Discover Croatia: Treasures of the Dalmatian Coast

Join Greg and Laurie Shuss of Dream Vacations as we take you along Croatia’s spectacular Dalmatian Coast and explore why small-group luxury travel can be one of the most rewarding ways to experience Europe.

In this episode, we spotlight Abercrombie & Kent’s “Croatia: Treasures of the Dalmatian Coast,” an extraordinary 8-day luxury small-group journey from Split to Dubrovnik. With groups limited to just 18 guests, this experience combines five-star accommodations, expert guidance, fascinating history, local culture and the kind of special access for which A&K is known.

We’ll explore some of the journey’s highlights: wandering through Diocletian’s Palace in Split, traveling along the beautiful Adriatic to Hvar, enjoying wine and local specialties at a family-owned winery, sampling the flavors of the Dalmatian Coast, and discovering the medieval beauty of Dubrovnik—including a private cruise offering unforgettable views of the legendary walled city.

But we’ll also talk about something equally important: why working with an experienced travel advisor matters.

At Dream Vacations by Laurie & Greg Shuss, we don’t simply book a tour. We help coordinate the entire vacation—from selecting the right journey and accommodations to flights, pre- and post-tour stays, transfers, travel protection and the countless details that can turn a great trip into an exceptional one.

If Croatia has been on your bucket list, this episode may convince you that 2027 is the year to experience it.

Beautiful coastlines. Ancient cities. Fabulous food and wine. Luxury hotels. A small group of fellow travelers—and Dream Vacations helping you every step of the way.

Dream Vacations Podcast with Greg & Laurie Shuss
Exceptional vacations begin with exceptional planning.
239-603-6040
bonitaspringstravel.com

The Canada & New England Intensive Cruise is a 12-night voyage aboard the Azamara Quest, scheduled to sail from September 22 to October 4, 2027. This itinerary focuses heavily on the St. Lawrence River and the Atlantic coast, starting in Montreal and concluding in Boston. 

To book the Canada & New England Intensive Cruise or any other luxury getaway, the Dream Vacations staff are dedicated, full-service travel advisors. We are committed to crafting unforgettable vacation experiences and making your specific travel dreams a reality.

You can contact us at:

Phone: 239-603-6040

Location: Bonita Springs, FL

Website: bonitaspringstravel.com

As dedicated, full-service travel advisors, Laurie and Greg Shuss and Associates with Dream Vacations are committed to crafting unforgettable vacation experiences tailored to your dreams. With their passion for travel and specialized experience, they serve as your comprehensive resource for all travel needs, ensuring every detail of your journey is managed with expertise.

Their services go beyond simply booking a cabin; they handle the essential components of a seamless trip, including:

Airfare and Transportation: They can manage your flights and car rentals, ensuring your transitions are smooth from the moment you leave home.

Accommodations: Whether you require hotels, luxury resorts, or villas, they have the resources to find the perfect stay to complement your cruise.

Vacation Extras: Their expertise extends to providing travel insurance, shore excursions, and other vacation extras that provide peace of mind and enhance your experience.

Laurie and Greg Shuss are specifically equipped to book your exciting Christmas Markets river cruise through partners like AmaWaterways. These festive seven-night journeys allow you to experience the magic of the holiday season along the Rhine and Danube rivers. Their expertise ensures you can enjoy the highlights of the season, such as:

Iconic Markets: Visiting some of Europe’s oldest and most beautiful markets, including Nuremberg’s Christkindlesmarkt, the candlelit stalls of Strasbourg, and the sparkling wonderland of Vienna’s City Hall Market.

Festive Onboard Atmosphere: Returning to a ship decorated for the season, featuring regional holiday dishes, warm drinks, and carols.

Breathtaking Scenery: Sailing past snow-dusted vineyards and castle-studded valleys in countries like Germany, Austria, France, and Switzerland.

By trusting your holiday plans to Laurie and Greg Shuss, you gain the value of a professional advisor who provides price guarantees and loyalty perks while handling the complexities of international travel planning. Contact them at 239-603-6040 or at bonitaspringstravel.com to begin planning your perfect holiday getaway

Dream Vacations highlights this luxurious eleven-day excursion through the scenic landscapes of Switzerland and Northern Italy, organized by Greg & Laurie Shuss along with Abercrombie & Kent. This curated journey accommodates small groups and features high-end stays in cities like Zurich, Bern, and Zermatt before concluding at the Italian lakes. Travellers engage in cultural traditions such as chocolate making, alphorn lessons, and private historical tours, while utilizing scenic transport like the GoldenPass Express. The itinerary emphasises exclusive experiences, ranging from mountain excursions to private boat rides on Lake Maggiore. Overall, this podcast serves as a comprehensive travel guide and booking resource, highlighting specific dates, pricing, and special premium amenities for you!

Dream Vacations offers a premium travel opportunity for those seeking high-end maritime expeditions and global holidays. This episode is on luxury Antarctic voyages provided by Seabourn Expedition Cruises, which feature expert-led tours, specialized ice-vessels, and unique experiences like Zodiac landings and wildlife observation. Explore Antarctica like never before. Plunge deep into the remote world of Antarctica, the Falkland Islands, and South Georgia, escorted in ultra-luxury comfort by ships purpose-built to traverse the icy waters freely. On Seabourn, your basecamp at sea includes world class fine dining and immersive experiences. Beyond polar exploration, Dream Vacations offers a vast array of international cruise itineraries and resort stays managed by our professional travel advisors. Potential travelers can access tailored planning services, diverse destination options ranging from the Arctic to the Caribbean, and various all-inclusive amenities. Visit our website at bonitaspringstravel.com or call us at 239-603-6040

Stuck in the planning spiral with 30 tabs open and no idea where to go next? We’ve been there—and we built a roadmap out. We start with the Dream Vacations portal and that tempting $10,000 contest, then pull apart the real reason travel feels overwhelming in 2026: too many choices that signal too many identities. From expedition cruises and romance registries to family resorts and theme parks, the menu has exploded—and so has the cognitive load.

To make the jump from browsing to boarding, we stress‑test a concrete itinerary: the Globus Enchanting Canyonlands tour. Eleven days, six national parks, Vegas to Vegas, and a price tag that demands clarity on value. We unpack what you actually buy with that budget—density, expert timing, permits handled, and a friction‑free arc from neon to sandstone. Along the way, we compare passive amenities with active immersion, arguing that the new luxury is access and time on the ground. Think four‑wheel drives through Monument Valley, the Zion–Mount Carmel Tunnel as moving theater, and sunrise over hoodoos that look like squatting goblins.

We also make the case for a human travel advisor as the modern safety net. When your trip costs as much as a renovation, insurance details, shore excursions, and 24/7 help aren’t extras; they’re the harness that lets you go farther without fear. Rustic lodges become a feature, not a flaw, when the trade is proximity to wonder. And smart itineraries now weave freedom into structure—“plan your day your way” moments—so independence thrives within solid logistics.

If you’ve wondered how to spend a surprise $10K, how to choose between buffet cruises and desert dust, or how to replace planning paralysis with purposeful movement, this one maps the path. Hit follow, share with a friend who’s stuck in the tab maze, and leave a review telling us: chocolate on the pillow, or one more day exploring?

Call us today at 239-603-6040 or visit bonitaspringstravel.com

This episode details a luxurious, multi-day itinerary for a private tour titled "Nordic Trio: Iceland, Copenhagen, and Norway Journey," orchestrated by Dream Vacations. This curated trip includes three distinct legs, beginning with Iceland, where visitors explore Reykjavik’s cultural landmarks, indulge in local food tours, and experience the famed Blue Lagoon and Golden Circle. The adventure then moves to Copenhagen, Denmark, featuring historical explorations like Roskilde Cathedral, architectural tours, and dining at MICHELIN-recommended restaurants. Finally, the journey concludes in Alesund, Norway, highlighting stunning fjord cruises through Geirangerfjord, Art Nouveau architecture walks, and unique spa experiences, all while guests enjoy high-end accommodations at locations like Hotel Brosundet. For more information, contact Dream Vacations at 239-603-6040 or visit bonitaspringstravel.com

Cape Town, Safari, and Victoria Falls Adventure

This eleven-day African luxury adventure itinerary curated by Dream Vacations, focusing on three major destinations: Cape Town, Kruger National Park's Sabi Sands, and Victoria Falls. The first four days detail an exploration of Cape Town's cultural, architectural, and natural beauty, including Table Mountain, the V&A Waterfront, the Cape Peninsula, and the Stellenbosch Winelands. Days five through seven describe an immersive safari experience in Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve, emphasising game drives and guided walks to spot the Big Five. The final portion of the trip, days eight through ten, focuses on Victoria Falls, spanning both Zimbabwe and Zambia, featuring activities like a sunset Zambezi cruise, a guided tour of the Falls, an elephant encounter, and a rhino walking safari, concluding with a cultural Boma dinner show.

The expertise and precise planning demonstrated by Greg and Laurie Shuss of Dream Vacations are evident through the quality and detailed nature of the "Cape Town, Safari, and Victoria Falls Adventure" itinerary they have assembled.

The comprehensive, eleven-day itinerary showcases meticulous planning, focusing on private transfers, optimal timing, and unique, high-value cultural and wildlife experiences:
1. Seamless Transfers and VIP Service: The planning begins immediately upon arrival in Cape Town with a VIP meet and greet followed by a private transfer to the hotel. The journey concludes with a private transfer to the airport on Day 11.
2. Optimizing Sightseeing Timing: The itinerary includes expert advice on the best time for specific excursions, such as scheduling the Table Mountain visit for the early morning to avoid the "tablecloth" of clouds that can obscure the magnificent views.
3. Emphasis on Private and Exclusive Touring: Many excursions are planned as private tours, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience:
    ◦ A Private half day city tour in Cape Town, including a visit to Table Mountain by cable car.
    ◦ A Private full day tour of the Cape Peninsula, covering iconic routes like Chapman's Peak Drive and a stop at Boulders Beach to see the endangered African penguins.
    ◦ A Private tour of the winelands, allowing guests to explore Stellenbosch and experience wine tasting at esteemed wine estates.
    ◦ A Private tour the Falls through the Rainforest at Victoria Falls.
4. In-Depth Safari Knowledge: The plan includes experiences in the renowned Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve, adjacent to Kruger National Park, which is famous for exceptional game viewing and being one of the best places in the world to encounter the legendary Big Five. The scheduling ensures optimal viewing, with two game drives offered daily—a morning drive and an afternoon drive—plus a unique 'night drive' on the return to encounter nocturnal species.
5. Curated Once-in-a-Lifetime Activities: The itinerary incorporates activities that demonstrate deep destination knowledge and access to specialized operators:
    ◦ A guided walking safari in Sabi Sands, offering an intimate opportunity to track animals and connect deeply with the African wilderness, noticing smaller wonders often missed during game drives.
    ◦ An afternoon sunset cruise on the Zambezi River aboard the Ra-Ikane fleet, whose monohull design allows for navigation closer to the banks and wildlife.
    ◦ A once in a lifetime elephant encounter where guests spend 2.5–3 hours observing and connecting with the elephants in a natural environment.
    ◦ A Walk with White Rhino in the Mosi O Tunya National Park in Zambia, a unique and rare opportunity to experience the thr

 Greg and Laurie Shuss of Dream Vacations have earned "Best of the Gulfshore awards". Our expertise is demonstrated through the creation of a comprehensive 15-day Scottish and Irish tour designed to deliver "the ultimate vacation experiences".
Their ability to provide unique travel experiences is highlighted by the diverse and immersive itinerary they have planned:
Expertise in Curating Cultural and Historical Immersion
Greg and Laurie Shuss have designed a tour that goes beyond typical sightseeing, offering deep dives into the region's rich history and culture:
• Literary and Cinematic Connections: The tour includes visits to Inveraray Castle, famously featured in "Downton Abbey", and Glamis Castle, the legendary setting of Shakespeare's "Macbeth".
• Art and Craftsmanship: Travelers will visit the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, which houses masterpieces by renowned artists like Rembrandt, Titian, and Dali. The itinerary also features a guided tour of the House of Waterford Crystal, where guests can watch skilled artisans create sparkling pieces .
• Historic Landmarks: The tour covers significant historical sites, including the Culloden Battlefield, the imposing Edinburgh Castle, and the beautifully restored Kilkenny Castle. It also includes a visit to Titanic Belfast, an attraction that immerses you in the full story of the famous ocean liner.
Unique and Exclusive Local Experiences
The itinerary showcases their expertise in sourcing unique local activities that provide an authentic taste of Scotland and Ireland:
• Exclusive Venues: The trip includes a stop for traditional music at the Marine Bar in Dungarvan, noted as a CIE Tours exclusive venue, and a welcome drink at Sean's Bar, the oldest bar in Europe.
• Local Traditions: Guests will experience rural life firsthand with demonstrations of trained dogs herding sheep at local farms in both Scotland and Ireland. They will also enjoy a traditional Scottish evening with dinner and entertainment and a similar experience at Kate Kearney's Cottage in Ireland.
• Behind-the-Scenes Access: The tour offers a behind-the-scenes tour and tasting at the Blair Athol Distillery, providing insight into the whisky-making process.
Blend of Scenic Wonders and Distinctive Transportation
The Shusses' plan ensures travelers experience the stunning landscapes of the region through a variety of memorable methods:
• Varied Transport: The tour incorporates unique forms of travel, such as a cruise on Loch Lomond, a ferry to the Isle of Skye, a catamaran cruise of Killary Harbour fjord, a ferry across the River Shannon, and a traditional horse-drawn jaunting car ride through Killarney National Park.
• Iconic Scenery: The itinerary covers breathtaking natural sites, including a drive through Glencoe, one of Scotland's most beautiful places, a journey along the shores of Loch Ness, and a visit to the majestic Cliffs of Moher, which rise 700 feet above the Atlantic.
This carefully curated blend of historical sites, exclusive cultural experiences, and scenic exploration demonstrates the expertise of Greg and Laurie Shuss in crafting unique and unforgettable travel experiences.
To contact Greg and Laurie Shuss of Dream Vacations, you can call 239-603-6040 or visit their website at bonitaspringstravel.com .

An eight-day travel itinerary for a tour of Italy, primarily based in Montecatini Terme. The trip is designed to offer a diverse experience of Tuscany, beginning with an orientation in Montecatini itself. Subsequent days feature excursions to famous historical and cultural sites, including the Leaning Tower of Pisa and the walled city of Lucca, as well as a walking tour of Florence and a visit to the Accademia Gallery. The itinerary also incorporates unique regional experiences such as a farm visit with tastings, a trip to the Cinque Terre coastal villages, and exploration of medieval towns like San Gimignano and Siena, culminating in a truffle hunting adventure and a farewell lunch before the tour concludes. Contact Dream Vacations - Laurie and Greg Shuss & Associates - 239-603-6040 or visit our website at bonitaspringstravel.com

This extensive travel itinerary, curated by Dream Vacations' experts Greg and Laurie Shuss, details an immersive Hawaiian holiday across Maui and Kauai. The journey begins on Maui, featuring a stay at The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, with activities such as a sunrise visit to Haleakala volcano, relaxation at Ka'anapali Beach, a Wailele Luau, and snorkelling at Molokini Crater and Turtle Town. The itinerary also includes a scenic Road to Hana excursion before transitioning to Kauai, where guests will stay at the Ko`a Kea Hotel & Resort. Kauai highlights encompass a helicopter tour of the island, leisure time at Poipu Beach, a North Shore tour visiting Hanalei Bay and Kilauea Point Lighthouse, and a catamaran cruise along the Na Pali Coast and to Lehua Crater. The document concludes by inviting customization of this detailed 12-day adventure. Greg and Laurie Shuss of Dream Vacations are ready to book this amazing getaway for you and can be reached at 239-603-6040 or bonitaspringstravel.com

This episode describes a European vacation itinerary planned by Greg and Laurie Shuss of Dream Vacations. The trip begins in London, with tours focusing on landmarks and historical figures, before a Eurostar train takes travellers to Paris. The core of the journey is a Seine River cruise through France, highlighting charming towns like Conflans and Rouen, the historic Normandy beaches, and sites related to artists like Van Gogh and Monet. The trip concludes back in Paris with further exploration of its districts and a visit to the Palace of Versailles. Contact us at 239-603-6040 or visit our website at bonitaspringstravel.com

A unique travel experience offered by Dream Vacations with Laurie and Greg Shuss, who have been recognised as Best of the Gulfshore winners for 2023, 2024, and 2025. The main focus is a land tour in Japan, highlighting iconic sites in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Hiroshima, such as the Tokyo Sky Tree, various temples and shrines, Mount Fuji, and the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. Then a luxury cruise travelling from Japan to Alaska, featuring stops in Japanese coastal cities and culminating in Alaskan destinations like Kodiak and Valdez. Details are available for booking this trip for the late April 2026 timeframe. Call 239-603-6040 or visit bonitaspringstravel.com .

Dream Vacations, run by Greg and Laurie Shuss & Associates, has partnered with Tuscookany Cooking Vacations to offer immersive Italian cooking experiences in Tuscany. These holidays involve staying in luxurious villas like Bellorcia, Casa Ombuto, Torre del Tartufo, and Bellancino, where participants engage in hands-on cooking classes led by local chefs, learning authentic Tuscan and Mediterranean cuisine. The vacations cater to individuals, groups, and even solo travellers, with options for private villas and chefs for larger parties. Beyond cooking, guests can enjoy the Tuscan countryside, including nearby attractions like the medieval village of Poppi, with special offers currently available for specific dates and for 2026 bookings made early.

Small group tours provide a more intimate and immersive vacation experience than other travel options1. Here are some of the specific advantages they offer:•

More Personalised Experience: With fewer people, small group tours allow for greater access to guides and local experts, which can enrich the overall travel experience.•

Flexibility and Freedom: Small group tours combine the support and security of organised group travel with the flexibility to go off-script when desired1. They offer a balance between the structure of a tour and the freedom to explore independently.•

Variety of Options: There is a wide variety of small group tours available, including cultural experiences, hiking, visits to landmarks, sightseeing tours, adventure tours, historical and cultural tours and specialty tours that focus on a specific topic or interest....•

Social Interaction: Small group tours are a good way to meet other travellers and make friends. They can be a good option for travellers who want to experience a destination more intimately, or who want to meet other like-minded people.•

Comfort and Convenience: These tours often include quality accommodations, meals, private transport and special activities, ensuring comfort and convenience for travellers.

In summary, small group tours offer a balance of structure and freedom, with a more intimate experience than traditional large group tours, while offering more support than solo travel.... The tours are designed to create unforgettable memories with well-paced itineraries, unique accommodations, and comfort.

Contact: Dream Vacations
Laurie and Greg Shuss & Associates
239-603-6040
bonitaspringstravel.com

Dream Vacations with Laurie and Greg Shuss, promotes Rocky Mountaineer's "First Passage to the West," a luxury two-day train journey traversing the Canadian Rockies between Vancouver, Lake Louise, and Banff. Passengers enjoy daytime travel through iconic locations like the Spiral Tunnels and Rogers Pass, with meals and panoramic views from glass-dome coaches. Overnight accommodation is in a hotel, not on the train. Optional tours and upgrades are available through Dream Vacations, who provide contact information for booking. Contact Dream Vacations at 239-603-6040 or bonitaspringstravel.com

Dream Vacations promotes an Ama Waterways Danube River cruise showcasing iconic European Christmas markets. The cruise travels from Nuremberg to Budapest, visiting markets in Regensburg and Vienna, culminating in Budapest's Vörösmarty Square. A three-night pre-cruise stay in Prague is also highlighted, featuring sightseeing and Christmas market exploration. The cruise includes luxurious amenities, such as spacious staterooms, award-winning dining with complimentary drinks, and a range of shore excursions catering to various activity levels. Booking information encourages contacting Dream Vacations for this memorable experience.

Laurie and Greg Shuss & Associates, a Dream Vacations Travel Agency, specializes in helping solo travelers plan affordable holidays. The agency addresses the common issue of high single supplements charged by hotels and tour operators, exploring ways to mitigate these costs for clients. They achieve this by partnering with companies offering solo traveler discounts or by arranging shared accommodation. Booking early is advised to secure the best deals, and the agency also highlights opportunities to socialize through activities such as cooking classes and group tours. Overall, this promotes Dream Vacations' expertise in making solo travel more accessible and financially feasible. Call us at 239-603-6040 or visit bonitaspringstravel.com

Dream Vacations with Laurie and Greg Shuss & Associates embrace artificial intelligence (AI) to improve our services. We utilize AI applications to streamline the booking process for cruises, flights, tours, hotels, and more. However, we recognize that AI cannot replace the human touch, particularly in unfamiliar locales or unexpected circumstances. Ultimately, Dream Vacations aims to offer reliable, personalized, and secure travel experiences while focusing on providing expert advice, guidance, and unique travel experiences. Listen to our latest podcast on this subject.

Laurie and Greg Shuss & Associates

239-603-6040

bonitaspringstravel.com

Dream Vacations has prepared a special podcast outlining all the details for the upcoming CruisenSing on the Wonder of the Seas, Feb. 23- March 2, 2025. Listen in as our hosts discuss this amazing choral adventure featuring barbershop harmony on the high seas, and a special performance in the ship's main theater. More details available at cruisensing.com or call 239-603-6040. 

Send us a text

To learn more:
DreamVacations.com
Call us! (855)627-8473

To learn more:
DreamVacations.com
Call us! (855)627-8473

To learn more:
bonitaspringstravel.com
Call us to book your Dream Vacation! 239-603-6040
We have been awarded Best of the Gulfshore for 2023 & 2024
5 Star Google Reviews!

To learn more:
bonitaspringstravel.com
Call us to book your Dream Vacation! 239-603-6040
We have been awarded Best of the Gulfshore for 2023
5 Star Google Reviews!

To learn more:
bonitaspringstravel.com
Call us to book your Dream Vacation! 239-603-6040
We have been awarded Best of the Gulfshore for 2023
5 Star Google Reviews!

To learn more:
bonitaspringstravel.com
Call us to book your Dream Vacation! 239-603-6040
We have been awarded Best of the Gulfshore for 2023
5 Star Google Reviews!

To learn more:
bonitaspringstravel.com
Call us to book your Dream Vacation! 239-603-6040
We have been awarded Best of the Gulfshore for 2023
5 Star Google Reviews!

To learn more:
bonitaspringstravel.com
Call us to book your Dream Vacation! 239-603-6040
We have been awarded Best of the Gulfshore for 2023
5 Star Google Reviews!

To learn more:
DreamVacations.com
Call us! (855)627-8473

To learn more:
DreamVacations.com
Call us! (855)627-8473

Most of our trips have been on a cruise but we've really enjoyed the land tour portion of it because we really have an opportunity to see much more in you know, inside Alaska, for instance, we went to Denali Park, and in there you really have a chance to see a lot more wildlife and so forth, especially later in the year. A lot more of the animals are out we actually we've seen moose and we've seen bear and we've seen little sheep .
These are these trips are called cruise tours. And every cruise line does offer a cruise tour. They can be any length of time. You can spend two days three days up to seven days on land before getting on a cruise. They also offer them in reverse. You can do that crews going north and doing the land afterwards. Our recommendation has always been do the land first, it's tiring, and you can get on the ship and relax.

To learn more:
DreamVacations.com
Call us! (855)627-8473

To learn more:
DreamVacations.com
Call us! (855)627-8473