The Traveler Guide

Cruises may still be associated with older travelers, but the times when older travelers are the only ones enjoying a cruise vacation are long passed. A cruise is an extremely attractive option for anyone seeking to escape from the demands of work and everyday life. Fortunately, cruise lines now offer a variety of programs allowing them to meet the holiday needs of any traveler’s lifestyle and preferences. Cruising is no longer about simply showing off your new wardrobe, playing shuffleboard or socializing in the lounge. 

These may all be great parts of a cruise vacation, but there is a wide range of activities and amenities perfect for every traveler. A new trend in cruising is the celebrity cruise which is perfect for anyone wanting to be pampered and feel like a “celebrity.” These luxury ships offer a range of services on board. Maids and butlers are ready to serve the passengers once on board. There is, of course, plenty of time for relaxation that can include massages, lounging or swimming, for instance. With the extraordinary catering, this entire cruise can become a fabulous treat for any passenger. 

Families with children will need to find a babysitter, but once that is taken care of, they will have a wonderful ocean vacation to look forward to. Family cruises are a great option for families desiring to spend their holiday with their kids. Activities are geared for both adults and children. Theme cruises such as Disney, for example, offer even more specialized activities and fun with some of the famous animated characters the kids will surely enjoy. A benefit to these cruises is that the programs and activities planned for the children keep them busier for longer periods of time allowing the parents to spend a little more time together and relax away from the hassle of everyday life onshore. 

At night, entertaining events bring the family back together and provide the opportunity for fun as a family all evening. If your children are older, they will probably like the idea of an adventure cruise even more. This is a great way to explore new areas and experience trips where your kids can feel like they have discovered new, exciting places and different cultures. There is possibility for this travel all over the world, whether Antarctica, the Costa Rica rainforests or the ancient ruins of the Incas in Mexico. 

Adventure cruises offer a good balance of exploration and time for relaxation since there are still plenty of opportunities to recreate the adventures once on board. Finally, there are even ships designed especially for those travelers tired of the single life. Going on a singles cruise just might be that turning point in your love life. They offer a good combination of socialization, relaxation and planned activities. There is an even number of men and women on board providing even more opportunity for you to meet your partner. But, even if you do not meet your dream partner on board, you will surely find many new friends to socialize with and enjoy the many activities offered.

Missouri is a central part of the United States and is surrounded on all sides by the states of Illinois, Tennessee, Arkansas, Oklahoma and Kansas. Visitors to Missouri can enjoy a wide variety of attractions as a result of several distinct regions within the state. St. Louis is the largest city in Missouri and is located at the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers which has earned the city the nickname Gateway to the West. Another popular destination for all types of travelers is Kansas City which features several museums and amusement parks. If travelers want to have some outdoor activities then a good location to go is the Osage Lakes area or the Ozark Mountains. Where you are into indoor attractions such as museums or outdoor adventures such as hiking, tours and wildlife excursions then you are sure to find what you want in Missouri.

St. Louis is a city that has been involved in history for many years. It was the starting point for the Lewis and Clark expedition and was a popular starting point for those starting their journey West in the early days of the United States. The St. Louis Arch stands as a monument to the travelers as they head West even in these modern times. The Wainwright Building in St. Louis claims to be the first skyscraper ever built in the world and still stands today as a downtown government building. For the music lovers St. Louis is also an excellent destination since is has a deep history of jazz and ragtime that can still be heard at many clubs including the most popular Lemmons Basement Bar. For the film lovers there is the Webster Film Series which shows films all year long that aren't within the mainstream of movies.

When you visit Kansas City the first thing you will notice is that is has a variety of decorative water spouts and you may even feel like you have stepped back in time to Rome. When you come to Kansas City is has a variety of attractions and activities that will keep you busy and you will be bound to find something you like to do here. The American Jazz Museum is an excellent place to go if you want to known all about the history of the jazz musical form and see many artifacts from past years. Another excellent museum option is the Arabia Steamboat Museum which covers the history of steam boat travel along the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers. For the family travelers there is an amusement part called the Worlds of Fun and Oceans of Fun. This amusement park has a variety of rides and live entertainment to choose from. For more adult activities, Kansas City even offers the Argosy Casino and Harrah's Casino with slot machines, table games and dining options.

There are many options when it comes to accommodations in Missouri just like the attractions. The Missouri Division of Tourism is an excellent source to help you find the right accommodation in the right city for your travel needs. However some of the excellent options include the Lodge of Four Seasons which is one of the largest resorts you can find in the entire Midwest and has activities available such as golfing and swimming. It also includes a marina, five different restaurants and a spa that is fifteen thousand square feet.