Bubblehead's Best Summer Vacations
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The Announcer Guy: [00:00:00] Ladies and gentlemen, wanderlust enthusiasts, and fellow globetrotters, welcome aboard the thrilling journey of the Bubblehead Talks Vacations Podcast. Get ready to fasten your seatbelts as we embark on a virtual adventure filled with travel tips, upcoming vacation events and deals, and riveting travel reports.

The Announcer Guy: Hosted by the one and only travel guru, Dave Bryant, the Bubblehead. This podcast promises to be your own. to exploring the world and making the most of your wanderlust. So, let's see where the bubbles take us.

The Bubblehead: Welcome to another episode of Bubblehead Talks Vacations. Today. We're immersing ourselves in the best summer vacation destinations for 2024. Designed specifically for couples and solo travelers will be your travel companions, sharing our personal experiences, revealing hidden gems, offering valuable tips to help you plan your next dream vacation. Whether you're yearning for romantic escape [00:01:00] or an exhilarating solo journey, we've got the perfect destination for you. 

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The Bubblehead: Hey there. It's Dave hope you guys had an amazing week. Last week was truly a special one for me. I celebrated my 50th birthday this past Friday. Pretty big milestone five zero. I guess I'm officially old. And then I basked in the joy of a wonderful father's day on this past Sunday. So it was a, big weekend for me, but the week of awesomeness is not over. This week my wife and I, Nicole, we'll be celebrating our 25th. Wedding anniversary. So we're going to take a quick trip down to Boston. We'll talk a little bit about that, but I'll tell you to have all these things in one week. It's not overwhelming. It's just awesome to sit and think and reflect at this time of year. 

The Bubblehead: The memories were really awesome. And I really appreciate it. And speaking of [00:03:00] milestones if you've paid attention to my social media over Bubblehead Vacations, you'll see that. I've really been stepping up my training game lately on my birthday. I challenged myself this past week to an eight mile run. And today the training plan had me doing 10 miles. 

The Bubblehead: As many as you have been following me know that last year I ran dopey challenge in January. And this year in January, I'm going to do the same thing. And for those of you. New to this, or don't know about the run Disney races down there at Walt Disney world. They have this thing called the dopey challenge. 

The Bubblehead: They do it over Walt Disney world. Marathon weekend and it's a series of races. That go a 5k at 10 K a half marathon and a full marathon all over a consecutive four days. So it's a Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday. It's a true test of endurance. And determination. And I'm thrilled to take on this challenge. Once again, I'll be participating in a couple of races leading up to that one in about two weeks. 

The Bubblehead: Therefore keep fresh and maintain a level of fitness that allows [00:04:00] me to do that. So I have that race and I have some races in October and then. The big dopey challenge in January. I've discovered that smaller races along the way. Do a lot to help me stay physically fit, but they also serve as a powerful motivators. 

The Bubblehead: They keep me focused and provide me with benchmarks to strive. For, instance, I got to run a half marathon in the fall and another early winter, these races will not only help me build stamina and get me accustomed race, state conditions, and pacing strategies, but they also remind me of the joy and satisfaction that comes with me pushing my limits. 

The Bubblehead: If anyone out there is a runner or an endurance athlete, you know how important it is to simulate race conditions. As closely as possible during your training in these small victories to keep us going. I hope that to inspire you in your own journeys, whether they be physical or metaphorical. 

The Bubblehead: I will tell you that one of the things I love about running is when I'm out there on the road, like this morning, It was almost a three hours worth of running for me. I'm not fast, but I do have [00:05:00] some endurance. Being out there on the road to your thoughts for three hours might be scary for some people, but are truly enjoyed that. So it was good, but like I said, this week, we're heading down to Boston or actually up to Boston to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary. Every day I'm thankful for my wife. 

The Bubblehead: I really married up and I'm so thankful to be celebrating your 25 years. Would that beautiful person. We're looking forward to a really great time in Boston. Exploring the city. We're obviously going to eat some good food. One of the other things that brings me up to Boston is I get the honor and privilege of meeting with a bunch of other travel professionals in a summit this week. 

The Bubblehead: So just pay attention to our social media at Bubblehead Vacations. And you're going to be able to see some pictures of me. Both training becoming a better person in the travel business, but at the same time, I look for me to give you some places to go eat and some places to go check out for the nightlife. 

The Bubblehead: So anyways, really looking forward to that, I'm really excited. About what we're going to [00:06:00] do there. But today's episode late last week we focused on family vacations. And it gave me the idea that we really need to talk about couple of vacations. And probably should touch on those solo travelers. 

The Bubblehead: And so today's episode focuses on summer vacation destinations for couples and solo travelers. We're going to explore topics, share some tips and dive into some personal stories to help you plan the perfect. Get away. We have some fantastic destinations to discuss. Whether you want to reignite romance or embark on a solo adventure. 

The Bubblehead: Hey, we're going to get started. Stay tuned. As we explore more destinations after receiving this message about our awesome Facebook group. 

The Bubblehead: Set sail on a new adventure with the Bubblehead Vacations Voyagers. Be among the first to anchor in our new Facebook group, designed specifically for the Bubblehead travel enthusiasts, just like you. [00:07:00] Help us chart the course, share your stories, dreams, and adventures. Be a part of the foundation of community that's going places.

The Bubblehead: Join the Bubblehead Vacations Voyagers today. Be a part of the foundation of community that's going places. Join the Bubblehead Vacations Voyagers today. 

The Bubblehead: I hope you guys really join the Bubblehead Vacations Voyager Facebook group. It's where the magic of our community happens in the family. We're trying to build here with Bubblehead vacations. It's a great place to share travel tips, get some travel inspiration. And connect with us fellow travel enthusiast. 

The Bubblehead: Now let's dive in today's topic. The best summer vacation destinations with a real emphasis on couples and singles, whether you're looking for a rekindled romance, celebrating an anniversary or spending quality time together, we're going to spend this first segment. Really talking about. Couple [00:08:00] travel. 

The Bubblehead: I've got some fantastic destinations. Perfect for couples. And we'll explore luxurious options, adventurous getaways in serene escapes, the cater to all tastes and experiences. I will, tell you. Nicole and I travel a lot. It's something we really enjoy doing. It's something that as a couple we, really strive to make sure we do that. Just a real quick tip before we get into this. It never fails. 

The Bubblehead: There's always a, when you have a couple there's somebody who takes the lead kinda in planning trips, and you have somebody who, I don't want to say they're along for the ride, but they, they're not into the planning side of it, but they really like to go. And enjoy the trip. And the two of them are normally together. The big thing that I'll always work with when I work with planning trips for couples. Is making sure that both people agree on the location they're going to go to I've. Had situations where. 

The Bubblehead: Both people. We're not a hundred percent on board. With going to a location or going on a cruise or going to do the thing, [00:09:00] the one person was who was planning it, the other person, not so much. And at the last minute there were all kinds of problems where they ended up canceling or ended up changing. 

The Bubblehead: So big advice I can give anybody is be honest about what you do and don't want to do and make sure you guys plan a trip that's for everybody, but let's dive into some. Places that I'm sure we'll tickle. Everybody's fancy. 

The Bubblehead: The first one is going to be Hawaii. It's the epitome of romantic getaway. Stunning beaches, beautiful sunsets and luxurious resorts. It's perfect for couples looking to relax and reconnect. The islands, offer diversity experiences from less landscapes. De volcanic train on the big island. Each island has its. It really does. If you haven't been there, trust me on this one. It has its unique charm. Ensuring your romantic escape. No matter where you stay.

The Bubblehead: Kauai known as the garden island choir is famous for its breathtaking natural beauty couples. Could hike, take a helicopter tour. Or relax on some pristine beaches. For a [00:10:00] truly unique experience, consider a private boat tour to explore the seat caves and hidden beaches along the coast. 

The Bubblehead: Maui offers a blend of adventure and relaxation. Drive the scenic road to HANA snorkeling at Molokini crater or watch the sunrise from the summit of Holly coli. Maui is luxury resorts, such as the four season resort Maui provide the perfect setting for romantic getaway with world-class of entities in stunning ocean views.

The Bubblehead: The Big Island's, diverse landscapes offer something for every couple. You can explore the volcanic landscape of Hawaii's volcanic national park. Stargaze at Mulana. Kay. Or relaxed on the black sand beach. Upon an Alula. This Island's unique blend of adventure and tranquility making an ideal destination for couples who want to connect with nature and each other. I will tell you that Nicole and I have taken one trip. to Hawaii. 

The Bubblehead: Hopefully very soon. We're going to take another one. And we really enjoy our time there. We had an opportunity to be [00:11:00] on a lot of tropical islands together. Especially with my career that I've had in the Navy. It's been something that we've, we enjoyed. Why is year-round warm weather, vibrant culture, and incredible natural beauty. Make it a top choice for a couple of secret romantic and unforgettable vacation. 

The Bubblehead: The second one, and I'm really not really going on a limb here, but when you talk about romantic vacation destinations Paris, France has got to be on the list. It is the city of love. It offers a very romantic ambiance. From iconic landmarks, like the Eiffel tower intimate cafes. It's a dream destination for couples you visit world-class museums. Like the Louvre. And picnic and one of the cities. It's got a ton of parks, so you'll be able to pick one. The historic architecture. And vibrant culture provide endless opportunities for romance. 

The Bubblehead: So talking about landmarks and attractions, no trip to Paris is complete. Without visiting the Eiffel tower, considering a nighttime visit to see the tower illuminated, followed by a romantic river cruise. [00:12:00] Explore the charming streets and are the squares. Don't miss an opportunity to visit the palace of Versailles. Just a short trip from the city where you can wonder the opulent halls, expansive gardens. 

The Bubblehead: As far as dining and nightlife, Paris is. Known for its culinary scene. Offering everything from quaint little bistros along the street to Michelin starred restaurants. For a truly Parisian experience. However, I'd recommend dining at a sidewalk cafe. And watch the world go by. You can really do some unusual people watching, especially when you're the foreigner. Sitting and watching the city's nightlife is in chanting with options ranging from intimate jazz clubs to elegant wine bars. 

The Bubblehead: Hidden gems. You can discover some lesser, no romantic spots in Paris, such as the canal St. Martine. Where you can enjoy a leisurely boat ride or picnic along the water's edge for a truly unique experience, explore the covered passages of Paris. So this is Passage des Panoramas. I'm us which offers charming boutiques and cozy cafes, [00:13:00] along from the hustle and bustle on the main tourist areas.

The Bubblehead: Paris is timeless elegance, rich history, a vibrant culture. Make it the perfect destination for couples looking to create an unforgettable memory. I will tell you that I've had the honor and privilege of arranging travel to Paris. For a few clients along the way. But Nicole and I have not been to Paris it's on the bucket list is something we're going to get to. It's just a matter of us finding the time between the other things we have planned and scheduled. Plus we have some work schedules. Then we have to work through, but we're going to make it to Paris. That's going to probably be sooner than later. It's on the list. So some of the things that I talk about here is based on my experiences of working with some of the suppliers and people I know who travel to Paris. I we're really looking forward to eventually getting there. 

The Bubblehead: The third thing we're going to talk about. And it's the number three on the list. If, for things that are awesome to do for couples. Is a cruise. Cruise are just unbelievable, [00:14:00] great options for couples, Nicole and I tried to escape on a cruise once or twice a year, combining the thrill of travel with the convenience of an all-inclusive package. 

The Bubblehead: Here's some of my recommendations tailored for couples. In these recommendations, I'm going to talk some cruise lines. Just things to think about the first one I'm going to tell you is celebrity cruises. It's really known for its modern luxury and romantic experiences. Celebrity Cruises offers upskills dining options, spa amenities, and sophisticated entertainment. They have an edge class ship, which is a celebrity edge and a celebrity beyond features 29 dining and drinking spaces. Perfect. For romantic night out. I tender areas include the Caribbean and Mediterranean destination offering sun soaked beaches. And charming towns. They really do Europe right. If you have an opportunity to catch a celebrity cruise pulling out of Greece or out of Spain. 

The Bubblehead: Seabourn cruise line renewed bites for its ultra luxury cruises. Seaborne offers smaller ships with personalized service or [00:15:00] romantic experiences. These are ideal for couples seeking a high end experience. They're very intimate ship, provide luxurious accommodations and fine dining. It's an unbelievably excellent choice for those looking for some romance and to get away. 

The Bubblehead: Third one on the list is Virgin voyages. This is an adults only cruise line is perfect for your younger couple or those looking for a lively and hip atmosphere. With over 20 dining spaces, our record store, and even an onboard tattoo parlor. Virgin voyages offers a unique environment. Experience their Caribbean itineraries include stops the foods, the beach clubs. Making them ideal for couples who really want to enjoy some relaxation and have a good nightlife. 

The Bubblehead: The last cruise line and I'm going to bring up is Windstar cruises. They offer private yacht experiences with intimate settings and personalized service. Windstar is perfect for couples looking for, to escape crowds. They have some smaller vessels as well that can reach secluded ports and beaches that other bigger cruise ships can't get into. Definitely [00:16:00] providing a more exclusive and romantic experience onboard amenities include gourmet restaurants, a spa. Very big suites. Make it an excellent choice for those wanting to soak in the romance. I will tell you, you might not think a cruise as something to do as a couple of Nicole. And I absolutely love it. It really gives us an opportunity and you can experience so many different things on a cruise. 

The Bubblehead: Whether you're looking to explore stunning landscapes, a Hawaii. walk down the charmy streets of Paris or experience a cruise and all the amenities that are there. These destinations will surely provide unforgettable experiences for you and your partner. 

The Bubblehead: Now we've got some exciting tip for solo travelers coming up after this next segment. But first let's hear about our latest contest. 

The Bubblehead: Hey travel enthusiasts! We have a fun and easy way for you to win a set of two exclusive Bubblehead Vacations luggage tags. All you have to do is share your favorite travel photos or memories on social media using the #BubbleheadTags. Show us where you've been, your dream destinations, or even your best travel tips.[00:17:00] 

The Bubblehead: By using this hashtag, you'll be entered for a chance to win a stylish set. A bubblehead vacation luggage tags perfect for your next adventure. It couldn't be easier This is an ongoing giveaway and we'll be drawing a winner each month For example, we'll draw the winner of may on june 1st. So keep sharing and tagging your travels Thanks for participating and don't forget to follow us for more exciting travel opportunities and giveaways. Happy travels 

The Bubblehead: Hey, don't forget. We picked the winner for June's #BubbleheadTags contest on July 1st. Keep sharing those fantastic travel photos. I've really enjoyed seeing them. 

The Bubblehead: Now in the last segment, we talked about the best summer destinations for couples, but we do not want to forget our single travelers considering we devoted an entire episode. To families. Now let's talk about single travelers and some of the top summer destinations for them to go to. 

The Bubblehead: Whether you're seeking the adventure, relaxation or new connections, solo travel can be incredibly rewarding today. I'm going to share the top destinations and tips to help you make sure you get the most out of your [00:18:00] solo adventures. 

The Bubblehead: The first thing we're going to talk about to cruise and it seems to be a common theme. I'm just a big fan of cruises. And most of the people who I talked to who, oh, I have the opportunity to arrange cruises for. Come back, super recharged, super excited, both solos families, couples, they all have cruises. 

The Bubblehead: Cruises are an excellent option for solo travelers, providing a safe and social environment while also exploring multiple destinations. Here's some of the best cruise lines for singles. 

The Bubblehead: First one is going to be Norwegian cruise line. I have a lot of experience working with Norwegian great people over at Norwegian. They seem to be doing cruise right. They really catered to some solo travelers. They have private lounge, just for for solo travelers. They have studio cabins, which is a big thing. Especially for solo travelers, these cabins are available on several ships, including the Norwegian, epic Norwegian, breakaway, and Norwegian getaway. Onboard you'll find plenty of activities from solo traveler meetups to theme [00:19:00] parties, ensuring you can mingle and make new friends easily. Norwegian also offers various dining options and entertainment, including Broadway style shows and waterparks making an excellent choice for a solo traveler, looking to have some fun and socialize with new people. 

The Bubblehead: Royal Caribbean, not often thought of as a cruise line that caters to single people, but I will tell you they're getting in the game. They offer some studio, state rooms as well on some of their select ships, such as Anthem of the seas, quantum of the seas and harmony of the seas. I actually got to tour harmony and saw some of these cabins. They're actually pretty sweet. These rooms eliminate the single supplement fee. In other words, normally as a single person, if you were to go take a cruise, you get charged double for the room because they're trying to sell two beds in the cabin. The studio suites only have one bed. So they only charged for one person making solo travel, even more affordable to get on a cruise ship. These ships have all kinds of things for solo travelers as well, meetups, [00:20:00] various activities, including rock climbing. Zip-lining they also have Broadway style shows. Royal Caribbean's vast array of onboard activities. Ensures that solo travelers are never bored and have ample opportunity to meet fellow cruisers. 

The Bubblehead: Additionally, the cruise lines itineraries often include exciting destinations like the Caribbean. Mediterranean and Alaska providing diverse experience for solo adventures. 

The Bubblehead: The third one, I'm going to talk about. It was funny. It's one of the ones I brought up with the couples and it's Virgin voyages. Richard Branson's Virgin voyages is an adults only cruise line that makes perfect for solo travelers looking for a lively. And vibrant atmosphere with solo cabins, multiple dining options, and numerous entertainment venues. It's designed for socializing. I've not done a Virgin voyage yet. But everybody, I know who's been on there talks about how much fun they're able to have, especially if they're outgoing type people who like to do things in large groups, they just have a blast. They're Caribbean [00:21:00] itinerary or soft include you stops at exclusive beach clubs, creating an ideal setting for meeting new people and enjoying the nightlife. 

The Bubblehead: Virgin voyages offers unique cruise experiences with features like their onboard tattoo parlor. Drag shows and various fitness classes making it an excellent choice for younger solo travelers or those young at heart looking for a blend of adventure and relaxation.

The Bubblehead: The next place. I might strike you as weird. But Tokyo, Japan is an unbelievable, great place for the solo traveler. It's a vibrant city that offers a mix of ancient traditions and futuristic experiences. It's safe, easy to navigate and full of unique attractions. There was an. Opportunity I had while traveling for work where I was in Tokyo by myself. And I really enjoyed my time there. 

The Bubblehead: And there's some cultural experiences you can explore his store, temples, participate in a traditional tea ceremony or watch Sumo wrestling. For an authentic Japanese experience. You can go to some museums you can learn about the city's history, or [00:22:00] you can just stroll through many of the tranquil gardens, especially those that Imperial palace. 

The Bubblehead: Some of the moderate attractions at Tokyo, Japan, as you have the bustling districts. Neon lights and shopping. There's a digital art museum and there's a lot of fashion type places. One of my favorite things to do is eat some of the street food, Tokyo Disney sea offers a unique theme park experience. And I will tell you on our trips to Tokyo, we knew about Tokyo Disney. We had no idea. They had a second park there. It's right next to it called Disney sea. And it offers a whole new world of things that aren't available at the other Disney parks. We had a blast when we went. You could go do that by yourself. No problem. That's someplace you should really put on your list. 

The Bubblehead: Some of the travel perks of being solo in Tokyo is they have an unbelievably efficient public transportation system and our wide range of hotels and hostels make it very easy for the solo traveler. I will tell you [00:23:00] their subway system. In Tokyo was way easier than anything I've ever tried to do in New York city. That being said, it's also just, the safety is unreal. City is known for its safety and hospitality ensuring a welcoming environment for those traveling alone. Solo travelers can enjoy dining at sushi counters, ramen shops, and it's some of the Japanese pups eating alone is common there. And you'll also end up striking up conversations with locals. 

The Bubblehead: The third destination we're going to talk about is Iceland. Iceland is perfect for solo adventures, looking to explore stunning landscapes. Known for its safety in front of the locals. It offers incredible experiences. I will tell you. I have not traveled to Iceland. It's one of the areas I've not been to, but it was also on the bucket list. It seems amazing. I think just for hiking, it's something that I would love to go check out 

The Bubblehead: some of the things though, that you can see their natural wonders. You can visit the golden circle to see geysers and waterfalls. You can take a dip in the blue lagoon. At geothermal spa, [00:24:00] surrounded by volcanic landscapes. You can explore the glacier lagoon and black sand beaches. Iceland's unique. Geothermal activity also offers hot Springs and lava fields to explore. 

The Bubblehead: Some of the outdoor activities, you can go glacier, hiking whale-watching and explore ice caves. The ring road offers a scenic drive around the island with opportunities to stop it. Various natural attractions. Join a guided tour to see the Northern lights or hike in the remote Highlands for a true adventure summer offers the midnight sun extending daylight hours for more exploration. 

The Bubblehead: Some of the solo travel perks for Iceland is it has a very small population. And they're very welcoming. They have a very welcoming culture, which makes connected with locals and other travelers. Very easy. Mini tour operators offer group excursions. Perfect. For solo travelers, looking to join a group. Accommodations range from hostels to guest houses and hotels. Catering to different budgets and preferences. Reykjavik the capital is an excellent base for day trips and offers vibrant arts and music [00:25:00] scene. 

The Bubblehead: No matter where you choose solo travel offers the freedom to explore at your own pace and connect with people worldwide. You got to embrace the adventure and make unforgettable memories. 

The Bubblehead: Before we wrap up, I have some exciting news about our kickoff 2025 cruise stay tuned for all the details. 

The Bubblehead: Kick off 2025 with an unforgettable Bahamas escape with me, The Bubblehead. Join us on a three night group cruise with special rates, seamless planning, and amazing activities. Sign up for more information at tinyurl.com/Jan25Cruise. Book now and let's start that adventure in 2025 in paradise. 

The Bubblehead: Thank you for joining us on this episode of Bubblehead Talks Vacations. We hope you found some inspiration for your next summer getaway. Whether you're traveling as a couple or in embarking on a solo adventure. 

The Bubblehead: To recap, we discussed some incredible destinations for couples, including romantic islands of Hawaii and chanting city of Paris and the luxurious cruise experiences. 

The Bubblehead: We also highlighted fantastic options for our solo travelers, such as the [00:26:00] bustling city of Tokyo, stunning landscapes of Iceland and the social environment of a cruise designed for. For singles. 

The Bubblehead: Don't forget about some of our great things we've got going on. We've got a five day Ireland trip contest that we're giving away. 

The Bubblehead: Make sure you go to that website. Join us on Bubblehead Vacations Voyager Facebook group. It's going to connect this as a family. We're able to get some inspiration and share some tips and stories about travel. Make sure you had you participate in the hashtag bubble head tags contest for June. 

The Bubblehead: We're going to draw that. Winter July 1st. Check out tiny url.com backslash Jan 25 crews. For more details on the kickoff 2025 Bubblehead led cruise. It's going to be the perfect adventure for people to go on. Three night cruise with me on board to help you out. 

The Bubblehead: Nothing better. 

The Bubblehead: Hey, I really appreciate sport love hearing from our listeners. Appreciate everybody that reached out. Wish me happy birthday last week. It was awesome. Really appreciate it. Make sure you're following us on social media, share your travel experiences and [00:27:00] join our online community to stay updated on travel. Next week, we're going to give a trip report on our voyage to Boston. 

The Bubblehead: Hey, until then take a deep breath and let's see where those bubbles take us. 

The Announcer Guy: And that, my fellow adventurers, wraps up another exhilarating episode of Bubblehead Tucks Vacations Podcast. We hope you've enjoyed the ride, but the adventure doesn't end here. Don't forget to hit that subscribe button and catch every episode from Dave the Bubblehead. Share your travel tales and experiences with us too.

The Announcer Guy: Connect with the Bubblehead on social media and be part of our amazing travel community. Thanks for tuning in, and remember every journey starts with a bubble. So, let's see where the bubbles take us.