Friday, December 4, 2015

Come Along To Germany With CBS Radio and Me!


I have been chosen once again to join CBS Radio, WPHT 1210 on tour. This time, with host Chris Stigall to for a journey to Germany. Our tour will include some of the most infamous sights of the country. 
We will be visiting romantic castles, tasting wine and beer, and taking a look at some of the most important parts of history from World War II. 
You are invited to join us! Space is limited, so please call soon, 800-501-8519 and ask for me, Adrienne, The Travel Specialist!

Friday, October 16, 2015

The End Of An Era; Bon Voyage US Airways



It is an end of an era with US Airways' last flight scheduled today. Flight 1939 from San Francisco to Philadelphia, a red-eye, will signal the end of the line. Saturday morning, all the US Airlines check-in booths and gates will go dark slowly switching to American Airlines signage. You might still get an occasional glimpse of a US Airways tail on a plane, but most have already been repainted.

With this merger, the number of flights we used to enjoy have been drastically cut. Some routes which had multiple nonstop choices now might only have one or two. Of course the fares have been impacted as well. Other than having more choice of flights and nonstop routes, the airlines, now having less competition are able to set rates and ancillary costs at will.

At this point, many travelers have noticed the new cost of flying with less freedom of choice. Seats are harder to come by if you don't want to pay an additional cost for that coveted aisle or window. Add to that, luggage fees and less complimentary services inflight. Now we resort to either buying packaged boxed of meals and snacks on domestic flights or bring our own, like brown-bagging it to school.

My heart goes out to the crew members and ground staff of US Airways. Thank you for your service and safe flights over the years. For many, this is the end of the line for them as well.


To see some of the changes over the years, watch the attached video, courtesy of CNN and the Golden Age of flying.

Friday, September 4, 2015

Imagine Israel; Beyond Belief

When you think of Israel, what are the first images that pop into your mind? Most people asked will think about religion, history and archeology. Have you ever thought about nature, repelling down ancient hills, or sleeping under the stars in the desert?

Imagine landing in an ultra modern airport in one of the world’s most ancient lands. No need to fill out awkward custom papers to enter. Just hand your passport to the Custom’s agent, collect your luggage and let the fun begin. No matter where you begin, Israel is an eye-opening experience for all of the senses.

Tel Aviv is described by some of New York City on the beach. It is a modern, vibrant, cosmopolitan city with beautiful stretches of the Mediterranean beaches and marinas dotting the coast. In Tel Aviv, discover art galleries, shopping boutiques, craft bazaars and more. Then rest on the beach because the famous night life awaits you. Along the same coast, ancient cities of Caesaria and Acco will whisper stories of the past in your ears.


Jerusalem, the ‘City of Gold’, offers the most iconic of sights including the Old City where Judaism, Christianity and Islam meet. A walk through the Old City pulls you towards ancient fortresses, shopping bazaars, blending rich cultures and heritages. As you step out of the Old City from Jaffa Gate, you can pass through the modern Mamilla Mall and enter the New City of Jerusalem. There you find fine cuisines from all over the world, delicious street food and one of the oldest open markets, Machane Yehuda. Further into the city, one of the foremost art museums, The Israel Museum and Yad Vashem, memorial to the Holocaust round out your visit.

Traveling toward the desert, your eyes will meet lush date palm trees springing up from the oases. En Gedi, a nature preserve, offers a glimpse of nature and indigenous animals. Continuing on with the Dead Sea at your side discover Qumran and Masada. You might even want to refresh by floating on the Dead Sea. As you get closer to the desert, ATVs and camels are waiting to take you to Bedouin tents for your overnight experience and star gazing. In the morning rappel the ancient mountain sides then continue on the ancient paths through Timna and into Eilat, the diving capital of the Red Sea.

In the north, travel the green paths and hills of the Galilee and Golan. Ride mountain bikes through nature reserves or kayak the Jordan River. After your day of active travel, relax the next day with some leisurely sightseeing and visit one of Israel’s 227 wineries. You can also try a farm to table experience with one of the many local farmers or kibbutzism.




Israel offers so much to see and do. It is the perfect destination to visit for every age. If you have already visited, then it might be time to come back!

For more information about visiting Israel and planning your trip, call Tikva Tours; 877-499-2005 or visit their website: www.tikvatours.com








Thursday, August 20, 2015

Travel For A Purpose - Voluntourism

Often times when traveling, the first things considered are rest, relaxation or discovery of a new destination. Travelers inquire about the best accommodations, places to see, activities and where to eat. An important part of travel most often missed is the people of the area and their culture.

One of the best ways to discover a new destination is through their people. Meeting the residents of the area, asking about their lives and their family history can offer a traveler the most intimate details about the area, way of life and culture. So many times were are busy with a tour guide’s information or relaxing by the beach, rarely do we leave the comfort of the scheduled vacation to truly discover the environment.

I was reminded of this earlier this week while attending a seminar for one of my resort partners, Sandals and Beaches. During the seminars were are given updates on new resorts, renovations and future planning as well as news about the islands on which the resort are located. On this evening, another element was added, one which is usually overlooked by travel consultants and travelers alike; voluntourism. I can think of few ways better to interact with people living in the destination visited.

Voluntourism can be planned many ways prior to leaving for your vacation. Most destinations have plans available. Your travel consultant can inquire for you. This becomes a very personal way for you to help those less fortunate and bond with the country you are visiting.

In the case of Sandals and Beaches, Caribbean born CEO Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart and his family created the Sandals Foundation (a 501C registered charity). The Stewart family holds to the ethic that all employees of the company are family. Most of the ‘extended’ family is Caribbean born and the Sandals Foundation became arm to help these extended family members and their communities prosper and grow through better education, medical services and much more. When travel consultants are invited to inspect the resorts, they are asked to bring donations such as school supplies that can be distributed to the area schools children. Information is also shared about all of the volunteer programs in which guests and groups can engage in while visiting their resorts.

As a travel professional, I feel very lucky to travel the world and interact with the members of the communities I visit. Sharing my good fortune elevates that emotion and commitment to others in the world. When speaking with my travelers I, like many of my colleagues, am guilty of not recommending at least a half of a day to visit the communities, in which they are traveling, not as a tourist, but as a volunteer. What better way to get to know the true culture of a country? If they are unable to visit, then the gift of school supplies or other items on the charity list are welcome. They can be dropped at the front desk of their resort.

Groups are always encouraged to take part of this experience. Professionals from medical and educational organizations are always in need. Donations of supplies as well as hands on assistance are very welcomed. Recently the daughter of a close friend who is a pediatric/neonatal nurse traveled for one week to South America. She and her colleagues visited in 2 different clinics during their stay. For her, it was an eye-opening experience. Her love for those she helped and those she met as part of her team have created an indelible memory. She told me she is ready to do it again!

For more information about the Sandals Foundation and how you can help, please contact me. Make your travel more meaningful.

#voluntourism #meaningfultravel #travel #culturaltravel #adventuretravel #luxurytravel 



Wednesday, July 29, 2015

For All Of The Cecils



In the past few days terrible images of a beloved lion from Zimbabwe named Cecil have been making worldwide headlines. Cecil, who was part of a research project for Oxford University and wore a tracking collar, was somehow found outside his normal protected area within the national park.

The gory details of his killing by American dentist, James Walter Palmer and others in his hunting party were revealed earlier this week while the actual death of Cecil occurred July 6th. Cecil was 13 years old and left behind his pride and cubs as well as the humans who cared for him dearly.

The cost of the thrill for the kill was about $55,000.00. Dr. Palmer’s cowardly actions along with the safari leader included luring Cecil out of his protected area, shooting him with a crossbow and then after he suffered, shot with a high powered rifle. The reason Cecil was killed? It wasn’t for protection, food or due to illness. It was  merely for the ‘trophy.’ Cecil was beheaded and skinned without reason just so the dear dentist could have the bragging rights of killing an animal in the wild which posed no threat to him.

Trophy hunting is not necessarily something new. Teddy Roosevelt was an avid hunter. It is said he and his son killed 512 animals while on safaris during the early 1900’s. In 2012 Donald Trumps’ sons, Eric and Donald Trump, Jr. were photographed during a hunting safari. Trump Jr. took to Twitter to brag about killing a leopard like a spoiled child touting a new toy.

Not long ago, Ian Gibson another American hunter with a long line of kills actually became the hunted. In mid- April, Mr. Gibson was guiding a hunting group as they stalked elephants. This time, the elephant, a large male, took Mr. Gibson to task. As the ‘mighty’ hunter raised his rifle, the bull charged him and violently gored him with his massive tusks.

Other hunting events have made the news, but the item quietly disappears. This one, however, might not leave our memories so quickly. Rarely do we hear about a safari killing involving an animal with a name. Cecil had an identity, he had following, he was famous in Zimbabwe, he was loved.

Hunting animals happens worldwide, not just in South Africa. Knowing animals are hunted just for the fun and trophy is extremely disheartening. Some animals are hunted for body parts used for furniture, decoration, aphrodisiacs and ‘natural health’ aides. The animals are not killed for food and once the desired parts are taken, the carcasses are discarded like garbage.

These treasured animals are part of our world and some are now close to extinction. I can think of so many lovely travel opportunities that can be purchased for $50,000.00. The thrill of the kill is not one. About 6 months ago I spoke with a prospective client from the Utah area. She told me their family, as well as another family, wanted to travel to South Africa for a safari journey. We discussed the budget which for both families would have exceeded $50,000.00 and I silently smiled. Before the conversation ended she added one more request. As I heard her request my heart broke and my stomach began to roll. The final request, permits for their rifles. It took a minute to compose my thoughts and take a deep breath. I explained to her that I could not help with her travel and could not support her version of safari or travel. Assisting this family with their travel would make me complicit in the murder of innocent animals in their own habitat all for the glory of a trophy. No amount of money could compel me to be part of such an ugly sport.

I had the opportunity to visit South Africa as part of a US Travel Delegation. The beauty of the country and learning about the culture first hand was a wonderful experience. For me as well as most of my companions, going out in the jeeps for several safari drives in one of the national parks was the ultimate of experiences. Viewing my first male lion in the dark of night was an indescribable. It took a while before I could steady my hands to shoot, not with a rifle, but with a camera. My lion was as majestic as could be and let out a roar which shook the park. Instinct let him know we were there to just say hello and appreciate his beauty. For the next few days, I marveled at seeing these elegant creatures of the bush, in their natural habitat, while respecting their home, and their boundaries. These are images so etched in my mind, I will never forget them and hope to have another safari opportunity along with my camera.

It is my prayer that Cecil’s death will not be in vain. Hopefully his unwarranted death will serve to change the laws in Zimbabwe and other destinations where hunters’ willfully kill for the thrill.

Thursday, July 23, 2015

Overwater Bungalows In Riviera Maya, Mexico

So you thought to have the ultimate bungalow experience you had to travel to Bora Bora. Overwater bungalows are now featured at Secrets Silversands Resort in Riviera Maya, Mexico.

These private bungalows feature private plunge pools, stairs to your pool canal, preferred amenities and more. How perfect for a romantic getaway set in an all-inclusive, all-adult resort! 





For more information, please call Adrienne, The Travel Specialist, 800-501-8519, ext 65!