Travel Agency

All the places our travel agents have been in 2011

Friday, January 6, 2012 by Dan Ilves

Abu Simbel in Egypt is one must-see sight

As the new year begins, we take stock of where our travel experts have visited within the past year on their vacation packages and site inspection trips. It's fun to look back on all the places we've been! After all, our firsthand expertise is what provides so much of the value in working with clients at our travel agency. So here's a partial list of the highlights from our travels over the past year:

EUROPE
Austria: Vienna, Salzburg, Steyr, Wels
Belgium: Brugges
Croatia: Rovinj, Pula
Czechoslovakia: Prague
Denmark; Copenhagen
England: London, York, Lake District, Wales
Estonia: Tallinn
France: Paris, Normandy, Cannes, Burgundy, Provence, Monte Carlo, Bordeaux, St. Jean Cap Ferrat, St, Paul de Vence
Germany: Berlin, Munich, Potsdam, Dresden, Frankfurt, Bavaria (Octoberfest), Hamburg
Greece: Santorini, Mykonos, Athens, Crete
Iceland
Ireland: Dublin, Killarney,
Italy: Milan, Rome, Puglia, Turin, Florence, Sorrento, Sicily, Tuscany region, Lake Country, Italian Riviera, Venice, Verona
Netherlands: Amsterdam
Romania: Transylvania
Russia: Moscow, St. Petersburg
Scotland: Edinburgh, Glasgow, Highlands
Slovenia
Spain: Barcelona, Madrid, Seville, Ronda, Cordoga, Marbella, Malaga, Granada, Gibraltar
Switzerland: Geneva, Zurich
Turkey: Istanbul, Capadoccia, Kusadasi/Ephesus, Bodrum, Cappadoccia, Izmir

MIDDLE EAST
Israel
Dubai

AFRICA
Morocco
East Africa
South Africa

ASIA:
China: Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzou
India: Varanasi, Khajuraho, Tiger Camps, Mumbai, Hyberabad
Japan: tokyo, Osaka, Hokkaido, Nara, Kyot6o, Hiroshima, Hanata
Korea: Seoul
Maldives
Myanmar
Thailand

NORTH AMERICA
Alaska via the Alaska Highway
Hawaii: Maui, Kauai, Oahu, Lanai, Hawaii
National Parks: Utah, Colorado and New Mexico
Colorado: Breckenridge, Vail, Aspen, Boulder, Beaver Creek,
New Mexico: Albuquerque, Santa Fe
Oregon Coast
Massachusettes: Boston
New York: New York
The Maine Coast
Costa Rica
Mexico: Cabo San Lucas, Guadalajara, ixtapa, Puerto Vallarta, Riviera Maya, Leon
Canada: British Columbia, Alberta, Nova Scotia, Toronto, Montreal

CARIBBEAN/BERMUDA
Bermuda
Puerto Rico
Jamaica
Turks/Caicos

SOUTH AMERICA
Argentina: Buenos Aires, Mendoza, Salta, Patagonia, Bariloche, Calafata
Chile: Santiago, Valparaiso, Puerto Montt, Patagonia
Peru: Coba Canyon, Macchu Pichu, Cuzco, Sacred Valley

SOUTH PACIFIC
Australia: Sydney, Melbourne, Cairns, Darwin, Adelaide, Kangaroo Island, Tasmania
Society Islands: Tahiti, Bora Bora, Moorea, Huahine, Rangiroa
New Zealand, North & South Islands, Auckland, Rotorua, Waitomo

We look forward to sharing updates as we travel in 2012. We hope you'll join us and share yours!

One more reason to consider Costa Rica vacation packages

Thursday, December 29, 2011 by Dan Ilves

on costa rica vacation packages you're bound to find some great beaches.

As the year comes to a close, many of us slow down a bit to enjoy the holidays, take stock of the year that's passed and what's ahead, and hopefully consider what vacation packages to plan. There are so many wonderful places to visit, and our bucket lists aren't getting any shorter. As we tick a destination off, there's usually a new one to add.

But in the spirit of slowing down, perhaps a Costa Rica vacation is worthy of consideration. After all, it is one of the best family vacation destinations. The country is pro- American, is very eco-frienclly, offers lots of outdoor adventures and activities, and has sloths. Sloths? Ok -- let's just roll the video and dispense with the explanations.

We hope you can slow down at the end of the year, and our travel agency wishes you wonderful travel adventures in 2012. Learn more about Costa Rica vacation packages.

Tours to Cuba on the horizon

Tuesday, December 27, 2011 by Dan Ilves

One of the long anticipated, soon-to-be "hot" new destination is Cuba. While Europeans and Canadians are visiting Cuba, Americans, due to political reasons, have been severely limited in booking vacation packages to Cuba.

While travel to Cuba is open to Cuban-Americans, it is still highly restricted for other Americans. While recent announcements were made by some tour operators about upcoming travel vacation packages, these have now pulled back from the market. Some of the problems have to do with strict requirements on how funds can be handled. Another is the higher cost being assessed for U.S. visitors. While Obama has moved to lessen travel restrictions, it's hard to know whether a possible change in administration will further tighten requirements. Here's a recent Miami Herald article.

From the Cuban perspective, while tourism dollars would do wonders to provide improvements, there's probably fear on the impact mass tourism will have. While for some Americans that have visited Cuba on humanitarian exchanges in recent years, the experience was somewhat reminiscent of visiting Russia in the early '70's. Likewise, the infrastructure in Cuba is quite limited, in terms of hotels, guides, rental cars and access for tour busses.

One of our partner suppliers, who is licensed to engage in travel-related transactions involving Cuba, is planning on operating trips between February and May. The programs will be escorted by a noted authority on Cuba, and visits are planned with local professionals, artists, private homes, community projects and a tobacco farm. We stay tuned for more opportunities for Americans to visit Cuba.

For tours to Cuba operated by US suppliers, contact one of our travel agency for more information.

What's your dream vacation?

Friday, December 23, 2011 by Dan Ilves

A recent article in a trade journal discussed what constitutes a "trip of a lifetime." It's hard to pinpoint, of course. For some it has to do with the the powerful lifetime memories one's travel vacation packages create. For others, such trips are created when a traveler has a unique trip created for them from scratch, something that's personalized to their interests, yet different, more exotic or more adventurous. Yet for others, it has to do with the amount of personal enrichment a particular trip generates for the traveler. What's your take?

Certainly there are magical places on the planet that on their own can create lifelong memories and valuable personal enrichment: an African safari, a tour of India, a trip to Antarctica, or exploring The Galapagos. Each of these is a very special experience. But often, it's creating unique personal experiences for a traveler that makes a trip so special, and not just the trip itself.

For each traveler, of course, what makes vacation packages special, or trips of a lifetime, for them varies quite a bit. For some it can be just selecting the perfect hotel for their visit. For others it's something that challenges their comfort zone. For someone else it's getting "behind the scenes" at a place and getting an insider's view.

At our travel agency, unless a client is already thinking out of the box, we might ask for their permission to allow us to plan some particularly unique or enriching experience during their trip, something that may be personally rewarding or enriching for that individual. It's often an activity the traveler hasn't thought of doing, and maybe that's because they were not aware of some of the options that might be available to them. Of course, that's where we step in, and where a good travel agent can offer much value.

Let us know what made your most memorable vacation package special, or a "trip of a lifetime?"

The morphing of escorted tours -- what's your take?

Wednesday, December 21, 2011 by Dan Ilves

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!

India tours growing in popularity

Thursday, December 15, 2011 by Dan Ilves

One of the trends our travel agency is seeing is a growing resurgence in vacation packages to India. While some of our customers have done the typical northern India route, some are returning to southern India, to visit the famed tiger reserves, and to explore more of India's treasured sights. While we work with our in-country contacts in setting up customized itineraries for our clients individually, a growing number of pre-arranged itineraries are also available for those that prefer to travel with a group.

For example, for 2012 one of our preferred suppliers has introduced 12 itineraries, comprised of six escorted tours, plus six optional extensions. The escorted tours range from 8- to 14-days, while the shorter optional extensions are from 3 - to 5-days. These extensions include Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Indian jungle, Rajasthan and Kerala. In fact, two of my colleagues just returned from India where they visited the tiger reserves.

If India is on your bucket list, you can search our database for selected tour programs to India, or contact one of our travel experts. If you've visited India, write in and tell us what your favorite experiences in this magical country were.

Italy vacation packages: Things to do in Milan

Thursday, December 1, 2011 by Dan Ilves

Italy is the perennial go-to destination for our travel agency. We probably have more clients booking vacation packages to Italy than just about any other single country. Hey, what's not to like? From wine to olive oil, pasta to seafood, style and fashion to joie de vivre, Italy rocks!

Today's travelers are looking for unique travel experiences, so we're offering some novel ideas for things you might consider for Milan, one of the fashion capitals of the world. Beyond the Duomo and the fashion district of Via Montenapoleone, here's a few considerations:

1. An entertaining and enriching wine tasting class taught by sommerliers
2. In true Agatha Christie style, consider a murder mystery dinner full of suspense and surprises.
3. If you're a Dan Brown fan, visit the Cenacolo, the capital of the Sforza dukedom, and enjoy da Vinci's "Last Supper" from Robert Langdon's point of view.
4. Consider getting tickets in advance for a performance at the world renowned La Scala Opera House.
5. Did we mention fashion? For designer clothing, Milan is top drawer...

Do you have some personal favorites?
For your stay in Milan, our preferred hotels will include complimentary daily breakfast during your stay, along with other amenities.

Villa le Scale reopens -- luxury Italy vacation packages await!

Wednesday, November 16, 2011 by Dan Ilves

Italy is always one of our most sought after vacation destinations. Travelers never tire of Italy, and there's always new resorts and activities to explore. So what about a luxury vacation package exploring Italy's vacation isles?

The seven-room Villa le Scale, on Italy's most popular vacation island, Capri, is re-opening next May after refurbishment. The stunning 19th century villa continues to appeal to those desirous of Capri's surrounding landscapes and views of the Bay of Naples, and the fine service here, where you're treated as a resident.

One of the few remaining historic homes on Capri, Villa le Scale offers a private, sophisticated appeal. Each of the historic home's guest rooms is individually decorated, each style taking its theme from a centerpiece artwork. The private gardens on the property are three times the size of the villa, and all guest rooms look out on them.

Most rooms also have terrific views of the bay. Amenities here include a heated pool and 8-station gym. Staff can help guide guests to the best activities, restaurants, Capri's secrets and more. And our travel agency can make all your necessary arrangements.

What happens to that leftover soap you leave behind?

Friday, November 11, 2011 by Dan Ilves

Our travel agency loves to read stories on how companies in the travel and tourism business find new ways to recycle, or better yet, do good deeds that benefit mankind or the planet. Within our own travel agency business, and as an ASTA Green Member, we continue to recycle, reduce use of paper and plastic.

When we travel we usually stay in hotels or on cruise ships, use the complimentary soap provided, and then move on, leaving those leftover bars of soap behind. So what can happen to all those soap bars? I loved this story.

A jazz tour in New Orleans with Tauck Tours and Ken Burns

Thursday, October 13, 2011 by Dan Ilves

ken burns speaks to the tauck tours jazz event group

No doubt musically, jazz represents what America is all about. It is intrinsically an American invention, and in that regard, one of our gifts to the world. So it was with great anticipation I signed up to join Tauck Tours' first Jazz Event in New Orleans tour, featuring Ken Burns, the documentarian that has provided us with a wonderful visual and aural reference to the history of jazz in America.

Tauck Tours is one of our premier tour operators for worldwide vacation packages, and we're pleased to be one of their key agency partners.

The Ken Burns affiliation with Tauck Tours is new, and is being develped with various theme tours of America that will be enriched with commentary from Ken Burns. The opportunity to explore our jazz heritage in New Orleans was not to be missed. One highlight of many included the keynote address by Ken Burns, held at the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts, which was preceded by a performance by NOCCA students, and followed by a wonderful performance by the Ellis Marsalis quartet.

Over the course of a few days, we savored a variety of talks and concerts. The kick-off event was an 'informance' on the history of jazz by Bruce "Sunpie" Barnes & the Louisiana Sunspots. Bruce is both a musician, actor, a Jazz National Park ranger, and a former high school teacher as well as college and professional football player. He rocks... and from blues to zydeco to straight on jazz, Sunpie is always enjoyable.

Our musical entertainment included a private concert by Donald Harrison, known as "The King of Noveau Swing." Harrison is a sax player and the Big Chief of the Congo Nation Afro-New Orleans Cultural Group, and appeared in Spike Lee's documentary, When the Levees Broke, as well as in t

the tornado brass band at preservation hall

he HBO series Treme. He has multiple CDs and has recorded with the likes of Eddie Palmieri, Chris Botti and Billy Cobham, among others. (I'm enjoying one of his CDs is in my car.)

No visit to New Orleans would be complete without listening to jazz at Preservation Hall. And we were treated to a daytime performance, just for our group of 30, by the fabulous Tornado Brass Band. In the evening, we had a special treat when we enjoyed a concert by the patriarch of America's First Family of Jazz, Ellis Marsalis, who is a premier jazz pianist, and whose sons are noted jazz performers.

One evening we cruised the Mississippi on the Natchez, accompanied by the upbeat Dukes of Dixieland and Doreen's Jazz New Orleans. Doreen is an awesome clarinetist who we also caught playing in the French Quarter.

We explored Tulane University's Hogan Jazz Archive, where we were hosted by the archive's curator, Bruce Boyd Raeburn, who is a drummer of many years and a specialist on the history of New Orleans jazz. The archives contain thousands of photos, graphics and recordings. he showed us clips of some of the earliest filmed jazz performances -- what a treat.

We toured backstage at the Old U.S. Mint's Louisiana State Museum Jazz Collections, a National Historic Landmark. Here we saw instruments played by Armstong, Bechet and Beiderbecke, among others, as well as photos and sheet music. And we enjoyed a private tour of the Cabildo, part of the Lousiana State Museum, where historian Charles Chamberlain shared a bit more of the history of New Orleans jazz.

At the New Orleans African American Museum, which is in an 1820's Creole villa in Treme, architect Nellie Watson gave an incredible talk about the history of New Orleans, and the city's post-Katrina efforts to survive and thrive. We wish her talk were taped and broadcast -- it was that good.

One can't appreciate New Orleans jazz culture without experiencing the city's jazz funeral traditions. To that end we visited St.Louis Cemetary #1. At the Backstreet Cultural Museum, which preserves the cultural traditions of the city's African American society, we got a deeper appreciation of jazz funerals and that of Mardi Gras Indians. here were the most amazing Mardi Gras costumes on display, and we were surprised to learn that these elaborate works of art are only made to be worn one year. Each year new ones are made!

Our final event was Sunday breakfast, where we were entertained by Lolis Eric Elie, a writer for the HBO Treme series and a documentary producer, who talked about the Treme district, and the importance of preserving our local cultures. That was followed by a moving performance by 45 student performers, aged 9 to 14, who will be appearing in the Rose Parade in 2013.

As you can see, when it comes to travel vacation packages, this Tauck Jazz Event was extraordinary. Read more about Ken Burns American Journeys.

What airlines charge for extra baggage

Tuesday, September 20, 2011 by Dan Ilves

We feel for the airlines... a bit. After all, we want them to be profitable, because we need a healthy airline system that enables us to enjoy vacation packages around the world. Unfortunately, a number of airlines are suffering somewhat, let's call it a virus we hope goes away sooner rather than later.

In the last couple of years, one way airlines have decided to combat their virus, that is find ways of increasing revenues, is by charging fees for this... and charging fees for that. Travel agencies have been in the forefront lobbying the airline industry to disclose their fees. One hot topic has been what airlines assess for baggage fees. And my, how those fees have climbed, especially for international travel if you've got a bit too much baggage to transport! You can catch up on what's going on with baggage fees in this USA Today article.

Are Travel Agents Alive And Well?

Tuesday, September 13, 2011 by Dan Ilves

let a travel agent help you arrange the best vacations

Too often we read about the demise of travel agents. Even President Obama recently made a reference to travel agents as a profession that's been put to pasture. It's not surprising so many consumers don't know what travel agents do, or even whether there's a travel agency still around their neighborhood!

Gratefully, travel agents ARE alive and well. And as pointed out in a recent ABC story, 94% are profitable this year, including our own, we're happy to say.

The ABC story, which focuses on one particular agency, hits a lot of the right notes. However, they missed one part of the travel agency story. In referencing there were 30,000 travel agencies at one time, now reduced to about 14,000, the story failed to mention the intense consolidation that has occured. Sure, many small and inconsequential travel agencies closed their doors. But there were, just as we've seen in many other industries, as many that were acquired by larger companies, and are thriving under a bigger umbrella.

TravelStore alone acquired a few smaller agencies in the past couple of years, adding to our staff and to our expertise, and many of our friendly competitors have done the same. So yes, there are fewer travel agencies, but the expertise and talent has solidified under fewer and larger umbrellas. To some degree, that's also to the consumer's advantage. Our buying power enables us to secure some of the best deals, and more importantly, ensure our clients are well taken care of by our vacation planners, because our business is appreciated and valued by the worldwide resorts, tour operators and cruise lines we work with.

Of course, a lot of folks have jumped into the business, hoping to travel free and make a quick buck. The business isn't so easy, and travel isn't so free, though it's important for travel professionals to travel the world and have first-hand knowledge. And there are some that simply aren't professionals that are tinkering as travel agents.

So when you really need to arrange your best travel vacation packages or cruise vacations, as documented in the ABC story, there's plenty of reason to work with a professional and credible travel agency. Oh, yes, one more thing: we love the internet. In addition to our valued and loyal clients, it's what has helped us grow our business more so than ever before!

Six tips on planning the best family friendly vacations

Wednesday, September 7, 2011 by Dan Ilves

family friendly vacations take everyone into account

Traveling with children always requires some extra prep time. Even when you pick the best family vacation destinations, there's no guarantee everyone will have a great time. Bottom line: you know the personalities and idiosyncracies of your kids and family best. That should largely serve as a guideline on how you go about it. While it's easy for our luxury travel agency to plan your best vacation in Hawaii, or an all-inclusive Club Med vacation, planning luxury family vacations such as a European vacation, Asia vacation and beyond is more challenging. So here are some general observations about family friendly vacations I hope you'll find useful.

1. Take the kids and expose them.
We know children are like sponges in absorbing new sights, sounds and smells. While there are some adults that prefer children not be dragged about the planet because "they're too young to appreciate it, and it's a waste of money;" most parents know exposing children to travel, to other cultures and to new experiences is a great way to acclimate them to grow up to become better rounded individuals. (While this blog isn't about politics, I'm always worried when an elected official to higher office is poorly traveled -- they generally exhibit a much narrorwer viewpoint to the world's problems.)

2. Let your kids be your guide to new experiences.
For parents traveling with children, there's an added bonus. Seeing new destinations through the eyes of children is part of the joy of family vacations. At least that's been my experience traveling with my kids over the years. They often notice and call attention to things that I may not have given a second glance to or considered.

3. Do some advance preparation so your kids have an idea of where they're going and what to look forward to.
When we planned our first trip to Europe with our kids, exposing them to a bit of history and art was important. We went to the library and took out some children's books that dealt with castles in Europe (knights, royalty and all that), and art. Reading these illustrated books, written in language they can understand, prepared them. When we visited a castle or chateau, they had a better appreciation of it, and what life was like in centuries past.

4. How to make a museum visit last longer for everyone's increased pleasure.
We enjoy visiting the world's museums. It's important to limit the time one exposes younger children to at a museum -- there's only so much they'll take or can absorb. But you can make it fun. Our kids have always enjoyed pretty postcards, so sometimes we've gone to the gift shop first, looked at the postcards, had the kids find those they like, then we're off on a treasure hunt in the galleries to find those works of art. Another "game" is have them find paintings that depict certain things, like a castle; or a saint, and what do they think about that portrayal; or an animal, and talk about how the animal is depicted.

5. Don't make all the decisions, let the kids plan some of your activities.
Involving kids in the decision of day-to-day planning is also important. If parents program all the sightseeing without kids' input, and without appropriate down time, kids will generally get bored, have issues, and have a propensity to whine. Making a list of "things to do," and allow everyone to pick their favorite. It's one way to engage kids and cut down on complaining, because they know they got their pick, too. If a full day of sightseeing precludes that, then allow a day just for the kids to do what they want to. If traveling in warm summer months, staying at a hotel with a swimming pool, or near a beach, is advantageous. With the promise of an afternoon swim after some sightseeing, kids can be more patient.

6. Give your kids travel "homework"
Finally, we've always encouraged our kids to keep a travel diary or scrapbook of their adventures. We give them time at the restaurant (waiting for dinner to be served), or before bedtime, to record something about each day. When they were younger, we gave them questions to answer about their day, to make it easier. Saving tickets, pictures, and postcards is also fun and creates memories for them later. Of course, giving them their own digital camera to record their impressions is a bonus. As kids get older, sharing their experiences in the classroom is also useful, and we've encouraged their teachers to let kids talk in class about their adventures abroad, because that's of benefit to all children. (Sometimes they've earned extra credit in class for doing so!)

In working with so many families planning vacations over the years, it's not uncommon, after listening to a client's initial trip request, that I've had to ask: Is this trip for you and your wife, or is it for your kids, or are we planning this so all of you have a great time? It makes them consider that maybe they've left out an important equation -- their kids, or in some cases, themselves and their own needs. That helps us plan a better paced vacation that takes everyone's interests into account. Read more about planning family vacation packages.

Best Vacation in Hawaii At One Of The Best Hawaii Hotels

Monday, September 5, 2011 by Kyra Heede

It's always a pleasure to hear from clients, and a joy to know they've had great experiences:

We are home from our beautiful trip you helped us plan. Thank you so much for all the arrangements you made for our family friendly vacation to The Big Island of Hawaii. Everything turned out perfect! The wine and food that was in our room when we arrived in Hawaii were delicious.

The Fairmont Orchid is a lovely place and we were pampered all the way. My granddaughter loved the pool and cried when we had to leave. We love the Fairmont and I am so glad we stayed on the Gold Floor -- thank you for arranging for us to have a suite. We had never had one before so we were spoiled.

We enjoyed the beach and swimming pool with the whole family.
We all enjoyed seeing the different animals on the Island. Several times we saw goats on the side of the road (between the airport and Fairmont), sheep, and beautiful assortment of birds along with the fish, cats, turtles, and mongoose on the grounds. We drove into Kona and Hilo and saw a couple waterfalls through the mist. The Luau "Gathering of the Kings" was nice and we did try some interesting foods.

We will definitely remember you for our next trip. I also will recommend you to anyone I know traveling. Thanks again and we will never forget this wonderful trip.

God bless, Denise S. & Family from Tampa, FL

Are you looking for the best Hawaii hotels? Are you interested in planning Hawaii vacations or family vacation packages? Our travel agency has the best connections on the islands and can make all your arrangements.

Going to the London Olympic Games in 2012?

Thursday, September 1, 2011 by Dan Ilves

Whenever an Olympic Games hits town, there's a horde of visitors from around the world that want to attend, and for good reason. The Games are an incredible spectacle, and on one important level, one of those rare occasions when the world comes together in friendly competition.

But as it is each Olympic Games, travelers are shocked by the prices hotels charge during these events, which can border on highway robbery. Some cities get away with it, and some suffer the consequences of attracting fewer visitors than they otherwise might have.

Now comes London in 2012. And fresh on the heels of William and Kate's wedding, soon the media frenzy will kick in about the London Olympics. As is typically the case, many hotels tie up rooms for the exclusive use by the IOC. But the good thing about London is, there are lots of accommodation choices, and for those willing to book now, they'll have the best availability, whether at hotels or apartment-type lodging. While many companies are still negotiating rates with hotels and haven't put programs out, others have access and booking accommodations for clients now.

Obviously, the further one stays from the city center, the better the pricing will be, though that will mean battling the underground or city trains and buses to get about. It's important to keep in mind some events won't even occur in London, but in locations like Eton near Windsor, Weymouth, Essex and Hertfordshire. Either way, if you wish to attend the London Olympic Games in 2012, we encourage you to book now. It's bound to be a popular Games.

For those that wish to acquire their own event tickets, or check event schedules, you might refer to www.cosport.com, Otherwise, our luxury travel agency can assist, not just with accommodations, but with touring activities, flights and more. Likewise, we have contacts in London with whom we can make your accommodation arrangements. So for your London vacation packages during the Olympics, or in conjunction with touring Europe, contact our travel agency early, so we can help fulfill your travel request.

Dreaming about an Asian vacation -- this weekend try out Singapore Air

Tuesday, August 23, 2011 by Dan Ilves

Singapore Airlines has always been one of our favorite airlines to Asia. Their service and comfort always makes this long haul flight enjoyable. And Singapore makes for a perfect stepping stone for visiting wonderful southeast Asian counties like Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia and Laos, and beyond.

This weekend, on Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica, between Santa Monica Blvd and Arizona, Singapore Airlines will have its A380 seats on display for you to try out. Strap yourself in and imagine what could be... In addition, there will be an Asian cultural fair of sorts, so if you want to get the inside scoop on traveling to this marvelous part of our world, and what it has to offer, you might want to check it out.

The knowledgeable Asia experts at our travel agency, of course, are always eager to help you plan your vacation to Asia. We've got numerous personal connections with hotels and suppliers, and can plan your dream vacation to Asia. So check out Singapore's seats, and once you realize how cozy your flight will be, maybe you'll be ready to plan that Asian vacation you've been dreaming about with one of the vacation planners at our luxury travel agency.

What's on your bucket list?

Saturday, August 6, 2011 by Dan Ilves

Smithsonian has released it's Life List of 43 places to see before you die. From wonders of the world to thrills for adventure seekers, this is a great list to review for passionate travelers. Whether you're considering African safari tours or an Australia vacation and the Great Barrier Reef, the vacation planners at our luxury travel agency have been to these destinations, and are eager to help arrange yours!

Family friendly vacations: Reducing stress and getting the best deal

Tuesday, July 26, 2011 by Dan Ilves

It's not surprising travel has grown in importance to families. It stands to reason: strapped for time, family vacations are those rare windows when hard-working parents and their busy kids can get away and have quality time together. Family vacation packages are no longer luxuries -- they've become a necessity for many.

Another type of popular family facation is the family reunion trip: multi-generational vacations. When multiple generations, grandparents and extended family, or even a few different families, get together to plan their best family vacation destinations, it can be challenging to find agreement and make decisions that provide fun and enrichment for everyone involved. That's where our travel agency can help -- a lot. As an unbiased advocate, we can help plan the best family vacations and avoid many of the tensions and frustrations planning such trips can involve. It's often easier to have an "outsider" to make recommendations and handle the arrangements.

Popular family vacations include all-inclusive resorts like Club Med and family cruise vacations. That's because everything is pretty much included: accommodations, meals, activities and entertainment. However, our family vacation experts can plan a customized vacation for you to just about anywhere in the world. If there's enough of you to consitute a group, extra amenities can also be offered. For example, right now there are all-inclusive resorts in Mexico where children 12 and under stay, play and eat for free! Or at select resorts in the Caribbean, for every five rooms booked you can get one room free. At a beachfront Maui resort, children 12 and under eat and drink free, and free rollaways for children 12 and under are provided.

If you've been involved in planning your family's vacation for a larger group, perhaps you have some tips to share.

Touring Europe: Breakfast in Berlin, lunch in Helsinki and dinner and a concert in Tallinn

Friday, July 22, 2011 by Hilton Smith

Sometimes the best experience is touring Europe on the road less traveled. New discoveries, away from the big popular destinations, can be rewarding.
In this case ever more visible Berlin and emerging Estonia highlighted this summer's European adventure.

Getting around was easy with advanced planning and my United Mileage Plus miles. For 135,000 miles and the proper routing I was able to get Lufthansa First Class via Frankfurt to Berlin, roundtrip to Tallinn via Helsinki, ending with Swiss First Class from Zurich to Los Angeles. Both carriers were excellent, but I would give Lufthansa the edge with a more comfortable bed, greater entertainment selections and more attentive service.

Berlin is amazing and continues to evolve into one of the most stimulating cities of the world. With over 200 museums of every character, diverse architecture, huge parks and a city river system, a 24 hour a night life cycle and touring costs generally below most of Western Europe, there is plenty of reasons to visit. Of course summer brings Berlin and all of Europe alive.  Yes, airfare is generally less in winter, but summer is unbeatable for the overall best European vacations.

Tallinn, Estonia, which is across the Gulf from Helsinki, Finland, has become popular as a day stop for cruise ships. It is much more than that. Five days in Tallinn was a personal discovery of friendly people in a progressive country, and one more wired than almost any country on earth. The Tallinn Old Town is magical with typical European style hundreds of years old. Beyond that is a thriving city with museums, galleries and churches. Food is amazing and well prepared, including some of the best Russian and European food I have ever had -- and at reasonable prices.

I was lucky to be there during the annual Beer and Music Festival, and for only 12 Euros entrance I was able to mix and mingle with the locals, drinking beer, dining on local cuisine and watching about eight bands a day. A local band, 2 Quick Start, and a touring "Queen" band were the highlights.

When touring Europe, it is easy and convenient to follow the crowds. However, it is sometimes more rewarding to discover and explore something new and exciting. Do you have discoveries you made that made for your best European vacations?

Our luxury travel agency is here to be your travel guide and concierge to maximize your time and funds for the best Europe travel deals.

WiFi connections and phone service within the UK

Monday, July 11, 2011 by Dan Ilves

wifi connectivity in the UK So you're transferring by car in the UK, wondering if you can get any WiFri connection between your destinations. After all, with traffic you've got nearly an hour ormore to kill before you get there, and once you get there, you don't want to spend that hour catching up on emails, right? If only my mobile will work in the car...

Fret no longer. Our preferred group transfer company in the UK is to the rescue, rolling out complimentary WiFi in their fleet of Mercedes vehicles. With their built-in connectivity and stronger signals, you can automatically connect with your mobile devices to their in-car WiFi system with greater reliability than every before. So, when you rely on our luxury travel agency to arrange your best European vacations in the UK, you're set.

If you need a global phone when touring Europe or anywhere overseas, you may find our package from Wireless Traveler of use.