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Dear Reader,
Over the years we have all seen the decline in service provided
by the airlines. Let’s face it, travelers used to begin their
vacation once they boarded the aircraft, now coach class is more
of a cattle call to be transported from one destination to
another. With demand for lower fares we have inadvertently created
something that none of us truly appreciates – less service.
To mitigate the lack of service frequent flyer members can take
advantage of better seats, get upgrades to business and first
class – but coach travelers need to make sure they bring food
(that is probably a good thing!) and most recently I have heard
that the once complimentary beverages will start coming with a
price tag, and it doesn’t stop there. You might want to consult
our December newsletter on where to buy your own travel pillows
and blankets as these too will soon be for sale!
However, those who travel first or business class are being
pampered with Epicurean delights prepared by world renowned
celebrity chefs. Aloha Airlines has hired celebrity chef Alan Wong
to prepare first class passengers meals you would expect to find
only at a fine restaurant. Such fare includes Soy-Braised Short
Rib on Kim Chee Fried Rice with Ko Choo Jang Vinaigrette. Then
there is one of my favorite chefs, Beverly Gannon, who prepares
entrees such as Apple Stuffed Pork Chops with Balsamic Rosemary
Sauce and Mushroom Barley Pilaf for Hawaiian Airline’s first class
passengers.
Next time you decide to fly I suggest using your mileage to
upgrade or check with us to see the cost of a first class ticket,
it might surprise you just how reasonable these tickets can be!
| River
Cruising |
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Have you ever thought about river cruising but didn’t
know what to expect from such an experience? Here’s a bit of
information to peak your interest in this boutique cruise
product.
Where ocean cruising tends to be a more formal affair,
river cruising is intimate, casual and cultural; definitely
a boutique experience; most definitely not a cookie-cutter
experience. River cruise products are popular for European
adventures, but river cruising is also available in the
United States.
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| Celebrating the Arts of Oahu |
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There are some places in the world that just call out to
creative souls. Whether because of the incredible natural
beauty, the exoticism of the native cultures or because of a
community of like minded souls, those places where artists
gather are rich in inspiration and refuge. Lucky for all of
use, Hawaii is just such a place.
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| Now's
the time to... |
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- Reserve your 2006 Hawaii Holiday cruise, with only 6
cabins left, space is filling fast. Contact Patricia today
for details.
- Call Joyce for unadvertised special packages to Tahiti
now, before they’re gone.
- Whale watching on your mind? Contact Vicki, our Hawaii
specialist, to reserve our fabulous beach front condos on
Maui for a show of a lifetime featuring these graceful
giants.
- Hurry and book your Summer 2006 privately owned homes
in Hawaii and Mexico before all space is gone, and it is
going quickly.
- Keep an eye out for our newest destination to be
offered on our website – Central America and the countries
of Panama and Costa Rica.
- Don’t forget, Disney’s 50th Birthday Bash ends May
2006!
- Christmas 2006 packages should be reserved now before
all accommodations are gone.
- Coming soon! A big improvement to our website will be
our new addition featuring specials on destinations,
cruises and packages!
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| Ask
Endora |
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Dear
Endora,
I want to take my family on a three week trip to Europe.
I would love to visit France, Italy and England. I know I
need more time, but I work and this is the most I can take
off at a time. What do you suggest to get the most out of my
family vacation?
Alan – California
Dear Alan,
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| Featured Property |
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Adventurous travelers will be thrilled with the style and
natural beauty of this eco lovers paradise. Designed with
respect for its pristine setting this resort offers the
simple life of a tropical village through its rustic
comforts, genuine hospitality and unique excursions
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Heaven
on Earth – Ikal del Mar |
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In October 2006, prior to Hurricane Wilma, I went back to
the Maya Riviera on a quest to find a few new stellar
properties that I could add to our already impressive array
of accommodations. The first property I stayed at was Ikal
del Mar, which in Mayan translates to “Poetry of the Sea.”
After driving along the bumpy, sandy road past newly
constructed condos, lush jungles and local houses most
travelers would begin to doubt they would find a secluded
refuge at the end of their journey. However, as a well
seasoned traveler to this area I knew what to expect. Most
of the ultra private resorts in the Maya Riviera do not
advertise their existence, as the lure of these
establishments is the ultimate privacy and the unparalleled
service bestowed upon their guests. More...
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