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Picture yourself standing on your private balcony as massive chunks of ice crash into the bay at Hubbard Glacier—seven miles wide and 76 miles long. The crisp Alaska air fills your lungs while eagles soar overhead and whales breach in the distance.

As the year winds down, many of us start thinking about what we want more of in the year ahead—more calm, more clarity, more connection, and meaningful experiences to look forward to. For so many people, that includes travel. But if you've ever found yourself ready to go while your friends can't take time off… or your partner prefers to stay home… or the thought of traveling completely solo feels equal parts exciting and overwhelming—you're not alone. I've been there too. And

Salzburg, Austria My first real vacation as an adult was a trip to Michigan with friends.  The realization was simple: You have a job now. You get vacation time. Go somewhere. We hiked, found little local restaurants, and took a ferry to Mackinac Island, a place that felt unique. It was simple, but I remember thinking, " I should do this more often." A few years later, a group trip to Italy fell through. A friend and I decided to go anyway. I worked with a travel advisor to f

If you're working on building solo travel confidence, this story is for you.

The Magic Moment: Sailing Out of Budapest at Night Nothing could have prepared me for the pure magic of sailing out of Budapest as the sun set. My friend was absolutely right when she said, "Pictures don't do it justice." Standing on the top deck as we sailed away, the city transformed into something ethereal. Golden lights reflected on the Danube, and the Parliament building illuminated like a fairy-tale castle passing by. But here's what really captured my heart: waking up

Ever wondered if arriving early for a European river cruise is worth it? After experiencing my AMA Waterways pre-cruise adventure in Budapest, I'm here to tell you why those extra days might be the best investment you make for your trip. The Budapest Parliament Building is illuminated at night, casting a golden reflection on the Danube River. Why a Pre-Cruise Stay and Arriving Early for Your River Cruise Changes Everything The Practical Reasons: That Could Save Your Vacation

"River cruises? Those are for my parents' generation." That's what I thought until six months ago. Now, I'm about to board my first river cruise on the Danube, and I suspect everything I thought I knew will be proven wrong. For years, I've been a devoted ocean cruiser. There's something about the rhythm of the waves, the endless horizon, and the excitement of waking up in a new place that keeps pulling me back to the sea. I've fallen in love with Mediterranean cruising. I've

What if I told you that one morning walk at 8 a.m. completely changed how I think about travel? Not the destination, not the resort, but the why  behind getting away... We all know that feeling. Life gets busy. Like, really  busy. You're juggling work, family, maybe a side hustle or two, and before you know it, you're just… going. On autopilot. You're flowing, sure, but are you thriving? Or just surviving? Walking Path Disney's Grand Flordian Hotel Recently, I had one of thos

This comprehensive guide shares essential Mediterranean cruise tips from an experienced travel advisor, covering practical advice for smoother sailing. Learn why arriving early helps combat jet lag (including the Timeshifter app recommendation), how pre-arranged transportation in Greece saves time and stress, and strategies for managing shore excursions with late port returns. Discover the value of food tours for authentic local experiences, tips for finding hidden gems beyon

Ever wondered about the onboard experience on Celebrity Cruises? Join me for an honest look at life aboard the Celebrity Infinity—from relaxing sea days and specialty dining to entertainment that truly impressed. Find out how to make the most of your time between those stunning Greek ports.

Dreaming of a Greek cruise? Take a behind-the-scenes look at my 7-day Aegean adventure with Celebrity Cruises, featuring Athens, Santorini, Mykonos, and ancient Ephesus in Turkey. From neighborhood gems in Athens to unexpected moments in Santorini, here's what made this Mediterranean cruise truly special.

Oia I’m pressing pause—just for a moment—on my regular cruise planning series to share something a little more personal. The Anticipation of the Journey As you read this, I’m preparing for (or maybe already enjoying!) a long-awaited Mediterranean cruise to Greece and Turkey. This trip blends everything I love about cruising: new cultures, unforgettable shore excursions, and calm sea mornings that make you slow down and soak it all in. Mediterranean Tender Port My Packing List

Turn Fleeting Port Visits into Unforgettable Memories on Your Next Cruise! Learn the Strategies to Make Every Second Count! Ocean cruise One of the things I both love and struggle with about cruising is the fleeting nature of port visits. You arrive in the morning, get a taste of the destination, and before you know it, you're sailing away as the sun sets. It's not like booking a week in Rome or spending several days exploring the streets of Venice. I understand that brief en

Looking to take your first cruise—or try a new kind of sailing experience? From massive ocean liners to cozy river ships and indulgent luxury journeys, there’s truly a cruise for every traveler. But how do you choose? As a travel advisor (and cruise enthusiast!), I’ve explored the oceans and now set my sights on river and luxury cruising. In this post, I’ll walk you through the different cruise types, share personal insights, and help you determine which option is the perfec

Cruise Port: Bahamas Photo by Fernando Jorge  on Unsplash "Your usual Chai latte?" asked the barista with a smile on day three of my Mediterranean cruise. I was genuinely surprised—I still had to repeat my order after years of visits to my local Starbucks back home. That moment perfectly captures what makes cruising special: those unexpected touches of personalized service that transform a vacation into an experience. Why I'm Suddenly All About Cruises This past month has be

Cruise ship outside a European port When I started my travel business after many years of travel, choosing a name was one of the most challenging decisions. I wanted something that reflected my passion, vision, and the experiences I aim to create for my clientsThat's's how I landed on Unveiled Explorations and Travel . Recently, someone asked me"Aren't't exploration and travel the same thin"?It's's a fair question that made me realize just how important it is to explain what

Hello and welcome to my very first blog post! I'm thrilled you're here. My name is Ericka Hamilton, and I'm the owner of Unveiled Explorations and Travel. As a passionate traveler who believes in the transformative power of exploration, I'm here to help you create extraordinary travel experiences that go beyond the ordinary. A classic yellow tram winds its way through the narrow, charming streets of Lisbon, showcasing the city's vibrant architecture and historic charm. My Jou