In This Issue

• January and Beyond Events & Webinars 
• Travel Tips I Need to Remember! 
• “Travel Tested, Carol Approved” January Contest 
• New Viking Itinerary Highlights: 22-day Iberia & Mediterranean Antiquities 
• January Specials 
• Join us on Explora Journeys, February 24-March 3, 2026 
• Update on UK and European Union Visas 
• Links to Past Newsletters 
• The Last Laugh 

January and Beyond Events & Webinars

We at Imagine Going There Travel are looking forward to hitting the ground running in 2026 with new events and presentations! You may also see a few new faces giving presentations as we try to reach more of our communities (but not make Carol completely tired with travel.) As always, we look forward to helping you create that next new memory in 2026 and beyond.  

Here are some of the events we are presenting at the start of 2026. We hope you can join us for one of them! 

Grand European Tour Jan 8th Webinar Rescheduled to January 22nd  

January 8th – Presbyterian Village, Austell, GA  

     Viking Mississippi – 3pm to 4:30pm 

January 9th– Del Web Chateau Elan, Braselton, GA 

     IGT hosed Bingo – 4pm and 6:30 

January 10th– Cresswind Lake Lanier, Gainesville, GA 

     Spring Vendor Fair 10:00am –1:00 pm 

Webinar: Thursday, January 15th at 2pm 

      Viking Oceans Itinerary: Mediterranean Odyssey 

     Registration Link: Mediterranean Odyssey 

Webinar: Thursday, January 22nd at 2pm 

      Viking Rivers Itinerary: Grand European Tour 

     Registration Link: Grand European Tour 

February 3rd (Tuesday)  – Del Webb Cane Bay, Summerville, South Carolina 

     Ice Cream Social - 1:00-2:15 pm 

February 3rd (Tuesday) – Cresswind Charleston, Summerville, South Carolina 

     Ice Cream Social - 4:30-5:45 pm  

February 4th (Wednesday) – Four Seasons, Summerville, South Carolina 

     Ice Cream Social - 4:30-5:45 pm 

Hopefully we will also be able to visit – Del Webb Nexton, but we are still 

confirming that date. 

We are also in the process of confirming several events in the Charlotte area the second week of February with dates still being confirmed so keep your eyes peeled for further updates! 

Travel Tips I Need to Remember!

I counted that I had traveled 140 days in 2025, which is a record for me! Most of it was international travel, and I learned some things – and forgot others I should have remembered – so I wanted to pass those on in case it helps you in your future travels.

• Buy duplicates of things you always use in your carryon and leave them there for the next trip. For instance, I was in Canada and realized I forgot my curling iron. Fortunately there was a mall fairly close by, but that could have been a real headache (not to mention horrible photos!) if I couldn’t have found one in time to leave the next day for our 23-day cruise.

Similarly on this most recent trip, I had remembered my makeup bag, but had a cute little package of travel brushes that slipped behind something in the cabinet and got left behind. I only use them for travel, so from here on out, I’m going to put them in the suitcase and leave them there.

• Ladies - Speaking of makeup, it’s a good idea to refresh those staples that aren’t easily measured (like makeup, mascara, eyeliner or anything that comes in tubes) with a fresh supply and use up the old ones while at home. It’s no fun getting halfway through a trip and realizing that your eyeliner or mascara isn’t going to last.
• Bring more currency than you need.  We don’t usually spend much in the way of souvenirs on our trips, but certain vendors (i.e., Christmas markets) only take cash. Plus, even though I usually pre-pay gratuities, I’m always glad when I have a bit more cash currency to bless the hard-working staff onboard the ship, or at various places along the journey. 

If you end up with extra at the end of your Viking cruise, you can always pay down any balance on your account with the currency the ship uses so you don’t have to bring the extra back and exchange it again. Of course, you can always save it for the next journey, too!

A couple of tips regarding currency:

• Double-check that your card doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees.
• Remember that a lot of vendors won’t take American Express, so bring a Visa or Mastercard as backup.
• I got a new credit card and didn’t activate the cash-back feature before leaving home, so my attempt to get extra cash wasn’t approved. Be sure you’re set in advance in case of needing something for emergencies.
• Be sure to ask the local guides which are the best ATMs to get cash from. On our most recent trip to Prague, our guide told us to avoid Euronet, as they can charge up to 20 percent fees on top of whatever currency markup there is in place. The guides can direct you to the ones with the best rates (or at least help you avoid the worst ones.)
• When paying by credit card, it gives you the option of choosing local currency or USD (for instance), always choose local currency. Even though you might instinctively want to pick your home country, if you do that, it means the bank can choose the markup rate which is at their discretion, and rates can vary significantly.  

Speaking of money calculation, I saw this on a Rick Steves’ post that you can choose the “convert” feature to calculate the exchange rate. It works even if you don’t have an international plan on your phone. I used this a lot, particularly for the Czech korunas, which seemed “harder mental math” than the conversion from USD to Euros (or maybe I was just too tired from all that traveling!) 

Here’s how it works (It may work the same on Android phones, but I can only show you on an iPhone as that’s what I have):

Open your calculator and tap the mini calculator button at the top right of the screen:

Then chose “convert” and choose your currency. 

This is a very handy feature when traveling!

• Luggage – I have an ongoing battle with myself on this topic. I have done 20 days with a carryon and personal item (as I know many of you have bragging rights for the same feat!) However, there are a couple of problems with that…one of which is that I haven’t room to bring home so much as a paperclip as a souvenir if I wanted to! 

So, I’ve been bouncing all over the place on my commitment to it – even swinging the other direction and coming home with a totally bulging checked bag filled with fun Christmas market finds! 

So, here are some things to consider when packing for the flight:

• • You absolutely should pack at least 3 days’ worth of clothes, shoes, and medicine in your carryon. Unfortunately, random luggage pieces are still getting lost (though not as much as it was a few years ago.) You don’t want to be the one wearing the same thing for three days. I’m amazed that when this happens to someone, they don’t have a backup plan. There’s no downside to it, and the nightmare is made much less painful by just planning ahead a bit.
    
    
  • Similarly, it’s a good idea to cross-pack. Put some of your clothes in your travel companion’s suitcase and vice-versa. In my unscientific study, I’ve noticed that when someone’s luggage is lost, it’s usually her luggage, not his (no justice in this world!) We all know women have way more complicated wardrobe and makeup needs, so be sure you’re prepared for the worst! 
    
    
  • Take a photo of your bag before checking it. If you must file a claim, it will make the process much easier to help them identify it. 

• • Identify your bags both inside and out – Many people use clever ribbons to identify their bags, but if your name and address tag comes off, it’s a good idea to have your contact information inside the bag as well.

• • Air Tags – while this little electronic homing device shows your luggage is sitting in some airport and not with you, at least you can intelligently direct with the staff where to look for it when they say it can’t be found.

• • Have Muscles, Will Travel - Several times I’ve been in Europe this year and even the bigger airports (Charles de Gaule, Rome come to mind) might require you to take a bus to the tarmac where the smaller connecting flights are located. Sometimes you’ve got to be able to lift your carryon and personal item both down a flight of stairs to the tarmac and then up another set of stairs into the plane. To prepare for this, you can:

• • • Pack lighter
    • Have a strong travel companion to carry it for you
    • Incorporate pushups into your fitness routine!
      
      
• Pack Airborne – Thankfully, we’re usually healthy travelers. However, my smart husband thinks ahead and packs Airborne to give a boost to the immune system especially when others on the ship are getting sick.

This trip, our son-in-law, then our daughter started feeling poorly, so we gave them almost all of our supply. However, a few days later, we realized we should have saved some for ourselves. So bring an extra bottle or two so you can share with those in need, but still keep a stash for yourself!

"Travel Tested, Carol Approved" January Contest

Rainy Day Pack

While I love the big red Viking umbrellas, when the weather is just cloudy and not predicting rain, I don’t want to have to keep up with it when touring a city. Recently I tried this portable mini umbrella, which is small enough to slide into a backpack for emergencies, but light enough to not weigh me down (and it has 50 UV sun protection as well.)

The second thing is from one of my travel tips above: In this cold/flu season, the best advice I can share is to armor-up with healthy supplements. For us, Airborne has been a great weapon against getting sick while traveling. 

In fact, we were so confident that we were invincible on our recent trip, that we gave almost all of our stash away…only later to wish we had save some for ourselves!

This sugar-free formula has 7 key ingredients for immune support including Vitamin D, Selenium and Zinc, and this gift will help you straddle both the winter season and whatever immune-system challenge your travels might throw at you. 

Win the Rainy Day Pack of this collapsible travel umbrella as well as a free 3-Pack of Airborne for your next trip by finding the hidden star in this newsletter!

Quote:

“No pessimist ever discovered the secrets of the stars or sailed to an uncharted land, or opened a new heaven to the human spirit”    Helen Keller

New Viking Itinerary Highlights: 22-day Iberia & Mediterranean Antiquities 

This month’s featured itinerary is Iberia & Mediterranean Antiquities (22 days, Lisbon-Athens).

If you want to sail the Mediterranean Sea hitting the best high points from Athens to Lisbon, this 22-day itinerary is for you. You’ll see some iconic ports of call, but also ones more off the beaten path like Messina, Palma de Mallorca, Cartegena, Tangier, Malaga and Seville. I recently returned from many of these ports from Barcelona to Lisbon, and they were such a treat to explore. (You can learn more about many of them in my last newsletter here.) Spend extra time in Lisbon if your schedule allows – there’s so much to see in this 3,000-year old city. (The second oldest capital in Europe next to Athens.)

Sailings available primarily for 2027 and 2028 (2026 is almost sold out.)

Why should you be thinking of 2027 and 2028? Because Viking guests know: 

1. Prices tend to increase each month as the sailing gets closer to departure 
2. The best shoreside staterooms go first 
3. Overall ability shrinks  (2026 is sold out) 
4. $25 per person deposit solves all of the above problems! 

Plus, if you have an existing reservation, we can extend final payment to six months prior to departure! 

January 2026 Special Offers     

And the Gifts Keep Coming! 

Even though Christmas has passed, we at Imagine Going There Travel still have some gifts to give! 

January is the busiest booking month of the year, and many Viking guests will be planning their vacations this month. Viking is already having record breaking sales, and that means inventory is shrinking fast. It’s going to be even more difficult to find space as the year goes on. 

To encourage to book now before the best pricing and availability disappears, we’re gifting an additional $200 Discount Off Your Next Sailing!  

To receive this special discount, you must mention special code GIFTS26 when booking. This combines with any other promotion codes Viking is offering. 

You see, when the sailing you want is sold out, our crack team does a great job finding that needle-in-a-haystack for you, and often we do! Unfortunately, when something does become available, pricing has usually increased substantially due to the law of supply and demand. Plus, we just don’t have any way of knowing when something might open for you.

So, we’re making it even easier to pull the trigger now. Contact us today at 770-421-9627 or email Carol@ImagineGoingThere.com, and lock in the best sailing at the best price today. 

Don’t forget – if you have already booked directly with Viking in the last 60 days, it’s not too late to take advantage of these extra bonuses. Just let us know, and we’ll get these special discounts added to your existing reservation. 

Reduced Fares on all 2026, 2027, 2028 All Voyages (except World Cruises) 

Provides double past pax discount 

River Cruises 

Capitals of Eastern Europe (17 days, Vienna to Bucharest) 

     Starts at $5499; 2026 - Jun: 10, 24; Jul: 8, 22; Aug: 5, 19; Sep: 2, 16, 30; Oct: 14, 28; Nov: 11, 25; Dec: 9, 23/ 2027 - Jan: 6, 20; Feb: 3, 17; Mar: 3, 17, 31; Apr: 14, 28; May: 12, 26; Jun: 9, 23; Jul: 7, 21; Aug: 4, 18; Sep: 1, 15, 29; Oct: 13, 27; Nov: 10, 24; Dec: 8, 22 

NEW! Castles, Vineyards & Villages (8 days, Nuremberg to Amsterdam)  

     Starts at $2799: 2026 - Jun: 17, 24; Jul: 1, 8 

Chateaux, Rivers & Wine (8 days, Bordeaux to Saint-Emilion to Bordeaux)  

     Starts at $2599; 2026 - Jun: 3, 10, 17, 24; Jul: 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; Aug: 5, 12, 19, 26; Sep: 2, 9, 16, 23, 30; Oct: 7, 14, 21, 28; Nov: 4, 11, 18, 25; Dec: 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 

Danube Waltz (8 days, Passau to Budapest) 

     Starts at $2299; 2026 - Jun: 3, 10, 17, 24; Jul: 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; Aug: 5, 12, 19, 26; Sep: 2, 9, 16, 23, 30; Oct: 7, 14, 21, 28; Nov: 4, 11, 18, 25; Dec: 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 

The Elegant Elbe (10 days, Prague to Berlin) 

     Starts at $2999: 2026 - Jun: 3, 10, 17, 24; Jul: 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; Aug: 5, 12, 19, 26; Sep: 2, 9, 16, 23, 30; Oct: 7, 14, 21, 28; Nov: 4, 11, 18, 25; Dec: 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 

Grand European Tour (15 days, Amsterdam to Budapest) 

     Starts at $4549; 2026 - Jun: 3, 10, 17, 24; Jul: 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; Aug: 5, 12, 19, 26; Sep: 2, 9, 16, 23, 30; Oct: 7, 14, 21, 28; Nov: 4, 11, 18, 25; Dec: 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 

Christmas Markets 

Christmas Along the Elbe (10 Days, Berlin to Prague)  

     Starts at $3849; 2026 - Nov: 29; Dec: 6, 13, 20 

Christmas on the Danube (8 Days, Budapest to Regensburg) 

     Starts at $2999: 2026 - Nov: 28; Dec: 5, 12, 19, 26 

Christmas on the Main & Moselle (12 Days, Paris to Prague) 

     Starts at $4799: 2026 - Dec: 5, 12, 19, 26 

Christmas on the Rhine (8 Days, Amsterdam to Basel) 

     Starts at $2799; 2026 - Nov: 28; Dec: 5, 12, 19, 26 

Christmas on the Rhine & Main (11 Days, Nuremberg to Basel)  

     Starts at $4499: 2026 - Dec: 5, 12, 19, 26 

Christmas on the Rhine & Moselle (12 Days, Paris to Zurich) 

     Starts at $3999: 2026 - Dec: 5, 12, 19, 26 

Christmastime in Paris & Normandy (8 days; Roundtrip: Paris, France)  

     Starts at $2799; 2026 - Nov: 28; Dec: 5, 12, 19, 26 

Cities of Light  (12 days, Prague to Paris) 

     Starts at $2899: 2026 - Jun: 10, 17, 24; Jul: 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; Aug: 5, 12, 19, 26; Sep: 2, 9, 16, 23, 30; Oct: 7, 14, 21, 28; Nov: 4, 11, 18, 25; Dec: 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 

Danube Christmas Delights (8 Days, Budapest to Passau) 

     Starts at $2999; 2026 - Nov: 28; Dec: 5, 12, 19, 26 

Ocean Cruises 

Up to FREE International Airfare & Reduced Fares 

Adriatic & Mediterranean Discovery (22 Days, Venice to Lisbon) 

     Starts at $11097; 2026 - Oct: 7; Nov: 3; 2027 - Feb: 19; Mar: 24, 26; Apr: 16; May: 12; Jun: 2; Aug: 28; Sep: 18; 2028 - Feb: 22; Mar: 9, 16, 26, 28; May: 13, 16, 31; Jun: 3; Sep: 2 

Adriatic & Mediterranean Sojourn (22 Days, Rome to Istanbul)  

     Starts at $11097; 2026 - Mar: 16, 28; Apr: 6, 18, 19, 22, 28; Jun: 2, 9, 23, 30; Jul: 28; Aug: 4, 18, 25; Sep: 30; Oct: 21; Nov: 18; 2027 - Mar: 4, 10, 25; Apr: 10, 30; May: 1, 21; Jul: 10, 31; Sep: 4, 25; Oct: 2; 2028 - Mar: 2, 14, 23; Apr: 4; Jul: 29; Aug: 19 

Alaska & the Inside Passage (11 days, Vancouver to Seward)  

     Starts at $5499; 2026 - May: 27; Jun: 6, 15, 16, 25, 26; Jul: 5, 6, 15, 16, 25, 26; Aug: 4, 5, 14, 15, 24, 25; Sep: 3, 13; 2027 - May: 24, 30; Jun: 3, 9, 13, 19, 23, 29; Jul: 3, 9, 13, 19, 23, 29; Aug: 2, 8, 12, 18, 22, 28; Sep: 1, 11; 2028 - May: 4, 14, 24; Jun: 3, 10, 13, 20, 23, 30; Jul: 3, 10, 13, 20, 23, 30; Aug: 2, 9, 12, 19, 22, 29; Sep: 8 

Amalfi Coast, Africa, & Iberia (8 Days; Rome to Barcelona) 

     Starts at $2699; 2026 - Oct: 24; Dec: 23; 2027 - Jan: 5; Feb: 16, 25; Mar: 2, 16; Jun: 8; Oct: 10, 17, 26; Nov: 13; Dec: 12, 22, 27; 2028 - Jan: 3, 13; Feb: 17; Mar: 16, 25, 30; May: 2; Jun: 27 

Ancient Adriatic Treasures (15 Days, Venice to Istanbul) 

     Starts at $6998; 2026 - Mar: 23; Apr: 4, 6, 18, 22, 26, 28; Jun: 9, 16, 23, 30; Aug: 4, 11, 18, 25; Oct: 7, 21; Nov: 25; 2027 - Mar: 10, 11, 25; Apr: 17; May: 1, 7, 21; Jul: 17, 31; Sep: 11, 25; Oct: 9, 17; 2028 - Mar: 2, 21, 30; Apr: 4; Aug: 5, 19 

Ancient Mediterranean Antiquities (15 days, Istanbul to Rome) 

     Starts at $4398; 2026 - Apr: 8; Oct: 31; Nov: 7, 14, 21; Dec: 8, 9, 22, 30; 2027 - Jan: 6, 13, 20; Feb: 24; Oct: 23, 31; Dec: 22; 2028 - Jan: 5, 11, 25; Feb: 17; Apr: 13 

Ancient Mediterranean Treasures (8 Days, Istanbul to Athens) 

     Starts at $2299; 2026 - Mar: 30; Apr: 6, 11, 15, 18, 21, 22, 28; May: 3; Jun: 16, 23, 30; Aug: 11, 18, 25; Oct: 14, 21; Nov: 7, 14, 21; Dec: 2, 9, 15, 22; 2027 - Jan: 6, 13, 20; Mar: 3, 10, 18, 25; Apr: 24; May: 1, 14, 21; Jul: 24, 31 

Atlantic & Mediterranean Horizons (21 Days; Ft. Lauderdale, FL, to Rome) 

     Starts at $5998; 2026 - Feb: 24; 2027 - Dec: 7; 2028 - Feb: 23 

Atlantic Ocean Passage (14 Days, Barcelona to Ft. Lauderdale, FL) 

     Starts at $2599; 2026 - Feb: 24; Dec: 9; 2027 - Jan: 24; Dec: 14; 2028 - Feb: 23 

Australia & New Zealand (15 days, Sydney to Auckland) 

     Starts at $5999; 2026 - Jan: 5, 19; Feb: 2, 16; Dec: 1, 15, 29; 2027 - Jan: 12, 26; Feb: 9, 23; Dec: 4, 18; 2028 - Jan: 1, 15, 29; Feb: 12 

Australia, Asia & Alaska (79 Days, Sydney to Vancouver) 

     Starts at $37,295; 2026 - Mar: 30; Sep: 4, 23; 2027 - Mar: 8, 14; Sep: 7, 21; 2028 - Feb: 17 

Australia, New Zealand & Indonesia (31 Days, Auckland to Bali)  

     Starts at $14,998; 2026 - Feb: 8; Nov: 6; 2027 - Feb: 22, 28; Nov: 9, 23; 2028 - Feb: 3, 17 

Bangkok, Bali & Beyond (13 Days, Bangkok to Bali) 

     Starts at $5999; 2026 - Mar: 10; Apr: 15; Oct: 25; Nov: 13; 2027 - Mar: 24, 30; Oct: 28; Nov: 11; 2028 - Mar: 4, 18 

British Isles Explorer (15 Days London to Bergen) 

     Starts at $6499; 2026 - Apr: 13, 27; May: 4, 5, 11, 18, 19, 25; Jun: 1, 2, 8, 15, 16, 22, 29, 30; Jul: 6, 13, 14, 20, 27, 28; Aug: 3, 10, 11, 17, 24, 25, 31; Sep: 7, 8, 14; 2027 - Apr: 5, 12, 19, 26, 27; May: 3, 10, 11, 17, 24, 25, 31; Jun: 7, 8, 14, 21, 22, 28; Jul: 5, 6, 12, 19, 20, 26; Aug: 2, 3, 9, 16, 17, 23, 30, 31; Sep: 6, 13, 14; 2028 - Apr: 10, 17, 24; May: 1, 8, 9, 15, 22, 23, 29; Jun: 5, 12, 13, 19, 26, 27; Jul: 3, 10, 11, 17, 24, 25, 31; Aug: 7, 8, 14, 21, 22, 28; Sep: 4, 5, 11 

Canada & New England Scenic Shores (15 Days, Montreal to Ft. Lauderdale) 

     Starts at $6599; 2026 - Aug: 24, 26; Sep: 7, 9, 21, 23; Oct: 5, 7, 19, 21; 2027 - Aug: 24, 27; Sep: 7, 10, 21, 24; Oct: 5, 8, 19, 22; 2028 - Aug: 22, 23; Sep: 5, 6, 19, 20; Oct: 3, 4, 17, 18 

Classic Panama Canal Passage (11 days, Ft. Lauderdale to Fuerte Amador)   

     Starts at $4199; 2026 - Jan: 22; Feb: 1, 11; Nov: 5, 15, 25; Dec: 5; 2027 - Feb: 4, 14, 24; Oct: 3, 13, 23; Nov: 2, 12, 22; Dec: 2; 2028 - Feb: 1, 11, 21 

Eastern Seaboard Explorer (13 Days, Montreal to New York City) 

     Starts at $5499; 2026 - Apr: 13, 25; May: 7; Aug: 12, 24, 26; Sep: 7, 9, 21, 23; Oct: 5, 7, 19, 21; Nov: 2; 2027 - Apr: 13, 25; May: 7; Aug: 12, 24, 27; Sep: 7, 10, 21, 24; Oct: 5, 8, 19, 22; Nov: 3; 2028 - Apr: 10, 22; May: 4; Aug: 10, 22, 23; Sep: 5, 6, 19, 20; Oct: 3, 4, 17, 18, 30 

Empires of the Mediterranean (10 days, Venice to Athens) 

     Starts at $4499; 2026 - Apr: 13, 23; May: 3, 13, 23; Jun: 2, 12, 22; Jul: 2, 12, 22; Aug: 1, 11, 21, 31; Sep: 10, 20, 30; Oct: 10, 20; 2027 - Apr: 11, 21; May: 1, 11, 21, 31; Jun: 10, 20, 30; Jul: 10, 20, 30; Aug: 9, 19, 29; Sep: 8, 18, 28; Oct: 8, 18; 2028 - Apr: 10, 20, 30; May: 10, 20, 30; Jun: 9, 19, 29; Jul: 9, 19, 29; Aug: 8, 18, 28; Sep: 7, 17, 27; Oct: 7, 17 

Far East and Alaska (37 days, Hong Kong to Vancouver, 10 sea days) 

     Starts at $16998; 2026 - Apr: 22; May: 11; Sep: 4, 23; 2027 - Apr: 19, 25; Sep: 7, 21; 2028 - Mar: 30; May: 6 

Far Eastern Horizons (15 Days, Hong Kong to Tokyo)   

     Starts at $9999; 2026 - Apr: 22; May: 11; Sep: 27; Oct: 16; 2027 - Apr: 19, 25; Sep: 30; Oct: 14; 2028 - Mar: 30; May: 6 

Greek Odyssey (11 days, round-trip Athens)  

     Starts at $4999; 2026 - Mar: 1, 8, 15, 22; Nov: 7, 14, 21, 28; Dec: 5, 12, 19, 26; 2027 - Jan: 2, 9, 16, 23, 30; Feb: 6, 13, 20, 27; Mar: 6, 13, 20, 27; Oct: 24, 31; Nov: 7, 14, 21, 28; Dec: 5, 12, 19, 26; 2028 - Jan: 2, 9, 16, 23, 30; Feb: 6, 13, 20, 27; Mar: 5, 12, 19, 26 

Iconic Western Mediterranean (8 Days, Barcelona to Rome) 

     Starts at $3599; 2026 - Jan: 6, 13, 20, 27; Feb: 3, 10, 17, 24; Mar: 3, 10, 17, 24, 31; Apr: 7, 14, 21, 28; May: 5, 12, 19, 26; Jun: 2, 9, 16, 23, 30; Jul: 7, 14, 21, 28; Aug: 4, 11, 18, 25; Sep: 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; Oct: 6, 13, 20, 27; Nov: 3, 10, 17, 24; Dec: 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; 2027 - Jan: 5, 12, 19, 26; Feb: 2, 9, 16, 23; Mar: 2, 9, 16, 23, 30; Apr: 6, 13, 20, 27; May: 4, 11, 18, 25; Jun: 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; Jul: 6, 13, 20, 27; Aug: 3, 10, 17, 24, 31; Sep: 7, 14, 21, 28; Oct: 5, 12, 19, 26; Nov: 2, 9, 16, 23, 30; Dec: 7, 14, 21, 28; 2028 - Jan: 4, 11, 18, 25; Feb: 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; Mar: 7, 14, 21, 28; Apr: 4, 11, 18, 25 

Into the Midnight Sun (15 Days, Bergen to London) 

     Starts at $7299; 2026 - Jun: 10, 17, 24; Jul: 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; Aug: 5, 12; 2027 - Jun: 8, 15, 22, 29; Jul: 6, 13, 20, 27; Aug: 3, 10; 2028 - Jun: 6, 13, 20, 27; Jul: 4, 11, 18, 25; Aug: 1, 8 

Italian Sojourn (8 days, Rome to Venice) 

     Starts at $3999; 2026 - Mar: 26; Apr: 4, 13, 22; May: 1, 10, 19, 28; Jun: 6, 15, 24; Jul: 3, 12, 21, 30; Aug: 8, 17, 26; Sep: 4, 13, 22; Oct: 1, 10, 19, 28; 2027 - Mar: 24; Apr: 2, 11, 20, 29; May: 8, 17, 26; Jun: 4, 13, 22; Jul: 1, 10, 19, 28; Aug: 6, 15, 24; Sep: 2, 11, 20, 29; Oct: 8, 17, 26; 2028 - Mar: 23; Apr: 1, 10, 19, 28; May: 7, 16, 25; Jun: 3, 12, 21, 30; Jul: 9, 18, 27; Aug: 5, 14, 23; Sep: 1, 10, 19, 28; Oct: 7, 16, 25 

Mediterranean Odyssey (13 days, Barcelona to Venice) 

     Starts at $4999; 2026 - Mar: 14, 25; Apr: 5, 16, 27; May: 8, 19, 30; Jun: 10, 21; Jul: 2, 13, 24; Aug: 4, 15, 26; Sep: 6, 17, 28; Oct: 9, 20, 31; 2027 - Mar: 12, 23; Apr: 3, 14, 25; May: 6, 17, 28; Jun: 8, 19, 30; Jul: 11, 22; Aug: 2, 13, 24; Sep: 4, 15, 26; Oct: 7, 18, 29; 2028 - Mar: 11, 22; Apr: 2, 13, 24; May: 5, 16, 27; Jun: 7, 18, 29; Jul: 10, 21; Aug: 1, 12, 23; Sep: 3, 14, 25; Oct: 6, 17, 28 

North Pacific Passage (23 Days, Tokyo to Vancouver) 

     Starts at $5699; 2026 - May: 6, 25; Sep: 4, 23; 2027 - May: 3, 9; Sep: 7, 21; 2028 - Apr: 13; May: 20 

Panama Canal & Central America (15 days, round-trip Ft. Lauderdale) 

     Starts at $6499; 2026 - Jan: 4, 18; Feb: 1, 15; Mar: 1, 15, 29; Oct: 25; Nov: 8, 22; Dec: 6, 20; 2027 - Jan: 3, 17, 31; Feb: 14, 28; Mar: 14, 28; Oct: 24; Nov: 7, 21; Dec: 5, 19; 2028 - Jan: 2, 16, 30; Feb: 13, 27; Mar: 12, 26 

Southeast Asia & Hong Kong (15 Days, Bangkok to Hong Kong) 

     Starts at $5399; 2026 - Apr: 8, 27; Oct: 11, 30; 2027 - Apr: 5, 11; Oct: 14, 28; 2028 - Mar: 16; Apr: 22 

Venice, the Adriatic & Greece (8 Days, Venice to Athens) 

     Starts at $3999; 2026 - Mar: 25; Apr: 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; May: 6, 13, 20, 27; Jun: 3, 10, 17, 24; Jul: 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; Aug: 5, 12, 19, 26; Sep: 2, 9, 16, 23, 30; Oct: 7, 14, 21, 28; 2027 - Mar: 24, 31; Apr: 7, 14, 21, 28; May: 5, 12, 19, 26; Jun: 2, 9, 16, 23, 30; Jul: 7, 14, 21, 28; Aug: 4, 11, 18, 25; Sep: 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; Oct: 6, 13, 20, 27; 2028 - Mar: 22, 29; Apr: 5, 12, 19, 26; May: 3, 10, 17, 24, 31; Jun: 7, 14, 21, 28; Jul: 5, 12, 19, 26; Aug: 2, 9, 16, 23, 30; Sep: 6, 13, 20, 27; Oct: 4, 11, 18, 25 

Viking Homelands (15 Days, Stockholm to Bergen) 

     Starts at $6499; 2026 - Apr: 11, 18, 25; May: 2, 9, 16, 23, 30; Jun: 6, 13, 20, 27; Jul: 4, 11, 18, 25; Aug: 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; Sep: 5, 12; 2027 - Apr: 10, 17, 24; May: 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; Jun: 5, 12, 19, 26; Jul: 3, 10, 17, 24, 31; Aug: 7, 14, 21, 28; Sep: 4, 11; 2028 - Apr: 15, 22, 29; May: 6, 13, 20, 27; Jun: 3, 10, 17, 24; Jul: 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; Aug: 5, 12, 19, 26; Sep: 2, 9 

West Indies Explorer (11 Days; San Juan to San Juan) 

     Starts at $2999; 2026 - Jan: 4, 11, 18, 25; Feb: 1, 8, 15, 22; Mar: 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; Oct: 25; Nov: 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; Dec: 6, 13, 20, 27; 2027 - Jan: 3, 10, 17, 24, 31; Feb: 7, 14, 21, 28; Mar: 7, 14, 21, 28; Oct: 24, 31; Nov: 7, 14, 21, 28; Dec: 5, 12, 19, 26; 2028 - Jan: 2, 9, 16, 23, 30; Feb: 6, 13, 20, 27; Mar: 5, 12, 19, 26 

Expedition Cruises 

Antarctic Explorer (13 Days, Buenos Aires to Ushuaia) 

     Starts at $13,995; 2026 - Jan: 5, 14, 17, 23, 26; Feb: 1, 4, 10, 13; Nov: 22; Dec: 1, 10, 19, 28; 2027 - Jan: 6, 15, 24; Feb: 2, 11; Nov: 14, 23; Dec: 2, 11, 20, 29; 2028 - Jan: 7, 16, 25; Feb: 3 

Antarctica & South Georgia Island (19 Days, Ushuaia to Ushuaia) 

     Starts at $19,995; 2026 - Jan: 2, 21; Feb: 9; Oct: 15, 21, 27; Nov: 3, 9, 15, 29; Dec: 18; 2027 - Jan: 6, 25; Feb: 13; Oct: 15, 24, 27; Nov: 2, 12, 21, 30; Dec: 9, 19, 28; 2028 - Jan: 16; Feb: 4, 23 

(These offers are only available as capacity allows,  

and can be withdrawn at any time, so act fast!!) 

This pricing is based on promotional codes that we will add and will not be reflected on the website. Call us at 770-421-9627 or email Carol@ImagineGoingThere.com to secure your spot on these incredible itineraries! 

Call Carol at 770-421-9627 for up-to-date availability and best pricing– plus we’ll add extra shipboard credit to your reservation, which you won’t get by calling direct! 

Join Us on Explora Journeys – Feb 24 - March 3, 2026! 

I’ve told you in previous newsletters how fabulous our Explora Journeys cruises have been! 

Well, we’re doing another Imagine Going There Travel cruise to the Caribbean February 24-March 3, 2026, and would love to have you join us!  

What a great way to get away from the winter blues – here's the itinerary: 

A Journey of Paradise Coves and Puerto Rican Spirits (8 nights, Miami to San Juan) 

Below is a photo of the Ocean Terrace Suite 2, pricing at $3,719.35 per person, based on double occupancy, which includes our group rate as well as an additional 5 percent discount (normally pricing is $4,130pp for this category.)  

The sailing includes all the following as complimentary amenities in your cruise fare:

• 5 Restaurants
• Unlimited premium beverages
• Free wifi
• Port Fees
• Taxes
• Gratuities 

Come join us!! Call 770-421-9627 or email Carol@ImagineGoingThere.com for more details. 

EES for European Countries 

We have been receiving questions recently around the new EES (Entry/Exit System) being implemented in Europe and if travelers need to do anything in advance. This is different from ETIAS that has not yet been implemented.  

The Entry/Exit System (EES) is a new European Union automated IT system that will register non-EU nationals for short stays in the Schengen Area, replacing traditional passport stamping with the collection of biometric data like fingerprints and facial images. 

Starting October 12, 2025, the system will be phased in over six months with the expectation that once implemented it will make border checks more efficient.

Travelers do not need to do anything advance. When non-EU nationals cross an external EU border, they will use self-service kiosks to scan their passport, provide a facial image, and give fingerprints.

If you would like more information about the EES you can visit this link. 

**PLEASE NOTE IF YOU ARE TRAVELING TO THE UK*** 

UK’s new ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) is up and running! You must submit if disembarking in the UK!

The United Kingdom officially launched their ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) application process for United States citizens. If you are traveling to the UK you will need to be sure to apply and obtain this authorization prior to your departure.  (Shortly after introducing ETA, they made the change that you will not need an ETA if you are only going through the airport “in-transit” and not going through customs.)  

This application costs £16 and is done online. The website states it could take up to three days to process, so don’t wait until the last minute! Click here for more information and to apply.

Carol recently did it over her phone using this QR code. It was a clear and fairly easy process as long as you read the prompts closely.

CAUTION: If you type in “ETA” to a Google search there are many websites that appear to be “official”.  However, you will end up paying too much if you use a website other than the UK government website.  You should look for the “.gov.uk” address to make sure you have the correct information. 

ETIAS for European Countries  

We are continuing to monitor when this will start, and the EU recently announced it will not start until the last quarter of 2026. Viking has told us they will be sending out announcements to travelers once it finally goes into effect and the European Union will inform about the start of the ETIAS several months prior to it’s launch. Click here for the official ETIAS website. 

One less thing to have to think about – at least for now!

Links to Past Newsletters

• Hello Tokyo!
• Adventures on the North Pacific Passage
• Paris and The Heart of Normandy
• A Magical Night under the Stars!
• What Were You Doing in Mexico
• All Aboard Rocky Mountaineer!
• Cities of Light, Part 2

The Last Laugh

"Don't judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant."

- Robert Louis Stevenson

About Imagine Going There Travel

Carol is a Viking Master Cruise Expert and Group Travel Specialist, and she loves getting people together to enjoy the intimacy and hospitality unique to small ship cruising.

Consequently, our clients benefit from the “inside information” we have as a result of the great relationships we have developed over the years. They don't have to call an 800-number hoping to get a knowledgeable professional to answer their questions, and are also on the “first-to-know” list for specials and bonuses, all while receiving the signature TLC we put into every trip.

Vacations are the highlight reels of the year, and each one needs to be truly memorable.

Great Vacations Matter, Because Great Memories Matter Most

P.S. Whether you have questions about your upcoming cruise, or you have a Future Cruise Voucher you're trying to put to the best use, feel free to contact me at 770-421-9627 or email Carol@ImagineGoingThere.com. I'll be happy to answer all of your questions and give you the best advice for your Viking dollars. 

P.S.S. If you've booked direct with Viking in the last 60 days, call 770-421-9627 to get an additional $200 shipboard credit to your reservation!