Sips & Trips Radio is where luxury travel meets real stories. Join Matt and Carol Wolfe of High Park Travel Agency, a local Asheville/Hendersonville Travel Agency as they share insider tips, destination highlights, and personal experiences from river and ocean cruises across Europe and beyond. Each episode explores new places, people, and ways to travel well — from sipping wine along the Rhine to discovering hidden gems in the Mediterranean. Whether you’re dreaming, planning, or ready to book, we put the fun in travel. Contact Matt & Carol in Asheville, NC, local travel agents near you.
Matt@highparktravel.com 8286191060
Picture this. You wake up in a new port every couple of days. You eat what you want, when you want. You sign up for the sunrise yoga class or sleep through it without negotiating. You book the shore excursion that actually interests you instead of the one your travel companion would tolerate.
Welcome to solo cruising, where the itinerary is yours and the compromises are optional.
More travelers are skipping the "wait until someone can come with me" trap and booking cruises on their own terms. The cruise lines have noticed, and the options have never been better.
Here's what you need to know before you book.
24 Sept 2026
Travel Trends for 2026 & 2027
This report outlines emerging global travel patterns for the upcoming years, highlighting a significant surge in interest for Scotland and Ireland driven by popular media. The author emphasizes that extended itineraries are now essential for a quality experience in Italy, while Japan and New Zealand represent high-value opportunities due to favorable currency exchanges. Modern travelers are increasingly adopting the "coolcationing" trend, choosing milder northern climates to escape extreme summer heat. Furthermore, the industry is seeing a shift toward shoulder-season bookings to avoid peak crowds and inflated costs. Lastly, the text notes a rising demand for premium economy seating as airlines restructure their cabin configurations to meet traveler preferences.
22 Jul 2026
Debunking the 5- Star “Luxury Experience”
One comment I hear frequently when receiving a new inquiry from a potential client is, “We aren’t five-star travelers; we wouldn’t feel comfortable in that environment.” I often acknowledge their concerns and reassure them that most people who work with us are equally comfortable in four-star hotels. However, what I want to debunk is the idea that travelers with moderate to high disposable income either A) can’t afford five-star properties, or B) won't fit in because those hotels are only for "snobby wealthy people."
Matt Wolfe, has three degrees. Graduate of St. Pete Junior College, A.A. Mass Communications, B.F.A. University of S. Florida, Art & Photography, Therapist A.S., Walter’s State.
Carol Birkner, holds a B.S. East TN State, as an educator, IT technology specialist.
We are members of Coastline Travel Group, Virtuoso Consortia, CLIA cruise membership. World Travelers with many countries left to explore with you our clients and future guests.
We are Certified Travel Specialist with AMAWaterways, Viking River Cruises & Seabourn Ocean
We are here to answer all your cruise questions!
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