Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Amazing Mexican Vacation
Here is a testimonial from one of our clients:
Hi Wendy,
Thanks again for setting us up with Isabelle to book through your agency for our Mexico trip.
We ended up staying at the Grand Riviera Princess for 2 weeks. I'm not sure if you like feedback on the trips that we book through you but I thought I would send a quick something & pictures.
The trip was awesome and we loved every part of it, we would recommend this resort to everyone. I have attached a few pictures from our trip of the resort/room for future guests that may want to book at this hotel. We found the pictures on the internet did not look so nice as we were hesitating to book there but when we got there we were shocked at how beautiful it was.
The food was great, 7 different restaurants to book at. Lots of choices at the buffet for breakfast / lunch.
The room was perfect size for the 3 of us. We used the gym in the mornings.
We used the free shuttle to Playa Del Carmen as that was a great way to get in other activities (ie. para sailing, jet skiing etc)
We went Nov 16-29 and the weather was over +30 the whole time (except for 1 day when it rained for approx 2 hours).
The only negative thing we found was the sports bar only served burgers and fries so if you wanted food after 10pm it would have to be either of those.
The last few days of the trip was around the American Thanksgiving Hotel so there were lots of families and kids...we would avoid the holiday next time as prior to that we did not see many kids around.
Other then that we loved it! Just thought I would share a few pictures / feedback with you for future guests. We will be making an annual trip so I'm sure you will hear from us again soon.
Take Care
Merry Christmas
Ellen
Travel Tips for Adventure Tour
If you want to enjoy the best of enthusiasm, excitement, enthrallment and challenge, then an adventure tour will be the right choice for you. Most people in this world love to go on an adventure trip just because they want to take a break from the mundane routine they suffer from in their daily life.
Here, you need to follow certain travel tips in order to make sure that you enjoy a great adventurous trip and come back safe and with wonderful memory of the expedition. The reason is that adventure expedition involves a great amount of risk due to the activities like trekking, hiking paragliding, snorkeling, rafting and mountaineering.
Here are some wonderful tips for your adventure tour. Follow these tips to enjoy the best of what you can during your expedition.
a) Physical activity:
It is extremely important to consider the amount of physical activity that you would like to involve in. If you want to simply travel across the world and have a look at exquisite places across the globe then you don’t require to possess extraordinary health fitness. If you are looking forward to enjoy the adventure like the trekking, hiking or mountaineering, then you require to be in the perfect state of health. The reason is that these activities require a good amount of physical exertion. Keep this in mind when you plan your adventure travel.
b) Activities:
Make a list of all the activities you want to involve in while on an adventure tour. Decide the activities you want to indulge in while you are on an adventure travel. This will let you plan your travel wisely and also allow you to enjoy the tour.
c) Shop with Lesli:
Adventure Travel Specialist Lesli Heron will work with you to tailor your travel adventure to your specific wants and needs. Her extensive knowledge and amazing attention to detail will ensure that you have the adventure getaway of a lifetime.
d) Set a budget:
You need to work within your stipulated budget in order to enjoy your adventure tour. Plan a budget and stick to it.
e) Terms and conditions:
Get a copy of the travel operator’s terms and conditions in black and white. Review the policies carefully
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Keep Kids Safe During Holidays
Make sure your kids are safe when you travel this holiday season.
In 2008, 4,268 children 7 and younger were injured; and 20 were killed in motor vehicle crashes in North Carolina. Of the 20 that were fatally injured, six were unsecured, the release said.
Here are some tips to help keep children in your vehicle safe as you travel this season:
· Children 12 and under should always be in the back seat.
· Infants should be in the back seat in a rear-facing child safety seat, as long as possible up to the height or weight limit of the particular seat. At a minimum, keep infants rear-facing until at least age 1 and at least 20 pounds.
· When children outgrow their rear-facing seats they should ride in forward-facing child safety seats, in the back seat, until they reach the upper weight or height limit of the particular seat (usually around age 4 and 40 pounds).
· Young children too large for child safety seats should ride in booster seats in the back seat until they are large enough to buckle up safely without the seat, typically age 8 or when they are 4’9” tall.
· Be sure those child safety seats are installed properly; three out of four are improperly installed in vehicles according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Be safe and have a happy holidays!
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Overlanding - The good old days!
Overlanding still exists on a few routes so if you have got the time 3, 6 or 12 months it is a trip of a lifetime. One, that changed my life many years ago!
Trips to Book with a Travel Agent
It may seem cheaper or more practical to book a vacation online, however there are some vacations that should never be book online. Sometimes what appears to be an affordable vacation turns into an expensive nightmare. So when should you not book on the internet? Here are seven vacations to make sure you book with a travel agent.
1. Cruising
Travel agents remain your best bet for a floating vacation. Why? Two main reasons: First, cruise lines give travel agencies access to special deals that you probably won’t find anywhere else. And second, because a cruise can get complicated. There are airline tickets that have to be bought, hotel rooms to be booked, shore excursions and lots of options on the ship. Many times cruise agents will book group space on popular sailings, so they can offer their clients bonuses such as onboard money and champagne toasts. Also, because and agent has booked space on the best cruises, when a website tells you there is no availability the agent may be able to get you on that ship.
2. Traveling around the world
An around-the-world itinerary is usually far more complex than a straight-up roundtrip airline ticket. Never mind the hotel arrangements and activities you’ll want to plan. Travel agents are best suited to these kinds of vacations. Furthermore, many online booking engines won’t allow complex itineraries that go all over the world in a matter of days.
3. When you don’t have the time
If you work with a travel agent who knows your preferences, you might consider outsourcing the research for your next vacation. You end up saving time, rather than money but this may ultimately be more valuable.
4. If you’re uncomfortable with the Inter-Web
If you’re reading this blog online, this probably doesn’t apply to you. People should stay away from booking online if they’ve never done it before, and particularly if their next trip is a special event, like an anniversary or honeymoon. But even if you’ve booked on the Web before, you should think twice before doing it again. If a website looks sketchy, that’s probably because it is.
5. Traveling internationally
A weekend in London is one thing. However, if you’re headed off to a country whose name you can’t pronounce, you probably need to stay off the computer — at least when you book. Find a travel professional that specializes in the place you’re going. An international trip is entirely different than booking a weekend away and you may find you spend more money booking such a trip online, rather than with a travel agent.
6. Doing something exotic
This is for the trips that aren’t for everyone, such as sailing up the coast of British Columbia and Alaska or hiking Mount Kilimanjaro. When you deal with a travel agent, they make sure that you are on a trip that is right for you. They want everyone to be happy, so that next time you’ll book with them again.
7. Special events
A honeymoon, anniversary or class reunion falls into this category. But mostly, a honeymoon. Engaged couples have quite enough to worry about with wedding plans. Therefore the honeymoon should be relaxing, not an added stress or another item on a to-do list that's much too long to begin with. An agent can make sure your vacation is as close to perfect as it can be, from start to finish.
Ski in Style with Club Med
Club Med boasts 22 ski resorts which are scattered across France, Italy and Switzerland. Many of these resorts are offering fantastic savings to ski from now until April 2010. Thrill seekers, casual skiers and family groups are all catered for at Club Med Resorts. The most practiced skier can book just as easily as those who have never seen the slopes below. Skiers and boarders can revel in the natural skiing paradise of Arcs Extrême, a Resort that offers 200km of exceptional downhill skiing 3000 metres above sea level while the Club Med Resort of Avoriaz is perfectly suited to families. Club Med offers tuition in the ski offer so you can pick up a few pointers before braving the slopes. And don't worry, for those of you whose children fancy themselves the next ski Olympian, rest assured that the children's clubs will keep your little ones are in safe hands.
For those of you who like to indulge yourselves, Club Med has just opened an exclusive area at their Val d’Isere ski resort: The 5-Trident Space. This new, private section of the hotel is designed to provide a more up-market product for guests. Guests of the 5-Trident suites can indulge themselves with extras such as champagne in the private lounge, a ski room exclusive to 5-trident residents and a dedicated concierge.
Club Med is an ideal option if your clients are budgeting and want a winter treat but hurry, places are filling!
Monday, December 21, 2009
5 Ways to Cure Your Travel Hangover
Travel hangover (NOUN): the sad feeling you have upon returning home from an inspiring trip, otherwise known as the back-home blues or a hangover without the alcohol.
We've all had it, and there's no easy cure for it either. No matter how eager you are to return home from a trip, there's something about the trip that you're bound to miss -- whether it's the food, the culture, the sunsets, or the escape from reality. Here are a few ways to get rid of your "illness" a little quicker.
1. Take time to reflect: Before you get back into the swing of things back home, make sure you reflect on the trip you just took and take note of the things you learned -- about yourself and the place you went. If possible, share your reflections with your friends and family, as they will be better able to lift your spirits when you feel sad.
2. Get and stay busy: Once home, try to get out of the house as much as possible and engage yourself in the real world. Getting and staying busy will force you to spend energy on other things rather than dwell on what you're missing.
3. Be grateful: I once sent a letter and care package to a lady I stayed with in Vanuatu and she wrote back with such enormous gratitude that it really lifted my spirits even more than my deed lifted hers. We often forget to say thank you to the people who made our time abroad so memorable and special. All it takes is a little thank you postcard, which is a small thing for the gift you just got in traveling.
4. Make a difference: Your journey doesn't have to end when you return to home soil. In fact, there are several ways to continue your trip in a metaphorical sense by saying thank you (#4) or giving back to the people who gave to you. If you don't have the cash to make a donation to a local NGO, do your part to educate the people you know about what's going on in the world. Sometimes the smallest gestures have the biggest outcomes.
5. Plan your next trip: If you're really feeling bummed out and still dreaming big, who's to say you can't begin planning for your next great adventure? Book your next ticket abroad! That way, you'll have something to look forward to as well as back on.
While there may not be a sure fire way to cure your back-home blues, there are plenty of ways to turn your frown into a smile -- and maybe even make others smile in the process. The world is your oyster, but so is your home, so take advantage of having your loved ones beside you again, and take comfort that your next big trip is just around the corner.
Friday, December 18, 2009
Great Hikes in British Columbia
From the Pacific Ocean in the west to the Rocky Mountains in the east, British Columbia is a place of endless diversity: lush rainforests and dry canyons, barren alpines and gentle farmlands, soaring ranges and sea-swept beaches. There’s no better way to see it all than by setting out on foot, and experienced hikers know that autumn is the best time for day hikes: crisp and clear, the high country is still free from the deep snows of winter.
So strap on your boots, grab your camera, and get out there – but always remember that it’s important to be fully equipped and prepared. Here follows a sampling of fabulous fall hikes in British Columbia, where you’ll find plenty of views to inspire the soul.
Vancouver, Coast & Mountains
The Grouse Grind
Length: 2.9 kilometers
Vertical: 853 meters (2,798 feet)
Estimated time to complete: 1.5 hours
A winding trail that scrambles up Grouse Mountain’s southern slope in North Vancouver, the Grind has become British Columbia’s best-known hike. It’s certainly well named – with an average grade of 30 degrees, it’s a steep, thigh-burning trail boasting an elevation gain of 853 meters (2,798 feet) as it climbs through the forest from the Valley Station to the peak plateau. (In all, there are 2,800 steps built into the trail.) The Grind was completed in the early 1980s, and it’s a must for locals and travelers alike. And though you probably won’t match the trail record of 24 minutes—for the average adult, it’s about an hour and a half—a trip up the Grind will give you a first-hand view of Vancouver’s unique urban and outdoor cultures. The best way down? Hop aboard the scenic Grouse Mountain Skyride, where a $5 one-way ride offers stunning views of the city.
www.grousemountain.com
The Trails of Garibaldi
Length: varies, depending on the trail or trails chosen
Vertical: challenging; between 600 meters (1,968 feet) to over 900 meters (2,952 feet)
Estimated time to complete: depending on trail, can range from two to four hours (one way)
As you drive north from Vancouver, you pass into Sea to Sky country. Just outside the town of Squamish, Garibaldi Provincial Park holds some of the province’s most dramatic scenery; there are dozens of great trails in the Garibaldi area, but serious hikers will want to head for the Taylor Meadows and Garibaldi Lakes campgrounds. Departing from there, you’ll be able to access Black Tusk, the jagged remnants of an ancient volcano (note: taking on the Tusk can add, at minimum, four hours to your trek). There are also high trails like Panorama Ridge, where glaciers and striated ranges lead off to the far horizon. Garibaldi may prove a challenging place to hike – but it is one rife with rewards.
Border Prep for the 2010 Olympic's
U.S. officials have unveiled their plans for dealing with an increase in traffic from B.C. during the 2010 Winter Olympics, with up to 12,000 people a day expected to cross the border into the U.S. during the Games.
While the Olympics are being held in Canada, the number of visitors drawn to the entire region — and into the U.S. — is expected to rise dramatically.
The U.S. officials said at a news conference in Blaine, Wash., on Tuesday they will have 10 primary inspection booths running — two more than normal at the busy Peace Arch crossing, south of Vancouver.
One extra booth will open in each of Lynden and Sumas, in the Fraser Valley east of Vancouver.
Officials estimate that every day during the Olympics in February will be like a busy summer day.
"Those are the projections that we've been given, time and time again," said U.S. Customs and Border protection spokeswoman Michele James.
Most crossings not affected
Summer days at the Peace Arch crossing can involve delays of up to two hours, in either direction.
A new $70-million U.S. Customs and Border Protection facility at the Peace Arch crossing was originally planned to be ready for the Games, but construction delays have put the opening back to December 2010.
The 12 other B.C. crossings, most of them hundreds of kilometres east of Games sites in Vancouver and Whistler, are not expected to experience a significant increase in traffic volume.
James urged travellers to think about using border crossings other than Peace Arch, to plan travel for off-peak hours, and to ease the time it takes to cross by having their documents ready.
Major border crossings between Washington state and B.C. are open 24 hours a day.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
2010 Olympics
If you want something a bit more relaxing, but still be able to join in the fun and games, we have beautiful family homes and Condo's in North Vancouver, West Vancouver, Richmond and Steveston.
Did you think you would have a problem finding a place to stay in Whistler, we can help you find that perfect place.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
The Sanctuary on Princess Cruises
Indulge with an alfresco massage in one of our private cabanas. Sink into a plush lounge chair with a pre-loaded MP3 player and enjoy a selection of soothing music. Sip a refreshing fruit smoothie or fresh juice while perusing our light, cabana cuisine options. The Sanctuary has a full bar and a tasty selection of homemade pizzas for those in the mood. All along, our attentive Serenity Stewards are standing by to serve you.
So on your next cruise with Princess, be sure to stop into The Sanctuary … a secluded retreat within your retreat, where you can relax, unwind and escape completely.
The Top Five Reasons to Experience the Galapagos
2. Life under the water – It is said by many visitors to these islands that unless you get under the water you have not seen the Galapagos! Marine turtles, a colorful variety of rays, countless tropical fish, garden ells, and of course the unique, and seemingly out of place at the equator, Galapagos Penguin. Sea lions and marine iguanas, common on island beaches, become a new highlight when viewed swimming inches from your face mask! Aventouras' Galapagos by Sea trip uses only small yachts, accommodating 20 or fewer-passengers, to keep snorkeling and swimming activities intimate.
3. Year-round destination – Spring, summer, fall or winter; any time is a great time to visit the Galapagos, and contrary to traveler mythology, most travelers can book a trip on relatively short notice. January-May is considered the dry-hot season and a prime breeding period, while June-December is the wet-mild season. Regardless of the time of year, the weather is comfortable and you will always see Galapagos babies since different animals mate and birth at different times of the year. Aventouras offers options in terms of cruise lengths (4-, 5-, and 8-day experiences) and extensions to the Amazon and other Ecuadorean highlights like the mountain adventure town of Banos.
4. Unique landscape – It's easy to see why the first visitors to the Galapagos described these islands as “hell on Earth,” but the dome volcanoes, strips of black lava forming rivers among the plant life, blow holes, parasite cones and pinnacle rocks jutting hundreds of feet into the air offer a glimpse into the past as well as a geographic treasure to enjoy now. One traveler commented that Seymour Island reminded her of the “land that time forgot” for those boomers with memories of “B” fantasy movies.
5. Sustainability in practice – Although most informed visitors first think of the strong conservation efforts to preserve and restore wildlife and habitat in the Galapagos Islands, the people and administration of the Galapagos have made a remarkable effort to impress upon visitors and the native population alike of the importance of sustainable travel; the three “R's” of the Galapagos - reduce, reuse, and recycle. Aventouras works to reduce the impact of tourism in the Galapagos and all the destinations it visits, and it is proud to be one of the few carbon-neutral adventure travel operators.
Monday, December 14, 2009
Rocky Mountaineer
Selected dates May – September 2010
Fully escorted price includes:
•Excellent hand-picked superior three-star hotel accommodation
•Explore some of the most spectacular alpine scenery in the world on a stunning two-day journey through the majestic Rockies on the incredible Rocky Mountaineer train between Banff and Vancouver
•Travel on the Icefields Parkway, one the most scenic highways in the world and walk on the 300-metre thick Athabasca glacier
•Stay and tour Vancouver - vibrant, sophisticated and overlooking the Pacific Ocean
•Enjoy optional glacier helicopter flights, bear and whale-watching, fishing, kayaking, hiking and even dog-sledding, amongst the huge selection of shore excursions on our Alaska cruise
Also, available Canada’s Rocky Mountaineer & Alaska Cruise. Extend your nine-day holiday with a seven-night Alaska luxury cruise through the ‘Inside Passage’ with Holland America Line, visiting the awe-inspiring World Heritage Site of Glacier Bay National Park.
How To Prepare Yourself for an Adventure Vacation
There are people who love to travel; people who enjoy going to places where they can simply recharge their batteries, forget about everything and relax. Then there are the more adventurous types; those who would rather enjoy the day climbing rocks in Thailand or dive with sharks in South Africa. No matter what kind of adventure you are planning for, however, it is wise to be prepared. That way you will know what to expect from foreign cultures so you won’t find yourself in a tricky situation.
Many adventurers long for the adrenalin rush they experience when exploring unknown territories, the exciting feeling of a new and strange location. However, you should always be aware of your surroundings and make sure you are adequately prepared. That means learning about the culture, learning what area’s to avoid and so on. Traveling involves a certain amount of risk; especially adventure travel.
The world is full of adventure locations so finding a destination to suit your needs should be relatively easy. When looking for a destination, you should go to an exotic place, where you can hear, see, smell and taste another world than the one you know. Some exotic locations can be quite dangerous. It’s best to stick to places were lots of people travel, rather than venturing into no mans land.
An adventure vacation will often cost more than a normal vacation to a beach resort, but it can be one of the most exciting and gratifying travel experiences. Considering that it is an adventure though, it is a must that every traveler must be aware and able to protect themselves.
Do you want to go on an adventure travel? Why not try shark diving? Or you can try swimming with sharks in Oahu.
Call Lesli about your next adventure vacation!
Friday, December 11, 2009
Travel Healthy Tips
With all coughing and sniffling (and even the occasional ‘oink’) around this winter, travelers need to be super conscious to keep themselves healthy. Here are 13 of the best “travel healthy” tips for warding off a cough, the flu or H1N1 while flying:
1. Bring your own inflatable neck pillow, and use your coat as a blanket. Airlines may not always change their blankets and pillows between flights.
2. Hand sanitizer – just a small amount, 100ml (3oz) or less for the plane, and use it like it's going out of fashion. Then keep your hands away from your mouth, eyes and nose.
3. Rub a little of an antibiotic ointment or a nasal gel on the inside of your nose to prevent you from inhaling airborne germs.
4. Kleenex – store them close at hand, but not in the seatback in front of you.
5. Antibacterial wipes - use them to clean anything you may rest your hands on, the tray top, the arm rest, the blind, the door handle in the toilet. In fact, think of all the surfaces on a plane as being about as hygienic as a public toilet. (Don’t be sensitive airlines - this is not a reflection on you - just on that tricky, sticky bacteria)
6. Basic medical supplies - Tylenol, Advil or Aspirin.
7. A bottle of water. Or two. Or three. The recycled air in a cabin can really dry out the mucous membranes. An alcoholic beverage won't help here; it'll dehydrate you. You need to keep the mucous membranes moist to stay fighting fit.
8. A fizzing Vitamin C tablet that you can plink into water during the flight.
9. A small spray bottle that you can fill with water to mist and rehydrate your face throughout the flight.
10. A packet of berries or nuts, anything that's packed full of vitamins and will keep you away from some of the more sinful in-flight snack options. Sugary or fatty treats will make you feel sluggish and won't help you ward off a cold.
11. Turn the air vent on and towards your chest to prevent germs being blown into your face.
12. Try to fly on less busy days if possible. Fewer flyers mean fewer chances of catching flu. Monday, midweek or Saturday flights will tend not to be as busy as those at on Fridays, Sundays or Mondays.
13. Finally, if one of your fellow passengers is obviously suffering from a cold ask the flight attendant to seat you elsewhere. Now you know this is not always going to be possible, won’t win you any popularity contests, and you may feel unneighbourly and unfriendly, but it’s worth a try, rather than waking up sniffing the next morning.
Traveling in Thailand
There are so many things to see in Thailand - from beaches to bustling cities and breath taking jungle locations to the many Buddhist temples. Some of the highlights include; Bangkok, hill tribe villages, Khao Sok National Park, Mekong River and Chiang Mai to name but a few.
In Thailand you can volunteer, go on an adventure holiday or backpack and explore during a gap year. Why not combine your trip to Thailand with a visit to Cambodia or Vietnam? Traveling around Asia is relatively cheap and easy—the expensive part is paying for your flight.
Cultural Tips for Thailand: Here are just a few quick tips to make sure you feel at home and don’t inadvertently offend anyone while you are traveling in Thailand.
Be respectful of their religion, be modest, be ready to take your shoes off to go into temples. Avoid making jokes about the Thai royal family. Do not just watch your manners watch your feet – it is rude to put them up or point them at someone. Be particularly respectful of the monks. If you are female be careful not to brush against their robes, even accidentally.
What to take with you to Thailand:
To give you a rough idea of what to take with you when visit Thailand, you will need to think about the following:
Lightweight clothing – it is hot and sunny in a lot of places for most of the year so shorts and t-shirts will be the staple. Having said that, the north of the country gets a little chilly in the winter and you’d be wise to bring a couple of warm things. Flips flops or thongs are comfortable, cool and versatile. If you are going trekking in the jungle you’ll need some sturdy boots.
Waterproofs – just in case you are going to be there in the wet season.
Travel adapter – if you are taking electrical items with you like a hairdryer or phone charger to Thailand they do not use the same plugs so, you will need an adapter.
Sun block and mosquito repellent are both an absolute must!
Top Ten Places to Have Tea
Ladies, don your gowns; gents, start pressing your ties. Afternoon tea at the Ritz is a splendid formal affair: silver pots and fine china chink at 4pm sharp under the vaulted glass and chandeliers of the Palm Court. It's not cheap, but you'll be in good company - this venerable hotel has served exotic infusions to everyone from King Edward VII to Charlie Chaplin. If the budget won't stretch, try alternative institutions: the organization Classic Cafes champions the Formica-countered greasy spoons of the 1950s, a dwindling number of which are still serving brews in vintage surrounds. Tie not required.
2. TRANS-SIBERIAN RAILWAY, RUSSIA/CENTRAL ASIA
Nonstop, the epic Moscow-Beijing train journey takes over six days. The best way to spend them is befriending your carriage mates - Russian businesspeople, Mongolian traders, Buddhist monks. Each car has a samovar, a hot-water urn where you can top up your mug to ward off the Siberian chill. Samovars are more than kettles: entrenched in Russian society, they're made for communal drinking. The local saying 'to have a sit by the samovar' means to talk leisurely over endless cups of tea. Fill your flask - and those of your new-found friends - and watch Europe roll into Asia.
3. PARAGUAY, URUGUAY & ARGENTINA
Mate is the national beverage - and a national obsession - across sacross swathes of South America, drunk by all, from city-dwellers to pampas-drifting cowboys. Made from the dried leaves of the yerba mate plant, it was, according to the Guarani people, delivered to humans by the moon goddess in thanks for saving her from a jaguar. To join in you need to get the right gear: a silver bombilla (infusion straw) and accompanying guampa (gourd). Tuck these into your saddlebag and set off on a jaunt with the gauchos: this 'liquid vegetable' will keep you riding and cattle-driving through the night.
4. YUEYANG, CHINA
Ever since a tea leaf allegedly floated into Emperor Shennong's cup of hot water around 2700 BC, the Chinese have extolled the beverage's virtues, medicinal and social. For a brew above others, head to Junshan Island, an atoll of bamboo and woodland set on Dongting Lake, a 45-minute sail from Yueyang. Home to a unique golden tortoise, the island also nurtures a clutch of bushes that produce the exclusive silver-needle tea, one of China's rarest, beloved of rulers past and alleged to contain life-extending powers.
5. SAHARA DESERT
There's no such thing as a quick cuppa in the North African desert. For local nomads, tea drinking requires patience and dedication. Each sitting involves not one but three rounds, each with a distinctive flavor. 'The first is strong like love, the second bitter like life, the third one sweet as death', the adage goes. This isn't about thirst-quenching - it's about forging friendships in carpet-lined tents over dainty glasses. Laze under the date palms of Mauritania's Terjit Oasis or head out into the sand sea from Ghat, Libya, to find traditional brewers - and leave yourself plenty of time.
6. UJI, JAPAN
Temple-strewn Uji is the tea capital of Japan. Green tea - which grows here abundantly - finds its way into everything, from the traditional wooden boxes lining the shop shelves to soba noodles and ice-cream cones. To understand the importance of the drink, however, you must attend a traditional chanoyu (tea ceremony). In the tiny, tatami-matted rooms of the Taiho-an Tea House, kimono-clad women will serve you with studied formality. The ritual - involving beautiful utensils, delicate pouring and effusive appreciation on your part - is the only thing more important than the drink itself.
7. INCA TRAIL, PERU
You're at 4000-plus meters, hemmed in by high peaks and gasping for breath but determined to make it to the Inca marvel of Machu Picchu. What you need is coca tea. Beloved by Andeans the length of the range, this bitter brew wins no flavor contests but its raw ingredients, coca leaves (also the basis of cocaine), increase oxygen absorption into the blood. It's nature's answer to altitude sickness. And what better place to try it than huddled on a mountainside, in a valley flecked with Inca ruins, under an unobscured galaxy of stars.
8. BOSTON, USA
In 1773, a band of angry Bostonians stormed three docked British ships, throwing the boats' precious cargo - about 24 million cups' worth of tea - overboard. The plaque commemorating the fracas now sits between Congress and Purchase Streets, but better to visit the grand Old South Meeting House, where the protestors were whipped to a frenzy by Samuel Adams all those years ago. Or, for a more modern cuppa, head to Ming's Market. This Chinese emporium offers hundreds of teas, purporting to cure everything from simple pimples to troubles of a more intimate nature.
9. DARJEELING, INDIA
It'll start on the train there - the call of the chai wallahs pacing the platforms, hawking their masala-spiced nectar. But that's nothing compared to Darjeeling itself. Once you switch to the narrow-gauge steam train that hauls up to this 2000m-odd hill station you're surrounded by the stuff: tea in the cafes, tea in the bazaars and a deep-green leafy profusion of tea cascading down the hillsides, with the might of the Himalaya behind. Between April and November (picking and processing season) take a plantation tour and marvel at what goes into a humble tea bag.
10. HILL COUNTRY, SRI LANKA
Hover above south-central Sri Lanka and all you'll see is green. The cool highlands have been blanketed by tea plantations since the late 19th century - with just splashes of rainbow-sari-clad pickers disrupting the color scheme. Nuwara Eliya is a good place for a quality brew and, with its 18-hole golf course and country club, can seem more British than, well, a cup of tea. To get in among the action take to the trails in the Bogawantalawa Valley, where you can walk or cycle between old planters' villas and pluck a few leaves for yourself.
Top Spots for Medical Adventure
India
With its colour, culture and chaos, India is one country where you’ll be wanting 20/20 vision. Just as well the country’s eye surgery facilities are top-notch! The Aravind eye-care system, centred in Madurai but with hospitals around India, is a remarkable program originally designed to minimise unnecessary blindness; in addition to foreigners, it has helped over 2.4 million poor Indians to see in the past 30 years. Aravind’s Eye Hospitals treat everything from glaucoma to cataracts and even eye replacement. Patients relax in private suites costing US$20 per day; specialist doctors commandeer the latest technologies and speak faultless English.
Bangkok, Thailand
Back in 1984, British pop singer Murray Head noted that ‘one night in Bangkok makes a hard man humble’. Oh, but Bangkok makes a hard man so much more than that… Welcome to Thailand, sex-change capital of the world. Whether you want to re-emerge from the operating room as he, she or ‘other’, Bangkok’s highly trained surgeons are world leaders in the art of ‘gender reassignment’. Thailand is also famous for heart surgery, eye surgery and more. State-of-the-art Bumrungrad International Hospital is a major destination for overseas patients.
Beijing, China
Somehow, experiencing acupuncture in its home setting just feels right – especially when you get the balms, oils and smelly unguents of traditional Chinese medicine. Since 1975 Beijing has been home to the International Acupuncture Training Centre, a university for foreign doctors who want to have a stab at it. Prefer to be pricked rather than do the pricking? Book yourself in at Dongzhimen Hospital. The People’s Republic is also pioneering stem-cell treatments, offering patients with the gravest conditions a chance to try new treatments not yet approved at home.
Colombia
North Americans and others head to Colombia for complex treatments performed by crack doctors at bargain rates. Bogotá offers a wide variety of medical treatments and operations, ranging from dentistry and cosmetic surgery to open-heart surgery. Joint surgery is one of Colombia’s specialties: getting a hip replaced or ‘resurfaced’ costs one-fifth of what it does in the US, while the prosthetics used are of high international quality. Many Colombian doctors are foreign-trained.
Nuuk, Greenland
Imagine you’re in Greenland and a polar bear bites your arm off. Don’t just leave it there! Dronning Ingrids Hospital, in the southwestern capital of Nuuk, is the main hospital on this frigid maritime landmass, and is renowned for performing special operations requiring very low temperatures (such as reattaching severed limbs). They don’t need air-conditioning here, and the heating system prevents any contaminated airflow. You’ll quickly feel good as new when recovering on this sparsely populated island: not only is the air is clean and, er, invigorating, but the seafood is excellent.
Tehran, Iran
How does Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad keep up his fierce stare? We’re not implying anything, but plastic surgery in Tehran is big business these days. Iranian plastic surgeons do lifts, chin implants, tummy tucks and almost everything else that’s done in the West, but for less. Nose jobs are especially popular, interestingly enough. For Muslim women in the Islamic Republic, their nose is often one of the few body parts they can display; however, Iranian men also seem to be fond of the procedure.
Cuba
So you’ve arrived on a Communist-run island and the authorities have confiscated your passport and money. Some might say it comes with the territory – or you might be at a Cuban rehab clinic, where it’s often standard procedure. Frequented by ordinary folks and famous figures alike (Argentine soccer star Diego Maradona among them), Cuba’s rehabilitation villas are renowned for their professional service, effectiveness and super-reasonable rates. Rehab here mixes balmy island living with no-nonsense regimes for keeping you stone-cold sober, with the assistance of trained psychologists, doctors, and – of course – Caribbean sea breezes. You can book a private rehab getaway through an operator such as Grupo Cubanacan.
Malaysia
Mix pleasure with procedures in Malaysia, another leading destination for medical travellers. Places like the beach resort town of Penang are popular for breast-enhancement surgery; some package-tour companies even cater to this kind of trip. It’s great that a recuperative beach vacation is included, since doctors warn that long plane journeys after surgery can cause thrombosis. The dynamic capital, Kuala Lumpur is where more complex procedures (such as brain surgery for epilepsy) are performed.
There’s no denying it: travelling for medical purposes is an increasingly popular, if somewhat controversial, trend. Would you do it? Have you done it? Would you even tell us if you had?
Club Med Kani - Go Before the Islands Disappear
With climate change threatening to drown the tiny archipelago nation of Maldives, your chance to explore a soon-to-be extinct getaway bang in the middle of the Indian Ocean, is slimming.
This tiny archipelago nation is one of the most popular and exquisite holiday destinations, but dangerously rising sea levels threaten to drown the islands. While authorities are racing against the hasty hand of time to make the nation "carbon-neutral" by 2020, the idea of 1,200 islands in the Maldives disappearing is reason enough to nudge you into making a quick trip.
You can get to the Maldives on a direct flight to Sri Lanka, from there the island of Kani is just 35 minutes away. A speedboat ride along crystal clear waters brings you to the amazing Club Med Kani resort.
Go Swim With Fish
The dreamy setting of the Club Med Kani resort makes it irresistible to lose yourself with a loved one. But for those of you in the mood for solitary exploration, how about a swim with fish? Snorkeling is part of your Club Med package, and organised at 9.30 am and 2.30 pm daily. Cruise out to sea in a sparkling white boat. When it comes to a halt it’s time to jump! Allow yourself a few moments to adjust your gear and then jump into a life-altering experience three feet under water. The waters are teeming with all sorts of aquatic life—see shoals of Malta fish going about their business and Hawksbill Turtle and Yellowspot Emperors swimming by in pairs. Snorkelling in the Maldives is something you won’t want to miss!
3 More Watersports to Try
Kayaking: As long as you have good coordination with your activity partner, this is a relatively easy sport. Smoothly glide along the sea and take in all of your surroundings.
Sailing: A perfect way to explore the ocean surrounding the island of Kani. Let the GO’s take you out on a sailboat and show you around. There are some time restrictions but it’s a great way to appreciate the open sea.
Windsurfing: Active reflexes are key here. Windsurfing can be quite difficult—a sport that’s easier said than done. You’re bound to have a few embarrassing tumbles, but if you keep at it, you will come home having learnt a new sport!
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Tips for Travel During the Holidays
When you leave for the holidays, ensure that your house or apartment is secure - making sure that all doors and windows are locked. Avoid leaving messages on your answering machine stating how long you will be gone. You may want to take certain valuables, such as laptop computers, away with you for the holidays - depending on where you are traveling. It’s usually a good idea to have a neighbour check on your house or apartment during your vacation.
If you will be out of your office for the break, be sure to lock your office door when you leave. Secure office equipment in locked cabinets or drawers wherever possible, and take personal valuables home. If you use an Out of Office Reply on your computer, do not give specific dates of when you will be gone from the office. Do not post similar messages on your voicemail.
If you will be driving, make sure your vehicle is roadworthy before you undertake a long trip. Check fluid levels and tire pressure and learn how to change a flat tire. Carry a cell phone, if you have one, in case of emergencies - even cell phones without a service provider will allow you to dial 911 in an emergency. Plan your travel route prior to leaving, and notify a contact person about your route, destination, and departure times. Once you have reached your destination, park in well lighted areas if possible. Lock your car, and do not leave purses, luggage, packages or other valuables in plain sight.
When you travel you should never carry large amounts of cash in public. Keep track of credit card slips and carbons until you can shred them. Beware of people asking unusual questions about your accounts and of persons peering over your shoulders at ATMs. Do not leave personal or valuable items alone or unattended, even momentarily. Be careful of strange situations. If you are uncomfortable or feel like something is wrong, get away from the situation. Keep your guard up and maintain awareness of your surroundings at all times.
If you are the victim of a robbery or other crime, do not try to defend your property with your life. Remember, property can be replaced. Be the best witness you can be, and call law enforcement to report the crime.
Be safe and have a happy holiday!
The World of Club Med
Wonderment…Our unique family villages are the only places in the world where families can take separate vacations and still be together. Our Baby Club provides extra special attention for infants and toddlers up to the age of two by caring, experienced G.O.s who know all about the toys, songs, activities and nap times for young children. Children are taught new activities under the supervision of G.O.s in a secure environment. Child-size equipment is used for learning circus skills (trapeze, juggling) and much more. Depending on the season, village and number of teenagers present, sports and activities are organized by high-spirited, fun loving G.O.s
Baby On Board - Traveling During Pregnancy
Hopefully you aren't flying within days of your due date, with the possibility of an in-flight arrival like what recently happened when babies were born on both Southwest and Air Asia. It's simply a coincidence that both are low cost carriers!
Since holiday travel usually brings out the families of all sorts, we'd like to share a few tips for traveling with a baby on board...
The tips below come from Dr. Charles Hux, the resident "multiples doctor" on The Learning Channel's 'A Baby Story' show for the last eight years. His articles have appeared in American Journal of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Prenatal Diagnosis, New England Journal of Medicine and Genetics, (and now Jaunted). He is the author of the new book, 'Nine Healthy Months'.
Tips for Air Travel during Pregnancy by Dr. Charles Hux:
· Air travel is safe for most women up to 34 weeks of pregnancy.
· Each airline has specific rules as it relates to air travel during pregnancy, so check with the carrier beforehand. Some airlines require a letter from your doctor stating how many weeks pregnant you are at the time of your trip.
· Second or third trimester vaginal bleeding, premature labor, pregnancy-induced high blood pressure, type 1 or type 2 diabetes, sickle cell anemia (or trait), and multiple gestation are some reasons that air flight might not be permitted.
· If you get nauseous when flying, anti-nausea medications are suggested. They are safe to take during pregnancy.
· Drink plenty of fluids before you leave, and drink more fluids during the flight. Do not drink lots of carbonated beverages, as this can increase the chance of nausea.
· Wear thigh-high support stockings. This will reduce the risk of fluid accumulation in your legs and feet, and reduce the risk of blood clots forming in the legs.
· Get up and walk around the cabin once every hour.
· Always use your seat belt below your belly when seated.
Monday, December 7, 2009
Adventure Travel - What Does It Mean to You?
What type of adventures appeal to you? The kind where you push your body or your mind? Adventure travel is not one thing to all people. Some people would be thrilled and exhilarated to raft down a river in Colorado. For other people, that's a regular weekend activity. Not too adventuresome at all. Those people might love to try hang gliding or sky diving, while for the former person, this is tantamount to committing suicide. Obviously, these people's definitions of adventure travel vary greatly.
That's what's so great about it, though. You can tailor-make a vacation to fit your wants and needs. You just have to know what you want, and where you want to go. Write up a list of the top ten or so things you want to experience in your life and that will get you started as you look through all the fabulous opportunities out there for adventure travel.
If you want to really get outside your personal comfort zone, there are any number of adventure trips you can take that will do that. You can try bicycling along the Tour de France route or hiking fourteen miles in Colorado's Rocky Mountains. How about zipping at 30 miles per hour on a wire line strung between two trees in the jungle, catching air on your snowboard in a Super pipe or white water rafting on the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon? Parasailing, riding in a bi-plane or piloting a fighter plane, and rock climbing up a sheer canyon side each provide different thrills too. If you're out for thrills, think carefully about the extent of adventure you'll really enjoy.
Does this sound like too much adrenalin for you? Floating overhead in a hot air balloon while watching lions stalk prey on the plains below or walking through Cambodia's Angkor Thom, where temple ruins nearly smothered by giant trees, are gentler styles of adventure travel. So is walking on trails through the Amazon jungle looking at parrots or catching sight of caimans (types of alligators) sleeping on the river banks at night. To the more laid-back person, this is about adventuresome as you can get.
Adventurous trips are not necessarily something that puts your life at risk. They are travels that change you, enchant you and ensure memories for a lifetime. Some travelers go for the physical thrills and the opportunities that stretch a body's physical capabilities to the utmost degree. Other travelers would rather use their minds, eyes, hearing and cameras to enhance their experiences.
Each person's definition of adventure travel is unique. What's yours? Just don't go on a trip that has activities that you would never participate in. Remember, what is adventuresome to you, might not be to someone else. If you're still deciding, call up a few travel agents for ideas, or visit your local library for exotic places to visit and things to do. Scour the web for packages and deals, and before you know it, you'll be having the time of your life, doing what you've always wanted to do.
Contact our Adventure Travel Specialist Lesli Heron at lesli@lloydstravel.com
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Dune 45
Most deserts are not covered in dunes but rather gravelly plains or carved rock faced canyons. But it is definitely the dunes that attract us. There is sort of a life to a dune as the constant winds sculpt them keeping them perpetually in motion and their colour changes throughout the day.
The Sahara was my first desert adventure. I was young and in love - with the desert. There was nowhere else on earth I wanted to be. Sleeping under the stars you felt like you could just reach up and pluck one from the skies. I discovered that deserts actually do fall below freezing at night! Being young and a sun goddess I was naively unaware of the dangers of suntanning in the Sahara and so blithely soaked up the Saharan rays on top of the truck. I wowed my fellow travel companions with wonderful gooey cinnamon buns baked over the coals under the sand. Getting stuck and having to run alongside the truck in 40 degree heat throwing the sandmats under the wheels, retrieving them and throwing them under the rear wheels only to repeat the process over and over until we were unstuck. Hiking up the dunes and then rolling down them giddy with laughter and not a sole to hear it. Waking up in the morning and looking around all evidence of us with the dunes was erased and you realize just how formidable but beautiful deserts really are. The Kalahari and Dune 45 in the Namib beckon.
Friday, November 27, 2009
Boston and Cape Cod
Flying into
We had gotten a great deal at the Parker House Hotel (home of the Parker House roll) and well what’s not to love about an historic property 5 minutes from Boston Common and right on the historic walking trail. The Freedom Trail links the major sightseeing spots with an easy to follow red line looping around the city through among other things Faneuil Hall and the
We rented a car and drove out of
Thursday, November 26, 2009
New Airline Seat Policies
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Canoeing with Hippos
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Whistler Cornucopia 2009
After arriving at the Regan’s condo we stopped for a nice glass of wine before heading out to Hy’s for dinner. We were greeted at the front door of Hy’s by the manager who promptly had us seated at a very nice window seat. We all ended up ordering the same meal which was a set menu of Caesar salad a 8oz steak and desert. This was all for a flat rate of $49.99 as Hy’s is part of the dinning experience of Cornucopia. It was a great dinner, good wine and lovely company.
Off to bed we went and we had a great sleep in until 9:30am when we got up to head off to the village to try for the final phase of the Olympic tickets. We set our selves up in the Blenz coffee shop that had wireless available. There was an excitement in the air as there were many other people setting themselves up with their laptops as well. We were there from10:00am until 12:30pm and we had no luck getting through to the site. It seemed that everyone else was in the same boat except for one couple that got right in got their tickets and were out the door. During this I time I made phone calls to my daughter and sister in Vancouver, who were having no luck either. Later in the day, talking to my sister she finally got in around 4:30pm with hardly any choices left for tickets.
Elaine and I after giving up on getting any tickets wandered through the village checking out the different stores but not really finding anything that we wanted. We also checked out the art stores and saw some beautiful paintings and carvings. It was fun to just wander around and not feel in any rush to do anything. We went to Ingrid’s deli for a late light lunch in preparation for the big wine tasting event later in the day.
Getting back to the condo and having a little nap we were ready to head out for dinner at the Rim Rock restaurant. We had an amazing dinner. The menu is quite extensive with a wide variety of items to choose from. I picked the Gorgonzola salade, fish cakes and sea bass. It was a great meal that was beautifully presented; the portion size was perfect and the taste excellent. Our server certainly gave us lots of attention making for a perfect dinner.
After dinner we headed back to the condo so that we could take a cab down to the Grand Wine tasting event at the conference center. As we arrived at the event there were throngs of people arriving in evening attire. The crowd was a mix of young and middle age with the most popular item of clothing being the little black dress.
The room was set up beautifully with wines from regions all over the world. We sampled many wines and marked them off in our booklet so we could remember which ones we were enjoying the most. The room was packed with people and the atmosphere was one of excitement and fun. There was also a sampling of cheeses that went very nicely with the wines. We also had a treat of Rogers Chocolates giving out samples. They were very nummy.
We left about 11:30 and headed back to the condo and relaxed before heading off to bed. We got up late and Damian made some great poached eggs. After breakfast we all got into gear and got the condo cleaned up for departure. We left in the early afternoon stopping in Squamish for lunch. In no time we were back in the city and reality set back in.