Thanksgiving is a time to be thankful!

Wishing you and your loved ones a very Happy Thanksgiving and thank you for your continued support of my travel agency!

 

 

 

Atlantis Paradise Island in Bahamas is a destination for everyone

Adult Travelers - Think Vegas but in Paradise with miles of white sand beaches

Couples The Active Honeymoon  - We've got more activities than you can fit in a day

Young at Heart - Never too old for adventure

Discerning, well-traveled  - They've got high expectations; we can meet them

Special Needs - Incredible, memorable accessible

Multi-generational families - No one has to sacrifice

Families with little ones - less whining = more fun

Families with teens - a vacation that earns them the ultimate bragging rights.

Want to learn more about this beautiful destination in the Bahamas?  Call us today at (603)228-1625 or email linda@travlbudi.com

 

Guadeloupe Islands what to see and do

1. Hit the beach at Ste-Anne but while you are there you can go shopping, eat and have a drink at great bars.
2. Visit a Volcano
3. Catch a waterfall
4. Join the Route du Rhum Celebration.  This sailboat race from France to Pointe-a-Pitre, the capital of Grande-Terre, only occurs every four years.
5. Command a fort -  Fort Louis Delgres, on the southwest coast of Basse-Terre and Fort Napolean in Terre-de-Haut still look as much they did back in colonial days.
6. Dance, dance, dance  - Zouk was born here but the locals also love salsa, soca, calypso, reggae, and American and European dance music.
7. Savor French Creole Cuisine 
8. Swim with the Fishes -  Jacques Cousteau called the Pigeons Islands, just off Basse-Terre's west coast one of the worlds top 10 dive sites.
9. Take a ferry to paradise -  A bridge connects Grande-Terre and Basse-Terre but visitors can also visit Guadeloupe's other islands.
10. Buy yourself a present - Market vendors feature madras headwraps and dolls, hand-woven items of straw, species and then local stores sell French perfume and clothes.

 

Costa Rica a destination of many activities

Not sure if Costa Rica is the right destination for you?  Here are some of the great activities you can do while visiting Costa Rica:

• Ballooning
• Mountain Biking
• Bungee jumping
• Zip lining
• Deep sea fishing
• Diving
• Freshwater fishing
• Golf
• Hiking
• Horseback Riding
• Paragliding
• River rafting
• Sea kayaking
• Ocean and wind surfing
• Bird watching
• Butterfly farms
• Coffee tours
• Spas and hot springs
• Museums

Costa Rica is a paradise for destination weddings, honeymoons, anniversaries, family vacations, reunions, corporate meetings and incentives, culinary tours, yoga and meditation retreats and plenty of eco-adventure.

Call us today to learn more about this destination and too book at (603)228-1625 or email: linda@travlbudi.com

 

River Cruise Perks for Singles

Are you single and looking to do a river cruise?  Here are some great reasons why you should.

• Solo Cabins, while limited in number, give singles their own space.

• River cruising is highly inclusive; its great value for the money.

• Like-minded passengers have similar interests (wine, art, bicycling, history, hiking and much more).

• Singles can book a double occupancy cabin by paying a reduced or sometime waived fee.

• Onboard cruise directors will introduce solo travelers to fellow guests and assist in getting involved in activities.

• Ships typically dock in city centers, conducive to independent exploring.

• Open-seat dining allows flexibility to sit with other guests on each night.

Call today to ask about pricing and brochures on River Cruising at (603)228-1625

Windjammer Landing Resort in St. Lucia

Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort, located in beautiful Labrelotte Bay on the island of Saint Lucia, is the perfect place to get away for an all-inclusive Caribbean vacation. Balancing culture, entertainment, romance and adventure, Windjammer Landing provides guests with everything they need to create a memorable experience that is uniquely Saint Lucia.

From our friendly and approachable staff, to the white sand along the Caribbean Sea, to the hillside Villas offering stunning views of the ocean. Windjammer Landing is ideal for a romantic escape or a relaxing family vacation. An independent, one-of-a-kind resort, once you experience the personal touch at Windjammer Landing, you’ll never want to leave.

 

One beautiful island and 3 great Sandals resorts to stay at in St. Lucia

Sandals Regency La Toc - A posh elegance and unmatched level of privacy with cliff-side setting surrounded by lush tropical gardens.  The all-suite, butler-service Sunset Ocean Bluff presents an exclusive resort within an resort and it is perched 3 stories above sea.

This resort offers 331 rooms and suites on over 220 acres and is only 10 minutes from the airport.  This resort also has its own golf course, Red Lane Spa and amazing restaurants.

Sandals Grande St. Lucian - offers 301 rooms and suites on over 17 acres and only 20 minutes from the airport.  This resort is located on its own peninsula often described as the closest vacation to a picture-perfect postcard.  The resort boasts the famous rondoval suites with private pools and is on a beautiful stretch of beach.

Sandals Halcyon is the true garden of eden resort by the sea.  This resort boast 169 rooms on over 22 acres and 10 minutes from the airport.  This resort is excellent for physically challenged and has a unique over the water restaurant.  The resort is built by design into the environment with classic island architecture in soft pastels and ginger-bread detailed cottages that blend into the lush beachside landscape.  There is on building taller than a palm tree.

So whether you are staying at 1 resort such as Halcyon you have exchange privileges with the 2 other Sandals resorts which gives you a total of 22 restaurants to choose from. 

 

Sandals Royal Bahamian

The Bahamas Most Elegant Resort is now in Nassau and is called "Sandals Royal Bahamian".  This refined resort is filled with European sophistication and extravagant details including Roman colonnaded pools, towering arches and majestic statues, hidden garden pools and a chic off shore island beach club with secluded beachfront lounging areas where you can feel along on your own island.

This resort offers 404 rooms and suites on 15 acres and is only 10 minutes from Nassau airport.  It has 10 gourmet restaurants, Red Lane Spa and fire pits.

 

Sandals Emerald Bay

Sandals Emerald Bay is located in beautiful Great Exuma in the Bahamas.  This resort offers turquoise waters on a blissful 1 1/2 mile powder sand beach, Greg Norman designed golf course, Red Lane Spa, heated pool, 24-hour room service, afternoon tea, stadium tennis, beach butler service and a world class marina.

The resort just added 5 new fire pits, new concierge lounge and a two-mile jogging trail around the golf course.

 

Sandals Grand Antigua

Sandals Grand Antigua is situated on one of Antigua best beaches.  This resort is lined with blooming hibiscus and bougainvillea linking two mesmerizing worlds. The tranquility of the tropical Caribbean Grove and the grandeur of the amazing crystal blue waters.

This resort offers 373 rooms and suites on over 27 acres and it is only 15 minutes from the airport.

 

Great tours on some of my favorite Caribbean Islands

Having trouble choosing an island here are some helpful tips of tours in some of my favorite islands: 

Saint Lucia - Soufriere Adventure Cruise, Island Buggies, Rainforest Canopy Adventure (zip line), Soufriere Jeep Discovery and Waterfall Revelation

Jamaica - Catamaran Cruises, Dolphin swims, deep sea fishing, bamboo rafting, horse back ride and swim, zip line canopy

Turks and Caicos - kitty katt catamaran cruise, provo adventure cruise, undersea explorer, golfing, champagne half day cruise, scuba diving

Antigua - extreme circumnavigation, rainforest canopy adventure, adventure Antigua eco-tour, sunset cruise

Exuma - Thuderball 007 - pigs swim, exuma cays ocean safari, bone fishing, castaway getaway and taste of the island.

Grand Cayman  - dolphin swim and stingray feeding, amphibious bus adventure, horse back ride and swim, island tour and turtle farm and kayaking.

Let me help you find the Caribbean that has something for everyone to enjoy besides their beautiful beaches, tasty cuisine and friendly people.  Call (603)228-1625

How using a travel agent benefits - YOU!

 

BENEFITS OF USING AN EXPERIENCE TRAVEL AGENT!

There are a host of compelling reasons to use a travel agent: Travel agents are out to find the consumer the best rate available. Convenient one-stop shopping. Agents are there to save you money as well as time.

Customer advocacy: If you have a problem with a particular part of your travel experience, the agent is there to act on your behalf to see that restitution is made. 

Expert guidance: Travel agents, unlike instructions on a Web page, are experts in understanding and deciphering the myriad of travel information and codes out there. It's what they've been trained to do and they do it every day.

Personalized service: Instead of an impersonal voice thousand of miles away, travel agents are you neighbors. They know what you want and what you value in your travel experience.

Professional advice: Travel agents are there to make sure you get where you want to go, when you want to go and for the lowest price.

Time: Instead of checking a long list of travel Web pages, which only provide rates and fares for the companies that have contracted with them, why not go straight to the source? A travel agent has all the information at their fingertips, saving you a few hours in front of a computer screen.

Unbiased information: Agents work for their clients, not for a travel supplier. It makes sense that a happy customer will be a repeat customer.

Helpful tips for the upcoming traveling holidays season

Call travLBudi, LLC today book everything from flights, car rentals to hotels!

Avoid peak travel dates
Christmas and New Year's Day fall on Fridays this year, which means that the same advice for Thanksgiving will apply to both of these holidays -- fly on the holiday itself if possible, and avoid Sunday evening at the end of the long weekend.

Book early
Haven't booked your holiday travel yet?  It's time to stop waiting and call your local travel agent today to start booking.   For the Christmas holiday; book sooner rather than later, particularly if you require very specific travel dates or times. With the current state of the airline industry, it is never too early to book your holiday travel flights.  While many of the best deals are probably already gone, be prepared to be flexible with dates and flight times.  When having your travel agent book your flights make sure they have planned enough layover time in case of inclement weather and delays. 

Leave early.
During peak travel times, much of the trouble you'll face lies on this side of the security check-in, from traffic jams and full parking lots to absent shuttles and long lines. Rather than striving to "arrive at the airport early," you may want to try to "leave for the airport early" to anticipate all the peripheral delays you may encounter.
 

Pack wisely.
In the past, you may have been able to fit everything into your carry-on without having to check any baggage -- a strategy we still recommend. However, the TSA rules about liquids and gels make this a trickier proposition. For the record, you may bring liquids and gels in three-ounce or smaller containers, packed within a single, quart-size, zip-top, clear plastic bag. You're also allowed to bring any liquids (such as coffee or water) or gels purchased after you go through a security checkpoint onto your plane with you. If you want to bring more than the three-ounce amounts, you'll have to pack the items in your checked luggage.

When packing, keep in mind that most airlines are now charging travelers a fee all bags that are being checked varying in pricing from $20 and up.

Whenever possible, print your boarding passes at home or use check-in kiosks. These services are no longer restricted to the airport, and can be found in hotels and other places in increasing numbers.  Think about doing your holiday shopping online and having your gifts shipped to your destination. This will cut down on luggage and the risk of them getting lost.

Travel early or late in the day.
As a rule, airports are least congested at times when normal human beings would rather be at home or even asleep. Delays are far less likely for morning flights, and airports usually unclog as the afternoon and evening peak passes.

A couple of caveats: Staffing can be spotty for really early flights, so although your flight is highly likely to be ready to leave on time, check-in may take a while, along with other personnel-dependent steps like riding shuttle buses.

Consider package deals.
Listen to the package deals that your travel agent can offer you during peak travel periods can be the best time to buy even for folks who would never buy one, as the bundled pricing offered by packages can be very competitive, even (or especially) at times of high demand.

Some More Tips

Be prepared for more than the usual slowdowns at security. Even though the TSA's liquid and gel rules have been around for a few years now, infrequent fliers may still be caught off guard.
Gas up the night before you travel; no one leaves enough time for buying gas on the way to the airport.

Bring diversions. Take along work, books, magazines, a CD player, some healthy snacks -- whatever you need to get through delays. This goes double when traveling with kids.

Keep your cool. Airline employees have considerable power over your well-being. Unfortunately many enjoy wielding it against you, and few respond well to anger.

 Have phone numbers for everything: your travel agency, hotel, car rental, airline, friends at your destination.

Check flight status repeatedly. Know your airline's 800 number as well as your flight numbers and exact times.  When traveling on an E-ticket, carry a printout of your itinerary from your airline or booking site.

With airlines continuing to cut back on service, it's more important than ever to confirm your flight several days before you leave -- that way you'll have a little leeway to make alternate plans if necessary.

If you know you'll need long-term airport parking while you're away, be sure to have your travel agent reserve you a spot ahead of time at an off-airport lot so you're guaranteed a space.
 Don't over pack even checked luggage; overstuffed bags that must be opened for a security check are much harder to repack.

Do not wrap gifts, especially if you intend to carry them on the plane. Even in checked baggage, there is a strong chance they will be unwrapped for inspection by security personnel. Consider gift bags instead of wrapping paper this holiday season -- you can easily remove the items from their bags if required and you don't have to do a last-minute wrapping job at your destination.

If you're leaving pets at home and you haven't made kennel reservations, do so right away kennels fill up quickly around the holidays.

Luggage Packing issues to avoid

Packing Problem #1: Airport Security Confiscates Your Prized Possession
if you plan correctly and make sure everything you're packing in your carry-on bag is permitted on an airplane by the TSA, you shouldn't have any problem getting your luggage through the airport security checkpoint. But if you're a procrastinator who carelessly throws a bag together as the airport van is waiting in the driveway (or if, like Ashley, you simply forgot about the rules), you may have some trouble getting through security. So when an officer finds your four-ounce bottle of designer perfume and permanently removes it from your carry-on bag, is it lost forever? Not necessarily.

If you're certain you has plenty of time before your flight takes off, you can go back to your airline's check-in counter and either check your carry-on bag or ask to have the prohibited item placed in your checked luggage. Keep in mind that you will have to wait in line at the check-in counter and at the security checkpoint all over again, so you may need an extra hour or two before your flight is scheduled to depart. There is no guarantee that the airline staff will be able to help you out, so don't return to the check-in counter unless you have time to spare; otherwise, you may risk missing your flight for nothing.

If you haven't checked a bag and you drove to the airport, take your item to the parking lot and place it in your car. Again, be very aware of how much time you have, especially if you've parked in a lot that is a lengthy walk or ride away from the airport. You will have to wait in the security line all over again.

Did someone drop you off at the airport? If he or she is a very good friend (or someone who owes you a favor), give that person a call and ask him or her to turn the car around. Promise to bring your helpful friend a souvenir from your trip.

Packing Problem #2: Too Many Souvenirs
You could always just pack less and leave room in the bag for some extra souvenirs. But who really wants to do that? After all, in the current context of expensive baggage fees, empty space in your suitcase is valuable real estate. And if you only brought a carry-on bag, some souvenirs you might purchase, like liquid-filled snow globes, may be prohibited past the airport security checkpoint. With no room in your bag for anything larger than a postcard of Tuscany and only a carry-on in which to cart two weeks' worth of clothing, how do you get those bottles of pricey Italian merlot back to the States? 

Many travelers’ ship souvenirs back home -- especially large or fragile things like handmade Moroccan rugs or Waterford crystal. A reputable shop that caters largely to tourists (and sells big and expensive items like furniture) will likely ship your goods back home right from the store. However, without shipping insurance or a tracking number, you have little control over the fate of your purchase.

A second option is to mail the item yourself. We recommend using major international shipping companies like UPS and FedEx as opposed to a local post office because overseas postal services (especially in developing areas) may be unreliable. Check out the major international shipping companies' Web sites before you leave to see if there's a location near where you will be traveling; if so, write down the address and phone number and stick it in your wallet. Also look up restrictions, shipping costs and shipping times. And make sure to get your shipment insured and write down a tracking number!

Your third, probably cheapest option is to pack a squashy, foldable bag that takes up little room in your suitcase. A soft duffel or zippered tote bag will work. If you end up with a mass of bulky souvenirs, you can unfold the extra bag and check it at the airport. Although you may end up paying a checked-bag fee for an extra piece of luggage, this might be a more economical way to cart your souvenirs home than paying for international shipping, which is not cheap. Wrap some T-shirts or sweaters around any breakable items.

 

Packing Problem #3: You Left (Insert Essential Item) at Home
As you are pulling up to the airport, it hits you like a ton of bricks: you've forgotten your cell phone charger, raincoat, guidebook, wallet or some other item that you need or want to use on your trip. Don't panic. Have you forgotten an item of clothing or an electronic device? It's time to think positive and maybe even treat yourself to something new at an airport shop if you're feeling upset. Or be brave and go on without your favorite possession. (You may even be better off finally breaking your BlackBerry addiction!)

We probably don't need to tell you to turn the car around the second you realize that you don't have your passport. But if you've arrived at the airport with only a few hours before your flight, not enough time to get home and back, and without proper identification, you're going to miss your flight. If you're traveling to any international destination, including Canada and Mexico, there is no way you're getting on a plane without a passport.

So now you've missed your flight. You still have a chance to save your vacation. Stop crying -- everyone is staring. First, go to your airline's check-in desk and try to get on the next flight. If you're already on your way home, pull over the car and call your airline. Airlines' policies on missed or canceled flights vary, so you may find a sympathetic ear or you may end up paying full price for a new ticket.

Beaches Ocho Rios Resort and Golf Resort

Beaches Ocho Rios formerly Beaches Boscobel recently completed a $30 million renovation with four distinct villages, additional restaurants, an enhanced kids program and more.  There are 59 oceanfront rooms on three different levels, names after the 3 most-renowned Greek Islands.  The village also has the new Calpso Bar and OPA Sunset Bar. 

The French Village received upgraded suites and amenities including the Red Lane Spa, piano bar, Neptune's Restaurant and a fitness center.

The Italian Village has 24 rooms and suites including the Dolce Vita Penthouse.  The Venetian Restaurant has been transformed complete with chandeliers from wine bottles, custom seating, wood plank floors and a new boutique bar. 

The Caribbean Village is closest to the main swimming pool and allows for easy access to restaurants, live entertainment and Pirates Island Waterpark.

If you would like to book this destination please contact Linda our Beaches Specialist at (603)228-1625 or email linda@travlbudi.com

Food and Wine All-Star Weekend in Las Vegas

The 4th annual Food and Wine All-Star Weekend will be held October 4-6, 2013.  Chefs Joel Robuchon, Michael Mina and Shawn McClain will headline the event hosted at ARIA Resort and Casino, Bellagio and MGM Grand.  Guests can meet and dine with the chefs at 9 events including a 6 course menu with a wine pairing at Robuchon's names, three-Michelin-star restaurant. 

Imagine traveling to the islands of Hawaii

If you are like most who have never been to Hawaii, the state's islands blend into a mass of unpronounceable vowels and indistinct images of a tropical paradise. The geography of the islands is not difficult, however, and all it takes is one trip to make visitors long to become experts. So if you have never been, or if you have only been to one island, this introduction should whet your appetite and familiarize you with the islands and their most important characteristics. Perhaps the most amazing fact you'll find is how close and reasonably priced Hawaii really is. Long thought of as a distant playground for the wealthy, Hawaii is less than 6 hours from the west coast and terrifically, wonderfully affordable.


Most do not realize that Hawaii's islands span more than 1,500 miles, creating the longest chain of islands in the world. In total, Hawaii is actually 130 separate islands if you include the atolls and coral reefs above sea level. However, the eight of these islands that cover 99% of the land area receive all of the attention, and of those, only six offer tourism opportunities (Niihau is privately owned and Kahoolawe was once a test range for the US Navy).

The six major islands are Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, Maui, and Hawaii's Big Island. Each island has its own identity, ambiance, climate and geological features that make it unique.

The Hawaiian Islands are volcanic, the products of millions of years of undersea eruptions; today, however, the only active volcano is on Hawaii's Big Island. Hawaii's climate is an amazing phenomenon, as well. Climatologists will tell you that the earth has 13 types of climatic conditions, and of those, 11 are represented on Hawaii - the only missing conditions are Arctic and Saharan. At sea level, summer temperatures average 80 degrees Fahrenheit and in winter, a balmy 75 degrees. Year round, the average water temperature is 74 degrees.

Getting around on the islands is a cinch. A ferry runs between Maui and Lanai and Maui and Molokai, and inter-island flights offer multi-island passes at a discount. Another small commercial carrier, Island Air, flies between the smaller airports on the islands. Most visitors relish self-drive adventures, touring the winding roads along the beaches or into the interior of the islands at their own pace. Rental options range from scooters to Ferraris, but for a classic experience, try renting a Jeep.


What's truly unique about Hawaii, though, is the sheer number of activities available in such an amazingly beautiful setting - the scenery is unmatched and unlike anything in the world. Mountains and beaches, tropical rainforests and snow. Pineapple plantations and volcanoes. Sit and do nothing, or try just a few of the built-in diversions that nature has given a home here: water sports like surfing, windsurfing, boating, sailing, snorkeling, diving, fishing and kayaking; or try golf, tennis, world-class bicycling, hiking and camping. The islands are also home to an entire health industry, with internationally recognized spas, yoga and holistic centers throughout the state. And Hawaii takes the precious gifts that nature has bestowed very seriously, so ecotourism is practiced with a particular zeal here, and many tour and local guide companies offer programs designed around the islands' flora and fauna.

Geologists say that Kauai is the oldest island of the six tourist islands. The rugged coast boasts more miles of beach and hiking trails than all the other islands. This is the island serving as a backdrop to many films, including Jurassic Park. Its primitive, tropical beauty evokes the Garden of Eden - it is an island of mountains and valleys, waterfalls and beautiful beaches. On the Northwest side of the island, 3,000 foot cliffs line the Na Pali Coast, much of it inaccessible except by boat or hikes on foot. The island is circular in shape, offering five areas developed for tourism. This well-rounded destination appeals to commercial shoppers, fine diners, and eco-tourists alike.


Oahu is the most commercial of the islands, and home to Waikiki and Honolulu. But do not let that fool you: Oahu mesmerizes visitors with rainforests, mountains, valleys, and spectacular ocean waves. A great suggestion for any island newcomer is to rent a car (an open top is ideal) and drive the perimeter of the island - you may well be awed by how undeveloped and quaint much of the island remains. Honolulu, on the southern tip of Oahu and bordered by both mountains and ocean, is actually one of the largest cities in the United States and home to near 80% of the Hawaiian population. Waikiki is famous the world over, where urban culture and the distinct Polynesian flavor of Hawaii co-exist in perfect harmony. Diamond Head, a mountainous volcanic crater, is a famous and easily recognizable landmark.

Words most often associated with the island of Molokai are peace and tranquility. Molokai is home to many of the ecological and adventure-oriented activities found in Hawaii. The eastern side of the island is very green and tropical, and the western side, in contrast, offers dry grasslands and beaches. To the north, tall sea cliffs rising more than 3,500 feet above sea level look out over the ocean and create Hawaii's tallest waterfall. The Kalaupapa Peninsula is considered one of the state's most beautiful areas and is ironically the former home of the island's famous leper colony, bordered by high, sheltering cliffs on one side. The main "urban" area is Kaunakakai, a town with no traffic lights.


Lanai is a largely rural island, sheltered from the leeward winds by Maui, some nine miles away. There are only 32 miles of pavement on the island, and much of it is given over to luxury resorts, golfing, and activities for adventurous personalities, and it is oft-considered the Hawaii's best snorkeling and scuba diving spot. Lanai was at one time a giant pineapple plantation and is home to some of Hawaii's most famous beaches, such as Hulopoe Bay. The only town on the island is Lanai City, a quaint town filled with small shops and artist studios. Lanai entertains many visitors with large luxury resorts and their attendant championship golf properties.

The island of Maui has something for everyone. The dormant Haleakala volcano (though officially classified as "active") and Kahalawai volcano watch over Hawaii's second largest island and shape the island's mountains, valleys and waterfalls. Visitors to Maui are surprised by how undeveloped most of the island feels, and yet how much it offers in terms of dining, resorts and nightlife. Maui is also the whale watching center for the islands (the humpback whale is the state animal). Driving to the top of Haleakala to watch the sunrise is a Maui visitor ritual (many opt to bike back down from the top), as is a drive around the island's perimeter on the 50 mile Hana Highway. Another attraction is the small village of Lahaina, full of great shops and restaurants.


The Big Island is the home to the Kilauea volcano: the still active, currently erupting volcano is the most active volcano in the world, with a continual lava flow pouring into the ocean since 1983, creating approximately 40 new acres of island every year. The Big Island is as large as all of the other islands combined, with more than 260 miles of coast. During the winter, it can actually snow on the island's tallest mountain, Mauna Kea, and you can snow ski on its 13,796 foot altitudes, weather permitting. The Kona-Kohala Coast on the Big Island hosts several luxury resorts and golf facilities along with its white-sand beaches. Here, too, is the town of Hilo, displaying its tropical, quintessential Hawaiian culture.