<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<rss version="2.0" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" >

<channel><title><![CDATA[Total Experience Travel - Live_Fun blog]]></title><link><![CDATA[https://www.totalexperiencetravel.com/livefunblog]]></link><description><![CDATA[Live_Fun blog]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 02 Apr 2026 05:19:03 -0700</pubDate><generator>Weebly</generator><item><title><![CDATA[March 31st, 2026]]></title><link><![CDATA[https://www.totalexperiencetravel.com/livefunblog/march-31st-2026]]></link><comments><![CDATA[https://www.totalexperiencetravel.com/livefunblog/march-31st-2026#comments]]></comments><pubDate>Tue, 31 Mar 2026 21:50:37 GMT</pubDate><category><![CDATA[all inclusive luxury travel]]></category><category><![CDATA[small ship luxury cruise]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.totalexperiencetravel.com/livefunblog/march-31st-2026</guid><description><![CDATA[A Ritz-Carlton Yacht Escape We&rsquo;ll Never Forget         Chris Rakes, small ship luxury cruise expert and trusted travel advisor Sailing through the Caribbean aboard a Ritz-Carlton Yacht felt less like a vacation and more like stepping into a perfectly curated dream. From the very first day, every detail&mdash;every flavor, every view, every interaction&mdash;was elevated beyond expectation.Every moment seemed designed to awaken the senses.&nbsp; The food alone was unforgettable. Each meal f [...] ]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<h2 class="wsite-content-title" style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://80064472-378201118863725862.preview.editmysite.com/editor/main.php?language=en&amp;sitelanguage=en&amp;preview_token=989b14a0d2a62ee393b31953392f89db#">A Ritz-Carlton Yacht Escape We&rsquo;ll Never Forget</a></h2>  <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;margin-left:0;margin-right:0;text-align:center"> <a> <img src="https://www.totalexperiencetravel.com/uploads/8/0/0/6/80064472/published/chris-mack-white.jpg?1774994304" alt="Picture" style="width:auto;max-width:100%" /> </a> <div style="display:block;font-size:90%"></div> </div></div>  <span class='imgPusher' style='float:left;height:414px'></span><span style='display: table;width:auto;position:relative;float:left;max-width:100%;;clear:left;margin-top:20px;*margin-top:40px'><a href='https://www.travelleaders.com/agent/13794' target='_blank'><img src="https://www.totalexperiencetravel.com/uploads/8/0/0/6/80064472/chris-rakes-last-night-aboard-ritz-carlton-ilma-at-sunset_orig.jpg" style="margin-top: 5px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 10px; border-width:1px;padding:3px; max-width:100%" alt="Picture" class="galleryImageBorder wsite-image" /></a><span style="display: table-caption; caption-side: bottom; font-size: 90%; margin-top: -10px; margin-bottom: 10px; text-align: center;" class="wsite-caption">Chris Rakes, small ship luxury cruise expert and trusted travel advisor</span></span> <div class="paragraph" style="display:block;">Sailing through the Caribbean aboard a Ritz-Carlton Yacht felt less like a vacation and more like stepping into a perfectly curated dream. From the very first day, every detail&mdash;every flavor, every view, every interaction&mdash;was elevated beyond expectation.<br /><br />Every moment seemed designed to awaken the senses.&nbsp; The food alone was unforgettable. Each meal felt like an event, with beautifully crafted dishes that reflected both local Caribbean flavors and refined global cuisine. Paired with exceptional wines, dinners lingered into the evening as we savored not just the courses, but the experience itself. The service was equally remarkable&mdash;intuitive, warm, and effortlessly attentive, making everything feel seamless without ever being intrusive.<br /><br />Beyond the yacht, the Caribbean unfolded in breathtaking ways. We snorkeled in crystal-clear waters, surrounded by vibrant marine life, the kind of beauty that makes you pause and simply take it in. On one select excursion, we were treated to the awe-inspiring sight of humpback whales and their nursing calves&mdash;powerful, graceful, and humbling all at once.<br /><br />Day and night drifted by with tropical breezes, naturally lit decks, and endless ocean views. Spa afternoons turned into hours of relaxation, and evenings brought us together again, dressed up just enough, to enjoy incredible meals and toast to the good life.<br /><br />What made the journey truly special was how it blended adventure with indulgence. It wasn&rsquo;t just about where we went, but how it felt to be there&mdash;completely present, immersed in beauty, and quietly amazed at every turn.<br />&#8203;<br /><strong>Definitely a trip for the books! Contact me to learn more and to receive best service and value when booking your small ship luxury cruise.</strong></div> <hr style="width:100%;clear:both;visibility:hidden;"></hr>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[History & Scenery on the Columbia & Snake]]></title><link><![CDATA[https://www.totalexperiencetravel.com/livefunblog/history-scenery-on-the-columbia-snake]]></link><comments><![CDATA[https://www.totalexperiencetravel.com/livefunblog/history-scenery-on-the-columbia-snake#comments]]></comments><pubDate>Fri, 06 Feb 2026 21:51:23 GMT</pubDate><category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.totalexperiencetravel.com/livefunblog/history-scenery-on-the-columbia-snake</guid><description><![CDATA[       Our Columbia and Snake River cruise was an unforgettable journey through time, nature, and human ingenuity. From the moment we stepped aboard, my husband and I were immersed in stories of the Lewis and Clark expedition, Native American heritage, and the shaping of the Pacific Northwest. Each bend of the river revealed dramatic scenery&mdash;basalt cliffs, rolling vineyards, and wide, reflective waters that seemed to stretch forever. Seeing Mount St. Helen&nbsp;up close was especially powe [...] ]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;margin-left:0;margin-right:0;text-align:center"> <a> <img src="https://www.totalexperiencetravel.com/uploads/8/0/0/6/80064472/ac-23-aft-flag_orig.jpg" alt="Picture" style="width:auto;max-width:100%" /> </a> <div style="display:block;font-size:90%"></div> </div></div>  <div class="paragraph"><span style="color:rgb(55, 65, 81)">Our Columbia and Snake River cruise was an unforgettable journey through time, nature, and human ingenuity. From the moment we stepped aboard, my husband and I were immersed in stories of the Lewis and Clark expedition, Native American heritage, and the shaping of the Pacific Northwest. <br /><br />Each bend of the river revealed dramatic scenery&mdash;basalt cliffs, rolling vineyards, and wide, reflective waters that seemed to stretch forever. Seeing Mount St. Helen&nbsp;up close was especially powerful; its stark beauty and lingering scars told a vivid story of nature&rsquo;s force and resilience. <br /><br />We were equally fascinated by the engineering feats along the way, gliding through massive locks and learning how towering dams harness the rivers&rsquo; power while allowing ships to pass. <br /><br />&#8203;The blend of expert lectures, peaceful cruising, and ever-changing landscapes made the experience both enriching and serene. It was a trip that deepened our appreciation for history, science, and the quiet grandeur of these iconic rivers. Not to mention, our pride in the good ole U.S.A.!</span></div>  <div class="paragraph" style="text-align:center;"><strong>Contact Chris Rakes to learn more, get best values and book your American Cruise.</strong></div>  <div class="paragraph">You can find more photos and info<a href="https://www.travelleaders.com/agent/13794/story/25578" target="_blank">&nbsp;here at TravelLeaders</a></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Christine Rakes Named Top Travel Agent]]></title><link><![CDATA[https://www.totalexperiencetravel.com/livefunblog/christine-rakes-named-top-agent]]></link><comments><![CDATA[https://www.totalexperiencetravel.com/livefunblog/christine-rakes-named-top-agent#comments]]></comments><pubDate>Wed, 12 Feb 2025 08:00:00 GMT</pubDate><category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.totalexperiencetravel.com/livefunblog/christine-rakes-named-top-agent</guid><description><![CDATA[Again, in 2024!         I&rsquo;m incredibly honored and excited to rank in the top 2% of travel advisors again in 2024. Out of over 10,000 national outside agents, I've once again ranked in the top 150.&nbsp; Amongst the Top 25 Viking Cruise specialists, too.&nbsp;I take great pride in the customer service I offer my clients and only partner with suppliers whose customer service and quality, replicate my values. With a fierce passion for protecting clients' interests, I have grown a loyal and r [...] ]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<h2 class="wsite-content-title" style="text-align:center;"><font size="6" color="#3f3f3f">Again, in 2024!</font></h2>  <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;margin-left:0;margin-right:0;text-align:center"> <a> <img src="https://www.totalexperiencetravel.com/uploads/8/0/0/6/80064472/published/image-6-17-25-at-3-13-pm.jpeg?1750187659" alt="Picture" style="width:579;max-width:100%" /> </a> <div style="display:block;font-size:90%"></div> </div></div>  <div class="paragraph"><font color="#3f3f3f">I&rsquo;m incredibly honored and excited to rank in the top 2% of travel advisors again in 2024. Out of over 10,000 national outside agents, I've once again ranked in the top 150.&nbsp; Amongst the Top 25 Viking Cruise specialists, too.&nbsp;<br /><br />I take great pride in the customer service I offer my clients and only partner with suppliers whose customer service and quality, replicate my values. With a fierce passion for protecting clients' interests, I have grown a loyal and repeat clientele, for which I am very thankful.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;So many of which, have become friends and feel like family.&nbsp;&nbsp;And, nothing makes me happier than crafting incredible all inclusive cruise, tour and resort travel experiences and sharing in the joy these trips bring them.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />Here&rsquo;s to 2025 and helping even more travelers check off their bucket list adventures. Hard work truly pays off and time flies, when you love what you do!<br /></font></div>  <div class="paragraph"><span style="color:rgb(63, 63, 63)">Contact Chris Rakes, for best experience and value when planning your all inclusive resort, river cruise or ocean cruise vacation!</span></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Wild Beauty and Curious Culture: why travelers love Northern Europe]]></title><link><![CDATA[https://www.totalexperiencetravel.com/livefunblog/wild-beauty-and-curious-culture-why-travelers-love-northern-europe]]></link><comments><![CDATA[https://www.totalexperiencetravel.com/livefunblog/wild-beauty-and-curious-culture-why-travelers-love-northern-europe#comments]]></comments><pubDate>Wed, 27 Mar 2024 07:00:00 GMT</pubDate><category><![CDATA[Europe]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.totalexperiencetravel.com/livefunblog/wild-beauty-and-curious-culture-why-travelers-love-northern-europe</guid><description><![CDATA[A voyage to Northern Europe is packed with beauty and culture. Design-driven cities such as Copenhagen, Stockholm, and Helsinki offer modernism, minimalism, and Michelin-starred cuisine; countries such as Iceland and Estonia are blessed with staggering natural beauty. Scotland is wildly romantic, dotted with UNESCO World Heritage castles; France has its medieval cities, superb food and wine, and world-famous beaches that celebrate 80 years of history this year.   				 				  Contact luxury cruise [...] ]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="paragraph"><span>A voyage to Northern Europe is packed with beauty and culture. Design-driven cities such as Copenhagen, Stockholm, and Helsinki offer modernism, minimalism, and Michelin-starred cuisine; countries such as Iceland and Estonia are blessed with staggering natural beauty. Scotland is wildly romantic, dotted with UNESCO World Heritage castles; France has its medieval cities, superb food and wine, and world-famous beaches that celebrate 80 years of history this year.</span></div>  <div><div style="height: 20px; overflow: hidden;"></div> 				<div id='911585418965588430-gallery' class='imageGallery' style='line-height: 0px; padding: 0; margin: 0'><div id='911585418965588430-imageContainer0' style='float:left;width:49.95%;margin:0;'><div id='911585418965588430-insideImageContainer0' style='position:relative;margin:5px;'><div class='galleryImageHolder' style='position:relative; width:100%; padding:0 0 75%;overflow:hidden;'><div class='galleryInnerImageHolder'><a href='https://www.totalexperiencetravel.com/uploads/8/0/0/6/80064472/image-5-20-25-at-5-04-pm_orig.jpeg' rel='lightbox[gallery911585418965588430]'><img src='https://www.totalexperiencetravel.com/uploads/8/0/0/6/80064472/image-5-20-25-at-5-04-pm.jpeg' class='galleryImage' _width='704' _height='524' style='position:absolute;border:0;width:100.76%;top:0%;left:-0.38%' /></a></div></div></div></div><div id='911585418965588430-imageContainer1' style='float:left;width:49.95%;margin:0;'><div id='911585418965588430-insideImageContainer1' style='position:relative;margin:5px;'><div class='galleryImageHolder' style='position:relative; width:100%; padding:0 0 75%;overflow:hidden;'><div class='galleryInnerImageHolder'><a href='https://www.totalexperiencetravel.com/uploads/8/0/0/6/80064472/image-5-20-25-at-5-04-pm-1_orig.jpeg' rel='lightbox[gallery911585418965588430]'><img src='https://www.totalexperiencetravel.com/uploads/8/0/0/6/80064472/image-5-20-25-at-5-04-pm-1.jpeg' class='galleryImage' _width='700' _height='516' style='position:absolute;border:0;width:101.74%;top:0%;left:-0.87%' /></a></div></div></div></div><div id='911585418965588430-imageContainer2' style='float:left;width:49.95%;margin:0;'><div id='911585418965588430-insideImageContainer2' style='position:relative;margin:5px;'><div class='galleryImageHolder' style='position:relative; width:100%; padding:0 0 75%;overflow:hidden;'><div class='galleryInnerImageHolder'><a href='https://www.totalexperiencetravel.com/uploads/8/0/0/6/80064472/image-5-20-25-at-5-05-pm_orig.jpeg' rel='lightbox[gallery911585418965588430]'><img src='https://www.totalexperiencetravel.com/uploads/8/0/0/6/80064472/image-5-20-25-at-5-05-pm.jpeg' class='galleryImage' _width='692' _height='512' style='position:absolute;border:0;width:101.37%;top:0%;left:-0.68%' /></a></div></div></div></div><div id='911585418965588430-imageContainer3' style='float:left;width:49.95%;margin:0;'><div id='911585418965588430-insideImageContainer3' style='position:relative;margin:5px;'><div class='galleryImageHolder' style='position:relative; width:100%; padding:0 0 75%;overflow:hidden;'><div class='galleryInnerImageHolder'><a href='https://www.totalexperiencetravel.com/uploads/8/0/0/6/80064472/image-5-20-25-at-5-05-pm-1_orig.jpeg' rel='lightbox[gallery911585418965588430]'><img src='https://www.totalexperiencetravel.com/uploads/8/0/0/6/80064472/image-5-20-25-at-5-05-pm-1.jpeg' class='galleryImage' _width='700' _height='514' style='position:absolute;border:0;width:102.14%;top:0%;left:-1.07%' /></a></div></div></div></div><span style='display: block; clear: both; height: 0px; overflow: hidden;'></span></div> 				<div style="height: 20px; overflow: hidden;"></div></div>  <div class="paragraph"><span>Contact luxury cruise specialist Chris Rakes to learn more and book your Northern European summer cruise.&nbsp; She'll help you find the perfect itinerary,&nbsp;&nbsp;</span><span>stopping off at all the big-hitting, iconic cities and tiny villages along the way.&nbsp;<br />&#8203;&nbsp;<a href="mailto:crakes@totalexperiencetravel.com">crakes@totalexperiencetravel.com</a>&nbsp;/ <a href="tel:9195892437">919.589.2437</a></span></div>]]></content:encoded></item></channel></rss>