Welcome to the Gerken Getaways Blog!

It is not too early to start thinking about your travels plans for 2020. I have group space blocked for two different travel opportunities. If you have a group destination that you are trying to plan, let me know how...

I want to go someplace this fall. Tim and I sat down, last December, and made a list of places to visit for 2019. We made a marked our calendar and set it aside as a job well done. Here...

When you think of Scotland, you probably first think of movies that you may have seen. Outlander, Harry Potter, Skyfall and of course The Highlander. There are iconic sights from these and other movies all throughout Scotland, but there is...

Since time began, man has taken to the cruising the rivers of the world to transport goods, to transport themselves or to just relax and enjoy. As the river takes you in its grasp, you can watch the landscape...

As everyone is rushing back and forth this holiday season,  treat your family to a gift that makes memories. Travel is not only fun, it is a great way to re-connect with your spouse, kids or extended family. Shared experiences...

I recently went to Slovenia for a few days. Wow! I could have stayed there for a whole week or more. Slovenia’s natural beauty and friendly people make it one of my top recommendations for places to visit in 2019....

Paris is the "City of Light" but during the [caption id="attachment_789" align="alignright" width="182"] Gargoyle on top of Notre Dame overlooking Paris[/caption] summer months you need to stay awake pretty late to see them. On a recent weekend to Paris, we were able...

London is a fasted-paced city with a multi-cultural population. The easy to use public transportation system allows travelers to be independent or to join a tour. The combinations are as limitless as your imagination. In February, my husband and I moved...

There are all types of planners. Planning a vacation a year in advance comes easily for some, while others wait until weeks before to plan a getaway. For some types of trips, either method will work as long as you...

Passports are becoming more important soon for Washington State Travelers. On December 20th, 2013, a phased enforcement plan for the REAL ID Act was passed by congress. Washington state is one of the states that has not complied with the...