Experience the breathtaking beauty of Alaska's pristine wilderness, majestic glaciers, and abundant wildlife, all from the comfort of a luxurious cruise ship.
Saturday, July 5th — Saturday, July 12th, 2025

Cruise Highlights:

• Glacier Bay National Park: Witness the awe-inspiring glaciers calving into the sea in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Juneau: Explore Alaska's capital city, rich in history and surrounded by stunning landscapes.
• Ketchikan: Discover the charm of this coastal town, known for its Native Alaskan culture and vibrant art scene.
• Skagway: Step back in time to the Gold Rush era with a visit to this historic town.

As the new year begins, it’s the perfect time to reflect on your travel dreams and start checking off your bucket list. Whether it’s exploring historic sites, enjoying scenic train rides, or simply relaxing in luxurious settings, Patty’s Tours has a perfect getaway for you.

Start the year with meaningful experiences and exciting destinations—after all, life’s too short to stay in one place!

Planning a trip should be exciting, not stressful! Whether you're looking for a quick weekend escape, an unforgettable Gold Country tour, or a relaxing cruise vacation, knowing where to go and what to expect can make all the difference. At Patty’s Tours, we specialize in crafting memorable group travel experiences, helping you explore the best destinations in and around Reno, Tahoe, Sacramento, and beyond.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything from day trips to travel tips, so you can plan your next adventure with confidence.

Discover the Charm of Gold Country Tours

California’s Gold Country is a must-visit for history buffs, wine lovers, and adventure seekers alike. Known for its rich Gold Rush history, stunning landscapes, and quaint small towns, this region offers the perfect blend of education and leisure.

Top Destinations in Gold Country:

1. Nevada City & Grass Valley – Explore historic buildings, boutique shops, and scenic hiking trails.
2. Sutter Creek & Amador Wine Country – Perfect for a weekend getaway with wine tastings and local cuisine.
3. Columbia State Historic Park – A living history museum where you can pan for gold!

Whether you're booking a day trip from Sacramento or planning a multi-day adventure, Patty’s Tours ensures a seamless, stress-free experience.

Reno & Tahoe Getaways: A Perfect Escape

For those looking for an easy yet exciting getaway, Reno and Lake Tahoe are prime destinations. Reno’s vibrant casinos, live entertainment, and food scene offer something for everyone, while Tahoe’s pristine beaches and ski resorts are ideal for outdoor lovers.

Top Things to Do in Reno & Tahoe:

1. Enjoy a Lake Tahoe Scenic Cruise – Experience breathtaking views of the Sierra Nevada mountains.
2. Explore Downtown Reno – Visit the Riverwalk District and enjoy unique shops and eateries.
3. Hit the Slopes – Whether it’s skiing in winter or hiking in summer, Tahoe is a year-round paradise.

At Patty’s Tours, we offer guided group trips so you can sit back, relax, and take in the sights without worrying about the details.

Cruise Vacations: Set Sail for Adventure

If you’re craving an ocean breeze and all-inclusive luxury, a cruise vacation might be the perfect fit. Cruises allow you to visit multiple destinations without the hassle of airports or constant packing.

Why Choose a Cruise Vacation?

1. Unmatched Convenience – One booking covers transportation, lodging, dining, and entertainment.
2. Variety of Destinations – From Alaskan glaciers to Caribbean beaches, there’s a cruise for every taste.
3. Perfect for Group Travel – Cruises cater to all ages, making them ideal for family reunions, corporate retreats, or friend getaways.

Patty's Tours puts together several cruise packages every year, including such destinations as visiting Alaskan glaciers, seeing the history of the Mediterranean, and even relaxing river cruises on the Rhine!

Weekend Escapes: Where to Go for a Quick Getaway

Not all vacations require extensive planning—sometimes, a weekend escape is all you need to recharge. Whether you’re in Reno, Sacramento, or the Bay Area, plenty of amazing destinations are just a short drive away.

Best Weekend Getaways Near You:

1. Napa Valley – Perfect for wine tasting and relaxation.
2. Yosemite National Park – Ideal for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
3. San Francisco – A mix of culture, history, and iconic landmarks.

If planning feels overwhelming, Patty’s Tours offers all-inclusive packages to take care of transportation, lodging, and activities, so you can simply enjoy.

Group Travel Tips: How to Plan a Hassle-Free Trip

Organizing a group tour can feel daunting, but with the right approach, it can be incredibly rewarding. Whether you're coordinating a family reunion, corporate retreat, or friend getaway, these group travel tips will help you plan smoothly.

Tips for Successful Group Travel:

1. Choose a Leader – Designate one person to handle logistics and communication.
2. Plan Ahead – Book hotels, activities, and transportation well in advance.
3. Use a Professional Tour Operator – Patty’s Tours specializes in group travel, ensuring everything runs smoothly.

By working with our travel experts, you can focus on making memories instead of managing details!

Are you ready for a refreshing getaway? Mackinac Island offers the ideal escape from the hustle and bustle, with its stunning natural beauty, fascinating history, and no cars in sight. Whether it's exploring the iconic Fort Mackinac, indulging in the world-famous Mackinac Island fudge, or taking in the breathtaking sunsets, this national treasure is the perfect place to unwind and explore.

From horse-drawn carriage rides to unique shopping and dining experiences, there's something for everyone. Make lasting memories as you stroll through scenic landscapes, enjoy the crisp air, and take in the quiet charm that only Mackinac Island can offer.

If you’re looking to start living and working in a new place, you might want to consider one of these five cities that are hot spots for digital nomads. Learn about the benefits of working and staying in these cities.

Patty’s Tours offers a wide selection of individual and group tours customized to the travel experience you want to enjoy. Book a tour!
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1. Reno
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Living in Reno has many benefits. The cost of living is relatively low, and there are plenty of things to do in the city. There are also a number of different neighborhoods to choose from, each with its own unique atmosphere. If you're looking for an active lifestyle, there are plenty of opportunities for hiking, biking, and other outdoor activities.

The city is also home to several large businesses and industries, including technology and logistics, which makes it ideal for finding opportunities for employment. Also, property taxes are low, and you won’t have to pay state income taxes.
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2. Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale is one of Florida’s most popular tourist destinations, and as a digital nomad hub, this city shouldn’t be overlooked. It boasts ample sunshine, strong air conditioning systems, and those who live here pay no state income tax. If you’re a digital nomad, there are plenty of coworking spaces and coffee shops you can work in while enjoying all Fort Lauderdale has to offer.

3. Tempe

Arizona’s Silicon Desert is a hub for technology companies and startups that include Amazon and GoDaddy. Its low cost of living, proximity to Phoenix and Lake Pleasant, and friendly culture make it an ideal city for digital nomads. Many companies in Arizona offer flexible hours and telecommuting options, making it easy to work remotely. Tempe has also begun attracting co-working spaces and amenities like local coffee shops that are welcoming to remote workers. 

Rental rates are considerably lower in Tempe than in many other major U.S. cities. It can be tricky finding an apartment in Tempe while working full-time, but visiting sites that list available rentals makes it easier. You can easily search for rentals within your budget, as well as features like pet-friendliness, the number of rooms, and other amenities.

4. Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City, Utah is a popular destination for those who want to live and work in an affordable city. It’s a large city with plenty of nightlife options, shopping malls, mountains, and parks. The air quality is good in Salt Lake City as well as its overall cost of living. Many American companies also have offices here, making it a hub for work and play. Salt Lake City is often overlooked due to its location, but it’s a great destination for online professionals. A myriad of neighborhoods — each with their sense of community and local flare — are scattered throughout the city, so finding a place to live that fits your preferences should be easy.

5. Seattle

Seattle is one of America’s most modern cities, and it’s also one of its most popular cities for digital nomads. Its proximity to Canada and countless Pacific Northwest islands make it an ideal place to connect with nature when you need a break from your desk. Thanks to a large tech scene, Seattle is also home to many co-working spaces that are perfect for digital nomads. 

Seattle is an up-and-coming destination for digital nomads, with increasingly quick and reliable internet and a burgeoning co-working scene. As such, the data transmission speeds for your remote setup are incredibly fast. And when you’re handling otherwise tedious tasks like invoicing, the process is much faster with an invoice maker. Using a free online tool like this streamlines the redundant work of invoicing clients, and it allows you to customize with your logo and other graphics, then download and share or send to whomever is being billed for your services.

If you’re looking to get into either the tech or startup industries, Seattle might be a great place to begin your journey. You’ll also find it very easy to rent an apartment or condo in Seattle, although keep in mind that it’s one of America’s most expensive cities.

Enjoying Life

Living in big cities can be expensive. But for digital nomads, it’s not only about looking for cheap rent — but it’s also about enjoying life. Whatever your budget, there are plenty of places to check out.

Travel with Patty's Tours to see all these cities and so much more! Whether retired or on vacation from work, or scouting new spots to live--hop on a plane, train or bus with us!

Image courtesy of Unsplash

In the beautiful and rich landscape of Reno, Nevada, the city and its surroundings beckon seniors to explore its rich tapestry of cultural and natural attractions. Patty's Tours specializes in crafting these experiences, turning ordinary trips into unforgettable journeys that resonate with the interests and comforts of senior travelers.

Reno: A Hub of Cultural Vibrancy

Nestled near the Sierra Nevada Mountains and Lake Tahoe, Reno offers more than its famous casinos; it's a hub of arts, culture, and history. For seniors, the city’s array of museums, galleries, and theaters provide enriching experiences that are both accessible and engaging. Patty's Tours often includes visits to the Nevada Museum of Art, known for its impressive exhibits that span from contemporary to classical pieces, offering something to pique everyone's interest.

The Social Fabric of Group Tours

Traveling in a group is particularly appealing as it offers a built-in community of peers to share in each new discovery. Group tours with Patty's Tours ensure that every trip is not just a journey but a social gathering, fostering camaraderie and lifelong friendships among participants. This social aspect is vital, as it enhances the travel experience and provides a supportive environment, making each adventure safe and enjoyable.

Exploring the Great Outdoors

Reno's proximity to natural wonders like Lake Tahoe and the Virginia Range offers unique opportunities for senior travelers to reconnect with nature. Patty's Tours organizes day trips that are manageable yet scenic, such as gentle hikes, boat tours on Lake Tahoe, and picnics in picturesque locations. These activities are not only enjoyable but are also great for physical health, providing gentle exercise in the fresh mountain air.

Cultural Events and Festivals

Throughout the year, Reno is home to various cultural festivals and events that offer a glimpse into the local heritage and the arts scene. Patty's Tours coordinates trips to events like the Reno Balloon Race or the Artown Festival, where seniors can enjoy vibrant displays of creativity and community spirit without the hassle of planning and transportation.

Tailored Experiences

Understanding that each senior has unique needs and preferences, Patty's Tours offers customizable itineraries. Whether it's adding a visit to a local vineyard or arranging for special assistance throughout the trip, they go the extra mile to accommodate specific requests, ensuring that every tour is comfortable and accessible.

The Benefits of Guided Tours

With Patty's Tours, seniors can explore with the assurance that all details are handled—from transportation, meals, to accommodations. This level of organization removes the stress of planning and allows seniors to focus purely on the enjoyment of their travel experience.

Group tours for seniors in Reno offer more than just sightseeing. They are enriching journeys that cater to the desires for adventure, relaxation, and socialization. Patty's Tours stands out by creating experiences that encapsulate the essence of Reno and its surroundings, ensuring every trip is memorable, comfortable, and filled with moments of joy and connection.

Traveling to new places can be the best therapy for what ails you. A change of scenery is an opportunity to recharge one's batteries, have new experiences, and can even cause a person to reevaluate their own life.
 
If you are hesitating because you don't think you can "afford" to take time away, think again. Patty’s Tours explains that taking time off and going to new places can actually improve performance and increase motivation when you come back to your everyday life. If nothing else, Les Roches notes that travel makes you a more interesting, thoughtful, and open-minded person.
 
Educate Yourself
If you found history boring in school, you might change your mind by visiting places of historic and cultural significance. People living in Virginia are fortunate in this respect; the history of the Old Dominion goes all the way back to the late 16th Century when the first English settlers established the Roanoke Colony. Virginia boasts a wealth of historic sites related to the War of Independence and the American Civil War. Some of these places even feature living history exhibits with reenactors who show how people lived their everyday lives in the past.
 
The Jamestown Settlement is one of the premier living history museums in the U.S. Open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM, this attraction features live people acting out everyday life as it was during America's early days.
 
Going Further Afield
Although the Washington Commanders Football team is right across the state line, Virginia doesn't have any major league teams of its own, so there's another good reason to travel if you're a sports fan. Fortunately, there are more than a few professional sports teams not far away. In addition to many historic and cultural attractions, New York is home to the Yankees baseball team, which plays regularly at Yankee Stadium.
 
Rest and Relaxation
Often, the best reason to take a trip somewhere is simply to unplug and do as little as possible.  A Cornell University study showed that nature can be an excellent stress reliever, and the Appalachian Range in Virginia's own backyard has no shortage of natural beauty. Take a hike along the Appalachian Trail, visit the Great Smoky Mountains, or the Blue Ridge for a great camping experience. Make it as primitive as you like, or go "glamping" at any of the many bed and breakfast establishments in these regions.
 
Wherever you end up, you’ll want to preserve the memories you made on your trip by taking lots of pics and sharing them on social media. If you're planning on sharing pictures on social media, an online photo size converter allows you to instantly adjust the size of your images. Once you've resized your images, you can easily upload them to use for your social media pages.
 
Mark Twain Summed It Up Best
American author and humorist Mark Twain famously said, ”Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one's lifetime.”
 
If you travel for no other reason, you should do so in order to gain new perspectives and increase your empathy for others. In a culturally-diverse country like the United States, you won't even have to cross borders.
 
Image via Pexels