David Swanson

San Diego

Travel Writer and Photographer at Freelance

Gear grinding lava lover pic posing scribbler. No blue checkmark, still mining for wisdom and humor. Past-President #SATW, Society of American Travel Writers

Articles

How to Take Your Best Cruise Ever | Members Only

2 months ago | aarp.org | David Swanson

Facebook Twitter LinkedIn AARP Travel Center Or Call: 1-800-675-4318 Flying from city or airport required type and text as next element. Move cursor to next element to interact. Enter a valid from location Flying to city or airport required type and text as next element. Move cursor to next element to interact.
Las Vegas Shines Brighter Than Ever for Meeting Planners

2 months ago | themeetingmagazines.com | David Swanson

When it comes to selecting the ideal meeting location for a major client conference, Las Vegas is a no-brainer for its wide variety of dining, entertainment and activities. The city’s world-class resorts encompass more than 156,000 rooms. The Harry Reid International Airport is located just two miles from the Strip and features 1,100 daily flights to more than 150 cities. Las Vegas also holds three of the 10 largest convention venues in the country.
These Lesser-visited South Pacific Islands Are Best Seen by a Small-ship Cruise

Jan 5, 2025 | travelandleisure.com | David Swanson

Unfriendly clouds loomed as the Star Breeze eased out of the lagoon. The wind and the swells picked up, and the seas turned a milky blue. I was chatting about the impending weather with some other passengers when Captain Simon Terry’s voice came over the P.A. “The tropical storm has developed into a cyclone,” he announced, adding that it would soon lash the Society Islands — exactly where we were headed. “It’s going to be very windy, very wet, and not very pleasant,” he intoned.
This Classic Cruise Ship Is a Fantastic Vacation Value, With Incredible Live Music and Access to a Private Island in the Caribbean

Dec 14, 2024 | travelandleisure.com | David Swanson

Holland America Line, one of the most storied names in cruising, has come a long way since 1873, when it was founded in Rotterdam. The line’s first vessel, a steam and sail ship that often crossed the North Atlantic, was named after the city. As the company grew, it would carry more than 850,000 immigrants to the U.S. between 1880 and 1920. And during World War II, Holland America ships transported nearly 400,000 Allied troops.
7 ways cruise ships are becoming more sustainable

Oct 18, 2024 | ace.aaa.com | David Swanson

For the cruise industry to achieve genuine sustainability, it’s going to take much more than swapping out colorful plastic straws from cocktails on the lido deck. Cruise Lines International Association, the trade group that represents most of the industry, has ambitiously pledged to become carbon-neutral by 2050. But how will that look and feel on board?
An Inside Look at Virgin Voyages’ Food and Beverage Strategy

Jun 25, 2024 | travelagewest.com | David Swanson

Jordan Bernstein joined Virgin Voyages in February 2018, coming onboard the team at the conceptual stage for Scarlet Lady, the first ship from the brand, which launched in 2020. Now, the line’s fourth ship, Brilliant Lady is scheduled to arrive in 2025. I sat down with Jordan Bernstein, the director of food and beverage operations for Virgin, to learn more about how the line’s culinary program was developed, and how it has since emerged as one of the brand’s hallmark assets.
New Orleans

May 13, 2024 | themeetingmagazines.com | David Swanson

While it may be unclear as to how New Orleans got its nickname “The Big Easy,” one thing is clear: its rich cultural heritage, music scene, and easygoing lifestyle make it one of America’s favorite destinations. And it is ready for a major transformation. Meeting attendees to New Orleans are now welcomed by a new airport. The convention center is undergoing through a $557 million facelift, and nearly $1 billion in hotel renovations have been completed, are underway, or are in the planning phase.
Mexico

Apr 15, 2024 | themeetingmagazines.com | David Swanson

Mexico is an ideal destination for meeting planners and attendees alike,” says Stacy Roberts, senior vice president of operations, for Global DMC Partners.
These Gorgeous Islands Are One of the World's Most Underrated Cruise Destinations — With Deserted Beaches and 150,000 Giant Tortoises

Mar 24, 2024 | travelandleisure.com | David Swanson

Expert cruise reporter David Swanson sailed around the Seychelles to find everything the East African cruise destination has to offer.
Orlando

Mar 19, 2024 | themeetingmagazines.com | David Swanson

“Orlando it has it all,” says Christopher Rohan, managing partner at BenchMark Incentives. “There’s easy nonstop air service, entertainment, hospitality, and meeting and hotel space to fit varying budget and logistical needs.”Rohan is not alone. The destination is so much more than its most famous resident, the cartoon mouse that spawned a theme park empire.