Joy of Travel

06/16/2024

“Violence is the last refuge of the incompetent.”
Isaac Asimov 💚
Isaac Asimov was an American writer and professor of biochemistry at Boston University. During his lifetime, Asimov was considered one of the "Big Three" science fiction writers, along with Robert A. Heinlein and Arthur C. Clarke. A prolific writer, he wrote or edited more than 500 books.

08/13/2022

Moon rise over Marston Lake

08/12/2022

CALLA LILY VALLEY, Garrapata Beach, Carmel-By-The-Sea, California, USA 🇺🇸

12/09/2019

It's that time of year....lots of planning and shopping and running and decorating....and many of you will be traveling! Here are some good tips to keep your cool this holiday season!

Holiday Travel Advice
Holiday travel can be stressful. Here are a few tips we have gathered to offer your clients during the season:

Arrive at the airport early. The roads and parking areas will be congested.
Pack light. If possible, carry on your luggage. If you must check your luggage, make sure you have all your medications, important documents and a change of clothes in your carry-on just in case you experience a flight delay or your luggage gets lost.
Pack earplugs, airports and airplanes can be very noisy with all the crowds and it will help relax you.
Don’t get “hangry’. Be sure to pack some snacks or get some food before you board the plane.
Ship gifts or give gift cards. TSA suggests you ship wrapped gifts or wait until you reach your destination to wrap them, as they might have to unwrap them to inspect it.
Travel on off-peak days and times if possible.
Travel early in the day. Flight statistics show that flights leaving earlier in the day have a better on-time performance. And if your flight is cancelled, you will have more options of taking a flight later in the day.
Plan for the unexpected.
Reserve airport parking ahead of time to ensure a spot.
Charge all your devices before you leave.
Pack your patience and maintain a positive attitude.

08/16/2019

Have you been on a Viking river cruise? Or AmaWaterways? Or Uniworld? Then you know that the rivers can get crowded with vessels. Perhaps it's time to BARGE! Not on just any old barge, but an elegant "hotel barge" that plies the waterways those larger ships can't navigate. European Waterways travels not only in France and Germany, but also in Italy, Scotland, England and Ireland.

Contact me and I'll fill you in on all the yummy details!
[email protected]

05/31/2019

Check out this great way to travel for less!! Let me know how I can help:
[email protected]

2019/2020 Globus Escapes

04/29/2019

Where will you find Daredevil's Peak? Or Dueling Demons, or Screeching Serpent, or Green Mamba? Definitely not at a Harry Potter fantasyland. When you add Splash Speedway, and Thrill Waterpark, and Splashaway Bay you're now talking about Coco Cay in the Bahamas...Royal Caribbean's newest Private Island port opening in May.

Leave it to Royal Caribbean International to create a private port of call where there are more activities than a family could possibly enjoy in just one day! They have taken this to another level - or maybe more. No wonder they call this Perfect Day at CocoCay - Just another enhancement for cruisers to enjoy.

When you are ready to book YOUR cruise, just let me know...I'm delighted to help plan YOUR Perfect Day in CocoCay.

[email protected]

02/15/2019

You want an all-inclusive resort, but really don't want to devote a lot of time travelling to the Caribbean or Mexico. Enter Bungalows Key Largo...just a short drive south of Miami, yet a world away. Perfect for an adults-only getaway of pampered luxury. With the money you save on airfare, treat yourself to some spa amenities! Let me know if I can help you...[email protected]

01/31/2019

Theresa Rudloff you'll like this!

01/31/2019

Sing it!

31st January 1976, ABBA knocked Queen from the UK No.1 position on the UK singles chart with 'Mamma Mia.' Queen's single 'Bohemian Rhapsody' had enjoyed a nine week run at the top of the charts, by coincidence, Queen's single contains the famous "mamma mia, mamma mia, mamma mia let me go" line.

01/29/2019

Do you work for free??? If you didn't take vacation days last year, and they did not pay you for them, or roll them over...then you worked for FREE!!! Don't let that happen again! It's time to plan a vacation! How about that cruise you've always wanted to take? Reach out to me, and I'll help; [email protected]

12/11/2018

Beach bum? Scuba Diver?
If you live in Denver, you might want to plan your spring trip to the Cayman Islands....NOW! As of March 2, Cayman Airways offers DIRECT flights from Denver to Grand Cayman!! Departures every Wednesday and Saturday - and the flight is about 5 hours. (with complimentary rum punch along the way) This is the ONLY direct flight from here to the Caribbean - and you should get ready to snap up tickets that will start at under $400 round trip (introductory) - then call me to book your hotel! [email protected]

12/07/2018

It may be a little late to plan a trip to Germany now, but perhaps this will tempt you to think about next year! Just imagine frosty evenings, sparkling lights, colorful carvings, and the fragrances of gluh-wein, or hot cocoa, or roasting chestnuts. Isn't it time you explored these wonderful markets??

11/28/2018

In 1520, Ferdinand Magellan passed through the Magellan Strait and reached the Pacific Ocean on his way to completing a trip around the world. Today, his name is synonymous with discovery and exploration.

Have you ever felt like exploring the seas and the channels where famous travelers have been? Cruises can take you just about anywhere - even through the Magellan Strait - and the Beagle Channel (of Darwin fame). We did that on a cruise around South America...including a visit to Cape Horn! It was a fabulous trip -and I'd love to help you plan a grand voyage like that. Contact me...[email protected].

11/26/2018

If Iceland is on your bucket list for 2019, you might want to consider a cruise around the island! You'll see more, and won't have to schlep bags from hotel to hotel. Hurtigruten does magnificent cruises getting you upclose and personal to all those iconic and jaw-dropping beautiful Iceland sights. Let me help you plan your trip! [email protected]

11/08/2018

ARIZONA MEMORIAL TO RE-OPEN IN MARCH...

Recent information has come to light on the still closed USS Arizona Memorial, which has been off-limits to visitors since workers first noticed structural damage on the visitor loading ramp this May. However, a posting on the National Park Service website indicates that repairs should be completed by the end of March 2019. This timeline, which provides a clearer end date than others offered by the NPS, is thanks to the completion of the repair project’s planning and design phase.

11/08/2018

Formerly a royal palace, the Louvre has embraced the history of France for eight centuries. Intended as a universal museum since its inception in 1793, its collections--among the finest in the world--span several thousands of years. Traveling there soon? The Louvre is closed on Tuesdays!

10/22/2018

Are you ready for this? In 2022 (not so far away, really) Titanic II will set sail from Dubai for Southampton! She will cross the Atlantic to New York, and will go on to sail around the world. Who is ready to book on this legendary ship?

09/25/2018

Here it is....the cruise you've always wanted to do...the one that delivers you to those oh-so romantic Greek Islands! Azamara Cruise Line has scheduled some spectacular itineraries for 2019 taking you to popular - and some out-of-the-ordinary - islands that dot the Agean Sea. NOW is the time to plan and to book! Contact me for more information - and let me help you ! [email protected]

09/21/2018

The volcano destroys...and creates. Hawai'i island now has a new black sand beach! Just a reminder that Mother Nature is in control. Time to head back to the Big Island!

09/17/2018

How many of you head to Trip Adviser for recommendations on hotels, restaurants and such? Me too! It's a great reference to be able to read reviews on places we have not been. BUT...there IS a caveat!! Don't trust ALL that you read. Look for a "norm" - and, as I do, disregard the very highest and very lowest reviews. You DID hear about the "Best restaurant in London" right? Total hoax. Now comes another report from Moneywatch:

A man in Italy has been jailed and fined for trying to sell his good opinion.
The man, whose crime was to sell fake TripAdvisor reviews, will be required to pay a fine of 8,000 euros (about $9,300) and will be jailed for nine months, the company said.

Online reviews can make or break a business, in particular for pricier purchases. So it's no surprise there is a brisk trade in boosting online rankings and that businesses can go to extreme lengths to influence their online reputations, including fining guests for negative reviews. (The U.S. Congress decided last year that it is illegal to ban honest reviews.)

Still, as many as 16 percent of online reviews are fake, according to research by the European Parliament. Major consumer websites, including Amazon, also suffer from having a large number of "unnatural" reviews.

Bottom line? Go ahead and research, but take the reviews as guidelines, not definitive reporting.

09/11/2018

Here's an offer that you can't refuse! Book that River Cruise with AmaWaterways by Sept. 30 - and get FREE airfare to Europe!!! Now's the time...contact me right away to secure the cabin you want on a fabulous Rhine or Danube cruise! [email protected]

08/07/2018

The time is NOW...book that European River Cruise you've always wanted to try! The deals are great!! How about 2-for-1? And how about $599 airfare to Europe?? Just imagine floating down the Rhine or the Danube...sipping wine as you admire the passing scenery...indulging in luscious meals...and visiting all those places you've wanted to see. Make your dream come true! Let me know when you'd like to go - and well get you booked! [email protected]

07/23/2018

You've heard about river cruises...but have you heard about Wine-themed river cruises? AMAWaterways has many that focus on different areas in Europe, complete with vineyard visits, food and wine pairings, and experts onboard to enrich your experience! I'm teaming up with Flights Wine Cafe in Morrison to organize a Wine Cruise in 2019! If you'd like to be a part of an exciting adventure, let me know! [email protected]

07/19/2018

OK...so it's hot where you are. I can relate to that. So far this season we've had 35 days of above 90! OUCH. Maybe now is the time to think about a holiday vacation - and a special river cruise that will take you to European Christmas Markets in Austria, Germany and the Czech Republic! Just imagine the sparkling lights, the aroma of warm gingerbread, and the luscious flavor of a steamy hot chocolate. Give yourself a gift this year, and indulge in a European holiday celebration you'll never forget! The deals are great!! You can save as much as $750 per person for a dream voyage on a Viking Cruise! Contact me for more info! [email protected]

07/01/2018

Yet another item to be scrutinized by TSA:

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is adopting a stricter policy starting June 30 that will make it difficult for international passengers to carry baby powder, protein powder, dry spices, and more through airport security.

Any passenger on an inbound international flight with 12 ounces or more of powder, whatever the powder may be, might now be subject to additional screening at security. If TSA agents can’t identify the powder, then it may be confiscated and thrown away.

The TSA reportedly made the change because of security concerns that rose from past incidents, most notably a foiled Australian terror attack from last July where someone tried to blow up an Etihad Airways flight with a powder explosive, thought that incident wasn’t the only reason for the change, it said.

According to the agency, most international airlines started voluntarily screening for powder after that incident. The TSA said it will request foreign airports with flights into the U.S. all adopt the same policy.

06/28/2018

You may be basking in warm sunlight now, or trying to flee the heat with air conditioning...but come November you'll be deep into holiday preparations. If you've ever dreamed of visiting one - or more - of the magical Christmas Markets in Germany and Austria, this is the time to start planning!

AmaWaterways River Cruise line offers a variety of cruises that will take you to such romantic cities as Nuremburg, Regensburg and Vienna. Stroll the cities, shop in the markets, take a bike tour, or enjoy a wine tasting. With AmaWaterways your excursions are included...as well as wine and beer for lunch and dinner!

Treat yourself and your partner to a truly magical holiday season this year! Be sure to email me to book this most special cruise! [email protected]

06/22/2018

Well, they say there's a cruise for everyone...even the walking dead!! Check this out:

The fourth and final sailing of the Walking Dead-inspired Walker Stalker Cruise will sail on February 21-25, 2019.

Presented by Walker Stalker Con and Sixthman, the voyage from Tampa to Nassau, Bahamas, will give 2,500 fans of the Walking Dead franchise the chance to cruise with their favorite actors during an immersive fan convention at sea.

The celebrities are always a highlight of the cruises, and the 2019 voyage will include names like Norman Reedus (Daryl), Jeffrey Dean Morgan (Negan), Chandler Riggs (Carl), Ross Marquand (Aaron), Tom Payne (Jesus), Cooper Andrews (Jerry), Laurie Holden (Andrea), Michael Traynor (Nicholas) and more to be announced later.

Passengers on the Walker Stalker Cruise will be able to experience panels, photo ops, autograph sessions, curated activities, theme nights, costume contests and more featuring the stars of the hit television show.

The sailing will take place on Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Pearl, which features 11 onboard bars and lounges, 15 dining experiences, a casino, one outdoor pool, hot tubs and a full menu of spa treatments.

06/08/2018

I have long vascillated on whether we should be promoting high-end luxury retreats, or more culturally enriching places. I know there are good reasons for both styles, and even the same traveler may choose luxury one time, and a tent the next. But I have never wavered in my belief that experiencing the culture, language and food of a foreign place should always be on the top of your list. Only then can you say you may understand a place, at least better than before you were there.

With that thought in mind, and as so many are in shock over the su***de of Anthony Bourdain, I'd like to share this quote of his:
“Do we really want to travel in hermetically sealed popemobiles through the rural provinces of France, Mexico and the Far East, eating only in Hard Rock Cafes and McDonald's? Or do we want to eat without fear, tearing into the local stew, the humble taqueria's mystery meat, the sincerely offered gift of a lightly grilled fish head? I know what I want. I want it all. I want to try everything once.” —Kitchen Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly\

When you're ready to try something new and exciting, let me know: [email protected]

05/31/2018

Headed to Hawaii? While Hawai'i Island (aka the "Big Island") suffers from Madame Pele's wrath, you should not have any problems going to Kona or Waikoloa since the lava is headed in the other direction. And on Oahu, sad news about the Arizona Memorial - always a very moving place to visit. Cracks have been sighted, and the memorial is now shut down for who-knows how long.

Concerns started earlier this month when a transportation operator reported cracks on the exterior of the memorial, near the dock and visitor loading ramp. After the National Park Service discussed what was originally supposed to be a relatively easy fix with a team of structural engineers, more extensive issues about the memorial’s foundation were found. According to a statement released by the National Park Service, “the amount of time needed to implement the repairs is unknown.” Although the cause of these damages has not yet been identified, it’s important to note that the USS Arizona Memorial was built in 1962 and sees 4,000 to 5,000 visitors daily.

But the rest of the Pearl Harbor complex IS OPEN...and if you're on the island, it's something you should not miss!
With my Hawaii expertise, I can help you plan a trip:
[email protected]