In This Issue

• February and Beyond Events & Webinars 
• A Legacy in Leather
• “Travel Tested, Carol Approved” January Contest Winner

• New Viking Itinerary Highlights:
  Rhine, Main & Danube Odyssey (18 days, Budapest to Basel)

• February Specials

• Update on UK and European Union Visas

• Links to Past Newsletters

• The Last Laugh

February 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 in February and the beginning of March. We hope you can join us for one of them!

February 10th (Tuesday) – Sun City Carolina Lakes, Fort Mill, SC (Charlotte area) 

Brunch and Learn - 10:00-11:15 am

February 10th (Tuesday) – Del Webb Carolina Orchards, Fort Mill, SC (Charlotte area) Ice Cream Social - 2:00-3:15 pm

Webinar: Thursday, February 12th at 2pm

      Viking Rivers Itinerary: Tulips and Windmills

Registration Link: Tulips and Windmills

Webinar: Thursday, February 19th at 2pm

      Viking Rivers Itinerary:  Paris to the Swiss Alps

Registration Link: Paris to the Swiss Alps

March 2nd 10th (Monday) – Cresswind Peachtree City, Peachtree City, GA

Trivia Bingo 7-9pm

March 6th  (Friday) –Sun City Hilton Head, Bluffton, SC

Ice Cream Social - 3:30-5pm Lakehouse Bayside Room

March 7th  (Saturday) –Sun City Hilton Head, Bluffton, SC

Home and Garden Expo -10am-1pm – Platinum Sponsor

March 11th  (Wednesday) – Cresswind Peachtree City, Peachtree City, GA

Ice Cream Social - 1:30-2:45pm

March 12th  (Thursday) – Encore at Streamside, Waxhaw, NC

Brunch and Learn - 10:00-11:15pm

March 12th  (Thursday) – TreeTops Lancaster, SC (Charlotte area)

Ice Cream Social - 2:30-3:45pm

A Legacy in Leather

Kerri & Bill, recently went on the Iconic Western Mediterranean cruise and took the Ultimate Tuscany pre-extension (which is one of my favorites!)

It just so happened that they had an interaction with a leather artisan and came back with a fascinating story I thought you'd be interested in because it dovetails perfectly with something they do at home.

Join us as we dive into their personal highlights and favorite memories, sailing the Mediterranean. See their story below as they share their journey of turning a cherished childhood pastime into a thriving venture that fosters community and celebrates the timeless joy of unplugged, old-school, screen-free fun. 

"My wife Kerri and I just returned from Viking’s Iconic Mediterranean Ocean cruise with the pre-extension Ultimate Tuscany. Having done a river cruise and an ocean cruise, we don’t have a favorite.They’re both amazing.

The Iconic Med trip was remarkable. Viking’s vessels are stunning, the Vesta is beautifully built, decorated and appointed. We are huge fans of whoever hires their employees. Some may do it as well…no one does it better!

The Ultimate Tuscany Pre-extension gave us an immersive visit to Florence, Sienna and San Gimignano. Remarkable!

Our trip to Florence gave us a very in-depth description of its architectural evolution and learned about its significant role in shaping European history. It was also a treat to visit one of Florence’s finest (maybe their best) leather goods stores, Michelangelo 1960.

At Michelangelo 1960 our tour with Luca, Rita and Alex exposed us to their workshop where we met Raffaele De Dominicis, a 40-year leather craftsman expert.

Looking around this workspace, draped with extraordinary leathers, we recognized several leather working tools that we also have in our shop and use a lot which piqued our curiosity more. After we mentioned our business to Luca, he invited us to return to the shop right after the wonderful lunch our guide took us - Casa Toscana, which was conveniently located just around the corner.

A little about our western North Carolina small business Legacy Boards Backgammon: My family has always played backgammon. My parents taught their 5 kids, and we each taught our children to play backgammon (our spouses also play).

Our family reunions are set around a formal backgammon drawsheet. Kerri and I are on a mission to get more families around the board. During Covid we decided to go full-time channeling this vision into Legacy Boards Backgammon.

The two of us create custom, one-of-a-kind backgammon and chess boards blending functionality with aesthetic appeal. We hope our work helps families enhance their legacy through this 5,000-year-old game.

Our Materials: live-edge slab wood along with the finest leather we can find for our hand-cut leather backgammon playing surfaces. Our work is in several art galleries, and a few select design stores in New York and Palm Beach, Florida.

Our artistic vision is deeply rooted in our home in Marshall, where the local creative community keeps us inspired every day. We’ve always believed in bridging our business with civic involvement, which is why we’ve expanded our outreach beyond our town. Whether it’s contributing to the Chicago Heart Ball or the Cattle Barons Ball in Dallas, we’re honored that our boards can help support the vital work of organizations like the American Heart Association and the American Cancer Society.

At Michelangelo 1960, they sell made-in-house leather goods including clothing, accessories and the most intricately made (in this shop) handbags we’ve ever seen! That aside, Raffaele along with his partner-craftsmen, is also a bookbinder.

Book binding, of which we know little, is an incredibly intricate skill that requires the utmost care, attention to detail, knowledge of leather, more importantly; how to assuage it to do what one wants of it. Imagine its complexity when re-binding a book of significance, let alone historic significance. We thoroughly enjoyed this tour and our all-too-brief visits with our new friends at Michelangelo 1960.

On a tour of one of Europe’s most iconic cities, we got a great sense of Florence’s treasures.

The Ponta Vecchio, the Cathedral of Santa Maria Del Fiore and Brunelleschi’s “impossible” dome, Piazza de Michelangelo (panoramic views of Florence and the surrounding mountain along with a replica Statue of David) the Palazzo Vecchio among many, many others and Michelangelo 1960.

Viking, well done!

Imagine Going There Travel, Carol Shaddix’ amazing team, we’re sold!"

-Kerri  Dwyer & Bill Shea

If you want to look at a webinar I did on this cruise, watch it here:

Iconic Western Mediterranean.

"Travel Tested, Carol Approved" January Contest Winner

A huge congratulations to:

Jamie Knapp!

You spotted the hidden star in last month’s newsletter and are taking home the ultimate travel armor: our favorite collapsible UV-protection travel umbrella and a 3-pack of Airborne to keep your immune system in top shape for your next adventure.

New Viking Itinerary Highlights:
18-day Rhine, Main & Danube Odyssey

February 2026 Viking Special Offers

Remember, these won’t be published on the website, and you won’t get these prices by calling into Viking, either.  We have the special codes to provide the best savings, so call us at 770-421-9627 or email Carol@ImagineGoingThere.com! 

River Cruises

Up to Free Air from Mainland US gateways on 2026 sailings

Magnificent Mekong River Cruise (15 Days, Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City)

Starts at $5,999; Aug – Dec 2026

Cities of Light  (12 days, Prague to Paris)

Starts at $3,199 Jul & Aug 2026

Grand European Tour (15 days, Amsterdam to Budapest)

Starts at $4,999; Jun – Aug 2026

Lyon & Provence (8 days, Avignon to Lyon)

Starts at $2,799; Jul & Aug 2026

Paris to the Swiss Alps (12 days, Paris to Zurich)

Starts at $3,299; Jul & Aug 2026

Rhine Getaway (8 days, Basel to Amsterdam)

Starts at $2,299; Jul & Aug 2026

Romantic Danube (8 days, Budapest to Regensburg)

Starts at $2,399; Jun – Aug 2026

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

Starts at $5,999; Jun – Aug 2026

Danube Waltz (8 days, Passau to Budapest)

Starts at $2,299; Jun – Aug

Paris & the Heart of Normandy (8 days, round-trip Paris)

Starts at $2,799; Jul & Aug 2026

Passage to Eastern Europe (11 days, Bucharest to Budapest)

Starts at $3,599; Jun – Aug 2026

Portugal’s River of Gold (10 days, Lisbon to Porto)

Starts at $3,999; Jun – Aug 2026

Rhine & Main Explorer (11 Days, Nuremberg to Basel)

Starts at $3,199; Jun – Aug 2026

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

Starts at $2,799; Jul & Aug 2026

Ocean Cruises

Up to Free International Airfare or Free Air from Mainland US gateways

Iconic Western Mediterranean (8 Days, Barcelona to Rome)

Starts at $3,599; 2026 - May, Jun, Jul

Journey to Antiquities (8 days, Rome to Athens)

Starts at $4,999; 2026 - Apr

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

Starts at $7,999; 2026 - Jun, Jul

Iceland & Norway's Arctic Explorer (15 Days, Bergen to Reykjavik)

Starts at $7,999; 2026 - Jul

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

Starts at $5,999; 2026 - Apr

Grand Australia Circumnavigation (32 Days, Sydney to Sydney)

Starts at $12,999; 2026 - Feb

British Isles Explorer (15 Days London to Bergen)

Starts at $9,499; 2026 - Jul, Aug

Iceland, British Isles & Iberia (15 Days, Reykjavik to Barcelona)

Starts at $5,499; 2026 - Jun

North Pacific Passage (23 Days, Tokyo to Vancouver) 

Starts at $6,999; 2026 - May

Trade Routes of the Middle Ages (15 Days, Bergen to Barcelona)

Starts at $5,499; 2026 - May

Free Stateroom Upgrade, Reduced International Airfare, plus Double Past Guest Discount on 2026 - 2028 Ocean cruises

Ancient Mediterranean Treasures (8 Days, Istanbul to Athens)

Starts at $2,299; 2026 - Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Aug, Oct, Nov, Dec; 2027 - Jan, Mar, Apr, May, Jul, Sep, Oct, Dec; 2028 - Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, Aug

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

Starts at $4,599; 2026 - Mar, Apr, May, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct; 2027 - Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct; 2028 - Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Italian Sojourn (8 days, Rome to Venice)

Starts at $3,499; 2026 - Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov; 2027 - Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct; 2028 - Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Sep

Greek Odyssey (11 days, round-trip Athens)

Starts at $3,899; 2026 - Feb, Apr, Oct, Nov, Dec; 2027 - Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Aug, Oct, Nov; 2028 - Feb, Apr

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

Starts at $3,599; 2026 - Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov; 2027 - Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct; 2028 - Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug

Mediterranean Odyssey (13 days; Barcelona to Venice, or Venice to Barcelona)

Starts at $6,699; 2026 - Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct; 2027 - Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov; 2028 - Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Viking Homelands (15 Days, Stockholm to Bergen)

Starts at $8,499; 2026 - Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug; 2027 - May, Jun, Jul, Aug; 2028 - May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

In Search of the Northern Lights (13 Days, London to Bergen)

Starts at $5,299; 2026 - Jan, Feb, Mar

Viking Shores & Fjords (8 Days, Amsterdam to Bergen)

Starts at $4,499; 2026 - Apr, May, Jun, Aug; 2027 - Apr, May, Jun; 2028 - Apr, Jun

Baltic Discovery (8 Days, Stockholm to Copenhagen)

Starts at $6,999; 2027 - Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep; 2028 - May, Jun, Jul, Aug

Nordic Wonders (8 Days, Bergen to Oslo)

Starts at $5,999; 2027 - May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep; 2028 - May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Scandinavian Discovery (8 Days, Oslo to Stockholm)

Starts at $7,499; 2027 - May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep; 2028 - May, Jun, Jul, Aug

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

Starts at $5,499; 2026 - May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep; 2027 - May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep; 2028 - May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

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

Starts at $6,999; 2026 - Oct; 2027 - Oct; 2028 - Oct

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

Starts at $6,999; 2026 - Aug, Sep; 2027 - Sep, Oct; 2028 - Sep

North Pacific Passage (23 Days, Tokyo to Vancouver)

Starts at $5,699; 2026 - May, Sep; 2027 - May, Sep; 2028 - Apr, May

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

Starts at $2,999; 2026 - Nov, Dec; 2027 - Nov; 2028 - Jan

Panama Canal & the Pacific Coast (18 days, Ft, Lauderdale, FL, to Los Angeles, CA)

Starts at $6,299; 2026 - Dec; 2027 - Dec

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

Starts at $4,699; 2026 - Jan, Feb, Oct, Nov, Dec; 2027 - Jan, Nov, Dec; 2028 - Jan, Feb

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

Starts at $7,499; 2026 - Jan, Feb, Nov, Dec; 2027 - Jan, Feb, Nov, Dec; 2028 - Jan, Feb

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

Starts at $6,299; 2026 - Mar, Apr, Oct, Nov; 2027 - Mar, Oct, Nov; 2028 - Mar

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

Starts at $5,999; 2026 - Apr, Oct; 2027 - Apr, Oct; 2028 - Mar, Apr

Komodo & the Australian Coast (17 Days, Bali to Sydney)

Starts at $5,399; 2026 - Feb, Mar, Nov; 2027 - Mar, Nov; 2028 - Mar

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

Starts at $14,998; 2026 - Feb, Nov; 2027 - Feb, Nov; 2028 - Feb

South America & the Chilean Fjords (18 Days, Buenos Aires to Santiago Valparaiso)

Starts at $7,499; 2026 - Feb, Dec; 2027 - Jan, Feb, Dec; 2028 - Jan, Feb

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

Starts at $3,499; 2026 - Jan, Feb, Mar, Nov, Dec; 2027 - Jan, Feb, Nov, Dec; 2028 - Jan, Feb

West Indies to Spain (14 Days, San Juan to Barcelona)

Starts at $2,699; 2026 - Oct; 2027 - Mar; 2028 - Feb

From the Caribbean to the Amazon (22 Days; Roundtrip: San Juan, Puerto Rico)

Starts at $10,999; 2026 - Dec; 2028 - Jan

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

Starts at $2,399; 2026 - Feb, Dec; 2027 - Jan, Dec; 2028 - Feb

Spain & Portugal Discovery (8 Days, Lisbon to Barcelona; includes Morocco)

Starts at $2,799; 2026 - Oct, Nov; 2027 - Feb, Apr, May, Jun, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec; 2028 - Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Sep

Iberian Explorer (8 Days, Barcelona to London)

Starts at $2,299; 2027 - Jan, Mar, Sep; 2028 - Jan, Mar

Trade Routes of the Middle Ages (15 Days, Bergen to Barcelona)

Starts at $5,199; 2026 - May, Sep; 2027 - Jun, Sep; 2028 - May, Sep

Southern Atlantic Crossing (22 days, Barcelona to Buenos Aires; 11 sea days)

Starts at $5,499; 2026 - Mar, Nov; 2027 - Mar, Nov; 2028 - Mar

Iberia, France & England (12 Days, Lisbon to London)

Explorer Starts at $4,999; 2026 - Sep; 2027 - Apr, Sep; 2028 - Apr, Jun, Oct

Expeditions

Up to Free International Airfare | Reduced Fares on 2026-2028 Sailings

Canadian Discovery (13 Days; New York City to Toronto, Ontario)

Starts at $5,995; 2026 - Apr, Oct; 2027 - Apr, Oct; 2028 - Apr, Sep, Oct

Canada & East Coast Explorer (15 Days; Toronto, Ontario, to Ft. Lauderdale, FL)

Starts at $6,995; 2026 - Oct; 2027 - Apr

Great Lakes Collection (15 Days; Toronto, Ontario, to Duluth, MN)

Starts at $12,995; 2026 - Jun, Jul, Aug; 2027 - May, Jun, Jul, Aug; 2028 - May, Jun, Aug

Niagara & Great Lakes Treasures (17 Days; Toronto, Ontario, to Milwaukee, WI)

Starts at $8,995; 2026 - May, Jun, Sep; 2027 - May, Aug, Sep; 2028 - May, Jul, Sep

Niagara & the Great Lakes (8 Days, Toronto & the Great Lakes)  Starts at $6,995; 2026 - Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Sep, Oct; 2027 - May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep; 2028 - May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

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

Starts at $26,995; 2026 - Nov; 2027 - Mar; 2028 - Feb

Argentina & the Chilean Fjords (14 Days, Buenos Aires to Santiago)

Starts at $9,995; 2026 - Mar; 2027 - Mar; 2028 – Mar

Chilean Fjords & Scenic Shores (13 Days, Santiago to Ushuaia)

Starts at $9,595; 2026 - Nov; 2027 - Nov; 2028 - Oct, Nov

Antarctic Explorer (13 Days, Buenos Aires to Ushuaia)

Starts at $14,995; 2026 - Dec; 2027 - Jan, Feb, Nov, Dec; 2028 - Jan, Feb, Mar, Nov

Canada & Greenland Explorer (15 Days; Toronto, Ontario, to Nuuk)

Starts at $12,995; 2026 - Jul, Sep; 2027 - Jun, Sep; 2028 - Jul, Sep

Into the Northwest Passage (15 Days, Nuuk to Nuuk)

Starts at $12,995; 2026 - Jul, Aug, Sep; 2027 - Jul, Aug, Sep; 2028 - Jul, Aug, Sep

Panama & Scenic South America (18 Days, Ft. Lauderdale to Santiago)

Starts at $9,395; 2026 - Nov; 2027 - Mar

Panama Canal & the Americas (20 Days, Santiago to New York City, NY)

Starts at $8,895; 2026 - Mar, Oct; 2027 - Apr, Oct; 2028 - Apr, Oct

(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! 

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. 

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! 

**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. 

Links to Past Newsletters

• A December to Remember

• Hello Tokyo! 

• Adventures on the North Pacific Passage 

• Paris & the Heart of Normandy  

• London, Paris & D-Day 

• A Magical Night Under the Stars 

• What Were You Doing in Mexico? 

• All Aboard Rocky Mountaineer! 

• Spotlight on Cities of Light, Part 2 

• Spotlight on Cities of Light 

• Big “Bag” for the Buck! 

• Surprises Along the Danube 

• Practically Perfect in Every Way 

• Let's Celebrate! 

• Wonders Along the Adriatic Coast 

• Surprise, Surprise, Surprise! 

• A Walk Through Olympic History 

• On to Lyon & Provence 

• Found Treasures, Part 2 

• Found Treasures 

• What's The Real Reason? 

• Discover Alaska & The Inside Passage 

• Iceland & Into the Glacier!  

The Last Laugh

“Happiness and moral duty are inseparably connected.”

- George Washington

“To be ignorant of what occurred before you were born is to remain always a child”

- Cicero

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!