Every once in a while, I come across a few words that seem to sum things up better than a long explanation ever could. For me, those words are Sail. Explore. Belong.

Here are five pieces of advice I'd give a friend who told me they were thinking about taking an Alaska cruise.

Picture Christmas markets glowing at dusk, centuries-old castles, cozy pubs with crackling fireplaces, scenic train rides through rolling green countryside, and beautifully decorated hotels that feel like something out of a holiday movie. Fall and winter have a way of making these destinations even more magical.

After many years of traveling the world and helping others plan their own adventures, I've realized the most valuable lessons have very little to do with where you go. Instead, they're about how you travel.