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Isabel’s Culinary Adventures in Aruba

Guest Author — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 12:31:02 +0000

Having just arrived in Aruba with daughter Kari and family, I am struck with the beauty of its pristine beaches abundant with sugary sand and sunshine galore. On the road to our hotel I notice multiple high and low rise apartments and luxurious hotels-all built on what was once an island of lava and limestone inundated with craggy rock formations.I have not been to Aruba since the seventies and what was once a primitive oasis has now become a tourist mecca. Along the sandy shores divi divi trees lower their wind sculpted branches whistling with the ever present salty breezes.

I am looking forward to the many land and sea activities which abound in Aruba – most of which are administered to by the numerous multi-cultural inhabitants. Dutch is the primary language of the island, Aruba having been founded in 1636 by the Netherlands, but Papiamento, the original language of the Amerindian people, as well as Spanish and English are also spoken.

Our destination in Aruba is Caribbean Palm Resort. Because the island does not list street names, it takes us awhile to locate the resort. We are not disappointed. A tropical haven with palm trees and two swimming pools (one perfect for laps),an outdoor bar (naturally), grills and pool chaises greet us.

Since it is almost dinner time we decide to go to nearby Buccaneer Restaurant, one of the oldest restaurants on the island. When I see the place my heart drops. An almost tiki-like establishment reminiscent of the 50′s greets us. There is also a bar which is actually a huge old dory. But we are there mostly to please grand daughter Adriana because of the many aquariums.

Inside the restaurant is icy cold but I have been told the food is very good and it is a pleasure to watch the abundant sea life in the aquarium lined walls. This place is certainly worth a visit especially if one has children aboard. All kinds of tropical creatures make their homes within these 7500 gallons of sea water and they are certainly worth a great deal of observation. The menu too is worthy of note and the ceviche ordered by son-in-law Ed is indeed fresh. The catch of the day – grouper, is marinated in lime juice with cilantro, red onion and hot peppers lending piquant and spicy touches. My “Seductions of the Seas” also proves to be outstanding. Sea bass, scallops, shrimp, mussels and calamari are served over fettuccine which is graced by miniature mounds of stuffed vegetables. The portions are abundant, and as I observe the colorful sea life swimming and diving next to me, I have the feeling that I am observing marine life from a submarine.

The following day Kari and Ed decide to jet ski on the open seas of Eagle Beach. It is an exciting, breathless and exhilarating trip comparable to riding a motorcycle through surf. Adriana has made the acquaintance of a new friend at one of the hotel pools so she is quite happy to dive and plunge in the azure depths of the water. We enjoy ourselves at the pool for the remainder of the day.

Since it is Ed’s birthday we decide to have dinner at Trattoria El Faro Blanco (Trattoria of the White Lighthouse) in order to enjoy the sunset. The trattoria is located next to California Lighthouse, so named due to the shipwreck of a merchant vessel (The California). Trattoria El Faro Blanco consists of numerous outdoor terraces so located for best viewing of the magnificent sunset over the neighboring waters. We have booked an early reservation in order to watch the sunset in this romantic spot. It does not disappoint. Soon gold and orange rays of the setting sun are plunging below the horizon. After numerous photos we enjoy briny sea bass with a gratin composed of squid, octupus, clams and mussels, jumbo shrimp, basil, garlic and tomatoes-all served over linguine. Afterward the wait staff in goofy glasses and hats arrive with sparklers in order to serenade Ed, the birthday boy. He is one happy camper and we all enjoy the tire-mi-su which accompanies this impromptu birthday celebration. Lights come on over the bay. Island music plays. The Divi trees bend in the gentle breeze. All’s right with the world.

On Monday we snorkel at Moomba Beach. Our pirate ship takes us to three different locations for snorkeling – one with the crusty hulk of a WW II sunken ship. The crew also supplies us with alcoholic libations throughout this excursion…oh! those pina coladas! There is nothing like sipping on a pina among sea happy snorklers. The island music never stops as “sailors” plunge into the bay, some of them from a rope swing. Did I mention the barbecue? Tasty ribs, chicken, cornbread and potato salad are served to the hungry mariners. Upon returning to the hotel a dip in the pool is mandatory.

Our destination for food that evening is the elegant Chalet Suisse. Located opposite Eagle Beach, Chalet Suiss is renowned for its Europen-style dishes. When I walk into this upscale restaurant I feel as though I am back in Bavaria due to the Bauernstil furnishings. We share several dishes among them “Geschnetzeltes”, a Swiss-German specialty of morsels of veal in a mushroom, cream and wine sauce. These are served with “Spaetzle” tiny house made dumplings. There is also Black Angus beef and sea bass but I prefer the Euro-Swiss dishes. The view of the beach is spectacular as are the furnishings set among the 200 year old wood panels.

On the following day Ed arranges for us to take a jeep safari around the island. If you are over 23 years of age I do not recommend this trip for you. In our ramshackle, jeep (no seat belts for Adriana and Kari) we travel up and down the coast of Aruba through ditches and potholes, over rocky crags and formations at a highly accelerated speed. It is difficult to enjoy any sights due to our high speed over the rocky terrain and the lack of information from our “guide”. An interesting stop however is Alta Vista Chapel. Tiny and serene, it is built on sacred Indian burial grounds and provides a peaceful oasis for those hardy enough to endure the trip over the terrain. We also visit Bushinbara gold mine now in ruins. In Arikok National Park with its granite and limestone formations some of the potholes and drainage ditches are almost vertical. The landscape is rocky and cactus-filled with unpaved roads and windblown divi divis. We see wild goats and donkeys but because we are going so fast the sights are a blur. The ancient Indian caves however are quite fascinating with their ocher-colored rock drawings left behind by island natives. Fascinating too are the “graffiti” of early island settlers and adventurers, some dating as far back as 1819 with the dates written on the cave ceilings in an old world script. If you like adventure, this is the trip for you..not me, however. Lava and limestone formations are scenic, but I prefer the finale of the tour which ends at Baby Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches on the island with its shallow waters and closed off rock formations. A swim is definitely in order as is “Two for One Happy Hour” back at the hotel .

The next day is for shopping. I buy two Dora backpacks for my two little blondie grand daughters in Cincinnati. The heat is intense and I am indeed relieved when we seat ourselves at Iguana Joe’s overlooking the colorful market area. I order a frosty cold, minty mojito and quaff it down. It hits the spot. Ed orders the excellent national beer of the island. Balushi Beer is a deep golden color with an aroma of fresh hops and of a soft bitterness. I go minimalist on my choice for lunch preferring a warm portion of calaloo (a spinach-like green)) oozing with melted cheese and served with toasty flour tortillas. The others feast on chicken burgers, and cobb salad thus rounding out this al fresco meal..

Sole Mare is our dinner hangout that evening. It is known for its serving of an enormous block of fresh parmesan cheese which has been partially scooped into a bowl-like depression. Wait staff filll this “bowl” with pasta sauce and then add spaghetti all the while lifting and tossing the pasta strands to encompass both the parmesan and the sauce….a neat trick, rather gimicky.

The following evening we dine at Madame Janette. This is my very favorite restaurant on the island. Situated in an old mansion with spacious gardens and pools we of course decide to dine outdoors. Kari and I enjoy filet mignon topped with fresh spinach, lobster medallions,sliced portobellos and hollandaise. I love the Dutch roasted potatoes with sauteed onions and crispy bacon. There is also creamed spinach. For Ed- It is a mixed grill of Argentine tenderloin served with lamb chop, foie gras and green beans in a barolo glaze.

The following day we leave the island. Although my first trip to Aruba had been mundane, I am more than happy with this last jaunt and hope to revisit the island next year, a perfect spot for another family vacation.

Now…if I can only get the rest of the group together…..

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About The Author: Isabel Chesak is a well regarded food journalist who’s articles have been published in numerous national publications.
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Intriguing New Resort Hotels For 2012

Susan — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 12:44:11 +0000

There’s nothing like taking a ride in a brand new car or vacationing at a glittering new hotel that’s been primped and polished to impress all who enter. While the slow economy has diminished the number of new hotel construction projects in recent years, the winter of 2012 will still see some impressive new additions.

Aulani Resort, Oahu, Hawaii
Disney Does Hawaii – The much anticipated Aulani Resort on the island of Oahu opened this past fall. The expansive resort executed in subtle earth tones (not the usual Disney primary colors) takes center stage along a calm half-moon bay in Ko Olina, a quiet community approximately 1/2 hour from Waikiki. Highrise towers offering impressive views and comfortable accommodations sit on either side of Waikolohe Valley, the heart of the resort.

Waikolohe Valley has a rambling water park with pools, shallows, and water slides. Float through the resort in the Waikolohe Stream, and snorkel in Rainbow Reef a mini aquarium filled with tropical fish. Keep a keen eye open for Aunty and Uncle, Disney characters that have been developed exclusively for this resort. Aunty’s Beach House is where kids gather to learn Hawaiian culture, hear stories of the islands and learn local crafts. This is a five-star resort designed for adults with children in mind.

Inn At The Presidio, San Francisco, California
It’s not often that a US National Park gets a new hotel, but 2012 will see Inn At The Presidio in San Francisco become the first and only hotel within the Presidio, an urban National Park at the base of the Golden Gate Bridge. The 1,492 acres that make up the Presidio were established in 1776 by Spain as their furthest outpost in North America. The Presidio is the site of the oldest military post in the United States. Pershing Hall, the former officer’s quarters, are being converted to a grand inn set to open on April 1, 2012.

The 22 room inn will feature historic memorabilia and amenities appropriate for “top brass”. The grounds within the national park will serve as a hidden getaway for guests with miles of walking trails and magnificent views of San Francisco Bay and the Golden Gate Bridge. Sit for a bit in a front porch rocking chair, enjoy a blazing fire by the fire pit, or play a round of golf. Inn At The Presidio is within walking distance of the San Francisco marina district and other popular downtown attractions.

The Fishing Lodge, Cap Cana, Dominican Republic
While most Dominican Republic resorts vie for plane-loads of mid-market vacationers, The Fishing Lodge, at Cap Cana attracts guests seeking a more secluded and pampered vacation experience. The recently opened ultra-luxe 5 star resort features 298 Mediterranean-styled villas circling the largest inland marina in the Caribbean. Low-rise docks and private infinity swimming pools are unique highlights to many of the villas, as well as beautifully crafted Dominican inspired furnishings.

Villas at The Fishing Lodge can be reserved on an a la carte or all-inclusive basis and vary in size from executive to 3 bedroom. The resort which enjoys a dramatic waterfront setting, has amenities including a rustic Dominican stone chapel, secluded beach reached by water craft, boutique shopping along Maine Street and nearby famed Jack Nichlaus Punta Espada Golf Club. Spring and summer brings a number of celebrated sports fishing tournaments attracted by the local world renowned Billfishing waters. This is a resort where bathing beauties and sportsmen will feel right at home.

Magdalena Grand Beach Resort, Tobago
The island of Tobago located deep in the Caribbean is emerging as a destination to be discovered by adventurous tropical vacationers. Recently the island saw the opening its first new hotel project in a decade. The colonial style Magdalena Grand Beach Resort boasting 178 all ocean-front rooms and suites, is set on a sprawling former sugar plantation. Large terraces and balconies overlook a secluded beach 2 1/2 mile beach. The resort features 3 pools, 5 dining options, an English pub and piano bar, dive center and acres of nature trails. Tobago itself has the oldest forest preserve in the Hemisphere, and is lush with virgin rain forests, waterfalls, pristine beaches, picturesque boating grounds and offers many opportunities for eco-adventuring.

Emakoko Lodge, Nairobi
Africa luxury camps and lodge specialists, Bush and Beyond, are introducing a new Safari Lodge that sits at the border of Nairobi National Park in Kenya. The Emakoko Lodge sits on the banks of the picturesque Mbagathi River amidst 15 acres at the edge of Nairobi National park. It has long been a problem for vacationers arriving by plane in Kenya to access prime safari territory without enduring harrowing transfers through Nairobi. Emakoko Lodge solves the problem with it’s location just 20 minutes from the Nairobi airport, with the river creating a natural divide between city and park. Visitors to the Nairobi National Park can expect to see lions, zebra, hippos, rhinos, and giraffe, as the region has become home to a huge number of wildlife species.

Photo Credits: #1-TheDisneyBlog.com, #2- Artwork by Art Zendarski, #3 – Grand Resorts at Cap Cana, #4 – Magdalena Grand Beach Resort, #5 – Emakoko Lodge

Exuma Trifecta – Swimming With Stingrays, Sharks & Pigs!

Susan — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 16:22:19 +0000

As we drove through pelting rain and gusting winds, catching glimpses of whitecaps on the bay, it was uncertain whether our adventurous day of boating between the islands of Exuma would actually happen. But as we were greeted by Pat, our fearless Captain from Four C’s Adventures, he assured us that sunny skies would certainly break through the gloom. Fasten your seat-belts (not), and hold on really tight, we’re off on a bucking bronco ride over the waves, shrieking with laughter all the way.

The ever changing shades of aquamarine are stunning as we skip over the waves. Before long Captain Pat swings us around as he spots huge sting rays sweeping across the flats. Next stop – an amazing coral grotto big enough for us to enter boat and all. Our morning is spent zipping between one beautiful island to another, ogling at movie star’s private cays and trying to out-race the occasional squall.

Next stop… Staniel Cay Yatch Club where a row of brightly colored stilt homes welcome us into the harbor. And conveniently, it’s lunch time! Capt’n Pat makes up an impromptu cocktail of orange juice, pineapple juice and rum and we vote to name it ‘Walking On Water’.

Well fed and armed with a bag of food scraps, we’re off to find those famous swimming pigs. OMG, here they come…. squealing all the way.
The story behind the swimming pigs is that wild pigs were becoming a menace on populated islands, so they were rounded up and put on a deserted island all their own. Since that island has a lovely beach, boaters would anchor offshore for a swim and leave their food scraps for the pigs. Before you know it, the pigs began swimming out to welcome boats and beg for food – and the rest is history. This gives new meaning to salt pork…. step one, soak in salt water…..

We’re invincible now – Let’s Go Find Those SHARKS!
Zipping over the waves toward Compass Cay, everyone takes sideways glances at each other wondering if we really have the guts….. Compass Cay is a beautiful spot with a welcoming dock and the prerequisite bar stocked with Kalik. The sharks know we’ve arrived, dum-dum-dum-dum-dum, here they come!!!

For the record, these are nurse sharks and they aren’t supposed to bite (just ask Mike who thinks he got a hickey on his leg from one shark!)… we were instructed to stay still, keep our hands out of the water and curl our toes into the sand. Phew. After so much excitement, a stop at another cay to feed iguana seemed tame. And we’re off again to spend some down-time on a huge sand bar in the middle of the sea – simply gorgeous!

What a day! Even though we didn’t get the chance to snorkel on the reef, dive for conch, and visit the Thunderball grotto because of rough seas, we had an incredible experience.

A BIG thanks go to Captain Pat of Four C’s Adventures (ExumaWaterTours.com) – this is definitely one of the best island excursions I’ve ever taken.

And let me say the Exuma and the Bahamas Tourism Board does a spectacular job to make sure your Out Island experience is unforgettable. If you haven’t visited the Out Islands yet, you’re missing one of the best spots on the planet – and for most of you reading this article, these dazzling islands are a mere 1 hour flight from Florida and 3 hours from the Northeast.

You’ll meet the friendliest people in the Out Islands – like our incomparable Exuma guide, Pet. Thank you Pet for an unforgettable trip – We’ll definitely be back!

p.s. If you missed Day 1 of our adventure – click here

Fried Lobster & Swimming Pigs – Only Two Of The Sublime Delights on Exuma in the Bahamas

Susan — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 14:33:42 +0000

Never in my wildest dreams did I envision that I would have the chance (or desire) to swim with pigs, but that’s just what happened on my trip to the Bahamas last week! I’m just back from a few days of play on the very beautiful island of Exuma in the Bahamas and believe me…. this is one fantastic island!

Or to be more exact… Exuma is a long (archipelago) chain of 365 islands and cays. Imagine, one beautiful island for every day of the year! The constantly changing depths of water running between islands guarantee a mesmerizing show as shifting turquoise water slides over pure white sand.

The islands outside of Nassau are called The Out Islands, but I think they should be called the “In” islands. The miles of gorgeous untouched, unpopulated beaches have attracted the 1% crowd for years, including Johnny Depp, Harrison Ford, Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell, Bill Gates, David Copperfield, Jackie O, Jessica Tandy, Nicolas Cage, and many more. But while they are sequestered on a well protected private island, you can enjoy the same magnificent beauty while staying in one of Exuma’s intimate boutique hotels.

Exuma’s Charming Boutique Hotels
We had a delicious breakfast and great visit at the Peace and Plenty Hotel overlooking the harbor in George Town, and stayed at Palm Bay Beach Club a short distance away. Both were completely charming with a relaxed congenial atmosphere, and fab views. The Palm Bay Beach Club is a collection of adorable bungalows painted in bright Caribbean colors, and include an efficiency kitchen, comfy livingroom, bedroom and bath. The resort is perched right on a beautiful stretch of beach and most rooms have direct ocean views. For those who enjoy larger resorts, Sandals Emerald Bay and Golf Resort is a sophisticated all-inclusive property that specializes in romance.

Sightseeing

Renting a car to go exploring along the Queen’s Highway is a must. After visiting Tropic of Cancer Beach to skip along the imaginary line of latitude that marks the northern tropics, we stopped at the incomparable Santana’s Grill Pit. Here, overlooking yet another gorgeous beach, Dee produces some of the yummiest food on the planet from a bare-bones kitchen. Just like Johnny Depp and the cast of Pirates of the Caribbean, we gorged ourselves on Deep-Fried Lobster Tails smother in sweet onions, macaroni and cheese, rice and peas, and creamy coleslaw. Orgasmic!

Time to burn off some calories by making first footprints on long stretches of untamed beaches. My travel companions find a bridge that is just too tempting – everyone overboard!

If this isn’t heaven, it’s pretty damn close.
And what about those swimming pigs?…. Hysterical!!

Don’t Miss Reading Day 2 – swimming with pigs and sharks – Oh My!

Top Family-Friendly Thanksgiving Destinations

Guest Author — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 12:32:37 +0000

Travel afar or stay close to home this season with these top family-friendly travel destinations. Instead of a hosting a traditional family dinner at home this year, our BookIt.com travel expert shares the top 5 fun, family-friendly places to go this season. The Top 5 Destinations Unveiled include:

1. New York City Kickoff the holiday season and watch the iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in person. Ice skate at Rockefeller Center and start your gift buying on Black Friday in the Big Apple.

Current Deals: The Manhattan at Times Square Hotel (until it sells out) TIMES SQUARE: Indoor Pool and Walk to Broadway Best Midtown Location + Indoor Pool Reg. $549 | SAVE on Advance Purchase! FREE Wi-Fi in Lobby And Steps From Broadway! Nightly Rates – Reg. $389 $169 – $330 Valid Travel Dates for BookIt.com^® Special: Now through December 31, 2011.

St. Giles Hotel New York – The Court (sale ends Friday 11/11) MIDTOWN EAST: A Residential Flavor With Modern Luxury Midtown East | BookIt.com Exclusive Reg. $520 – Stay Longer Save MORE! PLUS $10 Instant Rebate for Every Night! Nightly Rates $199 – $395 Valid Travel Dates for BookIt.com^® Special: Book for travel Now through February 2012.

2. St. Augustine, Florida Not only is it the nation’s oldest city but it was host to the ‘real’ first Thanksgiving. History scholars claim that the very first Turkey Day celebration wasn’t in Plymouth, but in St. Augustine in 1565. This family friendly destination is a great, sunny Atlantic Ocean getaway. Visit the Fountain of Youth or the Castillo de San Marcos.

3. Cancun, Mexico Give thanks for Mexico’s most popular vacation destination. This world-famous destination has been selected as one of the Top 25 Destinations in the Caribbean and Mexico for 2011 as well. All-inclusive deals are a plenty, your wallet will thank you. Bonus: As you work on your tan your friends and family will be feeling the chilling effects of winter!

Current Deals: BRAND NEW! Villa del Palmar Cancun – All-Inclusive Personalized service and a luxuriating lifestyle! Thanksgiving Travel: ONLY $89 pp.pn.do + FREE Upgrade (Rate valid for travel Now – Dec 22) Christmas Travel: ONLY $129 pp.pn.do (Travel Dec 23 – Jan 2)

Sea Adventure Resort and Water Park – All-Inclusive (Until rooms sell out) Splash into Adventure! $91: Fall Season + Kids Stay FREE Reg $148pp/pn | Now $91 All-Inclusive FREE Unlimited Automatic Access to Waterpark Nightly Rates Per Person Reg. $170 $81 – $110 All-Inclusive Valid Travel Dates for BookIt.com^® Special: August 22 through December 23, 2011. No blackout dates! Subject to Sell Out.

4. Orlando Orlando is transformed into a ‘Winter Wonderland’ during Thanksgiving minus all of the big crowds. Families can take advantage of big savings at usually pricey, business convention center resorts. For one week only top resorts such as The Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center and the Hilton Garden Inn Orlando at Seaworld International Drive slash prices to fill rooms.

Current Deal: Rosen Centre Hotel Orlando (Ends Friday 11/11) An Award-Winning Hotel on International Drive $69 After Rebate THANKSGIVING WEEK! Reg. $269 OVER 70% OFF Nov 19-27, 2011 Near Universal l FREE Parking + FREE Wi-Fi Nightly Rates $69 – $332 Valid Travel Dates for BookIt.com^® Special: November 19 – 27, 2011 Subject to Sell Out.

5. Las Vegas Instead of grandma and grandpa’s house do something really different with loved ones. Las Vegas offers more than just casinos. Visit the Stratosphere with the kids or indulge in a spa and upscale shopping day. Vegas has sumptuous buffets and gourmet restaurants galore – no clean-up required. Be aware, most shows take a break during the holidays, but there’s still plenty of glitz and glamor to enjoy.

Current Deals: Venetian Resort Hotel Casino, Up to 50% off + Holiday freebies. Luxury on the strip plus $150 in season extras, including free skate rentals, spa discounts, 2 eggnog cupcakes, 20% off dining, and 40% off spa treatments. For travel between 11/21-1/8. Nightly rates:$134-539

Planet Hollywood-Towers Westgate, Up to 60% off + free show tickets. 1 Bedroom suite upgrade midweek, 2 free show tickets to V-Variety show w/air. Available now through April 30, 2012. Weekends from $149 per night.

Check current deals and all terms and conditions at BookIt.com

How Americans Can Travel To Cuba

Susan — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 12:14:23 +0000

Many avid travelers are wondering if it’s finally possible to book a vacation to Cuba. It’s not often that an enticing new destination becomes available to U.S. travelers; especially one that is close-by, relatively safe, and with an intriguing culture that most Americans are readily familiar with. The recent lifting of travel restrictions to Cuba has released a pent-up curiosity for Cuba holidays. Travelers are fascinated to see what life is actually like on this island nation that has been living under embargo for 50 years. Will travelers be charmed by colonial architecture and classic muscle cars, or will they be troubled by the affects of food shortages, limited freedoms and crumbling infrastructure? While travel restrictions to Cuba have been eased, it is still not possible for Americans to hop a flight from Miami to Havana at will. Travelers from the United States are advised to make reservations on tours that have been licensed by the US Treasury Department and book passage on approved charter flights.

How To Find An Approved Cuba Tour Company
Currently travel to Cuba is permitted by US State Department licensed tour operators for the purpose of people-to-people educational encounters, cultural and religious exchanges, journalism, and/or athletic and performance events. Expect tours to be filled with cultural interactions and humanitarian efforts. Trips have busy, organized itineraries that allow only brief periods of independent relaxation. Don’t expect a trip filled with beach bathing, mojito sipping, and cigar puffing – you’ll likely spend the majority of your time touring government buildings, visiting schools, museums, arts and cultural centers and meeting locals.

Your first step should be to digest the information offered by the US State Department on travel to Cuba. Then visit the sites of approved tour companies offering travel to Cuba in the fall of 2011 and through 2012. They include:
InsightCuba – 1st company approved to bring US travelers into Cuba
Aberkrombie & Kent
National Georgraphic
Road Scholar
Distant Horizons
Friendly Planet

Don’t expect to find bargain trips to Cuba. The itineraries are meticulously organized and carefully guided to conform to government regulations. Most trips include all accommodations, guiding, transportation, meals and tips. Air transportation is often booked separately on approved charter flights out of Miami or Ft. Lauderdale. Be sure to arrive very early for your flight check-in as no online check-in is allowed. You will be expected to purchase a short-term medical insurance policy when entering Cuba – your US medical insurance is not accepted there.

Be Prepared – What To Expect
Trip reports from initial tours into Cuba give some valuable tips for future travelers:

Pre-pay for as much as possible. Bring dollars (or Euros). For the most part credit cards and cell phones do not work in Cuba. Expect to lose 10% from your US dollar value in exchange transactions.
Save $25 CUC for the departure tax – which is not payable in US dollars.
Bring ample pharmaceuticals, suntan lotion and toiletries. Convenience stores, grocery stores and pharmacies are few and far between.
Take a supply of granola bars or favorite sealed snacks. Meals will likely feature copious amounts of rice and beans and canned vegetables.
DO NOT DRINK THE WATER – even in nice hotels. Drink bottled water only – and be cautious of ice cubes.
Hotels will probably not be up to your usual standards and service is often lack-luster. Public restrooms leave MUCH to be desired – travel with tissues.
Internet is laboriously slow and expensive. Purchase a prepaid phone card and use public phones if you wish to make phone calls back to the United States.
Despite travel inconveniences, take heart… the Cuban people will be thrilled to greet you.
Even today….. you cannot bring Cuban cigars back to the USA!

Book Your Caribbean Vacation and Get A Free Ski Pass Tossed In

Susan — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 12:05:57 +0000

We were all startled this week with the weather reports of significant snow fall in Colorado – and it’s only October! Surely this has started everyone thinking ahead to ski season in the Rockies. Rock Resorts has a winter deal you’re going to love!

Book your winter vacation at a participating Rock Resorts property by November 20th, you’ll receive the coveted Epic Ski Pass for free. The Epic Pass is valid for 7 days of skiing during the 2011/2012 ski season at 7 premier ski resorts including Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone, and Arapahoe Basin in Colorado as well as Heavenly and Northstar at Tahoe in California, and is valued at $519 each. And while you will find lots of gorgeous Rock Resorts in the mountains, there are also inviting luxury resorts to choose from in the Caribbean.

Plan your beach vacation at the legendary Half Moon Resort in Rose Hall Jamaica.

Big Cruise Bargains During National Cruise Week Oct. 17-23

Susan — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 02:02:31 +0000

Calling all vacationers who love getting a great deal on their winter cruise. From now until October 23rd virtually every major cruise line is offering special promotions in what the Cruise Line International Association describes as The World’s Largest Cruise Sale in celebration of National Cruise Vacation Week.

Twenty Six CLIA (Cruise Line International Association) associated cruise lines and member travel professionals are sponsoring special cruise events this week to entice you to book a bargain holiday. Check your favorite cruise line’s website for all of their one week sale specials. Here are a few samples of the promotions being offered during National Cruise Vacation Week:

AMA Waterways
Up to Double Savings plus 1 category upgrade & transfers

Azamara Club Cruises
Up to $500 onboard spending credit per stateroom

Celebrity Cruises
Up to $400 per stateroom shipboard credit

Oceania Cruises
2 for 1 cruise fares with free aifare plus up to $5,000 Bonus Savings

Princess Cruises
Onboard discounts worth up to $325 & reduced deposit of $100, per person

You can find a CLIA member travel agency close to you who will have access to all the current promotions by using the Travel Agency Finder.

Happy cruising!

Club Med Super Sale – Pay For A Weekend, Stay For A Whole Week!

Susan — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 21:00:40 +0000

Club Mediterranee (otherwise know as Club Med), has been wowing fun-loving vacationers since the 1950′s. In fact they pioneered the concept of all-inclusive vacations. Since then they have earned a stellar reputation for delivering active romantic getaways and fun family vacations. Club Med “villages” have been spruced up in recent years while retaining their French Mediterranean flare and remain as popular as ever.

Club Med has just announced a 7-Day Weekend sale which must be booked by 10/31/11 and is valid for travel all winter long through to April 13, 2012. Guests pay the usual price for a three-night stay, but stay and play for seven nights. The sale package starts at $870 per person for loding, all meals, all beverages (beer, wine and cocktails), most resort activities and classes. Day camps for kids including the very popular Circus Camp are also included. Properties participating in the sale include Club Med properties in Cancun, Ixtapa, Punta Cana, Florida, the Bahamas, Turks & Caicos, Martinique, and Guadeloupe.

Get all the details about the Club Med Resorts and pariculars about the sale at ClubMed.us

PGA Grand Slam Golf-Getaway To Bermuda – A Golfer’s Fantasy Trip

Susan — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 12:00:35 +0000

Here’s a fabulous fall golf getaway package to Bermuda that will give lucky golfers a chance to play some of the islands premier golf courses and attend the PGA Grand Slam of Golf Championship in October. Who can forget last year’s final round when Graeme McDowell rolled up his slacks (past his knees, looking like he was sporting Bermuda shorts) and waded into the water on the 17th hole to play a shot out of the water! This year’s event will see PGA Championship Winner Keegan Bradley tee off against Open Championship Winner Darren Clarke, U.S. Open Champion Rory McIlroy and 2011 Masters Champion Charl Schwartzel – all vying for the Grand Slam Championship title to end the 2011 season.

The PGA of America has put together 3, 4 & 5 night packages that are every golfers’ dream getaway. Golfing getaways include luxury accommodations at The Fairmont Southampton, daily breakfast, admission for 3 days to the PGA Grand Slam of Golf tournament, transfers daily to/from the hotel to the Port Royal Course, and a chance to play championship golf at three of Bermuda’s most acclaimed courses, the Fairmont Southampton, Riddel’s Bay and Belmont. The tournament runs from October 18-19, and tour packages are priced from $615 to $1,170 per person depending on number of days. Full details are available at PremierGolf.com

Just when the leaves of fall are covering courses in the U.S., Bermuda will be in full swing!