The Castle Traveler
The Castle Traveler is the official Beyond the Castle Travel blog, created to help you travel smarter with clear guidance and real-world insight. Here you will find cruise advice, destination tips, sports-event travel strategies, and curated guides designed to make planning easier and more enjoyable. To explore specific topics, use the category buttons below and dive deeper into the areas that interest you most.
Great Lakes Cruise Ports Guide: Top Cities and What Travelers Should Expect
Great Lakes cruises offer a rare blend of natural beauty, vibrant cities, and historic waterways. This guide breaks down the most popular Great Lakes cruise ports across the United States and Canada, including primary stops like Chicago, Milwaukee, Mackinac Island, and Toronto, as well as secondary and specialty ports found on extended itineraries. Whether you are comparing Viking, Victory Cruise Lines, American Cruise Lines, Ponant, or Hapag Lloyd, this overview helps travelers understand what each port offers and how itineraries differ across the region.
Weather in World Cup 2026 Host Cities: What Travelers Should Expect in June and July
Weather plays a major role in planning a great World Cup experience, especially when the tournament spans sixteen cities across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Summer conditions can vary dramatically from one host city to another, with some regions offering mild Pacific breezes and others experiencing hot, humid afternoons or frequent rain showers. This guide breaks down the typical June and July climate in every World Cup 2026 host city so travelers can choose destinations confidently, pack properly, and prepare for comfortable match days no matter where their journey takes them.
Philadelphia 2026: Why the MLB All-Star Game and America’s 250th Make This a Once in a Generation Trip
Philadelphia is preparing for one of the most exciting travel seasons in its history. With the MLB All Star Game, America’s 250th celebration, World Cup energy, major concerts, and even new cruises from the city, 2026 becomes a once in a generation opportunity to explore the birthplace of America.
Are Great Lakes Cruises Rough? What Travelers Need to Know
Thinking about a Great Lakes cruise but worried about rough water? The truth is that most itineraries are remarkably calm thanks to the lakes’ unique wave patterns, smart ship design, and thoughtful routing by expert captains. Learn what conditions are really like across Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie, and Ontario, and why these voyages are often gentler than ocean cruises.
Great Lakes Cruises: The Hidden Gem Between River and Ocean Adventures
Discover why Great Lakes cruises are the perfect blend of river intimacy and ocean adventure. Explore small-ship luxury close to home, learn the best times to sail, and see how travelers in the Northeast can save big while uncovering North America’s freshwater frontier.
Beyond the Ice: What It’s Really Like on a Quark Expeditions Voyage
Expedition cruising isn’t your typical vacation — it’s an invitation to explore the planet’s most remote frontiers. As a Quark Certified Polar Pro, Julio Sanchez shares what makes these journeys unique: small-group exploration, expert-led landings, and sustainable adventures to the Arctic and Antarctica. Discover how Quark Expeditions blends luxury and learning for travelers ready to experience the world beyond the map.
Discover the Viking Mississippi: A New Era of River Cruising in America
Viking River Cruises has arrived in America with the Viking Mississippi, a modern ship designed for comfort and discovery. From New Orleans jazz to Mark Twain country, explore the rich culture, history, and flavors of the Mississippi River in luxury.
Your Sports Travel Living List: The Biggest Events of 2026–2028
Sports fans, it’s time to start building your Living List. The next few years bring legendary moments like the Super Bowl in California, the FIFA World Cup across North America, the Kentucky Derby in Louisville, and the Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. Discover how these once-in-a-lifetime events combine world-class competition with incredible travel experiences.
Why Every Woman Needs a Girls' Trip: The Proven Benefits of Traveling with Your Tribe
Every woman deserves a getaway that’s more than just a break from the routine—it’s a reset for the soul. Science shows that girls’ trips aren’t just about cocktails, matching pajamas, and Instagram-worthy sunsets. Traveling with your closest friends lowers stress, boosts your mood, and even supports long-term health. Whether it’s a beach weekend, a European escape, or a cruise filled with laughter and late-night talks, a girls’ trip is a proven way to recharge, reconnect, and return home stronger.
Cruising the Fjords of Norway: A Luxury Guide for 2025, 2026, and Beyond
Experience Norway’s fjords like never before. From towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls to colorful Nordic villages, a fjord cruise blends breathtaking scenery, cultural immersion, and five-star comfort. With sailings open into 2026 and 2027, now is the best time to secure your balcony or suite for this once-in-a-lifetime journey.
Experience the Glamour and Thrill of the 2026 Monaco Grand Prix
Experience the thrill and luxury of the 2026 Monaco Grand Prix with a custom VIP travel package. From yacht views to 5-star hotels and exclusive race-day hospitality, we’ll help you design the ultimate Formula 1 getaway in Monte Carlo.
Top River Cruises in Europe for Art and History Lovers
Explore Europe’s rich artistic and cultural past through these top river cruises. Visit historic cities, world-class museums, and ancient landmarks while enjoying the comfort and elegance of a river cruise tailored for art and history enthusiasts.

