Seeing the world, meeting new people, sharing experiences with your family...what could be better? Where is your dream vacation? Is it sharing the excitment of your little one meeting Mickey Mouse or watching your grandchildren as they gaze at wild animals while on Safari in South Africa? Is it that second honeymoon you've promised each other on a romantic beach or candlelight dinner along the Champs-Élysées in Paris?
Let me find the perfect dream vacation for you. Click the link below and see the special offers Virtuosos have for you. Call me for more information!
What's Your Return On Life?
www.atravelspecialist.com
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
What Is Your Travel Dream? Virtuoso Wants To Know
Everyone has a travel dream. Virtuoso knows that! Virtuoso wants to know your dream.
You are invited to take the 3rd Annual Virtuoso Travel Dreams Sweepstakes Survey. You must be a US resident to comply with the enrty rules. Deadline for your entry is March 31, 2009. Please enter my name as your Virtuoso Travel Advisor.
Good luck!
3rd Annual VIRTUOSO LIFE® Travel Dreams Sweepstakes Survey
You are invited to take the 3rd Annual Virtuoso Travel Dreams Sweepstakes Survey. You must be a US resident to comply with the enrty rules. Deadline for your entry is March 31, 2009. Please enter my name as your Virtuoso Travel Advisor.
Good luck!
3rd Annual VIRTUOSO LIFE® Travel Dreams Sweepstakes Survey
Monday, February 23, 2009
Las Vegas Bellagio Offer
Thinking about taking off to Las Vegas and trying your luck? Here's an exclusive offer for you by Virtuoso. Enjoy one of Las Vegas' premiere hotels located on the famed strip. This offer includes upgrades, meals and more. Don't delay, odds are the rooms will fill fast. Click on the link below for full details. Call me for your reservations!
Bellagio Hotel Special Offer
Bellagio Hotel Special Offer
For Adults Only II
Welcome to the second part of my series for Adult Only resorts. The next two resorts are also located on the warm shores of Jamaica. Both are owned by SuperClubs which created their first all-inclusive resort in 1976 in Negril. They pride themselves with the concept of "Super All-Inclusive" with no hidden costs. Their list of all-inclusive amenities is long and even includes learning how to use the flying trapeze at one of the resorts. I'll get to that in one minute.
The adult only Hedonism Resorts are for adults choosing to live life on the wild side, leaving their inhibitions at the door. This lively resort offers all the activity one can wish for on their vacation. Some guests need a vacation after their vacation at Hedo! However, there are many areas for complete relaxation by the pool or beach too.
Hedonism II, located in Negril began in 1981 with the concept of being an all-inclusive haven for adults, forgetting the outside world. Then along came Hedonism III in Runaway Bay, just adding to the pleasures of life. For adults looking for the ultimate playground, Hedonism Resorts is for you. The resorts boast nonstop, 24 hour a day fun, 7 days a week. From a quiet snooze on a hammock to dancing to the wee hours of the morning and everything in between, there is nothing left out of the daily activities. Both resorts offer their famous nude and prude areas so you can choose just how naughty or nice you want to be.
Theme nights such as Toga parties, Circus Showcase and Mardi Gras keep one hopping at night. During the day, learn to reggae, dive, snorkel, or set sail on a glass bottom boat. If you really want to do something special, go to Circus School and take your hand on the flying trapeze at Hedonism III.
If you are looking for the out of the ordinary vacation experience, Hedonism just may be the answer. Not sure if this is for you? Then you can be a guest for the day while you are visiting the island. Guest passes are available for a small fee.
I know I have peaked your interest! So call me, and let's get you on the way!
The adult only Hedonism Resorts are for adults choosing to live life on the wild side, leaving their inhibitions at the door. This lively resort offers all the activity one can wish for on their vacation. Some guests need a vacation after their vacation at Hedo! However, there are many areas for complete relaxation by the pool or beach too.
Hedonism II, located in Negril began in 1981 with the concept of being an all-inclusive haven for adults, forgetting the outside world. Then along came Hedonism III in Runaway Bay, just adding to the pleasures of life. For adults looking for the ultimate playground, Hedonism Resorts is for you. The resorts boast nonstop, 24 hour a day fun, 7 days a week. From a quiet snooze on a hammock to dancing to the wee hours of the morning and everything in between, there is nothing left out of the daily activities. Both resorts offer their famous nude and prude areas so you can choose just how naughty or nice you want to be.
Theme nights such as Toga parties, Circus Showcase and Mardi Gras keep one hopping at night. During the day, learn to reggae, dive, snorkel, or set sail on a glass bottom boat. If you really want to do something special, go to Circus School and take your hand on the flying trapeze at Hedonism III.
If you are looking for the out of the ordinary vacation experience, Hedonism just may be the answer. Not sure if this is for you? Then you can be a guest for the day while you are visiting the island. Guest passes are available for a small fee.
I know I have peaked your interest! So call me, and let's get you on the way!
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Trips Of A Life Time
So many of us dream about travel. Where should we go? When should we go? How do we choose? Take a look at this edition of Virtuoso's Insider Guide.
Click on the link below for some awesome travel ideas. These vacations offer some exceptional values through some of the our most respected travel partners.
Need more information, call me. Don't delay, now is the time to get started planning your next travel adventure. Why wait?
Trips Of A Life Time
Click on the link below for some awesome travel ideas. These vacations offer some exceptional values through some of the our most respected travel partners.
Need more information, call me. Don't delay, now is the time to get started planning your next travel adventure. Why wait?
Trips Of A Life Time
Friday, February 13, 2009
For Adults Only
I have been asked by several readers for information about Adult Only Resorts. Your wish is my command! There are several types of adult only resorts, some more serene and some offering alternative life style activities. Over the next few weeks, I will review some of the more popular adult only resorts.
For the first of this mini-series, it seems natural to begin with Couples Resorts, the orignal all adult resort. In 1949, late owner, Abe Issa, opened the first resort in Jamaica to be opened year around. This resort known as Tower Isle soon became popular with luminaries from Hollywood and beyond. As popularity grew, Mr. Issa founded the idea of an all-inclusive, all adult resort in 1978 calling this renowned resort, Couples Resort Ocho Rios.
Now with over 30 years of all-inclusive, adult only resort offerings, Couples Resorts offers four all adult, all-inclusive resorts in Jamiaca. The resorts remain a leader in guest satisfaction with extraordinary inclusive amenities, dining and more. Their boutique style resorts strive to pamper guests and create a romantic atmosphere. Their list of inclusions is second to none!
To help me with this blog, I went straight to the source, and spoke with a long time representative of Couples Resorts. As I began to ask him questions, he found it challenging to narrow down just a few his favorite accolades of the resorts as they truly are many. Just ask the hundreds of guests returning yearly to their home away from home. One of his favorite details about Couples is the fact they are boutique style, intimate and do not have a mass market atmosphere. Also for the past 8 years, Couples Resorts has been consistently recognized as top 100 and top 500 hotels in the world according to readers of Travel and Leisure and Conde Naste Magazines.
Their smallest resort, Couples Sans Souci located in Ocho Rios has only about 155 rooms and probably has one of the most secluded locations on a beautiful sea side bluff. A full array of water sports, romantic amenities and room service are provided here. Take a shuttle into town for shopping or take an excursion to Dunns River Falls, courtesy of the resort.
Also located in Ocho Rios, is the soon to reopen Tower Isle, once known as Couples Ocho Rios. When renovating this resort, the owners read and reread guest comments about what they would like to experience in a resort. The resort was completely gutted and restaurants were added along with 2 swim up bars and entire new block of ocean front rooms. The resort is scheduled to reopen in April!
Moving southward we arrive at Couples Negril. This resort is also completing renovations to their interior including furnishings and refurbishment of bathrooms in the guest rooms according the Couples representative. This resort is built on 18 acres of beachfront property along the famed Negril beach. Couples Negril is considered by many to be their "chic" resort.
Lastly we come to Couples Swept Away also in Negril along the famed beach. Couples Swept Away renovated the resort and built new verandah accommodations to compliment the existing rooms. Probably the most intimate rooms are the Atriu m rooms nestled in the middle of the resort amidst lush vegetation. The accommodations boast louvered windows giving the feeling of a luxury cabin in total quiet with unparalleled scenery.
For true Caribbean style pampering and luxury Couples Resorts is a logical solution if you want an all-inclusive boutique resort. If this sounds good, hurry as the resorts have some very special offers for your travel happiness. Don't delay to get the best offers, call me today.
For the first of this mini-series, it seems natural to begin with Couples Resorts, the orignal all adult resort. In 1949, late owner, Abe Issa, opened the first resort in Jamaica to be opened year around. This resort known as Tower Isle soon became popular with luminaries from Hollywood and beyond. As popularity grew, Mr. Issa founded the idea of an all-inclusive, all adult resort in 1978 calling this renowned resort, Couples Resort Ocho Rios.
Now with over 30 years of all-inclusive, adult only resort offerings, Couples Resorts offers four all adult, all-inclusive resorts in Jamiaca. The resorts remain a leader in guest satisfaction with extraordinary inclusive amenities, dining and more. Their boutique style resorts strive to pamper guests and create a romantic atmosphere. Their list of inclusions is second to none!
To help me with this blog, I went straight to the source, and spoke with a long time representative of Couples Resorts. As I began to ask him questions, he found it challenging to narrow down just a few his favorite accolades of the resorts as they truly are many. Just ask the hundreds of guests returning yearly to their home away from home. One of his favorite details about Couples is the fact they are boutique style, intimate and do not have a mass market atmosphere. Also for the past 8 years, Couples Resorts has been consistently recognized as top 100 and top 500 hotels in the world according to readers of Travel and Leisure and Conde Naste Magazines.
Their smallest resort, Couples Sans Souci located in Ocho Rios has only about 155 rooms and probably has one of the most secluded locations on a beautiful sea side bluff. A full array of water sports, romantic amenities and room service are provided here. Take a shuttle into town for shopping or take an excursion to Dunns River Falls, courtesy of the resort.
Also located in Ocho Rios, is the soon to reopen Tower Isle, once known as Couples Ocho Rios. When renovating this resort, the owners read and reread guest comments about what they would like to experience in a resort. The resort was completely gutted and restaurants were added along with 2 swim up bars and entire new block of ocean front rooms. The resort is scheduled to reopen in April!
Moving southward we arrive at Couples Negril. This resort is also completing renovations to their interior including furnishings and refurbishment of bathrooms in the guest rooms according the Couples representative. This resort is built on 18 acres of beachfront property along the famed Negril beach. Couples Negril is considered by many to be their "chic" resort.
Lastly we come to Couples Swept Away also in Negril along the famed beach. Couples Swept Away renovated the resort and built new verandah accommodations to compliment the existing rooms. Probably the most intimate rooms are the Atriu m rooms nestled in the middle of the resort amidst lush vegetation. The accommodations boast louvered windows giving the feeling of a luxury cabin in total quiet with unparalleled scenery.
For true Caribbean style pampering and luxury Couples Resorts is a logical solution if you want an all-inclusive boutique resort. If this sounds good, hurry as the resorts have some very special offers for your travel happiness. Don't delay to get the best offers, call me today.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Responsible Travel
In the past few months media stories about travelers being injured or worse have made some would be travelers question the safety of their travel plans. I have been asked time and again is the destination I am traveling to safe. The traveler will go on to say, "but I heard...."
Yes, there are destinations which may not be the best choices due to instability in a region or unfriendliness toward US citizens. Choosing to travel to Iraq, Iran or Afghanistan may not be the right choice for the average western tourist at this time. However, tourism safety is up to the traveler and the use of common sense most of the time.
Some countries like Israel and Egypt are questioned by many about safety. I had some interesting conversations in the past few months with tourism partners in that region. There is a perception of ill will toward travelers or lack of safety which is simply not true. Those countries value their guests and do all they can to secure the safety of their visitors.
The same goes for many of the Caribbean Islands. I hear from so many a perception of danger on the islands. Again, simply not true for the responsible traveler. Tourists are coming and going by the hundreds without serious incident.
Of course the Natalie Holloway story in Aruba made so many fear the island. Actually Aruba has one of the lowest crime records of all the Caribbean area islands. The unfortunate mistake made was a young, immature teen leaving the safety of her group to go out late at night with a stranger. It is not something in all probability she would have done at home, but feeling free on vacation, she let her guard down. The outcome was a parent's nightmare. However, it was not the fault of the island or it's police.
Most recently, a young woman was attacked and killed in Puerto Rico. Again a most unfortunate occurrence. However, when reading the account of the woman, her friends said she was a thrill seeker and often came back with stories of how she would run through unknown neighborhoods and be chased by dogs, amongst other things. This is just yet another example of irresponsible travel behavior.
In the US, we very rarely see the foreign media reports about the US. If I viewed them, I may be afraid to visit the US. Of course no country is perfectly safe, but one must take the precautions to ensure their own safety when traveling just as one does in their daily lives at home.
Within almost every city globally, whether NY, LA, Dallas, London or Paris to name a few, there are certainly areas in which the traveler need not venture. We all know many cities have areas not meant for tourist inspection and wandering into those areas, even for residents of the area, can be dangerous. So why take the chance?
When traveling it is up to you to first choose a destination. Ask your travel professional about the destination. If you are not sure about the safety find out if there are any travel advisories. They should be happy to get the information for you if they do not already know. If you have concerns about an area, ask!
There are many times when I am asked about a destination's safety. Usually the answer is the destination is safe if you follow reasonable practice. My advice is to stay on the beaten path. Do not go wandering into neighborhoods which are too far from major tourism areas. If you are the curious traveler, ask your hotel concierge or the front desk agent about the surrounding neighborhoods. They will tell you if they which areas of the city are welcoming and which you might want to avoid. You also want to try to wander with a partner and certainly during the day time.
An example of safety would be traveling to Israel. The country as a whole is very safe with Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Haifa and Eilat the most popular places to see. Last year the country saw the highest tourism numbers on record with over 3 million tourists, and one third of those from the US. They all returned home safely. While visiting Israel there are many cities which are safe and are welcoming to tourism. Of course areas such as the West Bank and Gaza are not on the recommended list of areas to tour. Again, it is using common sense.
Another example is Egypt. Areas such as Cairo, Luxor, Alexandra and Sharem el Shiekh are safe to visit. Wandering off the beaten path into smaller, unknown neighborhoods may not be advisable. You need to make good choices.
Also, the traveler must always take reasonable precautions. Be careful about flaunting your money or jewelry. You may want to leave your expensive jewelry or handbags at home so as not to call attention to yourself. Know the currency and exchange rate. Pulling out wads of money for a merchant to help you count is not wise. While the merchant may be honest, those around might not be. Gentlemen, keep your money in your front pockets. You may want to split the money into both pockets. It is much harder to be pick pocketed. Ladies, keep your wallet in a purse that zips. When making a purchase you don't need to pull your entire purse out. Please, use your common sense!
If you are traveling by taxi, be sure the cab you hail is licensed. Find out from your hotel how to recognize a licensed cab. Most will feature special license plates or dated stickers on the car to denote their standing.
Travel safely...use your common sense. Even though you are on vacation, don't take everything for granted. Be responsible for yourself and your actions. You will find this will make your travel experience a great one!
Yes, there are destinations which may not be the best choices due to instability in a region or unfriendliness toward US citizens. Choosing to travel to Iraq, Iran or Afghanistan may not be the right choice for the average western tourist at this time. However, tourism safety is up to the traveler and the use of common sense most of the time.
Some countries like Israel and Egypt are questioned by many about safety. I had some interesting conversations in the past few months with tourism partners in that region. There is a perception of ill will toward travelers or lack of safety which is simply not true. Those countries value their guests and do all they can to secure the safety of their visitors.
The same goes for many of the Caribbean Islands. I hear from so many a perception of danger on the islands. Again, simply not true for the responsible traveler. Tourists are coming and going by the hundreds without serious incident.
Of course the Natalie Holloway story in Aruba made so many fear the island. Actually Aruba has one of the lowest crime records of all the Caribbean area islands. The unfortunate mistake made was a young, immature teen leaving the safety of her group to go out late at night with a stranger. It is not something in all probability she would have done at home, but feeling free on vacation, she let her guard down. The outcome was a parent's nightmare. However, it was not the fault of the island or it's police.
Most recently, a young woman was attacked and killed in Puerto Rico. Again a most unfortunate occurrence. However, when reading the account of the woman, her friends said she was a thrill seeker and often came back with stories of how she would run through unknown neighborhoods and be chased by dogs, amongst other things. This is just yet another example of irresponsible travel behavior.
In the US, we very rarely see the foreign media reports about the US. If I viewed them, I may be afraid to visit the US. Of course no country is perfectly safe, but one must take the precautions to ensure their own safety when traveling just as one does in their daily lives at home.
Within almost every city globally, whether NY, LA, Dallas, London or Paris to name a few, there are certainly areas in which the traveler need not venture. We all know many cities have areas not meant for tourist inspection and wandering into those areas, even for residents of the area, can be dangerous. So why take the chance?
When traveling it is up to you to first choose a destination. Ask your travel professional about the destination. If you are not sure about the safety find out if there are any travel advisories. They should be happy to get the information for you if they do not already know. If you have concerns about an area, ask!
There are many times when I am asked about a destination's safety. Usually the answer is the destination is safe if you follow reasonable practice. My advice is to stay on the beaten path. Do not go wandering into neighborhoods which are too far from major tourism areas. If you are the curious traveler, ask your hotel concierge or the front desk agent about the surrounding neighborhoods. They will tell you if they which areas of the city are welcoming and which you might want to avoid. You also want to try to wander with a partner and certainly during the day time.
An example of safety would be traveling to Israel. The country as a whole is very safe with Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Haifa and Eilat the most popular places to see. Last year the country saw the highest tourism numbers on record with over 3 million tourists, and one third of those from the US. They all returned home safely. While visiting Israel there are many cities which are safe and are welcoming to tourism. Of course areas such as the West Bank and Gaza are not on the recommended list of areas to tour. Again, it is using common sense.
Another example is Egypt. Areas such as Cairo, Luxor, Alexandra and Sharem el Shiekh are safe to visit. Wandering off the beaten path into smaller, unknown neighborhoods may not be advisable. You need to make good choices.
Also, the traveler must always take reasonable precautions. Be careful about flaunting your money or jewelry. You may want to leave your expensive jewelry or handbags at home so as not to call attention to yourself. Know the currency and exchange rate. Pulling out wads of money for a merchant to help you count is not wise. While the merchant may be honest, those around might not be. Gentlemen, keep your money in your front pockets. You may want to split the money into both pockets. It is much harder to be pick pocketed. Ladies, keep your wallet in a purse that zips. When making a purchase you don't need to pull your entire purse out. Please, use your common sense!
If you are traveling by taxi, be sure the cab you hail is licensed. Find out from your hotel how to recognize a licensed cab. Most will feature special license plates or dated stickers on the car to denote their standing.
Travel safely...use your common sense. Even though you are on vacation, don't take everything for granted. Be responsible for yourself and your actions. You will find this will make your travel experience a great one!
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