A recent article in The Washington Post was talking about how the travelers are turning back to their Travel Agents to handle their needs. "Travelers are on information overload" when it comes to planning their vacations. Interesting? I thought so too and you can read more
Driving to Canada? Not sure of your next vacation? Just going to the Caribbean next year by cruise ship?
The US Govt issues a US Passport Card, which looks like a driver’s license. Ideal for people who travel between the US and Canada, Mexico,Caribbean and Bermuda via ground or via a vessel. Hence, cruise passengers may find this beneficial. It cannot be used if one is flying to/from an International Airport.
The cost is $55, and it lasts 10 years, too. The processing time is similar to a regular passport.
More innformation may be obtained at:
hhtp://travel.state.gov/passport/ppt_card/ppt_card_3926.html
Why is it so important to book your travel with a reputable tour company? As easy as it may be to “click & book” a vacation on the internet, you should be sure to deal with a reputable tour company. This becomes especially important when disruptions occur due to events such as political unrest or natural disasters. Just look at recent events in Egypt; reputable companies such as Isram World, Abercrombie & Kent, Big Five Tours, Trafalgar Tours and Brendan Vacations quickly contacted their traveling clients to assist with securing safe passage back to the United States.
An experienced and knowledgeable travel consultant can assist you in selecting a reputable tour company to fit your budget and needs. With 30 years of experience in leisure travel, Marisa L. Cole, owner of Sensational Travel, has the expertise to make sure you get the best service and the best value when you book your vacation. Be sure to contact Marisa when planning your next travel adventure!
Travelers will ask travel agents if they have "been there". The answer is usually we haven't and even if we had, resorts & destinations are constantly changing. I am happy to read a new blog from a luxury travel agent like myself who might have gone to a destination or resort I haven't been to. Enjoy reading:
I have always dreamed of seeing the world. My dad was an officer in the Navy and, as a young girl, I would often daydream about the distant lands he visited by sea. This fueled my desire to travel and led me to become a travel agent. I have helped clients plan many different type of vacations, from a 60-day, 11-country custom European itinerary to a weekend in Bermuda; however, I especially enjoy working with honeymooners, because they are so excited about their first vacation together as a married couple.
The travel industry is constantly changing and I devote many hours to keeping up with the latest information available. I regularly attend industry seminars and visit destinations to gain a perspective that can only be achieved by a personal visit. I have completed the training and exams necessary to earn my CTC (Certified Travel Consultant) certification. I have also recently earned my Honeymoon & Luxury Travel Specialist certificate with The Travel Institute.
I have clients that have been with me for over 25 years and I believe it is because I care about their vacations, their budgets, and the memories they want to bring home from their next vacation. Caring, personalized service and professionalism are what my travel service is all about.
Contact me for opportunities for your next vacation! Call 978-745-2575 or email me at marisa@sensationaltravel.com
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Want to travel to the South Pacific? Want to save time and money? Consider a vacation to St. Lucia in the Caribbean. You can do a drive-in volcano, scuba dive or snorkel, sail or swim at black-sand beaches, zip line in rainforests, taste unforgetable cusine, stay in family-friendly Coconut Bay Resort, luxury honeymoon at Jade Mountain, or "the Bachelor" treatment at Cap Maison. Contact Sensational Travel for special offerings at 978-745-2575.
New for 2010 is a 3 day kayaking tour in Sea of Cortez Mexico then 3 days of volunteer work for the green sea turtles with RED Sustainable Tourism. Travel dates 24-31oct10. Great for beginners and immediate kayakers. Contact Sensational Travel for this limited offering at 978-745-2575 or email marisa@sensationaltravel.com
Windstar has announced their Caribbean 2011 sailing dates. Selected winter date with rates as low as $1599.00 per person. Windstar Cruises Luxury Caribbean Cruises. St. John, St. Martin, St. Barts and Barbados are just a few of the destinations that Windstar Cruises visits in the beautiful Caribbean. Contact Sensational Travel for the latest sale pricing at 978-745-2575.
Exciting newest & biggest ship, Norwegian Epic, will be sailing out of Miami to the Caribbean starting in July 2010. Just imagine witnessing "BlueMan Group" at sea, or wrapped in a faux fur coat sipping vodka in the Ice Bar or sliding down a water tube slide into a pool at sea. Contact Sensational Travel for the latest cruise fares at 978-745-2575.
As a travel consultant and destination wedding specialist I am visiting over 21 resorts in May. Come to Sensational Travel Facebook Page to view photos and learn what is new at these resorts.
Marco Around the World March2010
Hello Travelers! We now have a mascot who is having fun traveling around the world, meeting new folks and exploring destinations. He looks forward to sharing his experiences with Sensational Travel followers. Check back to Sensational Travel blog monthly to see where he has traveled! Who is he? Marco the World Traveler!
As you may have heard, Tiger Woods confirmed today that he will return to tournament golf at The Masters this April 2010.
Needless to say, ticket prices and availability are suddenly in high demand as everyone scrambles to secure coveted access to the most anticipated Masters in history.
Fortunately, Sensational Travel has access to some availability on our Sunday Ritz-Carlton (Apr 10-13), which includes accommodation at the Ritz Carlton Buckhead and the Ritz Carlton Reynolds Plantation, a police escort in Augusta, VIP hospitality with all day buffet and open bar, Masters patron badges for the Sunday, 2 rounds of golf with cart and green fees on 2 out of 6 of the best resort courses in America, all private transfers, and 24-hour access to onsite staff.
Contact Sensational Travel now for details on this offering for a once-in-a-lifetime travel experience! 978-745-2575 or email Marisa@sensationaltravel.com
Ok, so you have done Florida, Grand Canyon, and some Caribbean islands and are searching for a different but educational vacation with your children. Consider this......................Gladiator Training in Rome, Italy 2010!
During your two-hour lesson, your gladiator instructor will teach you how to fight with authentic weapons used by the gladiators of ancient Rome. Lessons are organized and led by members of the Historic Group of Rome who specialize in the re-enactment of Roman life and gladiatorial combat.
Don't miss this opportunity to re-create Roman history and life as a gladiator. Dressed in a traditional gladiator tunic, belt, leather protective glove and rudis (training sword), you can let your imagination run wild as you play like Spartacus for a day, fighting off ferocious lions and sword-wielding warriors!
Next, learn the basic techniques of gladiatorial sword fighting and take part in an optional gladiatorial tournament, with the winner receiving a victory prize. All participants receive a certificate of accomplishment.
If you're fascinated by Roman Gladiators but not sure if you're up for it, you can choose to watch friends or family free of charge. There's a great viewing platform. Are you up to the challenge of this truly Roman experience combining culture, sport and ancient legends!
What else could be new with Royal Caribbean Cruise Line?
Video Camera: Flip Mino. This is an easy to use video recorder that is lightweight and compact enough to fit in a small handbag or pocket. They have 60 minutes of recording time, a rechargable battery that lasts about four hours and a USB plug built onto the device that lets you plug it into a PC or MAC and automatically upload your movies to YouTube. With its modest 640x480 resolution, you won't be winning any Academy Awards for cinematogrpahy. But then again, the most prescious moments are the ones you capture with family and friends and now you can share them easily. Sensational Travel has recently won this model and will be soon having fun recording!
This year the 97th Tour de France runs from Saturday July 3rd to Sunday July 25th 2010. The 2010 Tour will be launched from the south side of Rotterdam and inspires both cycling trips for those not competing as well as travel to France to see the stars of cycling completing the grueling race.
Thanks to the famous race, the French Alps has become one of cycling's most important pilgrimages. Not only do Tour de France fans flock to the French Alps to watch, but many nore cycling enthusiasts book trips to ride their own bikes over passes such as The Alpe d'Huez, the Col de Galibier and the Col d'Izoard.
From Alsace to the Rhone-Alps, there are a variety of cycling tours including the Champagne Bicycle Tour which is based in Epernay, gateway to the vineyards of the Champagne region. The Champagne vineyards are a spectuacular sight all year round. Discover the secrets of Champagne, visit the cellars and taste the king of wines, including Hautvillers where Dom Perignon "invented" the Champagne method.
If cycling isn't your pleasure, there are hiking tours as well. Contact Sensational Travel at 978-745-2575 for cycling, hiking or walking tours of Europe.
Too Far, Too Expensive?
East Coast Travelers want to visit the South Pacific, Society Islands however travelers are concerned about Too Far, Too Expensive. From Los Angeles you can be in Tahiti in 8 hours and packages with airfare start at $1799.00 per person for a 7 night stay. Concern about nothing to do except swimming? There are many activities in the Society Islands such as snorkeling, diving, dolphin encounters, surfing, golf, 4x4 jeep tours, ATV tours, para-sailing, museums, spas, black pearl shopping and of course just relaxing. Dinning choices from fine dinning to open-air casual meals with residents. Now U.S. citizens can have a legal destination wedding with only 3 days prior to the ceremony requirement in beautiful chapels. And if you want to experience the Society Islands by unpacking only once, consider the Paul Gauguin Cruise or Princess Cruises for 10 day voyages.
Here are some companies who are providing aid for earthquake victims in Haiti. Continental OnePass members can donate to the American Red Cross directly, and CEO Jeff Smisek is reported to be matching co-worker donations up to $50,000.00. Miles are donated to The American Red Cross and AmeriCares. OnePass members can visit www.continental.com and click "Donate your miles" to participate.
Royal Caribbean Cruises plans to provide at least $1 million in humanitarian relief, partnering with Food for the Poor, Pan American Development Foundation and other charitable organizations as well as the Solano Foundation, the company's foundation in Haiti. They'll also deliever goods & supplies to Haiti via their cruise ships. To contribute and for more information, visit www.foodforthepoor.org/royalcaribbean
American Airlines will give you 250 miles if you donate $50.00 to the American Red Cross or 500 miles for a $100.00 donation.
Hyatt Gold Passport members can donate increments of 5,000 points by calling 1-800-228-3360. Hilton members can convert 10,000 points to a $25.00 donation on their website. Starwood Hotel members are matching all donations, where 4,000 points will equal a $50.00 donation.
Sources: http://www.gadling.com/2010/01/19/donate-and-earn-miles-when-you-give-to-haiti-relief and http://eturbonews.com/13869/travel-and-tourism-industry-rallies-bring-aid-haiti
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