10 most secluded beaches

1. Whitehaven Beach Airlie Beach, Whitsunday Islands, Australia WOW! This beach is incredible. Pure white squeaky sand, crystal clear water... Photo by Kassi10

2. Agonda Beach Goa, India Beautiful beach! Very quiet - it's like a secret... Took a boat at sunrise to see dolphins. Photo by genlovestotravel

Join me on our tour of Italy in May 2013 - time is running out

11 Reasons to Use a Travel Agent

1. Knowledge & Expertise. Researching travel deals, vacation tips, hotels, resorts, prices, reviews, etc. can be really time consuming for the average traveler. The beauty of working with a travel agent is that you’ll be able to tap into their existing knowledge and expertise on all of these subjects. Travel professionals have first hand knowledge on dozens of destinations, and often take special trips to learn about new offerings, properties, and amenities to offer you the best advice possible. A travel agent working closely with their preferred tour operator has access to a multitude of resources to ensure the best vacation experience possible.


2. The Human Touch. Agents will ensure you will have an amazing experience on your trip. Agents are excited and will show their enthusiasm in helping you, their clients, have the best vacation possible. Travel professionals are personally invested in seeing your trip become a success. This personal interaction with real, live agents trumps the often lackluster experience of doing it yourself online.


3. Personalization. Due to “The Human Touch” you receive with a live person helping you, travel agents are able to personalize your trip for your needs. Understanding your needs and wants, agents can make recommendations on vacations for families, adventure seekers, nightlife-lovers, honeymooners, foodies, sun bathers, and more. Knowing the differences and nuances of both the destinations and the wants and needs of their clients make their service invaluable.These days it’s all about ‘unique’ experiences – travel agents have access to their preferred tour operators portfolio of products, whether it be a villa, an all-inclusive hotel in the Caribbean, or a beginners guide to the great cities of Europe. Using a travel agent means there is no ‘one size fits all’.


4. Getting Resolutions. Unfortunately, as we all know, travel can either be a breeze or it can be a pain, and it’s often not in the travelers hands to change the situation. Travel agents to the rescue. Mix-up at the airport? Lost luggage? Making sure you arrive on-time, hassle-free, despite the flight cancellation? If a problem arises at the destination your travel agency will have the support of their preferred tour operator and the strength of their hotel relationships to make sure the issue is more than adequately remedied. These are all situations where your travel agent can help resolve the situation on your behalf. They are your advocate, and they have your back.


5. Planning Around Unforeseen Circumstances. Natural disasters, terrorism, and inclement weather are all facts of the world today, but that shouldn’t prevent you from planning an amazing trip! These are all issues that can disrupt your vacation and travel experience, and knowing that travel agents have the ability, and the right relationships, to work with your airline or resort and fight to get you credits for a future trip, will


6. Trust. Building that personal relationship gives you the confidence that you can trust your agent’s expertise, and that no matter the situation, they will be there to help you find a resolution.


7. Due Diligence. Agents make sure you have your preassigned seats (your usual aisle seat), your requested special meal, booking ahead of time your spa time, tee times at the resort’s best golf course, and other experiences. Why do it yourself when the travel agents do this for you happily?


8. Prepping You For Travel. Often, these multi-talented agents are able to help you in dealing with some of the “requirements” of travel including securing visas, rushing you passports, and other government related documentation domestic or foreign. Travel agents make it their business to know the various government rules and regulations for the places you want to visit most.


9. Saves You Time. Think about all the time you’ll be saving yourself: no need to scour the web for the best resorts, prices, packages, experiences, events, dealing with travel complications, and securing visas when your travel agent can do this all for you? If time = money, your travel agent just made you rich.


10. Great Pricing Options. Travel agents have access to the same rates you can find yourself on the web, but can often find sales and promotions only available to agents, not available to consumers online. Even more important, a travel agent, rather than just focusing on the lowest price, will be able to find the best value for YOUR particular needs and travel preferences.


11. Relationships –> Exclusives. Due to their relationships with the resorts, large travel companies, networks, and travel consortia, travel professionals are able to request exclusives for you, their clients. These exclusives can include: price reductions, seat or resort upgrades, early/late checkout times, and other value-added amenities. A travel agent working with a strong tour operator partner cannot be beaten when it comes to providing the best value vacation.

Come and experience Aruba and their fine Caribbean Cuisine

 

 

Aruba is ideally situated in the heart of the Southern Caribbean, below the hurricane belt and boasts year-round perfect weather. The island is saturated with fine dining outlets and cultural diversity that would please even the most discerning traveler.

Aruba Tourism Authority in conjunction with the Aruba Gastronomic Association, are providing guests who book an air-inclusive vacation with participating hotels during specified travel dates with two $50 Dine on Aruba Gift Certificates per room upon check-in. These two $50 gift certificates can be redeemed at over 20 participating restaurants across the island. Don’t miss out on the chance to experience some of the finest dining that the Caribbean has to offer.

Dine on Aruba promotion is valid for bookings made by 10/31/12 and traveled 9/1/12 to 11/30/12.

Palace Resorts has so much to offer clients

 

Palace Resorts offer signature amenities and unparalleled service that will leave you in awe of the exceptional all-inclusive vacation experience provided. The oceanfront accommodations feature spacious family rooms and suites with double Jacuzzis®, luxurious amenities including 24-hour room service, championship golf courses, world-class spas and fine dining.

The new Awe-inclusive concept enhances Palace’s already superb amenities with features such as premium spirits, Celebrity entertainment, and the Family Connections program, which includes guaranteed connecting suites and Nanny service. Don’t forget the all new, exclusive surf stimulator, Flow Rider, only at Moon Palace Golf & Spa Resort

Saint Lucia - the perfect destination

Saint Lucia is the perfect destination, whether you're after romance, rejuvenation or adventure. A genuine, natural landscape of gorgeous palm-fringed beaches, miles of unspoiled rainforest and the majestic Piton Mountains, are sure to indulge every taste. Natural waterfalls, breath-taking views, friendly locals and authentic culture impress the most travelled individuals for a holiday with lasting memories.

The perfection of this escape should be shared. Tropical weather, welcoming accommodations, and unexpected adventures await all who travel to this paradise island. Romance can be found at upmarket resorts and intimate inns. Bask together under the Caribbean sun, sail into a champagne sunset, and cuddle beneath the vast starry sky. Discover new romance and re-spark old love over a candlelight dinner on a secluded beach.

For those planning a family getaway, you too can visit Saint Lucia. Enjoy on-site water parks, kids' menus and evening entertainment for everyone. Adventure seekers can surf and sail in the pristine waters. ATV adventures and rainforest zip-lining are family favourites. Relaxation isn't far off either with many resorts offering kids' activities so parents can enjoy a cocktail, a quiet hour together, or a couple's massage. Grab the kids, your partner and your sunscreen; this is a family holiday that everyone will enjoy.

Have you ever thought about going to Costa Rica

Watch this vide on Costa Rica and then call us today to book your trip at (603)228-1625!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=lhxqjBpT9u0

Portland, Oregon Attractions - Portland, Oregon Travel Guide | IndependentTraveler.com

Get an insider's view of the city with Portland Walking Tours. The company offers several leisurely and informative walking tours each day, including "Best of Portland," the foodie-friendly "Epicurean Excursion" and "Underground Portland" (which covers Portland's seamier, spicier side). We also like the "Beyond Bizarre" tour, dedicated to ghost stories and supernatural sightings.

Pioneer Courthouse Square is the heart of Portland's downtown area, often called the city's "living room." Attractions here include the city's tourist information center, a weather machine (which plays a fanfare each day at noon to announce the day's weather forecast) and various works of public art, including several large chess boards where locals often sit and face off. More than 300 concerts, festivals and other events are held on the square each year.

The Portland Art Museum -- the oldest art museum on the West Coast -- has a wide-ranging collection with special emphasis on Native American art, English silver and works by Northwestern artists. The museum also regularly hosts visiting exhibitions. It's open Tuesday through Sunday, with extended hours on select weeknights.


The exquisite Portland Japanese Garden is worth a visit any time of year, but it's particularly stunning in the spring, when azaleas, magnolias, dogwoods and rhododendrons burst into bloom, and in the fall, when Japanese maples blaze with fiery color. Highlights of the garden, considered to be the most authentic example of Japanese gardening techniques outside of Japan, include a traditional teahouse, a Moon Bridge over a serene pond, and the aptly named "Heavenly Falls." On clear days there's also a striking view of Mount Hood to the east.

The landmark Portland Building, located at 1120 SW 5th Avenue, is one of the world's first postmodern buildings. Designed by Michael Graves, it represents a break from modernist schools of architecture with its small windows, multi-colored facade and decorative concrete ribbons on one side. (Architecturally significant it may be, but we'll let you decide how attractive it is.) Looming over the main entrance is Portlandia, a hammered-copper statue of a woman -- the second-largest of its kind in the United States, behind only the Statue of Liberty.

Home to more than 10,000 rose plants in several hundred varieties, the International Rose Test Garden turns into a riot of color during the summer months (usually from late May through September). The garden serves as a testing ground for new varieties of roses. Be sure to stop by the Shakespeare Garden, which includes roses named after characters in the Bard's plays. The International Rose Test Garden is free and open to the public all year round.

Learn about Portland's past at the Oregon Historical Society, located just a few blocks from the Portland Art Museum. Exhibits, which change regularly, focus on various aspects of Oregon's history and culture. Be sure to check out the eight-story murals on the exterior of the building, which capture scenes from Oregon's pioneering history.

Enjoy a shady stroll along some 21 miles of trails at the Hoyt Arboretum, another free, year-round attraction. More than 1,000 species of trees and plants are represented here. In the summer, wildflowers bloom in the meadows, and even in the winter there are plants to see -- check out the Winter Garden at the north end of the Magnolia Trail. Maps of the arboretum are available at the visitor center.

Kids (and parents!) will love their visit to the Oregon Zoo, where they can meet Tusko, Rose-Tu and other members of the zoo's popular Asian elephant program. More pachyderm info is on display at the Lilah Callen Holden Elephant Museum, where you can check out a mastodon skeleton and learn about the role elephants have played in religion, warfare, circuses and more. Beyond elephants, don't miss the Africa exhibit, home to lions and cheetahs, or the creepy-crawly Insect Zoo.

Enjoy Portland's lively arts scene at the Portland Center for the Performing Arts (PCPA), which hosts a wide range of performances from symphony concerts to author readings in a historic downtown building (you can't miss its huge "Portland" sign out front). Or check out the work of Portland Center Stage, a theater company that performs at the Gerding Theater at the Armory. This historic building's extensive recent renovations made it one of the few buildings in the United States to be certified LEED Platinum by the U.S. Green Building Council.

Program a robot, walk through a giant ear, hold an insect in your hand and learn why human beings age at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI). This hands-on museum offers a wealth of intriguing exhibits for kids and adults, as well as a planetarium, U.S. Navy submarine and IMAX theater (separate tickets required).

Join the locals for a stroll, jog or bike ride along the Willamette River at Tom McCall Waterfront Park. (You can rent a bike at Waterfront Bicycles, located at the corner of Naito Parkway and Ash Street.) The tree-lined path offers memorable views of Portland's skyline on one side and its many bridges on the other.

The 8 Best U.S. Road Trips

The elegant Lan Su Chinese Garden offers visitors a glimpse of what a traditional scholar's garden might have looked like back in the time of the Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644). Visitors can walk through buildings such as the Hall of Brocade Clouds, where a Chinese scholar would have received and entertained guests, and the Celestial House of Permeating Fragrance, where the scholar would have retreated for quiet study and contemplation. The buildings surround a central lake fringed with hundreds of native Chinese plants. Be sure to stop for a cup of tea -- poured and served in accordance with traditional Chinese rituals -- in the Tower of Cosmic Reflections.

At the Portland Children's Museum, kids can "drive" a TriMet bus in the Vroom Room, go shopping at the Grasshopper Grocery or create a lasting masterpiece in the Clay Studio. The museum is designed for children ages 10 and younger.

The opulent Pittock Mansion, richly decorated and brimming with antiques, was built in 1914 at the behest of Henry Pittock, founder of the Oregonian newspaper. The mansion is located in the hills overlooking the city and offers jaw-dropping views of the Portland skyline and the Cascade Mountains beyond.

Southwest of Portland is the Willamette Valley, home to more than 200 wineries. (Visit WillametteWines.com for a map of the wineries and a guide to which ones offer tastings and tours.) The region also offers a number of wooden covered bridges, farmers' markets, waterfalls and hiking trails, making it a great place for a day or weekend excursion from Portland.

For true outdoor adventure, head out of town to Mount Hood and the Columbia River Gorge. The region offers attractions all year round, from winter skiing on Mount Hood (Oregon's highest peak) to camping, hiking, mountain biking and white water rafting in the warmer months. Multnomah Falls -- the second largest in the U.S. -- is one highlight of the region, as is a winding scenic drive along the Columbia River Gorge, which stretches for 70 miles.

The Best Way to Carry Money Overseas | IndependentTraveler.com

Before you leave for your next trip abroad, take a moment to think dollars and cents -- or should we say pounds and pesos? Get the most for your money when traveling internationally by doing a little homework first.

The most important step is to know your options. In days of yore, traveler's checks were the most popular way to carry money overseas -- but today's travelers are much more likely to rely on credit cards and ATM withdrawals, which usually offer better exchange rates and lower fees.

What's the best option for you? And how can you avoid those pesky currency conversion fees when making purchases abroad? Read on for answers to these questions and a comprehensive roundup of all your currency conversion options when you're traveling overseas.

  Credit Cards
Best for: Large purchases such as airline tickets, hotel bills, car rentals and restaurant meals.

Pros: The biggest advantage to using credit cards while traveling overseas is that credit card purchases are exchanged at the interbank exchange rate, usually the best rate you can get for currency exchange. While most credit card issuers charge currency conversion fees each time you make a purchase in a foreign currency (generally 1 percent from Visa or MasterCard plus an additional 1 - 2 percent for themselves), these fees are typically lower than those you'd pay to cash traveler's checks or convert your own currency at a change bureau. And there are a few cards out there (many from Capital One) that do not charge any foreign transaction fees at all, not even the ones from Visa or MasterCard. Check out CardHub.com for a list.

Cons: Some restaurants, stores and even hotels won't take credit cards, so you'll need to have cash on hand at all times. While you can use credit cards to get cash advances at ATM's, bear in mind that they'll be subject to any finance charges your credit card company imposes -- which can add up very quickly. Plus, if you're not home by the time the bills come in and you haven't made arrangements to pay them, you'll be hit with hefty finance charges on these advances.

One problem for U.S. travelers is the growing prevalence of "chip-and-PIN" credit cards in Europe, Asia and South America. Designed to reduce fraud, these cards rely on an embedded chip that transmits information to a merchant, which the consumer then verifies by entering a PIN. While U.S. cards with magnetic stripes will still work as long as there's someone to swipe them, many travelers report problems using their cards in ticket vending kiosks, at gas stations or in other places featuring automated payment machines. If you find yourself in this dilemma, your only alternatives are to find an attendant to scan your card or to use cash instead.

These cards are not yet widely available in the U.S. However, a few banks, including Citibank and Chase, have begun issuing dual credit cards that use both the magnetic stripe and the embedded chip, and Travelex has introduced a prepaid chip-and-PIN MasterCard that works like a hybrid between a credit card and a traveler's check. See the Traveler's Checks and Check Cards section of this story to learn more.

What You Need to Know: The first thing you should do if you are traveling abroad with a credit card, even if you only plan to use it in case of an emergency, is to call the issuer and ask which fees will apply to your purchases, both in local currency and in dollars. We recommend calling before each trip, as these policies may change without notice.

While you're on the phone, you'll also want to let your credit card issuer know when and where you will be traveling -- that way the sudden international activity on your account won't trigger your issuer's fraud alert system. As a precaution, we recommend bringing two credit cards on your trip in case one stops working. Finally, get a phone number that you can use to call the company from overseas if your card is lost or stolen. (The 800 number on the back of your card typically will only work in the U.S. or Canada.)

Some merchants (particularly in Europe) offer what's known as dynamic currency conversion, which means that they'll charge you in dollars rather than the local currency. Because some card issuers will waive the currency conversion fee if your overseas purchase is made in dollars, dynamic currency conversion could help you save a few coins. However, keep in mind you'll almost always get hit by a conversion fee from the merchant instead -- sometimes up to 5 percent -- so you may end up losing out on the deal. Be sure you know which fees apply to either option before deciding which currency to use.

A few other caveats to bear in mind: Some hotels and car rental companies may put holds on your credit card for the amount of your total expected bill. This can use up your credit line before you've actually incurred and paid for the charges. All merchants are supposed to inform you if they do put a hold or "deposit" on your card. If they do, make sure you clarify that the hold has been removed when you've paid your bill in full.

Keep in mind that you may not have as much protection overseas as you do at home when problems arise over inaccurate charges. Incidents are always being reported of travelers being charged twice for the same item or for items they never purchased, and credit card companies have been unwilling or unable to intercede on their behalf. Always watch merchants imprinting your card and keep your receipts. After you get home, check your credit card statement. If you see charges you didn't make, call your creditor and ask them to dispute the charges.

Debit and ATM Cards
Best for: Getting cash in local currency.

Pros: You'll get the same great interbank exchange rate when you make cash withdrawals with your debit or ATM card as you do when you make a credit card purchase. With ATM's available in major cities and airports all over the world, this is generally the cheapest and most convenient way to get cash in the local currency.

Cons: Each cash withdrawal you make will usually be subject to currency conversion fees, foreign ATM fees or other charges from your bank. For more information, see ATM's Abroad. Debit cards work pretty much the same as a regular credit card for purchases, but if your card is lost or stolen you may not have the same protection. By U.S. law, as long as you report your card missing within two business days, your maximum liability for use of that card will be $50 -- the same as for a credit card. However, if you wait any longer, you could be responsible for up to $500 of unauthorized charges.

What You Need to Know: If the ATM card from your home bank isn't connected to the worldwide Cirrus or PLUS networks, you may want to look into getting a MasterCard or Visa debit card. While they look and can be used like regular charge cards, they actually debit your checking account the same way your ATM card does.

If you are renting a car, you should be aware that while you can use a debit card to pay for the rental charges, you might not be able to reserve the car with this type of card.

Finally, don't forget to call your bank and make them aware of your travel plans; as with credit cards, sudden international activity using your debit card could cause your account to be frozen.

Tips for Tipping Abroad

Cash
Best for: The first 24 hours of your trip -- to tide you over until you can find the nearest ATM.

Pros: It's often a good idea to get some foreign currency before you leave home so that you have cash on hand to handle your immediate expenses -- like buying a meal in the airport or taking a cab to your hotel. This way you're not stranded without cash if the airport ATM isn't working or you arrive after the local exchange bureau has closed.

Cons: You typically won't get a great conversion rate from your home bank, and you may also have to pay fees or commissions. If you're traveling to a major international airport in a large city, which will likely have multiple ATM's and change counters, getting currency beforehand probably isn't necessary.

What You Need to Know: You can get foreign currency from your local bank or at the airport. Try your local bank first, as they may waive fees for certain accountholders. We recommend bringing $100 - $150 worth of foreign currency.

Traveler's Checks and Check Cards
Best for: Emergency backup if you can't find a functioning ATM (checks) or a secure alternative to cash (checks and check cards).

Pros: Traveler's checks and check cards provide more security than cash because they can be replaced (usually within 24 hours) if lost or stolen. While traditional traveler's checks have largely gone the way of the dinosaur, Visa and Travelex offer travel cards that are prepaid like traveler's checks but work like credit cards for purchases and ATM withdrawals. To avoid the aforementioned problems that U.S. travelers have at overseas chip-and-PIN machines, Travelex even offers a chip-and-PIN card (available in euros or British pounds). Traditional checks are still sometimes useful as currency if you can't find a functioning ATM.

Cons: The exchange rate for traveler's checks is not as favorable as the interbank rate you'll get when using a credit or debit card, and very few merchants accept the checks for purchases these days. You'll also have to pay commissions, shipping charges and/or conversion fees to purchase and cash the checks (some fees may be waived -- see below). The travel check cards give you better exchange rates, but there are plenty of fees here too -- look out for activation fees, charges for reloading the card, ATM charges or inactivity fees. In most cases, you're probably better off using your own debit card.

What You Need to Know: You can avoid some of those pesky fees by cashing your traveler's checks at the bank that issued them -- for example, you can cash your American Express checks for free at many AmEx offices overseas.

How to Keep Your Money Safe While Traveling

Sending Money Abroad
Best for: Emergencies when you need money sent overseas in a hurry.

Pros: If you find yourself stranded overseas without cash, someone at home can wire money to you and you'll have it within a day -- or even a few minutes.

Cons: Fees for sending money abroad can run anywhere from 1 to 10 percent or more; the faster you need the money, the more expensive it will be.

What You Need to Know: The best-known companies for sending money are Western Union and MoneyGram. Both charge variable fees depending on how much money you're sending and where you're sending it. The slower the service you choose, the more economical the price.

Other choices for sending money abroad include bank wire transfers or international postal money orders from the post office. While less expensive, these methods may take more time.

Airlines will start penalizing fliers who book from booking sites

Did you know that some airlines are now penalizing frequent fliers and regular customers who book their flights through Expedia, Travelocity or Orbitz.

 

Here are some of things that they are not allowing: choosing your airline seat instead your seat will be assigned when you check-in, not giving you as many frequent flier miles as you should receive when booking with a travel agent or their website.  Some are having higher change fees for itinerary changes, unaccompanied minors and pets in the cabin. 

 

You may find the same fare on the booking sites such as Expedia but you will not be able to choose your own seat or get a full credit for miles if you don't book directly with the airline or a travel agent.

 

 

Top places to visit along the Amalfi Coast - Italy

Amalfi

Enjoy most any wine with your dinner, because there's no such thing as a bad house wine in Italy. You can't help but feel more at peace after watching the relaxed manner of doing everything in this getaway town.

Sorrento

If you like to imagine you're living in mythological times, come to the town known as the City of Sirens. Lovers of Greek mythology will recall that the sirens lured fishermen to dangerous rocks with their entrancing songs, and you will feel equally mesmerized by this lovely coastal town. If you need a jolt back to reality, try the zesty local limoncello made from the boon of local lemon groves.

Capri Island

Take the boat from Sorrento to Capri Island to visit the Grotta Azzurra, or 'blue grotto.' This mysteriously pretty place was once considered a nymphaeum, a consecrated natural spring dedicated to nymphs, mythological creatures who lived in small bodies of water.

Positano

Positano seems to have one of those magnetic personalities. People visit there, don't want to leave, and feel happily stuck in this town of twisty streets, plazas, and cafes.

Maiori

Formerly an important port, this town's current hot spot is its extensive and sparkling beachfront resort.

Praiano Ravello

Visit the Chiesa di San Luca Evangelista, a church dedicated to St. Luke in this quiet town with lots of breathing room.

Minori

July 13th holds regal marine processions each year for the festival of the town's patron saint, Santa Trofimena. Your visit to Italy will have no lack in variety and taste, but Minori's unusual melanzane alla cioccolata, a dessert of eggplant, chocolate, sugar and almonds will make you think twice about the stereotypical dessert ingredients.

Items to think about when planning a Destination Wedding

Here are some details you should think about when planning a Destination Wedding

1. Gown and Tux transportation
2. Weather at your location choice (ie. hurricane season)
3. Budget
4. Transfers at your destination
5. Invitation process
6. On-site wedding coorindator (are they avaialble)
7. Legal Requirements and documentation needed
8. Language barriers
9. Accomodations
10. Decor for ceremony and reception
11. Flowers
12. What type of venue do they offer for ceremony and reception?
13. Music and entertainment
14. Travel Insurance for wedding and accomodations
15. Contracts
16. Guest Coordination
17. Safety
18. Available flights to destination
19. Photographer
20. Videographer
21. Officiants

Family Car Trip tips

Plan Ahead
Before you hit the road, be honest with yourself about what you and your children can handle in the way of a road trip. While older children might be capable of dealing with 10+ hours in the family van, chances are your 4-year-old isn't. Generally speaking, young children should not be subjected to confinement in a car for more than six hours a day. This is just as much for your sanity as it is for theirs.

If your family car is better suited to in-town trips rather than long hauls, think about renting a van. A van will, at minimum, leave everyone enough room to create their own personal space. If your 8-year-old doesn't share his toys, chances are he isn't going to want to share elbow room either. If you decide to rent, make your reservation well in advance, especially during peak travel times. See our article on car rental tips for more information.

Start packing, at least mentally, a few days before you leave. Let the kids help pack their own bags if they are old enough, and discuss the trip with them -- kids are much better behaved when they know what to expect. Packed bags mean less confusion, less standing around and less frustration on departure day. This translates into a pleasant start to your road trip.

A great way to avoid the inevitable question (are we there yet?) is to give kids a map, or, even more fun, help them create their own. You can trace the route together and point out interesting landmarks so that they will have a sense of where they are going.

What to Bring
Safety first -- if you decide to rent a car, bring your own car seats. Chances are they are of a higher quality than those provided by rental car companies and more comfortable for the kids too. Bring along a first-aid kit to treat minor mishaps.

Just this once, go against your parenting books and let the television baby-sit your kids. Portable DVD players might just be the key to your sanity on a long trip -- you may want to go as far as to get one for each child. No arguments about whether to watch "Dora the Explorer" or "Spiderman" means peace and quiet for you.

Whatever you were planning on bringing in the way of snacks -- double it. And toss the rules about junk food on the roadside -- this is one time to let your daughter have another cookie or your son another juice box. One day of poor eating cannot destroy a life of healthy habits. Pack their favorite healthy snacks, and keep the junky ones for when you get desperate.

Some other items to consider: books on CD, their favorite music CD's, blankets, pillows and favorite small toys. Coloring books and crayons will also keep the young ones occupied -- surprise them with a new one when the car gets moving. Keep the car clean by taking along a trash bag to collect the remains of snack time and moist wipes to clean up minor spills. An easily accessible (not packed deep in the trunk) change of clothes is a wise idea in case of spills or accidents.
Avoiding and Treating Motion SicknessOver-the-counter drugs are available for treating motion sickness; many must be taken before the trip starts. Consult your doctor before giving your kids any new medications. If your child complains of dizziness or nausea, chances are it is just motion sickness and can be cured temporarily by getting out of the car for fresh air. If you can't stop the car, open the car window and encourage the child to look outside the car rather than focusing on a point inside the vehicle. Avoid hard-to-digest foods and keep dry crackers on hand to munch on if nausea sets in.

Keep the Peace
Take advantage of sights along the way, even if it's just at a neighborhood park or a Burger King with a playground. Although it might add time to the trip, stopping often will keep the journey interesting for young travelers. Sometimes a quick stop to burn off energy is all they need to get back in the car happily.

Plan your road trip with your child's sleeping schedule in mind. Many parents choose to leave late in the evening and let the children sleep while they divide the driving. Other parents will try their best to adhere to nap times in the car -- after all, few things are more unpleasant than a child who's missed his or her nap.

Don't expect your children to share nicely. Make sure you've packed ample toys, games, books and snacks for each child so the fighting is kept to a minimum. If there is room, change up the scenery in the car by letting an old-enough child ride in the passenger seat while an adult rides in the back seat with a younger child. Lastly, if you are traveling with a spouse, consider designating roles: driver and entertainer. The driver will concentrate on the road while the other keeps the peace -- keeping your whole family happy and, most importantly, safe.

Sunset Key Cottages in Key West

Location. Sunset Key Guest Cottages, A Westin Resort is located on the beach in Key West, close to Harry S. Truman Little White House, Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park, and Smathers Beach. Other points of interest near this green/sustainable cottage property include Mallory Square and Duval Street. Property Features. This Key West cottage property has a private beach. Sunset Key Guest Cottages, A Westin Resort's restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. A poolside bar and a bar/lounge are open for drinks. The cottage property serves a complimentary continental breakfast. Recreational amenities include 2 spa tubs. Also located on site is an outdoor pool. Complimentary wireless and wired high speed Internet access is available in public areas. Wedding services and tour/ticket assistance are available. Guest parking is available for a surcharge. Additional property amenities include a concierge desk, multilingual staff, and gift shops/newsstands. This is a smoke free property. Guestrooms. 39 air conditioned guestrooms at Sunset Key Guest Cottages, A Westin Resort feature iPod docking stations and minibars. Rooms are all accessible via exterior corridors. All accommodations have patios. Beds come with signature bedding. All rooms include separate dining areas along with desks and sofa beds. At this 4 star cottage property, accommodations include kitchens with stovetops, microwaves, refrigerators, and coffee/tea makers. Bathrooms feature showers, bathrobes, complimentary toiletries, and hair dryers. Wired high speed and wireless Internet access is complimentary. In addition to laptop compatible safes, guestrooms offer direct dial phones with voice mail. Flat panel televisions have cable channels, DVD players, and pay movies. Also included are CD players and ceiling fans. Guests may request in room massages, hypo allergenic bedding, and extra towels/bedding. A nightly turndown service is offered and housekeeping is available daily. Guestrooms are all non smoking.

Alaska what it has to offer

The Last Frontier. Also known as the 49^th State and home to some of the most ecologically diverse and remarkable ecosystems in the world, Alaska is in its prime. Making the transition between the cold winter months and the warming, albeit still cool summer months, this very moment is the ideal time to explore our most northern state.

The fusion of nature and mankind presents visitors with a delicate blend, offering the best both can offer in picturesque settings – old towns from the gold rush days standing in the shadows of snow-covered mountains, their reflection bouncing off the lake in front of them. What could possibly be better than that?

Want to explore the outdoors, but aren’t quite so brave? Then a cruise is the perfect choice. The sighting of whales, seals, sea lions, orcas, sea otters, mountain goats, even brown and black bears from the safety and protection of a ship are common, letting you come within enough distance to appreciate, but not disturb, them. Another great option for a sea-faring explorer is a riverboat ride on a grand sternwheeler. Dating back to the early days of exploration, sternwheelers are a great way to take a trip back in history while still enjoying all of the modern amenities.

Experiencing the culture and entertainment firsthand is what will really set your trip to Alaska apart. Right off the screens of The History or National Geographic Channel, visitors can immerse themselves within the native environment via totem carving, dancing, blanket tossing, music, crafts, festivals, museums and heritage centers. Taking influence from not only the local population but also from Russia, your to-do list will grow longer and longer the more you discover.

One of the most relaxing pastimes, Alaska’s fly-fishing, saltwater fishing, freshwater fishing and even ice fishing is known worldwide as being some of the best. From beginner to professional, every level of experience is catered to and met with just about any accommodation possible.

Iberostar Hotels

A stay at one of the IBEROSTAR Hotels and Resorts will exceed your every expectation. You’ll enjoy exquisite cuisine, fantastic shows, signature all-inclusive service, the comfort of deluxe accommodations, plus unlimited cocktails and soft drinks.

At these family-friendly resorts parents can relax and enjoy the endless adult activities, while children can live it up at the resorts’ Kids Clubs. Or, for those who wish to leave the kids at home, visit the adults-only IBEROSTAR Grand Collection for the ultimate in luxury and pampering.


Leave your worries at home because this is more than just a vacation, it’s an unrivaled all inclusive experience. Book your IBEROSTAR vacation today for a truly unforgettable experience!

Isn't your hard earn money worth protecting?

If you answered yes to the question above you should consider purchasing travel insurance to protect your next vacation.

Travel insurance can help guard against substantial losses that result from a variety of situations, including canceled trips, lost baggage, medical emergencies and supplier bankruptcies.

Anyone who has spent a significant sum on their summer travel plans would be wise to consider looking after that investment. While you can’t prevent unforeseen circumstances, you can protect yourself and your wallet, and get a little peace of mind in the process.”

Most insurance policies cover the following:    

• Trip Cancellation: The most important and common type of travel insurance. Generally covers non-refundable payments or deposits if a trip is canceled or interrupted due to unforeseen circumstances.
• Trip Delay: Provides reimbursement for expenses incurred when a trip is delayed.
• Accident/Sickness Medical Expenses: Covers costs incurred due to injury or illness that occur while on a trip.
• Medical Evacuation/Emergency Transportation: Covers transportation when a medical emergency while traveling requires transportation to a hospital or other medical facility.
• Supplier Default: Covers deposits or payments lost due to the financial default of a travel supplier.
• Baggage/Personal Effects Loss or Delay: Covers losses due to items lost, damaged or delayed during a trip.

So delay and just ask how much it would be to purchase travel insurance for your next trip!

Isn't your hard earn money worth protecting?

Isn't your hard earn money worth protecting?  If you answered yes then why not protect your vacation with purchasing travel insurance.  Travel insurance can help guard against substantial losses that result from a variety of situations, including canceled trips, lost baggage, medical emergencies and supplier bankruptcies, as well as other unforeseen circumstances. 

If you have spent a significant amount of money on your summer vacation purchasing travel insurance would be considered a smart investment.

Most travel insurance policies cover the following:    

• Trip Cancellation: The most important and common type of travel insurance. Generally covers non-refundable payments or deposits if a trip is canceled or interrupted due to unforeseen circumstances.
• Trip Delay: Provides reimbursement for expenses incurred when a trip is delayed.
• Accident/Sickness Medical Expenses: Covers costs incurred due to injury or illness that occur while on a trip.
• Medical Evacuation/Emergency Transportation: Covers transportation when a medical emergency while traveling requires transportation to a hospital or other medical facility.
• Supplier Default: Covers deposits or payments lost due to the financial default of a travel supplier.
• Baggage/Personal Effects Loss or Delay: Covers losses due to items lost, damaged or delayed during a trip.

3 basic steps to consider when purchasing travel insurance

Three basic steps when considering purchasing travel insurance.

First, determine your needs. Can you afford the financial risk of losing your vacation investment if something goes wrong due to illness, weather, or other unforeseen circumstances? Also, does your health insurance cover you while in a foreign country? And if you become injured abroad, can you afford the cost of a medical evacuation? You may be surprised to learn that 50 percent of Medicare recipients may not be covered abroad.

Second, evaluate your current coverage. What is and isn’t covered by insurance coverage provided by your credit card or other existing policies?

Third, once you decide travel insurance is right for you, compare policies.

Have you ever thought about going to the Atlantis Hotel in Bahamas?

Watch this video and you will know why you want to travel to this beautiful resort!

Have you ever thought about going to the Atlantis Resort in the Bahamas? If not watch this video and it might change your mind. http://videos.videopress.com/7eB54znY/atlantis-amazing_dvd.mp4

Reasons you should want to travel to Sandals Resorts in Jamaica

Sandals Resorts has 7 beautiful locations in Jamaica, giving you the opportunity to indulge yourself in the amazing sights, tastes, and experiences these havens have to offer.

1. Sandals Cay Private Island – You must visit this private island when staying at Sandals Royal Caribbean Resort & Private Island. You’ll find a gorgeous beach, pool, cabanas and an authentic Thai Restaurant. You can even have a massage on the island!
2. Sunsets - The sunsets at Sandals Negril Beach Resort & Spa are among the most beautiful in the entire world. They’re especially enjoyable from the Crystal Lagoon Suites, where you can swim outside directly from your guest suite. This is one of my personal favorites.
3. Bluefield Beach Club – This restaurant at Sandals Whitehouse European Village & Spa offers the best authentic Jamaican cuisine just steps from the beach. The jerk chicken is to die for!
4. Ochi Beach Club – Imagine lying on a Balinese cabana and then dining at a new gourmet restaurant directly over the ocean. This is what you’ll experience when visiting the The Ochi Beach Club at Sandals Grande Riviera Beach & Villa Golf Resort. At night, the fire pits create a relaxing and romantic atmosphere that you’ll never want to leave!
5. Champagne and Caviar Bar- The Champagne and Caviar Bar at Sandals Royal Plantation really shouldn’t be missed. The caviar is such a delicacy and it’s the only bar of its kind on the island!
6. Wedding Chapel – If you’re in love and are ready to take the big step with your special someone, consider staying at Sandals Montego Bay, the only resort with its own wedding chapel on the island. Say “I do” in style!
7. West Indian Massage – This massage is so unique and luxurious that you’ll think you’re in heaven for 80 luxurious minutes. You’ll receive a full body massage, hot stone therapy, tantalizing tropical mist, and even exfoliation for your tired feet. I enjoyed one of these massages after a long day of meetings, and it left me feeling completely resorted!

Why you should visit St. Lucia

Watch this video on the reasons to visit the beautiful island of St. Lucia

Do you know that St. Martin/St. Maarten has 25 beaches?

From unspoiled, quiet shores to lively hubs of activity, St. Martin has a beach to suit every client’s needs and desires. There are 25 in all, not to mention another 12 on the Dutch side of the island. Following is just a sampling.

• Anse Marcel: Protected from wind and waves, this is a great spot for relaxing.
• Plum Bay: Wild and uncrowded, this beach offers beautiful diving sites. And when there are waves, it becomes a paradise for surfers.
• Baie Rouge: A few miles from Marigot, the beach of Baie Rouge is great for sunbathing. Loungers and parasols are available as well as accessories for diving to the rocks located at the north of the beach, which hide some spectacular sea life...

• Friar’s Bay: This beach is frequented by St. Martin families, so you can recommend it to clients with children. At the full moon, it comes alive with the sounds of night owls who party until the end of the night for the famous full moon party.
• Happy Bay: Totally isolated, this beach is full of charm and character. No road leads there: Guests have to park and walk 15 minutes to reach its dream setting.
• Baie Longue: Located south of the French side, Long Bay, as its name suggests, is one of the longest beaches of St. Martin. It is also known for its tranquility, and is ideal for couples. The waters are turquoise and there are plenty of isolated corners.
• Orient Bay: It is the most famous beach of the island and is often called the "Saint-Tropez of the Caribbean". Day and night, the long tongue of sand vibrates with visitors and St. Martin people who enjoy the delights of restaurants, beach bars that border the beach.
• Petite Plage: Located at the end of the bay of Grand Case, it is well named: it is a small beach but very enjoyable.
• Petites Cayes: It is a well-kept secret in St. Martin! After 30 minutes of walking along a footpath, nature and solitude lovers are rewarded for their effort: a stunning crescent of white sand, embedded in the reefs of la Pointe des Froussards, welcomes them for a few hours of rest, bathing and lazy!

25 Reasons to visit Antigua and Barbuda

1. 365 white and pink sand beaches.
2. A hop, skip and jump from the USA – only four hours from the eastern seaboard. Travel is easily arranged on major carriers such as American, Continental, Delta and US Airways.
3. Romance -- named the best island for a destination wedding for the past two years.
4. Historic sites such as Betty’s Hope sugar mill, St. John’s Cathedral and Nelson’s Dockyard.
5. Sailing Week: Take part in this world-renowned regatta! Sign up to be a deck hand or merely an observer and enjoy sailing at its very best.
6. Soft adventures — scuba, snorkeling, boating, fishing, and much, much more.
7. It’s an English-speaking island, so there are no communication barriers.
8. Authentic, mouth-watering Caribbean cuisine.
9. Natural wonders including the rainforest, Frigate Bird Sanctuary and Devil’s Bridge.
10. Crystal clear turquoise water.
11. Sunny and warm all year with soothing trade winds.
12. Accommodations ranging from intimate boutique hotels to all-inclusive resorts with pricing to suit every budget.
13. Two islands in one – Barbuda is just 15-minute flight or 90-minute ferry ride from Antigua.
14. Revel in the warmth and hospitality of Antiguans and Barbudans, long considered some of the friendliest people on the planet!
15. Ranked as Best Island for Celeb Spotting by Caribbean Travel & Life magazine.
16. Wile the night away at Paradise Casino – the largest Casino in the Eastern Caribbean.
17. Exploring underground caves at Indian Town in Antigua, rumored to stretch all the way to Guadeloupe.
18. A 17-mile pristine and untouched pink shell beach in Barbuda.
19. Cultural heritage that includes an annual Carnival celebration and a fierce devotion to cricket.
20. Refreshing tropical concoctions using Antigua’s own Cavalier rum and the famous sweet, black pineapple.
21. Relaxation nirvana – unique Caribbean treatments at luxury spas will help guide guests on the path to ultimate rejuvenation.
22. Family-friendly accommodations with special activities to keep the little ones occupied while parents escape on their own excursions.
23. A new zip line eco-tour that is sure to stimulate and excite.
24. Three words – duty free shopping.
25. Did we mention, 365 white and pink sand beaches?

Best kept secret beaches around the world

Ibo Island 

Even for die-hard swimmers, surfers, and sunbathers, sometimes a day at the beach is anything but. You know the drill: too many people, too much noise, not nearly enough serenity to enjoy the majesty of blue skies and white-crested waves.

The good news is that there are still undiscovered beaches out there—blissful hideaways where tourism hasn’t yet eclipsed the local culture and there’s more to do, for those so inspired, than loll on the sand. T+L went scouting for such secret beaches and turned up everything from a quaint, affordable fishing village in Portugal to world-class surfing waves in Todos Santos, a cliff-side artist colony in Mexico.

Ibo Island, Mozambique

The 32 coral islands of the Quirimbas Archipelago—which have been proposed as a UNESCO World Heritage site for biodiversity and cultural harmony—beckon with mangrove forests and sandbank beaches (accessed by African dhow sailboats). Sparkling turquoise waters filled with marine life are superb for shipwreck snorkeling and deep-sea diving. Once the trading outpost of Mozambique, Ibo Island is the most accessible and historic isle in the Quirimbas, filled with stone architecture bearing the polyglot influences of Arab, Indian, and Portuguese settlers.


Grand Haven

Trolley cars, a 2.5-mile harbor-front boardwalk, and two 19th-century red lighthouses give a sweet, old-time feel to this Lake Michigan town. Boaters and fishermen flock here, and hikers like the short-but-strenuous climb to Rosy Mound that includes 1,000 feet of stairs up and down the sand dunes to the shore of Lake Michigan. There are warm shallows for swimming, and the soft sand of two public beaches squeaks when you walk on it. After sunset, the local restaurants, ice cream parlors, and shops come alive. Retire to a Victorian B&B like the 1873 Khardomah Lodge


Lord Howe Island 

Lord Howe Island, Australia

A close-kept secret among Sydney cognoscenti, this tiny Pacific Ocean island—where tourists are capped at 400, streetlights are a rarity, and most people get around on bicycles—is an easy two-hour flight from the city. Born from a volcanic eruption 7 million years ago, the verdant UNESCO World Heritage site is home to brooding basalt-stack mountains that plunge directly into the sea; guide Jack Shick leads challenging climbs up the 2,870-foot Mount Gower for jaw-dropping views. Down below, snorkelers have the run of a long and vibrant coral-reef lagoon. At Ned’s Beach, you can hand-feed kingfish—the Lord Howe specialty—while at Old Settlement Beach, turtles are known to laze on the sand. Book a room at the chic, nine-room Capella Lodge (doubles from $670 per person, all-inclusive), which sits atop Lover’s Bay. Owned by James and Hayley Baillie, whose other property is Kangaroo Island’s celebrated Southern Ocean Lodge, it’s known for its spa. For a room with a bit of history, check in to the low-key Pinetrees Lodge (011-61-2-9262-6585; from $300 per person, all-inclusive), which has been run by the same family since 1848.


Pyla-sur-Mer

Pyla-sur-Mer, France

Across the bay from buzzy Cap Ferret, on the southern Côte d’Argent, stands the 350-foot Dune of Pyla, a draw for avid hikers and beach lovers. Now there’s another reason to go: Philippe Starck’s La Co(o)rniche (46 Ave. Louis Gaume; 011-33-5-56-22-72-11; doubles from $345), a renovated hunting lodge with 12 white-on-white rooms, all but one of which face the ocean. At night, crowds gather on the hotel’s breezy restaurant terrace for seafood dishes such as cod in a coconut-and-lime emulsion and scallops with glazed beets; there’s also a lively bar that whips up Catalan-inspired tapas and mango mojitos. If you prefer oyster platters and heaping plates of moules frites, take the ferry to Chez Hortense (Ave. Sémaphore; 011-33-5-56-60-62-56), in the historic Quartier Ostréicole on the southern end of Cap Ferret.


Phu Quoc Island

 Vietnam

The largest island in the Gulf of Thailand, Phu Quoc is nearer to Cambodia than mainland Vietnam. As a result, there is a sizable military force in this still underdeveloped tourist destination of less than 100,000 residents, known for uncluttered beaches and the country’s best fish sauce—a key Vietnamese ingredient. There are vanilla-white beaches with guesthouses lining the shore in small villages, which can be visited by motorbike, the most common vehicle on the island. But for the widest variety of lodging and entertainment options, most folks choose the east coast’s palm-lined Bai Truong (Long Beach) a 12-mile stretch with seaside resorts and cafés—tableside grilled squid is a local specialty—and the 43-room La Veranda Resort & Spa (doubles from $265).


Salema

Salema, Portugal

Located three hours south of Lisbon near Cape Sagres, Salema is a small fishing village known for its gentle Atlantic shore break on a wide beach between two steep cliffs. While much of Portugal’s scenic Algarve Coast has been engulfed by new high-rises and resorts, Salema remains admirably authentic, with one main street, white stucco houses, an outdoor market providing staples for picnics, and just a dozen places to eat and drink.

Bethany Beach Bethany Beach, DE

A boardwalk with a bandstand and a frozen custard shop, a landmark carved totem pole, and a sophisticated miniature golf course add up to an all-American destination—and one of T+L’s Favorite Family Beaches. Known as the Quiet Resorts, Bethany Beach and Fenwick Island offer seven miles of Atlantic Ocean for swimming as well as a sheltered bay for boating and fishing, minus the hubbub of nearby towns Rehoboth Beach, DE, and Ocean City, MD. Lodgings and dining in Bethany Beach cater to the kid crowd, so if you’re seeking solitude, try a rental home

Koh Lanta

 Thailand

Far from the maddening crowds in Phuket and Phi Phi, Koh Lanta is about an hour’s van or speedboat ride from Krabi airport. The island’s western side offers nine sunset-drenched beaches on the warm Andaman Sea (mid-80-degrees year-round) with pristine sands and coral snorkeling reefs. Named one of T+L’s Sexiest Affordable Destinations, Koh Lanta has blossomed as a favorite among in-the-know travelers thanks to its authenticity (fishing villages and a community who live in stilt houses) and range of accommodations. The further south you go, the more secluded it gets. Don’t miss Time for Lime (dinner for two $25), an open-air restaurant where you can also take Thai cooking classes.


Cirali Beach 

 Turkey

The endangered loggerhead sea turtles that nest on these pebbly sands have helped Cirali keep development at bay. Situated on the Turkish Mediterranean between protected sites—a nature preserve and the ruins of Olimpos—Cirali is known for natural beauty and the orchard-to-table cuisine at its small family-run guesthouses. For full-service lodgings with pools and Wi-Fi, the Canada Hotel (doubles from $75) is a seven-minute walk to the warm azure sea. There’s much here for the adventurous and open-minded: a restaurant amid a waterfall and a 250-year-old mill; a hippie village with treehouses and shacks selling feta-and-herb pancakes; and the Chimaera, a natural gas flame that emanates from the hilltop rocks of Olimpos National Park.



Palm Beach 

Palm Beach, Barbuda

Named one of the World’s Most Romantic Islands by T+L, Barbuda is, above all, for solitude-seekers. While her sister island, Antigua, flaunts bustling hotels and yacht races, Barbuda, a 20-minute flight away, has quiet beaches with pink sands, the Frigate Bird Sanctuary, containing more than 170 species, and only a handful of resorts. Two of the best are all-inclusive: Coco Point Lodge all-inclusive stay from $1,200) on an arced peninsula beach over two miles long, and Lighthouse Bay on its own private island (from $1,299).