TravelStore Vacations

There's something about magical about a rail journey.  There's the sense of comfort of sitting back and enjoying the world go by, as you are moving to...somewhere. It's not like taking a flight or driving somewhere. There's a different sense of the journey, and of the arrival.

The finest of the world's trains offer even more -- a luxury experience, from dining to personal comforts, that make a rail journey quite special and unique.  Certainly you won't find that level of dining and comfort on a flight, car or motorcoach. There's also a more scenic view of the countryside, especially if you're not driving.

As today's travelers seek to enjoy the journey as much as the destination, rail vacations become a compelling option. In recent years, there have been a several new luxury rail journeys that have become available to the discerning traveler, along with the classic favorites.

In an era when being "social" is quite the rage, there's hardly a more social vacation.  For those conscious about the carbon footrpint they leave behind, trains are the most eco-friendly means of transport.

Perhaps the grand-daddy of them all is Europe's Venice Simplon-Orient Express, with its refurbished classic 1920's carriages. One of the newer options is The Maharajah's Express in India, which offers travelers the opportunity to cover large distances and visit more out of the way, and somewhat inaccessible sites, in the utmost of luxury. Not far afield from us is western Canada's Rocky Mountaineer.

Of course there are many opportunities from which to choose. Read more about rail vacations you might enjoy.
 

A solar eclipse is one of nature's magnificent events, and something well worth planning a trip around. So we wanted to get the word out about the Solar Eclipse Down Under.  (No, it's not the latest wrestler coming into the ring, it's Mother Nature at her most splendid.)  Imagine being in Australia's Daintree Rainforest, with front row seats to see a solar eclipse. Cruise the Daintree River to its mouth, for uninterrupted viewing. Then enjoy champagne breakfast and a wildlife tour.

If that's not enough, your Australia vacation will also include fabulous Sydney, the vibrant Great Barrier Reef, and the monolithic Ayers Rock. Of course, this is a once-only event. Sorry, we can get you to Australia any day, mate, but a solar eclipse doesn't happen every year.  The dates for this extravaganza are Nov 6 - 19, 2012.

If this is your cup of tea, then you'll want to know all the stops have been pulled out for this one.  From staying at the Daintree Eco Lodge, the Shangri-La in Sydney, Sails in the Desert in Uluru, and a lot of surprises. Give us a shout if you're interested. Or read more about Australia vacation packages.

TravelStore is pleased to be a sponsor of the Beverly Hills Wine Festival. The event is being held this year at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on Sunday, February 26th, from 2 - 6.  Yes, we know, it's the same day as the Academy Awards. But wouldn't you rather enjoy the afternoon sampling some fine wines and ales, say hello to TravelStore, and then go home in a much happier mood to enjoy the festivities on TV? 

To make it a bit special, there will be a special live tribute to Whitney Houston at the event, featuring some guest performers.  And if you really can't stand to miss the red carpet before the show, the plan is to broadcast that at the event, too.  Check out the website for more information.

As we are a sponsor, you can offer you tickets at reduced rates from this link.

One of our on-the-road agents, Graciella Boltiansky, sent in the following review on the Villa del Palmar Islands of Loreto, the newest property in the Villa Group Resorts' collection.
 
Villa del Palmar, situated along the Sea of Cortez, is an undiscovered paradise that sits at the base of the Sierra de la Giganta mountains. This is home to the largest natural marine park in Mexico "The Mexican Galapagos," offering aquatic activities that include scuba &  snorkeling expeditions in the Islands of Loreto, home to over 900 kinds of reef fish as well as corals, sea lions, dolphins, and more; World class game fishing (sail fish, marlin, yellowfin...); whale watching for humpbacks, Bryde's, pilots, and even blues; windsurfing & kite boarding at neighbouring Scorpion Bay. 

Pursuits include hiking the mountains in search of rare reptiles and birds, renting ATVs to terrorize said reptiles and birds, checking out Baja races in the nearby desert, or playing 18 Rees Jones-designed holes, after which you'll can return to enjoy  Villa del Palmar's exquisite cuisine with International, Mexican, Italian, and fresh Seafood options meticulously created by Villa del Palmar's exclusive Italian Chef. (Don't forget to try his fabulous tacos and many other fresh and delicious specialities.)

Chill in multi-level turtle shaped swimming pools.

The resort offer four and eight-day eco tourism packages that include guided rock climbing tours and nights spent sleeping in ecological tents under the stars.

Special cooking programs for a guest who would love to surprise another, with a Romantic candlelight dinner at a solitary island, at the beach or in the privacy of theirs Beautiful Suite.

Excellent services are provided by the well trained personal, from Housekeeping, to Restaurant, Spa, Gym and massage therapists...

A family recently contacted us wanting ideas for a special trip in Britain.  So it got us thinking and we thought we’d share five with you... Are you in?

1. Experience the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. Scotland is growing in popularity. This year is the 62nd Military Tattoo commemorating HM, The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.  The Military Tattoo is a great event. Who doesn't get excited by pageantry and bagpipes?  In addition to exploring  Edinburgh during the Tattoo, we can add a visit to Glamis Castle, the childhood home of HM, The Queen Mother, St Andrews and maybe Scotland's oldest distillery.
 
2. Harry Potter Tour of England. Explore London through Harry Potter's eyes before you travel on to Gloucester and Oxford where prime city locations were transformed in the films into Hogwarts School.  Your itinerary includes a tour of The Warner Bros. Studio London - The Making of Harry Potter, which showcases a huge array of sets, costumes and props.

3. Savor the Royal Scotsman Rail Journey and Scottish Island Experience. Explore Edinburgh before joining the The Royal Scotsman Orient-Express train for a unique and luxurious rail journey of a lifetime.  Follow it up with a fantastic island hopping adventure taking in the remote and windswept Outer Hebrides, the romantic isle of Skye, Mull and the historic islands of Iona and Staffa. Now honestly, have any of you done this one yet?
 
4. Smell the blooms at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. While the Floriade in Holland is the horticultural event of the decade, not everyone will clamor to get there, and the Chelsea Flower Show is one of the most famous flower shows in the world.  Spend a week and  include visits to gardens like Highgrove, the private gardens of the Prince of Wales, Blenheim Palace, Hampton Court Palace, the Royal Botanic Gardens of Kew, RHS Wisley and Sissinghurst.  Oh, of course, having proper afternoon tea is a must!

5. An Exclusive Castle Celebration in the Scottish Mountains. Enjoy the exclusive use of a highland castle with friends.  No, it's not haunted as far we know... Spectacularly situated on the shores of Loch Ness, the castle sleeps up to 30 people.  Your experiences include a private cruise along Loch Ness, a trip on the famous Jacobite Steam Train, the opportunity to ascend a mountain in a private gondola, and a gala dinner in traditional Scottish dress as a finale.

Yes, there's more happening in England this year than the Olympics!

As a travel planner specializing in Italy vacations (among other destinations), I am frequently asked for something “off the beaten track.” That can have many different interpretations. For most, it is something simple: an area of a city where few tourists go. Or perhaps it is a small town on their way from one major city to the next. But for those who really have seen and done it all in Italy, Apulia is a perfect choice.

Where, you ask? Apulia, or Puglia in Italian, is essentially the “heel of the boot,” that southeast peninsula that juts off mainland Europe into the Mediterranean. Historically, it is practically a country unto itself. In fact, it actually was until the end of the 19^th century, when Italy was finally unified. It has been occupied by Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Muslims, Normans, Spaniards and French, and any combination thereof at any given time! They have all added their flavor to the cultural mix of this region, making it magically unique.

Is it touristy? Yes, and it is a big draw in the summer from other European countries, but it has yet to be fully discovered internationally. Many groups come through, see a couple of the major sites, and then move on to other locations. Few focus entirely on Apulia or spend time here in depth. Yet, it has much to offer and is very diverse.

Apulia has several major highlights. One is the Castel del Monte, the castle built by the Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II in the early 13^th century. This imposing octagonal stone building has almost become the “trademark” of the region. You can’t miss it. It is on every guide book and website for Apulia.   Named a World Heritage Site in 1996, it is located near Andria in the central part of the peninsula. Historians are still debating its intended use. With no moat or other defensive features, it makes an unlikely fortress. Some say it was built as a hunting lodge, but there are no clear indications this was so either.

Moving farther south, you’ll find Alberobello, another must-see in the area. If you can only make one stop in Apulia, this is it. This is the home of the “trulli” houses, cone-shaped limestone buildings constructed without mortar. This type of construction is considered to be prehistoric in design, but the present settlement dates from the 14^th century. Some may claim this is a virtual tourist trap, but I beg to differ. The town, consisting almost entirely of trulli, is far too authentic and charming for that.   The shops are fun, the streets bright and cheerful with the light bouncing off the white walls, and the food is very “pugliese.”   Alberobello isn’t just “off the beaten track” in Italy; it is “off the beaten track” for just about anything!

Continuing on our southern path, we come to Ostuni. This is “La Citta Bianca,” the White City to the locals. It is located on top of a hill and, you guessed it, it is very, very white! All the buildings are white-washed limestone and just glisten in the sun. Bring your sunglasses and be prepared to walk uphill as some of the streets are quite steep. Experts believe the site has been occupied since the Paleolithic era. From more recent periods, medieval gates and parts of the old walls are still intact. You will find narrow staircases, stone alleyways, arches and gorgeous sea views throughout the town. Just off the center of town is a little restaurant district tucked away for lunch or a leisurely drink.

Finally we come to Lecce. Now for something completely different…again! This city is called the “Florence of the South” or the “Baroque City.” Indeed, it is home to many lovely Baroque buildings. Even though this has never been my “style,” one can certainly appreciate their elaborate facades and ornate interiors. More to my liking was the Greek amphitheater sitting right smack in the middle of the major piazza! Ha, the locals wanted to build a new insurance building there but, lo and behold, uncovered these fabulous ruins. So they excavated it and left it right there for everyone to see. In its heyday, it held 25,000 spectators. Pretty awesome. For shopping, this is a major urban area and you can find just about anything. 
 

To name a few other worthy sites to visit, I would add Martina Franca, Locorotondo (both hill towns), and in the northern part of Puglia, Mont Sant’Angelo, a pilgrimage site where the Archangel Michael appeared in a cave. The cave is now part of the church built above it. Again, be prepared to walk up and down hills. And if you are expecting to find the spiritual solitude of the cave, well guess again. It is usually packed with worshipers. Shimmy in sideways.

I must also add a very important note to traveling in Apulia: the FOOD!!! This proves quite exceptional and a complete surprise. Many years ago I had my first introduction to southern Italian cuisine. Or so I thought. Spicy, garlicky, with a liberal dash of pepperoncini, I associated this cooking style with the entire south. However, I learned in Apulia that is the trademark only of Calabrese cuisine, that is, in Calabria, the “toe of the boot.” Ha, in Apulia, it is quite the opposite. The emphasis is on fresh vegetables and many of them, grilled, roasted or even raw. Orecchini, or little ears, is the traditional pasta of choice. You will find it everywhere and even drying on racks in the streets! And the cheeses, wow! If you think you know mozzarella – yeah, that boring ol’ pizza cheese you find in every supermarket in the USA?—well, think again! Wait until you eat still warm right out of the hot water it has been soaking in. Watch out for the wines. Some of them have an oh-so-slightly higher alcohol content than what we are accustomed to here in the USA, like about 14%. So plan your lunches accordingly. 

I would love to help you plan vacation packages to this fabulous region of Italy. There is something for everyone and you will go home feeling that you really did get “off the beaten path” and have had a thoroughly unique experience.

As a travel planner specializing in Italy vacation packages (among other destinations), I am frequently asked for something “off the beaten track.” That can have many different interpretations. For most, it is something simple: an area of a city where few tourists go. Or perhaps it is a small town on their way from one major city to the next. But for those who really have seen and done it all in Italy, Apulia is a perfect choice.

Where is that, you ask? Apulia, or Puglia in Italian, is essentially the “heel of the boot,” that southeast peninsula the juts off mainland Europe into the Mediterranean. Historically, it is practically a country unto itself. In fact, it actually was such until the end of the 19^th century, when Italy was finally unified. It has been occupied by Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Muslims, Normans, Spaniards and French and any combination thereof at any given time!   They have all added their flavor to the cultural mix of this region, making it magically unique.

Is it touristy? Yes, and it is a big draw in the summer from other European countries, but it has yet to be fully discovered internationally. Many groups come through, see a couple of major sites, and then move on to other locations. Few focus entirely on Apulia or spend time here in depth. Yet, it has much to offer and is very diverse.

It has several major highlights. One is the Castel del Monte, the castle built by the Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II in the early 13^th century. This imposing octagonal stone building has almost become the “trademark” of the region. You can’t miss it. It is on every guide book and website for Apulia.   Named a World Heritage Site in 1996, it is located near Andria in the central part of the peninsula. Historians are still debating its intended use. With no moat or other defensive features, it makes an unlikely fortress. Some say he built it as a hunting lodge but there are no clear indications that this was so either.

Moving farther south, you’ll find Alberobello, another must-see in the area. If you can only make one stop in Apulia, this is it. This is the home of the “trulli” houses, cone-shaped limestone buildings constructed without mortar. This type of construction is considered to be prehistoric in design, but the present settlement dates from the 14^th century. Some may claim this is a virtual tourist trap, but I beg to differ. The town, consisting almost entirely of trulli, is far too authentic and charming for that. The shops are fun, the streets bright and cheerful with the light bouncing off the white walls, and the food is very “pugliese.” Alberobello isn’t just “off the beaten track” in Italy; it is “off the beaten track” for just about anything!

Continuing on our southern path, we come to Ostuni. This is “La Citta Bianca,” the White City to the locals. It is located on top of a hill and, you guessed it, it is very, very white! All the buildings are white-washed limestone and just glisten in the sun. Bring your sunglasses and be prepared to walk uphill as some of the streets are quite steep. Experts believe the site has been occupied since the Paleolithic era. From more recent periods, medieval gates and parts of the old walls are still intact. You will find narrow staircases, stone alleyways, arches and gorgeous sea views throughout the town. Just off the center of town is a little restaurant district tucked away for lunch or a leisurely drink.

Finally we come to Lecce. Now for something completely different…again! This city is called the “Florence of the South” or the “Baroque City.” Indeed, it is home to many lovely Baroque buildings. Even though this has never been my “style,” one can certainly appreciate their elaborate facades and ornate interiors.    More to my liking was the Greek amphitheater sitting right smack in the middle of the major piazza!   Ha, the locals wanted to build a new insurance building there but, lo and behold, uncovered these fabulous ruins. So they excavated it and left it right there for everyone to see. In its heyday, it held 25,000 spectators. Pretty awesome. For shopping, this is a major urban area and you can find just about anything. I even found a dynamo bookstore that doubled as a wine bar. I should have thought of that!

To name a few other worthy sites to visit, I would add Martina Franca, Locorotondo (both hill towns), and in the northern part of Puglia, Mont Sant’Angelo, a pilgrimage site where the Archangel Michael appeared in a cave. The cave is now part of the church built above it. Again, be prepared to walk up and down hills. And if you are expecting to find the spiritual solitude of the cave, well guess again. It is usually packed with worshipers. Shimmy in sideways.

I must also add a very important note to traveling in Apulia: the FOOD!!! This proves quite exceptional and a complete surprise. Many years ago – about 37 to be more exact but who’s counting? – I had my first introduction to southern Italian cuisine. Or so I thought. Spicy, garlicky, with a liberal dash of pepperoncini, I associated this cooking style with the entire south. However, I learned in Apulia that that is the trademark only of Calabrese cuisine, that is, in Calabria, the “toe of the boot.” Ha, in Apulia, it is quite the opposite. The emphasis is on fresh vegetables and many of them, grilled, roasted or even raw. Orecchini, or little ears, is the traditional pasta of choice. You will find it everywhere and even drying on racks in the streets! And the cheeses, wow!   If you think you know mozzarella – yeah, that boring ol’ pizza cheese you find in every supermarket in the USA?—well, think again!   Wait until you eat it, still warm, right out of the hot water it has been soaking in. Watch out for the wines. Some of them have an oh-so-slightly higher alcohol content than what we are accustomed to here in the USA, like about 14%. So plan your lunches accordingly. 

I would love to help you plan a trip to this fabulous region of Italy. There is something for everyone and you will go home feeling you reaaly did get "off the beaten path" and have had a thoroughly unique experience.

Read more about Italy vacations.

Once again, I am off to the land of “Danny Boy!”   Just knowing that I am destined for Ireland assures a great time. The warm welcoming people, the bright green landscape, the brilliant blue sea, the beer…oh, and did I mention the beer?

Dublin is as wonderful as always. Can you ever see the Book of Kells too many times? Since the College turns its pages every so often, you can be assured to see a different part every time. The display is fascinating and the gift shop is pretty darn OK too.

I am finally getting to see inside St. Patrick’s. As (bad) luck would have it, the last time I was here I did not get there, opting instead for Christchurch Cathedral as I wanted to see the mummified cat chasing the mummified mouse. OK, I have my priorities but this time, it is St. Patrick’s. I am not disappointed, especially since the boys’ choir was rehearsing. That made for a magical moment.

But I am not long for Dublin. The tour is then off to Killarney for a couple of nights. On the way, we stop at Cashel. Now for someone like me, this is a perfect place: medieval ruins with the incredible 12^th century Comac Chapel.  We also stop at a couple places for bathroom breaks and coffee, which just happen to be next to very tempting shops. I swear I will not buy anything; I will not buy anything; I will not buy anything. I get a fabulous wool shawl with Celtic designs. Perfect for my new Maine winters.

Later this afternoon, I find myself at the famous Blarney Castle, home to the kissable Blarney Stone. Of course, I do it…which is not all that easy for someone with my fear of heights. Someone has forgotten to mention I need to hang myself out over a 4-story drop, backwards, to get to the stone. Nice job of bumping my nose on the darn thing. So I end up with a Blarney Bruise as a souvenir.  

The Poison Garden on the grounds is a pleasant surprise. As you stroll through the pathways, you can contemplate all the ways our medieval ancestors could off their spouses and political opponents, and rue the fact that such behavior is no longer de rigueur in a world with advanced forensic technology and DNA testing.

Back on the bus and off to Killarney, a charming town in the southwest of Ireland and a jumping off point for much of the area.   We get to top off the day with a traditional “jaunty ride,” that is, a horse drawn carriage, around the town and out into the very gorgeous adjacent park. As a decades-long fanatical horseperson, I should know better than to engage in this kind of activity. And sure ‘nuff, the driver not only drives the horse nuts, he drives me nuts too. I contain myself and do not attempt to snatch the whip and use it on him. I stew my way through it all, and quietly thank the horse at the end, and commend him on putting up with the idiot so well. 

The day finally arrives when we do the scenic drive around the world-renowned Ring of Kerry. Yes, it is lovely. You pass through several small villages and towns and down around the water and then up onto the hills overlooking the ocean. The landscape is punctuated with various ruins and the eternal Irish sheep. Eventually you go full circle back to Killarney. Here I finally get to seriously stretch the legs with a walk through the Park to a local waterfall. We circle back and stroll on to Muckross House, the site of a wonderfully well-preserved Victorian country mansion with gardens to match. Lucky for me, the garden is in full bloom and the rhododendrons are enormous blossoming “hills” of pink and red.

It is pub night and I am off to a local establishment that does not cater to tourists…or at least not that many. Here I am treated to the perennial “Danny Boy” performed by the local unsung musician Brendan Moriarty, the real McCoy in that neck of the woods. I also am entertained by his rendition of Paddy McGinty’s Goat , a number that has not enjoyed the fame and success that is its due. (The curious can surely find versions of the song on youtube.)

Next day, I start my journey up the Western coast of Ireland. I take a ferry across the Shannon, and then drive on to the Cliffs of Moher.   What a pleasant place for a break! It offers a couple dining venues, a visitors center, and, yes, shops. Yup, shops. But I hold fast and buy nothing. No, nothing. Really.

The Cliffs are a wonder as they plunge dramatically down into the ocean, a kind of Irish Big Sur.   It is home to many sea birds and the site is set up for both long hikes or short strolls depending on your time and fancy. If the weather is clear, then you can see for miles along the coast.

From here I head inland to the Rathbaun Farm. I confess I am hesitant to visit a place that appears on so many tourist itineraries. But I am pleasantly surprised. It is organized very well. Visiting groups are tightly scheduled and kept apart, out of sight and out of mind from one another. The result is you always feel it is still a small, family run business. And of course, I have always liked sheep. They always look so, well, absorbent, so I am happy to hang out in the barn and play with the lambs and run with the dogs. I am right at home.

Next stop, Kylemore Abbey. I have always admired the photos of this lovely 19th century, faux gothic mansion, with that sweep of lake in front of it. Well, ah, it looks just like the pictures -- no clique intended. But now I have one with me in the foreground.   The interior of the house really isn’t all that fabulous but the grounds are great. Just a short shuttle ride away is the property’s hidden walled garden. Very nice and not to be overlooked. Even the gardener’s cottage is open to the public for a glimpse of life on the big estates for those who are not privileged enough to live in the main houses.

The next day will live in the annals of history. This is the day of the Royal Wedding! I have a very hard time pulling myself away from the telly to go out and sightsee. But I do. I go to Galway to visit the pedestrian zone. This works well, as every shop and business has a TV and I can just go from one to the other. I see The Dress, the long awaited Dress, from a hair salon. Works for me. The shops aren’t that great anyway. Too much the same. No dazzling art galleries or unique boutiques although I do like the bronze statue of Oscar Wilde and the line of flags representing the local Celtic tribes.

Finally, The Treat, the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow: Ashford Castle! And just in time for lunch to boot. I get to dine in a dungeon. How cool is that? Fish and chips in the dungeon. And my room overlooks the lake AND one of the original Norman turrets. Oh, I am happy! 

But wait, there’s more. I decide to go for broke and sign up for an afternoon in the woods with Skellig and Cara. These are my new-found hawk friends from the falconry school on the estate. Of course I have to take Aurelie with me as she is their handler, but she is so wonderful and helpful that I like her just as much as the birds. We romp around the woods, launching the hawks and calling them back. No, we aren’t catching anything, but we really don’t care. Aside from our modern clothes and the fact that we are women, we are back in the Middle Ages, out on a typically Irish day indulging in typically aristocratic activities.

So here I am: dungeons and turrets and hawks, oh my!  

What more can one ask? How about the cuisine for which Ashford is also well-known?   Dinner is a memorable event. Not only is it an incredible meal but it is also the proverbial icing on the cake for this truly fabulous day.

Before being forced to leave this idyllic haven, I make a dash (well, not really a ”dash” but more like a purposeful early morning walk) over to Cong, the nearby village. This is the setting for the old John Wayne movie “The Quiet Man.” I admit that I have never seen this flick, not being a fan of John Wayne, nor of old movies. ( I never understand why the language is so stilted. Why is “girl” pronounced “geehl?” Makes no sense.) But the town is charming and has its fair share of medieval ruins, ponds and ducks. It is my Good Bye Point for taking my leave of Ireland.

In the afternoon, I head back to Dublin and the airport. Sigh.   Another day at Ashford Castle would be perfect. Maybe next time.

Who could resist the opportunity to see—and even hug—a panda bear? Not me. And so my husband and I agreed, (he didn’t really have a choice), to include Chengdu on our recent trip to China. We soon discovered, however, that there is more to this smaller Chinese city than those black and white cuties.

Small is relative, of course. At 14 million people, Chengdu is smaller than Beijing's 22 million and Shanghai's 23 million, and only half the size of Chongqing's 32 million, but it is still larger than Los Angeles. Located in the center of Sichuan Province in southwestern China, Chengdu is a 3-hour flight from Beijing and a 2-hour and 40 minute flight from Hong Kong. It's not only the capital of Sichuan Province, but one of China's growing high-tech cities, attracting companies like Dell, Cisco and IBM.

Like the city of Xian, famous for it's Terra Cotta Warriors, Chengdu is the gateway to a main attraction that draws tourists from all over the world: The Giant Panda Breeding Research Base which is located about 45 minutes from the center of Chengdu. Here you can see giant pandas of all ages, from newborns in incubators to full grown adults, as well as red pandas (which look more like raccoons with rounder faces.) The breeding center has mimicked the natural environment of the panda, growing and cultivating all parts of the bamboo that is the giant pandas' only food. 

The best time to view and pandas is around 8:00am in the morning when they are friskier, and before the throngs of tourists make it more difficult to get the best view or photograph. For an addtional donation of about $120 per person, you have the opportunity, if their mood is right, to get up close and even hug a baby panda. Although this one-on-one encounter is not guaranteed, according to our our Imperial Tours guide, there's about a 98% chance it will happen, and if it doesn't, your donation will be refunded. You do have to don hospital blues, booties and plastic gloves before you greet the panda. Although the meeting is brief,  it's dfinitely a photographic golden moment and the donation helps sustain the center's programs. And if you're traveling with kids, it can be one of the best family vacation destinations when booking China vacation packages for the pandas alone.

Another attraction, just 25 miles outside of Chengdu, is the Sanxingdui Museum. You don’t need to be a history or archeology aficionado to appreciate the significance of the more than 1,000 jade, gold and bronze objects unearthed from the site of the 3,000-year-old center of the ancient Shu kingdom. The museum’s four halls, a total of about 32,000 square feet, display knives, tools, jewelry, ceramics and some very large and remarkable bronzes, masks, and other decorative objects. 

While Chengdu offers its share of Buddhas, temples and tea rooms, it is one of those cities that is better at night. For one thing, the constant gray haze that hangs over the city is less visible at night. Due  to Chengdu’s topography, blue sky is a rare sighting here. But at night, the city comes alive with the lights of numerous restaurants and nights clubs. 

If you like your food hot and spicy, Chengdu is for you.  It’s the center of Sechuan cuisine and known for its hotpot restaurants. Hotpot is a boiling pot that sits in the middle of the table and is divided in two, with a spicy chili oil and red pepper sauce on one side and a not-quite-as-spicy sauce on the other. You then dip different items such as mushrooms or vegetables into the side of the pot you prefer.  The more adventuresome will find typical Chinese favorites to dip like chicken livers and tripe. If the hotpot is not your cup of tea, you can head to a restaurant with more western fare or to the local KFC which seems to exist on every other corner in China. But be careful crossing the. street.  One thing you won’t find in Chengdu is respect for pedestrians, even if you are in a cross walk. 

Every neighborhood also has its share of music clubs. After dinner, just a block or two from the beautiful Shangri-la Hotel, for example, a pedestrian street comes alive with numerous night spots featuring everything from jazz to rock and pop. Young people fill the outside tables while a singer or saxophone player take turns on outdoor stages.

While clearly dominated by the under-35 set, the city offers music for every taste, from concerts at the Jincheng Art Palace to crooners in hotel lounges. To enjoy every thing that Chengdu has to offer, it’s best to stay at least two or even three nights. 

Read more about China vacations.        
   

If you were lucky enough to visit Europe on a Contiki tour when in college, you probably recall how much fun it was traveling with like-minded people, making new friends, sharing free wheeling travel experiences, and perhaps forming long-term new friendships.

So what happened to that free-wheeling openness and flexibilty as we grew older?  Why do some people feel the last thing they want to do for their vacation is travel with a group of "strangers" on a tour? 

There's a lot to be said about independent travel, the specialty of our travel agency. There are a number of reasons to have your trips custom-designed by our travel agency experts.  If you know what you want, you can get it exactly tailored to meet your needs. You may want to visit places that are off the beaten path of most escorted tour packages. For some, when it comes to touring Europe, for example, the best European vacations are done on their own.

There's also a lot to be said for escorted tours.  But more to the point, the escorted tour has morphed in recent years, and the choices and styles now available shows that tour companies are reponding to what travelers are looking for, more so than ever before.  A tour is not just a tour... anymore.  The best tours have evolved to guided vacation packages... A tour can be at your leisure, and slow paced... A tour can provide unique experiences you'd be hard pressed to arrange on your own -- like enjoying lunch at the home of an Italian contessa... A tour can be a framework -- provide a barebones itinerary with hotels and group transportation, but  leaving it up to you what you choose to do in each place...

If you prefer not to travel with a large groups, you can find an escorted tour designed for fewer travelers...Or maybe driving your own car about Europe, or traveling by rail and dealing with your luggage isn't more engaging for you than being driven on an air-conditioned motorcoach with an experienced guide on hand... A tour can be more economical than planning independent travel...

It's also not the case that there's a right or wrong answer. Different strokes for different folks.  And many customers will take an escorted tour one year, perhaps to a new destination, and travel independently other years, or when returning to a destination they've been to before. If you've wondered about taking a tour, the pros and cons, contact our travel experts for assistance.  If you have an opinon, let us know!

A recent post on vacation packages in Italy spotlighted choice adventures in Milan. Now on to Florence.  While small, Florence is grand, and a showpiece for the Italian Renaissance.  I love it because it's easy getting around by foot, and there's something new to see and admire at nearly every corner. It's certainly a highly desirable destination to include on Italy vacation packages.

In search of engaging experiences for you to try, here are seven that catch our fancy:

1. Attend a cooking class at a cooking school, and learn how to prepare some of the best Italian dishes. No doubt a highlight will be dining on your creations.
2. Take an exclusive guided private tour through the Vasari Corridor, connecting the Uffizi and Palazzo Pitti.
3. Rent a mountain bike, or better yet, a Vespa, and explore the hillsides around the city.
4. Enjoy a hot air balloon ride over the Chianti hills.
5. Certainly when in Florence you've enjoyed the views of the Arno River. if visiting in the summer months, consider a river jaunt in one of the old Renaioli punts, and admire the Ponte Vecchio from a unique angle.
6. Learn the antique technique al fresco painting at the Buonfresco workshop.
7. Enjoy a tour of the city by Segway...