Travel Smart

Before your trip

Make three copies of the following: (1) the photo page of your passport, with your passport number and the issuing office; (2) your paper airline ticket, if you have one — or use electronic tickets, which you can't lose; (3) traveler's checks — make sure the serial numbers are readable, or record them separately; and (4) your driver's license. Keep one set of copies for yourself (apart from the originals), leave one set with a family member or friend, and stow the last set in the hotel safe when you get to your destination.

While you're away

"Treat your travel documents like you would treat your cash," says Denise Reilly, president of Reilly Group Travel, in Milford, Connecticut. Don't leave them lying around, and keep them locked up, if possible, even in your hotel room. (Leave them at the front desk if there's no safe in your room.) When you're on the move, keep the originals in a pouch with a Velcro closure so nothing can slip out.

Written by Erik Jackson

Club Med 7 day weekend

Club Med was perhaps many's first taste of "All Inclusive". They continue to redefine the brand with 5 key aspects to each unique destination

*Experience the exceptional
*Have a taste of everything
*Discover new cultures
*Enjoy your passion for sports
*Feel renewed

Club Med offers mainly family resorts at a great price for all inclusive and award winning children's programs. There are a couple adults only properties as well.

The 7 day weekend sale is going on and it is stay for 7 nights pay for 3!!
Book by November 1st and travel by December 13thStarting from $793 per person land only.

for more information please call 888-570-7786

"Green" Travel

How many times have you read that a company was "Going Green" in the last couple years??
It has become a new trend, a wonderful new trend!
My husband and I are adopting some great Eco friendly habits and I would like to pass those along to you as well as some great ways to keep the environment in mind while traveling!

Personal ways to become "green" in your home.

*RECYCLE!!!! It is so easy there is really no excuse why everyone cannot recycle please pick up an extra trashcan and do your part!
*Walmart is now recycling your plastic bags, so after you go to the grocery take them out to your trunk and throw them in the box at the front of the store next time you go.
*Unplug your appliances when not in use. Did you know this can save up to 40% on your electric bill???? Lamps, coffee pot, hairdryer, blender, toaster, exercize equipment etc are some I unplugged.
*When its yellow let it mellow, if it's brown flush it down!! Enough said.
*Take showers with your significant other! Kill two birds with one stone ; )
*Fluorescent light bulbs
*Use recycled paper in your printer
*Use a 5 gallon water dispenser instead of buying 5 gallons worth of plastic water bottles!! It is cheaper too!

Travel Tips

*Travel by train instead of car or plane
*Opt for bus, rail or ferry transportation
*Discover new places on FOOT! Yes! Get some exercise!!
*Rent an Eco friendly car...or better yet BUY one!
*Use your towels several times in hotels instead of getting new. Ask for your sheets not to be changed everyday.


Want to go to an Eco friendly hotel or "green" vacation??? Give me a call!! I would love to help with that! Are you a yoga or surfing lover?? I know some amazing resorts that are geared towards that as well as environmentally friendly and serve organic meals.

Spa getaways

In 2008 spas are shifting the focus from pampering and indulging to wellness and medical atmosphere. People are looking for a better body, but not just on the outside. Typical treatments now are cleansing fasts, acupuncture, and yoga.

• Spas are not just for women! The number of men visiting spas has increased to almost 40%!
• Twice as many adults are more interested in going to a spa than golfing on a vacation
• 58% of affluent travelers say a full service spa is their preferred amenity.

In the United States, some of the best known spas are in Sedona, Scottsdale AZ area. As well as one in the Poconos in PA. There are a couple in North Carolina that are world renowned.

Recently in Northern Virgina, near D.C. a day spa has incorporated something new! A pedicure where small fish eat the dead skin off of your feet! The results are amazing I hear! I want to get one sometime. Check out this website to watch a Youtube video from CBS.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aLLzKDhNz8o



Thanks to Travel Weekly for their great spa article last week!

Travel Trends: Cruising Is The Way To Go

Beginning mid September, the skies over America will be emptier this year. Through the roof fuel costs, tight money, and a rocky economy does not bode well for fourth quarter travel. Expect higher fares, fewer flights domestically, and a continued cattle hauling mentality from the airlines. After all, when you are losing millions in operations week after week, it tends to sour even the most enthusiastic.

There is a good chance that any reductions will be short lived. Airline service goes to cities where money can be made and our status has just improved dramatically. In the short term, however, we may see carriers bulking up service from larger hub airports. In any case, you'll be best served by planning air travel well in advance and expect to pay more for travel in the coming months.

Depending on the market and economy, there will likely be excellent travel offers in the Caribbean and South America this year. Exploration type cruising is gaining with the green wave now awash worldwide. See the coastlines of the world before they are submerged or see the glaciers before they melt are the messages that seem to attract growing numbers of earth first tourists these days.

There will be some fine travel opportunities in the coming months due to the lagging economy. For those interested in a bargain, your day is coming soon. Beware, though, that buying price should never substitute for buying that which will fulfill your expectations. Travel time is an investment that can pay great dividends if chosen wisely. That's why I'm here!


Thanks to http://www.chattanoogan.com/articles/article_131571.asp
for some of the information. Edited by Courtney Harding.

Ho'olu komo la kaua in Hawaii

Fall is a GREAT time to travel to Hawaii with the Caribbean in hurricane season from June-December and kids going back to school late August makes September-November an awesome shoulder season to visit Hawaii. There are less crowds perfect weather...generally at 85 degrees year round. (Don't forget it is a tropical climate so a little rain everyday is not uncommon)

Also don't forget about a Hawaiian cruise. It is an excellent value with all your food included as well as a taste of several islands (so you can check out the one you like best and perhaps visit longer next time!)

Also fall is a great time to travel because many hotels in Hawaii offer deals like the 4th or 5th night free, breakfast included, dining credits etc..Also since my company is affiliated with American Express I can get exclusive deals/amenities that are not available to online sites.

Having been to Maui myself I can say the Hawaiian people are truly some of the kindest people I have ever met. Everyone is so sincere and smiles all the time, the are truly beautiful inside and out! There air is even different, you can smell the hibiscus flowers constantly and the clouds seem close enough to reach. The sea life is unreal, I saw turtles as big as me! It was spectacular, I cannot wait to go back!!

*Google the title*
*Pictures compliments of www.comeseehawaii.com

Oasis of the Seas

When she launches in late 2009, Oasis of the Seas will be the largest and most revolutionary cruise ship in the world. An architectural marvel at sea, she will span 16 decks, encompass 220,000 gross registered tons (GRT), carry 5,400 guests at double occupancy, and feature 2,700 staterooms. Oasis of the Seas will be the first ship to tout the cruise line’s new neighborhood concept of seven distinct themed areas, which includes Central Park, Boardwalk, and the Royal Promenade. The ship will sail from her home port of Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Additional information is available at www.oasisoftheseas.com.

Reservations start the beginning of September 2008! Call me at 888-570-7786


Just found out some addtl info!

The Oasis will have the only moving bar at Sea! It will move vertically between 8 decks! How Awesome is that!

The Central Park area will be longer than a football field and incorporate 7 distinct neighborhood areas.
It will have an outdoor theater that will have diving shows in the evenings. Royal Caribbean continues to define excellence on every new ship.