|
Dear Joyce,
Travel in today's world typically consists of going
online to research what specific destination to
travel to, followed by talking with friends,
researching travel books, and going online to
determine if those on Tripadviser liked the places
you want to visit and stay at.
I love it when my clients know what they want from a
vacation, however, I am very leery of what the
guidebooks and Tripadvisor seem to be telling would
be travelers about the quality of the accommodations
and destinations to visit. I recently came back from
Prague and stayed at one of the top rated hotels on
Tripadvisor - it was nice. However, I found other
hotels that were so much better - and guess what,
they weren't in any of the guidebooks; I found them
by exploring the city on my own.
In Hawaii, Mexico and Tahiti we have many properties
that the guidebooks or Tripadvisor don't mention. I
am a bit astounded since we recommend only the
best
properties in all of these locales. Don’t get me
wrong, I am glad our properties aren't listed in the
guidebooks as this translates into more availability
for our clients! But don't you ever wonder how some
properties receive high marks and others no
consideration at all? I do all the time...
I really think that Tripadvisor and guidebooks
should be used sparingly when planning vacations.
For once in a lifetime experiences, I urge you to
seek your own adventures when globetrotting. In my
travels through Asia and Europe I have used Fodor's
and Rick Steve's guidebooks as a guideline only, and
to be honest with you, the best destinations we have
explored we found on our own! It is the little towns
and unknown venues that are worthy of our time –
this way we are depending on ourselves to make an
adventure happen not Fodor's, Rick Steve, or
whomever else we should read.
I often wonder if in the midst of all of our
researching we are losing what most of us truly
seek – the thrill of an adventure. When you look
back on your fondest memories isn’t it the
excitement of the unknown that stands out in your
mind? There are countless stories I could illustrate
of adventures we had that weren’t planned that
actually were the highlights of our trips, and you
know what? It is these experiences that help make a
vacation an Incredible Journey! I think that when
you make your own discoveries you grow as a person
and become a traveler not a tourist...
Next time you plan a vacation I highly encourage you
to leave some time for self discovery – so that you
can find adventures where nobody has recommended
you
go visit.
| You go girl |
 |
Women traveling solo, or with fellow compatriots –
they are everywhere! Look at all the soft adventure,
extreme adventure, and spas that try to lure women.
These companies are banking on the fact that women
want to get away from it all – to let their hair
down, kick back, relax, learn a new skill all with a
spirit of camaraderie and self-discovery that is
important to us. And they are right!
|
| Now's the Time to... |
|
|
- Call about specials to Hawaii to witness the majestic humpback whales
- Make reservations for spring break before all the best space is gone
- Reserve your home for the summer in Hawaii and Mexico
- Inquire about our cruise specials
- Check out our group cruise to Alaska (Greek Isles Cruise -- sold out!)
- Inquire about Christmas space -- this typically sells out by the end of February
|
| Discover Central America |
|
I am very excited to be sharing the undiscovered
jewel called Central America with our clients. There
are an untold number of ways to explore nature here.
Our more adventurous clients can bungee jump off a
bridge, fly over the ocean, hike fiery craters,
scuba dive with sharks, kayak through fierce
currents and meet wild animals face to face. Culture
lovers will find indigenous people living as their
ancestors did thousands of years ago and fascinating
Mayan ruins to explore. Everyone will enjoy the
peace and quiet of walks through rainforests, bird
watching tours and miles and miles of sandy,
uncrowded beaches. And I haven't even mentioned
the
tropical retreats and luxurious spas.
|
| Ask Endora |
|
Dear Endora,
I was planning on booking my own air from the East
coast to Hawaii – the best fare showed different
carriers being used and I was wondering am I going
to have to get my luggage when I get onto the next
flight?
Leery traveler
|
| Featured Property - Four Seasons Punta Mita |
|
The scenic beauty and wonderful climate of the
coast north of Puerto Vallarta make it a favorite of
international travelers. Here, Four Seasons has
created a spectacular and very special five star
resort.
Divinely comfortable and perfectly appointed
suites and rooms are arranged in handsomely tiled
casitas overlooking the Pacific Ocean and the golf
course. Flawless service harmonizes with style and
seclusion, making this resort a place guests will
visit again and again.
|
| Cruise News |
|
|
In October, Conde Nast Traveler announced its
Readers' Choice Awards. Significant in the cruise
category was that two new leaders emerged in the
small ship and large ship categories -- SeaDream
Yacht Club and Regent Seven Seas Cruises,
respectively. SeaDream was launched in September
2001 with two 110-passenger vessels that were
formerly part of the Sea Goddess fleet. The
yacht-like ships were completely refitted and
deliver a casual luxury (no tux and no tie) that
differentiates them from many other luxury lines.
These two lines are highly recommended by Incredible
Journey, with both known for their stellar service.
|
| 2007 Alaskan Explorer |
|
Here's your chance to witness the natural beauty of
Alaska - the wilderness destination - on a fabulous
7 day cruise round trip from Seattle aboard the ms
Noordam, Holland America's newest ship, with
staterooms 25% larger than other premium cruise lines.
|
|
Critical Passport Information |
|
|
|
Beginning Jan. 23, 2007, ALL travelers, including
citizens of the United States, Canada, Mexico, and
Bermuda, are required to present a passport to enter
the United States when arriving by air from any part
of the Western Hemisphere.
Exceptions are limited to travelers possessing an
Air NEXUS card, U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner
Document, or Alien Registration Card (Form I-551).
This initiative is part of the departments of State
and Homeland Security’s Western Hemisphere Travel
Initiative (WHTI) and does not apply to travel
between the United States and its territories.
As a result, U.S. citizens traveling directly
between the United States and Puerto Rico, the U.S.
Virgin Islands, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands
and American Samoa can continue to use established
forms of identification to board flights and for entry.
A separate proposed rule addressing land and sea
travel will be published at a later date with
specific requirements for travelers entering the
United States through land and sea border crossings.
As early as Jan.1, 2008, citizens traveling between
the United States and Canada, Mexico, Central and
South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda by land or
sea may be required to present a valid passport or
other documents as determined by the Department of
Homeland Security to enter the United States.
|
|
