---
title: Avanti Destinations Blog | Mike Dodd (2)
description: "My background is over 30 years in the airline industry; almost entirely with TWA and Austrian Airlines, but give me train travel in Europe any day.\nI have been accused of being a Francophile, and to that I say; guilty as charged.\nHowever I firmly believe that every country has something to offer prospective travelers; unique cultures, traditional customs, and (sometimes hidden) charm.\nIt's an exhilarating rush to step off in a new town, or finally reaching that long-awaited historic site.\nAnd I hope I never lose that feeling.\nWorking for Avanti the past few years has further energized my passion for discovering what lies around that bend, and getting out of your comfort zone where nothing is familiar.\nTo quote Aldous Huxley \"Once a year, go someplace you've never been before.\"\n (2)"
---
Avanti Europe
Avanti Central & South America
Avanti Asia
-
-
-
[](http://www.avantidestinations.com)
The Leader For Customized Travel
- [Blog Homepage](https://blog.avantidestinations.com/blog)
- Vacation Packages
- [Europe](http://www.avantidestinations.com/EVWeb/index.jsp?sourceid=AvdEur&theme=AvdEur&utype=agent&isagency=Y&agenthidden=N&brand=AVD/PDXTWeb&jump=Process.jsp&page=Itineraries&title=Day%20by%20day%20Itineraries)
- [Central & South America](http://www.avantidestinations.com/EVWeb/index.jsp?sourceid=AvdLat&theme=AvdLat&utype=agent&isagency=Y&agenthidden=N&brand=AVD/PDXTWeb&jump=Process.jsp&page=Itineraries&title=Day%20by%20day%20Itineraries)
- [Asia](http://www.avantidestinations.com/EVWeb/index.jsp?sourceid=AvdAsa&theme=AvdAsa&utype=agent&isagency=Y&agenthidden=N&brand=AVD/PDXTWeb&jump=Process.jsp&page=Itineraries&title=Day%20by%20day%20Itineraries)
- [Avanti Global](https://blog.avantidestinations.com/blog/topic/avanti-global)
- [Europe](https://blog.avantidestinations.com/blog/topic/europe)
- [Central & South America](https://blog.avantidestinations.com/blog/topic/central-south-america)
- [Asia](https://blog.avantidestinations.com/blog/topic/asia)
# The Avanti Traveler
## Sign up for the latest Avanti News
We'd love to share news, travel tips, exclusive specials, and more!
[Subscribe Now!](https://info.avantidestinations.com/sign-up-for-avanti-news)
[Europe](https://blog.avantidestinations.com/blog/topic/europe) March 07, 2017
Explore further and see what historic vacation opportunities we feature throughout Europe.
[*Aaron McFarland*](https://blog.avantidestinations.com/blog/author/aaron-mcfarland) *No Comments Yet*
[Central & South America](https://blog.avantidestinations.com/blog/topic/central-south-america) March 07, 2017
From outdoor adventures to relaxing beaches, Central & South America offers it all.
[*Aaron McFarland*](https://blog.avantidestinations.com/blog/author/aaron-mcfarland) *No Comments Yet*
[Asia](https://blog.avantidestinations.com/blog/topic/asia) March 07, 2017
Seek out unique cultural experiences and delicious delicacies throughout Asia.
[*Aaron McFarland*](https://blog.avantidestinations.com/blog/author/aaron-mcfarland) *No Comments Yet*
## Mike Dodd
My background is over 30 years in the airline industry; almost entirely with TWA and Austrian Airlines, but give me train travel in Europe any day. I have been accused of being a Francophile, and to that I say; guilty as charged. However I firmly believe that every country has something to offer prospective travelers; unique cultures, traditional customs, and (sometimes hidden) charm. It's an exhilarating rush to step off in a new town, or finally reaching that long-awaited historic site. And I hope I never lose that feeling. Working for Avanti the past few years has further energized my passion for discovering what lies around that bend, and getting out of your comfort zone where nothing is familiar. To quote Aldous Huxley "Once a year, go someplace you've never been before."
### Recent Posts
### [A Taste of Lisbon](https://blog.avantidestinations.com/blog/a-taste-of-lisbon)
Jun 16, 2017
The Portuguese use a lot of garlic and olive oil in their cooking. Quite often you will be offered
[continue reading](https://blog.avantidestinations.com/blog/a-taste-of-lisbon)
Post By :[Mike Dodd](https://blog.avantidestinations.com/blog/author/mike-dodd)
No Comment
- [mailto:?body=https://blog.avantidestinations.com/blog/a-taste-of-lisbon](mailto:?body=https://blog.avantidestinations.com/blog/a-taste-of-lisbon)
### [A Glimpse into the Attractions of Lisbon](https://blog.avantidestinations.com/blog/a-glimpse-into-the-attractions-of-lisbon)
Jun 14, 2017
There's plenty to see and do on a trip to Lisbon. Here are some of my favorite places to visit!
[continue reading](https://blog.avantidestinations.com/blog/a-glimpse-into-the-attractions-of-lisbon)
Post By :[Mike Dodd](https://blog.avantidestinations.com/blog/author/mike-dodd)
No Comment
- [mailto:?body=https://blog.avantidestinations.com/blog/a-glimpse-into-the-attractions-of-lisbon](mailto:?body=https://blog.avantidestinations.com/blog/a-glimpse-into-the-attractions-of-lisbon)
### [WYNTK: The Neighborhoods of Lisbon](https://blog.avantidestinations.com/blog/wyntk-the-neighbordhoods-of-lisbon)
Jun 12, 2017
WYNTK: What You Need to Know...
[continue reading](https://blog.avantidestinations.com/blog/wyntk-the-neighbordhoods-of-lisbon)
Post By :[Mike Dodd](https://blog.avantidestinations.com/blog/author/mike-dodd)
No Comment
- [mailto:?body=https://blog.avantidestinations.com/blog/wyntk-the-neighbordhoods-of-lisbon](mailto:?body=https://blog.avantidestinations.com/blog/wyntk-the-neighbordhoods-of-lisbon)
### [Exploring the Pubs of London](https://blog.avantidestinations.com/blog/exploring-the-pubs-of-london)
Jun 02, 2017
The pubs for the British are the quintessential meeting place to relax, debate, and get together
[continue reading](https://blog.avantidestinations.com/blog/exploring-the-pubs-of-london)
Post By :[Mike Dodd](https://blog.avantidestinations.com/blog/author/mike-dodd)
No Comment
- [mailto:?body=https://blog.avantidestinations.com/blog/exploring-the-pubs-of-london](mailto:?body=https://blog.avantidestinations.com/blog/exploring-the-pubs-of-london)
### [No Apologies for Shopping](https://blog.avantidestinations.com/blog/no-apologies-for-shopping)
May 12, 2017
“A picture postcard, a folded stub, a program of the play; file away your photographs of your
[continue reading](https://blog.avantidestinations.com/blog/no-apologies-for-shopping)
Post By :[Mike Dodd](https://blog.avantidestinations.com/blog/author/mike-dodd)
No Comment
- [mailto:?body=https://blog.avantidestinations.com/blog/no-apologies-for-shopping](mailto:?body=https://blog.avantidestinations.com/blog/no-apologies-for-shopping)
### [7 Irish StereoTypes Demystified](https://blog.avantidestinations.com/blog/7-irish-stereotypes-demystified)
May 10, 2017
When one thinks of Ireland, it conjures up a variety of images, many stereotypical: leprechauns,
[continue reading](https://blog.avantidestinations.com/blog/7-irish-stereotypes-demystified)
Post By :[Mike Dodd](https://blog.avantidestinations.com/blog/author/mike-dodd)
No Comment
- [mailto:?body=https://blog.avantidestinations.com/blog/7-irish-stereotypes-demystified](mailto:?body=https://blog.avantidestinations.com/blog/7-irish-stereotypes-demystified)
### [Three Places to Visit Under the Radar](https://blog.avantidestinations.com/blog/three-places-to-visit-under-the-radar)
May 05, 2017
While places like Paris and London are staples on everyone's travel bucket list, these "three C's"
[continue reading](https://blog.avantidestinations.com/blog/three-places-to-visit-under-the-radar)
Post By :[Mike Dodd](https://blog.avantidestinations.com/blog/author/mike-dodd)
No Comment
- [mailto:?body=https://blog.avantidestinations.com/blog/three-places-to-visit-under-the-radar](mailto:?body=https://blog.avantidestinations.com/blog/three-places-to-visit-under-the-radar)
### [Sipping your way through the French Wine Regions](https://blog.avantidestinations.com/blog/sipping-your-way-through-the-french-regions)
Apr 28, 2017
Continue sipping your way through France as we countdown the top French wine regions!
[continue reading](https://blog.avantidestinations.com/blog/sipping-your-way-through-the-french-regions)
Post By :[Mike Dodd](https://blog.avantidestinations.com/blog/author/mike-dodd)
No Comment
- [mailto:?body=https://blog.avantidestinations.com/blog/sipping-your-way-through-the-french-regions](mailto:?body=https://blog.avantidestinations.com/blog/sipping-your-way-through-the-french-regions)
### [A Guide to the French Wine Regions ](https://blog.avantidestinations.com/blog/a-guide-to-the-french-wine-regions)
Apr 26, 2017
A client walks into a travel agency...no, this is not the start of a joke. However it can become a
[continue reading](https://blog.avantidestinations.com/blog/a-guide-to-the-french-wine-regions)
Post By :[Mike Dodd](https://blog.avantidestinations.com/blog/author/mike-dodd)
No Comment
- [mailto:?body=https://blog.avantidestinations.com/blog/a-guide-to-the-french-wine-regions](mailto:?body=https://blog.avantidestinations.com/blog/a-guide-to-the-french-wine-regions)
### [Outside of Prague](https://blog.avantidestinations.com/blog/outside-of-prague)
Apr 21, 2017
Following up from our Wednesday post, here's some advice for those clients looking for a
[continue reading](https://blog.avantidestinations.com/blog/outside-of-prague)
Post By :[Mike Dodd](https://blog.avantidestinations.com/blog/author/mike-dodd)
No Comment
- [mailto:?body=https://blog.avantidestinations.com/blog/outside-of-prague](mailto:?body=https://blog.avantidestinations.com/blog/outside-of-prague)
[Previous](https://blog.avantidestinations.com/blog/author/mike-dodd/page/1) [Next](https://blog.avantidestinations.com/blog/author/mike-dodd/page/3)
### Get the Newest Blog Posts Straight to your Inbox - Subscribe Now!
#### Pre Post Cruise
We offer more hotels, more hotel categories, more hotel room choices, and more sightseeing tours. Booking with Avanti rather than directly through the cruise line will save your clients money. What can they do with that extra money? More!
[View Microsite](http://www.avantidestinations.com/EVWeb/landing/pre_post/pre_post_cruise.html)
### Recent Post
#### Instagram
- [](http://www.instagram.com/p/BITpqKBjJsk/?taken-by=travel_avanti)
- [](http://www.instagram.com/p/BLtnJ61jtUC/?taken-by=travel_avanti)
- [](http://www.instagram.com/p/BLtoAQeDnfs/?taken-by=travel_avanti)
- [](http://www.instagram.com/p/BLeSijFDvyv/?taken-by=travel_avanti)
- [](http://www.instagram.com/p/BNAkTULjqJa/?taken-by=travel_avanti)
- [](http://www.instagram.com/p/BPq0JivjK7y/?taken-by=travel_avanti)
- [](http://www.instagram.com/p/BBp9vIHJJnB/?taken-by=travel_avanti)
- [](http://www.instagram.com/p/67ieM2pJj2/?taken-by=travel_avanti)
- [](http://www.instagram.com/p/3Je08NJJkS/?taken-by=travel_avanti)
### Blog Categories
- [Europe (68)](https://blog.avantidestinations.com/blog/topic/europe)
- [Avanti Global (41)](https://blog.avantidestinations.com/blog/topic/avanti-global)
- [Go365 (36)](https://blog.avantidestinations.com/blog/topic/go365)
- [Central & South America (32)](https://blog.avantidestinations.com/blog/topic/central-south-america)
#### Follow Me On Instagram
[](http://www.instagram.com/p/BIdYtDoDz10/?taken-by=travel_avanti)
[](http://www.instagram.com/p/BDnNUE8pJmo/?taken-by=travel_avanti)
[](http://www.instagram.com/p/BLqzOtFDWA-/?taken-by=travel_avanti)
[](http://www.instagram.com/p/7IdyCupJgZ/?taken-by=travel_avanti)
[](http://www.instagram.com/p/BBk2Qq8pJpw/?taken-by=travel_avanti)
[](http://www.instagram.com/p/BBk3MfaJJrr/?taken-by=travel_avanti)
[](http://www.instagram.com/p/BIlQ9-NDhud/?taken-by=travel_avanti)
##### About Us
Avanti Destinations has been inspiring independent travelers with innovative and authentic vacations since 1981. As a provider of quality international travel experiences, we deliver personally selected products backed by excellent customer service. With us, travelers go where they want, when they want, with the flexibility to savor special moments along the way.
- [Facebook](http://www.facebook.com/AvantiDestinations/)
- [Twitter](http://twitter.com/TravelAvanti)
- [Instagram](http://www.instagram.com/travel_avanti/)
##### Instagram
[](http://www.instagram.com/p/BIdYtDoDz10/?taken-by=travel_avanti)
[](http://www.instagram.com/p/BDnNUE8pJmo/?taken-by=travel_avanti)
[](http://www.instagram.com/p/BLqzOtFDWA-/?taken-by=travel_avanti)
[](http://www.instagram.com/p/7IdyCupJgZ/?taken-by=travel_avanti)
[](http://www.instagram.com/p/BBk2Qq8pJpw/?taken-by=travel_avanti)
[](http://www.instagram.com/p/BBk3MfaJJrr/?taken-by=travel_avanti)
[](http://www.instagram.com/p/BIlQ9-NDhud/?taken-by=travel_avanti)
[](http://www.instagram.com/p/BIdYtDoDz10/?taken-by=travel_avanti)
##### Sign up for the latest Avanti News
We'd love to share news, travel tips, exclusive specials, and other information with you in the future!
[Subscribe Now](https://info.avantidestinations.com/sign-up-for-avanti-news)
Avanti Destinations | Copyright © 2017 | All Rights Reserved.