Experience Brazil

With thousands of people flocking to Brazil for the World Cup this year, it is hard to remember all the OTHER things Brazil has to offer while vacationing there. And yes, I am just as thrilled about our win of Ghana as the next person, but get out and explore! There is so much you may miss out on!

While Brazil is known for the sun and sand, there is so much more to see! 

While I know the Amazon is on many travelers' bucket list, it is actually the Pantanal, the world's largest freshwater swamp, that is the best place in Brazil to encounter South American wildlife! You can drive the 90-mile Transpantaneira Highway and experience so much beauty. From the exotic flowers to the colorful macaws flying through the tree tops. If you do not want to drive yourself, they offer a great guided tour!  This is something you do not want to pass up!

Brazil is known for delicious, unforgettable food. So why not take a cooking class and learn how to recreate these amazing meals when you are back home? Take a four-hour cooking class brought to you by Cook in Rio and in no time you will be a pro cooking cultural Brazilian recipes! The classes are 100% hands on and English spoken! The best part is you get to eat your work! Yum!

Bonito means "beautiful" in Portuguese and that is exactly what this destination entails. Travel to Bonito and see the aquarium-like clear water and swim with the fish, float the waters, and experience an unforgettable excursion. You will see thousands of exotic fish while you swim along! Bring your underwater camera!

From January-June, a special project on the archipelago of Fernando de Noronha protects and monitors the nests of threatened green sea turtles. Around March the public is allowed to witness supervised nest openings about once a week. This is one of the coolest natural phenomenons you will ever witness. 

Get out and experience all that Brazil has to offer. Call your local travel agency for more information on traveling to Brazil!

8 Trips That Will Make You a Better Person // Skip the Self Help Books

We have all talked about taking those powerful and life changing trips to help out the needy. Or dreamed of volunteering at an organic farm to teach environmental sustainability in the hills of a foreign lands. Well it is time to stop what you are doing and TAKE THAT TRIP. 

Put down those self-help books and let travel transform you into the best person you can possibly be. 

The following eight trips are journeys we should all strive to make throughout our life. 

  Where: Peru

Why Go // The Experience: 

Whole Food's Market has a program called "Whole Journeys" and their mission is to bring the values, the passion and the taste of Whole Foods beyond just the stores. They take you deep into the Andes Mountains to the center of Inca civilization on a nine day hiking and wellness trip. It showcases some of the best Peru has to offer such as visiting organic coffee producers, immersing yourself in markets and exploring the sacred sites. The trip includes life-balancing lessons and personal-exploration. Truly transforms you and grounds you at the same time. 

Where: Big Sur, California

Why Go // The Experience:  

This retreat is in the hilltops of The New Camaldoli Hermitage. It was founded in 1958 by a group of Benedictine monk. The hilltop monastery is a silent refuge. The solitude and breathtaking ocean views put serenity within reach. The retreat helps you become more in touch with yourself and disconnecting you from the outside world. A spiritual awakening. 

Where: Cambodia

Why Go // The Experience: 

Find an orphanage to volunteer at. Become a part of these children's lives. A large orphanage in Cambodia is right outside Phnom Penh, the largest city and capital of Cambodia. Many of the children in Cambodian orphanages are abandoned because they are HIV+ or their parents have died from AIDS or related illness. As a volunteer you will help organize games, sports, arts as well as supporting the HIV awareness program. Children are eager to learn so this is a great chance to teach, show love and give affection. This is a trip that will make you a better person as well as bringing light into the lives of children. 

Where: Israel

Why Go // The Experience: 

AdventureWomen is a company that specializes in group adventures for women traveling solo and they offer a Nature of Israel trip. This is a chance to deepen your faith and feel empowered while traveling with other women. This trip is thirteen days and allows you to escape responsibilities and find your confidence in traveling alone. It is extremely liberating. Sail, explore, eat, drink and learn while in the Holy Land. 

Where: Thailand

Why Go // The Experience:

Thailand is a place to balance yourself. Detox and reprogram a healthy lifestyle. The Samahita Retreat on the island of Koh Samui in Thailand is a center for yoga, holistic health and wellness. Whether you are a beginner or yoga expert, there are programs for everyone. Transform your mind and body. The retreat is located right off the beach, so it is very serene. 

Where: Haiti

Why Go // The Experience:

Volunteer at a Disaster Relief in Haiti. Haiti is one of the most impoverished places in the world and whether you go before or after a disaster, they need you! Deliver medicine to the hospitals, bring food to the orphanages, spread the word and information about health issues or volunteer in the local communities. Visiting a place like Haiti is life changing and will widen your perspective in regards to things such as poverty and foreign policies. 

Where: Alaska

Why Go // The Experience

Wilderness survival school is something everyone needs to enroll in. You never know when you will need the skills. California Survival Training offers a course in Talkeetna, Alaska on a private 837 acre location. They teach minimalist survival. You will learn how to survive a wide array of outdoor emergencies and allow you to test your skills while being fully immersed in a rugged outdoors environment. It is very challenging and will test you physically and mentally, but it teaches you to survive. A skill that can ultimately save your life. 

Where: Africa

Why Go // The Experience:

Development in Gardening (DIG) is a program that teaches realistic strategies that increase available foods to individuals, families and communities in Africa. Creating access to food and proper nutrition is at the core of DIGs mission. You can volunteer short and long term with DIG as well as donate to them to help their mission. Their goal is to improve the nutrition and health of HIV-affected and at-risk populations through sustainable gardening. They train people in agriculture and nutrition an provide resources to create projects that empower communities to meet their own needs. A great cause to get involved in! 

For more information call your local Travel Consultant! 

The Caribbean's Best Kept Secret

When I think of the Caribbean the first places that come to mind are Saint Thomas, Antigua and the Grand Cayman just to name a few. Most people can name most of the islands, but it seems as though the twin island country of Trinidad and Tobago remain the best kept secret of the Caribbean. 

Located on the northern edge of South America, the islands are in fact among the wealthiest and most developed nations in the Caribbean. The key to keeping Trinidad and Tobago such a secret is the fact that tourism is not a major industry, leaving the islands abundant with unspoiled beauty not found in many of the Caribbean islands. 

With the average temperature being 70 degrees, both islands are a dream location. Trinidad is divided by three distinct mountain ranges with an abundance of rivers and streams. Thus making the landscapes gorgeous to view while enjoying a hike or laying on the beach. Tobago is mountainous but dominated by just one main mountain ridge. The ocean views are gorgeous surrounding the islands. Both Trinidad and Tobago are popular locations among yacht owners. Cruise ships also dock at the bays. 

Arriving to the island can be achieved by a direct air service from Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, Houston, Orlando, New York, and Newark. For outside the US, London and Georgetown offer direct air services as well. The flights from the US are usually 4-5 hours depending where you are traveling from. 

Popular beaches in Trinidad are Maracas, Tyrico, Las Cuevas, Toco, Mayaro, Chagville, Los Iros and Quinam. Most of the beaches on the North coast are beautiful, with powdery sand and clear blue water. 

Popular beaches in Tobago include Pigeon Point, Store Bay, MT Irvine, Bucco, Grange, Englishman's Bay, Canoe Bay. Tobago's beaches are extremely beautiful.

When I travel to Trinidad and Tobago in the hopeful feature, I have a feeling I would never leave the beach. The water is absolutely gorgeous. There is also a natural coral reef, the Buccoo Reef, so snorkeling is a must when in Tobago!

If you are anything like me, seeing the local wildlife is a must. Both Trinidad and Tobago are full of rare birds, leatherback turtles and home to a wonderful zoo near the Port of Spain.

When I go out of the country, I sometimes worry about language barriers. I usually try to learn the language enough to get by, but sometimes that can be very difficult depending where you travel. Luckily for those who have trouble with learning new languages, Trinidad and Tobago's official language is English. However Hindi, French, Spanish and Chinese are often heard there too, so if you enjoy learning you might enjoy grabbing some Rosetta Stone!

One of my favorite things to do is eat when I travel. Trinidad and Tobago have excellent and varied food options. A popular cuisine is Indian. The food tends to be spicy and full a flavor! Another big thing is deep fried shark. Very controversial, but they still serve it because it is so widely popular. Not my cup of tea, but the locals love it.

If you are into something more light and healthy, they are known for their wonderful kale soup. Now that is something I would be on board for. 

Enjoy a great local alcoholic drink if that is your thing. They are sugar cane colonies, so rum runs freely at the bars on the islands. Moonshine is also popular on the islands!

Remember, always call your local travel agent for more information. They are knowledgeable and can tell you facts that you may not be able to find online. Travel Planners, Inc. in Mountain Brook knows all the details on remote locations and can answer any questions you may have! 

Win 40 Nights of Vacation!

Yes, you read that right. FORTY nights of vacation could be all yours! A chance to win 7 trips, 10 destinations and 40 nights!

FunJet Vacations is celebrating 40 years of business, hence the giveaway!

The prize includes 40 nights of vacation taken in 7 amazing trips to the following 10 destinations:

 

 

3 Nights in Cancun, Mexico
Fiesta Americana

 

BE VIBRANT.

 

Snorkel at the underwater museum. Swim with whale sharks. Dance the night away. Experience top-notch service at the Fiesta Americana Condesa Cancun Resort

 

 

4 Nights in the Riviera Maya, Mexico

El Dorado Maroma

 

BE A TIME TRAVELER.

 

Walk in the footsteps of ancient Mayans. Snorkel among some of the oldest coral reefs. Dive into a cenote in the mangroves. Live in modern luxury at the El Dorado Maroma, by Karisma.

 

 

 

7 Nights in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana

 

BE LUXURIOUS.

 

Lounge on some of the world's best beaches. Go deep-sea fishing and catch the big one. learn to kitesurf or parasail above the sea. get pampered at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana.

 

 

 

7 Nights in Kauai, Hawaii

Outrigger, Kiahuna Plantation

 

BE AN EXPLORER.

 

Hike on a coastline that even cars can't reach. Witness the majesty of humpback whales. Swim beneath a jungle waterfall. Kick back on island time at the Outrigger Kiahuna Plantation.

 

 

3 Nights in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Hilton Puerto Vallarta Resort

 

BE CULTURED.

 

Stroll the historic cobblestone streets. Taste authentic gourmet cuisine. Discover a thriving arts scene. Relax at the stunning Hilton Puerto Vallarta Resort.

 

 

3 Nights in the Riveria Nayarit, Mexico

Marival Residences & World Spa

 

BE ENERGIZED.

 

Discover a Hidden Beach. ATV in the Sierra Madre Mountains. Sail into the sunset on the Pacific Ocean. Enjoy upscale charm at the Marival Residences & World Spa.

 

 

4 Nights in Los Cabos, Mexico

Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos

 

BE SPORTY.

 

Golf on some of those world's top courses. Kayak to the famed Land's End Arch. Fish for the Marlin in the Sea of Cortez. Relax at the beautiful Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos!

 

 

4 Nights in Negril Jamaica

Riu Palace Tropical Bay

 

BE BOLD.

 

Stroll on the famed Seven Mile Beach. Go cliff-diving into the Caribbean Sea. Swim in the mineral-rich waters of the Blue Hole. Stay at the world-famous 7 Mile Beach at the Riu Palace Tropical Bay.

 

 

3 Nights in Montego Bay, Jamaica

Royalton White Sands

 

BE ADVENTUROUS.

 

Ride horseback along the ocean. Soar through the jungle canopy. Feel the rhythm of reggae music. Relax in casual elegance at the Royalton White Sands.

 

 

2 Nights in Las Vegas

The Bellagio

 

BE ENTERTAINED.

 

Dine on gourmet cuisine by renowned chefs. See world-class performances and shows. Stroll under the lights on the Strip. Stay in high-class luxury at The Bellagio.

 

 

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