Lance Parcell at Hi Ho Vacations

09/05/2026

Planning an Alaska vacation can get overwhelming pretty quickly.

Which cruise line? Which itinerary? When should you go? Which ports and excursions are worth your time? Should you add a few days on land?

That’s where I can help.

I’ve called Alaska home since 1999, and I use that local knowledge along with my experience as a travel advisor to help clients build an Alaska vacation that fits what they actually want to see and do.

I also continue to learn the cruise products firsthand. In a couple of weeks I’ll be sailing Norwegian Bliss in Alaska, paying particular attention to the ship, itinerary, and overall experience from the perspective of the clients I help.

If Alaska is on your list for 2027 or beyond, I’d be happy to help you sort through the options.

[email protected]

09/02/2026

I went to Edinburgh for something I had wanted to experience for nearly 30 years: the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.

I expected the Tattoo to be the highlight. It absolutely was.

What I didn’t expect was how quickly Edinburgh itself would make me want to come back.

In about 48 hours, we climbed Arthur’s Seat, explored Edinburgh Castle, toured Royal Yacht Britannia, discovered an incredible historic pub, learned our way around the city, and finally experienced the Tattoo.

I put the whole experience together in my latest blog, along with some things I learned firsthand that may help if Edinburgh or Scotland is on your travel list.

48 Hours in Edinburgh: Why It Wasn’t Nearly Enough

https://www.genxjarheadtravels.com/blog/48-hours-in-edinburgh-why-it-wasn-t-nearly-enough

I came to Edinburgh for an experience I had dreamed about for nearly 30 years. What I didn’t expect was how quickly the city itself would give me so many reasons to come back.

09/01/2026

Tuesday Travel Tip ✈️🧳

Checking a bag? Take a quick photo of it before you hand it over.

Snap a picture of the outside of your suitcase and consider taking one of what you packed inside. If your luggage is delayed or lost, those photos can make it much easier to describe your bag and document its contents if you need to file a claim.

I also recommend putting an AirTag or another luggage tracker inside your checked bag. It can give you a pretty good idea of where your suitcase is, especially when it doesn’t arrive on the baggage carousel with you.

One more easy step: put your name, phone number and email inside the suitcase. Exterior luggage tags can get damaged or torn off.

A couple of minutes before your trip can save you a lot of frustration later.

08/31/2026

Edinburgh from the top of Arthur’s Seat. You really don’t comprehend how large Edinburgh is until you see it from here.

08/31/2026

One of the best views of Edinburgh doesn’t come from the city streets.

📍 Arthur’s Seat, Edinburgh

08/30/2026

Think Edinburgh is just a quick stop before heading somewhere else in Scotland?

I’d reconsider that.

After spending a couple of days here, I could easily build several more days into a return trip. History, incredible views, great food and a city that just begs you to keep exploring.

Edinburgh deserves time.

08/29/2026

One of the perks of experiencing Edinburgh during the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo: dinner before the show, complete with our own bagpipe serenade.

Great food, a little Scottish tradition, and then off to Edinburgh Castle for the Tattoo. Experiences like this are exactly why I love seeing a destination firsthand. It gives me so much more to share when helping clients plan their own trips.

08/29/2026

This is one of the things I love about travel. Sometimes a simple walk through the city gives you one of the best moments of the day.

A bagpiper on the streets of Edinburgh seems about as Scottish as it gets.

08/25/2026

Disney Cruise Line just announced its Fall 2027 and Spring 2028 itineraries, and there are some pretty exciting changes coming.

One of the biggest: Disney Cruise Line is returning to New York! The Disney Wish will sail seven special voyages from NYC in Fall 2027, including five sailings to Bermuda along with cruises to New England and Canada.

There are plenty of other interesting options in the new release:

⚓ More Disney Wish and Disney Fantasy sailings from San Juan
⚓ Two 14-night Disney Magic Panama Canal cruises, including maiden calls in Fuerte Amador and Colón, Panama
⚓ Disney Magic and Disney Wonder sailing from San Diego
⚓ Disney Destiny moving to Port Canaveral
⚓ More options from Galveston, Fort Lauderdale and Port Canaveral
⚓ Disney Adventure continuing its sailings from Singapore

Early booking begins August 31 for select Castaway Club members, with general booking opening September 8.

If Fall 2027 or Spring 2028 is on your radar, now is a good time to start looking at the possibilities. I can help narrow down the ships, itineraries and dates that make the most sense for your family.

📧 [email protected]