Viking today is celebrating the start of its second season in the Great Lakes, as the new purpose-built Viking Polaris® arrived in Toronto for her first port of call in the region. The Viking Polaris joins her identical sister ship, the Viking Octantis®, which began sailing in the Great Lakes for the 2022 season and returned to the region in April 2023. With two 378-guest expedition vessels now in the region, Viking has doubled its capacity in the Great Lakes for 2023. The ships will remain in the Great Lakes through September 2023, sailing all five lakes and a variety of itineraries that operate between Toronto and Duluth.

"We are proud to welcome both of our expedition ships to the Great Lakes. With historic canals that are engineering marvels, cities with thriving arts and culture and unmatched wilderness, this is a phenomenal region of North America that may be familiar to many—but few have had the opportunity to explore," said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking. "After our first full season of Great Lakes voyages in 2022, we are grateful for the warm welcome we received from each destination and look forward to introducing even more curious travelers to the region this season and in the years to come."

Designed specifically to reach the Great Lakes, Viking's expedition fleet brings the newest and most modern vessels ever to explore this region of North America, as well as a significant commitment to local tourism and economic development for the states of Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and the Canadian province of Ontario. Beginning this season, Viking will also call on the new port of Cleveland, Ohio, during the new 15-day itinerary, Great Lakes Collection.

To further develop the scientific enrichment program for its Great Lakes voyages, Viking has partnered with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory (GLERL), which conducts innovative research on the dynamic environments and ecosystems of the Great Lakes and coastal regions to provide information for resource use and management decisions that lead to safe and sustainable ecosystems, ecosystem services, and human communities. Viking's expedition ships have also been designated official NOAA / U.S. National Weather Service weather balloon stations, from which regular launches are undertaken.

Viking is also sailing grand voyages between the Great Lakes and "the end of the world," including the Viking Longitudinal World Cruise I, which will complete its inaugural 65-day journey from Antarctica to Milwaukee on May 5, 2023. In September 2023, the Viking Polaris will embark on the Longitudinal World Cruise II from Duluth to Ushuaia and the Viking Octantis will also begin her epic journey from Milwaukee to Ushuaia on the Longitudinal World Cruise III – offering guests several travel milestones in a single journey from the heart of North America through engineering wonders like the Welland and Panama Canals, into the Chilean fjords and finally to Antarctica. Following Viking's upcoming third season in the Great Lakes, the Viking Polaris will also sail the Longitudinal World Cruise IV from Milwaukee to Ushuaia in October 2024.

The Polar Class Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris host 378 guests in 189 staterooms. The vessels are purpose-built for expeditions, at an ideal size for safety and comfort in remote destinations. With more indoor and outdoor viewing areas than other expedition vessels, guests are as close as possible to the most magnificent scenery on earth.

Ahead of the Mexico Open at Vidanta, which will take place from April 27-30 at Vidanta Nuevo Vallarta, the brand has released an entertaining new video featuring Hollywood actor Mark Wahlberg and professional golfer Abraham Ancer. In the video, Mark Wahlberg jokingly distracts Abraham Ancer as he tries to play golf. Displaying bad golf etiquette, Wahlberg tries to make it harder for Ancer to focus on his game. Some of the dialogue in the video was ad-libbed by Wahlberg because the duo was having such a naturally fun time while filming the piece for Vidanta and their tequila Flecha Azul.

While the video is lighthearted, Vidanta is serious about golf. The second consecutive Mexico Open at Vidanta will take place at the Vidanta Vallarta golf course from April 27-30, 2023. The tournament is an official PGA TOUR event that will feature 144 professional golfers competing for a purse of $7.7 million and 500 FedExCup points. As the leading course developer in Latin America, Vidanta cultivates truly unique golf experiences. From beautiful and challenging courses designed by the game's biggest names, including Jack Nicklaus and Greg Norman, to best-in-class training facilities, Vidanta Golf offers golfers extraordinary ways to play in paradise.

"We are thrilled to have Mark Wahlberg and Abraham Ancer join us for this video, which showcases not only our beautiful Vidanta resort, but also the captivating beauty of Mexico," said Ivan Chavez, executive vice president of Grupo Vidanta. "The video captures the playful spirit of our brand, while highlighting the world-class golf facilities, breathtaking scenery, and the warmth of Mexican hospitality that Vidanta is known for."

"We at Flecha Azul are beyond thrilled to partner with Vidanta Resorts, Mexico's premier luxury vacation destination. The combination of our exquisite tequila and Vidanta's unmatched hospitality creates an unparalleled experience for all guests," said Aron Marquez, Co-Owner of Flecha Azul. "Together, we'll elevate the essence of Mexico with every sip, proving that Flecha Azul is truly the best tequila in the market."

The video, which takes place on the Greg Norman-designed Vidanta Vallarta golf course, showcases the stunning resort property and its luxurious amenities. Wahlberg's signature Flecha Azul tequila also makes an appearance in the video and is featured throughout the resort's bars and restaurants. The video is part of Vidanta's ongoing efforts to promote its properties to a global audience. With its picturesque location on Mexico's Pacific coast and world-class hospitality, Vidanta Nuevo Vallarta is a premier destination for travelers seeking luxury and relaxation.

"We are confident that this video will resonate with audiences and inspire them to visit our incredible resort and explore the captivating beauty of Mexico," said Chavez. "We invite everyone to come and experience the magic of Vidanta and the enchanting allure of Mexico for themselves."

The video is now available for viewing on Vidanta's social media channels and vidanta.com/golfetiquette. For more information about the resort and its amenities, visit vidanta.com.

The first volume of OLTRE, a new luxury lifestyle travel magazine, debuts this week. With a print circulation of 100,000 affluent consumers, OLTRE will be mailed to the top clients of Global Travel Collection's luxury travel advisors to offer a fresh perspective on travel and inspire them to plan their next trip. Global Travel Collection, Internova Travel Group's high-service premium and luxury travel division, represents the most sophisticated community of travel advisors and agencies worldwide. It comprises 1,500 highly experienced advisors who serve clients in the luxury leisure, corporate and entertainment sectors.

OLTRE, whose name comes from an Italian word meaning "over, above or beyond," will be published four times a year. Each volume will be printed on archival-quality, eco-certified paper with a keepsake aesthetic. "We wanted a name, look and feel that encompassed more than just travel," said Elaine Srnka, Internova's Senior Vice President of Content. "Our advisors plan travel experiences for their clients that go beyond expectations, and we want to do the same with our new magazine."

Srnka, a former Virtuoso executive, assembled an experienced team to produce the magazine entirely in-house: Laura Sport, also from Virtuoso, is Vice President of Publishing; Brad A. Johnson, Editorial Director, formerly served as national travel editor for Modern Luxury Media; and Devin Duckworth, Design Director, joined from Fodor's Travel.

OLTRE's debut issue spans the globe from pole to pole, covering art and culture, fashion, dining, music and more. In addition to articles on Antarctica and the Arctic, an in-depth guide to California's Napa and Sonoma valleys taps local experts and GTC advisors for their top tips and insight. The OLTRE Look Book is an expansive directory of the top 100+ hotel openings on the editors' radar. Elsewhere, readers accompany an acclaimed Thai chef to discover Bangkok's truly unsearchable street food that influences the menu at her upscale restaurant, set sail from Portugal on the inaugural cruise of Ritz-Carlton's new yacht, visit an epic private collection of modern art in a less-traveled corner of Italy, meet fashion designers in Greece and Scotland who are reviving heritage weaving crafts and more. Photo shoots on multiple continents enhance the publication's global perspective, human element, and visual sophistication.

"We created OLTRE as part of our mission to support our advisors with industry-leading products and services to help them engage with their clients and grow their business," said Angie Licea, President, Global Travel Collection. "This magazine is a tangible way for advisors to stay in touch with their best clients, thanking them for their business and inspiring them with a world of ideas and opportunities. We want to keep them in the know and ahead of the curve."

OLTRE's calendar for the remainder of the year includes "The Barefoot Issue," which publishes in July, and "The Taste Issue," which publishes in October.

Internova Travel Group is one of the largest travel services companies in the world with a collection of leading brands delivering high-touch, personal travel expertise to leisure and corporate clients. Internova manages leisure, business and franchise firms through a portfolio of distinctive divisions. Internova represents more than 100,000 travel advisors in over 6,000 company-owned and affiliated locations predominantly in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom, with a presence in more than 80 countries.

Global Travel Collection (GTC), a division of Internova Travel Group, is the world's most influential collection of international luxury travel agencies, including the well-established networks of Protravel International, Tzell Travel Group and Colletts Travel, as well as Andrew Harper, In the Know Experiences, All Star Travel Group and R. Crusoe & Son. GTC advisors and agencies are industry leaders in providing premium travel services to leisure travelers, corporate executives and the entertainment industry. The combined global reach and leverage translates into value, recognition and preferential treatment for its world travelers.

Road trips are one of the best ways to explore the United States. Whether you’re planning an extended journey or just a few days away, there are plenty of family-friendly road trip destinations that are sure to please. From rugged national parks to historic cities, here are ten family-friendly road trip places to visit across the United States.

1. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

The Grand Canyon is one of the most iconic natural wonders of the United States, and it’s a great destination for family road trips. On the South Rim, families can explore a variety of trails, and take in the majestic views of the canyon. There are plenty of campgrounds and RV parks nearby, so you can make the most of your time in the park.

2. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

Rocky Mountain National Park is an ideal destination for nature-loving families. You can hike, fish, horseback ride, and explore the park’s incredible wildlife. There are plenty of campgrounds and lodges to choose from, so you can make the most of your time in the park.

3. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

Yellowstone National Park is another great destination for family road trips. From geysers and hot springs to wildlife and waterfalls, there is plenty to explore here. There are plenty of campgrounds and lodges to choose from, so you can make the most of your time here.

4. Washington D.C.

Washington D.C. is a great destination for families who want to explore the nation’s capital. There are plenty of historic attractions to explore, such as the White House, the Smithsonian, and the Lincoln Memorial. There are plenty of hotels and other accommodations to make your stay comfortable.

5. San Francisco, California

San Francisco is a great destination for families who want to explore the West Coast. From the Golden Gate Bridge to Fisherman’s Wharf and Alcatraz, there are plenty of attractions to explore here. There are also plenty of hotels and other accommodations to make your stay comfortable.

6. Acadia National Park, Maine

Acadia National Park is a great destination for families who want to explore the Northeastern coast. From hiking trails to the ocean views, there is plenty to explore here. There are plenty of campgrounds and lodges to choose from, so you can make the most of your time here.

7. New Orleans, Louisiana

New Orleans is a great destination for families who want to explore the Southern charm. From the French Quarter to the Garden District, there is plenty to explore here. There are also plenty of hotels and other accommodations to make your stay comfortable.

8. Nashville, Tennessee

Nashville is a great destination for families who want to explore the city’s music scene. From the Grand Ole Opry to the Country Music Hall of Fame, there is plenty to explore here. There are also plenty of hotels and other accommodations to make your stay comfortable.

9. Chicago, Illinois

Chicago is a great destination for families who want to explore the city’s culture and attractions. From the Willis Tower to the Shedd Aquarium, there is plenty to explore here. There are also plenty of hotels and other accommodations to make your stay comfortable.

10. Las Vegas, Nevada

Las Vegas is a great destination for families who want to explore the city’s nightlife and attractions. From the casinos to the shows, there is plenty to explore here. There are also plenty of hotels and other accommodations to make your stay comfortable.

No matter where you choose to go, these ten family-friendly road trip places are sure to be a hit with everyone in the family. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventure, cultural experiences, or vibrant nightlife, the United States has something for everyone. So, get ready to hit the road and explore the many wonders of this great country!