you epic views of Grinnell Glacier and Salamander Glacier. If you’re pushed for time, plan ahead for a drive along the infamous Going-To-The-Sun Road and keep your eyes peeled for the Jackson Glacier Overlook sign. Bring binoculars for the big reveal! The Kootenai and Salish Tribes are also responsible for something wholly unexpected in the area—The Garden of One Thousand Buddhas. You’ll be transported straight to Tibet, surrounded by colourful prayer flags, a shrine to Yum Chenmo, and—as you may have guessed—one thousand statues of Buddha
Located on the south shore of Honolulu, the world-famous neighborhood of Waikīkī was once a playground for Hawaiian royalty. Known in Hawaiian as “spouting waters,” Waikīkī was introduced to the world when its first hotel, the Moana Surfrider, was built on its shores in 1901. Today, Waikīkī is Oʻahu’s main hotel and resort area and a vibrant gathering place for visitors from around the world. Along the main strip of Kalākaua Avenue you’ll find world-class shopping, dining, entertainment, activities and resorts.
Waikīkī is famous for its beaches and every hotel room is just two or three blocks away from the ocean (if it’s not directly on the beach). With Mount Lēʻahi (Lēʻahi Head) as your backdrop, the calm waters of Waikīkī are perfect for a surfing lesson. The Duke Kahanamoku Statue, located on Waikīkī Beach, has become an iconic symbol of Waikīkī and the surf culture of Oʻahu.
But there’s more to Waikīkī than just the beach. Attractions of Waikīkī like the Honolulu Zoo and the Waikīkī Aquarium offer fun for the whole family. You can learn about the history of Waikīkī by reading the surfboard markers along the Waikīkī Historical Trail. Among the various things to do, high-end boutiques, shops, and restaurants can be found all along Kalākaua and Kūhiō Avenues and at gathering places like the Royal Hawaiian Center, the Waikīkī Beach Walk and the newly transformed International Market Place. After the Waikīkī sunset, the fun continues with amazing nightlife and live music.
Best of all, Waikīkī is within a half hour of a variety of Oʻahu attractions, including Pearl Harbor, ʻIolani Palace, the Nuʻuanu Pali Lookout and Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve Nature Preserve, a marine life conservation district. Other notable points of interest nearby include Ala Moana Center (a massive outdoor shopping center), the local neighborhood of Kapahulu and the arts district of Chinatown.
Share the warm Hawaiian waters with green sea turtles, tropical fish, and more on a 2-hour snorkel excursion from Waikiki. No need to wear your flippers and mask on the plane, as all necessary gear is provided. Under the careful guidance of a tour leader, discover the vibrant sea life of Turtle Canyons. Above water wildlife sightings may include spinner dolphins, flying fish, and – in winter months – humpback whales.
