Monkey Island at Taino Bay: Puerto Plata’s Cutest Cruise Excursion

If your next Caribbean cruise includes a stop at Puerto Plata, you’re in for a treat — especially if you dock at Taino Bay Cruise Port. Just steps from the pier lies one of the Dominican Republic’s most charming hidden gems: Monkey Island. Perfect for families, couples, and animal lovers, this excursion is a must-do if you’re looking for something fun and unforgettable on your port day.

What Is Monkey Island at Taino Bay?

Monkey Island, sometimes called “Monkeyland,” is an interactive sanctuary where you can meet and feed friendly squirrel monkeys. Unlike other excursions that require long bus rides, this attraction is located right inside Taino Bay Cruise Port, making it easy to visit as soon as you disembark your ship.

Why Cruise Guests Love It

• No long transfers: The sanctuary is within walking distance from the ship.

• Affordable price: Entry is around $25 USD per person, much cheaper than off-site tours.

• Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike love the playful monkeys climbing onto their shoulders for snacks.

• Photo-worthy moments: Staff often take professional photos you can purchase as souvenirs.

Which Cruise Ships Visit Taino Bay?

Cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), Celebrity Cruises, and MSC Cruises frequently dock at Taino Bay. Guests from these ships can easily walk to Monkey Island and enjoy the experience without leaving the port area.

Carnival Cruise Line ships typically dock at Amber Cove nearby, where you can book an official Monkeyland & Puerto Plata City Tour excursion through Carnival.

Tips for Visiting Monkey Island

• Bring small bills for admission and optional photo purchases.

• Wear comfortable shoes — the walk from the ship is short but includes uneven paths.

• Have your phone or camera ready for selfies (but secure loose items — monkeys are curious!).

• Arrive early if possible, as crowds can form on busy port days.

Book Your Monkey Island Experience

Want to guarantee your spot and plan the rest of your Puerto Plata day with ease? I can help arrange your Monkey Island adventure, plus recommend other excursions to maximize your visit.

👉 Reserve your Monkey Island excursion now: https://bit.ly/4eBbkxw

Tears of Crimson Travels
📧 michelle@tearsofcrimson.com

 

Celebrity_25_Holiday_Flyer_Customizable.pdf by Michelle Hughes

 

True Crime Meets Tropical Paradise: Virgin Voyages’ First-Ever True Crime Voyage is Here!

If you're obsessed with true crime, addicted to podcasts, and craving an unforgettable getaway with a spooky twist — this is the cruise you've been waiting for.

Virgin Voyages just announced their first-ever themed true crime cruise, and it's set to sail October 10–15, 2025 aboard the stunning Valiant Lady. It's called the True Crime Voyage, and it’s packed with thrilling events, exclusive podcast experiences, and Halloween vibes galore — all while exploring the beautiful Caribbean waters on the Dominican Daze itinerary.

👉 Ready to book? Reserve your spot now: https://bit.ly/4eBbkxw

🔍 What to Expect on the True Crime Voyage

This isn’t just a cruise — it’s a floating crime-convention-meets-Halloween-party. Here's what's in store:

• 🎧 Live recordings of your favorite true crime podcasts

• 🎙️ Podcasting 101 workshops for aspiring podcasters & storytellers

• 🤝 Meet & greets with top podcast hosts

• 🍸 Killer cocktails and themed cuisine

• 👻 Halloween costume contests, spooky stage acts & eerie ambiance

Featured Podcasts:

• 🕵️ Stuff They Don’t Want You To Know

• 💔 Betrayal

• 🦴 Buried Bones

Whether you're bingeing crime docs, hosting your own show, or just love an immersive theme, this voyage was made for you.

⚓ Cruise Details

• 🛳️ Ship: Valiant Lady (Virgin Voyages)

• 📍 Sails from: Miami, FL

• 🗓️ Dates: October 10–15, 2025

• 🌴 Itinerary: Dominican Daze (Caribbean route)

• 🛏️ Limited cabins available — will sell out fast!

👉 Book your cruise today before it’s gone: https://bit.ly/4eBbkxw

🧡 Who Is This Cruise Perfect For?

• ✔️ True crime fans

• ✔️ Podcast lovers

• ✔️ Halloween enthusiasts

• ✔️ Couples, friends, and solo travelers looking for something totally unique

This is your chance to set sail with fellow fans and step into a world of mystery, suspense, and sun-soaked fun. Costumes encouraged. Curiosity required. 👀

Final Verdict?

The True Crime Voyage is the perfect mix of chills and thrills at sea. Whether you're there for the podcasts, the parties, or just the palm trees — this cruise promises a truly unforgettable experience.

🎟️ Don't miss your chance to sail into the world of mystery: https://bit.ly/4eBbkxw

 

Experience the Icelandic Getaway: A Journey of Luxury from New York to Reykjavik
18 Nights | Regent Seven Seas Cruises | June 29, 2026

If you've been dreaming of a journey that seamlessly blends elegance, discovery, and extraordinary service, the 2026 Icelandic Getaway aboard Seven Seas Mariner is your ultimate escape.

This 18-night voyage with Regent Seven Seas Cruises departs from New York on June 29, 2026, and transports you to some of the most dramatic and remote regions in the world—from the charming coasts of Canada to the icy majesty of Greenland and the volcanic beauty of Iceland.

A World-Class Itinerary

This is more than a cruise—it's a curated cultural and natural experience. You'll enjoy:

• Halifax & Sydney, Nova Scotia – Explore maritime charm, coastal culture, and vibrant city life
• Five ports in Greenland – Visit Nuuk, Paamiut, Narsaq, Qaqortoq, and Nanortalik, each offering untouched beauty and rich Inuit heritage
• Cruising the Prince Christian Sound – A breathtaking passage through icy fjords and towering cliffs
• Iceland’s coastal gems – Ísafjörður, Akureyri, Grundarfjörður, and an overnight stay in Reykjavik, the cosmopolitan heart of Iceland

Each destination offers unlimited included shore excursions, so you can personalize your experience without worrying about extra costs.

All-Inclusive, All the Time

This is Regent Seven Seas—where luxury is not an upgrade, it’s a given. Every guest enjoys:

• Unlimited shore excursions
• Fine wines, premium spirits, and specialty dining
• Complimentary unlimited Wi-Fi
• In-suite dining and 24-hour room service
• Pre-paid gratuities and valet laundry service
• Airfare, ground transfers, and even a pre-cruise hotel night for suite guests

Exclusive Offers

For a limited time, guests can enjoy 30% savings on Penthouse Suites and below, with fares starting from $16,099 per guest.

For those in Concierge Suites and above, enhanced amenities include butler service, priority reservations, luxury transfers, and more.

Why This Cruise?

• Travel to rarely visited destinations in comfort and style
• Escape the summer heat and explore the Arctic north in its most inviting season
• Experience one of the most refined cruise ships afloat, freshly refurbished and beautifully designed for fewer than 700 guests

Secure Your Suite Today
This unique itinerary sells quickly—and with good reason. It's a once-in-a-lifetime chance to explore the edge of the world while being cared for in absolute comfort.

🛎 Ready to book or learn more?
Click here: https://bit.ly/4eBbkxw or contact me directly for personal assistance with cabin selection, excursions, and pre-/post-cruise arrangements.

 

 
Low-Budget Travel Destinations That Feel Like a Million-Dollar Dream

You don’t need a platinum credit card to explore the world — just a heart full of wonder and a smart plan. As a romance author and travel advisor, I’ve learned that some of the most magical places on earth don’t come with luxury price tags. In fact, I believe budget travel can be the most soulful kind — where meals are shared with locals, sunsets are the main event, and every step feels like your own personal love story.

If you’ve been dreaming of adventure without breaking the bank, let me show you some of the most beautiful and affordable places in the world — where memories are rich, even if your wallet isn’t.

🌴 1. Bali, Indonesia

Bali is proof that paradise doesn’t have to cost a fortune. From beach bungalows to jungle villas, you’ll find stunning stays for less than $50/night. Street food is delicious and dirt-cheap, and the scenery? Pure magic.

💕 Romantic Must-Do: Take a couple’s flower bath in Ubud for less than the price of a pizza back home.

🏞️ 2. Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon gives you all the European charm — cobbled streets, colorful buildings, wine, history — without the Paris or Rome price tag. Public transportation is cheap, and local eats like pastel de nata and fresh seafood are both affordable and unforgettable.

🥂 Tip: Book a sunset sail on the Tagus River — dreamy views without a dreamy price.

🏔️ 3. San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

This colonial gem is full of vibrant colors, cobblestone romance, and incredible food — all at budget prices. Boutique hotels and Airbnbs are charming and affordable, and street tacos here taste like heaven.

🌺 Add a little spark: Take a rooftop cooking class and fall in love with flavors and views.

🏝️ 4. Hoi An, Vietnam

This lantern-lit town looks like it was pulled straight from a watercolor painting. Tailored clothes, river cruises, street markets, and some of the best meals of your life — for under $10/day.

🛶 Magical moment: Release a floating lantern on the Thu Bon River with a wish whispered to the stars.

🏜️ 5. Marrakech, Morocco

Marrakech offers exotic elegance at affordable prices. Stay in a riad (a traditional Moroccan guesthouse) with tiled courtyards and candlelit dinners for far less than a chain hotel anywhere else.

🐫 Adventure Tip: Book a budget-friendly desert overnight — camp under Sahara stars and wake to silence and sunrise.

🌊 6. Greece (Islands like Naxos or Paros)

Skip pricey Santorini and Mykonos, and head to smaller, equally stunning islands like Naxos or Paros. Whitewashed buildings, turquoise water, and mouthwatering meals — without the luxury markup.

🍷 Sunset hack: Buy a bottle of local wine, hike to a clifftop, and watch the sunset for free. Romance guaranteed.

🛕 7. Sri Lanka

From golden beaches to lush tea plantations and ancient temples, Sri Lanka offers diversity and depth at shockingly low prices. Transportation, food, and accommodation are incredibly budget-friendly.

🚂 Travel dream: Ride the scenic Kandy-to-Ella train — open windows, waving locals, and mountain mists.

🏖️ 8. Albanian Riviera

A hidden gem in Europe, Albania’s coast offers crystal-clear beaches, charming seaside towns, and Mediterranean vibes — at a fraction of the cost of Italy or Croatia.

🏝️ Tip: Dhermi and Ksamil are perfect for couples seeking seclusion and beauty on a budget.

🧳 Budget Travel Tips from Michelle

• Travel in the shoulder season (spring or fall): lower prices, fewer crowds.
• Book longer stays on Airbnb for discounts.
• Use local transport or walk — it's cheaper and more immersive.
• Eat where locals eat. The food is better, and your wallet will thank you.
• Set your priorities: Choose one splurge (sunset cruise, spa day) and budget the rest.

💕 You Deserve to Travel — No Matter Your Budget

At Tears of Crimson Travels, I believe every person deserves the chance to wander, explore, and fall in love with the world. Whether you're planning a soul-searching solo trip or a romantic escape on a budget, I’m here to help you design a trip that makes you feel rich in the ways that matter most.

Let’s prove that adventure doesn’t have to come with a luxury price tag — only a beautiful spirit.

Let’s design it together at TearsOfCrimsonTravels.com

Michelle Hughes

Romance Author & Travel Advisor

"Wanderlust doesn’t wait for wealth — just heart."

 
The Most Exquisite Places to Camp in the World: Sleeping Under the Stars, Wrapped in Wonder

There’s something achingly beautiful about falling asleep to the sound of wind whispering through trees or waves brushing the shoreline — no walls, no noise, just you, nature, and maybe someone you love beside you.

Camping has come a long way from roughing it in a pop-up tent. Today, it can mean glass-roofed domes under the Northern Lights, treehouses perched over the jungle, or luxury tents with king-sized beds and butler service. Whether you crave wild solitude or glamorous adventure, these are the most exquisite places in the world to camp — where nature romances the soul, and every sunrise feels like a new chapter.

🌌 1. Wadi Rum, Jordan – Camp Beneath Martian Skies

Known as the “Valley of the Moon,” this desert landscape is surreal, cinematic, and soul-stirring. Stay in a luxury bubble tent and watch the stars spill across a sky so dark and vast, it feels like you’ve landed on another planet.

🐪 Add to the romance: A sunset camel ride followed by Bedouin tea under the stars.

🌲 2. Patagonia, Chile – Torres del Paine EcoCamp

Tucked in the wild heart of Chilean Patagonia, EcoCamp Domes offer sustainable luxury with jaw-dropping views of the Andes. Wake to the call of condors and fall asleep to glacier winds rustling your dome.

💚 For nature lovers: It’s off-grid, intimate, and breathtakingly remote.

🌠 3. Finnish Lapland – Arctic Glass Igloos, Kakslauttanen

Snuggle into a warm bed inside a glass igloo, and watch the Northern Lights dance above you. This is pure magic — a winter wonderland you’ll never forget.

❄️ Cozy up: Some igloos even have saunas and fireplaces for the perfect cuddle-weather vibe.

🐘 4. Okavango Delta, Botswana – Belmond Eagle Island Lodge

This is camping at its wildest and most luxurious. Imagine waking up in a tented suite to the sounds of elephants splashing nearby, then heading out on a private mokoro canoe ride through the delta.

🦓 Exquisite meets untamed: The ultimate blend of adventure and opulence.

🌴 5. Bali, Indonesia – Sandat Glamping Tents, Ubud

Bali’s lush jungles and sacred rice fields are home to one of the most romantic glamping sites in the world. Think private plunge pools, canopy beds, and candlelit jungle dinners.

🧘‍♀️ For soulmates and seekers: Add yoga at sunrise or a couple’s massage to complete your spiritual escape.

🌊 6. The Isle of Skye, Scotland – Secluded Cliffside Camping

Camp along the rugged coastlines of Skye with views that stretch into forever. While you can go rustic, a handful of luxurious eco-pods and shepherd’s huts now offer warm beds and panoramic views.

🥃 Add a little Scottish romance: A crackling fire, a dram of whisky, and mist rolling over the highlands.

🌄 7. Banff National Park, Canada – Mountaintop Tranquility

Banff is every camper’s dream — emerald lakes, glacier-fed rivers, and trails that wind into the wild. For a touch of elegance, opt for a luxury tent at Mount Engadine Lodge or glamping near Lake Louise.

🌲 Ideal for: Couples who crave serenity with a side of adventure.

🏜️ 8. Sedona, Arizona – Red Rock Desert Domes

Sedona’s mystical landscape is the perfect backdrop for a spiritual, star-kissed escape. Sleep in a geodesic dome or luxury tent surrounded by towering red rocks and desert silence.

🔮 Bonus: Many camps offer guided stargazing, energy healing, and meditation.

🐪 9. The Sahara Desert, Morocco – Merzouga Luxury Camps

There’s nothing quite like riding a camel into the golden dunes and arriving at a candlelit Berber camp. Lavish tents, traditional music, and meals under a million stars await.

🌙 One word: unforgettable.

🏕️ 10. New Zealand – PurePods, South Island

Completely secluded, fully glass eco-cabins in the middle of pristine wilderness. No Wi-Fi. No distractions. Just you, your person, and the wild wonder of New Zealand’s South Island.

🌿 It’s romance stripped bare: Simple, sensual, and serene.

🌠 Write Your Story Under the Stars

Camping doesn’t mean giving up comfort — it means reconnecting with wonder. Whether you want to drift asleep beneath the aurora, wake to the roar of lions, or sip espresso beside the Andes, there’s a campsite in this world waiting to tell your next love story.

And I would be honored to help you find it.

Let’s make magic together at TearsOfCrimsonTravels.com

Michelle Hughes

Romance Author & Travel Advisor

"Sometimes the best hotels don’t have walls — just stars and soul."

 

 

By Michelle Hughes | Tears of Crimson Travels

There’s a rare kind of magic that happens when you step into a hotel that feels like it was made for the story of your life. It’s more than thread counts and skyline views — it’s the way the light pours into a suite at golden hour, the champagne welcome that sets your heart fluttering, and the way the world seems to slow down the moment the door closes behind you.

At Tears of Crimson Travels, I believe that where you stay is just as important as where you go. So today, I’m sharing a list of the most breathtaking, luxurious, and unforgettable hotels in the world — where every night feels like a page from a romance novel.

✨ 1. Burj Al Arab – Dubai, UAE

A 7-star icon shaped like a sail, floating on its own private island, the Burj Al Arab is unapologetically extravagant. Think personal butlers, gold-plated iPads, and Hermes bath amenities.

💎 For the dreamers: Private helicopter arrival, underwater dining, and royal suite views of the Arabian Gulf.

🏝️ 2. Soneva Fushi – Maldives

Located in a private atoll, Soneva Fushi is barefoot luxury at its finest. Overwater and jungle villas with private pools and water slides make this a secluded, eco-luxe escape.

🌿 Romance level: 11/10. Stargaze from your open-air tub while sipping champagne delivered by your villa butler.

🗻 3. Aman Tokyo – Japan

Peaceful, minimalist, and flawlessly elegant, Aman Tokyo is perched above the skyline like a floating zen garden. You’ll find harmony in every detail, from the stone baths to the floor-to-ceiling city views.

🧘‍♀️ Where serenity meets sophistication: Perfect for soul-searching couples or romantic introverts.

🕊️ 4. Ashford Castle – Cong, Ireland

Step into a real-life fairytale at Ashford Castle, a 13th-century fortress turned luxury hotel. Ivy-covered towers, four-poster beds, and a falconry school — need I say more?

🍷 For vintage souls: Curl up by a fire with aged whiskey and imagine your own medieval love story.

🌊 5. Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora – French Polynesia

Crystal waters, overwater bungalows, and Mt. Otemanu rising in the distance. This is paradise in its purest form — the kind of place that makes you fall in love all over again.

💍 Honeymoon heaven: Glass floors to see fish swimming beneath your bed. Yes, really.

🏰 6. The Ritz Paris – France

You don’t go to The Ritz — you return to it. Legendary in its glamour, it’s hosted Coco Chanel, Princess Diana, and Hemingway. This is Parisian opulence in full bloom.

🥂 For the romantics: Toast under chandeliers, sleep under silk, and never forget the scent of fresh peonies in your suite.

🌺 7. Post Ranch Inn – Big Sur, California

Perched on a cliff overlooking the Pacific, Post Ranch Inn is rustic luxury with soul. No TVs. No clocks. Just ocean mist, warm fireplaces, and quiet connection.

🌙 Couples’ retreat: Sleep in a treehouse or cliff-top suite and wake to whales breaching below.

❄️ 8. Badrutt’s Palace – St. Moritz, Switzerland

Where winter becomes wonderland. With alpine views, horse-drawn sleigh rides, and crystal ballrooms, Badrutt’s Palace is the kind of place that makes you believe in snow-globe love stories.

⛷️ Elegant and enchanting: Après-ski with style, then dance under chandeliers.

🛕 9. Umaid Bhawan Palace – Jodhpur, India

Built by a Maharaja and still partially royal residence, this art deco palace offers sweeping courtyards, peacocks in the garden, and rooms that whisper of India’s golden past.

👑 For the regal at heart: Live like royalty, even if just for a few nights.

🌴 10. Singita Ebony Lodge – Kruger National Park, South Africa

Luxury meets the wild at this riverside safari lodge, where you’ll sip wine by lantern light and hear lions in the distance. Private plunge pools and top-tier cuisine meet untamed adventure.

🦁 Best for thrill-seekers in love: Wake to elephants strolling by your terrace.

💫 Make Your Stay Part of the Story

Each of these hotels is more than a place to rest — it’s a place to remember. Whether you're celebrating your honeymoon, planning a luxury escape, or dreaming of writing your next chapter somewhere unforgettable, these destinations promise a love affair with luxury.

And I’d be honored to help you find the one that fits your story best.

Let’s plan your unforgettable stay together at TearsOfCrimsonTravels.com.

Michelle Hughes

Romance Author & Travel Advisor

"Luxury isn’t just what you buy — it’s how a place makes you feel."