What happens when a cruise stop turns into one of your favorite resort vacations ever?

In this episode of Explorations All Over, Russ shares how a brief visit to Grand Case, St. Martin during a cruise led to not just one return trip — but several. From lazy mornings at the Grand Case Beach Club to unforgettable meals on a street lined with 40 gourmet restaurants, this story is about more than just palm trees and sunsets. It’s about finding a place that sticks with you long after the suitcase is unpacked.

Plus, a hilarious dinner mishap involving shrimp, finger bowls, and a new phrase you’ll never forget: shrimp dip.

🧭 What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

• How a cruise stop first introduced us to Grand Case
• Why we returned — and how we made it our own
• Tips for booking, saving, and getting around the island
• The daily rhythm of a perfect beach vacation
• Favorite restaurants, local gems, and cheese smuggling
• One unforgettable dinner story that still makes us laugh
• A teaser for the upcoming Far Flung Destinations series

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Why We Return to the City of Light Again and Again

In this deeply personal episode, Russ invites you along on a multi-decade love story with the City of Light. From a whirlwind 24-hour first visit in 2006 to slow, immersive returns in 2019, 2021, and 2023, discover how Paris evolved from a stopover into a beloved second home.

Whether you're a first-time traveler or a frequent flyer, you’ll find inspiration in the art, food, and unexpected magic of returning to a place that keeps unfolding its secrets.

You’ll Hear About:

• [00:00] Why land travel can be as enriching as cruising
• [01:30] The first trip to Paris in 2006
• [03:00] Returning in 2019: flights, food, hotel, and private tours
• [08:00] Why private tours can elevate a travel experience
• [10:00] Dinner cruise and the perfect end to a Paris return
• [11:30] Traveling with friends and family in 2021
• [15:00] Splitting up: Versailles vs. Fontainebleau & Vaux-le-Vicomte
• [17:00] Exploring the Loire Valley: Chenonceau & Chambord
• [19:00] Capping the trip with a VIP dinner cruise
• [20:00] A quick return in 2023 and seeing Paris through friends’ eyes
• [22:30] The joy of returning again and again
• [24:00] Final reflections: Why favorite places are worth revisiting

Mentioned in This Episode:

• Hotel Le Bourdonnais – Inwood Hotels
• Le Florimond – TripAdvisor
• Fermin Le Barbier – Official Site
• Babylon Tours – Private Museum Tours
• Normandy Melody – Versailles Day Trips
• La Compagnie – Business-Class Airline

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Ever wondered what makes cruise vacations so magical or why they inspire such passionate loyalty among travelers? Award-winning cruise consultant Kurt Oswald pulls back the curtain on the cruise industry, sharing the insider knowledge you need before booking your first (or next) voyage at sea.

Kurt addresses the most common concerns of first-time cruisers head-on - from fears about seasickness to worries about crowded ships. "The ships are so technology advanced now... you don't hear many people getting seasick at all," he explains, dispelling one of cruising's most persistent myths. Even on massive ships carrying thousands of passengers, Kurt assures listeners that "you're never around crowds - there's always a place to go," whether you're seeking excitement or tranquility.

Choosing the right cruise experience is about understanding your own travel style and expectations. Kurt walks through the matching process he uses with clients, considering everything from family dynamics to dining preferences when recommending specific cruise lines. The wisdom in his advice becomes apparent as he explains how vastly different two cruise experiences can be depending on the ship and itinerary selected. His recommendation to book at least a year in advance might surprise some listeners, but makes perfect sense when he details the benefits of early planning.

The conversation ventures into practical territory with discussions about cabin selection (why that balcony might be worth every penny), the true cost of cruising beyond advertised rates, and the crucial importance of travel insurance. Kurt's passion for creating perfect vacation experiences shines throughout, especially when he shares simple tips for enhancing your onboard experience - like his strategy of greeting cabin stewards with a small tip on day one to ensure exceptional service throughout your voyage.

Ready to explore the world from the comfort of a floating luxury hotel? Email Kurt at koswald@expediacruises.com and discover why so many travelers find themselves returning to the seas year after year.

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This mini-episode is to tell you about the next episode I will be publishing which will feature a conversation I'm having with Kurt Oswald, a cruise advisor specialist with Expedia Cruises.

We're going to talk about everything from the basics of how to select a cruise that's right for you, your friends or your family, to what should you expect while you're on the ship. We'll talk about how much a cruise really costs and how to find a vacation that fits in to your budget.

I hope to share with you some tips that I have learned over my 30 years of traveling, including cruises and get some insights from an industry expert to help you make the best cruise decision.

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After our 19-night Indian Ocean cruise on Silversea's "Silver Spirit", we decided to spend 4 extra nights in South Africa; one night in Cape Town and three nights in Franschoek, in the wine region.

Our Cape Town experience was fantastic and traveled all around the area learning about the history and culture of South Africa. We got to see everything from the southwestern most tip of Africa, Cape Point to a colony of South African penguins that are found only in that area of the world and are facing diminishing populations. We explored the downtown harbor area, took in some shopping at the Victoria and Alfred Wharf and enjoyed an amazing dinner with the largest oysters I've ever had!

Then we headed off to Franschoek, one of South Africa's beautiful wine regions for a three night stay. Our accommodations at La Providence Farm were spectacular and the food scene is world class. I talk about each of the restaurants we visited and share with you how I go about choosing a restaurant from all the great options.

Of course the primary purpose of our visit was to check out some of the wineries. We visited four and I'll tell you about the difference between a wine tasting in the U.S. and elsewhere versus a wine tasting in South Africa; they do it right!

So if you've ever thought about exploring this part of the world, join me as I tell you about our unforgettable journey and what makes South Africa a destination you must have on your bucket list.

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With so many places to see and even more ways to get there, how do you even begin to start planning a vacation? It can be overwhelming, but I share with you our method to plan an unforgettable journey.

I talk about the three factors to consider when planning a trip: the destination, the best way to get there and managing the budget. I use our most recent cruise on Silversea Cruises' "Silver Spirit" to the Seychelles and beyond to illustrate the process including when to book air travel, whether or not to book a hotel before and/or after a cruise or organized tour.

My travel mantra is "stuff happens" and I talk about what to do when things don't go as you had planned.

Links:

Priority Pass

1,000 Places to See Before You Die 2025

Cruise Critic Article

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Whether you're new to travel or have been on the road for years, I'll share with you some practical tricks and tips to get the most out of your time off.

Using my first ever Greek adventure as a backdrop, I'll help you gain an understanding of how to maximize your travel experience, whether your traveling 200 miles from home or 5,000.

Discover 4 ways to get the most out of a trip and create memories to last a lifetime.

I'll share with you some funny, and sometimes scary, stories of Duncan's and my first adventure abroad. It was a great way for us to get a better understanding of the world beyond our front door and break out of our comfort zone. If we could do it, you can too.

I've also posted a companion photo album to go along with this episode on the Explorations All Over Faacebook page. It's a fun way to actually SEE what I'm talking about.

Find out about upcoming subscriber only content including exclusive interviews with travel professionals and a series called "Far Flung Destinations".

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[I decided to publish this episode sooner than my 2 week schedule since the first episode was so short.]

For those of us who enjoy traveling, we can all pretty much pinpoint the trip when we would say we were "bitten by the travel bug". For me it was an amazing trip I took with my parents and sister in August 1975, which began on the Queen Elizabeth 2 and continued through some of the most popular European destinations. I've got some amusing stories about our journey.

I'll also give you some of my tips for making the most of your travel.

Finally, I'll introduce you to the first "big trip" Duncan and I took together to Greece, starting with an unforgettable experience in First Class on Trans World Airlines in 1995.

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Thanks for listening. Check back in 2 weeks for the next episode. Don't forget to subscribe and make sure to "like" the Explorations All Over" Facebook page, too!