Travel Insurance

As a way to protect ourselves from our daily lives, we are constantly being told we need one kind of insurance or another. The most common being health, auto and home owner's insurance. All three can take a chunk out of the pocket book, but we're happy we have it when something unforeseen takes place. The new kid on the block is Travel Insurance.

Travel insurance is good to have any time you travel whether by ship, plane or train. It'll save you a lot of grief when you were looking forward to a much needed change of scenery and something unfortunate happens along the way. Coverage varies depending on the cost of your trip, age and the benefits you want to pay for. If you suddenly get sick and are unable to take your journey for example, you could receive money back on your ticket. If you opted out of the Travel Insurance, then there would be nothing you could do to redeem the cost of the ticket.

There is always the chance that you could have a medical emergency on a trip and need to be hospitalized. Say you are out hiking and get cut during a fall or your appendix decides to go bad, the insurance provides comprehensive coverage and will give you peace of mind and a smaller doctor bill when you arrive home.

You could be covered for trip delays, cancellation or interruption; loss of travel documents including passports; baggage delay or complete loss; sickness or death by you, family member, travel companion or business partner; some policies even cover cancellation for work reasons (but ya gotta pay a little more!); others include concierge services.

Travel Insurance policies range from Basic to Platinum and everything in between. Taking out an insurance policy for your next trip is highly recommended, but completely optional. I recently took out insurance on a trip heading to Nevada even though it's a domestic flight. This is a first for me, but by working in a travel agency, I hear the best and the worst of hundreds of trips including all the trouble airlines cause their passengers. This time I thought if my trip was delayed or my luggage lost in space, at least I could recoup some of my hard earned cash.

Spending the extra $15-$900/per person can save you thousands of dollars and a lot of frustration when an airline decides to creatively delay your flight or nature takes a turn for the worse. You will be a lot happier than your fellow travelers knowing your situation will be covered by your Travel Insurance policy.

Next time you book your International Trip, talk with your Expert Travel Agent about taking out the travel insurance policy that works best for you and your family. Have a pleasant and safe trip!

Saving Money on Travel This Season

Almost every American is feeling the effects of our current economic situation in some way or another. We all seem to be finding ways to save a little cash wherever we can, whether it be eating out less, riding our bikes more, carpooling, or making our coffee at home.

If you are due for a much needed vacation, or really just need a getaway, fall is often the best time to get the most trip for your money. This year the sales seem to be better than ever! Some of the best specials going on now include:

- Some international airlines, such as SAS, have substantially marked down their Airfares to Europe for their Fall Sales.

- Hawaiian Airlines is having a sale on Airfares and Packages to Hawaii, with savings up to $400 off of some of their air + hotel packages.

- Cruise lines, such as Carnival and Royal Caribbean are offering some of their lowest prices of the year on their Caribbean Cruises for the fall and winter.

- Many hotels are doing "Free Night" promotions, such as "Pay for 3 Nights, Get the 4th Night Free!".

- Some tour companies, such as Trafalgar, are offering discounted South Pacific Escorted Tours for the fall, with saving up to $500 per couple!

Most of these special promotions need to be booked by mid October. Many of them are for travel in October - November.

Contact Us for more information on these and other fall travel specials! Many travel promotions need to be booked through a Professional Travel Agent.

Traveling During Hurricane Season?

Hurricane season is among us! During this time of year, it seems as though there is a new hurricane or tropical storm forming just about every week. However, this is still a very popular season to travel. Some of the best deals on airfares can be found in late summer and fall. Many resorts in the Caribbean, Mexico and Central America offer promotional rates, and most cruise lines offer some of their lowest prices during these months.

I personally have taken a few Caribbean cruises in September, and have had no issues at all. I got great rates on the cruises and airfare, even had a cabin upgrade once, and had nothing but excellent vacations. However, it doesn’t always turn out like that.

When planning a vacation to the Caribbean, Mexico or Central America during the late summer and fall, it is important to keep in mind that there is a chance your plans will be changed or cancelled. Already this year, many cruises in that area have had to alter at least one of their routes to avoid a hurricane, flights have been cancelled and some hotels have had to close briefly.

If you are going to be travelling during hurricane season, remember these tips for a safer trip:

1. Get Travel Insurance, and make sure that your policy covers hurricanes. Also, make sure that you purchase the insurance before the hurricane forms, otherwise it most likely won’t be covered.



2. Use a Travel Agent. This is a perfect example of why to use a Travel Agent instead of booking online. In case of an emergency or cancelled trip, the Travel Agent is there to help you.



3. Check with the airline, cruise line, or tour operator about their travel services back to the U.S. in the event of a hurricane.



4. Minimize your risk of encountering a hurricane by traveling to the lowest hurricane risk islands of Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, or Trinidad and Tobago. Or take a cruise, since cruise ships are mobile, they are able to avoid hurricanes all together.



5. Leave a detailed itinerary with a friend or family member at home.



6. Make sure you have the phone number of the nearest U.S. Embassy or consulate with you at all times.

Contact a Professional Travel Agent today for assistance with planning your next vacation!

What To Do in Brisbane Australia?

Thinking about traveling to Brisbane, but not really sure what there is to do there? Brisbane is a city for every traveler, offering an abundance of outdoor activities, art galleries, museums, shopping, beaches, fine dining and nightlife.

Some of the most popular attractions in Brisbane are:

• South Bank is a community vibrant in arts and culture, situated on 16 hectares of waterfront property. It is full of outdoor markets, cafes, restaurants, walk ways and bike paths. And for those warm Aussie days, cool off at Streets Beach by taking a dip in the swimming lagoon. Home of the Queensland Art Gallery, Queensland Museum, Queensland Gallery of Modern Art and the Performing Arts Center it’s a great destination with those who have art in their hearts.

• Story Bridge. Bridge tours are available on this famous bridge. A guide will take you on a 2 ½ hour climb, almost a kilometer up the bridge, providing stunning 360 degree views of the city, the Bunya Mountains and the Brisbane River.
  


• Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is the world’s first and largest koala sanctuary. The Sanctuary offers opportunities to get close to many different types of Australian wildlife, including kangaroos, wombats, dingos, and of course koalas! You can even experience holding a koala. The soft marsupial will cling to you like a young child; it is not your average animal!
  


• Riverlife Adventure Center is a perfect way for any outdoor adventurer to spend the day. Located on the edge of the Brisbane River, they offer rock climbing, abseiling, kayaking, cycling and rollerblading.
  


• Moreton Bay Islands are just a short drive and ferry ride from Brisbane. Offering dozens of sandy islands in the sheltered blue waters, Moreton Bay is a favorite getaway for Brisbane locals and visitors alike. Here you can feed the wild dolphins or make the rewarding hike up to the summit of Mount Tempest.

Check out our Australia Independent Packages to help you get started planning your trip or if you like a more organized style of traveling see our Australia Escorted Tours. Any way you travel to the great land of Oz, be sure to include Brisbane on your itinerary.

Best and Worst Airports to Sleep In

No one ever plans to sleep in an airport. Unfortunately, sometimes due to flight delays or cancellations, we are forced to. According to www.sleepinginairports.com, these have been rated the best and worst airports to sleep in by travelers.

The Best:

1. Changi (Singapore) International - The airport hotel rents rooms by the hour, free massage chairs in the Oasis Lounge, free internet kiosks, showers (for a fee), pool and sauna, free movie theater, comfortable seats, clean bathrooms and 24 hour restaurants.

2. Seoul Incheon International, South Korea – This airport features long couches, luggage lockers, clean bathrooms, free internet café, Korean Sauna, wide variety of shops and restaurants.

3. Hong Kong International, China – Clean bathrooms and showers, seats with massagers, 24 hour buffet, 24 hour internet café, comfortable, padded seats, and a nursery/kid’s area.

4. Helsinki-Vantaa Airport, Finland – Clean and quiet, soft benches, clean bathrooms, friendly, helpful information staff.

5. Auckland, New Zealand - Internet kiosks, long couches near gates, kid’s play area, luggage storage, clean bathrooms, telephones which offer free local calls!

The Worst:

1. Paris Charles de Gaulle, France – Cold metal benches, and bucket seats with arm rests, some gates do not have seats, dirty, smelly bathrooms, noisy, expensive food.

2. Mumbai (Bombay), India – Restrooms are filthy and smell bad, food is awful, no services at night, mosquitoes, check-in areas crowded, lack of signs/information.

3. Indira Gandhi (New Delhi) International, India – Lack of seats, dirty bathrooms, lack of signs, mosquitoes, rats, crowded, minimal services and restaurants.

4. Jakarta, Indonesia – Uncomfortable seats, very few restaurants, many peddlers/beggars, dirty, squat toilets.

5. Kiev, Ukraine – Cold and noisy, restrooms do not have toilet paper, hard plastic seats with arm rests, dark, customs officials try to bribe.

Contact an International Travel Specialist today to start planning your next trip!

10 Busiest Airports in the U.S.

According to the Federal Aviation Administration, these were the busiest airports in 2007. Each logged hundreds of thousands of flights last year.

1. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International / Atlanta, Georgia, 991,627 flight last year. Make sure to check the airport website for up to date information about current wait times.

2. O’Hare International / Chicago, Illinois, 926,973 flights last year. This airport offers a good variety of restaurants and eateries, including Goose Island Brewing Company and Johnny Rockets.

3. Dallas-Fort Worth International / Dallas, Texas, 686,711 flights last year. DFW has two on-premise hotels, the Hyatt Regency and the Grand Hyatt.

4. Los Angeles International / Los Angeles, California, 680,954 lights last year. Located 20 miles southwest of downtown L.A., there is public transportation to and from the airport via Los Angeles County Metro, Culver City Bus Lines, Santa Monica Big Blue Bus, and Torrance Transit.

5. Denver International / Denver, Colorado, 619,941 flights last year. The Denver Airport has Hospitality Ambassadors, easily spotted by their white cowboy hats, who are there to assist travelers with information or directions.

6. McCarran International / Las Vegas, Nevada, 619,941 flights last year. If you’re in a hurry to get started gambling, there are slot machines located in the airport. Try to avoid traveling on Thursdays and Sundays, as those are the airports busiest days.

7. George Bush Intercontinental / Houston, Texas, 603,641 flights last year. Most of the airport security personnel at this airport have been trained in CPR and how to use a defibrillator.

8. Phoenix Sky Harbor International / Phoenix, Arizona, 539,211 flights last year. This airport features 2 dog parks and an Airport Museum in Terminal 3.

9. Douglas International / Charlotte, North Carolina, 525,943 flights last year. Douglas Airport is famous for being the first airport to offer rocking chairs through out.

10. Philadelphia International / Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 499,683 flights last year. There is a free cell phone parking lot for drivers picking up passengers.

Contact a Professional Travel Agent today to start booking your next trip!

A Review of the Hideaway Resort in Fiji

Some clients of ours just returned from their 9-day vacation to the beautiful Fiji Islands where they stayed at the Hideaway Resort in one of the Garden Bures. This moderate property is located approximately 1 ½ hours from the Nadi, Fiji airport, on the Coral Coast.

Here is what our clients had to say about the resort: “It was quite a large resort, very spread out and peaceful. …The gardens were immaculate. The bures (villas) were roomy, with good air conditioning and the cleaning (staff) was thorough. All members of the staff were amenable, agreeable, and always smiling.

There was entertainment of one kind or another every evening. We ate dinner there every night and the menu changed every night too. The food was delicious. …All in all, I would go to Fiji again. I would recommend (Hideaway Resort) to anyone who does not expect a 5 star…”

The Hideaway Resort offers the following amenities:

· A large multi purpose swimming pool with water slide, children's wading pool, conversation dish, 8 people spa, area for water games and aqua aerobics, reading blocks, and ideal deep end for scuba diving training.
· Pool surroundings are equipped with lounges and tables for outdoor dining
· Large theater restaurant overlooking a beautiful lagoon
· Cannibal Cafe, poolside with views overlooking lagoon
· Boutique
· Health and beauty spa
· 5 Palm Padi Dive School
· Handicraft Shop
· Wood Carving Center
· Professionally Equipped Gymnasium

This resort is just one of hundreds available to enjoy in Fiji. Take a look at a select few of our Fiji Vacation Packages and contact one of our Fiji Experts today to book your dream vacation to Fiji.

How Do You Pick the Perfect Cruise?

In the process of searching for the ultimate adventure in cruising, there are many choices that need to be made during the planning stage. Here are some items you'll want to consider to ensure a fabulous experience and to create lifelong memories.

Size of Ship: There are small, medium and large ships that can accommodate up to 900, 1300 and 2500 passengers respectively. Of course, there are the super small vessels that carry only 100 or fewer passengers but you pay more for that luxury. Decide whether you’d like to recognize individuals throughout your cruise or blend into the crowd – there is the perfect size ship to suit your needs.

Style of Ship: Ships tend to be either more formal or very causal. You will want to choose if you are more interested in wearing flip-flops to dinner or prefer to dress a bit fancier a few nights, or during the whole duration of the cruise.

Length of Cruise: The amount of days you want to cruise is definitely a component you'll want to consider. There are anywhere from 3-27+ day cruises available on a variety of cruise lines.

Kids or No Kids: Cruise lines offer certain sailings that are geared towards family with lots of activities for the kids and plenty of fun for adults. If you are searching for a more quiet cruise or one that has been designed for couples, those are available as well.

Dining Options: Some ships offer simple “open” style dining meaning you can eat whenever you want. Others offer both open and sit-down options and some only offer reserved dining meaning you have a set time for dinner. There is usually a formal night on most cruises so you could be casual for 90% of the cruise and have one gourmet evening of dinner and dancing.

Type of Port Stops: Cruises offer a variety of port stops. Depending on whether you want the freedom to explore at your leisure or you want scheduled shore excursions like a guided tour, choose the cruise that best fits the way you like to explore a new place.

Destinations: Weather and type of eco-systems might be a consideration for you. Do you like scenic places to travel to or is warm weather a must? You can have both! There are culture-rich and plenty of adventure type of destinations as well.

Reason for Taking a Cruise: Think about why you want to experience a cruise. Is it for a Family Reunion? A cruise is a fantastic place for such a gathering. All that you and everyone else have to do is get on the boat! If you are looking to relax and rejuvenate, keep that in mind. Many ships are improving, adding and/or expanding their spa offerings. There are cruises that specialize in hobbies from music to naturalists with presentation and well known speakers. Bringing your employees together for a business retreat is a great way to reward their hard work and bring the group closer together. Some other reasons you may consider is the ease of travel a cruise offers and if you simply want to be pampered by having others do the dishes and serve you delicious meals.

Cruising offers a great variety of choices and can usually satisfy everyone in your travel group. Use these tips to start your planning process and narrow down what you’d like to experience on this amazing adventure.

Browse our Cruise Listings and call one of our Cruise Specialists to discuss the unlimited possibilities and to help book your cruise today!

Fly in Style to Australia on Qantas' New A380 Jumbo Jet

Starting in late October, Qantas will be flying their new state-of-the-art A380 jumbo jet out of Los Angeles and San Francisco to Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne and Cairns. This aircraft is superior to other large aircraft in many ways.

It was designed to be the most environmentally friendly aircraft in the world. The A380 uses 17% less fuel per passenger than other large airplanes. The take off and landing are significantly quieter than other planes and it has the quietest cabin in the sky (so you may actually be able to sleep on the plane!).

This jumbo jet offers 450 seats: 332 in economy class, 32 in premium economy, 72 in business class, and 14 individual first class “suites”.

These are perhaps the best economy seats around. They were designed to be ergonomically correct, and not only do they recline and the seats shift slightly forward, but there are also foot rests. Every seat comes equipped with its own state-of-the-art entertainment system, offering new movies, hundreds of TV shows and games. Also, each seat has its own USB and internet ports. So when you can’t seem to find some shut eye, you’ll have entertainment at your fingertips.

The business class seats can lie completely flat, extend up to 80 inches long and even feature a built-in massager! Each business class seat comes with several personal storage options, including a laptop storage compartment and a shoe cupboard. Think of it as “moving-in” for the next 14 hours of your trip.

The first class suites feature a large, 29 inch-wide comfortable armchair with a built-in 5 zone massage system and a touch-screen suite controller. With just a touch of the finger, you can adjust the lights, the seat/bed and raise or lower the shades. The seats convert into beds that are 29 inches wide x 83 inches long. (Okay, these passengers will be sleeping for sure.)
Qantas will begin flights on the A380 in late October and certainly look forward to having you onboard.

To book your next Australian vacation, connect with one of our Expert Australia Specialists or browse through our Australia Airfare, Independent Packages or Escorted Tour Options. See you downunder!

What to do in Sydney Australia?

Sydney is one of Australia's largest cities and is located in New South Wales on the Southeastern corner of the country. Sydney is rich with arts, entertainment, outdoor activities and plenty of beaches to surf.

Here are just a few of the highlights of Sydney to consider when planning your trip downunder:

• The Sydney Opera House is one of Australia's most recognized and most visited tourist spots. Designed by Jorn Utzon, it is situated on Sydney Harbour at Bennelong Point and was completed in 1973. Approximately 300 events run here annually, including Opera Australia, Australian Chamber Orchestra and The Australian Ballet. Guided back stage tours are offered year round and it's a wonderful place to relax on the steps near the water.

• The Sydney Harbour Bridge is a favorite of tourists and locals alike. After 9 years of construction, it opened to traffic in 1932. The bridge is used by cars, bicyclists, pedestrians and trains with pedestrian walk ways on both sides of the bridge making it safe to cross and enjoy the view. For a more rewarding view and an amazing experience, try the guided BridgeClimb Sydney. This 3 ½ hour adventure brings you to the top of the bridge at 134 meters where you will be rewarded with 360 degree fantastic views of Sydney Harbour and the city skyline. Choose to take a tour at dawn, day, twilight or night. Definitely a tour of a lifetime and must-do if you are comfortable with being on top of the world.

• Darling Harbour is a huge waterfront precinct that is just a 10 minute walk from the city center. It is one of Sydney's largest shopping, dining and entertainment areas. You will find many delicious waterfront dining options and bars for night entertainment at Cockle Bay Wharf and King St. Wharf.

• Also located in Darling Harbour is the Sydney Aquarium. This aquarium showcases the world's largest collection of Australian marine life, such as sharks, eels, sting rays and crocodiles. Some other attractions worth visiting in Darling Harbour include the Chinese Garden of Friendship, the Australian National Maritime Museum and the Sydney Fish Market.

• The historical precinct of The Rocks was the first settlement in Australia in 1788. Today the beautifully restored buildings are homes to shops, restaurants, boutique hotels and galleries making it a great place to spend the day shopping, eating and browsing local art.

• Located just 7 miles from the city center, Bondi Beach is Australia's most popular beach. Bondi is a great place for surfing, diving, enjoying the sunshine, rollerblading, cycling and people watching. Surfing lessons are available as well as boogie board rentals. Campbell Parade, which runs along the beach, offers an abundance of shops, restaurants and bars. Some other great beaches in this area include Coogee, Manly, Palm Beach and Whale Beach.

• The Blue Mountains is a great choice for anyone looking for an incredible wilderness getaway. The name comes from the "blue haze" that hangs over the region caused by a fine mist of the eucalyptus forests. The area is well known for its forests, gorges, canyons, limestone caves, beautiful bush-walks, Aboriginal engravings and luxurious resorts, fine dining and day spas.

As you can see, Sydney has something for every traveler. Check out our Australia Independent Packages to help you get started planning your trip or if you like a more organized style of traveling see our Australia Escorted Tours. Any way you travel to the great land of Oz, be sure to include Sydney on your itinerary.

Winter Vacation? Start Planning Now!

Ah, summertime, my favorite season of the year.

Summer means long lazy days, barbeque's, hanging out at the beach, swimming in the water, flip flops, warm nights and a vacation.

Many people actually plan their summer vacations in the midst of the winter. Not only can the idea of a trip cheer you up on those cold, dark days of winter, it also makes a lot of sense financially and based on the best availability. In fact, to get the best of everything (rates, seats, hotel rooms, entertainment tickets, cruises, etc.), it is recommended to book international trips about six months in advance.

In reverse of summer vacations, as we are approaching the month of July, it's time to start planning your winter vacation. This means that somewhere in between picnics and hanging out at the beach this summer, it's a great idea to get started planning that winter vacation.

And when we are in the midst of the cold, dark winter days, heading someplace warm is just what the body and mind need.

Call a Travel Agent today to get started planning your winter getaway. Some great suggested destinations include Fiji, Tahiti, basically anywhere in the South Pacific as it's their summertime during our winter season. Bring summer to you this winter!

Airline Baggage Fees

It seems that everyone is feeling the effects of the record breaking fuel prices in some way or another. For most of us, it’s when we go to the gas station or buy food. Every time I fill up my car, the prices are higher than the time before and a few items at the grocery store breaks the bank. Because of this, I’ve been trying different methods to use less gas, be more fuel efficient and I decided to plant a garden.

This also means that companies using large quantities of fuel, such as airlines, are finding ways to either reduce their consumption through alternative fuel research and/or by charging for what used to be included in all flights such as drinks and snacks. They are looking for any way to cover the costs.

Unfortunately this means higher airfares and more fees for passengers. Many airlines have started charging fees for all checked bags, including the first one. I have a feeling that all domestic airlines will be charging these fees soon if gas prices don’t start going down soon.

For a complete list of which airlines are charging fees for checked bags, speciality seating and snacks, check out this link http://rickseaney.com/domestic-airline-fee-chart/ or contact your airline.

Even with the high fuel costs, there are incredible deals for all international travel. Airlines still want their planes full and look at the bottom dollar. To find out about the best prices and the inside, up-to-date scoop, contact your Travel Agent for all your travel needs.

Pack Light, Travel Light New Baggage Policies

With more and more airlines charging fees for checked bags these days, many travelers are trying to find ways to avoid checking bags all together.

Packing light has many advantages, besides just avoiding airline fees. For example, you don't have to stand around for an hour waiting for your bags to show up on the baggage carrousel upon arrival at your destination and there's no chance that your bags will be lost or damaged en route. It's also easier to get through busy airports and train stations with fewer and smaller bags, and it makes it simple to take public transportation, rather than relying on high costs taxis and limos.

Here are some tips and suggestions for packing light, and fitting all your travel luxuries into one easy, carry-on bag.

• Make a Packing List base on items and clothing that you know you'll need on your trip and stick to it! Try to avoid bringing items that you think you might need.



• Wear layered clothing when you travel, that stretches and breathes giving you more room in your bag



• Pack wrinkle-free clothing as much as possible



• Rolling your clothes instead of laying them flat in the bag will provide more space



• Select one or two color scheme. Sometimes it's a good idea to add a few items with dark patterns, such as plaids as they help hide wrinkles, stains and dirt



• Reversible clothing, especially tops, are great choices since they effectively double your clothing choices.



• Pack clothing that will dry quickly as you may need to wash some items during your trip



• Consider using a dual-purpose bag (suitcase/backpack combined) if you're going to be doing a lot of walking



• Remember the TSA 3-1-1 Carry-On Liquid Rules:



• Any liquid or gel packed in your carry-on bag must fit in a container that is a maximum of 3 ounces



• 1 Quart: Containers carrying your liquids and gels must be packed in a clear, plastic bag that is no larger than 1 quart and has to be able to close completely



• 1 Person: Every person is allowed to bring one clear, quart-size bag of properly sized containers noted above. Many stores have increase their supply of toiletries that meet the TSA guidelines



• To simplify things for yourself, consider buying toiletries such as shampoo and toothpaste during your trip

For more information about up-to-date baggage policies and fees, check with your airline as it may change often. To book your next trip-of-a-lifetime, contact your experienced Travel Agent for travel to the South Pacific including Australia, New Zealand and Fiji, as well as Hawaii and Europe.

"If you wish to travel far and fast, travel light."
Cesare Pavese

Cruising with a Theme

Have you ever thought about taking a vacation that incorporates your special interest or hobby?














Cruise lines are making it easy with more specialty and theme cruises being added every year! That's right, most cruise lines including Carnival, Holland America, Royal Caribbean, Costa and Celebrity all offer some type of specialty or theme cruises.

These cruises offer the opportunity to indulge in a favorite hobby or increase your knowledge of a wide variety of subjects, from gourmet cuisine and fine wine to sports or music.

Programs may include special menus, guest speakers, performances by the noted entertainers, theme-related shore excursions and the chance to interact with leading figures in a particular field.

Some passengers might prefer to entertain themselves while at sea, but many are welcoming the growing thematic trend. Special-interest programs give passengers the opportunity to look at the destination from a different perspective.

There are a variety options to chose from, including:

Wine and Food Festival
Spotlight on Chocolate
Baseball Greats
Antiques Roadshow
Elvis Cruise
The Rock Boat (Rock 'n Roll Festival at Sea)
Gotta Dance Cruises
Mind, Body and Spirit Cruise
Grow Younger, Live Longer with Deepak Chopra
Christmas Markets Cruise

Embarking on a themed cruise is a great way to meet like-minded individuals and find time for your interets that you may not have time for at home. Start planning your cruise today by calling an Expert Cruise Agent. An agent is a great way to answer all your questions, get the inside scoop and the best way to find the lowest price. Cruise with your hobbies today!

Doing something you Love...

Recently joining The Travel Team in Seattle, WA has been one of the best moves of my life. I've traveled fairly far and away, met incredible individuals, jumped off cliffs and lived in a bus. Many people have varying opionions on the phrase, "Find something you love to do and find a way to make a living doing it." One opinion is not to mix work with pleasure. That's what the owner of the company I left to work here told me on my way out the door after a mere month and a half on the job. I am taking the phrase literally. Anyone who has traveled knows what I'm talking about. How can I incorporate this life passion into making some cash.

Trust yourself when your intuition says you need to hit the road and travel. Work can wait. Life will not. Traveling IS life. That happened to me as I was standing in the cold office of my previous employer, "You need to find a job in the travel industry or travel." I've had this thought since I was nineteen and here it is again, ten years later. This time, I've chosen the work part.

Only a month into my former job, I found myself on trusty old craigslist looking for something different. Third listing down in a job category I normally don't check...Travel Assistant and Marketing Manager position in Seattle. Brilliant!

Here I am almost two months into the job and I don't even flinch when I have to get up for work. I look forward to it.

See how The Travel Team can change your life with an adventure to Australia, New Zealand, the South Pacific or on a Luxurious Cruise. No time like the present my friend!

Cruise in Style

As I was cutting out paper snowflakes last night for an upcoming holiday party, it dawned on me…winter has arrived and with that comes dry skin, cold feet and layers of clothing that do nothing for ones figure, male or female.

Ditch those layers, start lathering on the sunscreen, dig out those flip flops, your heading on a cruise. Cruising is becoming a lifestyle. When you walk onto the ship you “check-out” for the rest of the journey. Never mind packing and repacking your belongings as you move from destination to destination, leave your bed unmade, your toothbrush on the sink and tour the many towns you will visit along the way. Your meals are usually included and the workout room is around the corner. It’s a floating city folks with more to do in one day than most of us can think of accomplishing in a week. No cars to get into, no traffic to deal with. Just kick back and relax. Take part in the activities offered or don’t. It’s your choice.

There are cruises available that take you all OVER the world. Not just the Caribbean, around Hawaii or up to Alaska, but Australia, China, Africa even Tahiti. The right cruise for your pocket book, length of journey, desired destinations, style of onboard activities and weather full of sunshine is there for you.

If you have a bigger pocket of Benjamin Franklin’s and you’re thinking of a more private cruise adventure, you’re in luck. The Titantic days are not long forgotten. Cruise lines are now offering private sun decks, V.I.P. pools and escorted tours at land ports away from the crowds. You can find luxury in this personalized arena if you are willing to pay. It takes you away from the masses and into seclusion, one of the reasons many of us travel.

There are many reasons to take a cruise. Here are just a few:

· Experience many diverse cultures without taking heaps of cramped flights
· Luxury of doing everything or nothing at all
· Never seeing a price on the restaurant menu
· Everyone in the group will find something to do whether they want to or not

Check out these cruise deals that will knock your socks off! You can search by cruise line or by destination. It's up to you!

Remember, the world is 2/3 water and you really haven’t seen the earth until you step on board the ship deck. Welcome aboard!

Tramping New Zealand

Looking to add some adventure - and exercise - to your vacation? Consider going tramping (New Zealand for hiking) - a wonderful way to see this great county’s scenic highlights.

The “Great Walks” are the most well-known and traveled treks, as they cross through some of the country’s best scenery. These 9 tracks are operated by New Zealand’s Department of Conservation, offering higher standards of trails and lodging than you might find along other tracks in New Zealand. Consider adding one (or more!) of these treks to your vacation:

• Lake Waikaremoana Track (3-4 days through Hawke’s Bay region)
  
• Tongariro Northern Circuit (3-4 days through the North Island’s volcanic region)
  
• Whanganui Journey (5-day canoe trip in the North Island’s southwest)


• Abel Tasman Coast Track (3-5 days through Abel Tasman National Park)
  
• Heaphy Track (4-6 days through Kahurangi National Park along the South Island’s west coast)


• Routeburn Track (3 days through Mt Aspiring and Fiordland National Parks)


• Mildford Track (4 days from Lake Te Anau to Milford Sound)


• Kepler Track (3-4 days through Fiordland National Park)


• Rakiura Track (3 days through Rakiura National Park on Stewart Island)

Rather than driving to Milford Sound, wouldn’t it be much more exhilarating to tramp through Fiordland National Park? Or, pretend to be Frodo as you journey through Tongariro National Park (Mt. Doom in Lord of the Rings).

Don’t be intimidated: there are treks for all abilities, ages, and fitness levels. So, if you have a few more days off, think about adding some tramping to your New Zealand vacation. Check out our Tramping New Zealand package, combining city sightseeing with some guided day-tramps in Tongariro and Marlborough.

Experience the Professional Travel Agent

The Travel Agent is making a welcomed reappearance in the travel industry. Stop spending hours online searching and comparing and trying to remember where you saw what, when. Enjoy your time outside with your dog or chat with a friend. Call a travel agent, talk with her for a few minutes and let her take it from there. How much easier can planning a trip be?

These individuals are specialized in your destination of choice and can get you great airfare and a trip you’ll wish you had taken sooner. They’ll book your accommodations, tours, transfers, flights; give you suggestions…heck they can even get a dozen roses sent to your room before you arrive, all with one phone call.

Agents will work within your budget, share testimonials from other travelers and be more than happy to discuss any concerns you may have. They are professional and have a lot of years under their belt to get you exactly what you want with little effort on your part.

Here are a couple of testimonials from travelers who have booked through an agent:

"Everything about our trip was perfect."

"I would also recommend you to anyone in need of a travel agent - you're the best!"

"All your arrangements were flawless!"

"It's so much nicer to have a friendly, knowledgeable

person to guide me through the process."

"...the best airfare and special attention..."

Bring the personal touch back in your life. Hear the voice of a helpful professional whom you can communicate directly what you desire to experience during your vacation. No surprises, just the simple luxury of having a flawless itinerary and the knowledge that you can call the agent during your trip to tell them how great everything is going or if you need help working out a glitch.

When it’s all said and done, your time is worth a lot – take those hours spent on the internet and spend them doing something you desire to do like bake some cookies or read a book.

The Professional Travel Agent is here for you every moment of your adventure (of course during business hours because they want to go home and read a book too!).

Australian Wine Tour

The Australian Wine Industry is the fourth largest exporter of wine in the world. They also consume as much as they export – 400,000,000 liters per year. They must of heard that red wine is full of anti-oxidants and being the health conscious bunch they are, what other reason would an Aussie need?

If you find yourself on a walkabout in the beautiful country, your palate will be delighted with wine made from grapes grown in all seven regions: Queensland, Victoria, New South Wales, Tasmania, South Australia, Western Australia and the Northern Territory – who could get bored? See the Hunter Country Valley website for some interesting artistic visuals.

As an oenophiliac (guru of wine) you can taste your way across the continent with escorted tours (so you don’t have to drive) or with a sober friend willing to go through the adventure wineless…and behind the wheel on the right side of the car, driving on the left side of the road with the determination not to get stuck going around in circles in the Australian round-about…entertaining at least. I say sign up for an escorted tour.

Want to take a wine tasting class? I happened to meet an Australian mate in Port Macquarie who was taking a college course in just that…wine tasting. The class went through all components of the ritual: the swirling, the smelling, the swishing and the spitting! I’m sure one could find a day course along the journey to shed some light on the whole process. I found it enlightening and educational - I wasn't so aware of how the tongue is divided into "flavor zones" before the class. Plus, I feel more comfortable ordering a simple bottle of wine at a restaurant when they show up at the table, pour a bit of wine in your glass and stare at you as you wiggle in your seat wondering what the heck you’re supposed to do. You’ll know your way around the swirling, smelling, and swishing (but hopefully not spitting at the table) ritual without embarrassment.

One of the better sites out there to help you with your Australian Wine Adventure is Wine Region Tours. It offers up a lot of useful information including wine tour guides specific to each region in PDF form to get your mouth watering and your trip planning phase in gear.

If you have traveled through Australia visiting Sydney, Melbourne, Cairns, etc. already, why not pop over for a relaxing tour of the wine country taking you out of the city and into the hills. As I heard from an ATT Australian/New Zealand Tour Guide, “Life’s too short to make bad wine.”

What are you waiting for? It’s well worth the journey for an experience never to be repeated. Check out our great Australia and New Zealand Wine Tour.

Fully Escorted Coach Tours of New Zealand

Escorted Tours are a great way to see other countries – you can focus all your time and energy on seeing the sights, rather than driving, booking accommodations, and reading guidebooks. With our wide selection of escorted coach tours, your trip to New Zealand will be full of memories, while completely free of hassle and worry. (Let your tour guide do the work for you; you’re on vacation!)

New Zealand has some of the world’s most beautiful scenery and intriguing cultural experiences. Plus, with your tour guide there to give advice, you’ll have the inside scoop on what to see, where to eat, and where to shop.

Riding in the coach, you’ll have informative commentary to accompany your sightseeing. You’ll stay in some of New Zealand’s finest hotels. And, you’ll meet some truly fascinating people.

Please take some time to browse some of our Fully Escorted Coach Tours of New Zealand. We have hundreds of other escorted tours not listed on our website so call a Travel Team agent to find out more.

Air Tahiti Nui

Tahiti is one of the world’s top tropical destinations; temperatures are always in the 80s. Located directly south of Hawaii, half-way between Los Angeles and New Zealand, it’s not that far away, either.

If you’re planning a trip to the South Pacific, think about taking the “boutique carrier”: Air Tahiti Nui. Constantly rated one of the world’s best airlines, a flight on Air Tahiti Nui is an experience in itself.

1st class is a treat: Small and quiet, you’ll enjoy a fully-reclining bed with a duvet (and your own pajamas!). Coach is also very comfortable, with double armrests, extra legroom, and in-seat video monitors.

The flight attendants are some of the industry’s best, winning awards for best cabin staff. Serving travelers delicious French cuisine while dressed in traditional Tahitian clothes, you will feel like you’re already in Tahiti.

Once you land in Papeete, either stay in a hotel on Tahiti, or board another Air Tahiti Nui flight to another island: It’s a 45 minute flight to Bora Bora, while Moorea is only 7 minutes away!

With daily service from LAX, Tahiti is not as far away as it seems. And, don’t forget, travel on Air Tahiti Nui to Sydney or Auckland, and you can have a free stop in Tahiti. Check out some of our great Tahiti packages, many that include a flight on Air Tahiti Nui. French Polynesia is calling!

Some Concerns about User-Generated Websites

You’ve done some research on travel review website (like tripadvisor.com and cruisecritic.com), right? They’re great resources for independent travelers who are trying to decide what destinations to visit, where to stay, which cruises to sail, or where to eat.

But, haven’t you noticed how some hotels (or cruises, or restaurants, etc.) can have several great reviews . . . and then one absolutely horrid report? You probably write off the one bad review and go with what the majority wrote, but it still leaves some doubts, doesn’t it?

Then, there are the reviews that are too good to be true: Is that 3-star hotel on Waikiki Beach really the best hotel in the world??

Lots of these reviews can simply be written off to the fact that people like to exaggerate. However, an even more disturbing thought is that the reviews aren’t even written by customers!

Earlier this year, the famous guidebook author, Arthur Frommer, wrote an article for the San Francisco Chronicle: Why online travel buzz might be bogus. He discusses the emerging PR tactic called “Buzz Marketing.” Basically, companies within the travel industry are paying people to post reviews on user-generated websites (including tripadvisor.com, etc.) – positive reviews about the company, negative reviews about the competitor.

Maybe that’s why Steve Kaufer, the founder of tripadvisor.com, still uses a travel agent for his own trips.

User-generated websites are great to get the ideas flowing. But, follow that up with a call to your travel agent – someone who can give you an unbiased opinion. We at the Travel Team like to think we’ve got a lot of unique and useful knowledge to offer. Why don’t you check out our website? Then, give us a call for some vacation advice, based on our own travels. The Travel Team Agents are your Australia and New Zealand Experts.

Rotorua

If you’re traveling to New Zealand, make sure to hit-up the “thermal wonderland” – Rotorua, 3 hours south of Auckland. Built over a geothermal hot spot, Rotorua is a city constantly erupting with steam, hot water, and mud.

Some of the must-see highlights of Rotorua include:

• One of the Thermal Parks –Te Puia or Wkakarewarewa Thermal Village
  
• Skyline Skyrides – ride a gondola up Mt. Ngongotaha for great views of the area


• Rainbow and Fairy Springs – New Zealand wildlife park


• The Agrodome – a park/museum about rural life in New Zealand (Don’t miss the sheep show!)
  
• Attend a traditional Maori Hangi (feast)

Rotorua is right on the shores of Lake Rotorua, while several other lakes are in the surrounding areas. Spend a day on the water, whether that’s trout fishing, boating, or relaxing on the shore. Spend another day hiking or mountain biking in the nearby Whakarewarewa forest or traveling up north to the sunny Bay of Plenty.

Learn more about Rotorua by visiting our website. Then, view some of our New Zealand Packages and Tours that include a stop in Rotorua.

Australia and New Zealand Tours

Planning to travel those 14 hours across the Pacific? Rather than just visiting one country, why not take some extra time off from work and hit up both Australia and New Zealand in one vacation?

Many airlines offer very affordable (sometimes, even complimentary) stopovers, allowing travelers to easily create multi-city itineraries. Consider the following schedule: Fly from the USA to Sydney, travel around Australia for 2 weeks, return to Sydney to fly to Auckland, tour New Zealand for another 2 weeks before flying home to the USA. Many of our clients have done the same (or very similar) itineraries for their own vacations to the South Pacific.

The options are endless:

• Rather than return to Sydney after touring Australia, consider flying to Auckland from Brisbane
  
• Instead of flying, there are frequent cruises between Sydney and Auckland
  
• Maybe add another stopover onto your trip: Fiji
  
• Travel from the USA to New Zealand before traveling on to Australia

The list goes on and on! View some samples of our Australia and New Zealand tours. Then, call an expert Travel Team agent for more travel ideas and to help with all the logistics.

Air New Zealand

Since many of our customers fly to Australasia via Air New Zealand, we decided it would be nice to provide a little overview of that popular airline:

Based in Auckland, Air New Zealand is NZ's official carrier. Servicing the major destinations in New Zealand, it can make a lot of sense for tourists to travel via air within New Zealand. Please note that in addition to the major cities of Auckland, Christchurch, and Wellington, Air New Zealand also services the Bay of Islands, Rotorua, Dunedin, and Invercargill, among others. (For more information on domestic travel in New Zealand, see our previous post.)

As a Star Alliance member, Air New Zealand is also a well-respected international carrier. Not only does the airline fly into the major cities of Australia and Asia; it also offers non-stop flights to and from San Francisco and Los Angeles, CA, as well as Honolulu. From Los Angeles, travelers can fly to London, UK, where they can make connections to other European cities.

Currently, Air New Zealand offers 4 classes on its airplanes. Business Premier is the highest level of service, offering its passengers fully lie-flat beds. Immediately below is Business Class, followed by Pacific Premium Economy. This new Premium Economy class has more legroom, larger seats, and greater seat reclines than Economy Class. A major perk of flying Air New Zealand is the recently instated on-demand entertainment, available to all classes of service on roundtrip flights from California, USA to Auckland, NZ.

Now that you know a bit more about New Zealand's national carrier, consider flying Air New Zealand for your next trip to Australasia. You won't be disappointed! Visit our website to view some of our great airfares on Air New Zealand.

The Blue Mountains

Have you noticed that almost any travel package of Sydney, Australia includes (at least) a day in the Blue Mountains? Unfortunately, most Americans do not know much about Sydney’s nearby natural neighbors. So, we thought we should provide a short overview of the UNESCO World Heritage Area, the Blue Mountains . . . and why it’s one of Australia’s “must sees”!

The Blue Mountains offer some of the most spectacular scenery on the Australian continent. Its 1 million hectares contain rainforest, canyons, forests, and waterfalls, as well as a wide array of animals and birds. The area is named after the mist created by eucalyptus tree oil which hangs in the air.

The most popular sight in the Blue Mountains is The Three Sisters: A three-point rock formation. Learn about the legend of the Three Sisters, here. Travelers should also try to visit the impressive Kanangra Falls and Jenolan Caves.

Home to some of Australia's best hiking trails, the Blue Mountains offer many exploring options for all hiking levels, from the casual walker to the more adventurous expert. Tromp through the canyons, up the impressive peaks, past the many waterfalls, and through remote caves. Many companies offer guided tours.

There are several golf courses throughout the area, while several of the villages have art galleries and museums on various topics. And, don't forget the wonderful Bed and Breakfasts and nature resorts - you'll feel on vacation from your vacation!

If you plan to visit the Land Downunder during the winter (June, July, August), make sure you attend the Blue Mountains’ Yulefest. Several hotels and restaurants celebrate with log fires, decorations, caroling, visits from Santa, and meals of turkey, ham, puddings, and mulled wine. Now that’s really “Christmas in July”!

The Blue Mountains are easily accessible for the independent traveler, either by car, bus, or Inter-City train from Sydney. (Actually, many of the Australians that live in villages of the Blue Mountains commute about an hour to Sydney for work.) So, there is no excuse not to go – even for just a day! Learn more about The Blue Mountains, and then contact one of our great agents at Travel Team to book your travels to Australia.

Facts on the Great Barrier Reef

Recently, the Great Barrier Reef was voted best destination by the World Travel and Tourism Council. So, what makes this place so special?

Established as a park in 1975, the Great Barrier Reef is the largest marine protected area in the world at almost 348,700 square kilometers. Found off the coast of Queensland in northeastern Australia, the Great Barrier Reef is home to over 1,500 species of fish, 400 species of coral, 4,000 species of mollusks, and 500 species of seaweed, as well as several species of birds, sea snakes and sea turtles.

What exactly is a coral reef? It is made up of both dead and living coral, located just below the water’s surface. Colorful coral is the living part of the reef, while white coral is dead. The Great Barrier Reef is actually comprised of roughly 2,800 individual reefs; it is not a single, continuous barrier.

Located north of the Tropic of Capricorn, the Great Barrier Reef has beautiful temperatures all year long. However, it is largely agreed that the best time to dive is October through December, while January through March can often be quite rainy.

The Great Barrier Reef is a snorkeling and scuba diving adventure park! Popular diving spots include some of the many shipwrecks found within the Reef. Additionally, the Reef is breeding grounds for humpback whales.

Sounds exciting, right? Well, there’s no time better than the present to start planning your vacation to “The World’s Best Destination!” View packages to Australia, many which include an unforgettable trip to the Great Barrier Reef.

Cheap Airfares in New Zealand

Often a highly underrated way to travel, vacationers can gain a lot from learning about the possibilities of domestic airfare. If you are planning a trip to New Zealand, we urge you think about booking some domestic Air New Zealand flights to make the most out of your trip.

Cheap airfares in New Zealand are not hard to come by. Quite often, any one-way flight within New Zealand costs less than $100 USD. With cheap airfares like this, wouldn’t you rather spend more time in the places you want to be than riding in a bus or driving in a car, day after day?

If your trip to New Zealand is crunched for time, may we make some itinerary suggestions? Rather than driving from Auckland to Rotorua and then all the way down to Wellington, crossing over on a ferry, and continuing down to Christchurch…why not simply take a flight from Rotorua to Christchurch? Then, you have more days to see the sights on the South Island.

Conversely, if you are more interested in seeing the Bay of Islands, Lake Taupo, and the vineyards on the North Island, book a flight from Wellington to Queenstown, so you can still see that gorgeous city, Milford Sound, and maybe even Mt. Cook National Park.

With cheap domestic flights within New Zealand, your vacation possibilities are endless! Contact us for more information on Cheap Airfares in New Zealand and further travel advice.

Last Minute Cruise Deals to Australia

While it’s getting harder and harder to find last-minute cruise deals, especially to the most popular cruise destinations – the Caribbean, Alaska, and Europe – there are still areas of the world where great cruise deals can be found. One such example is in the South Pacific.

Though more and more travelers are heading to the Land Downunder for their vacations, few realize the grand possibilities of cruising Australia. With the fabulous coastal cities of Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne, plus the amazing Great Barrier Reef, Australia is an ideal cruise destination.

Most Australian cruises take place during the summer months (winter in the northern hemisphere), with itineraries ranging anywhere from 4-40 days. While Sydney is the most popular departure city, most cruises travel along the Pacific Coast of Australia, allowing passengers to disembark at Melbourne, Adelaide, Hobart, Brisbane, Cairns, and Port Douglas for diving adventures in the Great Barrier Reef.

While you have traveled so far, you might as well see New Zealand while you are there! The beauty of cruising is how easy and affordable it is to see both great nations of the South Pacific. See Auckland, the “City of Sails”, Wellington, New Zealand wine country, and Milford Sound. What a wonderful voyage!

Visit our website to view the various cruise itineraries in the South Pacific and find great Last Minute Cruise Deals to Australia! Additionally, consider a cruise in combination with a land package, for an up-close look at Australia’s famous Outback.

Lake Taupo

So, you’re planning a trip to New Zealand? You might have heard about Lake Taupo (and its breathtaking scenery), but you don’t know much about it, what to do there, or if you can afford it! If so, then let us detail why no trip to New Zealand would be complete without a stop at the beautiful Lake Taupo.

First, a geography lesson: Lake Taupo is the large lake, situated in the very center of New Zealand’s North Island. Its gorgeous scenery is a result of the surrounding Taupo Volcanic Zone—26,500 years ago, a violent eruption caused the surrounding land to collapse, creating the Lake Taupo basin. Journey to the Lake Taupo region, and you’ll be encircled by stunning views of the lake, nearby mountains (including Mt. Ngauruhoe, which played the role of “Mt. Doom” in the Lord of the Rings Trilogy), and, of course, the volcanoes.

But besides the scenery, why should you visit Lake Taupo? Let us just list out some of the many incredible activities you can do there: relax in the thermal Taupo Hot Springs, kayak past ancient Maori rock carvings, adventure in a Huka Jet, raft on the Tongararo River, bungy jump, sky dive (did we mention, New Zealand is the adventure capital of the world?), snowboard, skiing, golf, sail, hike in Tongararo National Park, or go fly fishing on the lake.

There is obviously plenty of reason to visit, so where should you stay when you get there? By far, the most well-known is the Lake Taupo Lodge—an elegant lodge with luxury suites and 4-course dinners, for premium comfort and relaxation in New Zealand. However, if luxury lodges don’t fit into your budget, don’t despair! Lake Taupo has hundreds of different accommodations, from budget hostels to 3-star hotels, and from local homes available for rent to fishing lodges, for the true fishing enthusiast.

Whatever your travel needs and desires, Lake Taupo is the vacation destination for everyone! View some of our packages to Lake Taupo, in the North Island of New Zealand. Then, call one of our agents to book your vacation. Happy travels!

Australia Tours

A good way to see the sights Downunder is to travel in the comfort and ease of a tour.

No longer do you have to worry about confirming hotel reservations, getting lost driving in an unfamiliar country, or - most importantly - missing any of the top attractions. When you travel with a tour, your vacation truly becomes a vacation. Sit back and relax as your tour operator takes the wheel, letting you focus on the reasons you traveled Downunder in the first place: relaxation and impressive sightseeing! (And don’t forget the interesting commentary you’ll receive along the way!)

So, don’t spend your vacation checking into hotels, lugging your bags everywhere, or getting lost in the Outback. Instead, ensure your vacation will be filled with great memories when you travel in the ease of a tour.

Check out some of our many Australia tours and discover how easy it can be to go on vacation!

Fly to Australia

With so many vacation destinations, how can you ever choose? May we suggest a vacation you will never forget—a trip to the land Downunder, Australia.

Hop on the world-renowned Qantas airlines and wake up the next morning in the exciting metropolis of Sydney, Australia. Climb the Sydney Bridge, cruise the harbor, go shopping, eat out at one of Sydney’s famous restaurants, and take-in a performance at the Sydney Opera House.

Day-trip to the Blue Mountains before you catch a flight Brisbane on the Sunshine Coast. Relax on the beaches or surf the waves. Travel through the rainforest and take a trip up to Cairns where you can snorkel in the Great Barrier Reef

Or head south to the fashion capital of Australia, Melbourne. Not your style? Then head to the Outback for a true vacation adventure. Speed along the roads in a 4WD, visit Ayers Rock, and try to catch a glimpse of some of Australia’s native wildlife.

In a continent the size of the United States, there’s plenty to do for each unique interest. Visit our website to view some of our many packages and tours of Australia, and while you’re there, take a peak at our discounted airfares and see how reasonable it is to fly to Australia.

Cruise Suites

Have you been saving up to go on a cruise, maybe for your honeymoon, an anniversary, a girls' week away, or a family vacation? Make sure your cruise vacation lives up to your expectations by booking a suite.

Let’s be honest: it’s hard to justify going on a cruise if you book a cabin. Not only are they the smallest rooms on the ship (some even have bunk beds to maximize space), but their lack of windows will require you to go out to the deck to see the passing scenery—and rarely will you find an empty chair. Oceanview cabins, though the name sounds quite lovely, is not usually much more than an inside cabin, with a single window or porthole.

On the other hand, suites are the way to truly enjoy your vacation on the seas. Ranging from standard suites to luxury and even penthouse, at the minimum, suites are 50% larger than cabins and come with added amenities, some of which include: floor to ceiling windows, whirlpool bath and shower, a mini-bar and refrigerator, and either a queen bed and sofa or 2 twin beds and sofa.

Most importantly, suites include a sitting area and a private verandah for lounging and dining. (If you’re traveling with a large group, consider booking a least one suite, so your party can enjoy the benefits of the private verandah.)

Going on a cruise can be the vacation of a lifetime—ensure it becomes one by booking a suite.

View some of our many discounted cruise suites and start planning your cruise vacation, today.

Luxury Cruise Packages

If you have ever sailed on a large cruise line before, been stuck in the bowels of a ship in a room smaller than your bedroom closet, or been disappointed in the quality of service or lack of attention to detail on your cruise experience, take heart--a cruise experience like no other awaits you...and will leave you vowing never to return to the old way of cruising.

Imagine such impeccable attention to detail, where truffles are left on your pillow and the blackjack dealer takes the time to learn your name. Imagine a menu catered to your dietary desires and then prepared by world class chefs. Imagine a ship with all suites and balconies that over look the incredible sea-scape so that you are never left feeling like you are trapped in a cracker box but rather King and Queen of the Seas. Imagine the luxury and quality of some of the world's most lavish hotels, but with the intimacy of personalized service coupled with the warmth of feeling like home. Imagine a six-star cruising experience that leaves you wanting to stay longer and wishing that the end hadn't come so soon.

Stop cursing the day you bought the inside cabin on your first cruise that made you say you'd never try cruising again. Instead, try one of our Luxury Cruise Packages where the touch of fine linen, the scent of fresh flowers, and the texture and taste of fine wine stirs your inner emotions and deepens your enjoyment of life.