Stephanie Serino's Travel Blog

Tzell Travel Group signs deal to merge with Protravel International, Inc. Newly-combined New York City-headquartered travel agency powerhouses to represent over $2.35 billion in annual sales volume Today, Tzell Travel Group – a Travel Leaders Group company – is announcing that it has signed an agreement to merge with Protravel International , pending government antitrust approval. This merger helps us lay further claim to making our company the undisputed leader in travel.   We couldn’t be more thrilled to now join forces with such an exceptionally well-operated company.   The merged operations within Travel Leaders Group would represent combined annual sales volume of over $2.35 billion. Travel Leaders Group CEO Barry Liben has indicated that once the deal closes, Tzell and Protravel would continue operating “as is” with no plans to change the successful models both companies have created. Under the terms of the agreement, Protravel founder Priscilla Alexand...

FEATURING WORLD-FAMOUS PRIMATOLOGIST and conservationist Dr. Jane Goodall , DBE, founder of the Jane Goodall Institute and UN Messenger of Peace, and 20-year National Geographic magazine contributing photographer, speaker, author and teacher, Joel Sartore . Only 20 guests will have the opportunity to join this 20-day fully escorted luxury safari journey from July 9 – 28, 2013 , traveling almost entirely by private plane, staying in five-star safari camp and hotel accommodations (or best per destination). Our guests will explore some of the most exotic, fascinating regions on the continent and at the same time gain a unique educational experience.   Highlights EXPLORE Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s bustling capital, and examine the 3.2 million-year-old hominid fossil remains of “Lucy” at its National Museum. DISCOVER unparalleled Big Five wildlife viewing, including enormous herds of buffalo and elephants in Tanzania’s remote and untouched Katavi and Selous National Parks....

I booked a half-day city tour of Helsinki through Crystal Cruises , which was a nice introduction. The city is celebrating its 200th anniversary as the capital of Finland, so there isn’t a preserved medieval quarter here (like Stockholm and Tallinn); instead new buildings and old blend together to create a fascinating cityscape. It's no wonder Helsinki was named the 2012 Design Capital of the World.  Monument to Finnish composer Jean Sibelius I enjoyed seeing the Sibelius Monument at the waterfront park named for the composer. The monument was created by the Finnish sculptress Eila Hiltunen in 1961 (apparently, it caused quite a stir as the first abstract public monument in Finland). The famous Rock Church (also called Temppeliaukio Church) was special, but I think the Post Office thrilled me more with it's clean lines.   The Post Office in Helsinki After the tour, I stayed in town walking all along the narrow, cobblestone streets. Each block has such a ...

Tallinn from Dome Hill First stop on my Baltic Cruise aboard Crystal Cruises ' Crystal Symphony was Tallinn, Estonia. This charming medieval walled city on the sea could call itself the Dubrovnik-of-the-North: narrow, winding, pedestrian-only streets with adorable cafes and shops,  and plenty of sea views to engage your camera. You could do a short walking tour of the old town so you notice all the highlights (an inexpensive shore excursion option), but it's fun to just wander aimlessly too. Architectural details catch your eye like a 17th century clock on the side of Holy Spirit Church and a dragon gargoyle.  Unfortunately, I was not the only tourist here; the streets were crowded. Corny tourist traps abound and vendors in period costumes sell everything from spiced nuts, elk soup and elf shoes. And there are an awful lot of burlesque clubs and 'adult' entertainment on offer. But the history is interesting (I loved the story of their singing revol...

Stockholm's charming harbor My Baltic Cruise aboard Crystal Cruises ' Crystal Symphony began in Stockholm, Sweden. Departed from Newark on SAS ’ non-stop flight to Stockholm. The trans-Atlantic flight leaves early (around 5pm) and arrives early the next morning. Plane was reasonably comfortable (2-4-2 configuration) and there was a personal entertainment system for each seat in all classes (but no plugs or internet access). The meal was OK (chicken in red wine sauce both coming and going) served with complimentary wine. It was an 8-hour flight made painless by taking a 4-hour Ambien immediately upon being seated, so I slept most of the way there and arrived feeling halfway decent. While the Arlanda Express is an easy way to get into the heart of the city (and there are even less-expensive buses available), I do prefer to arrive as effortlessly as possible, so I took a taxi ($60, 30-minute ride). Happily, the Scandic Grand Central had the room ready so I coul...

St. Isaac's Cathedral in St. Petersburg, Russia Cruising the Baltic Sea was as wonderful as I expected.  Every destination was special, but by visiting so many in one trip I really experienced the region and learned about their relationships with each other and the sea. Here’s a quick summary of my trip: 3 days in Stockholm at the Scandic Grand Central 11-night cruise on the Crystal Symphony 3 days in Copenhagen at the Scandic Copenhagen Crystal Cruises' "Journey of the Czars" itinerary included these ports of call: Tallinn, Estonia 3 full days in St. Petersburg, Russia! Helsinki, Finland Warnemünde, Germany St. Petersburg was as amazing as I expected, but the Amber Room at Catherine's Palace was mind blowing. I knew I'd love Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen and wandering the Old Town of Tallinn, but was surprised how much I liked the canals of Stockholm and the architecture of Helsinki. All the Scandinavian ports were clean and ...

My Baltic Cruise departure date finally approaches and I wanted you to know my schedule. My last day at work will be Thursday July 19, and I won't be back at my desk until Monday August 6. If you anticipate any travel needs, please get in touch as soon as possible so I can help you before I go. Don't worry: I'll have my laptop with me so I can access reservations and answer questions (although the time difference and busy itinerary may make it difficult), I will have a colleague available to assist you while I'm away and the 24-hour hotline is always available if you have a travel emergency. This trip will be amazing! I'm escorting a group of 85 guests sailing on the Crystal Symphony's " Journey of the Czars " from Stockholm to Copenhagen with three full days in St. Petersburg. It's my first time cruising with Crystal Cruises , which has been voted the World's Best Large-ship Cruise Line 17 years in a row by Travel & Leisur...