In This Issue
- Family Stories: Make This Thanksgiving Special
- Beware! The Air Latest Scam
- New Itinerary & New Ship Highlights: Italy, Africa & Iberia Discovery
- November Specials
- October Contest Winner!
- New Contest: Where in the World is This?
- Join us on Explora Journeys, February 24-March 3, 2026
- EES for European Countries
- Update on UK and European Union Visas
- Links to Past Newsletters
- The Last Laugh
The “Do You Know?” 20 Questions About Family Stories
As you can probably tell, I love stories and have been saving this article to share with you for just this Thanksgiving season. In fact, this article has been on the favorites bar of my desktop ever since I learned that our IGT client, Robyn Fivush wrote it for Psychology Today.
Like many of our clients, Robyn has a long and accomplished career but is also low-key about her professional background. So, unless you were doing a little digging, you wouldn’t know she has her Ph.D. and has been a professor of Developmental Psychology at Emory University since 1984.
As the holidays approach – family gatherings can be a mixed bag of travel and tension, fun and hard work. Sometimes you can leave drained and exhausted, even though you were looking forward to the gathering, right?
What I love about this article is that it gives a handle to navigate to a different way to connect with those you love – and even those you don’t love as much!
How many times have you heard the background story of someone’s past, and it gives you a different level of appreciation or compassion toward him or her? For example, you might know someone who’s a packrat, but when you learn what it was like for them to live through the Depression, it makes a difference on how you feel about how much they like to save things “just in case they need it.”
A fun idea would be to print off these 20 questions (and add even more of your own) onto nice cardstock, cut into small strips and put in a cute jar with a ribbon tied around it. Then pass it around the Thanksgiving table or pick one out to talk about while you wash the dishes. It would make a meaningful Christmas gift, too!
Here’s the link to get you thinking.... 20 Questions: The Stories of Our Lives
Thanks Robyn for allowing us to share this with our readers!
Beware of This New Air Scam!
We’ve recently had several of our guests get scammed by fake websites or people from call centers pretending to be with a major airline. Guests are told they owe more money to claim their seats or have their seats assigned. The guest may look online for the airline’s phone number and call them, but it’s not the true airline call center. Somehow, these companies have all their information and can make it sound legitimate.
Before you pay any extra money, please use caution if you have been notified with a link in an email or an unsolicited call. If you have any doubt, call Viking first to confirm the payment is needed and check to be sure you have the airline’s official phone number if you need to speak to the airline about your seat assignment.
New Viking Itineraries:
The new Viking itineraries and this month we're highlighting the maiden voyages, the brand new Viking Astrea will sail the 15-day Italy, Africa & Iberia Discovery June 1-15, 2027, from Venice to Barcelona. Sicily, Sardinia and the Amalfi Coast are highlights, as is Tunisia, and visiting Carthage was of my all-time favorite optional excursions!
There’s another new itinerary called Aegean & Mediterranean Explorer that sails January 6-20, 2028. It has similar ports of call but begins in Athens and ends in Barcelona.
Best pricing and availability go to those who book early, so contact Carol@ImagineGoingThere.com if you’re interested in more information!
Why should you be thinking of 2027 and 2028? Because Viking guests know:
- Prices tend to increase each month as the sailing gets closer to departure
- The best shoreside staterooms go first
- Overall ability shrinks
- $25 per person deposit solves all the above problems!
Plus, if you have an existing reservation, we can extend the final payment to six months prior to departure!
November 2025 Special Offers
As always, we’re going to bring you the best deals and unadvertised promotions. Here are the latest offers for October. (Only available by contacting us at Carol@ImagineGoingThere.com...special pricing will not show on the website!)
(These offers are only available as capacity allows,
and can be withdrawn at any time, so act fast!!)
RIVERS Free International Airfare + $1,000 SBC per stateroom
Pharaohs & Pyramids (12 Days, Cairo to Cairo)
Starts at $5,999; on select dates for 2026 river itineraries (January to June, August & September)
Magnificent Mekong River Cruise (15 Days, Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City)
Starts at $5,999; on select dates for 2026 river itineraries (January to April, August & September)
EXPEDITIONS FREE International Airfare, Reduced Fares & $25 Deposit
Antarctic Explorer (13 Days, Buenos Aires to Ushuaia)
Starts at $10,995; Jan: 19, 30; Feb: 10, 13, 21
Argentina & the Chilean Fjords (14 Days, Buenos Aires to Santiago)
Starts at $7,995; March 4 & March 13, 2026 sailings
Panama Canal & the Americas (20 Days, Santiago to New York City, NY)
Starts at $6,495; March 17 & March 26, 2026 sailings
Canadian Discovery (13 Days; New York City to Toronto, Ontario)
Starts at $6,495; April 5, 2026
RIVER, OCEAN & EXPEDITION Exclusive Past Guest Offer
Save up to $400 per person on future journeys!
- Receive $400 per person discount if you sailed within one year
- Receive $250 per person discount if you sailed more than a year ago
Valid on 2026–2028 Voyages (World Cruise excluded)
Plus…Book More, Save More Continues!
If you have an existing booking, we can add an additional $250 per person discount (8-14 days) or $500 per person (15 or more days) to any Viking sailing. Not only that, we are able to extend your final payment to six months prior to departure, too!
This pricing is based on promotional codes that we will add and will not be reflected on the website. Call us at 770-421-9627 or email Carol@ImagineGoingThere.com to secure your spot on these incredible itineraries!
Call Carol at 770-421-9627 for up-to-date availability and best pricing– plus we’ll add extra shipboard credit to your reservation, which you won’t get by calling direct!
October Contest Winner
Last month, our “Travel Tested – Carol Approved” contest was for my new favorite travel gadget – the Aquavault Chargecard plus a 3-pack of Tide To-Go pens. (The Tide Pens were a huge lifesaver when I spilled berry kombucha all over my white sweater on the way to the airport!)
The challenge was actually a riddle and a seek-and-find, so it was harder than usual. The correct answer to the riddle was a ship, and the place it was hidden was here:
In the drawing for those that guessed the answer to the riddle, Jenn Flanagan’s name was picked– Congratulations, Jenn!!
November Contest:
This month is a photo of a popular place in one of America’s iconic cities (think Northwest) – many of you have told me you’ve visited this small town and loved it.
So, email newsletter@imaginegoingthere.com, and let us know your guess as to the location. We’ll do a drawing for this Travel Garment Bag!
This really came in handy when I had to pack several dresses on a recent trip.
The great thing about it is that it opens up, and there is an area for things that are extra-long, or that you don’t want to fold and put in a suitcase. Then, once that’s tucked away and protected behind a secured zippered section, it will keep your clothes nearly wrinkle-free. Plus, there is still room to pack other items and even sections for your shoes to keep them from getting the rest of the contents dirty.
Another cool thing is, it slides over your carryon, so I’ve been able to pack for a two-week trip with this bag as a personal item on top of my carryon and not even check a bag.
Send your entries with the correct answer to where this photo was taken to newsletter@imaginegoingthere.com no later than November 29 to be entered in the drawing.
Good luck!
Join Us on Explora Journeys – Feb 24 - March 3, 2026!
I’ve told you in previous newsletters how fabulous our Explora Journeys cruises have been!
Well, we’re doing another Imagine Going There Travel cruise to the Caribbean February 24-March 3, 2026, and would love to have you join us!
What a great way to get away from the winter blues – here's the itinerary:
A Journey of Paradise Coves and Puerto Rican Spirits (8 nights, Miami to San Juan)
Below is a photo of the Ocean Terrace Suite 2, pricing at $3,719.35 per person, based on double occupancy, which includes our group rate as well as an additional 5 percent discount (normally pricing is $4,130pp for this category.)
The sailing includes all the following as complimentary amenities in your cruise fare:
- 5 Restaurants
- Unlimited premium beverages
- Free wifi
- Port Fees
- Taxes
- Gratuities
Come join us!! Call 770-421-9627 or email Carol@ImagineGoingThere.com for more details.
EES for European Countries
We have been receiving questions recently around the new EES (Entry/Exit System) being implemented in Europe and if travelers need to do anything in advance. This is different from ETIAS that has not yet been implemented.
The Entry/Exit System (EES) is a new European Union automated IT system that will register non-EU nationals for short stays in the Schengen Area, replacing traditional passport stamping with the collection of biometric data like fingerprints and facial images.
Starting October 12, 2025, the system will be phased in over six months with the expectation that once implemented it will make border checks more efficient.
Travelers do not need to do anything advance. When non-EU nationals cross an external EU border, they will use self-service kiosks to scan their passport, provide a facial image, and give fingerprints.
If you would like more information about the EES you can visit this link.
Entry/Exit System (EES) FAQ
What is EES?
A digital border check system replacing passport stamps. Your entry, exit, or refusal will be electronically recorded.
Who does it apply to?
Non-EU nationals traveling to the Schengen Area, whether you need a short-stay visa or travel visa-free. See who is exempt here.
Why does it matter?
Faster border checks, stronger security, and less time waiting at passport control.
What about ETIAS?
Once EES is fully implemented by April 2026, the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) will follow. You’ll only need to apply when ETIAS officially launches in late 2026.
**PLEASE NOTE IF YOU ARE TRAVELING TO THE UK***
UK’s new ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) is up and running! You must submit if disembarking in the UK!
The United Kingdom officially launched their ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) application process for United States citizens. If you are traveling to the UK you will need to be sure to apply and obtain this authorization prior to your departure. (Shortly after introducing ETA, they made the change that you will not need an ETA if you are only going through the airport “in-transit” and not going through customs.)
This application costs £16 and is done online. The website states it could take up to three days to process, so don’t wait until the last minute! Click here for more information and to apply.
Carol recently did it over her phone using this QR code. It was a clear and fairly easy process as long as you read the prompts closely.
CAUTION: If you type in “ETA” to a Google search there are many websites that appear to be “official”. However, you will end up paying too much if you use a website other than the UK government website. You should look for the “.gov.uk” address to make sure you have the correct information.
ETIAS for European Countries
We are continuing to monitor when this will start, and the EU recently announced it will not start until the last quarter of 2026. Viking has told us they will be sending out announcements to travelers once it finally goes into effect and the European Union will inform about the start of the ETIAS several months prior to it’s launch. Click here for the official ETIAS website.
One less thing to have to think about – at least for now!
Links to Past Newsletters
The Last Laugh
"Don't judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant."
- Robert Louis Stevenson
About Imagine Going There Travel
Carol is a Viking Master Cruise Expert and Group Travel Specialist, and she loves getting people together to enjoy the intimacy and hospitality unique to small ship cruising.
Consequently, our clients benefit from the “inside information” we have as a result of the great relationships we have developed over the years. They don't have to call an 800-number hoping to get a knowledgeable professional to answer their questions, and are also on the “first-to-know” list for specials and bonuses, all while receiving the signature TLC we put into every trip.
Vacations are the highlight reels of the year, and each one needs to be truly memorable.
Great Vacations Matter, Because Great Memories Matter Most
P.S. Whether you have questions about your upcoming cruise, or you have a Future Cruise Voucher you're trying to put to the best use, feel free to contact me at 770-421-9627 or email Carol@ImagineGoingThere.com. I'll be happy to answer all of your questions and give you the best advice for your Viking dollars.
P.S.S. If you've booked direct with Viking in the last 60 days, call 770-421-9627 to get an additional $200 shipboard credit to your reservation!
