Semi-Retired and Full-Time Travel

Being semi-retired is like having a golden ticket to the travel playground of life. No more begging the boss for time off or cramming adventures into long weekends. With a flexible schedule and fewer professional strings attached, you can jet off to Tuscany on a Tuesday or road trip through the Rockies just because it’s Wednesday. Off-season travel becomes your secret weapon—cheaper prices, smaller crowds, and way more elbow room at that Parisian café you’ve always wanted to visit.

Let’s talk money—but in a good way. Semi-retirement often means you’ve got a reliable trickle of income (hello, part-time gig, pension, or passive income!) plus fewer big expenses draining your wallet. That means more room in the budget for experiences over things. Want to splurge on a hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia or sip cocktails on a Greek island? Go for it. You’ve earned this, and now you actually have the time to enjoy it.

And here's the really cool part: you can blend work and travel if you want to. Thanks to laptops and Wi-Fi, that seaside café in Portugal can double as your part-time office. Knock out a few emails, then spend the afternoon exploring cobblestone streets or relaxing at a vineyard. Working just enough to keep your mind sharp—and your travel fund topped up—makes the whole experience feel more like a lifestyle and less like a vacation countdown.

Best of all, your time is finally your own. No school schedules, no board meetings, no frantic mornings. Just you, your suitcase, and the open road (or sky, or sea). Whether you’re chasing the solar eclipse, hiking Italy’s remote terrain or just chilling in a hammock somewhere warm, semi-retirement makes travel not just possible—but practically irresistible.

Travel with taste,

Rhonda

A Majestic Journey Over Trollstigen

Trollstigen, or trollstigvegen, is a scenic mountain road in Norway that's part of Norwegian County Road 63. It's considered one of Norway's most famous and well-visited attractions, and is known for its dramatic views and adventurous experiences. The road begins just outside Åndalsnes in northwest Norway and winds up the mountains, across a fjord, and down to Geiranger, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The route is 35 miles long, but the section of hairpin bends known as Trollstigen is only a few miles long.

The road offers views of steep mountainsides, waterfalls, fjords, valleys, and untouched nature. It also passes by old farms and small rivers, and includes 11 turns that go over the Stigefossen waterfall. The name Trollstigen plays on the area's reputation in Norwegian folklore, where trolls are said to be supernatural creatures that can help or hinder humans.

If this sounds intriguing please join us on our adventure to Norway, Sweden, and Denmark coming July of 2025. Click here to learn more!

Culinary Latitudes visits Scandinavia

Cuisine for all tastes!

Memorable dining begins with open-seating, as it allows you to dine when you are ready and with whomever you choose. Regardless of which of our restaurants you select, there are no dining surcharges. Enjoy Toscana’s authentic Italian dishes, Polo Grill’s steakhouse fare, Continental cuisine in the Grand Dining Room, and made-to-order American favorites in the Terrace Café. You may also indulge in delicate pastries and freshly made sandwiches along with illy® specialty coffees at Baristas.

Please call 303-919-8627 or email rhonda@culinarylatitudes.com to book your Scandinavia ocean cruise today. We have limited availability within our group rates.

Travel with taste,

Rhonda

5 REASONS to visit Portugal today

Portugal is a beautiful and diverse country with a rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes. Here are five reasons why you should consider visiting Portugal:

1. Rich History and Architecture: Portugal has a fascinating history that dates back thousands of years, and its architecture reflects this heritage. From ancient Roman ruins to magnificent medieval castles and charming Baroque churches, Portugal offers a diverse range of architectural wonders. Be sure to explore historic cities like Lisbon, Porto, and Évora, where you can wander through narrow cobblestone streets and admire the ornate buildings.
   

2. Beautiful Beaches and Coastline: Portugal boasts a stunning coastline that stretches for more than 1,790 kilometers (1,110 miles), offering breathtaking beaches and dramatic cliffs. The Algarve region, in particular, is known for its picturesque sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and charming fishing villages. Whether you're looking for relaxation, water sports, or simply enjoying the natural beauty, Portugal's beaches cater to every preference.

3. Culinary Delights and Wine: Portuguese cuisine is a treat for food lovers. From fresh seafood dishes like bacalhau (salted codfish) and grilled sardines to hearty meat stews and delicious pastries like pastéis de nata (custard tarts), the country's gastronomy is diverse and flavorful. Don't miss the opportunity to pair your meals with Portuguese wines, which are gaining international recognition. Port wine, produced in the Douro Valley, is particularly famous.

4. Cultural Festivals and Traditions: Portugal is known for its lively festivals and vibrant cultural traditions. The most famous is the Festa de São João (Feast of Saint John) in Porto, held every June, where the city comes alive with music, dancing, and fireworks. Other notable festivals include the Festa dos Tabuleiros (Festival of the Trays) in Tomar, the Fado music performances in Lisbon, and the traditional bullfights in the Campo Pequeno arena.

5. Natural Beauty and Outdoor Activities: Portugal's diverse landscapes offer a wealth of opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. From the rugged mountains of the Peneda-Gerês National Park to the rolling vineyards of the Douro Valley and the picturesque islands of the Azores, there's something for everyone. You can go hiking, cycling, or horseback riding in the countryside, enjoy water sports along the coast, or explore the unique flora and fauna in nature reserves.

These are just a few reasons why Portugal is worth visiting. The country's warm hospitality, stunning scenery, and rich cultural heritage make it an unforgettable destination for travelers.

Irish lamb stew

Recipe Irish Lamb Stew by Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort

Serves 4 – 6

Ingredients:

3 Pounds Yukon Gold Potatoes, peeled
2 Medium Spanish Onions
2 ½ Pounds Lamb Shoulder, 1 inch cubed
2 ½ Teaspoons Kosher Salt
2 ½ Teaspoons Ground Black Pepper
2 Teaspoons Fresh Thyme, chopped
3 Cups Lamb Stock or Chicken Stock
1 Cup Water
2 Tablespoons Chopped Flat Leaf Parsley

Method of Preparation:

1. Preheat the oven 325 degrees.

2. Cut one pound of the peeled potatoes into ¼ -inch slices/circles. Place the potatoes in a large heavy bottom pot with lid or Dutch oven.

3. Peel and cut the onions lengthwise into half moons, place half on top of potatoes.

4. Place the lamb cubes (or chops can be substituted) on top of the potatoes and onions.

5. Add thyme. Season with half of the salt and pepper.

6. Add stock and water.

7. Take remaining onions place on top of lamb.

8. Cut the remaining potatoes in half. Place halves on top, add remaining salt and pepper.

9. On stove top, heat the pot with lid on until a boil appears, remove from heat.

10. Place a sheet tray on the bottom shelf of oven and place covered pot in the oven.

11. Cook without stirring for 2 hours.

12. Serve with parsley over the top.

Anglo Saxon Byways - August 29th, 2024 - September 10th, 2024

Two options for booking: Cruise only with a base price starting at $4,399* per person. Or you can book as O’Life wish will include your roundtrip airfare, transfers, and 6 excursions per booking!

*$4,399 per person is based on availability and is subject to change. See below for all the inclusions with an Oceania Cruise.

Oceania Includes:

• Aquamar Spa + Vitality Center provides you a blissful wellness retreat at sea that includes complimentary fitness classes and a state-of-the-art fitness center. From sunrise yoga on deck to boot camp to core conditioning, you are sure to find a class to suit your preferences.

• From dozens of new flavorful dishes at The Grand Dining Room and Toscana to the addition of internationally inspired poke bowls at Waves Grill and a vastly expanded Sunday Brunch, this latest collection of OceaniaNEXT enhancements elevates and evolves our culinary program, making certain your experience will be better than ever. The new dishes reflect our chefs’ favorite experiences, from dishes they serve at Sunday family dinners to top emerging cuisines from around the globe that have inspired them. The sweeping new stable of recipes and enhancements showcases the creativity of our chefs and the innovative ways they channel their passion into exciting and unique culinary experiences. 6 restaurants to choose from free of additional fees.

• Our Chef Instructors at The Culinary Center have a genuine passion for experiencing the world’s cultures through the lens of food and cooking – and for sharing it with you in destinations around the globe. Whether you spend a day at sea discovering the secrets of fish cookery or join one of our popular Culinary Discovery Tours™ ashore, our team at The Culinary Center is here to offer expert instruction while bringing the local culture to life.

• From reading comfortably in the library to sipping fine vintages at a wine tasting, a wonderful spectrum of enriching activities awaits you on board. Join one of our esteemed guest lecturers to discover their unique cultural and destination expertise, or learn to prepare a variety of exquisite dishes at The Culinary Center, our state-of-the-art cooking school on Marina and Riviera. Embrace your inner artist at Artist Loft, where talented artists-in-residence offer inspiring workshops on Marina and Riviera as well as Insignia world cruises. Spend the afternoon with friends at a lively trivia contest or bridge tournament.

• Evenings aboard Oceania Cruises can be anything you desire. Marvel at the continuously changing talented guest entertainers as you delight in high-energy production shows, talented vocalists, classical music and more. Perhaps stop by the lively Monte Carlo-style Casino for a rousing game or two. Unforgettable evenings are just steps from your stateroom.

Our ship the Marina

• 1238 Guests

• 776 Staff Members

• Year Refurbished 2023

• Currently At Sea

Timelessly sophisticated, Marina was designed for the ultimate epicurean. She embraces the elegant ambiance of our renowned 1,238-guest ships while also offering an array of amenities and choices. In addition to multiple open-seating gourmet restaurants, Marina features memorable food and wine experiences at La Reserve by Wine Spectator as well as the opportunity for private dining at exclusive Privée. From the sparkling Lalique Grand Staircase to the Owner's Suites furnished in Ralph Lauren Home, designer touches are everywhere, highlighting the finest residential design and furnishings. More than anything, Marina personifies the Oceania Cruises experience.

Culinary Latitudes Group Inclusions:

• WIth the quota of staterooms in place we will be able to add free tips and $100 onboard credit per cabin. This is a value of $532.00.

• Since Culinary Latitudes never keeps earned credits, you will also see additional onboard credit with the correct number of select cabins in place. This will be awarded prior to sailing.

Click below to receive a free quote and get more information regarding this specific itinerary.