2018 repeat: travel advice 2017

NOTE:     This blog has no ads and I'm not beholden to hotels, cruise lines, tour companies or airlines, and that's why I can offer my readers the truth about all of the above + offer the many ways to enjoy comfort traveling for less

    Here's what I advised in my travel roundup for 2017:  "In 2017, I see the right vacation recipe has a better outcome with certain choice possibilities into the mix for the baking of your vacation…However, since the most needed ingredient for the best vacation outcome is your destination, consider the state of the world.

   Now in mid December 2017, nothing has changed for traveling in 2018.

   The state of the world is still in a terror mode, but there are buys to be had for anyone who is willing to step into the thicket of migrant tents on the Greek island of Lesbos, as well in Athens where you can take the ferry to all the island, but there are segments of the populace who don’t have enough to eat and you need to keep your wallet out of sight. 

   Long term plans plus $$$ are necessary for travel to Australia and Singapore, China can be pricey if you want better accommodations than those offered for so-called “budget” tours.

   The western Europe countries offer great values for the “cheap travel” seekers, but France, Belgium as well the UK have terror problems, the throwing of acid in the UK, even Spain is a simmering catalyst for rebellion, also, a recent terror attack took place in Barcelona, too. 

   Portugal’s proximity to Morocco suggests a terror attack could occur, although it’s a “cheap travel” destination.
   Now Ireland is also a “cheap travel” value but so far very safe, despite the proximity to the UK—I'd stay away from the contentious Northern Ireland where there can be rumbles.

   Very safe and traditional Switzerland can be pricey, but this "no bargains" travel destination is unique—¾ of the country lives the picturesque life in towns and villages where families have had their homes and land for generations.

   My “safe” great value travel choice in 2018 is still southern Italy, plus the Adriatic coastal city of Trieste that borders Austria as well as the Balkans.  
   Great “comfort” travel values can be found in Naples and Trieste even at the last minute, but to go in season you will need to preplan at least 3 months in advance.

   I do nominate the city of Trieste for the 2018 "travel value" where you'll find shopping, quality restaurants with excellent hotel and suite hotel choices.

   And I haven’t forgotten that in 2017 I invited my readers to join me for a pampered luxury value plus bountiful breakfast at the Savoia Excelsior Palace Trieste with award winning restaurant, made even more memorable for me thanks to “sweet Alice” who is mentioned most frequently in TripAdvisor's customer reviews regarding their Savoia 5* dining experience—if you dine there, ask for “sweet Alice” to help you chose from the menu and if needed customize your choice.

Be safe and enjoy  happy travel in 2018.