Amtrak has revamped some of its tech offerings in an effort to better attract customers that would otherwise be flying.
The advances by Amtrak, which include adding free Wi-Fi to the Northeast corridor and introducing e-tickets on its Boston to Portland line, mark its latest effort to chip away at the airline industry.
Adding free Wi-Fi to its most popular line -- Boston to Washington D.C. -- is key to the company’s efforts of attracting more business travelers and younger tech-savvy passengers.
“Strong passenger interest” helped spark the introduction of AmtrakConnect, the free Wi-Fi service, the rail operator said. Twelve of its East Coast trains now feature free Wi-Fi, meaning trains carrying nearly 60% of all Amtrak passengers provide free access to the web.
“The expansion of Wi-Fi further enhances the travel experience for passengers, giving them more options for entertainment or to do work while en route,” says vice president of marketing and product development Emmett Fremaux. “We are committed to continuing to improve and expand this service as resources and technology allow.”
Amtrak, which announced last month a 5% year-over-year increase in ridership for the fiscal period ended Sept. 30, has been trying to take a bite out of airlines' powerful hold on the travel industry.
With the exception of 2009, the commuter rail service has reported record ridership and revenue every year since 2002, which is about the time airlines started to struggle.
The economic headwinds have started to create problems for major U.S. airlines, including AMR's American Airlines (AMR: 2.25, -0.09, -3.85%), which fought off bankruptcy rumors last month, as well as other airline majors such as Delta (DAL: 8.00, -0.20, -2.38%) and United Continental (UAL: 17.85, -0.35, -1.92%) that have considered or already cut capacity. Total industry profits are expected to fall to $4.9 billion in 2012 from $6.9 billion this year, according to the International Air Transport Association.
Amtrak has also added Wi-Fi to other lines including its Keystone service, which is from New York to Philadelphia to Harrisburg, Pa.; its Ethan Allen Express, from New York to Rutland, Vt.; the Carolinian, from New York to Charlotte; Empire Service, from New York to Albany and Buffalo; the Downeaster, from Boston to Portland; the New Haven; Springfield; and the Vermonter, which is from Washington to St. Albans, Vt.
There will be Wi-Fi installed on four other lines, including its Adirondack, Maple Leaf, Palmetto and Pennsylvanian routes, however it will only be available in select cars.
Amtrak had already been offering Wi-Fi on its Acela Express in the Northeast Corridor and on the Amtrak Cascades service in the Pacific Northwest. The company said Wi-Fi has always been a priority, but its expansion on other lines has been delayed primarily due to the limited bandwidth on many routes, which is currently provided through third-party cellular data networks located along the tracks.
The rail company says it is exploring ways to expand that coverage through talks with third-party mobile providers.
“We’re taking maximum advantage of the existing infrastructure to offer Wi-Fi service to our passengers,” said Lenetta McCampbell, senior director of on board systems at Amtrak. “And we’re poised to improve upon those offerings rapidly as the networks we tap into advance.”
The company next plans to expand Wi-Fi on the state-supported Amtrak services in California, including on its Capitol Corridor, Pacific Surfliner and San Joaquin trains. With those additions at the end of 2011, some 75% of all Amtrak passengers will have access to on-board Wi-Fi, the company said.
Separately, Amtrak started a pilot test of its e-ticketing system on the Amtrak Downeaster service Thursday that allows passengers to board a train without a traditional paper ticket. Instead, a traveler just has to flash the ticket on their smartphone.
The railroad operator says it will roll out e-ticketing to all its trains nationwide next year.
The e-ticketing feature also lets passengers make changes to their reservations online before the departure time. Amtrak says it will try to provide greater flexibility to its online customers with respect to modifying reservations once a trip is underway.
In recognition of these tech-savvy efforts, Amtrak was awarded a spot on the list of top 500 technology innovators across America by 2011 Information Week – an award Amtrak says reflects its efforts to enhance the customer travel experience.
By Uniglobe Travel Management Consultants | November 04, 2011 at 03:56 PM EDT | No Comments
"Once you have traveled, the voyage never ends, but is played out over and over again in the quiestest chambers. The mind can never break off from the journey.” – Pat Conroy
By Uniglobe Travel Management Consultants | November 01, 2011 at 03:54 PM EDT | No Comments
Travel + Leisure readers pick the world’s best islands for your next warm-weather getaway.
By Jennifer Miranda
Islands naturally ignite wanderlust. Whether your journey is a short ferry ride or oceans away, the extra effort it takes to get to that island seems to heighten the experience exponentially.
But which islands are most worthy of the trip? We asked readers to cast their votes in T+L’s 16th annual World’s Best survey, and the results reveal one universal truth: a predilection for islands with astonishing natural beauty. Bali continues to hold on to its ranking in the top five, but there are also surprises. Two of last year’s European islands fell off the list, while a desire for the far-flung raised the profile of destinations in the South Pacific and Asia. One such newcomer, Boracay in the Philippines, may be one of the last undiscovered Asian beach getaways.
Read on to find out which islands ranked at the top:
An ancient island that endured one of the largest volcanic eruptions in history, Santorini, 120 miles southwest of mainland Greece, feels like no other place on earth. Here, everything is brighter: the whitewashed cube-shaped houses, the lapis lazuli sea, and the sunsets that light up the caldera. So it seems about time that Santorini captured the No. 1 island title for the first time in World’s Best Awards history—beating out Maui, Bali, and the Galápagos. For the ultimate trip, base yourself in picturesque Oia, on the island’s northern tip, where hotels are set on cliffs above the glittering Aegean Sea.
Lapped by the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, Bali is but one of 17,500 islands in the Indonesian archipelago, yet even among its colorful neighbors—and even after decades of tourism development—it stands alone in its lushness and incomparable beauty. Perhaps that’s the reason it’s been ranked the No. 1 island in Asia every year since 1998. Why go now? Resorts are making cultural relevance a priority, promising unique entrée into local art and architecture, cuisine, and traditional medicine.
Readers love Cape Breton for its captivating vistas—cliff-backed beaches; forested headlands studded with lighthouses—which is why the island, in Nova Scotia, hasn’t dropped below the No. 2 ranking in the Continental U.S. and Canada since 2005. Local culture commingles Scottish, Acadian, Irish, African, and native Mi’kmaq influences, and is fueled by music, from Celtic-style fiddling played in parish halls to the popular Thursday night ceilidh (kay-lee) dance gathering.
Now that even tiny islands such as Koh Samui are becoming mainstream, Boracay, in the Philippines, may be one of the last little-known Asian beach getaways. The sandy-shored speck is accessible via an hour-long flight from Manila to Caticlan, followed by a 10-minute ferry ride. Go now, before the crowds arrive. Already a growing number of travelers are lured by five-star properties, from the Shangri-La Boracay Resort & Spa to Discovery Shores. As proof of its rising profile, 2011 is the first year Boracay has ranked in the World’s Best Awards.
Though the competition for No. 1 island in Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific is steep (consider Bora-Bora, Fiji, and Tasmania), the Great Barrier Reef, which unfurls from Australia’s northeastern coast, has taken the No. 1 spot seven times since 1998. The area’s spectacularly cerulean water and vast sweep of coral teems with sea life—baleen whales, leatherback turtles, giant clams, and 400-odd other species. Above the surface, it’s a menagerie of a different kind: a collection of hotels and island resorts, each with its own oceanfront appeal.
A historical feast with 300 days of sun per year, spectacular landscapes, and a vibrant culinary scene, Sicily is becoming one of Italy’s buzziest destinations, and received its highest score yet in the 2011 World’s Best Awards. On this Italian island, there’s a new respect for heritage, and the hotel sector is on the upswing. The most trumpeted debut, the Verdura Golf & Spa Resort—part of the Rocco Forte Collection—has focused the spotlight on a handsome swath of the southern coast. And Orient-Express recently renovated two classic hotels in Taormina, the Grand Hotel Timeo and the Villa Sant’Andrea.
The Big Island of Hawaii is a little bit country and a whole lot of lava rock and roll—especially whenever Kilauea is pouring hot magma into the Pacific at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the eastern shore. (Check with the park service for eruption updates.) Far from urban Honolulu, this mostly rural island has its own cowboy culture, farmers’ markets, tropical rainforests, and black-, green-, and white-sand beaches. It’s this local flavor that resonates with travelers now: this year was the first that the Big Island surged past Maui and Kauai to capture the No. 1 island in the region.
It may be the most dramatic vista anywhere in Hawaii: from the bluffs above the eastern tip of Hanalei Bay, on the north shore of Kauai, you look out on a crescent-shaped beach. Tireless waterfalls spill from jagged cliffs in deep green valleys. A rain shower rolls across the far side of the bay while the sun blazes down on you. Though the island’s World’s Best ranking fell slightly this year, the recently renovated St. Regis Princeville Resort, 252 spacious rooms carved into a cliff, is a slice of paradise. Don’t miss the private Pali Ke Kua Beach, where the only other living creature might be a sea turtle laying her eggs.
Within the Hawaiian-island family, Maui is the celebrity sibling: radiantly beautiful, a bit rebellious, and with glamour to spare. The island has attracted “seekers” for its healing energy since the 1960s and, more recently, Internet millionaires and Hollywood A-listers who want to rejuvenate in five-star spas. Readers love it for its natural attractions and sights and activities, such as the Maui Film Festival every June—your best bet to hobnob barefoot with Kristen Bell or Zac Efron.
The wild islands of the Galápagos continue to lure travelers 600 miles west of Ecuador. Where else can you watch a marine iguana dive for seaweed beneath a circling blue-footed booby? To better protect the landscape, cruises are now capped at 15 days with no repeated ports, though they remain the best way to see this perennial World’s Best Awards winner (in 2010 it was ranked No. 1 island overall). Which itinerary to choose? GalaOdyssey’s new 16-passenger Galápagos Grand Odyssey luxury yacht pampers guests with Jacuzzis and a spa while en route to a stop at sea-lion central Mosquera.
By Uniglobe Travel Management Consultants | October 27, 2011 at 03:24 PM EDT | No Comments
What places are calling your name for 2012? Whatever your mood, Traveler magazine has a recommendation for you—from the romantic hills of Croatia to the perfect beach in Thailand.
By Uniglobe Travel Management Consultants | October 25, 2011 at 03:52 PM EDT | No Comments
By Debbra Dunning Brouillette
Special to the Star-Telegram
ANTIGUA, British West Indies -- Getting away from it all to an all-inclusive resort in the Caribbean was my self-prescribed antidote to stress after weeks of preparing for a cross-country move. Soon I'd be strolling along one of Antigua's 365 stretches of sea and sand -- one for each day of the year, as locals have claimed for years.
Taking into account its bays, coves and more than 50 offshore islands, Antigua (pronounced an-TEE-ga) may indeed be the beach capital of the Caribbean, popular with beach-lovers and honeymooners.
It is also a haute hideaway for celebrities and the mega-rich. Oprah escapes to her vacation home on Long Island, two miles off the north coast of Antigua. And according to a 2010 Forbes.com list of billionaire playgrounds, she named it her No. 1 choice for crystal-clear Caribbean water and perfect palm trees.
Robin Leach, former host of Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous, is among the celebrity owners of Long Island's multimillion-dollar homes. The rest of the private island is shared with the paparazzi-free Jumby Bay resort and villas, where Paul McCartney, Mariah Carey and Hilary Swank have been among the A-list guests. Others who have homes on Antigua include Morgan Freeman, Whitney Houston and Eric Clapton, who opened an alcohol and drug treatment center on the island in 1998.
But there are plenty of resorts for the rest of us. While Antigua cannot lay claim to having the most all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean (Jamaica and the Dominican Republic vie for that distinction), it has its share, numbering in the double digits. They range from the super-tony Jumby Bay to an upscale Sandals resort and a number of others that vary in ambience and amenities.
During my time on this largest of the British Leeward Islands, I stayed at two of three Elite Island Resorts-affiliated properties (St. James's Club, Galley Bay and The Verandah), each of which caters to a slightly different clientele and is located on different sides of the island's 108 square miles.
For families
My first two nights were spent at St. James's Club & Villas, on its own 100-acre peninsula on the southeastern coast. It is the largest and liveliest of the Elite resorts, due in part to its family-friendly atmosphere.
The Just for Kids Club, offering adult supervision and activities for children ages 4-11, is a superb choice for families.
I was happily ensconced in one of 48 new royal suites overlooking Mamora Bay, part of a recent multimillion-dollar renovation that included two new pools, a fitness facility and a beachside game room for teens.
The majority of the 251 guest rooms at the resort front Coco Beach on the Atlantic Ocean; each has its own private balcony or terrace. Two-bedroom hillside villas with full kitchens overlook the bay, ideal for families and groups.
And while the majority of St. James's Club guests book the all-inclusive plan, a European plan, which covers the room only, is also available.
With four restaurants and five bars spread throughout the resort, there is plenty of variety. Piccolo Mondo is the resort's fine-dining restaurant, where we ordered Caribbean lobster.
Couples only, please
While couples can easily find secluded spots to sun and swim at St. James's, the romance quotient is higher at the couples-only Galley Bay Resort & Spa, a 40-acre hideaway on Antigua's northwest coast, facing the calmer waters of the Caribbean Sea.
TripAdvisor.com recently named Galley Bay among the top 10 best resorts for romance in the Caribbean, and it has appeared on lists of the top 100 resorts in the world by both TripAdvisor and Condé Nast Traveler.
Most of Galley Bay's 98 rooms are beachfront, opening directly onto a perfect stretch of pale sand beach or affording fabulous views from second-floor terraces. Palms and sea grape trees provide shade when you've had enough sun. Snorkeling sites are easily accessed from the shore.
The only accommodations not on the beach side are the Gauguin cottages, nestled near the lagoon at the edge of a bird sanctuary. Two thatched roofs connected by a sheltered breezeway separate the bedroom from the dressing room/bathroom. Each has its own plunge pool and sundeck concealed by tropical foliage, making these unique cottages popular with honeymooners and privacy-seekers.
Also on the lagoon side is Indulge spa, where I had a soothing massage in an open treehouse, with white gauze curtains blowing in the breeze. Tropical birds in the trees provided nature's background music.
My favorite of Galley Bay's three restaurants was the Gauguin, serving Caribbean-influenced dishes at lunch or dinner in South Pacific-style thatched huts, sized for intimate oceanside dining. Later in the evening, diners often gravitate to the TeePee bar, where they may find the bartender entertaining the crowd with bar tricks while serving up the local Wadadli beer or fruity frozen cocktails.
During my late-August visit, several guests were fortunate enough to participate in a very special experience: helping newly hatched leatherback turtles find the way from their nest to the sea by shining flashlights on the sand until they reached the water.
Nesting sites of leatherback and hawksbill sea turtles, both endangered, were marked along Galley Bay's beach and are closely monitored by the staff. I was on the "turtle watch" list for the remainder of my stay, in case another "hatch fest" occurred, but, regretfully, no late-night call came to interrupt my sleep.
Besides hoping for a turtle sighting, guests at Galley Bay may sometimes find themselves sharing a walk along the beach with Italian fashion designer Giorgio Armani or guests at his hillside estate, which overlooks Galley Bay's three-quarter-mile strand. Armani purchased the home in 2006 after years of visiting aboard his yacht.
Complimentary nonmotorized watersports are offered at Galley Bay and at St. James's Club, and St. James's has an on-site scuba shop available to schedule dives to nearby reefs. Staff can schedule activities and excursions off the resort property. One of my travel companions returned from her all-day circumnavigation tour of the island aboard one of Wadadli Cats' catamarans, proclaiming it a must-do. After seeing the island from the water, she opted for a bird's-eye view of Antigua and nearby islands from a helicopter.
Kissing stingrays
I chose instead to swim and snorkel with stingrays at Stingray City. We received a short briefing about how to safely interact with the rays before a short boat ride whisked us to a shallow area where we entered calm, chest-deep water surrounded by a coral reef.
Soon, the rays, known as the puppy dogs of the sea, were swimming among us, eager for a snack and attention. Although first-timers found the curious creatures to be a bit intimidating, by the end of our excursion, most were touching, petting and even kissing the rays as photos were snapped.
The Antigua Paddles eco-tour is another excursion not to miss. It includes kayaking among the mangroves; stopping at uninhabited Great Bird Island, home to several endangered species; and snorkeling on nearby reefs.
To truly get away from it all, book a day trip via a 90-minute high-speed ferry or 15-minute flight to Antigua's small sister island, Barbuda. One of its pristine pink-tinged beaches was recently renamed Princess Diana Beach, to commemorate the time she spent on Barbuda with her young boys.
If you need a break from the sun, take a taxi tour of Antigua's landmarks. It's a great way to see more of Antigua's most popular beaches, do a little shopping in the capital of St. John, and visit the island's most intact sugar mill, Betty's Hope, and the natural limestone arch called Devil's Bridge.
Nelson's Dockyard and Shirley Heights
Make sure you visit Nelson's Dockyard, the most historically important attraction on the island. During the late 18th and early to mid-19th centuries, long before Antigua gained its reputation as a tony island address, English Harbour on the southeastern coast became a refuge for the British Navy.
As Britain competed for naval supremacy in the Caribbean with Spain, France and others, the harbor was developed into Britain's main naval base; it was the only harbor in the Eastern Caribbean large enough for naval ship repairs. Adm. Horatio Nelson served as a young captain in the Caribbean Leeward Islands fleet from 1784 until 1787, when the naval yard was greatly expanded.
Abandoned by the British Navy in 1889, restoration efforts began in 1951 and it was reopened in 1961 as Nelson's Dockyard, part of a national park. Today, tour guides make history come to life as visitors walk among the dockyard's 18th-century restored buildings, which include a museum, gift shops, restaurants and a hotel.
Its marina now hosts yachts from around the globe, as does the nearby Falmouth Harbour, site of the Antigua Yacht Club Marina. Yachters and sailing enthusiasts will arrive in the spring for the Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta, one of the top five regattas in the world, set for April 19-24, 2012, followed by the Antigua Sailing Week, April 24-29.
A short drive away is Shirley Heights, a restored military lookout overlooking English and Falmouth harbors; it's the best place to take in panoramic views.
A beach for every day
Whether escaping the paparazzi or just seeking a sandy beach you can call your own, Antigua offers more than enough reasons to consider this island for your next holiday.
By Uniglobe Travel Management Consultants | October 18, 2011 at 04:05 PM EDT | No Comments
press release
Oct. 18, 2011, 9:18 a.m. EDT
Some of Nature's Most Breathtaking Backdrops Are Available at This Beaver Creek Resort
AVON, CO, Oct 18, 2011 (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX) -- On a blanket of snow, sea of grass or field of flowers, The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch offers some of nature's most stunning backdrops for Colorado weddings. And when paired with luxurious accommodations, exquisite culinary creations, and a host of downtime activities, this Beaver Creek resort offers the ultimate Colorado wedding experience.
From perfecting the details, to suggesting signature menu items and arranging for group activities, the professional event planners at this Beaver Creek resort provide brides and grooms with exceptional services, amenities and venues that reflect their wedding day vision. Outdoor locations available for Beaver Creek weddings at The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch in Colorado include:
-- Smith Terrace - Perfect for the intimate Colorado wedding, this
600-square-foot terrace offers sprawling views of the Vail Valley
-- Skier Bridge Lawn - Intimate or grand, the lawn provides sweeping
views of the valley and Beaver Creek Mountain
-- Beaver Creek Chapel - Nestled on Beaver Creek Mountain, the
cobblestone chapel is a picturesque setting for mountainside Colorado
weddings
-- Mountainside Terrace - Just outside the resort, with breathtaking
views of the surrounding forest and under an elegant tent, the terrace
is the perfect location for grand occasions
For couples seeking indoor wedding venues in Colorado, The Ritz-Carlton boasts three stunning spaces:
-- The Anderson and Berg rooms - With beautiful views of the Rocky
Mountains and a small patio, these two distinctive rooms bring
Colorado's nature indoors on your special day
-- The Ritz-Carlton Ballroom - The largest indoor function area on site,
the Ballroom boasts ivory damask padded walls and wrought iron
chandeliers
To view all of the services and venues available for Colorado weddings at The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch, visit http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/BachelorGulch/Events/Default.htm .
About The Ritz-Carlton The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C., of Chevy Chase, Md., currently operates 76 hotels in the Americas, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and the Caribbean. More than 38 hotel and residential projects are under development around the globe. The Ritz-Carlton is the only service company to have twice earned the prestigious Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, an award that originated in 1987. Its purpose is to promote the awareness of quality excellence, recognize quality achievements of companies and publicize successful quality strategies. The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company won the award in 1992 and 1999. For more information, or reservations, contact a travel professional, call toll free in the U.S. 1-800-241-3333, or visit the company web site at www.ritzcarlton.com . The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Marriott International, Inc.
Media Contact
The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch
(970) 748-6200
SOURCE: The Ritz-Carlton
Copyright 2011 Marketwire, Inc., All rights reserved
By : Ashlee Cantrell Submitted 2011-10-12 02:03:31
To some people, making a research, booking and flying out is a stress-free and fun experience that can be filled with happy memories and even new friends, but to some the case may not be so. If this is new to you then chances are that you may have been browsing all over the web and with that being over priced. What you really is the service of a travel agent.
A common misconception is that travel agents cannot get you low fares on the same flight, but this may not be so and especially if you book early. Travel agents have common grounds with airlines, cruises, hotels and car rentals and with that you are almost guaranteed of getting discounted prices in your bookings.
A good travel agent knows and understands the whole booking process, be it on a boat cruise, airline or hotel and he or she can do that for you and still get you on your favourite airline or boat cruise. This in return will give you satisfaction and an enjoyable trip. One of the reasons behind you getting good deals is that airlines offer their best agents discounts and other incentives that are meant to keep clients coming. They also pay commission and for that travel agents do not have to charge you for anything, but your airfare.
An addition to saving you money is that, good travel agents act as consumer advocates in the event that something goes wrong. They'll turn your booking miseries into an enjoyable experience and one you may never forget.
Saving money
Many web shoppers tend to turn to the internet for low prices, but then the real deal is that they may not necessarily get these cheap deals. Most legitimate travel agents have good working relations with airlines, cruises and other travel entities and for that they get offers that may not be available on the web.
These promotions can range from discounts, cheap upgrades on various Flights and cruises and even onboard credit. Travel agents also know about other discounts that may not be available on the internet.
Different agents have different offers. Some offer gifts, souvenirs, champagne which will all get the customer back for another deal sooner or later.
Other reputable agencies may save you some bucks by being a fare watchdog. Some airlines will refund you your money in the event that the airfare goes down after you have booked. You may not have the time and skill to check airline prices daily, but a travel agent will do so for you and advise you accordingly.
Going on to the internet and searching for cheap deals daily can be time consuming and frustrating. You may end up even paying more for last minute bookings, and that could have been alleviated had you booked with a travel agent.
Save yourself a lot of money and time by making use of a travel agent. It is a perfect stress-free process with no complications. be sure to make use of it on next trip.
By Uniglobe Travel Management Consultants | October 10, 2011 at 04:04 PM EDT | No Comments
Published by Ozgur Tore
Monday, 10 October 201118:32
Apple founder Steve Jobs, the Bay Area-bred Buddhist, tech mogul and non-conformist who died on October 5 2011, at age 56, had an outsize impact not only on technology in general, but on the travel industry.
Many travelers including me now regularly use travel-related applications built for Apple products. Maybe the iPhone was not the first smartphone that could access the Internet; however, it was a level ahead of its competitors in offering a fuller web experience. Now while traveling from one point to another many of us use Maps in our iPhones to find places easily, or just with 2-3 clicks on any booking app you find the best prices for your travel.
Now with the many apps, you can snap a picture in Istanbul and instantly share a beautiful view of Bosphorus with your friends and followers or you can review any hotel, restaurant or city with an app and decide to visit or not.
Moreover, travel companies; airlines, hotels, travel agencies, travel review websites introduce apps every day to increase their business. Many of them also connect their business with social media through those apps in order to reach more people than they ever could before.
In short, Apple’s devices pulled off the feat of making the world smaller, more personal, more connected. Steve Jobs influenced travel industry with his products that increase travel and bring more business for the industry.
Apple controlled nearly a fifth of the smartphone market, or a share of 18.5 percent, as it shipped more than 20 million iPhones, according to market research firm Strategy Analytics. Samsung Electronics wasn't far behind, with 17.5 percent of the market share and 19.2 million smartphones shipped. Nokia fell to third, with its market share plunging by more than half to 15.2 percent from 38.1 percent in 2010.
By Uniglobe Travel Management Consultants | October 04, 2011 at 03:27 PM EDT | No Comments
ByJohn Hewitt
Photo by Mr. J Doe
Halloween is here! So what can you do to if you’re a bit too old for trick or treating? Go on a scary tour, of course!
Whether you’re looking for a horrifying walking tour, a haunt to curl up inside your coffin and spend the night, or a scary museum, check out some of these spooky places this Halloween:
1. La Rundel Mental Asylum – Melbourne, Australia
While on a tour of this abandoned red-brick building, especially at night, visitors report hearing strange music, howling, and laughter. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes; the former inhabitants did not clean up after leaving.
2. Ghosts of the East Village – New York City, United States
Ordinary ghosts aren’t enough for you? Prefer to visit celebrity undead? This Halloween, go on a tour of New York City’s historic East Village with Ghosts of New York Tours.
You’ll come across the old haunts of famous ghouls like Gothic-Romantic writer Edgar Allan Poe, former rough-riding President Theodore Roosevelt, and legendary escape artist Harry Houdini. It’ll frighten you more than hearing the price of a drink at one of the local bars.
The London Dungeon is a popular museum showcasing the real horrors of not-so-Jolly Old England year-round, and they have special events for Halloween.
Whether you’re a history buff or merely seasonally interested in wretched Medieval torture, it’s certainly worth a visit.
Performers and tour guides bring England’s cruel past to life for visitors of all ages. Try not to eat too much before traipsing into the torch-lit authentic dungeon.
4. The Paris Sewer Museum / Paris Catacombs Museum – Paris, France
That foul smell isn’t old camembert – it’s the old Parisian sewer! The sewers of Paris are some of the oldest in the world. Sections of the Parisian underground date back to the Roman Empire. Travel the same icky pathways as ancient French waste.
The Catacombs are even more eerie, as they are the resting place of literally thousands of ancient corpses. These catacombs were built in the 18th century as a repository for plague victims.
If you’re worried about encountering any French zombies, don’t worry too much – they amble after foreign brains about 15 hours a week. Try to go during lunch if you are concerned for your safety.
Empty Chernobyl school photo by Stuck In Customs
5. Chernobyl – Kiev, Ukraine
Believe it or not, the site of the catastrophic 1986 nuclear disaster is open for guided tours. The entire city was abandoned in the wake of the meltdown, leaving it frozen in the Gorbachev era.
A total of 135,000 people in the area had to evacuate permanently due to the dangers of radioactive fallout. It’s the ultimate urban exploration site, and one of the most dangerous.
Tours leave Kiev on a regular basis. Unless you have special expertise or a guide to bring you along, it could be a deadly mistake to travel there on your own. Pockets of radiation are still trapped within certain buildings, and unless cancer and devastating radiation sickness sound like fun to you, it’s better to visit with a local.
Bring your own candy. Eating anything you find lying around isn’t advisable unless you are interested in seeing if radiation can give you super powers.
The travel industry has had its share of ups and downs in recent years, thanks to high unemployment, economic uncertainty, political turmoil abroad and the public’s embrace of technology and the Internet.
However, the skies appear increasingly bluer for travel agents, many of whom are experiencing greater traffic and revenue.
The American Society of Travel Agents released its Leisure Trends Report earlier this year and determined that a large percentage of leisure-based travel agencies saw increased revenue (51 percent) and transactions (49 percent) last year compared to 2009, a positive trend that agents expect to continue through 2011 when 94 percent expect to make a profit.
Locally, several travel agents report that business is booming, with consumers seeking their services to book longer vacations to more exotic destinations.
According to Alvilda Jones of Inspired Travel in Stone Mountain, 2011 is shaping up to be a good year.
“I am seeing a lot more people using travel agents again,” said Jones, who runs a home-based travel business.
Jones said customers are booking longer vacations and venturing farther from home.
Before the recession, she said one- to two-week trips were routine. That changed to three- to four-day vacations during the recession.
“Now it’s five to eight days as well as taking more deluxe vacations,” she said. “Instead of saying ‘I need the cheapest thing’ now they are looking for quality.”
Celia Gardner, owner of Travelfaire of Dunwoody, has been in the travel industry for 28 years. Escorted tours as well as independent travel are two areas in which her company specializes.
“What we are seeing is more new clients coming in,” said Gardner. “Our regular clients never really stopped traveling.”
Both Jones and Gardner agree that while the Internet is a useful tool for gathering travel information, the counsel and expertise of a travel agent is invaluable.
“We treat clients like family. We are hand-holders. We want them back,” said Gardner.
Gardner cautions those who rely on the Internet for all their travel planning that when problems arise “you are on your own.”
“They are looking at prices. They aren’t looking at quality,” said Gardner of online travel shoppers.
She points out that travel agents can fix problems that arise during a trip as well as get reimbursements for parts of an itinerary that aren’t up to par or not delivered.
Jones said travel agents have priceless product knowledge and can offer advice about which cruise lines are best for specific families or individuals.
Jones, who specializes in the Caribbean and travels there every other month evaluating properties, noted that many destinations, properties and cruises are particularly friendly to specific demographics, citing families, couples and gays and lesbians.
“Most people when they go online they are just looking at price,” said Jones.
Jones said travel agents also provide recommendations on places to go and warnings about places (and activities) to avoid.
And when inclement weather hits—as it did several weeks ago during a hurricane—a relationship with a travel agent can be precious. Jones noted that during that storm one cruise line had to leave a port early in Puerto Rico because the port was shutting down and several of the ship’s passengers who were on shore excursions were left.
“A lot [of them] didn’t have a travel agent and had to fend for themselves,” she said. “The ones that had a good travel agent got help with lodging and had a liaison between the clients and the cruise line to recover losses. We save people tons of time, especially in problem resolution.”
By Uniglobe Travel Management Consultants | September 20, 2011 at 02:07 PM EDT | No Comments
Ilana Greene | The Christian Science Monitor | Sep 18, 2011
So you’re about to tie the knot. Let me offer my congratulations! I do worry, though, about your bank account. Getting married is one of the costliest decisions of your life (financially, I mean). I remember the after-effects of our wedding on our finances … shock sums it up nicely. I don’t mean the wedding, which itself can cost a small fortune (an average $18,000, says the website Wedding Report). I mean the honeymoon. As someone who has researched honeymoon destinations and watched others decide their post-nuptials in exciting and different ways, I’ve compiled money-saving hints to keep you from incurring too much debt. Here are my Top 5 money-saving tips for a honeymoon destination:
#5 Compare prices for your honeymoon destination
As you would to book a flight or buy a new car, go to the Internet to compare prices. Stick to the websites that afford you the ability to compare rates for traveling to your honeymoon destination. There are a myriad of them out there: Travelocity, Priceline, Orbitz. (See #1 for a better option) If you find a hotel room that’s going to set you back hundreds of dollars per night, maybe you can find a just-as-nice alternative.
#4 Stay at home (sort of)
Have you ever explored the wealth of options near your own backdoors? What about that cute bed and breakfast in the next town? This could make for a super romantic getaway that won’t put you out in the red in terms of travel costs or reservations. Sure, you won’t be in an exotic locale, but you’ll have your sweetie nearby, a huge bed, and maybe a roaring fireplace if you’re lucky. What could be more picture-perfect romantic than that? Check out the website www.bnbfinder.com to see what local options are available to you. And also, maybe plan a stop at the town’s local tourism office or chamber of commerce to see what unknown things they may have to offer you.
#3 Travel in the off-season
If you have your newlywed heart set on somewhere super-touristy, like Hawaii or the Caribbean (for me, it was Europe), plan your honeymoon for the offseason. The weather might be cooler or damper, but it will be more economic as well as not as crowded. That gives you more time to be alone with your significant other, which is the point, isn't it? For example, the destination of Acapulco's offseason runs from May to October, because of the weather. Choosing to go then might lessen your chance of running into college kids on spring break. (I went to Rome, but I can’t say Europe has much of an off season.)
#2 Check into travel rewards you might have
Do you have one of those major credit cards that offer a variety of perks specifically geared for traveling, such as frequent flier miles or reward points for staying at certain hotels? Now would be the best time to cash those in. Look at your credit card programs and see if there’s anything that can be of use to you, pre-honeymoon.
Also, figure out how you will pay your expenses while there: cash, traveler's check, credit card. If you do use a credit card abroad, use one that offers perks for international travelers, such as no-fee foreign transactions.
#1 Visit a travel agent
You might laugh at this; a travel agent seems so20th century. The Internet can turn any Joe Schmoe into a travel agent. But professionals with the training and skills can find the gem of a hotel or even the hard-to-get deals that can turn a good honeymoon into a great one. If you feel like you want to explore all your possibilities, consider scheduling an appointment with one.
Whether you take the most lavish honeymoon possible or opt for a cost-friendly alternative, remember that a honeymoon is not a destination or a splurge. It’s a time to cherish each other’s company. Do that and your new life as a married couple will be off to a great and profitable start.
By Uniglobe Travel Management Consultants | September 19, 2011 at 03:57 PM EDT | No Comments
World's Best Cities
Travel + Leisure readers pick the world’s best cities, casting their votes for this year’s most dynamic, vacation-worthy places.
By Travel + Leisure Staff
A new renaissance is under way in Florence, with the city’s historic center making room for contemporary galleries and chic aperitivo bars. And all that work has paid off: this year, Florence rose to the No. 2 ranking among T+L’s World’s BestCities.
T+L asked readers to vote in its 16th annual World’s Best survey, rating worldwide cities in categories such as attractions, arts and culture, food, shopping, and value. The result is a global guide to the cities not to miss this year.
Despite the challenging economy, travel is up, with more than 270 million travelers hitting the road this year, according to the Airports Council International. More travel means more insights into what makes a city great — whether it’s efficient transportation, affordable dining, or youthful energy — and how cities compare on a global basis. After all, the thrill of a country is most often reflected in its city life. “Cities absolutely dominate over countryside experiences for travelers,” says T+L A-List super agent Priscilla Alexander of Protravel International. “You won’t have someone going to France and not going to Paris.”
Ah, Paris. Every cobbled lane, every street-side café, every patisserie window seems to have been art-directed by some impossibly savvy set designer. Yet for all that elegance and drama, Paris’s greatest pleasures are arguably its simplest ones: the hum of a neighborhood bistro; the tranquility of a churchyard; the crunch of a perfect baguette. After all, you come to Paris to eat. Indulge serious cheese fantasies at Laurent Dubois, a fromagerie with seemingly endless options.
Barcelona has long been famous for its art and architecture, with Salvador Dalí, Joan Miró, and Antoni Gaudí all leaving their marks. But this is the first year that the Catalan city has broken into the World’s Best Cities top 10 list. Though diversions like wandering the Gaudí-designed Parc Güell have a timeless appeal, it’s new hot spots like Tickets, from mad-scientist brothers Ferran and Albert Adrià, that are creating the worldwide buzz. Where to stay? At the new Mandarin Oriental, where the Hong Kong hotel group’s legendary service is paired with Spanish designer Patricia Urquiola’s 98 bright, cream-on-white rooms.
Part outsize beach resort, part culture capital, Sydney, the perennial World’s Best City winner Down Under, exemplifies the art of relaxed cosmopolitanism: urbane but not pretentious; cutting-edge but not stressed-out. New restaurants and boutiques are channeling that Aussie energy in some oft-overlooked neighborhoods such as beachside hangout Manly. And an initiative to liven up the side lanes in the trendy Surry Hills and Darlinghurst neighborhoods has led to a slew of lounge bars opening up; try the lychee-infused tequila at Hunky Dory Social Club.
Siem Reap is best known as the gateway to the Angkor Wat temple complex and other 12th-century Khmer ruins such as Ta Prohm, which remains as archaeologists found it in 1860, with banyan and kapok trees slowly reclaiming its sandstone carvings. But now the city has evolved from a cluster of riverfront villages into a full-fledged destination complete with art galleries, boutique hotels — and a World’s Best Cities designation. Sample the local cuisine at the FCC Angkor, a 31-room Art Deco hotel and restaurant, and drop by McDermott Gallery for black-and-white photographs of Angkor Wat.
Cape Town is sometimes labeled the least African of African cities — which, depending on who’s doing the labeling, is said with enthusiasm or disparagement. But whatever you think of the must-see destination, post-World Cup, the city radiates a palpable cool, and now it’s surged back onto the World’s Best list with a higher score than in 2009 (the last time it appeared). Split your time between urban pursuits (browsing the trendy Neighbourgoods Market and local artists’ galleries) and excursions to see wildlife, sample wines, and stroll the beaches of the Cape of Good Hope reserve.
No. 5 Istanbul
Straddling the Bosporus — and thus the only major city that occupies both Asia and Europe — Istanbul also spans the ancient and modern worlds. The sounds of construction compete with the call of the muezzin, and the skyline, a glittering ribbon of palaces and mosques, is dotted with rooftop nightclubs. One reason the city skyrocketed back onto the World’s Best Cities list after two absent years? The appeal of Istanbul’s latest culinary trend: resurrecting ancient Ottoman recipes, such as garlicky lamb’s trotter served on toast at Asitane and juicy kubbes — dumplings filled with beef and pignoli — at Cercis Murat Konaği, on the city’s Asian side.
For all New York’s bright-lights-big-city grandeur, one can always find a quiet neighborhood. The trick is balancing the city’s outsize spectacle with intimate experiences. The latest neighborhood to pull it off is the Chelsea arts district, between 10th and 11th avenues, most notable for the just-expanded High Line, a landscaped strip of elevated public space. On nearby blocks you’ll find buildings by Frank Gehry, Jean Nouvel, and Shigeru Ban, as well as marquee galleries such as Pace and Gagosian. For a picnic lunch, stop into Chelsea Market, a food-court-on-steroids, and savor a piece of the city that’s been voted No. 1 within the U.S. and Canada every year since 2000.
The EternalCity has ranked in the top 10 cities overall every year for the past decade, all while catapulting itself into the 21st century with a series of starchitect-designed buildings. Emblematic of the bold new look are the Ara Pacis, a travertine-and-glass building by Richard Meier, and Zaha Hadid’s Maxxi (Museum of 21st Century Arts), which debuted in 2010 in the northern Flaminio zone. Even the Colosseum has had a spruce-up, opening its dungeons and third-floor gallery to tours for the first time.
With a charismatic mayor leading the way, a new generation of tastemakers is injecting a welcome dose of contemporary culture into this much-loved Renaissance city, set amid rolling hills studded with towers and churches. New galleries and aperitivo bars share the compact city center with more than one million works of art — among them Michelangelo’s David and Botticelli’s Birth of Venus. Factor in high-fashion brands like Gucci and Cavalli, succulent steaks, and the traditional artisan workshops of the Oltrarno, and it's no wonder that Florence beat out European cities many times its size.
Frenetic and sultry, this Asian metropolis of 10 million seems like a city on overdrive. High-rises jostle for space; down below, cabs and tuk-tuks inch through the gridlock. But there are moments of calm. At dawn, saffron-robed Buddhist monks collect alms, while women thread the marigold and jasmine garlands that festoon temples and shrines. And when it comes to shopping and food, the city is an endless, and often affordable, bacchanalia. It’s no wonder that Bangkok has nabbed the No. 1 spot overall for two years running — and been listed in the top 10 every year since 2002.
By Uniglobe Travel Management Consultants | September 16, 2011 at 11:40 AM EDT | No Comments
7 Resorts That Celebrities Love
By A. Pawlowski, CNN
POSTED: 6:03 am MDTSeptember 14, 2011
(CNN) -- When you spend much of your life being chased by the paparazzi, rest and relaxation take on a whole new meaning.
But where do you go when the whole world knows your name and your face?
Like most vacationers seeking a luxury getaway, celebrities look for a fabulous location, impeccable service and posh accommodations. Privacy, of course, is a must.
A-listers can also afford the best of the best, so they expect royal treatment -- and they get it.
When five-star hotels know they have celebrities in-house, they do everything they possibly can to accommodate them, including indulging any special requests, said Jacqueline Gifford, travel editor for Brides Magazine.
But the great service and hospitality at these places isn't limited to just bold-faced names.
"When you're paying that much money to stay at a fabulous place, they're going to go over the top to pamper you, whether you're a celebrity or not," Gifford said.
With that in mind, here are seven resorts used to catering to famous guests:
North Island, Seychelles
With its exotic location in the Indian Ocean, lush tropical beauty and a secluded beach, no wonder Britain's Prince William and his bride, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, chose this resort for their honeymoon spot in the spring.
The island is home to 11 guest villas that "blend seamlessly" with their surroundings and are "designed to celebrate nature," the resort says, touting its eco-friendly philosophy.
Guests share the retreat with tortoises and endangered species of birds, such as the Black Paradise Flycatcher and the Seychelles Magpie Robin. You might also get a peek at the coco-de-mer palm, which produces the largest seeds in the plant kingdom. It's this combination of beauty and privacy that draws celebrities.
David and Victoria Beckham celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary on the island in 2009. Actress Salma Hayek has honeymooned there.
Le Sirenuse, Positano, Italy
Italy's AmalfiCoast is one of the most picturesque corners of the planet, and it's here that you'll find the legendary Le Sirenuse in the village of Positano.
"It's a beautiful hotel," said Roberto Agostini of Precision Travel. "It's recognized all over the world as one of the top hotels in the area." He also praised its location, which is near all of the village's shopping and dining. "You walk out and you are there where the action is," Agostini said.
Almost all of the resort's 59 rooms and suites look out over the bay of Positano, and most have a private terrace or balcony.
You'll also find spectacular views at the hotel's La Sponda restaurant, where 400 candles are lit during dinner to create a romantic atmosphere for guests feasting on Neapolitan cuisine.
Actress Reese Witherspoon recently spent her second honeymoon at the hotel -- this time with her new husband, Jim Toth.
Sandy Lane, St. James, Barbados
Set on the Caribbean island's upscale west coast -- often called the "PlatinumCoast" -- the resort is known for its deluxe accommodations and signature pink beach chairs and umbrellas that contrast beautifully with the turquoise sea.
"It is a very, very, very high-end resort. It's legendary (for its) style and sophistication," said Becky Veith of Travel Experts. "The rooms are absolutely spectacular. They're state-of-the-art everything." And how about this for privacy: The resort has underground hallways so that you don't have to see any housekeeping activities when you leave your room, Veith said.
There's also a spa that's "to die for" and world-class golf at the Green Monkey golf course, she added.
Celebrity guests have included Gwyneth Paltrow and her husband, Chris Martin, television personality Simon Cowell and singer Rihanna. Tiger Woods rented the whole resort in happier times: He got married there to Elin Nordegren in 2004.
Hotel Hassler, Rome
Located at the top of the world's most famous stairway and offering a sweeping view above the churches, domes and rooftops of Rome, this former palazzo boasts elegance, style and "discretion."
Stay at the classic hotel and you'll add your name to a register that has included Tom Cruise
and Katie Holmes, who took over part of the Hassler before their wedding in 2006; Jennifer Lopez; Leonardo DiCaprio; and many other A-listers. Prince Rainier of Monaco and Grace Kelly even spent part of their honeymoon at the hotel.
"The Hassler is amazing because it's at the top of the Spanish Steps so you've got an awesome view of Rome. They have amazing service and some fantastic suites," Gifford said.
Agostini agreed, calling the view of the EternalCity "unbeatable." "It's very romantic up there," he said.
Esperanza, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Just a two-hour flight away from Los Angeles, sunny Cabo San Lucas is perfect for a quick, relaxing and romantic getaway for stressed-out Hollywood types.
This luxurious resort overlooks both the Sea of Cortez and Punta Ballena -- or "Whale Point," past which humpbacks migrate in winter -- says Travel Leisure, which has named Esperanza one of the world's top 50 hotels. All the hotel's suites and villas offer ocean views. Some have private pools, a dedicated butler and private chefs for "in-villa dining."
This is where LeAnn Rimes and Eddie Cibrian honeymooned in May. Paltrow and Martin have stayed as well.
Le Meurice, Paris
With the TuileriesGarden, the Place de la Concorde and the Louvre all just steps away, guests staying at the opulent Le Meurice are in the heart of the City of Light.
"It's one of the best hotels in the world," Agostini said. "I would recommend Le Meurice to anybody -- kings, queens, anybody." (It's the kind of place where there are attendants inside the elevators to punch your floor buttons for you.)
Beyoncé and Jay-Z rented the two-story penthouse suite for $20,000 a night in April, People.com reported. Gifford spotted Harrison Ford in the lobby when she stayed there, "which was very exciting," she said. Past guests have also included Orson Welles, Ginger Rogers, Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton.
St. Regis Princeville Resort, Kauai, Hawaii
If Hawaii is paradise, then this is an especially lovely corner of it, surrounded by five mountains, a wildlife refuge, hiking trails, ancient sea caves and lagoons.
"Kauai is a little bit more secluded -- it's a little quieter than some of the isles and the resort is on the very sleepy but lush NorthShore," Gifford said.
"Every (suite) has butler service, they've got an amazing infinity pool, gorgeous mountain views -- it's going to attract a very exclusive crowd."
Exclusive indeed: Alicia Keys, George Clooney, Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck all have been to the hotel.
By Uniglobe Travel Management Consultants | September 14, 2011 at 02:56 PM EDT | No Comments
Updated: Aug 24, 2011 04:15 PM EDT
Weather is the driving force in deciding on a honeymoon locale. But it's not the only factor -- number of tourists, activity availability, and changing rates all play a part in the destination puzzle.
So we've pulled together the most popular and exotic honeymoon spots and the best time to go there.
But above all, one fact remains: Whether you're a July or January bride, our month-by-month honeymoon guide will show you that paradise has no season.
January: Saint Barths
Why: Top-notch weather, plus if you love star-watching, it's the Caribbean haven for celebs in early January. (If not, then go in late January.)
Where to stay: Start the New Year -- and your new life together -- pampered at the Hotel Saint-Barth de France (Isle-de-France.com). All 33 rooms in this cozy French-chic resort are adorned with French decor details, whitewashed walls, and panoramic views of either their lush tropical gardens or St. Barths' best beach, Baie des Flamands. If it's available, try to reserve their Hillside Bungalow -- it has a private pool and never-ending sea views.
Honeymoon must: Take a boat or hike over to Anse a Colombier Beach. It's the hardest to get to of St. Barths' 14 beaches, so it's far more intimate than the rest.
If the date's not doable: Visit anytime between December and July. (All of the other months are their hurricane season.)
February: Argentina
Why: If you don't mind the heat, visiting the Argentine capital, Buenos Aires, in the middle of their summer offers honeymooners incredible deals, letting you afford five-star service on a three-star budget.
Where to stay: Just blocks away from the city's finest restaurants and exclusive shops is the Four Seasons Hotel Buenos Aires (FourSeasons.com/BuenosAires). This stunning 13-story, 165-room hotel features a marble staircase, a piano bar (Le Dome), its own garden swimming pool, and a Belle epoque mansion with seven exclusive suites that are well worth the splurge. Try the Four Seasons signature massage at the hotel spa.
Honeymoon must: Step back into the 1940s for dinner as well as a truly authentic tango show at Esquina Carlos Gardel (EsquinaCarlosGardel.com.ar).
If the date's not doable: Their best weather is during the austral fall (March-May) and spring (September-November).
March: Jamaica
Why: The weather is perfectly calm and the water temperature is ideal.
Where to stay: Avoid the spring breakers by staying at Half Moon in Montego Bay (HalfMoon.com). Set on a 400-acre estate, this lavish paradise lets you choose from a variety of unique accommodation experiences, from villas staffed with your own butler, chef, and housekeeper to a beachfront suite with its own expansive patio. Either way, you're just steps away from the sand and surf.
Honeymoon must: Walk up and down the pristine sandy beaches of Montego Bay, do some up-close snorkeling with the fishes at the underwater marine park at Cornwall Beach, then sample exotic Jamaican fare at the ever-popular Pier One Restaurant & Bar -- where the menu changes with the season and the sea.
If the date's not doable: Go anytime between December and April.
April: Belize
Why: Going at the tail-end of their high season won't save you money, but it might spare you a few tourists. Plus, April falls right in the middle of the annual whale shark migration, making it one of the best times for an exciting dive. Don't let the name scare you, whale sharks may be the world's largest fish -- up to 40 feet long -- but these gentle guys eat plankton, not people.
Where to stay: Plan your Mayan honeymoon in a villa at The Placencia Hotel (ThePlacencia.com). The beachfront resort -- designed in an elegant European style -- is the perfect outpost for action (tour a jaguar reserve or kayak to a tiny island) and relaxation (spend an afternoon getting Swedish massages in the spa or swimming beneath a waterfall). Enjoy your cocktails with a view in the resort's thatched roof gazebo in the middle of the water. And dine on local Belizean Creole dishes at the hotel's ocean view Capriccio restaurant.
Honeymoon must: Leave civilization behind and sail over for an all-inclusive overnight stay on the privately owned island Ranguana Caye (RobertsGrove.com). Located in one of the best snorkeling and diving locations (it's very close to Belize's Barrier Reef), you'll have plenty of opportunities to explore life under the sea together. With only three stilt-raised cabanas on the entire two-acre island to dwell in, you'll feel like an isolated castaway as you fish, kayak, dive or just lounge all day long in their beachside hammocks.
If the date's not doable: Try between November through March to skip the hurricanes and high humidity.
May: The Greek Islands
Why: This month is just prior to their high season, so it may be pricier, but the perfect honeymoon weather and fewer tourists is worth every penny.
Where to stay: Hidden on the western end of Santorini, the tiny Katikies Hotel (Katikies.com) hangs more than 300 feet cliffside above a brilliant blue water basin. With its winding stairways, terraced verandas, infinity pools and island antiques, the place exudes a romantic glow that may rival your own. (We also love that it doesn't allow kids under 13, keeping it couples-friendly.)
Honeymoon must: The resort is revered for the White Cave Restaurant, a one-of-a-kind eatery tucked inside of a secluded cave overlooking the sea. With only three tables in the place, you'll feel the entire staff is there for just the two of you.
If the date's not doable: If the date's not doable: Try to go during the off-season in mid-September to October (the weather is just as perfect, but the prices are often much cheaper).
June: Seychelles
Why: The rates are cheaper than July and August (which are their two driest and usually busiest months), yet the gorgeous weather is still the same: cool and dry.
Where to stay: With sweeping views of the Indian Ocean, hide away at the Banyan Tree Seychelles (BanyanTree.com). This 47-villa tropical oasis located in Intendance Bay fuses plantation-style simplicity with colonial luxury. With Creole and Thai delicacies making up the menu, the resort's restaurant is well worth a trip, as is the private barbecue on the beach.
Honeymoon must: Stroll through Mahe's more-than-a-century-old botanic gardens filled with nearly every exotic tree, flower, and plant on the island. Or, leave the island altogether on a chartered yacht to see Aldabra -- an atoll ring of four coral islands home to over 150,000 giant tortoises.
If the date's not doable: Plan between May and October to avoid high humidity and the rainy season.
July: Tahiti
Why: Even though it's about a consistent 79 degrees year-round, July is when the locals have their Heiva i Tahiti festival (a month-long celebration of Tahitian culture).
Where to stay: Bask yourself in cosmopolitan luxury at Le Meridien Tahiti (StarwoodHotels.com). Located along the Punaauia region, this resort is surrounded by water and architecturally stunning details, with water views in every possible direction. The rooms are colorful and spacious and their signature French dining is delicious, but we recommend trying to snag one of their 12 over-the-water bungalows. The sunset views of the neighboring island Moorea are worth the higher price alone.
Honeymoon must: Surround yourself with reef sharks, sea turtles, and tropical fish at the Lagoonarium viewing room or be adventurous and try a safari trip to the center of the island.
If the date's not doable: You'll deal with less humidity from May to October, although it's perfect to visit anytime.
August: Mauritius
Why: It's their wintertime, which means the area is drier and the lodging is modestly affordable.
Where to stay: Secluded on the private peninsula of Belle Mare, the 162-suite One&Only Le Saint Geran resort (from $840, OneandOnlyLeSaintGeran.com) prides itself on its Egyptian cotton sheets, hand selected furniture, and panoramic ocean views in every room.
Honeymoon must: If you're a water lover, rent a pair of skis -- the resort offers a complementary water ski slalom course. Or, grab your clubs and play their one-of-a-kind, 9-hole golf course designed by legendary golfer Gary Player. Afterward, swing past the Givenchy Spa and splurge for a Four Hands Massage that uses Ylang Ylang extract -- two therapists work both sides of your body simultaneously. Then finish off the night with multi-ethnic cuisine at Spoon des Iles and sample a few of their 240 wines from around the world.
If the date's not doable: July and September also fall within their winter season and offer the same perks. Think twice about going between January and April when it's humid and rainy.
September: Spain
Why: With the summer crowds gone and the weather a bit cooler, you'll soak up Spanish culture in blissful silence.
Where to stay: Forget Madrid and treat yourselves to the rustic La Pleta Hotel & Spa in Baqueira (from $225, LaPleta.com), a five-star resort located over 1,700 feet up in the Pyrenees mountains. During the wintertime, it's crowded with skiers, but in the fall, the spacious elegant and rustic-style guestrooms with Molton Brown products, goose-down pillows, and gorgeous mountain views are all yours. Order in from their decadent menu of Catalan cuisine or venture outdoors to enjoy a horseback ride.
Honeymoon must: Enjoy the outdoor adventures the resort offers in the Aran Valley, including guided tours, mountain climbing, quad racing, and archery. Afterward, treat yourself to a Val d'Aran honey massage at the resort's Occitania Spa.
If the date's not doable: October and November are also perfect.
October: Venice
Why: The charm of its Old World hospitality may be timeless, but October falls within Northern Italy's wine harvest season. That means plenty of wine events, tastings, and unveiling of new vintages.
Where to stay: The Hotel Dei Dogi (from $254, BoscoloHotels.com) is a mix of 18th-century romance and contemporary hospitality. With 76 rooms to choose from, try for one of their 10 Junior Suites -- each one features high ceilings, Oriental carpeting, and elegant glass chandeliers. (Just be sure to ask for a room that overlooks their internal botanical garden.) Or, break away from the city and stay at the Livio Felluga winery (LivioFelluga.it), world-renowned for its delicious Picolits and Pinot Grigios.
Honeymoon must: No honeymoon is complete without a gondola ride -- so cuddle up and glide through the enchanting Venetian canals (it'll run you about $75-$100 for up to a 50-minute ride).
If the date's not doable: Go anytime but August, when the country goes on holiday.
November: Los Cabos
Why: Beautiful weather in the mid- to upper-70s (on average) creates the perfect backdrop for your Mexican getaway.
Where to stay: For the ultimate in luxury, stay at Las Ventanas al Paraiso (from $450, LasVentanas.com). It's the tiny amenities that put this hotel top of the Cabo pack: poolside Evian spritzes, aromatherapy turndown service, and in-room tequila welcome.
Honeymoon must: By day, take a private yacht over to Lover's Beach for a picnic lunch, some sand under your toes, and panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. By night, enjoy a private dinner and movie for two on the beach.
If the date's not doable: Go in the fall, winter or spring to avoid the crowds and storms.
December: Las Vegas
Why: Going the weeks before Christmas -- the only real off-season for Sin City -- offers more intimate excitement thanks to fewer tourists.
Where to stay: Escape the slots by heading off the strip and nestle in at the Platinum Hotel and Spa (from $189, ThePlatinumHotel.com). This brand new, 17-floor, non-gaming hotel is minus the noise and plus the amenities, where couples can unwind with everything from Swiss showers to side-by-side wasabi oil massages.
Honeymoon must: Recapture your wedding day butterflies with a tandem skydive and five-to-seven minute parachute descent over Vegas ($249 per person, VegasExtremeSkydiving.com).
If the date's not doable: It's more about the days: Sunday to Thursday is more quiet.
By Uniglobe Travel Management Consultants | September 09, 2011 at 03:28 PM EDT | No Comments
Top Ten Things to Consider When Selecting Your Destination Wedding Location
1. Though you may expect a smaller group to attend, always start with a complete guest list. This is a must, so you can determine with certainty that the venues for the ceremony and reception are large enough for all of your friends and family.
2. Check into the range of guest accommodations. It's a lot to ask your guests to travel and take time off work, then on top of it pay for a costly hotel room. In a destination setting, it's best to keep your group together. Finding a resort with a reasonable range of rates that can accommodate everyone is ideal. If not, search for nearby low- to mid-price hotel options in addition to a luxury hotel. Be sure to review the room block policies carefully -- you don't want to get stuck with guarantees or minimums you aren't able to fill.
3. Think about elderly guests and how the travel and/or venue will affect them. Factors like very warm climates and hard-to-reach locations can be prohibitive for some elderly guests.
4. Make sure you love (and I mean love!) the ceremony and reception venues. If you love those, the rehearsal dinner and/or brunch venue will fall into place. I promise.
5. Be sure you have total confidence in the venue representative and caterer. The wedding caterer is the most important vendor -- they provide all of the service for your wedding and will interact with your guests more than any other vendor.
6. Explore what your guests will be able to do in the area. Is there enough around to keep them entertained during the down times? If not, you may want to consider planning fun day trips (like a hike) or other activities for your guests.
7. Consider airfare costs and travel times for most of your guests. The further from home and more costly the destination, the smaller group you may have.
8. Do a preliminary review of local vendors (music, photographers, flowers, lighting, rentals, transportation, cake, hair and make up, video). See if you like their work or if you will need to "import" a vendor from your area.
9. Research marriage requirements. If you're planning on getting married outside the country, be advised that marriage requirements vary and can include waiting periods. You will want to factor that into your planning timeline.
10. Consider hiring a planner, and this isn't just because I happen to be one. Destination weddings require insight and impeccable planning. Most resorts offer planning services, but be advised those planners can be limited in scope. If you want someone to take you through every detail, you should consider an independent planner with an expertise in planning destination weddings.
And the #1 tip: Seek the advice of a travel agent!
Couples that are planning a wedding often forget that planning their honeymoon is equally as important. Not only is a honeymoon a great time for you and your spouse to get away, but you can spend the time celebrating your marriage with each other. The recession has affected many couples, making honeymoon planning difficult or impossible because of the cost.
It is possible, however, to have a great honeymoon vacation together on a budget. Here are some ways you can make your honeymoon wonderful while finances are tight.
Plan Early Decide on a honeymoon destination early in the wedding planning process. You should also decide together if you want to plan the honeymoon immediately after the wedding or delay it. Many couples wait to have their honeymoon months or a year after their wedding so they can save up money and plan ahead. Whatever you choose, getting a jump on honeymoon planning can make setting a budget much easier.
Research Vacation Packages Once you have chosen your destination, it’s time to research vacation packages through travel agencies and websites. Many packages have all-inclusive options that can save you money in the long run because they include the price of meals and drinks. Look into staying at a resort, as they have many fun activities for visitors and can be a luxurious, relaxing way to spend your vacation. Resorts often have excursions for honeymooners and can guide you towards whatever activities you desire, which may also save you money because the rates are discounted to those staying at the resort.
Start a Honeymoon Fund Another way to save money while planning your wedding is to start a fund together that will pay for your trip. Ask relatives and friends to contribute to it as a wedding gift instead of giving you yet another appliance for your home. Many couples today put their honeymoon on their registry or have a separate registry devoted solely to funding the honeymoon, which makes it easier for guests to give money to something the couple really wants. Putting funds aside ahead of time will help you have the honeymoon of your dreams even with your budget being tighter.
By Uniglobe Travel Management Consultants | August 26, 2011 at 11:39 AM EDT | No Comments
Are you traveling this weekend? Here's what you need to know about changing your travel plans. Be safe!
Hurricane Irene may snarl air travel
By A. Pawlowski, CNN
August 26, 2011 6:13 a.m. EDT
(CNN) -- Travelers and airlines are casting a wary eye on the projected path of Hurricane Irene, getting ready to change plans if necessary as the storm gets closer to the United States.
The powerful storm battered the Bahamas on Thursday and is forecast to pound much of the U.S. East Coast starting early Saturday.
American Airlines cancelled 126 flights Thursday, mostly out of Miami and the Bahamas, an airline spokesman said.
Most carriers are allowing travelers in the Caribbean to change their itineraries without a fee, and those policies have been extended to parts of the United States. Airlines have posted travel waiver policies for the Caribbean and the East Coast on their websites.
Amtrak has canceled most train service operating south of Washington for Friday, Saturday and Sunday in anticipation of Hurricane Irene. Service in the Northeast corridor is not affected at this point, but more cancellations may be necessary in the coming days, Amtrak warned.
A mandatory evacuation order was in effect for residents and visitors in Hyde County, North Carolina, which includes Ocracoke Island on the Outer Banks.
Nearby Dare County, which includes Manteo, Nags Head, Duck and historic Kitty Hawk, had an evacuation order for tourists only. But state officials hope they will come back as soon as the storm passes.
"By late Sunday or Monday morning, North Carolina, with any good luck, will be open for tourism again," Gov. Bev Perdue said, according to CNN affiliate WRAL.
If you are planning to travel along the East Coast in the next few days, call your hotel and find out what its policies are in case you need to cancel, advised Anne Banas, executive editor at SmarterTravel.
Also keep on top of what your airline is doing, she said, especially because this kind of weather event is not considered to be within carriers' control.
"You don't want to be stranded at the airport," Banas said.
"The only thing you're entitled to in that situation is a refund. So if you're stranded at the airport, you're not necessarily going to get food vouchers or hotel vouchers."
To avoid getting stranded, check with your airline and consider rerouting or rescheduling your trip.
Some airlines have extended change-fee waivers into early next week.
Irene affects cruises
The huge hurricane has forced more than 20 cruise ships to change their itineraries, CruiseCritic.com reported.
"We monitor the storms closely and make strategic changes to the itineraries to keep them away from the storm," said Jennifer de la Cruz, a Carnival spokeswoman.
"The nice thing ... is that there are a lot of destinations in the Caribbean, so we have lots of options."
Port calls are not expected to resume in Nassau and Grand Bahama Island until Saturday, the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation said.
The dangerous storm has prompted the ministry to recommend "strongly" that people with plans to travel to the Bahamas in the next few days postpone their trips.
The Bahamas Hotel Association's hurricane cancellation policy is in effect for travelers who need to postpone or cancel their vacation in the islands. The policy allows vacationers either to use their deposits or payments toward a future stay at the same property or to request a full refund.
By Uniglobe Travel Management Consultants | August 25, 2011 at 03:07 PM EDT | No Comments
Hurry! Today's the last day to save on these packages! Free companion airfare, spa credits, free nights, and so much more...what are you waiting for? Bon Voyage!
Sandals is offering last minute vacation package deals at various Caribbean resorts in Jamaica, the Bahamas, Antigua & St. Lucia. Hurry! Very limited availability.
(MatadorNetwork.com) -- A honeymoon is a once in a lifetime trip, and choosing a romantic destination requires careful planning. While other trips might focus on an activity, like skiing, the honeymoon is a chance for newlyweds to focus on each other.
Every couple will imagine something different when planning their perfectly romantic honeymoon, but hopefully the destinations below will generate some ideas.
24. Isle of Skye, Scotland
A misty island off the northwestern coast of Scotland, Skye is best for honeymooning couples who might enjoy the sound of rain on an old slate roof. Most villages have gracious inns with big fireplaces, questionable plumbing and plenty of local whiskey.
"The whole island is full of beautiful views, lochs and mountains," writes Matador member Michelle Waite. "All of Skye is great for walks and lovely drives."
23. Luang Prabang, Laos
Many travel writers, myself included, have pegged Luang Prabang as the most romantic town in Southeast Asia. A flurry of new boutique hotels and classy restaurants doesn't detract from the languid charm of the old city.
Don't miss a day trip to Kuang Si waterfall, or a ferry ride across the Mekong to the village of Ban Xieng Mene.
22. Charlevoix, Quebec
Honeymooning in Quebec is a smart choice for North American couples who are tempted by Europe but lack the time or money to cross the Atlantic.
Montreal is big and cosmopolitan, Quebec City is steeped in history, but my pick for the most romantic spot in the province is tiny Baie St. Paul, the cultural center of the Charlevoix region, with countless art galleries, cozy inns and easy access to spectacular hiking trails.
21. Baja, Mexico
Many honeymooners are looking for sun, sand and value. There are plenty of beach resorts in Baja, and although I usually don't recommend the resort experience, it's not a bad choice for honeymooning couples who simply want to bask in marital bliss.
There's a more exciting side of Baja beyond the resort gates, though, and plenty of deserted lagoons where travelers can find solitude.
20. Dominica, Caribbean
Dominica is known as "the Nature Island" -- it's lush, green and mountainous, with villages hanging onto the edge of volcanoes, overlooking the crystal blue waters of the Caribbean. Trails in the tropical forest lead to waterfalls, plunge pools and hot springs. Steamy.
19. Kyoto, Japan
The great travel writer Pico Iyer once went to Kyoto to pursue a monastic lifestyle and study Zen Buddhism, but he ended up falling in love instead.
Like Luang Prabang, Kyoto is dotted with ancient temples that evoke a sense of calm and wonder. Japanese hospitality and grace is unparalleled, and those who can afford to stay in a traditional inn should not pass up the opportunity.
18. Big Sur, California
Big Sur is an epic chunk of sweeping California coastline where lovers can wander for days and weeks between hot spring pools and old growth forests overlooking the Pacific.
Finish off the honeymoon by cruising up to San Francisco on Highway 1 and celebrating with a bottle of champagne and a big Chinatown meal.
17. The Big Island, Hawaii
OK, any island in Hawaii would make for a terrific honeymoon destination, but the Big Island gets my vote because it's less crowded than Maui or Oahu.
Fewer tourists doesn't translate into a lack of things to do, however. There's plenty to explore on the Big Island, including black sand beaches, tropical waterfalls, flowing lava and horse ranches. Don't miss the sunrise from the summit of Mauna Kea.
16. The Northeast Kingdom, Vermont
Cozy inns, quiet country roads, questionable weather...are you starting to notice a theme?
The Kingdom refers to the rural northeast corner of Vermont, a scattering of communities that manage to be both progressive and conservative, heartily welcoming and fiercely independent.
Instead of choosing a destination for day trips, just get lost on winding dirt roads that always seem to lead to friendly family farms. If you're planning an autumn wedding, foliage in the Kingdom is spectacular.
15. Wine Country, Argentina
The vineyards of Mendoza and Salta in northwestern Argentina produce terrific red wines against the dramatic backdrop of the Andes.
Argentina is a less expensive destination than wine regions of California or Europe, so couples can take their time, soak up the atmosphere and maybe even sign up for tango lessons.
14. Costa Rica
With two tropical coastlines, pristine rainforest and plenty of spider monkeys, Costa Rica is a great choice for couples looking for a combination of ecotourism, adrenaline thrills and simple relaxation.
13. Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston is a classy Southern town on the Carolina coast with cobblestone streets, historic mansions and incredible shrimp 'n grits brunches.
Sea-kayaking in the marshes, long walks on barrier island beaches and outdoor concerts on summer nights round out the Charleston experience.
12. Provence, France
Eat cheese, drink wine, make love. Oui, Provence!
11. Antarctica
There are moments on an Antarctic cruise that will take your breath away, but there are also a lot of hours to spend keeping warm in your cabin. This downtime will be more like uptime for honeymooners.
10. Rome, Italy
There aren't many cities on this list, but Rome demands an exception. It's a city built for wandering between ancient neighborhoods and discovering hole-in-the-wall restaurants, live music venues and sidewalk cafes.
If you insist on an urban honeymoon, Rome is a classic romantic choice.
9. Cambodia
Cambodia will tug hard on your heartstrings, but there's a lot of hope in the country these days that balances out the poverty and the crippling legacy of civil war.
Don't miss the awe-inspiring temples of Angkor, but leave plenty of time to relax on the Gulf of Thailand in Kep, exploring ruined villas and feasting on fresh crab.
8. Turks and Caicos Islands, Caribbean
Jay-Z may fly private jets to the Turks and Caicos, but New Yorkers can get there easily too, now that JetBlue and Continental have introduced non-stop service between Providenciales and JFK / Newark.
Provo, as the main island is called, is where you'll find almost all of the resorts, but the islands get more charming as you move east along the chain, culminating with tiny Salt Cay, where couples can walk for hours on North Beach without crossing another footprint.
7. Maine Coast
It's not the best place for swimming, but the Maine shoreline has rugged charm and wicked good seafood. The whole coast is gorgeous, but don't miss Acadia National Park on Mt. Desert Island.
6. Bequia, Caribbean
Like Salt Cay in the Turks and Caicos, Bequia -- part of St. Vincent and the Grenadines -- is a bit of a backwater, but the slow pace and easygoing atmosphere is perfect for honeymooners exhausted by the stress of hosting their wedding. Travel writer Eva Holland makes the island sound idyllic in her Complete Guide to Bequia:
"The island is safe, compact and enjoys perfect weather pretty well year round. So take a walk. Take a nap on the beach. Drink a papaya juice and watch the sun go down."
5. South Africa
The afterglow of the 2010 World Cup might be fading, but South Africa is one of the most culturally vibrant and naturally stunning countries in the world.
Live it up in Cape Town and then head to one of the Singita game reserves to stay at a luxurious lodge and get up close to lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos and buffalo.
4. Portugal
Tiny Portugal sometimes gets overshadowed by its massive former colony, Brazil, but the combination of castles, beach towns and distinctive local wines is tough to beat.
Lisbon is one of the oldest capitals in Europe and many of the homes are built with thick stone walls, good for keeping cool in summer and toasty warm in the wintertime.
3. Morocco
Morocco is an incredibly diverse country, both in terms of natural landscapes and cultural heritage. In one trip, you can chill on the beach in Essaouira -- where Jimi Hendrix used to hang out -- see the world's tallest mosque minaret, and trek through massive sand dunes in the Sahara.
2. Tahiti
Nothing has ever gone wrong in Tahiti.
1. Switzerland
Straight-laced Switzerland might not be a sultry or exotic destination, but honeymooning couples shouldn't need much extra romantic inspiration.
Switzerland is stunningly beautiful, safe and orderly. Couples can simply enjoy each other -- which is really the whole point of the trip.
Alexandria, Va., Aug. 18, 2011 –ASTA came out in strong support of the travel agency industry today in response to a statement President Obama made regarding how the Internet has replaced many jobs, among them travel agents, while speaking at a town hall meeting in Atkinson, Ill.
In his talk, President Obama stated that “… one of the challenges in terms of rebuilding our economy is businesses have gotten so efficient that -- when was the last time somebody went to a bank teller instead of using the ATM, or used a travel agent instead of just going online? A lot of jobs that used to be out there requiring people now have become automated.”
“While the President’s intention surely was not to disparage the travel agency industry, his statement makes clear the need for greater education and understanding of the important role travel agents play in today’s travel marketplace,” said ASTA CEO Tony Gonchar. “ASTA has communicated with the President to ensure he understands the contribution travel agent make to the economy.”
In its letter, ASTA informed the President that today, the U.S. travel agency industry “is comprised of nearly 10,000 U.S.-based travel agency firms operating in 15,000 locations. We have an annual payroll of $6.3 billion. Most importantly, our businesses produce full-time employment for more than 120,000 U.S. taxpayers.”
Further, the U.S. travel agency industry:
processes more than $146 billion in annual travel sales, accounting for more than 50 percent of all travel sold. This includes the processing of more than 50 percent of all airline tickets, more than 79 percent of tours and more than 78 percent of all cruises
helps more than 144 million travelers get where they want to go each year.
“The travel industry remains a business very much built on personal relationships,” added Gonchar. “Americans have the desire to travel, and they continue to turn to experienced travel agents to make these dream vacations a reality.
“Travel agents work as personal advisors to provide their clients with the best travel experience before during and after their trip. Thanks to their in-depth knowledge, experience and industry connections, travel agents are able not only to save their clients money, but their most valuable possession—their time,” he added.
American’s largest corporations also benefit from the experience of travel management companies (TMC). TMC’s trained staff utilizes the latest online technologies in combination with management and security-driven strategies to ensure not only that a company’s budget guidelines are met, but that the location of every traveling employee is known in the event of emergency. This high level of oversight, coupled with personal attention to detail, is the reason so many U.S. corporations trust their employees’ travel to the services of a reputable TMC.
A study by Forrester Research found that in the first quarter of 2010, 28 percent of U.S leisure travelers who booked their trips online said they would be interested in using a good, traditional travel agent. Moreover, an ASTA study released earlier this year found that 51 percent of ASTA leisure-based travel agencies saw increased revenue in 2010 compared to 2009.
ABOUT ASTA The mission of the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) is to facilitate the business of selling travel through effective representation, shared knowledge and the enhancement of professionalism. ASTA seeks a retail travel marketplace that is profitable and growing and a rewarding field in which to work, invest and do business.
By Uniglobe Travel Management Consultants | August 18, 2011 at 01:26 PM EDT | No Comments
By Debbra Dunning Brouillette
ST. THOMAS, U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS -- As we climbed into our taxi outside the Cyril E. King Airport on the island of St. Thomas, we saw an American flag waving in the breeze.
We had landed in St. Thomas, more than 1,100 miles south of Miami and the most popular destination in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
The island and its sisters, St. John and St. Croix, are territories of the U.S., and are known for duty-free shopping, world-class beaches and Danish history.
It was a tropical destination made easy -- no passport required.
Island time
After my husband and I checked into a beachfront room at Bolongo Bay Beach Resort, our St. Thomas hideaway for the next five nights, my eyes settled on the hammock near our patio, stretched between two extra-tall palms.
I made a silent vow to spend some time "limin'," as the islanders call it. Chilling out. Being on "island time."
I sank my toes into the fine, golden sand, and felt the stresses of life fading fast. A few feet away, a large iguana basked in the sun, one of several that became like pets during our stay. I could tell I was going to like this place.
Nearly everyone we met who lives on St. Thomas is from the States and had an interesting story to tell about how he or she ended up here. Bolongo Bay's now-retired owners, Dick and Joyce Doumeng, are New York natives who first visited as vacationers before deciding to purchase the resort, re-opening it in 1974 with 36 rooms. Family-owned ever since, it is now in its second generation, with the third generation in training.
Bolongo Bay was the first resort on St. Thomas to offer an all-inclusive option, and it has been included on the best all-inclusive lists in recent years by Travel & Life, Sherman's Travel and About.com. Those who wish to dine and drink to their heart's content may do so without leaving the resort. Two sailing excursions are included in the plan.
Although we did not go the all-inclusive route, we enjoyed meals at its two restaurants -- the open-air Lobster Grille restaurant, and Iggie's beach bar, a favorite nightspot with guests and locals. Carnival Night on Wednesdays features an all-you-can-eat West Indian buffet, live Calypso music, stilt dancers and a limbo show. Mim's Seafood Bistro, another excellent dining choice, is a short walk down the beach.
Touring St. Thomas
We left our cozy beachside retreat one day to explore the island, beginning with a historical walking tour of Charlotte Amalie. Although it is one of the most heavily visited cruise ports in the Caribbean and is known for having the best duty-free shopping, there is another side to be discovered in the narrow streets and alleyways of the downtown shopping areas. Our Danish tour guide, Simon Larsen, was the perfect person to help shed light on the history and culture surrounding us.
As we strolled through the Danish-named streets, called gades (guh-DUZ), we learned from Simon that the U.S. paid Denmark $25 million in gold in 1917 for what had been known as the Danish West Indies since that country's occupation in 1733. Danish settlements had first cropped up nearly a century earlier, and much of the architecture and remnants of St. Thomas' Danish past remain.
One such landmark is the 99 steps. There are actually 103, one of several step-streets built by the Danes. The bricks were brought from Denmark as ballast in the holds of trade ships. We climbed to the top (with a bit of difficulty), rewarded ourselves with a cold ginger ale, then went on to view the stone remains of an old tower said to be used by Blackbeard the pirate as a lookout and actually used by the Danes as a vantage point to spot enemy ships. It is now a small hotel, the Inn at Blackbeard's Castle.
We met up with our taxi driver, who continued our tour of St. Thomas' mountainous interior with brief stops at various overlooks until we reached the highest point on the island, at 1,542 feet above sea level. Mountain Top, the summit of St. Peter Mountain, overlooks Magens Bay, included among the top 10 most beautiful beaches in the world by National Geographic magazine, and several of the British Virgin Islands in the distance. After capturing the view, we walked through the large gift shop and bar, which claims to have the original and best banana daiquiris on the island.
By late afternoon we arrived at the St. Thomas Skyride, across the street from Havensight Mall. Three continuously running trams make the 7-minute, 700-foot ascent to the top of Flag Hill's Paradise Point, where tourists can take in unparalleled views of Charlotte Amalie's harbor. Visitors can stay to walk nature trails, grab a bite and drink in the view with a beverage at the restaurant/bar, open daily 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Many congregate here for drinks at sunset.
Water, water everywhere
We checked in at the on-site dive shop, St. Thomas Diving Club, one morning for a half day of diving at the nearby reefs. Most exciting was our dive at Cow Rock, known for its swim-through maze that includes the "champagne cork" at the end, providing an exhilarating underwater high as the diver is launched up through the hole. The cost of scuba diving is extra, but guests have unlimited use of nonmotorized water craft, including paddleboards, Hobie Cats, kayaks, windsurfing rigs and aqua tricycles, as well as snorkel gear.
On another day, we boarded Bolongo's 53-foot catamaran, Heavenly Days, for an excursion to nearby Buck Island. Swimming and snorkeling with sea turtles was the main attraction, and we weren't disappointed; we lost count at 20. On the return sail, we chatted with the crew, including a handsome young guy named Matt Holland from the Fort Worth area, who has worked as a deckhand for the past year.
Limin' time
Finally, it was time for limin' in the hammock. After three active days spent snorkeling, island touring and scuba diving, we were ready to hit the beach.
Chairs with umbrellas are strung along the sand, just steps from our room. Access to tropical drinks is less than a minute's walk in either direction. While we relaxed, happy to observe the activity around us, others pedaled the aqua trikes or tried the newest watersport trend, stand-up paddleboarding.
At the recommendation of Bolongo's concierge, we savored French-influenced cuisine on our last evening there, at the historic Oceana restaurant on the tip of the Frenchtown peninsula, just outside Charlotte Amalie. It was the perfect way to say au revoir to St. Thomas.
St. John and Caneel Bay
After five days on St. Thomas, we taxied to Red Hook for a 15-minute ferry ride to the smaller, more secluded island of St. John, a popular hideaway for celebrities and our stop for the next two days.
Passenger ferries operate between St. Thomas and St. John every hour from Red Hook, on the east end, and from Charlotte Amalie. Car barge service is also available for those who have rented a car on St. Thomas and want to spend the day on St. John.
Our destination was Caneel Bay, a resort that has become synonymous with St. John since its opening in 1956. Laurance Rockefeller, son of John D. Rockefeller, sailed into Caneel Bay four years earlier and was utterly smitten, not only with the pretty cove but with the entire island of St. John. He purchased the property that has become the 170-acre resort of today -- originally a sugar mill plantation -- and also ended up buying close to two-thirds of the island, which he donated to the U.S. government for the establishment of Virgin Islands National Park.
As we approached Caneel Bay, I immediately noticed how its natural setting had not been obscured by the resort, thanks to Rockefeller's desire that guest accommodations and other structures blend into the landscape. As he once said, "The artwork is outside the window."
Rubbing elbows
A golf cart tour of the sprawling resort allowed us to see the rooms and suites available, and to view its seven secluded beaches. Cottage 7, originally built as the Rockefeller family residence, is six spacious suites, often reserved by famous guests.
Over the years, the guest list has been a "who's who" of the rich and famous, including President Nixon, Carol Burnett and the Aga Khan. We learned Vice President Joe Biden had visited two weeks earlier, and celebrity names in the entertainment and sports world are also frequent Caneel guests, with Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie among them.
We were fascinated to see feral donkeys and whitetail deer roaming the grounds, while mongooses, introduced centuries ago by the Danes to control the rat population, skittered across the paths.
American style
On our first evening, we dined at the historic Equator restaurant, formerly a sugar mill. I couldn't resist ordering Anegada lobster, a prime specimen of the Caribbean spiny lobsters that are caught in pots off Anegada, the northernmost of the British Virgin Islands. After a short moonlit walk, we were back at our room, where we slept soundly, ready for the next day's scuba adventure.
Caneel's on-site scuba operation, Patagon Dive Center, was our host for the morning's dives. Both were shallow reef dives off Lovango Cay, where healthy coral, sponges and an abundance of fish and reef creatures thrive. Our dive guide and his assistant took care of our equipment and navigated the reefs for us so that we merely had to take in the scenery.
An afternoon island tour let us see firsthand how unspoiled and undeveloped St. John truly is. Hairpin turns up the mountain led us to spectacular views of nearby islands, Annenberg Plantation ruins (once an active sugar-producing factory) and St. John's most famous beach, Trunk Bay, known for its underwater snorkeling trail.
We ventured off the resort property that evening to nearby Cruz Bay, the main town and port of St. John, for a bit of browsing in the shops before dinner at the highly recommended La Tapa restaurant. Strolling past the U.S. Post Office on the way was a reminder that yes, indeed, we were, in many ways, still in the United States.
Geographically Caribbean, officially American: I'd say it is the best of both worlds.
By Uniglobe Travel Management Consultants | August 10, 2011 at 04:00 PM EDT | No Comments
Updated: Wednesday, 10 Aug 2011, 9:37 AM CDT Published : Wednesday, 10 Aug 2011, 9:37 AM CDT
After the wedding comes the honeymoon, but where do you go. Europe, the islands, or closer to home.
Italy is one of the top picks for Europe honeymoon locations. It's the land of Amore! From the Northern Alps and lake country to Rome and the Almalfi Coast, Italy has everything for a romantic and classy honeymoon. Italy's fabulous shopping, delectable cuisine, rich history and spectacular beaches, have had honeymooners falling in love with Italy, for centuries.
Hawaii is one of the easiest tropical islands to visit. No passport is needed and no international hassles for a destination wedding. The weather is terrific year round, including sunny skies and cool trade breezes. Many types of activities are available for those who want to relax to the more active or adventurous couples.
There are more than 700 islands in the Bahamas, surrounded by waters ranging in color from emerald to turquoise to crystal blue. The Bahamas is a great fit for couples looking for variety on their tropical honeymoon. It’s perfect for romance, seclusion, entertainment, water sports, nature preserves. Find shipwrecks scattered throughout the islands, powder-soft beaches to relax during the day and plenty of casinos for amusement at night.
Mexico is also a good honeymoon choice. Bask in the sun at posh resorts along the Baja coast, visit the valley of Oaxaca for a taste of the ancient Mayans, ride the train through majestic canyon after canyon, shop until you drop, you will find it all in Mexico!
Some people who have been to Tahiti call it "paradise". You'll find beautiful beaches, scuba diving, water sports, spas, nightlife. Tahiti has many islands to choose from, including favorites Bora Bora and Moorea. From its natural beauty to its Polynesian hospitality this is the place for you and your spouse if you want some time for just the two of you.
You can also set up a wedding honeymoon registry through Cape Travel to help you plan your "trip of a lifetime"! Through the Cape Travel honeymoon registry, your guests can help you fund your vacation. Your friends and family can choose how they would like to help in making your dream honeymoon vacation come true.
What's more fun than having your guests purchase a candlelight dinner on the beach, a couples massage, a balloon ride or anything you desire, to make your honeymoon your dream honeymoon? We all know the cost of weddings is very high and when it comes to your first trip as a married couple, you don't want to scrimp on anything.
By Uniglobe Travel Management Consultants | August 02, 2011 at 03:51 PM EDT | No Comments
Last year, a good friend took an international trip with a two-stop flight itinerary. Afterwards, he reflected on how beat up he felt when it was over: "Adding that third airport into the mix seemed to add a ton of extra travel this year; it was rough."
I asked how he booked the flights. He said that he'd used one of the big travel booking sites, and that the itinerary he purchased was the best combination of duration, flight times and price he could find. My response: "Next time, call my travel agent first. You'll feel a lot better when it's all over."
The following year, he did just that, and the agent came up with options that he could never have found himself using a single booking site -- specifically, a short and affordable Southwest flight that put him in an airport with countless options for direct flights to his final destination. What would have been another expensive, six-flight endurance test was replaced by a far less demanding trip.
I use my travel agent on about 50 percent of all my trips, so when CNN marvels that travel agents may be making a comeback, I have to agree. (See below for more of the story)
The Return of the Travel Agent
Why now? Personally, I've found that the likelihood of using a travel agent increases in direct proportion to the abundance and complexity of travel options you can find on the Internet. Many travelers are discovering the following:
In offering more options and amenities, online travel sites have actually made it more confusing to figure out what they are selling, not less so.
The explosion of restrictions and fees -- many of which are not obvious to the casual travel buyer -- further muddies understanding of the bottom line on any itinerary.
The absence of a number of popular airlines from major booking engines -- the juggernaut Southwest being the most glaring -- eliminates what could well turn out to be a specific traveler's absolute best itinerary.
The big online travel sites got too smart for their own good; by tidying up and repackaging all the data each according to their own assumptions about travel purchasing, they show us what they think we want to see, but not always what we really want to see. That is, by becoming "online travel agents," rather than mere booking sites, they end up in competition with real travel agents, who can usually do the work better than computers can.
Despite being "smarter" and more comprehensive than ever, the typical travel booking experience has way too many dead ends. Whether it be the inability to get seats together, or disappearing fare sales, or the inability to lock in a fare for a short time, booking online is like being trapped inside a bad video game with countless trapdoors and false exits.
And my number one reason to use a travel agent: the reduction in flight capacity by the airlines has resulted in significantly more full flights on the routes I fly. At the same time, the booking sites have gotten only marginally better at offering seat choices and at seating companions together. Just try to book your family on a multi-flight trip and you'll see what I mean. Travel agents can hack their way through all this stuff.
It has gotten to the point that many travelers truly dread the moment they have to sit down at the computer to research travel. Seems like a good time to call in a pro, no?
If this describes you, or even just your next trip, here are some tips and guidelines for choosing, communicating with and evaluating a travel agent. For more info, including how to find an agent, when to use a professional and when to do it yourself, and some potential conflicts of interest to consider, see How to Find the Right Travel Agent.
Communicating with Your Travel Agent
A short, concise and information-packed e-mail is the best way to start the conversation about a trip. Here is a sample message I sent to my agent recently:
Dear Rekha, I hope you are doing well, and thank you for your help with my trip last month. I may want to purchase airfares to Zurich (final destination is Lucerne) for the second weekend in July. I will be working hard on the 10th, 11th and 12th, so we are thinking about traveling on the 8th, and returning the 14th, but are pretty flexible within a day of either of those depending on airfares. Travelers would be me, my wife and our son (now 2 1/2 or so), so direct flights are strongly preferable. I saw some $441 roundtrips online last week for the 8th - 13th and almost bought them, but figured I would get in touch since you can see all the seating and other options. If you are available to look into these, please let me know. Thank you! Ed Hewitt
Travel agents can also be extremely helpful if your final itinerary is not quite set, as they can price out multiple options and show you everything in one place when finished. Here's an e-mail I sent with details on a much trickier itinerary:
Rekha, As promised, our potential itineraries:
1) - All travel together on June 3 from either Philadelphia or Newark to Sacramento (we have friends we are visiting in Oakland, so we could fly into the Oakland or even SFO airports) - Depart Sunday, June 7 for San Diego - Depart San Diego for return home on either June 11 or 14 depending on pricing, flights, etc.
2) - Wife and son travel together on June 4 to Sacramento (we have friends we are visiting in Oakland, so we could fly into the Oakland or even SFO airports) - Wife and son depart Sunday, June 7 for San Diego - I travel Sunday, June 7 for San Diego - All depart San Diego June 11 or 14 depending on pricing, flights, etc.
I hope this is clear enough; please let me know if you have any questions. Thank you! Ed
In each case, my travel agent came up with something better and more affordable than I ever could have, fulfilling our guidelines in every respect.
What Does It Cost?
Since airlines no longer offer commissions of any kind for their work, travel agents have had to charge travelers directly for airline bookings. Most hotels, cruise lines, car rental companies and other travel service providers still pay commissions to travel agents for completed bookings, so you may not have to pay any agent fees whatsoever (see the section subtitled Potential Conflicts of Interest in this article for more information).
My own travel agent charges as follows:
$35 per person for roundtrip flights up to $700
5 percent per person for roundtrip flights over $700
A local American Express office charges as follows:
$59 per person per roundtrip ticket, with a $100 discount when you pay with an American Express card
On the Newark-Sacramento-San Diego-Newark itinerary above, Rekha booked the whole thing for $325 per person -- less than $1,000 for three people to fly about 7,000 miles, complete with seat assignments, frequent flier credits, consolidated itineraries, the middle leg of the itinerary on Southwest and only about 20 minutes of my time.
All of that for $105. No wonder travel agents seem to be making a comeback.
By Uniglobe Travel Management Consultants | July 27, 2011 at 04:18 PM EDT | No Comments
JUST 4 WEEKS LEFT!
Book your 2012 Breezes Resorts & Spas getaways and save an additional 20-25%. Hurry, you must reserve by August 24th. This discount applies to select resorts and room categories for stays from January 1, 2012 to August 31, 2012.
Super-Inclusive® At the Super-Inclusive® Breezes Resorts & Spas virtually everything you can eat, drink & do is included in one simple, upfront price with no tipping allowed. So leave your wallet behind and bring a healthy appetite for great food and endless fun. All on some of the best beaches in the Caribbean and Latin America. At Breezes, you'll find an abundance of land and water sports. Everything from sailing, windsurfing and snorkeling to tennis and rock-climbing - even Golf at our very own PGA-quality Golf Course and some of the best Scuba diving in both Jamaica and Curacao - all with professional instruction.
Tropically elegant accommodations
Unlimited dining in up to 7 different restaurants
Unlimited premium brand drinks & cocktails
Golf* + Green Fees & Transportation Included
Scuba Diving*
Endless list of other Land & Water Sports with Professional Instruction
Daily activities
Nightly entertainment
Fully equipped fitness center & classes
Round trip airport-hotel transportation
NO TIPPING ALLOWED
So much more..
*Amenities, activities and inclusions vary by resort and some may be available at an additional charge.
By Uniglobe Travel Management Consultants | July 26, 2011 at 02:51 PM EDT | No Comments
July 18, 2011 by Travel Guide Greg
Destination weddings are a great idea for couples who share the joys of traveling. You do not have to wait for the honeymoon to relish the splendor of an exotic destination. Whether you are drawn to the sun-kissed tropical beaches or to the blissful tranquility of mountain retreats, you can easily celebrate your wedding in a gorgeous setting. Destination weddings are a great idea for couples who share the joys of traveling. This is also a great way to save money in the process; that is, if you know how to do it right.
It is undeniable that traditional weddings are expensive. Often there is long list of wedding expenses such as a grand ballroom, reception and catering for hundreds of guests, gowns and suits for the wedding entourage, and flower arrangements, to name a few. The list can go on and on. However, if you choose a destination wedding, you will not have to spend as much on venue, reception, flower arrangements and wedding garbs. Although you will spend a a fair amount on air fares and accommodation, it can turn out to be just a fraction of a full-blown traditional wedding.
Considering that destination weddings are usually celebrated in foreign shores, there are quite a few factors to take into consideration. This means that you will have to make preparations well in advance to make sure that you have all of the legal requirements in place before the special date.
If you already have a destination in mind, research on the local wedding regulations applicable to foreign nationals. Some countries have residency requirements while most foreign countries do not. You may also need to present certain documents such as a birth certificate and a certification from your embassy that you are free to marry before you are issued a marriage license. Some countries require that these documents be translated to the local language.
If you think the legalities are too tedious for you to comply with especially when you take into consideration the distance between your home country and your wedding destination, it is a good idea to hire a reliable wedding coordinator. The coordinator will facilitate not only your compliance to local marriage laws but also the necessary preparations for the entire wedding celebration.
Remember to advise your guests of your wedding plans way in advance of the special date, especially if you will not be paying for their travel costs. Your guests will need time to prepare for a trip abroad, apply for vacation leave from their jobs and, of course, save some money for the overseas jaunt. If you are paying for your guests airfares and accommodation, it pays to book flights in advance for substantial savings and try to negotiate a group rate. Also, don’t forget to negotiate for discounts from the hotel because they are more likely to be amenable if you are bringing in a number of guests with you. You may want to seek the assistance of a good travel agent who can negotiate group rates for your wedding party.
Remember to take into consideration the climate of your destination. You want the perfect atmosphere for your wedding and you do not want a monsoon to ruin it for you. Again, consult with a local wedding coordinator because they are in the know when it comes to the dos and dont’s of a destination wedding in their locality.
Of course, after the wedding celebration, it is time to take in the sights and enjoy the grandeur and romance of your special place. This is one of the perks of a destination wedding that any travel enthusiast finds exciting and exceedingly gratifying.
Destination weddings are a great idea for couples who share the joys of traveling. You do not have to wait for the honeymoon to relish the splendor of an exotic destination. Whether you are drawn to the sun-kissed tropical beaches or to the blissful tranquility of mountain retreats, you can easily celebrate your wedding in a gorgeous setting. Destination weddings are a great idea for couples who share the joys of traveling. This is also a great way to save money in the process; that is, if you know how to do it right.
It is undeniable that traditional weddings are expensive. Often there is long list of wedding expenses such as a grand ballroom, reception and catering for hundreds of guests, gowns and suits for the wedding entourage, and flower arrangements, to name a few. The list can go on and on. However, if you choose a destination wedding, you will not have to spend as much on venue, reception, flower arrangements and wedding garbs. Although you will spend a a fair amount on air fares and accommodation, it can turn out to be just a fraction of a full-blown traditional wedding.
Considering that destination weddings are usually celebrated in foreign shores, there are quite a few factors to take into consideration. This means that you will have to make preparations well in advance to make sure that you have all of the legal requirements in place before the special date.
If you already have a destination in mind, research on the local wedding regulations applicable to foreign nationals. Some countries have residency requirements while most foreign countries do not. You may also need to present certain documents such as a birth certificate and a certification from your embassy that you are free to marry before you are issued a marriage license. Some countries require that these documents be translated to the local language.
If you think the legalities are too tedious for you to comply with especially when you take into consideration the distance between your home country and your wedding destination, it is a good idea to hire a reliable wedding coordinator. The coordinator will facilitate not only your compliance to local marriage laws but also the necessary preparations for the entire wedding celebration.
Remember to advise your guests of your wedding plans way in advance of the special date, especially if you will not be paying for their travel costs. Your guests will need time to prepare for a trip abroad, apply for vacation leave from their jobs and, of course, save some money for the overseas jaunt. If you are paying for your guests airfares and accommodation, it pays to book flights in advance for substantial savings and try to negotiate a group rate. Also, don’t forget to negotiate for discounts from the hotel because they are more likely to be amenable if you are bringing in a number of guests with you. You may want to seek the assistance of a good travel agent who can negotiate group rates for your wedding party.
Remember to take into consideration the climate of your destination. You want the perfect atmosphere for your wedding and you do not want a monsoon to ruin it for you. Again, consult with a local wedding coordinator because they are in the know when it comes to the dos and dont’s of a destination wedding in their locality.
Of course, after the wedding celebration, it is time to take in the sights and enjoy the grandeur and romance of your special place. This is one of the perks of a destination wedding that any travel enthusiast finds exciting and exceedingly gratifying.
By Uniglobe Travel Management Consultants | July 20, 2011 at 03:01 PM EDT | No Comments
•Walking around the aircraft without shoes, especially in the lavatory. •Changing a diaper in the seat or on the tray table. •Clipping fingernails and toenails on the aircraft. •Keeping headphones on when you start talking to attendants. •Speaking in a condescending and angry tone when it's not appropriate. •Hanging arms or legs out in the aisle when the food and beverage cart is coming. •Standing in the galley and restroom areas to stretch and do exercises. •Keeping electronic devices on after the announcement has been made to turn them off. •Bringing stinky food on the plane. •Carrying on a bag you can't lift into the overhead bin.
By Uniglobe Travel Management Consultants | July 11, 2011 at 04:02 PM EDT | No Comments
Guests can save an additional $300 when they book a six night minimum stay by July 31st for travel this summer at select Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts, including Sandals Grande Riviera Beach & Villa Golf Resort
Guests booking last-minute travel to the Caribbean this summer are in luck as Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts announce the Summer Instant Savings Promotion. Guests staying at 12 Sandals Resorts and 3 Beaches Resorts for a 6-night minimum stay in ANY room category will receive $300 in instant savings. The Summer Instant Savings Promotion is combinable with all other consumer saving promotions, including up to 65% off sale, and is available for bookings made from July 8 - July 31, 2011 for travel from July 14 - August 31, 2011. The Summer Instant Savings Promotion is also bookable at Sandals Royal Bahamian in Nassau from July 12 - July 24 for travel July 14 - August 31.
As with all Luxury Included® vacations, a stay at Sandals Resorts or Beaches Resorts offers more quality inclusions than any other resort company on the planet with superior accommodations, endless gourmet dining options, unlimited premium brand wine and spirits, nightly entertainment, watersports including snorkeling and scuba diving for certified divers and a myriad of other exclusive amenities.
* Offer valid for new bookings only and is combinable with other consumer savings promotions. May not be applicable to Groups. Offers may be changed or withdrawn at any time. Does not include taxes. One Credit per room. Offer is only valid at Sandals Grande Antigua, Sandals Grande St. Lucian, Sandals La Toc, Sandals Halycon Beach; Sandals Negril, Sandals Whitehouse, Sandals Grande Riviera, Sandals Carlyle, Sandals Royal Caribbean, Sandals Royal Plantation, Sandals Montego Bay, Beaches Negril, Beaches Sandy Bay, and Beaches Boscobel. Additional restrictions may apply.
By Uniglobe Travel Management Consultants | July 08, 2011 at 03:24 PM EDT | No Comments
“We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, charm and adventure. There is no end to the adventures we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open.”
By Uniglobe Travel Management Consultants | July 06, 2011 at 04:29 PM EDT | No Comments
"Another way to lazy save on your vacation is to seek out a travel agent. One phone call or visit and they will do all the legwork of finding you a great deal."
By Uniglobe Travel Management Consultants | June 27, 2011 at 03:24 PM EDT | No Comments
Online Vacation Shopper
Part-time or Full-time
Earn extra income with the potential to travel for free!
Uniglobe TMC has an exciting opportunity to join our Friends and Family Vacation Travel Team. If you love to research and book your own travel, then this is for you! Includes cruises, all-inclusive vacations, destination weddings, honeymoons, and more! *This is NOT a get rich quick or MLM scheme at all. We are a full service Airline Reporting Corporation appointed travel agency located in Mechanicsburg, PA. In business for over 25 years, we are part of a world wide network of travel suppliers which allows us to provide unmatched service to our clients.
WHO: You, Friends, Family
WHAT: Commission/Referral Program
WHERE: Work at Home
WHEN: Anytime You Want
WHY: Get better or matched pricing on qualifying vacations (includes cruises, all-inclusive vacations, etc.) for you, friends and/or family. Earn extra income for your research and/or referrals. *Have the support and perks of booking qualifying vacations through a travel agent!
HOW: 1) Research qualifying vacations for yourself, friends, family, etc. 2) Send us the information you’ve researched for the vacation and we will either beat or match your pricing
3) We do the final booking and travel arrangements and work with your traveler as an agent
4) Uniglobe TMC sends you a commission check based on our final commission received from the vacation package.
*There is NO cost to you or the referred traveler(s)*
Great article to highlight the need for a travel agent! If you're going to book a trip, why not let a travel agent do the work for you? No extra cost, less headache, and the support of an agent throughout your trip. What's the catch? There isn't one!
By Uniglobe Travel Management Consultants | June 21, 2011 at 03:04 PM EDT | No Comments
Sandals Resorts receives top honors in BRIDES Magazine's 2011 Best Honeymoon Survey! Destination Wedding and Honeymoon packages that offer romance & the magic of the islands...and it's all included! Our agents are Sandals Certified and ready to plan your experience of a lifetime <3 For more information, contact us today!
This is a GREAT idea! Who needs more pots and pans? Get what you really want as a wedding present and would appreciate for years to come: Register for a Honeymoon!
A good agent can help to make your trip as inexpensive and hassle-free as possible. Travel agents are experts at traveling. They have a full range of technology, connections, and experience at their disposal just waiting to help you get the most out of your special time together. And, best of all, a good agent will not usually charge you for his or her help. A good agent can save you valuable time as well as precious dollars.
By Uniglobe Travel Management Consultants | June 14, 2011 at 04:26 PM EDT | No Comments
·Travel changes you. As you move through this life and this world, you change things slightly,you leave marks behind,however small. And in return, life - and travel - leaves marks on you. --Anthony Bourdain
By Uniglobe Travel Management Consultants | June 07, 2011 at 04:21 PM EDT | No Comments
Top 5 Reasons Leisure Travelers use a Travel Agent: Options, Saving Money, Safety & Security, Knowledge, Time Saver...Check out this article and you may change your mind about booking your own travel!
Travel expert Mark Murphy talks about the travel industry and explains the best deals for your summer vacation. Take the hassle out of booking your own travel and searching for the deals. Contact a travel agent today!
By Uniglobe Travel Management Consultants | May 25, 2011 at 03:49 PM EDT | No Comments
All Sandals Resorts are committed to the Green Initiative and making the earth a better place to live. This is a vacation you can really feel good about! Love nature...
By Uniglobe Travel Management Consultants | May 19, 2011 at 11:38 AM EDT | No Comments
According to US News Travel, these are the TOP 12 places to vacation this summer. Where do you want to go Summer 2011? Book vacation packages, all-inclusive stays, cruises and much more at NO CHARGE! We do the work, you have the fun...Bon Voyage!
