Caribbean Cruise

Normally I start getting ready for my trips weeks in advance. I go through all my plans and paperwork, reservations, documents, etc.. well in advance but this trip has been a little different. Due to a death in the family I have been busy taking care of family matters. I will be leaving in two weeks and I haven't packed a thing or gone through any of my paperwork. SO now its time to get serious and get out the suit cases, printout my packing list and start thinking about what I will take. Fortunately, with a tropical destination its easy to pack, a few shorts, tops, bathing suit, dinner cloths and your good to go.

We will be making stops in Cozumel, Grand Caymans and Ocho Rios. We will be swimming with sharks, sting rays and seeing the Mayan Ruins. It should be very exciting.

I look forward to sharing my photo's and experiences with you.

Tahiti Contest

Win a trip to Tahiti

http://www.airtahitinui-usa.com/

The only thing better then taking a trip is taking a free trip.

Are you Scottish?

The Gathering of the Clans 2009

http://www.clangathering.org/

On the 25th and 26th July 2009 Edinburgh will witness one of the largest clan gatherings in history.Holyrood Park will host a magnificent Highland Games over the two days, then on the Saturday evening Clan members will parade up the historic Royal Mile and take their seats on the castle esplanade for a spectacular Clan Pageant .

If you have been thinking about going to Scotland and truly want to experience old Scottish traditions this gathering is for you. Several tours are being offered to go along with the gathering.

This gathering will be extra special if you are of Scottish ancestry. This gathering will be filled with great old world Scottish culture.

Super Deal to Africa

Destination: South Africa
Provider: South African Airways Vacations and Lion World Tours (tel. 800/722-9675; www.flysaavacations.com)
Base Price: $1,999
Duration: Nine days/six nights
Additional Fees: $185
What's Included: Airfare, accommodations, in-country transportation, some meals, some sightseeing, safari tours, and fuel surcharges.
When: December 1 to 15.
What's Not Included: Security fees, departure tax, and guide and driver gratuities.
Deadline: Book as soon as possible to ensure availability
Why this is a Deal: Save from $600 to $1,000 based on similar itineraries.
Complete Details: Departing out of New York or Washington, D.C. on South African Airways, this package includes accommodation at deluxe hotels for affordable prices. Accommodations are at the Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa in Cape Town and either the Jackalberry Lodge in the Thornybush Private Game Reserve or Royal Legend Lodge in The Timbavati Reserve for the three-day two-night safari portion of the trip. Transportation from Cape Town to Johannesburg is included in the price of the trip, as are all meals while on safari.

Free Things to do in Europe

If you are planning a trip to Europe and are on a tight budget, you can save money but looking for free things to do. There are many muesums and attractions that's are free. For example:

London
The National Gallery - Gallery houses one of the greatest collections of Western European painting in the world. These pictures belong to the public and entrance to see them is free.

St. Martin-in-the Fields - A 1726 church that hosts a series of free lunchtime concerts at 1pm everyday except Wednesdays and Sundays. The London Brass Rubbing Centre is also based in the cript adjacent to the cafe where you can discover the simple craft of brass rubbing. Make a rubbing of a crowned king, a knight in armour or a costumed lady. No experience is necessary, materials are provided and a free exhibition is on display.

The British Museum - This is my al time favorite museum. Among its huge collections, my favorites included the Egyptian room with all of the mummies, and artifacts and all the Biblical artifacts. This museum is a must when going to London. Its also great for the kids, my son loves it. The museum also has a nice book shop and eating area and best of all its free.

Markets:
Camden Market - One of London's more popular markets especially for those looking for something a little different. It comprises several different markets, Camden Lock being the most popular. Open every day from 10am and very busy on Sundays.

Portobello Road Market - Also comprising several different markets, Portobello Road is probably one of London's biggest. It sells everything from antiques to silverware, fruit and vegetables and second-hand clothes.Open: Monday to Wednesday 8am to 6pm, Thursday 9am to 1pm, Friday - Sat 8am to 7pm

Covent Garden Market - There are two markets here in addition to a range of shops and cafes: Apple market and Jubilee Market. Both sell antiques, clothing, gifts and jewelry. Open: Monday to Sunday 10am to 6pm

There are several other markets as well.


Rome
The Pantheon - This Roman temple survived the millennia intact and is one of the most amazing architectural spaces in Rome.

Imperial Fori / Trajan’s Market - the Imperial Forums were built by a succession of emperors (starting with Julius Caesar. Just beyond the small park across Via Cavour are the remains of the Forum of Nerva, built by the emperor whose 2-year reign (A.D. 96-98) followed that of the paranoid Domitian.

Trevi Fountain - You will not find any other place in the world that celebrates the ever-mutating and incredible power of water like Rome. The Trevi Fountain is a fantastic work of art that is much more than a mere sculpture. This unique statue has an ancient history. Its origins go back to Roman times and it was the terminal point of the Aqua Virgo aqueduct commissioned by Augustus, which was used to provide water for the thermal baths.

The Spanish Steps - With its characteristic butterfly plan, the Piazza di Spagna is one of the most famous images in the world, as well as being one of the most majestic urban monuments of Roman Baroque style. In the Renaissance period, the square was the most popular tourist attraction in the city: it attracted artists and writers alike and was full of elegant hotels, inns and residences.

Paris
The Eiffel Tower - Is does cost to go up inside the tower, but you can enjoy it for free from the bottom. Its is a must see in Paris.

The Seine River - The Seine is a symbol of love in Paris. Lovers have been known to stand on top of its bridges and kiss. You can enjoy the views for free.

Notre Dame Cathedral - One of the world’s most beautiful pieces of architecture that was the inspiration for a classic novel.

Lafayette Fashion Shows - Paris is at the heart of the fashion world. Attend one of the free weekly fashion shows at the Paris Galleries Lafayette department store every Friday at 3pm.

Hot deals

Egypt & the Nile
12 Days from $2,729 USD
plus [government taxes and fees]

All This Included
Take an unforgettable 12-day tour through the stunning pyramids of Egypt. Cruise along the Nile and visit the numerous temples that make Egypt so famous. You’ll discover firsthand the rich, ancient culture of this magnificent country.
Trip costs include:
* Round-trip air transportation with a major airline, airport transfers and escorts
* The services of a professional Go Ahead Tour Director/Egyptologist, including special guided
sightseeing of the Pyramids of Giza, Memphis, Saqqara, the Sphinx, the Temples of Luxor and
Karnak, the Luxor West Bank, Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo Temple and Cairo.
* 6 nights accommodation in comfortable, well-located hotels with twin beds and private bath
or shower.
* All hotel service charges and tips, baggage handling and local taxes
* 4 nights accommodation in cabins with twin beds and private shower
* Buffet breakfast (B) daily while on land
* 5 three-course dinners, including wine or beer (D) while on land
* All shipboard meals and porterage
* Private deluxe motorcoach
* Guided sightseeing and entrance fees to select sights as described
* Go Ahead travel bag and membership in our World Traveler Club, which includes credit
toward your next tour
* Get two FREE optional excursions per person — a $250 value —when you reserve your Trip
of a Lifetime by December 31, 2008!



St. Thomas
Provider: Cheap Caribbean (tel. 800/915-2322; www.cheapcaribbean.com)
Base Price: $499 per person
Duration: Four nights
Additional Fees: $115
What's Included: Airfare, accommodations, and savings booklet.
When: November 1 to December 18, 2008
What's Not Included: Security fees and departure tax.
Deadline: October 10
Why This is a Deal: It's 60% off the normal rate.
Complete Details: This all-inclusive vacation departing out of New York-Newark (other gateways also available) includes accommodations at the Marriot Frenchman's Reef and Morning Star Beach Resort. Located on a half-mile beach and sitting on a cliff overlooking the harbor and Flamboyant Point, the hotel has pools, meeting facilities, and a 30-foot waterfall at the base of a cliff.



London
Provider: Go Today (tel. 800/227-3235; www.go-today.com)
Base Price: $849
Duration: Six nights
Additional Fees: $135
What's Included: Airfare, accommodations, daily breakfast, hotel taxes, and airline fuel surcharges.
When: November 1 to 16
What's Not Included: Security fees and departure tax
Deadline: October 29
Why This is a Deal: Save $350 per person over booking this deal independently.
Complete Details: Departing out of the New York area, this six-day London fall getaway includes accommodations at the Bayswater Inn, a tourist-class hotel located in a residential neighborhood (rooms are small but they come with a small kitchenette). The hotel is near Kensington Gardens and the Marble Arch, a convenient and popular stop on London's Tube. There's a restaurant, a small café, and a bar open till midnight in the hotel.

What to Pack

I will be leaving in 6 weeks on a Caribbean cruise and am starting to think about what to pack. I don't like to wait until a couple of days before to pack because I will forget something for sure. I usually layout my suitcases a couple of weeks ahead of time, printout my packing list which is a standard packing list I keep on my computer and I adjust it depending on our destination. I pack as much as I can and check the items off my packing list. I may add things to the list and highlight items that will be packed at the last minute. It never fails, even with my list I always think of other things I want to pack. Here are some of my must haves when traveling:

Extension Cord - it always seems that hotels or ship cabins never have enough outlets or they are in awkward places. My son takes his portable DVD player and the outlets are never in a place where he can lay on the bed and watch movies. I also need enough outlets to charge my camera and camcorder batteries at the same time.

Baggies - All my liquids go into baggies, just in case something leaks it won't get on our cloths. I also put any makeup or medications I carry on in a baggie. At some airports they will let you carry on some liquid items but they have to be in a baggie. Some airlines will sell you a baggie but its much cheaper and easier if you have your own. I also use large baggies for each persons underwear and socks. This way its easy to find them and we don;t have to go digging all over the suitcase for them.

Copy of Passport - When traveling internationally, I make a copy of our passports so when touring around I can leave our original passports in the room or cabin safe and take carry the copy with me. You should always have a copy of your passport with you and I don't want to run the risk of loosing my original passport. You will need to take your original for customs and emigration.

Feel free to share your must haves when you travel.

Tahiti Specials

Stay 5 nights from $1668*
From$1668*
Arrive in Tahiti and stay 1 night at the Radisson Plaza Resort & Spa which is situated on a beautiful black sand beach. The next day transfer to Moorea by ferry and enjoy 4 nights at the wonderful Moorea Pearl Resort & Spa with daily breakfast. Situated on 21 acres of beachfront property, near every major attraction on the island. It is a short drive from the airport and ferry landing, and just two miles from famous Cook’s Bay. This hotel is one of a few that offer bungalows, hotel rooms and suites. The property's Manea Spa and gourmet restaurant give it a luxurious rating. Moorea Pearl Resort & Spa was voted a Gold List, Conde Nast Award winning property for 2005.

http://www.airtahitinui-usa.com/specials/tahitivacationspecials.asp