Your Guide to Graphic Design Degrees

Table Of Content

• Build Essential Graphic Design Skills
• Build your network
• Undergraduates Students by Gender23
• Design Communication Arts Final Portfolio Review
• Courses
• Best Online Graphic Design Degrees 2024

The school also has satellite studios in Petersen Automotive Museum (Miracle Mile, Los Angeles) and Berlin, Germany. It’s easy to build your skills with the wealth of online courses and resources available to us today. You can choose from many graphic design credentials depending on your education, experience and specialization. For example, you can earn an Adobe Certified Professional (ACP) certification in areas like Visual Design Using Photoshop, Graphic Design and Illustration Using Adobe Illustrator, and Visual Effects and Motion Graphics Using Adobe After Effects.

Build Essential Graphic Design Skills

Our partnerships include Cedars-Sinai research centers, Homeboy Industries, Nike and Adobe. This specialization explores how users interact with products like websites and apps and technology like phones, smartwatches, and tablets. Students delve into graphics, text, and prompts that help users navigate a product to complete a task or find information. This concentration may include courses in computer programming and user experience design.

Build your network

Students learn to use Adobe tools, create a design portfolio and can get career advice from instructors with experience in the design industry. The 127-credit bachelor’s degree requires 49 major credits in classes like problem-solving and idea generation, branding and fundamentals of web design. A capstone course requires students to complete a print- and web-based portfolio and covers self-promotion and resume creation. Bellevue University requires all students to complete the Kirkpatrick Signature Series, which includes classes like American vision and values and freedom and responsibility.

Undergraduates Students by Gender23

The BFA Program emphasizes collaboration, cross-disciplinary studies, craft, and presentation skills. Formats covered include package design, apps, branding and logo development, websites, interactive design, books, and posters. Students will learn about UX/UI design, printmaking and traditional letterpress, storyboarding, typography and type design, and motion sequences design. California College of the Arts (CCA) has several options for designers seeking a degree at the undergraduate or graduate level.

Design Communication Arts Final Portfolio Review

Here is a typical career progression for a graphic designer from entry-level to senior positions. If you become a graphic designer, you will use various design elements, such as typography, images, colors, and layout, to create visual content that conveys a message or information effectively. The College of the Arts at California State University-Long Beach (CSULB) houses the School of Art (SoA), which is the largest academic unit on campus. SoA students have access to state-of-the-art facilities, work studios, seven configurable galleries, international travel opportunities, and guest artists.

Courses

Coursera’s editorial team is comprised of highly experienced professional editors, writers, and fact...

To become a Graphic Designer, you first need a solid understanding of the principles of graphic design. It involves a lot of planning and requires an expertise in applying design theory and principles. Graphic Designers need to consider elements such as lines, color, shape, space, texture, typography, scale, dominance and emphasis, and harmony.

Carver Career & Technical Education Center Graphic Design Program, Coloring Book Project - West Virginia Department of Education

Carver Career & Technical Education Center Graphic Design Program, Coloring Book Project.

Posted: Fri, 11 Aug 2023 18:37:58 GMT [source]

Additionally, advertising agencies, web design studios, motion graphics and animation studios, and gaming companies frequently offer internships tailored to different design interests. Internship opportunities for graphic designers can provide valuable real-world experience, networking opportunities, and a chance to build your portfolio. California State University-Long Beach (CSULB) is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). The school opened on September 28, 1949 as Los Angeles-Orange County State College in a small converted apartment building. On the first day of classes, State College had just 160 students and 13 full-time faculty. Today California State University-Long Beach employs more than 4,000 professionals that serve nearly 39,300 students.

Master's Degrees

As a graphic designer, you’ll want to create designs from scratch on Adobe and bring them to life using the talents you’ve developed. If you’re just starting out, or hoping to dabble in graphic design, Canva is your best bet. Built mainly for the average person to deliver beautiful social media posts and resumes, designers can peruse Canva to understand which types of aesthetics and designs are trending. Though the graphic design industry does not require any particular certification, earning a relevant credential can demonstrate to prospective employers that you take your career seriously. A certification may also help you stand out from other job applicants by showcasing your expertise in a specific area of graphic design. People who have earned graphic design degrees work in a range of industries, for companies like Google, Meta, Reddit, Disney, Hulu, the Whitney Museum of American Art, Live Nation, and Capital One.

Serving close to 22,300 students, California Polytechnic State University offers more than 100 degree programs in six colleges. San Diego State University is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). Established in 1897 and serving just over 34,500 students, SDSU is the largest and oldest higher education institution in San Diego. San Diego State University offers more than 200 degree programs across seven colleges and hundreds of departments. For artists interested in graphic design, the PFSA School of Art + Design offers a Graphic Design Emphasis for BA in Applied Arts and Sciences, MA, and MFA students.

An additional component of the Chapman Graphic Design BFA is the option to integrate coursework from other programs at Chapman such as Advertising and Public Relations, Marketing, Creative Industries, Business, and Sociology. California Institute of the Arts is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). The school is also an accredited institution member of the National Association of Schools of Dance (NASD). Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.

Today, California College of the Arts employs 420 faculty members that serve just over 1,600 students enrolled in more than 40 undergraduate, graduate, minors, and dual degree options. California Institute of the Arts traces its roots back to 1961, when Walt and Roy Disney formed the school through a merger of the Los Angeles Conservatory of Music and the Chouinard Art Institute. Explore this extensive list of accredited colleges offering online certificate programs and diplomas. Print products like magazines, books, posters, and banners continue to meet a need in relaying information to the public. This specialization provides students with the design skills needed to use print media effectively.

San Francisco State University graduates are routinely hired at companies such as Apple, Google, Oracle, Wells Fargo, and Kaiser Permanente. Design alumni are also in high demand at companies and studios throughout Silicon Valley. Graduates are Art Directors, Web Designers, User Experience Designers, Brand Managers, Packaging Designers Creative Directors, Layout Artists, Publication Designers, Book Designers, Exhibit Designers, Freelance Designers, and Entrepreneurs. Graduates of USC Roski School of Art and Design have been hired by hundreds of top companies, studios and other organizations. Entertainment, Harper’s Bazaar Magazine, The Walt Disney Company, Marvel Studios, Mattel, Oliver Peoples, American Express, and Beats. Students in all CCA Design Programs benefit from the lecture series, workshops, visiting designers, the annual Headlands Center for the Arts Retreat, exhibitions for studio and year-end work, and access to the Materials Library.

At the end of the fall semester, there is a candidacy review to admit freshmen into the first of our ComDes courses. This review is a portfolio-based submission along with a design-thinking exercise. This work is reviewed and scored by the entire Communication Design faculty at the end of the freshman spring semester and the first ComDes course.

BFA in Art - Graphic Design Undergraduate Programs Visual TWU - Texas Woman's University

BFA in Art - Graphic Design Undergraduate Programs Visual TWU.

Posted: Thu, 07 Mar 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

The School of Art + Design at San Diego State University serves nearly 800 students. The School is part of the College of Professional Studies and Fine Arts (PSFA), which houses seven schools, three departments, and 15 interdisciplinary centers and institutes. Serving more than 5,000 students, PFSA provides internship opportunities, international experiences, and public performances and presentations to students in all of its departments and schools. The University of California Los Angeles is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). Established in 1919, UCLA is the second campus in the University of California System. Serving 45,900 students, UCLA offers more than 250 programs across 12 professional schools and UCLA College.

How to Become a Graphic Designer 2024 Guide

The Jarvis Center connects students with designers, creators, and experts-in-residence through a series of regular events and workshops. Brigham Young University (BYU) is a large private religious university in Provo, Utah, serving 34,000+ students from over 100 countries and all 50 states. The BYU Graphic Design program has a history of producing award-winning work and enjoys an established international reputation. The major simulates a professional studio experience with students working to solve complex visual problems. As members of a small cohort group, students complete a variety of individual and collaborative projects under close faculty direction. Some graphic designers are self-employed, and offer design services to companies that need to develop visuals to reach customers in saturated markets.

What is a Project Manager and How to Become One

Feel confident in your skills through portfolio reviews, a capstone course, mentorship and internship opportunities. The Design Communication Arts (DCA) certificate can be completed online or in the classroom. Hone your skills and learn how to build your professional design portfolio with online graphic design courses from edX and its partner institutions. Explore the wide selection of courses designed to accommodate individuals with different learning styles, schedules, and career aspirations. If you aim to work in an industry that requires graphic designers to have specific skills or knowledge, you might search for programs offering relevant concentrations or elective coursework. To find the right online graphic design program for you, think about how much time you can commit to your studies each week.

Do I need a bachelor’s degree to work in graphic design?

Learning graphic design starts with the basics, like understanding the principles of design. Forbes Advisor’s education editors are committed to producing unbiased rankings and informative articles covering online colleges, tech bootcamps and career paths. Our ranking methodologies use data from the National Center for Education Statistics, education providers, and reputable educational and professional organizations. An advisory board of educators and other subject matter experts reviews and verifies our content to bring you trustworthy, up-to-date information. Earning a bachelor’s degree tends to be a sizable financial and time commitment. College Board reports that the average tuition and fees for a public four-year in-state university is $10,740 annually, while the average cost of a private four-year university is $38,080 annually [4].

What Degree Do You Need to Become a Graphic Designer?

Graphic designers are experts in evoking an idea with visuals using color theory, HEX color codes, RGB color codes, fonts, typography, and layouts. Keep in touch with people you meet in your graphic design program or course and create new connections by joining design organizations. Your peers may share future opportunities, recommend you to their colleagues, or pass along work they do not have the capacity for. As a freelancer, your network—which includes current clients, past clients, potential clients, peers, friends, and family — is an essential part of your business. Freelance work can be unpredictable, which means you may have an influx of projects one month and little work the next month.

Turn your passion into a career.

Your work-life balance as a graphic designer can vary widely depending on factors such as the type of employer you have, your specific job role, and individual work habits. Learn and master graphic design software, such as Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) and other relevant tools. The duration of a graphic design degree program typically ranges from three to four years for a bachelor’s, depending on various factors. According to the Bureau of Labour Statistics, the average salary across all occupations in the United States is approximately US$ 61,900 per annum. Sitting on nearly 1,450 acres, Cal Poly Pomona is the second largest in area of all California State University campuses. One of the two polytechnics in the California State University System, Cal Poly Pomona offers undergraduate degrees in nearly 100 majors, close to 40 master’s degrees, 13 teaching credentials, and one doctorate houses in eight academic colleges.

UI Designer

Students interested in a creative field that uses technical skills may find graphic design to be a good fit. While the BLS projects a 4% decline in employment for graphic designers from 2019 to 2029, professionals with demonstrated technical ability and a robust portfolio may be able to find work in fields like marketing, publishing, and web development. Students usually earn their bachelor’s in graphic design by completing 120 credits in a four-year degree program. Coursework is divided between classroom and studio time, with an emphasis on student projects, which give learners direct experience with industry tools and help them build a portfolio. Some programs supplement studio time with internships for additional real-world experience.

Brand and market yourself

Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) since 1970, SoA employs over 130 full-time and part-time faculty that serve nearly 2,000 students. USF Design alumni work in design studios, for start-ups, museums and other non-profit entities, and in-house for companies in just about every industry. Some go on to enroll in graduate programs at New York University (NYU), Pratt Institute, Rhode Island School of Art and Design (RISD), Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), and University of the Arts London, among others. Degree options for designers include the BFA, MFA, and the Dual BFA/MFA Progressive Degree in Design.

College for Creative Studies: Art and Design College for Undergraduate & Graduate Degrees - College for Creative Studies

College for Creative Studies: Art and Design College for Undergraduate & Graduate Degrees.

Posted: Sun, 20 Aug 2023 14:39:30 GMT [source]

Once you have become more established, you can certainly be more selective about the work you choose. According to the Bureau of Labour Statistics, the profession is expected to grow by roughly 3% from 2022 to 2023. Many of these opportunities are expected to open due to the natural course of time resulting in workers retiring and transferring occupations. The College of Communication & Education (CME) at California State University Chico (Chico State or SCU Chico) houses the Department of Media Arts, Design, and Technology (MADT), which has a Communication Design Program leading to a BFA.

California State University, Fullerton is Accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). Founded in 1957, Cal State Fullerton is part of the 23 campus California State University (CSU) system. Serving more than 41,000 students, the school offers 55 undergraduate and 55 graduate degree programs in eight academic colleges. California Polytechnic State University is fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). Founded in 1901, Cal Poly is part of the 23-campus California State University System. The school’s campuses and ranches cover 9,718 acres, making Cal Poly the second largest land-holding university in California (UC Berkeley is the largest), and one of the largest land-holding universities in the U.S.

Online courses may also be asynchronous, meaning you can log on to learn at whatever time is most convenient for you. In this article, we’ll discuss the different types of graphic design degrees and share what you can expect if you pursue your bachelor’s degree in graphic design. After students pass portfolio review, they have access to a collaborative design studio. This space houses amenities any designer needs, like a small library, an individual desk, and access to a full graphic design print production lab- and to which students have 24/7 access.

Every student in the program learns the foundations of visual aesthetics, design research, the creative process, and a variety of tools and technology. Students can extend this core knowledge to either the Graphic Design Communication or Web Design & Development specialization to find their unique place within the ever-changing and expanding design profession. Baruch’s New Media Artspace and Mishkin Gallery offer immersive learning environments where students can engage with contemporary artistic practices, complemented by events featuring visiting artists and experts. The Harman Writer’s Program and the Baruch Performing Arts Center further enrich the creative environment with a dynamic range of performances and lectures. Located near the heart of thriving Nashville, Tennessee, Belmont University consists of nearly 9,000 students who come from every state and 33 countries.

Landscape Design & Installation Services

Table Of Content

• Built-in Benches & Bars
• San Diego County's Premier Landscape Design & Build Contractor
• Tell us where you’re located.
• Welcome to Beautiful Backyard Living™
• Starting at $455

Your one-stop shop for premium trees and plants, coupled with expert guidance for future landscape care. Since 2011, our award-winning team has worked with homeowners throughout Collin County, Denton County and Northern Dallas County to create Beautiful Backyards. You can shop for landscaping rocks from a variety of different sources. The first option is large chain retail stores specializing in home improvement and gardening.

Built-in Benches & Bars

Shrubhub took our yard size and somehow designed the perfect above ground pool. It looks sleek and modern, contrasted with a perfectly landscaped hillside. We’re not going to be doing laps any time soon but when my kids come over with their friends, it’s the perfect spot for them to cool off.

San Diego County's Premier Landscape Design & Build Contractor

We offer you the benefit of an international architectural design center that will custom design your project to complement your home, suit your personal tastes and meet your exact needs for functionality. Partner with a professional landscape designer for customized plans. The cost of landscaping can vary widely based on the type of plants you wish to have, the amount of grading required, the condition of the land before work begins, and other factors. Adding in designer or high-end landscaping, as well as hardscaping such as sidewalks, walls, or patios will add to the cost. To find out how much your landscaping will cost, contact landscapers near you. Sustainable landscape design prioritizes minimal environmental impact by working around the existing landscape and encouraging long-term self-sustainability.

Tell us where you’re located.

Our patio installers simply want to show you why thousands of homeowners have trusted us with their outdoor living space projects. At Pacific Outdoor Living, we take pride in offering a comprehensive range of landscaping services tailored to meet the diverse needs of our discerning clientele. From landscape design and installation to full-service landscape solutions, our experienced team of professionals is equipped with the expertise and creativity to bring any outdoor vision to life.

Welcome to Beautiful Backyard Living™

Western Outdoor understands the importance of delivering a design plan that is both geared to what a customer envisions, and one that stays within our customer’s budget. Our design team is trained to focus on the customer’s budget while listening to our customer’s needs and wants. Our construction experience contributes to our ability to design within a budget because not only do we comprehend the form and function of a design, but we are able to anticipate the flow of construction. If your home has a downhill slope in the back, we can design a deck with several tiers going down to your yard. There you can add a well-designed patio with many hardscaping and landscaping options. Sometimes the best way to handle a challenging property is to create several smaller spaces creatively tied together rather than one single large space.

You can get 3D renderings like the one shown below to help visualize your deck. From the simplest landing to the most complex backyard, Breyer will honor the trust you place in us with a deck you will love — a deck that provides decades of enjoyment. Breyer is not only a deck contractor, we’re a creative partner dedicated to making your dreams a reality. We pull from our years of industry-leading design and construction expertise to communicate project goals clearly and work closely with each of our clients to realize their projects.

By entrusting us with your vision, you can be assured that every aspect, from the initial design sketches to the final brushstroke, is meticulously curated to align with your aspirations. Through our alignment with the National Wildlife Federation™, Tilly can design your yard to qualify as an official Certified Wildlife Habitat®. Your Tilly designer will design your landscape to meet their standards and you'll have a plan to create a sustainable landscape to benefit birds, pollinators and other wildlife. Factors like the choice of plants, the amount and type of hardscaping, the square footage of your landscaped area, and the region you live in will have a significant effect on your landscaping cost. Your yard matters just as much as your indoor space, and it should be just as comfortable and lovely. My designer Ethan suggested we put in pavers instead of concrete.

Consultation

Enjoy a seamless interaction with a professional designer to meticulously fine-tune every aspect of your dream yard. Perfect for kick-starting fresh ideas, or tying elements together. We want to beautify the homes of our fellow Californians in a sustainable way, and provide unparalleled design, craftsmanship, and service during all parts of the landscaping process. It’s amazing what a little bit of vision and planning can do to a totally outdated and old space. Their experts are ACTUALLY experts and sent me a beautiful design that perfectly fit the style of my home.

rIGHT PLANT, rIGHT pLACE

Attention to detail, sensitivity to the environment, and dependability define our style. We have been thoughtfully transforming the residential landscape since 2002. A successful project is an elegant marriage of built features (hardscape) with the living plants (softscape). We are passionate about stylish outdoor living and healthy thriving gardens that connect you to the natural world. After installation, we offer ongoing horticultural consultations in concert with a skilled maintenance program to ensure healthy stewardship of your investment to its full potential. Tilly's landscape designers have been hand selected and trained in our new online approach to landscape design.

Drawing upon multiple artistic disciplines, she conceptualizes award-winning landscapes and cohesive, sustainable outdoor habitats for a wide variety of clients, as these videos well illustrate. View the best landscaping and design portfolio in Southern California. “Just because you have a small patio doesn’t mean you can’t make it feel larger than life. There’s something calming about being around so much green and it was so important to us to have that when we come home. The bones were great, but it needed touch ups both inside and out. "My wife and I just bought a fixer upper 6 months ago. We knew the yard was going to be a huge project, but it was the one part of the renovation we were pretty clueless about.

Cutting Edge Landscape Design has been a part of Manhattan Beach’s landscaping scene since 2004. We are fully committed to providing a seamless experience and stellar results to all of our customers, whether their project is big or small. Our status as a licensed general contractor enables us to obtain all the necessary permits to see your project through from beginning to end. Since we’re full-service, you can also enjoy the convenience of keeping your project with only one landscape company instead of trying to juggle several! We promise you an unparalleled landscaping experience with results that you will be able to enjoy for a long time.

Whether you simply want an area that can accommodate a dining set or have a more elaborate vision that involves hardscaping multiple levels, we’ll be happy to work with you to build exactly what you’re looking for. I became the envy of the neighborhood when Monika and Fabricio of Colorful Gardens transformed what had been a tiny, uninspiring backyard into an inviting outdoor living space. Taking my personal preferences into consideration, she and Fabricio developed a working plan for the enhancement of the small space. I recommend their services without hesitation (and look forward to hearing about how they've made other folks the envy of their neighborhoods!). Floravie Design is a full-service landscape architecture firm based in Central Florida.

Naturalistic planting design: plants to use and design ideas - Homes & Gardens

Naturalistic planting design: plants to use and design ideas .

Posted: Thu, 27 Oct 2022 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Decide which yard(s) to design and build your own custom package. You can be sure you'll be treated like one of our own on your outdoor living project. With a backyard design, we can help you realize the full potential of your space and beautify it to match your family’s desires and style. At Floravie we focus on custom design that accounts for the sun orientation, soil conditions, and water availability of your property specifically. By designing with the Right Plant, Right Place principles, we protect your investment.

Founded in 1999, Pacific Outdoor Living has been a beacon of innovation and creativity in the landscaping industry, serving the vibrant communities of Los Angeles and its surrounding areas. Our commitment to transforming outdoor spaces into breathtaking landscapes has propelled us to the forefront of the market. As a testament to our dedication to excellence, Pacific Outdoor Living has been honored with a coveted spot on the esteemed Inc. 500 list of fastest-growing companies in America. This recognition underscores our unwavering commitment to delivering unparalleled quality and service to our valued clientele. We're happy to meet and discuss your dream outdoor living space and walk you through the process so there are not any surprises.

If you’re installing or expanding an outdoor kitchen, consider these outdoor kitchen must haves. We’re happy to work closely with our clients to turn their dreams into a dreamscape. Fiberon® manufactures composite decking, deck railing and fencing products with the industry’s first, and exclusive, 20 warranty against staining and fading. When you want a deck that more closely resembles the look of real wood without the problems and high maintenance of real wood, Fiberon is your ideal choice. Before you know it, your project will be complete – On-time and on budget.

We specialize in low voltage LED lighting systems that cost less to operate, need to be replaced less often, and maintain cooler temperatures which in turn attracts fewer bugs than standard filament lighting systems. Our expert comes to your property and measures every detail guaranteeing your project will be Designed Right, Built Right, On-time, and On Budget. Transform your entire space with a design for the whole property.

ShrubHub: The #1 Rated Online 3D Landscape Design Service

Table Of Content

• Within your budget
• Award-winning landscape architects, designers & contractors.
• Collaborate with Your Designer
• Don’t Waste Thousands on Outdated Landscaping Services
• ShrubHub in the News
• Deck builder and patio contractors

Often, landscaping rocks like slate and other slabs arrive on pallets and are sold in bulk, giving you a great deal. Your local landscaping store also carries rocks, and you may even have a stone or quarry seller nearby who can sell you the rocks you need. When in doubt, contact landscaping companies near you to see if they have rocks you can purchase. The price of landscaping varies widely due to the range of choices that can be made, but you can expect to pay anywhere from $320 and $20,000 for your landscaping work. This list is a great place to start when choosing who to work with on future projects.

Within your budget

When you enhance how those spaces look, function, and fit your personality, it allows for a much better quality of life. Living and working in Southern California, artist/designer Laura Morton, FAPLD, creates gardens and outdoor spaces that transcend daily life. Our team is a network of the best landscape designers in the industry, working from home so we have no overhead. Our deck builders deliver the service and community commitment of a local, family-owned business backed by the strength of a company that’s built over 135,000 incredible outdoor structures since 1980.

Award-winning landscape architects, designers & contractors.

The Grounds Guys will perform services in a professional, workmanlike manner, consistent with industry standards. Services performed by independently owned and operated franchises. "The 3D designs blew me away! You guys knocked it out of the park! It is so exciting seeing our vision come to life." See photos of projects that match your design style before you hire. I asked a dozen local contractors what they thought and they said they couldn’t do much, and I was always left disappointed.

10 companies to help you with your backyard landscaping in Toronto - blogTO

10 companies to help you with your backyard landscaping in Toronto.

Posted: Mon, 21 Mar 2022 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Collaborate with Your Designer

The primary distinction lies in the scale and scope of projects. Landscape architects, licensed for larger endeavors, work near you on public spaces and extensive designs. Meanwhile, landscape designers specialize in the aesthetic and horticultural aspects of yard and garden planning, often focusing on smaller residential projects. On the other hand, landscape designers, frequently found near me, focus on residential projects, emphasizing ecological, aesthetic, and technical aspects.

Landscape architects and landscape designers play distinct roles in designing outdoor spaces, as highlighted in various sources. Landscape architects, often licensed professionals, collaborate on larger commercial projects, working near you to determine optimal building locations in coordination with architects. They develop comprehensive plans, make grading changes, and handle drainage modifications, producing detailed construction documents. When considering hiring a professional landscaper near you, understanding the scope and emphasis of the outdoor project is crucial. Landscape architecture firms may require advanced degrees, handling comprehensive structural plans, while local landscape designers near me may prioritize aesthetic and horticultural aspects.

Step Inside a Jeremiah Brent and William Hefner–Designed Los Angeles Home - Architectural Digest

Step Inside a Jeremiah Brent and William Hefner–Designed Los Angeles Home.

Posted: Thu, 22 Jun 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Once we have a clear understanding of the size and scope of your custom deck project, and have confirmed the materials and options, we will work with you throughout the process to make sure there are no surprises. Our patio builders can also install custom shapes, incorporate a variety of material choices, and pair your patio concept with other outdoor elements such as a deck or porch. Browse landscape architect profiles, dive into past projects and check out customer reviews.

Get the outdoor space of your dreams at a price you can afford

You'll have access to our project management tool to view all aspects of your project; including timing, communication, overall progress and more. We will honorably and ethically use our company’s resources, talents and capabilities to optimize the value of the company for our customers, employees, suppliers, shareholders, and communities. You’ll know how much your project costs even before booking a pro. Landscaping your property can boost the value of your home between 5% and 15%, according to Better Homes & Gardens. They specify that this is the amount of value added when you upgrade the condition of your landscaping from poor to good, though these terms are subjective. To request service, please select your preferred appointment date and time below.

We're a full-service design and build contractor specializing in custom outdoor living spaces. From Patio Covers and Pergolas, to Outdoor Kitchens and Fire Pits, our designers, project managers, and builders will help you find serenity in your own backyard. We take pride in the creation of extraordinary outdoor spaces that welcome you home and are a true investment in your lifestyle. We offer Conceptual Design and Project Management from start to finish, down to the details, including budgeting and purchasing. Many of our projects are complete makeovers, and we are undaunted.

Landscaping is the intentional placement and maintenance of living plants on an area of land or in your yard. This can include trees, lawn, flowers, bushes and other plant life and often incorporates mulch and other organic matter. The primary purpose of landscaping is to provide beauty to the house or building it surrounds. Hardscaping refers to the design elements of a property that are non-living, non-plant features.

Patios can serve a variety of purposes, from outdoor entertaining to cooking under the stars, and can be built to fit your property. Archadeck Outdoor Living offers patio installation and hardscape design that will bring your ideas to life. Artist/designer Laura Morton creates sumptuous, award-winning outdoor spaces that transcend daily life. She takes a holistic approach to landscape design, considering all aspects of sustainability without compromising ambiance or style. Published work includes features in Garden Design magazine, the LA Times, and Secret Gardens of Hollywood (Rizzoli). Experienced landscape architects provide detailed renderings, including 3D visualizations and comprehensive plans, allowing clients to envision the completed outdoor space and make informed decisions about the design.

Landscaping design refers to the art of analyzing an existing landscape, planning how to transform it through flora and fauna design and working with a client to ensure goals are met. Landscape designers may completely transform an outdoor space or make minor modifications to enhance it. They may also call for grading and the construction of hardscaping surfaces like walkways or patios to add to the enjoyment of the space. After our consultation call, we will set up an in-person site visit. We will use any materials you provide after the call, such as a survey or aerials, to create an accurate base map to start with.

Founded by four moms, Tilly operates for the benefit of future generations. Many landscaping companies also offer design, architecture and construction services. For example, they can help you design a yard that incorporates a patio, deck, pool, fire pit, lighting, walkways, retaining walls and more. Some landscapers may perform maintenance duties — remove leaves, mow lawns, trim trees and shrubs, etc. —  but they can also help you bring bigger projects to life. This may include adding a misting system, an outdoor fireplace, water features, artificial turf, a patio and much more.

We also enjoy working as part of a team with other professionals. Breyer Construction specializes in building custom backyard decks. Our experienced team of deck contractors works with you to create the outdoor living space you’ve always dreamed of.

Searching through dozens of home service providers is a thing of the past. Rely on Neighborly’s national network of trusted, local home service professionals for all your home service needs. If you are considering investing in fine landscaping or exterior design for your property, please contact us for a design consultation; or stay connected with social media (see icons in the footer below).

It is a scaled outline of property lines as well as the footprint of your home and any other major structures. If your property is over 1 acre we require a property survey for design. If it is under an acre we don't require one, but strongly encourage it as our plans are scaled to your property.

David Lynch Collaborator Julee Cruise's Debut Album Gets Reissued

Although often contemporary in their setting, the films of David Lynch bask in the rose-tinted haze of sleepy small-town living. In his alternate universe, time seems to fold in on itself, collapsing the years onto one another until an eerie temporal disorientation is achieved. But it’s not simply innocence that Lynch is interested in – rather the corruption of it, his work pitting clean-cut characters against a world filled with misery and perversion; blurring the lines until morality becomes terrifyingly hard to discern. Cruise’s somnambulant croon is a siren call, obscured by an impenetrable mist that only heightens her ethereality, whilst Lynch’s fatalistic lyrics toy with the well worn cliché of love as a burning, mesmerising flame.

In praise of Julee Cruise: the voice behind Twin Peaks - Little White Lies

In praise of Julee Cruise: the voice behind Twin Peaks.

Posted: Sun, 23 Apr 2017 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Kirsten Dunst Confronts ‘Civil War' Hysteria, Hollywood Pay Gaps and the Media Dividing America: ‘Everything Is Broken’

That this dream pop feels effervescent without seeming frivolous exemplifies all three of their talents — Lynch’s as a writer, Badalamenti’s as a musician and hers as a vocalist. Floating Into The Night’s most popular song, ‘Falling’, would be the gateway to Lynch’s next major project. Badalamenti had created the melodramatic musical sequence that would become the Twin Peaks title theme in response to the directors prompt of a young girl alone in the woods at night.

Julee Cruise, Voice of Twin Peaks and Blue Velvet, Dead at 65 - Vulture

Julee Cruise, Voice of Twin Peaks and Blue Velvet, Dead at 65.

Posted: Fri, 10 Jun 2022 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Theme Weeks

Classic Album Sundays tells the stories behind the albums that have shaped our culture and in some cases, our lives.

Episode 10 Behind The Counter 2024: Level Crossing Records, Mortlake

Rock ’n roll had broken into mainstream media, and, with it, the romantic notions of teenage lust, love and rebellion that would come to define youth culture in the 20th century. “Into the Night,” “The Nightingale” and “The World Spins” also appeared in the series, in some cases in both lyrical and instrumental versions; they’re part of the fabric of its world, so to get to listen and revisit them separately deepens the nostalgia they elicit. They also showcase Badalamenti’s unique, sometimes odd-seeming personnel combinations, utilizing live drums to perform jazz rhythms, electric guitar and then synthesizers for everything from atmospherics to filters (or even replacements) for live instruments (the saxophone on “Rockin’ Back Inside My heart,” for example). Records, and features compositions and production by Angelo Badalamenti and film director David Lynch. Songs from the album were featured in Lynch's projects Blue Velvet (1986), Industrial Symphony No. 1 (1990), and Twin Peaks (1990–1991).

Meanwhile, the phantasmagoria of Badalamenti’s music takes the listener into the heart of the Overlook ballroom, evoking a sense of faded revelry that would later become a hallmark of his lounge jazz compositions such as ‘Audrey’s Dance’ and ‘Dance of the Dream Man’. The overall effect is arresting, tapping into a nostalgia for a time that, for many of us, is completely unknowable. The album peaked at number 74 on the US Billboard 200 following the success of the Twin Peaks TV series in 1990. Lead single "Falling" reached the top 10 of the UK Singles Chart, peaking at number seven and spending 12 weeks in total on the chart. Despite the Korean war, the Suez crisis, and the Cuban revolution, the 1950s is often remembered as America’s age of innocence. Thanks to a growing middle class and a consumerist boom many citizens of the United States felt a sense of security in their socially conservative society, threatened only by the steady eastern breeze of communism.

The “Twin Peaks” theme “Falling” appears as the second track on the record, and her voice (absent from the broadcast version) sounds as much like Lynch’s fallen heroine Laura Palmer as the spirit of the mythical, virtuous White Lodge hidden in the eponymous Northwestern town’s arboreal enclave. Although the instrumental version of “Falling” is more famous, her vocal version serves as a vivid reminder of how distinctive her contributions were to Lynch’s work, and integral to the ambience that especially was created on “Twin Peaks.” It’s immediately followed by another song used frequently on the show, “Rockin’ Back Inside My Heart,” but one that wasn’t included on its official soundtrack. The gently swinging track professes exactly the kind of love that was shared by the show’s teenage characters; “I want you, you want me,” Cruise sweetly sings, which is why Lynch literally put it into their mouths during several key sequences.

In its album incarnation (released before the show) Cruise’s voice blends seamlessly with the synthetic bliss of Badalamenti’s composition, embodying the sweet vulnerability of teenage bewilderment. After its Grammy-winning instrumental became an iconic introduction to the show in 1990, the singer’s original became an unexpected global success, charting in fourteen countries worldwide, including Australia, where it peaked at number one in April 1991. Her death after being diagnosed with systemic lupus preceded the December 2022 death of composer Angelo Badalamenti, a third and equally vital member of Cruise’s musical partnership with Lynch. Badalamenti composed the music for “Floating Into the Night” and Lynch the lyrics, creating a singular combination of girl-group doo-wop and gothic romance — the precise juxtaposition explored in Lynch’s work between small-town innocence and the mysterious secrets lurking beneath that wholesome veneer.

Most Popular

But a little more than a year after her death, this rerelease puts a spotlight on the particular significance of her sometimes under-appreciated contributions to the trio — as a mysterious, gentle and warming voice, putting into words sensations that otherwise transcend language. When Julee Cruise died last year on June 9, David Lynch fans lost another of the essential, even inextricable collaborators who became a part of their lives as a result of being part of his art. Her ethereal singing is synonymous with both “Blue Velvet” and the many incarnations of “Twin Peaks,” the latter of whose title theme she performed. Even with these specific reference points, there is no true precedent for Floating Into the Night, and its greatest asset remains its timelessness. Describing her inspiration, Cruise pinpointed the feeling of paranoia that accompanies any surge of joy or new love. “That voice can be very disturbing and destructive, and that voice is talking all through the album.” If Lynch’s work remains a confounding acquired taste for some, then Floating Into the Night is a record that anyone can at least understand.

Together, they’re a reminder of the desperate yearning — for love, and for hope — that is an underpinning of Lynch’s work, making the darkness bearable. Alongside the instrumental work of Angelo Badalamenti, her voice has been a cornerstone of the filmmaker’s soundscape since lending its ethereal tone to ‘Mysteries of Love’ – a song written to replace This Mortal Coil’s ‘Song to the Siren’ in Lynch’s 1986 suburban nightmare, Blue Velvet. Taking a prominent place in the film’s final scenes, the dreamy composition earned a cult following and struck on a near-perfect symbiosis of image and sound. But by the time listeners get to the album’s final track, “The World Spins,” Cruise has long since transported them beyond the imagination of Lynch and the mood-setting of Badalamenti. For better or worse, “Floating Into the Night” will always be tethered to the audiovisual work of her collaborators and indebted to those partnerships.

It is the sound of a burgeoning crush accompanied by the quickening realization of their power to hurt you; it is your hometown at night, with a familiar stillness so quiet it can keep you awake; it is the voice on the other line, distant and mysterious, but close enough so you can hear every breath. Iowa-born Cruise had met Italian-American composer Badalamenti in a Broadway theatre workshop, both being veterans of performance and having helped stage a Janis Joplin revue together. Badalamenti had previously soundtracked films such as Gordon’s War and Law And Disorder in the 1970s and received little acclaim, but in 1986 an opportunity arose when he was hired by Lynch as a vocal coach to Blue Velvet’s seductive star Isabella Rossellini. Throughout production Cruise’s talent became an essential part of the director and composer’s nascent mythology that would later reach its zenith on the cult TV series, Twin Peaks.

8 Places That Are Best to Visit by Cruise Ship

Table Of Content

• Newport, Rhode Island
• Best Destination for Wildlife Runner-Up: The Amazon
• Southern Caribbean
• Hotel Reward Programs

One of the most popular destinations for this type of immersive experience is Japan. As an island nation, it has a wealth of ports that can be explored on 12- to 14-night circle-island sailings offered by both large-ship and small-luxury cruise lines. Azamara is a luxurious option, but it’s not just about glitz and glamour on this line. The cruise line also emphasizes hyper-local experiences to allow its passengers to dive deep into the history, food, culture, and life of its ports of call, even if they’re there just for a day. The cruise line offers a variety of destinations and cruise lengths, including 10, 12, and 15-night voyages, some of which include overnight stays in the ports so guests can get the full scope of a destination. Transatlantic and transpacific sailings offer plenty of relaxing sea days and stops at must-visit cruise destinations.

Newport, Rhode Island

The site’s vibe is beach-oriented and a bit cheeky, with a front page that can overwhelm—but click on the “Cruises” tab, and a cleaner interface appears. There you can search by cruise line, ship, destination, departure date, and departure port. Choosing where to go is one of the first steps -- and sometimes trickier than it seems. Maybe you want an affordable, tropical getaway that takes you to top beaches -- but should you go for the Eastern or Western Caribbean?

Best Destination for Wildlife Runner-Up: The Amazon

The 13-night sailings are round trip from Dakar and will be offered from November 2023 to January 2024 on the 180-passenger MS Spitsbergen. Thanks to its majestic wildlife, wild terrain, and breathtaking glaciers, Alaska is one of the best cruise destinations in the world. The 10-night Ultimate Southern Caribbean itinerary, for example, visits ports including St. Maarten, St. Lucia, St. John, Barbados, and St. Kitts and Nevis. When you choose to apply (and are approved) for a new credit card through our site, we may receive compensation from our partners, and this may impact how or where these products appear. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.

Southern Caribbean

From the Bay of Islands, visit otherworldly caves illuminated by the light of millions of glow worms, or paddle a kayak through the bucolic scenery of woodlands, mangroves, and rocky islands. Italy, France and Spain are all celebrated for their distinctive cuisines and award-winning wines, which makes a Western Mediterranean itinerary perfect for culinary enthusiasts. Kobe is your access point for Kyoto, with its temples and gardens, while Shimizu is your gateway to scenic Mt. Fuji.

Plus, Marriott cardholders can earn an extra 2x points when they use that card for their purchase. While most cruises max out at 25,000 Bonvoy points earned, some luxury cruise lines offer up to 250,000 Marriott points. TripAdvisor is an online reviewer community where travelers share their experiences, pictures and ratings of hotels, suggested activities and more. This honest feedback and travel inspiration also make it one of the best websites to book a cruise. Priceline was originally known for its "Name Your Own Price" promotions, but has grown into a full-service online travel agency offering flights, hotels, rental cars and cruises, saving consumers more than $1 billion dollars per year.

The 17 Best Websites To Book Cruises at the Cheapest Prices

This large secluded sea has served as the birthplace of civilization and likely the first area that connected different cultures. This is where you’ll find the beaches of the Greek islands, the wonders of Ancient Rome, cities such as Barcelona, Monaco, Venice and Dubrovnik, and a plethora of other places of interest. Whether you’re in the mood for immersive culture, adrenaline-boosting adventure, or well-deserved relaxation in the sun, the world awaits. To help inspire you, here are some of the best places to cruise to across the globe. All you have to do is choose your itinerary—and start counting down the days.

The 7 best 2024 cruise itineraries - The Points Guy

The 7 best 2024 cruise itineraries.

Posted: Thu, 04 Jan 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

All the walking you'll do at museums means you can indulge guilt-free, with a glass of local bubbly to buoy your spirits. With much of the world now accessible by cruise ship, it can be hard to pick exactly which destination is right for your vacation. Traveling by cruise ship has many conveniences, no matter what your itinerary.

Executive Members earn 2% back on Costco Travel purchases and receive additional benefits on select packages. Plus, Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi cardholders earn 3% cash back rewards on Costco Travel purchases. Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. You can sign up for price alerts, which will notify you by email when the fare on your selected itinerary drops. Travel + Leisure hand-selected 16 different types of on-the-water adventures to consider in the year ahead.

Visitors can also explore the cultural history of the islands or enjoy a variety of delicious restaurants and shops. A cruise to the Cayman Islands is a great way to get a taste of the unique culture and enjoy some stunning views. With so much to see and do, the Cayman Islands are one of the best cruise destinations in the Caribbean. The site also lists traveler reviews about each cruise ship (as supplied by Cruiseline), though the reviews often include comments about the ship’s destinations other than the one you’re considering, which isn’t entirely helpful.

This is also one of the best cruise destinations for wildlife watching, including everything from bears and eagles to orcas and sea otters. We've explored the most captivating cities, waded into the surf on world-class beaches, hiked unspoiled landscapes and gazed upon treasured landmarks. So before you book your next cruise, have a look at our picks for the best cruise destinations for every type of traveler. In addition to language barriers, you have to contend with expensive car rental fees (good luck if you want an automatic), expensive hotels and difficult itinerary planning. That's why a river cruise on the Rhine or the Danube is a much easier way to explore.

Just because it’s not as well-known as the Mediterranean doesn’t mean it’s less worthy of a visit. Several gorgeous historic cities dot the shores of the Baltic Sea, including Stockholm, Riga, Tallinn and Helsinki. A Baltic Sea cruise also typically includes a visit to stunning St. Petersburg, Russia’s capital of culture and the arts. Another ship that sails the Galápagos, the Celebrity Flora, has 50 suites, many with large verandas, plus a stargazing deck and a fleet of comfortable tenders. The line’s “outer loop” also includes plenty of wildlife watching, plus a stop at the less-frequented Daphne Island. Upstart cruise line Atlas Ocean Voyages offers all-inclusive fares on its two 98-suite vessels, and, in a departure from industry norms, the brand doesn’t charge solo travelers a single supplement.

Expedia’s cruise deals tend to come paired with other enticing offers, including steep discounts on pre-departure hotels when you book both your cruise and hotel through Expedia. There’s also a dedicated 800 number that lets you speak to Expedia’s cruise experts and, often but not always, a generous amount of onboard credit thrown in for good measure. Are you ready to go on another cruise and looking for the best cruise destinations? After some online research, you’ll have noticed that there are plenty of options.

Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel. Travelers who book a cruise with Priceline receive up to $2,000 to spend at sea, plus waived deposits on their reservations. Take the seven-night journey on Cunard’s Western Mediterranean cruise from Barcelona to Mallorca, Corsica, Rome, and Naples.

Visit the Museo Archeologico Nazionale, shop and eat your way through Rome, walk in the footsteps of Napoleon Bonaparte in Corsica, and so much more. Nestled between the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, Dominica is a hidden gem among the islands. The mountainous terrain, lush rainforests, and an abundance of natural hot springs make this one of the most beautiful places in the Caribbean. One of the highlights of any Belize cruise is snorkeling and diving at the Belize Barrier Reef. It is home to an incredible variety of colorful fish and marine life, making it a great spot for underwater exploration.

There’s plenty to do in Curacao, making it the perfect stop for any Caribbean cruise. With its stunning coral reefs and diverse marine life, it is one of the best places to experience underwater exploration. Whether it’s snorkeling, fishing, or just lounging on the beach, the Bahamas provide a unique experience. If you’re looking for an active vacation, there are plenty of activities from parasailing to boat rides.

Down by the water in Taormina you may want to check out the San Domenico Palace, a Four Seasons property in a converted 14th-century convent, where Season 2 of The White Lotus was filmed. In the capital city of Palermo, pop into the Theatro Massimo, the opera house featured in the HBO drama. With their awe-inspiring glaciers, mountains, waterfalls, and fjords, Iceland and Norway have increasingly captured the imaginations of travelers. A new itinerary from Viking gives passengers the best of both worlds by combining the two beautiful countries and adding the bonus attraction of the Arctic—specifically Svalbard, with its large population of polar bears.

50 World's Best Places to Travel in 2022

Table Of Content

• Get more travel tips
• SOUTH AMERICA
• Mekong River
• Travelocity

Many of the credit card offers that appear on this site are from credit card companies from which we receive financial compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). However, the credit card information that we publish has been written and evaluated by experts who know these products inside out. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers that are on the market. See our advertising policy here where we list advertisers that we work with, and how we make money. Costco is a retailer that offers exclusive products and pricing to its members.

Get more travel tips

Bermuda's cruise season might not be as long as the one in the Caribbean, but the beaches are still top-notch. From the famous pink sands of Horseshoe Beach to snorkeling off Elbow Beach, there are enough places on the island for you to spend a full three days splashing around. Though the hospitality industry was hit hard by the pandemic, many properties used the forced downtime to renovate rooms, add new amenities, and expand outdoor spaces to offer even more once guests return. 2022 is when many travelers will venture further from home, and even overseas, for the first time since the start of the pandemic, finally reaping the benefits of these valiant efforts. Surprisingly, you’ll usually get a better deal when you book your cruise through an OTA (think Cruise.com, Expedia, or United Cruises).

SOUTH AMERICA

The 5 best cabin locations on any cruise ship - The Points Guy

The 5 best cabin locations on any cruise ship.

Posted: Mon, 15 Jan 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Ships dock near Old Town Ibiza, which is home to Playa d'en Bossa, the pulsing heartbeat of the island's day-to-night party scene. Beach clubs mean that even during the day you'll have plenty of time to let loose to international DJs next to pools or right on the sand. It's hard to avoid history in the Eastern Mediterranean, where Greek, Roman and Byzantine historic sites are a huge draw. Look for itineraries that sail south to Israel to make this a bucket-list history cruise.

Mekong River

Highlights of a Hawaii itinerary include a pre- or post-cruise visit to the historic sites of Pearl Harbor and perhaps even an overnight stay in Waikiki. On Maui, you can enjoy active thrills, such as biking down a switchback road on the volcanic slopes of Haleakala or snorkeling the offshore Molokini Crater. Since you'll be cruising in U.S. territory, you don't have to worry should you need to leave the cruise early and fly back to the states because of illness or a family emergency. This can be a concern for passengers on round-trip, closed-loop sailings from Florida to the Caribbean or Bahamas who board only with a driver's license and birth certificate. Yes, the Panama Canal is manmade, but it cuts across 82 miles of Central American jungle on the isthmus of Panama to connect the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.

Best cruise destination for nature lovers: Panama Canal & Central America

Equally captivating is Stockholm, where a stroll through Old Town (Gamla Stan) will take you back to medieval times. A visit to the one-of-a-kind Vasa Museum offers a fascinating glimpse at a doomed 17th-century wooden warship, and a few hours in the ABBA Museum will have you humming the band's hits for hours afterward. When it comes to delicious local specialties and copas with class, it's hard to beat the ports found on a Western Mediterranean itinerary.

Best Cruise Destinations

SeaDream Yacht Club has two Wine Voyages in 2023, which include vineyard visits in Greece, Italy, and Spain and a winemaker-hosted dinner on the 112-guest Seadream II. The highly regarded intimate-ship line wins frequent accolades from T+L readers for its on-board service and well-appointed vessels. Slated to launch in the spring, the 228-passenger Scenic Eclipse II will visit ports from Dublin to Lisbon, as well as both polar regions, in 2023 and 2024. The innovative vessel, which is similar in design to Scenic Eclipse, will have luxurious suites complete with butler service and all sorts of extras, including helicopters (plural) and a submarine. Just refurbished, the 165-cabin Paul Gauguin will be exploring the Pacific in 2023, with trips to the Cook Islands, Fiji, the Marquesas, and the Society Islands.

It’s a great option to be able to pay for your cruise with points, and Marriott Bonvoy makes that possible. However, if you have a bundle of United miles and prefer cruising to flying, it might be a good redemption for you. Unfortunately, United Cruises charges a $24.99 processing fee on every booking. So while the deals offered could be lucrative, they aren’t necessarily a slam dunk. Impact on your credit may vary, as credit scores are independently determined by credit bureaus based on a number of factors including the financial decisions you make with other financial services organizations. Receive 60,000 online bonus points - a $600 value - after you make at least $4,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.

The Best Ways to Book a Cruise - NerdWallet

The Best Ways to Book a Cruise.

Posted: Wed, 17 Apr 2024 16:01:35 GMT [source]

The Galápagos Islands on Quasar Expeditions’ Evolution

A pair of 12-night sailings between Hamburg and Helsinki, on the 274-passenger Silver Wind, will visit 15 ports in Germany, Denmark, Estonia, Sweden, and Finland. You’ll have ample opportunities to admire Sicily’s clear blue seas, rocky coastline, and hundreds of sandy beaches that are showcased on the series. Fans of the popular HBO TV show The White Lotus are filling hotels and villas in Sicily this year.

You could find yourself drifting along the canals of Amsterdam one day and gazing down on the elegant sprawl of Paris from the top platform of the Eiffel Tower the next. Each day on an Alaska cruise reveals more extraordinary beauty as your ship glides through the glassy waters of the Inside Passage or Endicott Arm. The blue-white Hubbard Glacier is more than six miles wide where it meets the ocean. As one of the best places to cruise to, Alaska’s pristine beauty inspires adventure, from kayaking and hiking to zip-lining, dog-sledding, sizzling salmon cook-outs, and flightseeing over creaking glaciers and ice-cloaked peaks. Whales, dolphins, seals, sea otters, bears, and bald eagles are all likely sightings—a good reason to pack binoculars, as the ship itself is the perfect viewing platform. The alluring Caribbean is one of the best places to go on a cruise for so many reasons—the gentle rhythms of the tropics, a perfectly spiced rum punch, palm-shaded beaches, and swashbuckling history.

You can eat your fill of local cuisine in places such as Barcelona and Valencia in Spain, Marseille and Saint-Tropez in France, and Livorno (for Florence and Pisa), Rome and Naples in Italy. During a visit to Puntarenas, Costa Rica, the volcanic landscape and surrounding rainforest and cloud forest offer opportunities for hiking, kayaking and spotting native species such as howler monkeys, sloths and crocodiles. Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala is known for its coffee plantations and access to the historic city of Antigua.

On an expedition cruise, generally roundtrip from Ushuaia, Argentina, you'll first have to cross the Drake Passage, a notoriously rough and windy body of water. Safely on the other side, you'll arrive at landing points in the South Shetland Islands along the Antarctic Peninsula. The sophisticated capitals of Scandinavia — Copenhagen, Stockholm, Oslo and Helsinki — plus other coastal cities such as Tallinn, Estonia and Gdansk, Poland, are each compelling in their own right. So, imagine the rush of urban euphoria you'll feel while exploring all of them on a Baltic (or Northern Europe) cruise from May through September.

Benefits are identical to those offered through the CruisesOnly loyalty program. Cruises.com is another site that claims to be the best place to book your cruise. It can offer some impressive deals, but once you read the fine print, well, you realize there’s a lot of fine print. When booking a cruise through an OTA, be sure to use a card that earns bonus points on travel purchases, such as the Chase Sapphire Reserve® which earns 3x Ultimate Rewards points on cruises purchased from any website or travel agency.

This optional standalone insurance can be purchased separately from your cruise bookings. If you find a better deal within 24 hours of booking, CheapCaribbean will price match and beat it by $25. Classic, elegant, and forever in style, Cunard Line is the cruise to choose if chicness is your top priority. Its boats are decked out in luxurious styling, including the Queen Elizabeth, which makes its way through the Med with art deco decor, plush sundeck furnishings, and high-end dining experiences included.

Learn about the aurora borealis at Reykjavik’s Northern Lights Centre and after dark, scan the skies for the rippling lights of this celestial marvel. This is a city where you simply want to lose yourself, wandering the narrow alleys and sunlit piazzas, watching life on the green-blue canals. Of course, a gondola ride is essential for serial romantics, and you’ll find that the sights, scents and sounds of the city are completely different from the water. Cruises to Alaska present a great opportunity to extend your stay with an Alaska cruisetour into the vast Denali National Park.