Holiday Travel // 2014

It is that time of year again. The wind is blowing and the chill in the air makes you want to cozy up to a fire and sip hot chocolate. The holidays are fast approaching, but it is not too late to plan an exciting adventure.

 

I have compiled a list of five places to visit this holiday season.

 

Amsterdam

The legend of Santa Claus is strong in Amsterdam and the houses are strung with lights at the very beginning of December. During the colder months, Amsterdam is a great place to go ice skating! Fun activity for the kids! The Dutch really know how to make the most of the holiday season. From parades to good food and from markets to festive parties.

 

 

 

 

 

Finland

What is in Finland you ask? Well visiting during the winter is simply breathtaking. Take a trip out to the Urho Kekkonen National Park. It is an actual winter wonderland. You can cross the fresh snow on a reindeer pulled sleigh! Or go cross-country skiing! You can also stay in an igloo!

 

 

 

 

Munich

If you go for only one reason alone, it would to see the hundred-foot Christmas tree. The markets are also a wonderful part of Christmas in Germany. The squares are full off vendors selling mulled wine, gingerbread, and also live holiday music!

 

 

 

 

 

 Charleston

If traveling across seas is not in your budget, not to worry! South Carolina has a lot to offer! Bourbon spiced eggnog, roasted pecans, and choir singing! The streets are decorated with garlands and wreaths adorn all the houses. A prefect quaint Christmas! Not to mention the wonderful food found in Charleston!

 

 

 

 

 

 Boston

Boston is a natural choice for the holidays. The New-England charm is full of coziness! The cobblestone streets covered in snow are picturesque! Boston has so much to do from great bakeries and breweries to sports and shopping!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Of course there are hundreds of other places to venture to during he holiday season. Skiing, the mountains, somewhere tropical. So if you are thinking of getting away this winter, do not hesitate to call Travel Planners at 205.870.3031. We can help you celebrate the holidays in style!

 

 Happy Holidays! Stay Safe!

Travel Tips // 2014

As we enter the last few months of 2014, we start making travel plans for 2015. Over the years as I have traveled I have heard "do this" or "avoid that". Working for a travel agency, I have been educated on the many do's and do not's of the travel world. I have compiled a list of some of the most valuable information when it comes to great travel tips. 

1.) Avoid chain hotels: By staying in a small boutique or family-run hotel, you will be saving more money than you think. You will also have a more unique experience in the area you are vising. 

2.) In countries rich in history and culture (Italy, France, Japan), go off the beaten path: You will avoid the usual crowds and higher prices and in return find better food, shopping, and so on! 

3.) Be wise when choosing flight days: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays are the least-popular travel dates for domestic flights. 

4.) Take a layover tour: Many cities will offer a layover tour. So if you have a long layover, take advantage of the layover tours. Have a 5 hour layover in Paris? Go explore! 

5.) Buy insurance: I can't say it enough. BUY INSURANCE! Yes, it costs a little extra, but you will thank yourself in the long run. What if a family member gets sick? Canceling the trip would cause you to lose everything! Not if you had purchased trip insurance. When asked if you want to add it, don't hesitate. Say YES! 

6.) Scan important documents before you leave: In the event of theft or misplacement, you will be glad you scanned your passport, cards, etc. 

7.) Use a travel agent: I know, coming from someone who works at a travel agency, this comes off as biased. But now that I know how much easier traveling is after using an agent, I will never travel internationally without one! Plus using a travel agency is FREE! So, why not?

Tip from Hayden: As a treat to yourself, send yourself a postcard from each day of your travels. It will be a nice treat to come home to and make the transition to reality easier! 

Diving // The World's Best Dive Sites

I have never been diving but I hear it is a life changing experience. Although, I am not sure I would be able to get over my fear of sharks! All over the world, there are numerous locations known for their amazing diving spots. Take a look at some of the following!

Costa Rica - Cocos Island

The journey is far, but it promises beauty. The island is said to have inspired Jurassic Park. The waters are filled with hammerheads and white-tip reef sharks and are usually frequented by experienced divers.  The island is beautiful and only stretches four miles!

Australia - Magnetic Island

About five miles offshore from Townsville in Queensland, Australia, Magnetic Island offers wide range of diving options. There is plenty of amazing marine wildlife to see and even dive to the world-famous S.S. Yongala wreck. A fantastic dive to see marine and coral life!

Belize - Ambergris

The water here is teeming with life and is home to the famous "Blue Hole" which is a 350ft deep circular hole in the ocean where you can dive down. The water is full of rays and hammerheads. You will see hard corals, sea fans, shellfish of amazing variety, and even may spot a manta ray! 

Micronesia - Truk Lagoon

In the early 1940's, an entire Japanese fleet sunk in the Truk Lagoon and remains there as an underwater museum. The wrecks can be seen by snorkelers, but best explored by scuba. Definitely a must see for those who love diving and seeing new things! 

Scotland - Arran

The Island of Arran, which is twelve miles off the coast of Ayrshire in the Firth of Clyde offers breathtaking scenery and even more superb dive sites. It is teeming with seals and dolphins. You may also see Orcas and a wide variety of shellfish! 

There are dozens of other great dive sites around the world, these are just a handful of the beauty diving  offers!

Tourists Scams // How to Avoid

When traveling you MUST be careful and observant of your surroundings, because you may fall victim to one of the many tourist scams.

Fake Police: A street merchant may put something on your wrist or around your neck, then when you try to give it back, they complain that you are trying to steal it. A uniform policeman-- who is fake–happens to be passing and threatens to arrest you if you do not pay. Be very careful when shopping on the streets of foreign countries, because this happens more than you would think!

Fake Valuables: A vendor may try to sell you a "designer purse" or a "diamond necklace" at a fraction of the going price. These are all scams. While many people will travel JUST to buy the knock-off products, just be careful.

Distraction Theft: Someone may distract you (ask you for directions, help with map...) while an accomplice picks your pocket or goes through your bags. There are dozens of variations of this so be cautious.

Taxi Tricks: When you jump in a cab and ask to go to a specific location, the driver tells you that it is "closed" but offers to take you to a "better" one. At best, the new place is a long trip and will cost you more money.

The Fake "Gift": A street musician hands you what appears to be a "free" CD, asking yo to listen to their music, and after you have it in your hands and are walking away, demands payments even after you try to return it.

Photo Finagling: Someone will offer to take a picture of you and your family with YOUR camera. They then run off with your camera. Be very careful with people walking up and offering to do this!

Fake Friends: You meet a group of friendly locals at a bar or cafe and join them. After a while they leave to use restroom or make a phone call and never return. You are stuck with their bill.


While there are many people who could actually be wanting to help you take a picture and there may be that street musician who wants to give out free music for FREE with no strings attached. But you have to be careful no matter where you travel!

U.S. Summer Getaways // The Hot List

Summer for me always means getting to go to the beach or the lake. I count down the days to when the pools open and I can finally relax in the sun. Nothing brings in warm, sun-soaked memories like a classic summer destinations. Whether it is under a swaying desert palm or a bustling boardwalk in a costal town, summer is here! 

Find your place in the sun at these four great iconic summer destinations!

Adirondacks, New York

This is a perfect escape for the nature lovers. There is everything from kayaking to bird-watching and even whitewater rafting! Summer is the time time for new adventures such as rafting on the Hudson River, wind surfing on Lake Champlain, and mountain biking on rugged trails. The Adirondacks are a place for adventure and discovery and summer is the season for road trips! This is your gateway to endless outdoor recreation! 

Clearwater Beach, Florida

While everyone is jetting off to beaches along the famous Scenic 30A Highway, Clearwater Beach is a nice change.  It is home to some of the best beaches in the country. It is home to an emerging downtown area plus a bustling Beachwalk. This makes for endless activities! Clearwater in known for the pink sunsets and crystal-clear waters all summer long! 

Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Seafood shacks galore fill the seaside towns and coastal trails. You can get your fill of lobster rolls and fried clams. Cape Cope is home to the Kennedy compound and artsy fishing villages. Of course Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket offer nautical charm! These is a wide range of lodging options to suit every budget! 

Ocean City, Maryland

This is a very family-friendly summer destination. Packed with flat beaches, boardwalks, and of course Chesapeake Bay crabs! There are countless free or cheap activities such as putt-putt, Go Karts and outdoor movies! Every night of the week there is a free family fun event! These include laser light shows, concerts, beach olympics and much more!

Have a wonderful fun-filled summer!

Traveling with Teens // Where to Go

There is no doubt that traveling with teenagers who may prefer staying at home with their friends or stuck playing on their smart phones can be challenging. Choosing the right destination is key. These ten locations are very rewarding and fun for families with teens!

Oahu, HI

Waikiki is one of the best places to learn how to surf with its long breaks, sunshine and gorgeous beaches. In between lounging and people watching, teens can shop or head to the North Shore for a glimpse of the famous massive waves.

Wisconsin Dells, WI

It's no surprise that the "Water Park Capital of the World" is a hit with the teen set. We're talking 50ft slides with launch capsules plunging riders straight down, 4-D movie theaters watched from pools and all sorts of mind-boggling thrills for the entire family.

 New York City, NY

Between shopping 5th Avenue, giant slices of pizza, landmarks and even visiting sites from famous TV shows like Gossip Girl, the excitement of NYC is a teen dream.

 Jackson Hole, WY

The outdoorsy teen will love being near two of the most scenic national parks: Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park. Hike, bike, go fly-fishing, stand-up paddle board and catch a glimpse of Old Faithful. There's just so much to do here.

Park City, UT

Snowboarding and skiing draw teen interest in the winter, however, Park City is a four season destination. Go hot air ballooning, river rafting, golfing, mountain biking and more after the snow melts. Mom will love the spas and Dad should pack his golf clubs.

 Maui, HI

Some of the nation's most beautiful beaches await in Kaanapali. Lounging on them in between water sports is a must as is a breathtaking sunrise at Haleakala volcano, even for a sleepy teen.

 Chicago, IL

The excitement of a big city is alive and well in Chicago, a city full of teen food favorites like big hot dogs and deep dish pizza. Not to mention there are seven sports teams to watch live.

 San Diego, CA

 This city by the ocean makes and excellent teen vacation any time of the year. Beaches offer plenty of opportunities to learn how to surf, kayak caves and relax in Southern California sunshine. Mix in some culture at the Balboa Park museums. Their close proximity to each other are perfect for short attention spans.

Orlando, FL

Teens will probably love Hollywood Studios most out of the Disney parks for thrill rides like the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. Universal Studios is another favorite with its roller coasters and City Walk entertainment, dining and shopping area. Or, hop over to water parks like Disney's Typhoon Lagoon or Wet-n-Wild. Orlando is definitely not just for little kids.

 Gatlinburg, TN

Your teen will love soaring over the Great Smoky Mountains National Park on a zipline or paddling the thrilling white water rapids below. Ride the Aerial Tramway to the summit and even ski in the winter at this scenic mountain resort destination that's also affordable.