Accommodation options . . .

There are six villages that make up the resort, which is two hundred acres of tropical and lush landscapes. All the villages have gardens and they have a Caribbean theme and this reflects architecture and furnishings. Standard rooms have two double beds that sport vibrant tropical colors with ceiling fans.

All the rooms have ironing board and iron, coffee maker, mini refrigerator and more. There are some excellent views on offer, of the woodlands, courtyard or the main resort area. There are a good number of excellent facilities and amenities on offer as well as a reasonable range of services available. There are a number of wheelchair accessible rooms as well.

Dining Options . . .

The Grab and Go market is useful if you want to pick up a quick meal – pastries and fresh fruits. The Montegos Deli has excellent sandwiches, deserts and pancakes available. The Old Port Royale Food Court has American fare such as hamburgers, pastas and pizza. If you want a more relaxed environment, the Sutters at Old Port Royale is an excellent location that offers such succulent delicacies as Pineapple marinated chicken.

List of major amenities, facilities and services on offer at the Disney Caribbean Beach resort . . .

List of main hotel and property amenities and facilities on offer at the resort . . .

• Dry cleaning/laundry service   • Airport transportation (complimentary)   • Swimming pool – outdoor   • Swimming pool – children’s   • Picnic area   • Total number of rooms 2,112   • Shopping on site   • Self parking   • Arcade/game room   • Security guard   • Gift shops or newsstand   • Express check-out   • Multilingual staff   • Restaurant(s) in hotel   • Babysitting or child care   • Video library   • Translation services   • Laundry facilities   • Air-conditioned public areas   • Tour assistance   • Coffee shop or café   • Room service (limited hours)   • Poolside bar   • 24-hour front desk   • Bar/lounge   • Private beach   • Suitable for children

List of main in room and suite facilities and amenities at the resort . . .

• Air conditioning   • In-room safe   • Refrigerator   • Private bathroom   • Iron/ironing board (on request)   • Satellite television service   • Cribs (infant beds) available   • Ceiling fan   • Daily housekeeping   • Wake-up calls   • Wired high-speed Internet access (surcharge)   • Voice mail   • Clock radio   • Coffee/tea maker   • Non-smoking ony

List of main recreational options and facilities . . .

• Surfing/boogie boarding   • Fishing   • Parasailing   • Hiking/biking trails   • Dock   • Boating   • Volleyball   • Running track/path   • Golfing   • Horse riding/rental   • Bicycle rentals   • Rowing or canoeing   • Tennis

We are Disney Specialists so we can help you in planing your next vacation. Call us at 877-229-6008 or 757-229-6008.

Visit the winter resort at Valle Nevado in the South American region and enjoy the modern atmosphere in Chile region. Located around 46 km from the capital, the venue is great travel locale.

Then go to the Metropolitan Park, and enjoy the verdant surroundings and the lovely ambience of the region and bask in the glory of the beautiful zone. Get the full panoramic view of this city and enjoy the lovely surroundings of Santiago.

Shopping is a great delight here and enjoy this haven with the best kinds of shops and stalls. With the best kinds of jewellery shops selling Lapis lazuli, great exhibition halls, museums, grand restaurants, and wonderful theatres the place welcomes all the tourists with great gusto. Enter the Bella Vista neighbourhood which is a perfect treat for the shoppers.

Providencia has the best hotels in towns for those tourists who come here with a lot of culinary tastes. Keep in mind all the new trends that are prevalent in the area, and enjoy this experience.

Go to the Pablo Neruda’s House Museum in the land of La Chascona, and go to the house of the poet Pablo Neruda who is also a great writer. You can get to know about this esteemed Chilean writer.

Come to the land of Santiago, and visit the la Parva ski resort, and enjoy the snowy experience, here. The entire valley of Santiago comes alive with these surroundings and bask in the lovely ambience of snow.

Santiago is also famous for the Recoleta  Dominica heritage Centre where you would the best kinds of interesting articles in these museums. These have been created in the former Convent of Recoleta Dominica.

Then you have the El Colorado winter resort, around 39 km from Santiago. This is the place where the first skis were held. As you slide down the Andes Valley, you will realize why this is one of the most popular venues, for skiing.

Then you can go to Portillo, and visit one of the most prestigious resorts for skiing in this part of the world. Around 164km from Santiago, this is the place where you can see the core of the huge mountain range here.

Then of course you have the beautiful winery of Concha Y Toro. This is where you would be unravelled the secrets of good wine, and also understand the intricacies of good wine drinking. A lovely enthralling experience and a must do in Santiago.

Then go round the city of Santiago, and learn about the history of the city and its people and other important buildings.

Go to the Pre Columbian Art Museum of Chile, and see the beautiful culture of America come alive here. This is a great art zone and is a haven for all art lovers.

While in South America, Santiago is an ideal destination spot, and a great travel locale. With the pristine surroundings, and an idyllic ambience this is the place where you would go to have the best travel experiences.

Ready to book you next vacation? Call us today at 877-229-6008 or 757-229-6008.

Nicoya is a place which has great greenery and the wildlife here is enviable. There are wildlife habitats at Cabo Blanco, Curu, Camaronal, La Ceiba, Cueva Muciealago, Diria national park and Romelia. The Nicoya Peninsula is a place where the mortality rate is very high and people live beyond 100 years of age here.

The place is not greatly populated and the cattle here along with the beautiful landscape make the place a great tourist spot. The forests and the countryside render the place beautiful and the tourists who want to come for eco tourism would love this place.

Nicoya Peninsula has beaches which surpass the beauty of all the beaches in the world. The coastline here is mesmerizing and the calm serene beaches would ensure that the coastline never loses its beauty. The small villages and the beautiful scenery here ensure that Nicoya Peninsula is one of the best Costa Rica beaches you shouldn’t miss.

Once you are in a beach wouldn’t you want to enjoy water sports such as fishing, surfing, snorkeling, and most of all diving? All these are more are available here and there are many surfers who really love to come back to this place to pursue their passion.

Again this place has some of the best natural surroundings that any place can boast of. It has turtle beaches, birding spots, subterranean caves and great wealth from the sea. All of this is protected under the umbrella of the nature reserves.

With the dry season till May and the trees finding it difficult to bear the heat, dry foliage is a common sight in this place during summer. One of the very dramatic beaches where you have a combination of seasons, Nicoya Peninsula sees a dust covered summer and a lovely virgin rainforest during the winter months. With high temperatures in summer and cold temperatures in winter, this is one of the Costa Rica beaches with a tale of the opposites.

Nicoya peninsula is divided into two – Guanacaste and Puntarenas. Guanacaste is a province which is a division of the peninsula and is a major occupant of the peninsula in the northern portion. The Puntarenas lies in the southern portion.

Not much communication means are available between the two provinces. There is a coastal road that is being proposed but not much has happened. The peninsula is still filled with unpaved roads with many potholes.

Don’t worry about the bad condition of the roads. You have come to land of greenery. Enjoy one of the most intriguing Costa Rica beaches.

Ready to book your next vacation? Call us today at 877-229-6008 or 757-229-6008.

A ranch stay is often the perfect way to relax and rejuvenate. Whether referred to as a “dude ranch”, a “cattle ranch vacation” or a “ranch stay”, (our preferred term), here is the opportunity to get back to nature and to interact with animals and physical activity in a very special way. There are ranch stays of every variety, from family vacations to singles, from those that focus on actual ranch work to those that are primarily about relaxation in a western setting. Whatever your preferences, there is a ranch vacation waiting on you.

• Ranch stays typically refer to vacations or retreats that involve the following elements:
• a period of time on a working farm or ranch, often in a western North American setting (although South American ranch stays are available);
• with an emphasis on working with cattle, horses and other livestock;
• in an environment hosted by experienced ranch personnel.

This TRO guide will explain the various considerations for considering and planning a ranch stay. Those travelers looking for an active, outdoor adventure will greatly appreciate the tremendous value that many ranch stays offer.The promise of a ranch stay is a memorable vacation, adventure and natural beauty. Ranch stays are all about the out-of-doors. Here the traveler has the opportunity to reconnect with an active aspect of life that is too often missing from the day-to-day work world. Families, couples and singles alike enjoy ranch stays, and find the experience not only brings them closer to nature, but also makes for a greater appreciation of team work and physical labor. The ranch stay does not have to be all about activity, however. There is typically plenty of time for relaxation, reflection, and good food.

A ranch stay is for you if:

• You enjoy active vacations;
• You want to work with animals, especially horses;
• You want to spend your vacation time out of doors;
• You enjoy rustic settings;
• You want to experience a very different type of vacation.

There are as many types of ranch stays as there are ranches. Indeed, every ranch operation offers a slightly different experience based on the character of the proprietor and the nature of the ranch. The most popular ranch stays include the opportunity to spend a lot of time on horseback with plenty of time at your own leisure. Some ranches will permit you to keep a single horse throughout your stay and ride when you like, others will provide a pool of horses from which to select daily. Most often, there is the option to work with either cattle or sheep, or both, from horseback. The central activities typically involve herding the livestock from one destination on the ranch to another, or simply ranging across the landscape either alone or in a group enjoying the scenery.

Family ranches invite aspiring cow pokes of all ages. Such ranches may offer special programs for children. Parents can participate with children in some activities, or engage in their own pursuits while their offspring encounter ranch life in a supervised setting. Other ranches are adult only, so be sure to check the allowed age limits for you and your family companions. Working ranches permit guests to be involved in other aspects of daily ranch work such as branding cattle, fixing fences or gathering crops. Alternatively, guests can observe the working ranch in progress, enjoying the view from a less engaged more reflective vantage point. Other ranches emphasize specialized activities, such as fishing, hiking, trail riding or wrangling.

There is typically the opportunity to learn new skills during a ranch stay. The staff will often teach guests how to work with cattle, how to rope and to practice “cutting”, or maneuvering, cattle in and out of a herd.

But all is not work! Many ranches are located in the wide open spaces of rural Canada or the American west, providing breathtaking sightseeing, fishing, water sports, rock climbing, mountain biking and photography opportunities. Wildlife abounds, and good photographers are rewarded with many opportunities for prize pictures. Ranches provide down-time for guests for relaxation, reading or mingling and sharing experiences with other guests. Decide if a heavily structured environment is right for you, or if you would prefer a more relaxed, unstructured vacation. The point is that there is a right ranch stay for just about everyone!

Accommodations range from rustic bunk houses to deluxe cabins with hot tubs and lodges with complete bars. Your preferences in sleeping comfort and conditions will greatly influence your choice of one ranch stay over another. Many ranches offer camping on the range for some portion of the stay as a part of the experience. Sometimes there is organized evening entertainment, or the guests may be left to their own devices.

Food quality and quantity is another variable of the ranch stay. Most ranches offer food as a part of the package, but some meals are often taken off premises in a local town or nearby restaurant. Many ranches offer special dietary consideration for vegetarian or other cuisines. Request a sample menu during your research. Finally, ask your chosen ranch about the advisability of renting a vehicle for transportation from the airport, for running into town, or for drives around the ranch.

While not necessarily rigorous, a ranch vacation will make modest demands on a traveler’s physical conditioning. In considering whether a ranch vacation is for you, take stock of your willingness to spend most of your day in the out-of-doors, in a saddle, walking, hiking and, in general, being very active. Some riding and exercising in advance of your vacation will help ensure that you do not spend your first nights on the ranch nursing sore muscles!

Travelers are well advised to book as far in advance as possible. Most ranches have a relatively small capacity, restricting the number of guests, and operate during limited season. Many sell out during particular weeks and may not be able to accommodate you and your companions, particularly if there are a number of others accompanying you. Booking well in advance also allows for the best possible airfares if you are flying to your ranch destination.

Spend time with your travel consultant working through brochures and other sales collateral. Make sure that the accommodations, programs, setting and food selection are all to your liking. In addition, look for indications that the ranch invites guests of an experience level comparable to your own. If you are a novice looking for an introduction to horses, cattle and outdoor life, the ranch you choose should welcome the beginner. Likewise, if you are an accomplished outdoor enthusiast, you want a ranch experience equal to your abilities.

Pack clothing that is suitable for outdoor activity. A typical day will have cool mornings and evenings with warm mid-days. Boots are typically a very good idea to protect your feet. Loose, comfortable clothing, a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen are a must. Yes, a bandana is a good idea!

Most gear will be supplied by your ranch. However, check to see if binoculars are provided or if you should bring your own, especially if wildlife is abundant. Because of the beautiful natural settings of most ranches, make sure that your camera makes the cut!Your ranch operator and host will often provide a list of recommended clothing and gear to bring with you on your trip. Finally, not all ranches permit smoking, so be sure to check if you have a strong preference for smoking/non-smoking.

Is a ranch stay safe? Any travel entails some degree of risk. However, ranch operators are very much aware of the inherent risks of being in the out-of-doors and seek to minimize the risk of having novice guests around farm animals and settings.

Here are a few tips that can help you ensure that you enjoy your ranch stay with the maximum value and minimum risk:

• Prepare for the trip by making sure that you can physically participate in the activities the ranch offers.
• Listen to your host! They are very much concerned for your safety and will offer you a great deal of advice about being round livestock and ranch equipment. If you are a novice, ask for assistance. Even if you are experienced, be willing to accept instruction and to learn new skills.
• Livestock – respect them, love them, never, ever, ever abuse them or lose your temper with them. Same goes for humans.
• As with any active vacation, travel insurance covering trip cancellation, trip interruption and medical emergencies is a good idea.

In practically every state of the United States, province of Canada and in many South American countries, you will find ranches inviting guests. Your travel consultant can assist you with determining which location matches your preferences. In the western United States, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming and Utah have dozens of ranches offering vacation experiences while Virginia, Alabama and North Carolina in the east have many options. But the list hardly ends there! No matter where you desire to spend your vacation, it is highly likely there is a dude ranch close by. In Canada, British Columbia and Alberta offer a large number of ranches offering stays ranging from one week to months!

Your own preferences will dictate the location of the best possible ranch stay. Want wide open scenery and wildlife? Want to be at altitude with the Rocky Mountains as your backdrop? Is fishing a part of your dream ranch vacation? Ranches in western North America have a peak season during the summer, typically June though August. Most offer fringe seasons when early spring might impose some colder weather or even a late snow storm on guests. In particularly warm settings, like Arizona, late fall and early spring are often better choices to avoid the heat of mid-summer. In the final analysis, however, the best time to go is when the ranch’s season matches the one in which you want to travel! Remember, too, that because of the limited season and guest capacity of many ranches, opportunities can sell out quickly. Book in advance!

The cost of a ranch stay varies widely. At the low end, where the ranches are authentically “rustic” the food is “grub” and the entertainment is largely supplied by the guests, the adult rates will be in the range of $150 a day and children $110. A more generously endowed set of amenities will average closer to $180 a day for adults and $125 for children. Truly deluxe guest ranches with many amenities, (one advertises “Gourmet meals in the main lodge and Ralph Lauren sheets on the beds”) superior lodging and food selection will be in excess of $220 a day for adults and $150 for children. Carefully review what is included in your rates. Some ranches include tips, some do not. Taxes are almost always additional. Food is typically covered, as are any fees for fishing or other activities, but cover these issues with your travel consultant when making arrangements.

Ready to book your ranch stay? Call us today at 877-229-6008 or 757-229-6008.

Honeymoons too often take a backseat to the arrangements and plans of the actual wedding, but you owe it to yourself to give honeymoon planning greater and more careful attention. After all, while the wedding is mainly for your family and friends, the once-in-a-lifetime honeymoon that follows is a private getaway for you and your new spouse to celebrate your marriage. Though you may spend a portion of your vacation relaxing and reflecting on this major life change, the honeymoon is most of all an opportunity to enjoy being a newlywed, spending quality time with your new spouse, and experiencing a romantic and exciting getaway.

Honeymooners have endless options. Following months of wedding planning, couples often retreat to a luxurious resort that caters to their every need, while others trek to an adventurous escape from their day-to-day lives. Whether a beach vacation, a safari, or a ski trip, the honeymoon should reflect your joint personality and wishes.

Keep in mind that perfect honeymoons don’t just happen, and planning requires thoughtfulness, patience, careful attention to details, and a lot of decision-making along the way. The more homework you do before leaving for your honeymoon, the more you will enjoy your special vacation.

Top Honeymoon Hotspots

Your honeymoon can be the most romantic trip you’ll ever take, and it can also be a lot of fun. Look for a destination that offers everything you want. Remember that there is no “ideal” destination – the personality of you and your partner will determine where on the planet your honeymoon should be. However, the following locations traditionally are considered the greatest spots to honeymoon and top many newlyweds’ travel wish-lists.

Hawaii - Hawaii remains the number one destination for honeymoons year after year because of its romantic sunsets, magnificent beaches, and luxurious hotels. Visitors to Hawaii can also conveniently hop from island to island to experience just about any climate and adventure under the sun, including kayaking, mountain climbing, surfing, scuba, and even hiking in a rainforest.

Mexico - From the Yucatan peninsula to the Pacific Coast, Mexico is all at once romantic, adventurous, and laidback. A collection of spectacular land- and seascapes larger than almost anywhere else in the world, reasonably priced attractions and an easy-to-reach location make a Mexico vacation hard to beat. Honeymooners can enjoy a wide variety of activities, including eco-tourism, water sports, horseback riding, diving, and touring ancient Mexican ruins.

The Caribbean - The islands of the Caribbean have long been favorites for honeymooners. While we mention a few below by name, your travel consultant can assist you with destination materials that provide a wealth of information for helping you choose the perfect spot.

Bahamas - With over 700 separate islands, you’ll find numerous resorts with all the water sports, pampering, night clubs, fine dining, casinos, and beaches you could possibly want. Many amazing islands in the Bahamas can also be visited easily in one trip by booking a cruise. If you’re seeking a truly romantic paradise for your upcoming honeymoon, look closely at the Bahamas.

Jamaica - If you’re eager to just get away and relax after hectic wedding planning, Jamaica is the place to be. From the famous reggae music festivals to the beautiful shorelines, it’s easy to get into the Jamaican state of mind. Whether you stay on the island in a luxurious resort or simply visit for a couple of hours on a cruise ship stop, Jamaica’s culture of fun, sun, and romance will make you feel welcome.

Bermuda - Bermuda is a truly s sightseer’s delight, and couples are encouraged to rent a moped or take public transportation to see all the sights. Offering an array of ocean activities and charming historic towns, Bermuda provides a romantic and mysterious escape to an era of class and grace.

U.S. Virgin Islands - Replete with sailing, snorkeling, sports fishing, and tons of shopping, honeymooners have long been attracted to the Virgin Islands for an active escape.

Tahiti and the South Pacific - These islands are becoming an increasingly popular destination for couples (including celebrities) seeking an exclusive honeymoon experience and are the closest most ever get to a private island retreat. The sheer beauty and history of the land and the people allows couples to participate in awe-inspiring eco-tourism and cultural activities. Many also opt to stay in traditional style burés, some of which are directly over the water, to take advantage of the unparalleled views.

Continental U.S. – Many couples are drawn to distinctive locations throughout the United States. California, one of the most popular, offers marvels ranging from San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge to the glamour of Hollywood. Las Vegas, Nevada, always draws a lively crowd. Its incredible range of world-class hotels, casinos, entertainment, and shopping venues gives honeymooners an exciting vacation from home. New York, Florida, and Colorado are also very popular destinations for honeymooners, as they offer fun and romantic tourist attractions that welcome visitors year-round. Traveling within the U.S. is an excellent opportunity to experience the unique diversity for which America is world-renowned.

Europe - Europe has always been high on honeymooners’ lists, in part because of the distinctiveness of each country and the many destinations couples can visit during their trip. From the majestic views of the snow-covered Alps to the Eiffel tower in Paris, Europe is filled with unforgettable history and romance.

Australia and New Zealand - If you’re looking for outdoor adventure both above and below the ocean bed, you’ll love the exceptional beauty of these lands. From snorkeling and scuba diving to bush treks and mountain climbing, honeymooners won’t find any more high-energy activities than these locations offer.

Planning a Hassle-Free Honeymoon

If you and your fiancé are just beginning to think about your honeymoon plans, a good place to start is agreeing on a specific destination. A recommended way to do this is to sit down together and compile a list of your top dream vacations. Choosing a destination and an itinerary that really works for your personality is also key. It’s easy to get overwhelmed at this stage, since you have so many possibilities, but you can narrow down the options by deciding if you’d prefer a tropical beach, big city, or a place known for adventure travel. Also consider if you want warm or cool weather, a distant land or someplace closer to home, a vibrant location with people to meet, or seclusion, where it will just be the two of you. Speak with your travel consultant about all of your honeymoon ideas, and consider including adventurous and unusual travel themes along with more popular options like mass market cruises and all-inclusive resorts.

Also remember that you may need to psychologically accommodate to your new status as a partner and a spouse, and with proper planning and smart travel choices, you can enhance your opportunity to bond without undue stress over logistics or other complications. Your travel consultant can always develop a customized honeymoon that provides not just a vacation experience, but a real journey for the two of you set in a locale that reflects your personalities and values.

Once you’ve decided where you want to go, your next step is to make a budget. Find out if you have any frequent flier miles or hotel discounts you can use towards your trip. Also think about putting all the wedding expenses on a single credit card that accumulates frequent flier miles for the honeymoon. The cost of your honeymoon will, of course, be the sum total of the accommodations, activities, transportation, meals, tips, souvenirs and other travel costs. Be candid with your travel consultant to make your honeymoon economically comfortable.

When considering your budget, know that all-inclusive resorts take care of most of your meals, athletic equipment, and tips. Some also include liquor and bar costs as well as resort-specific activities. These arrangements vary widely, however, with some including roundtrip airfare, so find out exactly what is and is not included in the price.

Also note that honeymoon packages offered by hotels, airlines, and wholesalers typically include special perks for newlyweds that you can’t get with standard packages. Your travel consultant will know to ask your hotel if special honeymoon packages are available.

Once you have a budget, decide when to go and for how long. Figure out how many vacation days you have and how many you’ll need before the wedding to take care of odds and ends at the last minute. Decide whether you want to leave immediately after your wedding, or wait a few days or weeks to give yourself more time to focus on the trip. If you don’t have very many vacation days, you may want to take a “mini-moon” the weekend of the wedding and then a longer, second honeymoon on your first anniversary. It’s usually a good idea to give yourself at least a day or two to continue the honeymoon after returning home, before you head back to work and settle into your everyday life.

Don’t forget to research the travel documents you might need for your honeymoon as well. U.S. citizens need valid passports for all air and sea travel to and from Europe, Asia, and Australia. As of January 8, 2007, passports are also required for travel to or from Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean. Your travel consultant will assist with all of the necessary documentation, including documentation of your recent name change!

Be diligent about keeping copies of all correspondence, confirmation numbers, and invoices given to you by your travel consultant. Double- and triple-check all the plans to be sure that your departure and return dates are correct. Inform everyone along the way that you’re traveling on your honeymoon, so you don’t miss out on complimentary perks. Stay organized by creating a folder or notebook where you can keep all this information.

One last bit of advice: Have realistic expectations throughout the course of planning and taking your honeymoon trip. While it’s only natural for you to want your honeymoon to be perfect, bear in mind that travel is inherently an adventure. Approach your honeymoon with an open mind, and prepare to have plenty of laughs along the way.

There really are endless possibilities for honeymooners. Whether you decide to go on an exotic foreign expedition or visit a nearby luxurious resort, start planning early to make sure you’re right where you want to be… and then Bon Voyage!

Ready to plan your Honeymoon? Call us today to book your Honeymoon at 877-229-6008 or 757-229-6008.

The media does focus on cruise ships and they get you to think it only happens here. Hey they are only trying to sell a story.

Norovirus and Cruising

1. You’re much more likely to catch the “stomach flu” during normal daily activity than
you are on a cruise ship.
Norovirus is a very common illness in the United States and is sometimes also called
viral gastroenteritis, stomach flu, and/or food poisoning.
Noroviruses can be found in hospitals, day care centers, nursing homes, dormitories and
schools, in addition to cruise ships.
Out of 660 outbreaks confirmed by CDC between 1994 and 2006, the largest
percentage of outbreaks (36%) occurred in long-term care facilities (e.g., nursing
homes), followed by 31% in “restaurants, parties, and events.” Only 20% were
from vacation settings (including cruise ships).
Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, and possible stomach cramping. Those with the
virus may also experience a low-grade fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, nausea,
and tiredness.
The CDC estimates that over 20 million Americans contract norovirus every year during
normal activity.
In 2011, the CDC confirmed just 10 outbreaks of norovirus on cruise ships
operating out of U.S. ports, down significantly from over 30 outbreaks in 2006.
Of the more than 19 million cruise passengers in 2011, the total number
confirmed by the CDC to have contracted norovirus was just 1,099 or less than
.006%. The total number of crew aboard cruise ships confirmed to have
norovirus by the CDC was 84.
2. Cruising remains extremely safe and healthy vacation option with the well-being of
guests and crew being one of the cruise industry’s highest priorities.
Unlike other segments of the travel and hospitality industry, cruise ships carrying 13 or more passengers which have a foreign itinerary with U.S. ports are required to participate in the CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program. Cruise ship medical staff or other designated personnel are required to maintain a log of cases of gastrointestinal illnesses and report those to the CDC.
According to the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) each member cruise line has an outbreak prevention and response plan to address gastrointestinal illnesses which
includes: Extensive cleaning and disinfecting of all staterooms and public areas on a daily
basis including counters, bathroom surfaces, door handles, railings and grab bars,
exercise equipment, video arcade equipment, vanities, TV remote controls and more.
Extensive onboard communications to encourage passengers to thoroughly wash
their hands frequently to help avoid unknowingly spreading the virus.
The elimination of all self-serve buffets (passengers point to the food they would like
and staff will serve them).  Extra crew may be brought on board to disinfect the ship with the CDCrecommended disinfectants from top to bottom before additional passengers board on turnaround days.
All crew who have norovirus symptoms may be confined to their quarters or
transferred off the ship.
3. Cruise passengers can take simple preventative measures to help decrease the risk of
becoming infected with norovirus:
Frequently wash hands with soap and warm water; it’s one of the best preventative
measures one can take.
Take advantage of the hand-sanitizer stations located throughout the ship, particularly
those located at the entrances of dining areas.
Drink lots of water and get plenty of rest. Resting helps rebuild your immune system.
Drinking water helps prevents dehydration.
Be considerate of other people’s health. We urge our clients who may feel ill before their
cruise to contact us to learn what their alternative cruising options may be.
Anyone seeking additional information on norovirus and proper hand-washing
techniques can visit the CDC Web site at www.cdc.gov or the Vessel Sanitation

As you can see simple precautions will help in avoiding the stomach flu. Now all we have to do is find a way to not catch a cold.

Book you next vacation by calling us at 877-229-6008 or 757-229-6008.

Planning an invigorating, unforgettable golf getaway can be daunting: lodging, transportation, restaurant choices, shipping clubs, local course rules, tee times and cart rentals all conspire to add new complexity to your itinerary. Here is where your travel consultant is worth their weight in gold. Golf travel can be expensive and the planning time consuming. Having the practiced eye of your travel consultant to arrange your vacation is a good idea – to make the most of your financial and time investment. Your travel agent can suggest tour packages at just about any destination that include all of the necessities and more, letting you enjoy your golf and travel without worrying about the logistics.

Because of golf travel’s popularity, tour operators are offering increasingly competitive deals on domestic and international packages – from budget to luxury. Work with your travel consultant to narrow down the many tour operators that offer packages to destinations you would like to visit and play. In particular, you want a tour operator experienced in golf packages that can provide you with excellent, even preferred tee times and can coach you and your companions in all of the local rules of the courses you will visit. Many tour companies offer “golf widow” rates for any in your group who may travel along but do not play. Tour operators assist with daily itineraries, accommodations, and transportation and provide access to courses and opportunities you might not be able to achieve on your own.

Choosing a destination and a corresponding course that suits your game is the most important factor in planning your dream golf vacation. If traveling with other players, you will also need to take their abilities, ages and health into consideration. If the skill levels of your companions vary dramatically, perhaps you will choose a destination that boasts an assortment of courses with varying difficulty. And if non-golfers will be joining you, you’ll need to make sure other activities are available for them to enjoy, such as the beach, mountains, museums, art galleries, historic landmarks, and other tourist attractions.

The number of potential destinations for your golf vacation is truly staggering. Practically every country in the world that has a tourism industry has golf listed as one of its primary attractions. You could head to Ireland or Scotland and become one with the history and mystery of the game as well as enjoy summertime hours on the course as late as 9 p.m. You can head to Hawaii and learn to surf and bogie on the same day. The Caribbean, comprised of 700 islands, offers more possiblities than you can imagine. Then you have exotic, Far East destinations where golf has taken a firm but zen-like grip on nations like Japan and Thailand. Not to mention spectacular domestic destinations like Phoenix, Palm Springs, or the Greenbriar in West Virginia.

Perhaps you will want to take advantage of several courses on your trip. If this is the case, you should allocate sufficient time for transportation between courses and the logistics of settling into your accommodations. On the other hand, if you’re limited to a weekend trip, sticking with one or two courses will allow for some relaxing downtime. If you wish to play courses other than those included in your tour package, your travel consultant should easily be able to make the necessary arrangements and adjust the price of your package accordingly.

Booking tee times in advance is a must. Your travel consultant will determine from the tour operator how far in advance reservations can be made, as this varies with each course. If not, you will need to inquire about tee time reservation guidelines and make your arrangements as early as possible, especially for better-known courses. Also be aware that many golf resorts offer their guests first choice concerning tee times, which might give you reason to stay at the resort rather than off-premises.

If you are traveling internationally, remember to leave time to acclimate to time zone changes. The day of arrival in Europe from the United States is often a gray haze of addled thinking and tired reflexes – not the optimal conditions for a game of golf. Leaving a day or two for sightseeing and relaxing will help assure that your golf game will be up to par, or as close as you can get, anyway.

Before leaving home, you will want to know whether the course you’ll be playing has any restrictions. More popular courses often require a particular handicap of players, and at times, a home course letter of recommendation. Such courses might also specify a maximum amount of time allotted to complete a round – something to consider, especially if the course does not allow golf carts. These restrictions ensure that play is continuous and enables more golfers to enjoy the course. When playing a new course, it’s a good idea to arrive early and familiarize yourself with its layout. Allowing time for practice on the range and putting greens should help you adjust to the course more quickly.

Do remember to take into account your destination’s climate. When traveling to the U.K., for instance, know that rain and wind will likely be factors in your game. When heading to the southeastern U.S., consider hurricane season. Furthermore, if a course closes because of rain, you may want to be in a destination that has other means of entertainment. But if there is nothing you would rather do on vacation besides golf, be sure to choose a destination with a mild and consistent climate.

If you’re on a budget, you have an opportunity to save money and still play some of the best courses by traveling off-season. Your travel consultant will help you plan for “low” to “high” season travel, but if you choose the low season, remember that the trade-off is almost always your weather conditions. While the savings can be substantial, if you are planning on a trip to Florida or a tropical destination, do not underestimate the heat. However, in other destinations, such as Ireland and Scotland, off-season weather can translate into wet, cold and gale-force winds. Choose wisely!

Another option would be Vacationing at a golf school, which can be the perfect opportunity for players at every level who are looking to lower their scores. Many golf schools boast instructors who are PGA Tour professionals. Many also use state-of-the-art technology to analyze and enhance your golf swing. The training can be as focused or as broad as you wish, given the many schools offering multiple programs. For this reason, advance research is imperative.

In general, golf schools offer professional instruction for small groups with a particular skill level. Be sure to inquire about the school’s teacher/student ratio before you go. One-on-one lessons may also be available at an additional cost. Instruction is usually given early in the day so participants can practice what they’ve learned in the afternoon. Golf school programs vary in length from a day to a week, and program costs vary as well. Costs are generally dependent on the intensity of the instruction, travel season, and whether or not accommodation and meals are included.

As you pack, keep in mind that golf courses have strict requirements regarding attire. Golf shoes are a must, as well as collared shirts, long shorts and/or pants. Also be aware of your destination’s climate – rain gear is always advisable. Since playing with a set of clubs different from your own can hinder your game, renting clubs, though an option at many courses, is not advisable if it can be avoided. When traveling by plane, pack your clubs in a high quality travel bag, and stuff the bag with as many small items as possible (gloves, balls, tees, etc) to conserve space in your luggage and to provide a bit of padding for your clubs. Just a note – clubs cannot be a carry-on item, so don’t even try. A hard-case is recommended for travel on airlines to prevent damage to the clubs from other bags and inevitable rough handling. As a precaution, check to see if the loss of your clubs would be covered under your homeowners insurance, or if a rider to your policy is necessary.

Travel insurance is also a good idea. Items generally covered by a typical travel insurance policy include airfare, baggage, health, and trip cancellation/interruption for up to a year. Remember that your own health insurance may not be valid abroad, so also check into that.

When you make your final plans, inquire about relevant cancellation policies, as well as any fees incurred if you change your golf schedule. And although you’re counting on sunny skies, you may want to ask about a rain refund policy.

Once your plans are set – it’s time to relax and enjoy the trip ahead. Travel on, and tee up! The green awaits.

Call us today to book your next vacation at 877-229-6008 or 757-229-6008.

For Yanks looking for a quick taste of old Dixie, it’s also the northernmost Southern city, making it an easy weekend getaway for Northerners in search of some Southern hospitality. I live in Northern Virginia, which is technically part of the South, but in reality, Southern accents and good biscuits are a two hour drive south in Richmond, which is on my short list for most underrated historic cities in America. Below are my suggestions for how to spend a memorable weekend in Virginia’s capital.

Sites
Maymont- The hilly grounds of this 100 acre estate built by Confederate tycoon, Major James Dooley, offer panoramic views of the James River and feature lush gardens, a children’s farm, and a nature center. There is a small admission fee to visit the mansion and nature center but you can explore the beautiful grounds and visit the farm for free.

St. John’s Episcopal Church- Built in 1741, this handsome wooden church, located in Richmond’s historic Church Hill neighborhood, is where Patrick Henry delivered his famous “Give me liberty, or give me death,” speech to George Washington.

The Fan- If you like Victorian architecture, this alluring neighborhood just west of downtown is a must see. Easily one of my favorite walkable neighborhoods in the country.

The Byrd Theatre- Built in 1928, this may be the most beautiful old time cinema in the country. Even if you don’t plan to take in a $1.99 movie, stop in to take a look at this masterpiece theater, which is located in Carytown, a neighborhood with great shops and restaurants.

Virginia Museum of Fine Arts- A free-to-enter, world-class museum with more than 20,000 works of art, including a very impressive collection of South Asian art.The American Civil War Center at Tredegar- If you’re only going to hit one Civil War related museum in Richmond, this is the place to go for a terrific overview of the conflict. Opened in 2006, the museum offers a visually attractive, interactive user friendly experience that depicts the war from the perspective of the Union, the Confederacy and African Americans.The Virginia State Capitol- Take the time to explore this Classical Revival gem, which Thomas Jefferson modeled on a Roman era temple in Nimes, France.

James River Bridges- Take the Robert E. Lee footbridge over to Belle Island for a great walk and then check out the unnamed, interpretative footbridge just off the Canal Walk for insights into the fall of Richmond during the waning days of the Civil War.

The Museum of the Confederacy- While the American Civil War Center offers a nicer overview of the conflict, this is a great stop to see Confederate memorabilia, like Robert E. Lee’s hat and tent and Jeb Stuart’s knee high boots. The gift shop sells lots of kitsch, including nylon Confederate flags for $39.

Children’s Museum of Richmond- If you’re traveling with kids, this is their reward for tolerating all the Civil War history.Food

Alamo BBQ- Cheap and delicious, this is one of my favorite BBQ places anywhere, but I also love the tilapia burritos. Excellent pecan pie for $2.93 a slice. The only downside is that you have to sit in a tent, but it’s not as cold as you might think, even in January.

Edo’s Squid- Italian fine dining in a hidden location at very fair prices. Arrive early to beat the crowds.

Comfort- Southern comfort food at its finest in a relaxed setting.

821 Bakery Café- Tasty food and a terrific beer selection in a cool old building with exposed brick walls and a vintage tin ceiling. Also wins my award for the most colorful bathrooms I’ve ever seen.

Test your driving skills on a one-lane stretch of mountain road that weaves along coastal cliffs.

Buy a pineapple at a roadside stand. Watch the owner slice it with his machete. Then eat it as the juice drips down your chin.

If you’re a first-timer on Maui, the guidebooks can help with the official checklist: sunrise at the Haleakala volcano. Snorkeling at Black Rock. Paddle-boarding off the coast in Lahaina.

Been there. Done that, or just looking for something new? Pry yourself out of the lounge chair and put together your own mini-adventure. Here are three ideas for exploring off-the-beaten path.

Small-town Maui

Maui is Hawaii’s second-largest island, but away from the resorts and shopping malls, it’s mostly a collection of small communities.

Take a morning or afternoon to soak up a bit of laid-back island life. Here are a couple of options, either of which can be used to break up a trip to or from Hana or Haleakala:

• Paia, close to the Kahului airport on Maui’s north shore, and on the road to Hana. Once dominated by a sugar planation, Paia attracts a relaxed crowd of windsurfers from nearby Hookipa beach.

Stroll the two main streets lined with flat-roofed wooden buildings painted in faded pastels. Shop for shoes and bags made from hemp at the Hemp House, 16 Baldwin Ave., or bracelets made from island pine at the Maui Hands Gallery, 84 Hana Highway.

Chances are you’ll meet a local artist behind the register at the Maui Crafts Guild store. Twenty craftsmen, jewelers and painters sell their work in a canary yellow building at 69 Hana Highway.

• Makawao, a former cowboy town in Maui’s rural Upcountry, where Japanese and Portuguese immigrants settled in the late 1800s.

Follow your nose to Komoda Store & Bakery, 3674 Baldwin Ave., owned by the Komoda family for almost a century.

Third and fourth-generation family members start after midnight making doughnuts filled with guava and sweet red bean for customers who begin showing up at 7 a.m. Lining the top of the pastry case and selling for $1.50 each are cream puffs, the house specialty.

Kiyoko Komoda, 90, whose husband’s father left a plantation job to open the bakery, was folding boxes in the back of the store the morning my husband, Tom, and I dropped in. Her sister-in-law, Leatrice, 80, greeted us from behind the counter.

Order a sack of doughnuts to go, then take a stroll through the gardens at the Hui No’eau Visual Arts Center on the estate of former sugar baron Harry Baldwin and his artist wife Ethel.

Lining Baldwin Avenue are art galleries and boutiques. Shop for ethnic jewelry at Little Tibet inside an old gas station, then grab a stool at the bar under the chili-pepper lights at Polli’s Mexican Restaurant, and cool off with a margarita.

Take a scenic drive

Everyone knows about the drive to Hana on the road that twists through tropical forests along the bottom of Haleakala.

Less well-known, shorter and scenic in a different way is the 30-mile drive over the top of the West Maui mountains (Highways 30 and 340), starting just past Kapalua in West Maui and ending in Wailuku.

Andrew Doughty, author of the guidebook, “Maui Revealed,” describes this drive as “Hana Highway without the traffic.”

Hana is an all-day excursion, but this drive took us three hours, including stops for short hikes and snacks, and the return trip back to Lahaina in West Maui from Wailuku.

Driving west to east, as Doughty suggests, turned what some describe as white-knuckles experience into a relaxing scenic drive.

Driving clockwise, there were few, if any, blind spots on a short stretch of one-lane road, and we were able to travel along the inside lane (the road is paved and two lanes in most places) rather than along the edges of steep cliffs.

At the “Little Grass Shack,” a pineapple stand on a secluded bay just outside Honokohau Village, we met Maui native Darryl Aiwohi.

Honokohau’s population, once at around 5,000, has dwindled to just a few families, who like Aiwhoi, shunned real-estate developers and held onto the land where their ancestors made a living growing pineapples. He and his wife pick 15 a day which they cut up, and sell for $2 per slice.

A few miles north is Nakalele Point where a steep path of red clay and lava rock leads to the Nakalele Blowhole. At high tide, with a strong surf, water spurts up from the hole like a fountain going on and off without warning. Navigate this area with caution, and keep your distance from the hole. A California man died when he was knocked by a large wave into the blow hole in July.

Driving gets more challenging just outside the village of Kahakuloa. Here, the road narrows to one lane for about three miles, with no guard rails. The scenery is stunning, with green mountains on one side and coastal views on the other, but keep your eyes on the road.

Perched on a cliff above Kahakuloa is the Kaukini Gallery where 120 island artists sell pottery made with beach glass and whimsical sculptures crafted from discarded divers’ tanks.

Four miles from Kahakuloa, near mile marker 10 is Turnbull Studios and Sculpture Garden. Visitors are free to wander around the grounds and studio where Bruce Turnbull, his nephew, Steve; and Steve’s wife, Christine, work and sell works by local artists.

Go local

If a helicopter tour or zip-line adventure isn’t in the budget, no worries. Spend a day enjoying some of the simple treats locals treasure.

Park the car and ride an air-conditioned bus, without hassling with traffic or parking.

Eat a plate lunch.

Try shave ice more than once.

One of our most carefree days involved all three.

Maui County Transit runs hourly service ($1 per trip or $2 for an all-day pass) on 12 routes around the island, connecting popular beach areas, shopping malls and restaurants.

Travel time was about an hour from the bus stop at our condo in Napili in West Maui to Front Street in Lahaina. That’s longer than it takes to drive, but in a car, chances are we wouldn’t have found the Aloha Mixed Plate behind the Lahaina Cannery Mall.

Spotting what looked like an idyllic scene from the bus window, we jumped off, snagged a beach-side table, and for $8.95 shared the Hawaiian plate — Kalua pig, cabbage, salmon, poi — while admiring the yachts moored in the harbor.

One of the island’s biggest little luxuries is shave ice. Japanese plantation workers came up with the treat by hacking blocks of ice with machetes, then dousing the shards with fruit juice.

Pickled mango, green tea and red velvet are among the 50 flavors Ululani and David Yamashiro sell at Ululani’s, with two Front Street locations.

The couple started their business at the farmers market in Vancouver, Wash. Now they have three locations in Maui, and offer flavors such as pickled mango and tiger’s blood, a cherry and coconut combo.

At David’s urging, I tried three in one afternoon. Brain freeze aside, it was pure fun.

Their secret: poking holes in the ice so the syrup can seep in. “Good shave ice,” says David, “should be the consistency of powered snow.”

Now is the time to book you next vacation. Call us today at 877-229-6008 or 757-229-6008.