Halibut Poached in Olive Oil on a Bed of Leeks

Preparation for Leeks

1. Heat the butter and olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the leeks and stir to coat.
3. Cook, stirring gently, until the leeks are softened and bright green, about 5 minutes.
4. Season with sea salt and white pepper; remove from the heat and set aside.

Preparation for Halibut

1. Season the halibut with salt and pepper.
2. Line a wire rack with 2 or 3 sheets of paper towels.
3. In a high-sided heavy skillet that can accommodate all the fish in a single layer, heat the olive oil over medium-low heat until a deep-frying thermometer registers 150 to 200°F (the oil will be shimmering). When the olive oil is at the correct temperature, use a slotted spatula to gently lower the fish pieces into the skillet. Return the olive oil to 150°F by raising the temperature if necessary, but lower it immediately back to medium-low or lower so that the temperature is at least 150°F but never exceeds 200°F.
4. Poach the fish until almost cooked through, 7 to 9 minutes (if the fish pieces aren't submerged in the olive oil, turn them over after 4 minutes).
5. With a slotted spatula, gently transfer the cooked fish from the poaching olive oil to the paper towels to drain.
6. Reheat the sliced leeks, adding a little water if necessary, and divide them among serving plates.
7. Top with the poached halibut and dill sprigs and serve immediately.

Here’s a sampling of special offers and incentives cruise lines have already announced.  Make sure an stayed tuned for other offers as the date approaches. 

Here are some other  tips to reduce stress during travel.

• Get away long enough time to let go of your daily grind.  A week is recommended.
• Watch your time zones – too many time zones actually increase your stress on your body’s natural rhythms.
• Don’t over schedule your trip – Make sure you have quiet time each day.
• Be social – making new acquaintances has a restorative power.
• Enjoy physical activity – moderate exercise like swimming and walking are great energy boosters.

How sad that a third or us do not use all our vacation days!  Hopefully this will inspire you to take some time to better your health with travel.

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Best Glaciers of Alaska:

• Grand Pacific Glacier (Glacier Bay National Park): Three intimidating walls of ice surround boats that pull close to the glaciers.
• Exit Glacier (Seward):  It towers above like a huge blue sculpture, the spires of broken ice are close enough to breathe a freezer-door chill down on watchers.
• Western Prince William Sound: On a boat from Whittier, you can see a couple dozen glaciers in a day. Some of these are the amazing tidewater glaciers that dump huge, office-building-size spires of ice into the ocean, each setting off a terrific splash and outward-radiating sea wave.

If you are planning to travel for 7 days, you can take a Glacier Discovery cruise which travels one way between Vancouver and Anchorage. You typically visit Kenai Peninsula, College Fjord, Glacier Bay National Park and the infamous Inside Passage.

Another option is to sail round trip from Vancouver.  Cruise the inside passage and visit both Tracy Arm and Glacier Bay National Park.

You can also sail from trip from Seattle, which is normally the best option in terms of airfare being the best rate.

Speak with a travel consultant that can assist you in choosing the right itinerary.

In August, one of the world's greatest spectacles can be witnessed, the wildebeest and zebra migrations on the Masai Mara national reserve in Kenya. While on an African safari, you can also see lions, giraffes, rhinos, cheetahs, antelopes and gazelles. There are some very unique places to stay in Kenya, including lodges, safari clubs and luxury tented camps.  

If you don't mind crowds, you can visit Scotland in August to attend the world's largest art festival, in Edinburgh, or the Edinburgh Military Tattoo. It is the rainy season, so make sure and pack an umbrella or raincoat. Accommodations are hard to come by due to these festivals, so it may be best to book with a tour operator who already had rooms blocked off a year in advance, so you are not overpaying. 

Yellowstone national park is located in Wyoming.  August is a great time to see wildlife, including bears, wolves, eagles, elk and bison. The weather is warm during the day, but can get chilly at higher elevations in the evenings. You can hike, take guided fishing and boating trips, photo safaris and more. You can spend several days in Yellowstone, or combine it with travel to other U.S. national parks. Chances are that most national park tours are sold out for this August, but you can now book early for 2012 national park tours and save up to 10%. 

In August, the salmon spawn in Alaska, which attracts bears to feed along the shorelines. Bald eagles also feed on the salmon, so this is a great time for bird watching and to see Alaskan wildlife. Species of birds include ducks, hawks, puffin and loons. If cruising in Alaska, you may also see whales and sea otters. There are still some last minute cruise deals for Alaska cruises if you are interested.

But start considering your options and you'll quickly discover there's more to cruising Alaska than simply stepping aboard and setting sail.  What exactly distinguishes cruisetours?  How is a traveler to decide which is the best option?  We talked to a couple of our Alaska experts to learn more.  Here's what they had to say:

What is a Cruisetour?

In simple terms, a cruisetour is a seamless vacation that combines the best of both sea and land travel.

How is this different from a cruise and its shore excursions?

Cruisetours take a cruise's shore excursions a step further.  Alaska is a state of superlatives.  It's not only the biggest state, with its thousands of miles of shoreline, but also 17 of the 20 highest peaks in the United States are in Alaska, including Mt. McKinley, known as Denali, whih is the highest peak in North America at 20,320 feet.  Looking at a map of Alaska it's clear that Denali is inaccessible by water.  The same is true of Fairbanks, the Yukon and much of the Arctic.  To see those places requires more than a day's shore excursion.

How do cruisetours work exactly?

Cruises and cruisetours operate from the same ships.  So, for example, the ship might sail from Vancouver and cruise up the Inside Passage to Anchorage.  On the way, the ship calls in Ketchikan and Glacier Bay, among other stops, with shore excursions avaiable at each of those ports.  When the ship arrives in Anchorge, some travelers might fly home from there, but the cruisetour passengers spend the night in Anchorage then board direct rail service for Denali.  Over the next three to five days, visit Denali National Park, stay in gorgeous lodges, hike, walk or take sightseeing and wildlife-viewing tours and then return to Anchorage for their trip home.

What are some favorite cruisetour opportunities?

With more than 3,000 rivers, 3 million lakes and over 100,000 glaciers, Alaska is a naturalist dream.  For travelers who are interested in fishing, wildlife, adventure travel, photography, riverboat cruising or natural history, there's really nothing like this amazing place.

What else can I see on my Alaska vacation?

Fairbanks still retains the gold rush frontier feeling, with a lot of amazing history.  Dawson City, where the Klondike and the Yukon rivers come together, is the heart of the gold rush country.  Cruisetours will take you into fascinating territory, with tremendously knowledgeable guides who can really bring the past to life.

So How Does a Traveler Decide Whether to Cruise or Cruisetour?

It depends on the traveler's interests, time and energy.  Many people like the "unpack just once" aspect of cruise travel.  They really settle in on the ship, soak up the scenery, relax and make themselves at home.  Shore ecursions provide the right amount of touring and when they reach the cruise detination, they're ready to return home.  Other travelers feel their vacation isn't complete if they haven't explored some of the more inland scenery - they've come so far to reach Alask that they want to see everything they possibly can.  Those are the people who will love a cruisetour.

Any Final Advice?

With myriad activities and gorgeous landscapes, Alaska provides the perfect setting for family or group vacation - three or even four generations can enjoy the experience together. An Alaska cruise is perfect for thost that want to fit a vacation in 7 or 8 days.  An Alaska cruise tour will take you much deeper into Alaska, where you are sure to experience more wildlife and activities.  For those that have already experienced an Alaksa cruise and just want to explore the interior, an Alaska land tour is the perfect option.

My wife and I find it impossible to choose the most incredible highlight of our trip, but certainly ranking at the top for us was College Fjord. The most spectacular part of College Fjord is simply its structure; we were literally surrounded on three sides by flowing rivers of ice. The Fjord is the largest collection of tidewater glaciers in all of Alaska, each named after New England’s elite Ivy League universities.

Next, we arrived at Kenai Fjords National Park, where our land tour began. As our ship approached the park, we sailed through steep-sided glacier fjords overflowing with wildlife, from bald eagles to porpoises and sea lions. The town of Seward, with a quaint, historic downtown, is the gateway to the park, an immense 650,000 acres that includes the 300-square mile Harding ice field, which includes the glaciers that carved the fjords over the years. One of the most fascinating parts of our entire trip was the hike we took in Kenai to Exit Glacier. The experience is truly remarkable. A short hike of less than a mile led us right up to the very face of the Glacier, where we stood gaping at the hulking ice looming above us. A hot spell in 2001 cut beautiful arcs and caves into the ice, adding to the impressive sight. 

From Kenai Fjords National Park, we ventured into the Alaskan interior, embarking on one of our favorite parts of our vacation: a railroad tour into Denali National Park. The train alone was an impressive experience; with domed tops and more glass area than any railcar ever built, our view was always unimpeded. It was incredible to sit on a train and gaze at the scenery through the ceiling.

But as amazing as the train ride was, it could not prepare us for the stunning beauty of Denali itself. The park has been under constant government protection since 1917 and is in much the same pristine condition as it was centuries ago. Its beauty astonished us at every turn, whether it was the valleys blanketed with plants unique to permafrost soil, or rugged, massive Mt. McKinley, North America’s tallest peak. We also took a flightseeing tour, where we had the chance to actually hike across one of the glaciers slicing through the park and, as you’d expect, take in incredible views. Sandra could not stop snapping pictures! As we relaxed one evening in our cozy hotel near Denali, we knew that this was the trip of which we had always dreamed.

If you prefer staying in one place, we urge you to consider ‘all-inclusive’ resort stays. You can have all of the features of a resort, great food, delectable drinks and unlimited activities, all included in the price. That gives the entire family the freedom to experience an amazing array of activities without stress or hassle. We love Club Med’s “Most Inclusive” family plan programs at resorts like the Cancun Yucatan, Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic and the recently renovated Sandpiper Resort in Florida. These are places that really know how to manage the diverse needs of family groups, from tots to teens to adults of all ages.

Q: I want to take my two older sons on a ‘sporty’ vacation (and not just golf!). Any suggestions?

A: There’s really nothing like fishing and hiking in the Canadian Rockies. The scenery is spectacular and the angling is world-class. We recommend the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise and the Fairmont Banff Springs. But caution: this trip can be very habit-forming! Hiking and river rafting in the National Parks is another great vacation.

We already mentioned Royal Caribbean cruise line with a number of sports activities onboard, but they aren't the only cruise line.  Consider Norwegian Cruise Line, specifically their new ship, the Norwegian Epic.  Here they'll find a sports deck with a repelling wall, extreme rock climbing wall, bowling alley, full size basketball court, volleyball, soccer, dodge ball, a batting cage, bungee trampoline, rope adventure course and a 24 ft. tall enclosed climbing cage called the spider web.  Then they can cool off in the first ever Aqua Park that offers 3 waterslides. The Epic Plunge, the only tube slide at sea, has a thrilling drop through a 200 ft. long tube. How that for a variety of "sport activities?"

Q: We’re having a tough time deciding which U.S. National Park to visit this year. Any clues?

A: Yellowstone is great for kids, with all the animals and geysers. Yosemite is good for older kids and adults, who can climb Half Dome and appreciate the waterfalls and wildflowers. For a little more adventure, how about hiking the Appalachian Trail or camping in Maine’s stunningly beautiful Acadia National Park?

Q: We’re planning a big family reunion getaway. Do you have any suggestions?

A: We keep getting rave reviews from large reunion groups that cruise together. There’s loads to do, both aboard and on shore, great accommodations for group activities and staff that really know how to entertain and satisfy the needs of several generations in one party. Depending on your time and interests, consider a family cruise to Alaska or the Mediterranean.

Q: We want to start planning our next great family adventure. What are the hottest “long-haul” destinations right now?

A: Australia and South Africa are at the top of our list of favorites. We can take you to both places, from azure oceans to cosmopolitan cities to the wild outback. Take a fabulous safari to South Africa and travel to Cape Town and the Kapame Game Reserve. Discover Down Under with a grand journey to the Great Barrier Reef, Ayers Rock and Sydney. Whether you want an experienced guide to help you navigate the new terrain or would rather venture on your own, we’ll help you choose a guided vacation or craft a tailor-made independent journey just for you.

Q: My husband and my kids and my parents want to go to Hawaii. Help!

A: Hawaii is the perfect multi-generation family destination. From lounging at the pool to hiking, surfing, shopping, golf, spa treatments, etc., there’s truly something for everyone. Consider Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa, where children 18 and younger stay free. Or how about the new Aulani Disney Resort & Spa on Oahu? It’s the first Disney resort not attached to a theme park…and sure to be a big hit!

Q: Any last-minute packing tips for traveling with families?
A: Limit each person to one wheeled suitcase and one carry-on backpack or shoulder bag (keep one hand free to hold onto your child). Make a packing checklist for each person and let older kids be responsible for their packing. Pack several days before you leave so you have time to remember those last-minute items. Pack each day’s clothing together in outfits. Choose washable clothes that can be mixed and matched and dressed up with a jacket or shawl, and make sure shoes are comfortable and broken in before your trip! Visit our Travel Advice section on our blog for more travel tips. If you are looking for a new luggage set or carry on bag, take advantage of this ebags coupon code. 

Q: Any recommendations for a family getaway at the end of the year?

A: For a really ‘magical’ holiday, the dazzling Christmas markets in Europe will please all the family. Or, for an off-the-beaten-path holiday and an escape into warm weather, take a Paul Gauguin Cruise to Tahiti or enjoy a relaxed resort experience on Fiji. But plan ahead! Resorts sell out in the summer for the holidays and family suites tend to sell out first.

Q: We’d like to take our kids on a guided vacation as a graduation gift for our daughter. What do you suggest that would appeal to both the young people and the adults?

A: For starters, here are two very different suggestions: Costa Rica and Italy tours. Both of these remarkable places are packed with scenery, colorful culture, fantastic food and warm, welcoming people. There are plenty of other options across the globe, so give us a a call and we’ll help you craft the experience that fits your preferences and your budget.

Q: I’m worried about what will happen if someone gets sick when we’re on our trip.

A: Being sick on a trip is never fun, but you can protect yourself against some of the anxiety and inconvenience with travel insurance. There are many options and we’d be happy to talk with you and help you choose the best plan for your family.

• Watch Dall sheep clinging precariously to the mountain sides while hiking or from the window of a small plane or helicopter.
• At Mendenhall Glacier or on Mt. Roberts in Juneau, you may see one of the black bears which frequent the area. (At one time they were seen daily on the streets downtown until bear-free garbage bins were introduced.)
• Watch for moose and beluga whales while driving to Anchorage from Whittier.

However, you won't see animals at every turn. You do need to know where to go and the best times for viewing. This is where some organization comes in handy. There are many professional guides and naturalists ready to take you on the most exhilarating wildlife experiences you can imagine. Take a look at these popular options:

Bear Viewing, Ketchikan

Take a flight-hike combination to Anan Creek for observation of Alaska's largest concentration of grizzly and black bears. A bear observation area has been created for visitor safety. Traitors' Cove and Fish Creek are two other Ketchikan area locations for bear viewing.

Wilderness Safaris, Skagway and Haines

See whales, porpoise, sea lions, bear, moose, Arctic terns and bald eagles on adventures from Skagway and Haines. Combine a high-speed boat ride from Skagway with a hike through the wilderness for an amazing outdoor adventure.

Whale & Wildlife Cruises - Sitka, Juneau, Icy Strait Point

• These are the best spots on the Inside Passage for viewing sea life; humpback and orca (killer) whales, Steller sea lions, harbor seals.
• Sitka is the best place for sea otter cruises which include brown bear and Sitka blacktail deer viewing.
• Icy Strait Point offers a tour which includes viewing the coastal brown (grizzly) bears of Chichagof Island along with sea life viewing.

Denali National Park and Preserve

The 6 million-acre park is home to glaciated mountains, canyons, lakes and a sub-Arctic region making it the perfect place to see grizzly bears, caribou, wolves, Dall sheep and moose. There are numerous trails to follow, guided hikes and interpretive activities. On clear days you'll be able to see 20,320-ft. Mount McKinley (Denali), North America's highest mountain, which is situated in the park. Take a flight over this spectacular sight and you may see animals on its slopes!

Alaska SeaLife Center - Seward

For an up-close look at Alaska's sea life, the "window on the sea" is Alaska's only public aquarium and ocean wildlife rescue center. Observe Alaska's diverse sea life and watch scientists studying and assisting these amazing creatures. Reservations are not required for general admission but are recommended for the Octopus Encounter, Puffin Encounter, Marine Mammal Encounter and Behind the Scenes Tours. Reservations are required for all other Special Programs and Tours.

Birding

• Birders will be thrilled by what they see while hiking and in towns across Alaska.
• There are over 450 bird species including many bald eagles which are surprisingly easy to find.
• Sitka and Juneau are two outstanding places for guided birding hikes.
• Don't miss the Alaska Raptor Center in Sitka where injured birds of prey receive treatment before being returned to the wild.