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

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!

Overlanding - The good old days!

I recently found some old photos of my overland trip across North West Africa and went down memory lane and wondered why it isn't so popular anymore. Overlanding started in the mid 50's/early 60's with the classic London to Kathmandu run. This route was then followed by the Trans Africa route and the phenomenon of overlanding took off in the 70's/80's but it still retained the pioneering feel with the key elements - mud, sand matting, potholes, canned food etc. Formal campsites were rare and wild camping was the norm. This freedom was the real joy of overlanding. You knew you had to get from point A to B in a certain period of time and what transpired in between was the adventure. But the world has changed, travelling a few decades ago was more innocent and friendly. There was less corruption, violence and general instability. The abundance of weapons has made overlanding a far less desirable option. And certain routes have lost their charm as with most things what was unique and off the beaten track now has infrastructure and commercialization. Wild camps are no longer the norm.
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

With your flights, meals, drinks, transfers, accommodation and even your ski pass included in the price of a ski getaway, it’s no wonder that so many people are going to Club Med for the holidays. While the Euro is still quite high, Club Med offers competitive prices and holidays free of any stress or hassle. So if all you want to do is embark on a snow adventure – you are at liberty to do so.

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!

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.

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.

2010 Olympics

They are coming and will be here before you know it. Yes, the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games are just around the corner. Do you have your accommodation for this amazing event? We have what you want....1, 2 and 3 bedroom condo's right in the heart of downtown Vancouver. The views from these privately owned condo's range from the North Shore mountains to Mt. Baker and Vancouver Island. You can be right in the middle of the excitement when the world arrives in February 2010.

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.

The Sanctuary on Princess Cruises

A Princess signature amenity, The Sanctuary is a serene, calming retreat available on most Princess ships. A relaxing alternative to the myriad of outdoor activities and entertainment, this spa-inspired, outdoor setting provides personal space for you to unwind and rejuvenate.

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

1. Unparalleled wildlife viewing – Nature's own zoo with animals so fearless they sometimes build their nests or nurse their young in the middle of marked trails; sea lions, boobies, gulls, mockingbirds and finches, and of course the giant tortoises that provide the origin of the Galapagos' name. One of the first notes Darwin entered in his journal of his time in the Galapagos aboard the HMS Beagle noted the animals had no fear of man and that “fear of Man is learned.” Easy to understand when you're standing two feet from a blue-footed boobie nestled down on a couple of eggs, or snapping close-up photos of iguanas basking in the sun.

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.

Rocky Mountaineer

The magnificent Rocky Mountains are Canada's crowning glory. Home to bears, majestic elk, moose and beaver; their vast forests seem to go on forever - and the Rocky Mountaineer train is acknowledged as the ultimate way to travel through this beautifully rugged terrain.

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!

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

1. LONDON, ENGLAND

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

Want it modified, enhanced, drilled out, implanted or just plain alleviated? Whatever your bodily need, there’s a place for you.

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!

Tips for Travel During the Holidays

Going home for the holidays? Leaving the country for Christmas? Here are some things to consider before you go away…

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

Club Med spans the globe with over 100 villages in 30 countries - each destination offering a stepping stone to discover the wonders of the world and the world of Club Med. Each village is set in the most idyllic location. A world unto itself, everything is readily available and within easy reach. And there’s always our extensive list of sports and activities to choose from.

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

Most parents traveling with children know how it works when you board an airplane: you strap the kids in for take-off and once the announcement comes that we've reached cruising altitude, it's time for either a Cheerios snack or crying for the rest of the flight. But things aren't so simple when that child is still inside of you, and you're traveling during pregnancy. As if there weren't a bajillion other things to worry about, the safety of your unborn child should be taken into consideration even with the minorest of things—walking up and down the aisle and how you buckle up, for example.

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.

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

Dune 45

I have always had a fascination with deserts. They are desolate, wind swept places but full of mystery and intrigue. Those of us that love deserts I think are lured by their spiritual inspiration, the solitude, the adventure, their expanse and of course the dunes. Deserts encompass nearly one third of earth's square miles and the Sahara reigns supreme at 3.5 million square miles.
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.