Holiday Travel: How to Pack Lighter

During the past few years, most airlines have changed their baggage policies. It’s now very common to pay a fee for every checked bag, even the first. And, there are additional fees for overweight or oversized bags.

This can make packing for a holiday season vacation a particular challenge. You want to minimize the number of bags you take, but winter’s cold calls for thicker clothing, which takes more space to pack, which means more bags, which means more fees. Because you’d surely rather spend your money on holiday gifts and fun than on baggage fees, here are some strategic packing tips for winter travel:

 

Don’t pack anything without asking yourself this important question: “Do I really need this?” It may help to make a list of the days you’ll be away and what you’ll do and wear each day. You may discover opportunities to wear the same items more than once – especially if you’ll have access to a laundry.

Select clothes that you can layer. Packing a t-shirt that can be layered with a button-down shirt and/or a light sweater may be better than packing one heavier (and bulkier) sweater.

Shoes are notorious for taking up luggage space. Think about the shoes you’ll really need on your trip and leave any others behind. It may be worth investing in a pair of comfortable shoes that look good with both casual and dressy attire. Another idea is to wear your heaviest pair of shoes on the plane.

If you simply must pack some bigger items (perhaps you’re going on a ski vacation and really do need that fleece jacket, down vest, wool socks and other cold-weather gear), consider shipping some items – including your holiday gifts – ahead to your destination. Ship early enough that the package will arrive before you do.

 

As always, check the Transportation Safety Administration’s list of prohibited items for carry-on and/or checked bags, available at www.tsa.gov. Remember that some sporting goods (such as ski poles) are OK in checked bags, but can’t be in a carry-on bag. Some festive items, such as the fireworks you’d like to set off at midnight on New Year’s Eve, are never allowed in either carry on or checked bags.

For more tips on what to bring on your holiday trip, talk with your travel professional – then, start packing!

Holiday Travel: What to do at the airport

An airport full of cheery holiday travelers can be a festive scene, but check-in and security lines can often get long. Travel professionals have lots of advice for staying merry while dealing with airport crowds and delays, and the most important advice is to arrive early and have patience.

In general, arrive two hours before flight time for a domestic flight, and three hours ahead for an international flight. If you know your airport well, you may decide that you don’t need that much time – but, take care. Don’t run the risk of arriving too late to park, check in, check your bags, pass through security, and make it to your gate before the plane door closes.

If you didn’t check in and print your boarding pass at home or have it on your smartphone, use a self-service check-in kiosk at the airport. Then, have any luggage that you need to check weighed and tagged – or pack lightly enough that you can carry-on your bag with the understanding that you can often gate check it if those bins become full. Remember that most airlines limit passengers to one small carry-on bag and just one other carry-on item, such as a tote bag, purse or laptop computer case.

As you approach the security checkpoint, keep your boarding pass and identification handy. If you have a quart-size bag of toiletries in your carry-on, make sure it’s easy to reach and ready to place in a security tray. Put anything in your pockets or on your person that might set off a metal detector – cell phone, loose change, a belt with a metal buckle, a watch, etc., along with your laptop computer – in the security trays, too. In consideration of others around you, begin the process of having each of these items out of your bag as you approach security.

After you’re cleared by security, be sure to gather all of your belongings before you leave the area.

If you have time, sit down to enjoy a snack or purchase some food to take on your flight. Remember that most domestic flights now have a very limited selection of snacks on board.

Finally, call up reserves of patience when you need them. Children traveling by plane for the first time may be overexcited, passengers who aren’t familiar with security procedures may hold up the line, and busy servers may get your sandwich order wrong. Keep your sense of humor and remember that the reason you’re traveling is to enjoy the holidays. With a little patience, you’ll arrive in the right frame of mind for a joyous holiday celebration.

Holiday Travel: What to do before you leave for the airport

Spending time with family and friends during the winter holidays is wonderful, but the travel required to be with the ones you love can often be challenging. From Thanksgiving through­­­­­ New Year’s Day, the holidays are one of the year’s busiest times for travel. You can’t control the crowds, but you can take steps that will help you move as smoothly as possible through the airport. And, preparation begins at home.

A week or two before you leave, think about the routine around your home and make arrangements accordingly. For example, do you need to stop mail delivery, or can a trusted neighbor collect it for you? Think about plants that may need water, snow that may need shoveling, and putting a light or two on a timer switch so that your home looks occupied.

Inspect your luggage and make sure it’s in good condition for travel. Any seams should be fully closed, latches and buckles should work properly, and zippers and wheels should move smoothly. If not, repair or replace it.

Pack as lightly as possible. Leave some room in your luggage for things you may pick up during your travels. Don’t wrap gifts that you’re bringing with you, as security personnel may open the packages. You may even consider shipping those gifts ahead of time so your bags remain as light as possible.

Follow the Transportation Security Administration’s guidance on liquids, gels and powders: most are OK in checked baggage, but if they are in your carry-on bag they cannot be more than three ounces each and must all fit in a quart-size, transparent plastic bag.

Check in online within 24 hours of your departure and print your boarding pass at home. This will re-confirm your seat (remember that many planes are overbooked during the holidays). Some airlines have mobile applications that will let you store your boarding pass on your mobile phone.

On the day you leave, dress simply – you don’t want to deal with layers of sweaters and jackets, lots of jewelry or complicated shoes at the airport security checkpoint.

Just before you leave home, check your flight’s status to confirm that it’s on time.

Finally, if you’re taking your own car to the airport, investigate parking options. Consider using an off site lot where you can make a reservation so you won’t have to waste time looking for an open parking space.

Knowing that you’ve prepared well, get excited about your trip!

For more pre-flight travel tips, talk with your travel professional.

The Best Holiday Travel Adivice: Book Early

There’s still plenty of time to get your holiday shopping done, unless you’re shopping for holiday-season travel. If you haven’t made travel arrangements for Thanksgiving or the end-of-year holidays yet, act fast. And, if you plan to travel for Spring Break 2013, make those reservations now.

Travel agency owners, managers and agents who responded to the Travel Leaders Group 2012 Fall Travel Trends Survey indicated that there’s little time left to find good value on Thanksgiving travel. When asked to compare 2012 Thanksgiving travel bookings to bookings at this time last year, 72.3 percent of survey respondents said their bookings are equal to or higher than last year.

When is the ideal time to make travel arrangements for Thanksgiving and other peak travel times? Six months in advance, according to a majority of Travel Leaders Group’s travel professionals.

When asked to compare end-of-year holiday travel bookings (the time immediately prior to Christmas through the New Year’s holiday) to 2011 bookings, 76.7 percent of the survey respondents said that 2012 bookings are equal to or higher than last year.

The key reasons for the urgency is that there are fewer domestic airlines than there were just a few years ago, thanks to mergers between many carriers. Additionally, because of continued economic uncertainty, airlines have reduced capacity on their remaining flights, meaning that there are less seats available. Since most of the agents who responded to the survey also indicated that their holiday travel bookings are up over a year ago, that means that the closer you get to the date of travel, the more difficult it could be to find the flight you want.

Looking ahead, the majority of the survey respondents advised that travelers who want to lock in the best airfares and resort pricing for Spring Break should make reservations now. Here are their top three reasons why travelers should not wait until the last minute to book Spring Break flights and accommodations:

·         Reduced airline seating capacity. Airlines continue to cut costs by cutting back on flights, and even cutting some routes completely.

·         Lock in airfare costs. Flights tend to get more expensive as the departure date draws closer; last-minute values are few.

·         Lock in hotel/resort pricing. Like the airlines, hotels and resorts tend to reward vacationers who book early.

However far in advance you make travel arrangements, here are the top ways to get the most value for your dollar, according to Travel Leaders Group travel agents:

·         Be as flexible as possible on your travel dates.

·         Be flexible on the time of day you travel.

·         Book your air travel as part of a tour or cruise package.

For more helpful advice and assistance with your holiday and vacation travel plans, talk with your travel professional.

Top U.S. Destinations for Fall 2012

The glamorous desert oasis of Las Vegas, the lush island beauty of Maui and the theme park capital of Orlando top the list of the most popular vacation destinations in the U.S. for fall 2012.

That’s according to the Travel Leaders Group 2012 Fall Travel Trends survey, which asked its U.S.-based agency owners, managers and agents about the vacations they are booking for clients for the remainder of this year.

 Ever-popular Las Vegas maintains its 2011 position at top of the list. It’s hard to beat this city’s combination of glittering hotels and casinos, shops and clubs, entertainment and dining. On the famed Las Vegas Strip, Caesars Palace just opened the 668-room Octavius Tower, which offers a luxurious hotel-within-a-hotel experience. Downtown, the brand-new Smith Center for the Performing Arts is presenting world–class musical, dance and theater performances near the popular casinos and overhead light show on Fremont Street.

Maui moved up from fifth to second in this year’s survey, overtaking Honolulu as the top destination in Hawaii. Maui’s beautiful beaches, waterfalls, and sunrises viewed from the 10,000-foot Haleakala volcano are timeless pleasures, but the island always offers something new. For example, Wailea’s first Wine and Food Festival will be held December 6-9, on the grounds of a lovely oceanfront resort complex.

Orlando is another perennial favorite: Walt Disney World Resort and a host of other attractions  ensure that there’s always something to do to in the Central Florida sunshine. Disney World recently opened The Legend of Captain Jack Sparrow attraction, to the delight of Pirates of the Caribbean fans. On December 6, more new attractions – such as Journey of the Little Mermaid and the Be Our Guest Restaurant – will open in the resort’s Fantasyland area.

The rest of the top ten domestic destinations are also terrific options for a fall vacation – you could accomplish some holiday shopping in these locations, too. They are:

4. New York, NY

5. Honolulu, HI

6. San Francisco, CA

7. Washington, DC

8. Chicago, IL

9. Los Angeles, CA

10. Fort Lauderdale, FL

For help planning your fall getaway, talk with your travel professional.

Celebrate Halloween Where it all Began: Ireland

If you’re past the appropriate age for trick-or-treat, consider giving yourself a treat this Halloween by traveling to the place where Halloween began: the Emerald Isle of Ireland.

Beginning in the fifth or sixth century, the Celtic harvest festival of Samhain marked the end of summer and the beginning of winter in what is now Ireland. As the seasons changed, the Celts believed that the dead were able to briefly return to the mortal world. They lit bonfires to ward off the cold and the darkness of the long nights, as well as the ghosts.

In the eighth century, Christians declared All Saints’ Day/All Hallows’ Day to be November 1 and the Celts began to celebrate Samhain each October 31. The festival became known as All Hallows’ Eve, a name that evolved to Halloween.

As in the U.S., modern Halloween in Ireland is celebrated with costumes, decorations, parties and trick-or-treating. Some parties are city-wide events: the Northern Ireland city of Derry is noted for its Banks of the Foyle Halloween Carnival. As many as 30,000 people congregate inside the historic district’s medieval walls for a grand carnival with live music and fireworks.

Dublin hosts a huge Halloween parade along O’Connell Street. After the parade, travel a few miles north of the city to tour Malahide Castle. The castle was recently refurbished, but according to legend, it is still “home” to five ghosts said to have haunted the historic structure for centuries.

In Dublin or the city of Belfast, you can take a Halloween Ghost Bus Tour, a very comfortable yet awesomely scary ride. You’ll hear gruesomely fascinating tales of jilted brides, prisoners, executioners, plague victims and other unsettled spirits believed to occupy haunted places in the city.

If you’re offered a slice of Bambrack Cake, look at it carefully before you take a bite. According to custom, there is a piece of rag, a coin and a ring in each of these traditional fruitcakes. If your piece has the rag, you might worry a little bit about your financial future. The coin is a sign of a prosperous year to come, and the ring signals a new romance, or continued happiness in your current romance.

Many other cities and towns throughout Ireland hold special Halloween events. To find out more about how you can be part of the fun, talk with your travel professional.

Enjoying the History and Beauty of New Zealand

New Zealand, with its relative isolation in the South Pacific, was settled by humans much later than other lands. Polynesians arrived in New Zealand around 1250 and developed the indigenous Māori culture; the first Europeans – explorer Abel Tasman and his crew – to reach New Zealand arrived in 1642, and James Cook mapped the coastline in 1769.

By 1840, New Zealand became a British colony for protection against other European nations that wanted to claim land there. The Constitution Act of 1852 established New Zealand as a largely-self-governing colony. In 1907, New Zealand became a completely self-governing dominion of the British Empire; and in 1947, 65 years ago, New Zealand became a sovereign state in the Commonwealth of Nations that honor Queen Elizabeth II as their constitutional monarch.

While New Zealand’s governance status has changed through the years, its status as one of the world’s most scenic places has not. The nation’s two main islands, North Island and South Island, offer vistas that are distinctively different and equally worth your time.

The North Island has forests of kauri trees, wonderful beaches and harbors, volcanic landscapes, geothermal features and the center of Māori culture.

The city of Auckland is home to nearly one-third of New Zealand’s population. This multicultural city is united by a love of sailing, evidenced by the approximately 135,000 yachts and launches in its marinas. Another must-see is the city of Rotorua, a center of Māori traditions that is also dotted with geothermal features such as geysers, bubbling mud pools and hot springs. The North Island also has eight major volcanoes, the most beautiful of which is the symmetrical cone of Taranaki.

The South Island is larger, less populated and more mountainous that the North Island. Much of the scenery is dominated by the beautiful Southern Alps, which stretch the length of the island.

Christchurch is the island’s urban center, but some of its major structures were badly damaged in recent earthquakes. Still, there is a lot to do and see in this British-influenced city, including lovely gardens, a variety of museums and art galleries, and striking Gothic Revival architecture.

The South Island also has New Zealand’s largest wine region, Marlborough, where you can sample fabulous Sauvignon Blanc. Visit the Kaikoura Peninsula for excellent whale- and dolphin-watching opportunities. Hiking trails lead up to panoramic views of the town from the Seaward Kaikoura Mountains.

Beaches, ski areas, adventure sports, deep sea fishing – not to mention excellent shopping and dining – are all ready to be enjoyed in New Zealand. To plan your trip, talk with your travel professional.

Treasures of the Vatican

Beginning in 1508, Michelangelo took his paintbrush to the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, located in the Apostolic Palace, the official residence of the Pope in Vatican City. Michelangelo’s beautiful frescoes, considered to be among his finest achievements in painting, were first displayed to the public on November 1, 1512. Now, 500 years later, the ceiling is still awe-inspiring.

The chapel ceiling is just one of many wonders in Vatican City, the Papal state and center of Catholicism located inside the city of Rome. Vatican City has a perimeter of just than two miles around, but this tiny state – considered to be one of the world’s smallest countries – is packed with historical, artistic and architectural treasures.

Much of the Vatican is not open to tourists, but the buildings and museums that are open are spectacular. These include St. Peter’s Basilica: the magnificent dome is the tallest in the world. The vast interior of the church is exquisitely detailed and almost overwhelming in its scale and beauty.

Inside the Apostolic Palace, the Vatican Museums are filled with priceless paintings and sculptures. Some of the best-known are Raphael’s The Transfiguration; da Vinci’s St. Jerome in the Wilderness; and Caravaggio’s The Entombment of Christ.  The Vatican’s collection of modern religious art is located in the Borgia Apartment, a beautifully restored series of rooms.

Many visitors also want to see Pope Benedict XVI, who often delivers a blessing from the window of his apartment above St. Peter’s Square at noon on Sundays. When in residence, he also holds Papal audiences on Wednesdays. You might catch sight of the Popemobile traveling across St. Peter’s Square at about 10 a.m., but you’ll need to secure a ticket to actually attend a Papal audience. Tickets can be obtained in advance from the Swiss Guards at their station in St. Peter’s Square.

Whether or not you plan to attend a Papal audience, when you visit the Vatican you must dress appropriately. The dress code for visitors specifies no bare shoulders, no shorts, and no skirts above the knee. This dress code is strictly enforced: visitors who don’t meet it are denied entrance and are directed to nearby shops where they can purchase appropriate clothing.

For more information about visiting Vatican City, as well as the city of Rome, talk with your travel professional.

Riding Up the Jungfraubahn

Railway enthusiasts already know that 2012 is the 100th anniversary of the Jungfraubahn, the world’s highest railway. Located in Switzerland’s stunning Bernese Alps, near the town of Interlaken, the 1,000 mm railway chugs nine kilometers from the Kleine Scheidegg station to Europe’s highest railway station on Jungfrau mountain.

Most of the trip takes place in a tunnel dug through the massive mountains of Eiger and Mönch. The train stops at two stations, where large windows carved out of the mountainside frame fantastic views. At the Eigerwand station, you’ll see panoramic views of Eiger’s north face and the lovely ski resort town of Grindelwald. At the Eismeer station, you’ll marvel at views of a massive glacier. At the final station, Jungfraujoch, view the frozen summit of Jungfrau from the Sphinx Observation Platform; walk through the Ice Palace, decorated with beautiful ice carvings; and enjoy a hot drink in the station complex.

While the Bernese Alps are a major skiing and snowboarding destination, there’s much more to do there – not only in winter, but all year long. The town of Interlaken lies between two mountain lakes, Thunersee and Brienzersee, that get warm enough for swimming in the summer. You can also explore the hiking and mountain biking trails and try out adventure sports like bungee jumping, river rafting, paragliding and skydiving.

In the winter, recreational opportunities abound. In addition to Alpine skiing, cross-country skiing and snowboarding, visitors can go sledding (the longest sledding run in Europe is on Faulhorn mountain) and ice skating.

In any season, visitors enjoy the ubiquitous fondue restaurants, cozy taverns and souvenir shops along Interlaken’s main street. Be sure to browse the Swiss-made watches, knives, music boxes and chocolates. Brienz, a town at the other end of Brienzersee, is known for its top-class woodcarvers.

If you’re able to visit before October 21, you can purchase a special Jungfrau Centenary Pass. In addition to a trip up to Jungfraujoch station, the pass provides three days of travel on the Jungfrau Railways network, which includes links between Interlaken, Lauterbrunnen, Grindelwald and Kleine Scheidegg. Talk with your travel professional to find out about air travel and lodging options in and around Interlaken.

Discovering Creative Scotland

This summer, all eyes have been on London for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, followed by the thrilling Summer Olympic Games. However, plenty has been going on in the rest of Britain, including the Year of Creative Scotland. This year-long program of festivals, performances and other events, ranging from writers’ workshops to major multimedia exhibitions, showcases the nation’s rich cultural and artistic heritage.

Year of Creative Scotland events are taking place all over the country, including the major cities of Edinburgh and Glasgow. While you’re there to discover Scotland’s creative side, be sure to enjoy some of the historic sights, too.

Edinburgh offers a fantastic collection of historic buildings, including the must-see Edinburgh Castle. Constructed and altered over several centuries, the castle includes the 12th-century St. Margaret’s Chapel; the Royal Palace where Mary, Queen of Scots, held court; and the National War Museum of Scotland.  In contrast, Craigmillar Castle, just south of the city, is essentially a shell – there are no preserved structures or furnishings inside these castle walls, but the atmosphere and views are wonderful.

To see the possible location of Camelot, climb the extinct volcano called Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh’s Holyrood Park. While you’re unlikely to come across Arthur’s sword, Excalibur, it’s worth the climb to see the panoramic views of Edinburgh.

About 50 miles west of Edinburgh lies Glasgow, Scotland’s largest city. Spend some time browsing through “The Barras” – a nickname for the expansive Glasgow Barrowland Market. There are stalls full of everything from fruits and vegetables to kilts and hiking boots. Stay until evening, and you can dance at the Barrowland Ballroom.

Glasgow Green is the city’s oldest park, with beautiful landmarks like the McLennan Arch at the northwest entrance, and the People’s Palace museum, which has the Doulton Fountain in front and an elegant conservatory at the back. The Riverside Museum displays Scotland’s history of transport: the masts of an 18th-century ship near the sculpted metal waves over the museum’s entrance are a good indication of its blend of old and new. Also, don’t miss the famed architecture that can be found by Charles Rennie Mackintosh.

For more ideas about things to see and do throughout Scotland, talk with your travel professional.

Today's Hong Kong

July 1 marked the 15th anniversary of the transfer of Hong Kong from Britain to China, making Hong Kong one of two Special Administrative Regions of the People's Republic of China (the other is Macau, located across the Pearl River delta from Hong Kong).  The city is celebrating the anniversary with events ranging from concerts to dragon-dance parades, all adding to the energy of this fascinating city.

Since the transfer, Hong Kong's unique blend of Eastern and Western cultures (it was part of the British Empire for most of the time from 1842 until 1997) has been maintained through the practice of "one country, two systems."  Hong Kong has its own political system and judiciary, and high degree of autonomy in most areas of governance and operations.  It remains a global financial center, a retail wonderland, and a place where you can enjoy dim sum and English high tea in the same afternoon.

Hong Kong, while densely (and vertically) populated, is also a place of extreme natural beauty.  Take the tram to the top of Victoria Peak for a breathtaking view of the city and harbor below.  Hong Kong's harbor is busy and interesting during the day, with all sorts of traditional and modern watercraft at work.  But, the best time to cruise the harbor is at night, when the impressive skyscrapers are lit up by a fabulous light show.

If you're traveling to Hong Kong soon, note that some 15th anniversary events will continue into fall.  For example, the Museum of Art's special exhibit on Emperor Qianlong will run through October 14th.  The display includes treasures from Beijing's Forbidden City,  most of them collected by the Emperor himself.

Hong Kong's luxury hotels are a treat to visit at any time of the year.  The elegant Peninsula Hotel is known for it's Rolls Royce limousines, white-gloved bellboys and high tea, complete with cucumber sandwiches and other English delicacies.

The luxurious new Ritz-Carlton Hotel has the distinction of being the world's highest: it occupies floors 102 to 118 of the International Commerce Center.  The hotel's height gives it unmatched views of the city, the harbor and beyond.  While each guest room has a spectacular view, you can also check out the panorama from the Club Lounge or one of the six restaurants.

Visiting London for the Summer Olympic Games

This summer, the city of London, England, will host the Summer Olympic Games for the third time in history.  In 1908, the games were moved to London from the original host city, Rome, due to the eruption of Mount Vesuvius.  In 1948, London hosted the first Olympic Games to be broadcast to home televisions.  The third London games, July 27-August 12, 2012, promises to make history as well. Events will be held in a combination of already-famous venues, such as Wimbledon (tennis) and Wembley Stadium (soccer), as well as in new, purpose-built venues.  Enhancements to London's facilities and transit systems will serve visitors well not only during the Games, but for years to come.

If you haven't booked your flight to the Olympics, it's important to do so as soon as possible. Of course, the same is true for accommodations.  London's excellent collection of hotels and bed-and-breakfast inns will be bustling before, during and after the Olympic Games.  Additional options include hostels and private home rentals.  You can also rent a room or a campsite away from the city and hop on the train to London each day.
While the initial distribution process for event tickets is complete, tickets will soon be available through an official ticket resale program.  Some tickets are also available through tour operators. And, some events don't require tickets: anyone can watch road cycling, the triathlon, race walking and the Olympic marathon.  In additional, some events will be shown on giant screens in Hyde Park and Victoria Park.  Once in London, you can make good use of the excellent public transit system.  Nearly all venues can be reached by the London Underground (the Tube) or bus.  The DLR light railway links Olympic Park with Greenwich Park and the Royal Artillery Barracks; venues along the River Thames, including Greenwich Park, can be reached by boat.  Shuttle service and taxis will also help keep the crowds moving.
Along with ticket to any Olympic event or ceremony, you'll receive a card that entitles you to free travel on the Tube, the DRL light railway, buses, trams and most National Rail services on the day of the event.  You can also purchase a Visitor Oyster card, a smart card you can pre-load with payment for any of those forms of transit.  Visitor Oyster cards can be purchased in the U.S. before you leave.

Tasting the World's Best

Should you find Copenhagen, Denmark, in your travel plans, one must-see sight is Tivoli Gardens, the world's most popular seasonal amusement park.  The park has rides, cultural performances, concerts and Evening Illuminations, a light show on Tivoli Lake.  There's also an incredible variety of food in the park:  everything from traditional open-faced Danish sandwiches to sushi, burgers and freshly picked and brewed tea.

However, you may want to save your appetite for the exceptional cuisine at the best restaurants in Copenhagen and, in fact, the world:  Restaurant Noma.  For the third year in a row, Noma was named the world's top restaurant in an annual survey sponsored by San Pellegrino and published by Restaurant magazine.  At Noma, each day's menu includes Nordic tastes such as Limfjords oysters with air onion; roasted turbot with bitter greens; or rhubarb with milk curd.

If your travels take you to Spain, you could visit two of the top three restaurants in the world.  After admiring the Sagrada Familia and other architectural treasures of Barcelona, take a ride about 65 miles northeast to the city of Girona. This city has its own architectural wonders and the restaurant rated second best in the world: El Celler de Can Roca, where three brothers produce playful dishes like pigeon with strawberries and roses.  If you're in the north of Spain to visit a beach resort on the Bay of Biscay, make a reservation at the world's third-best restaurant: Magaritz in San Sebastian. The dishes here are designed to evoke emotional responses in patrons, with a focus on fresh fish and other regional specialities.

If you visit the sprawling city of Sao Paulo, Brazil, to enjoy the carnival season, the annual International Film Festival or the Festival of Electronic Art, you'll also want to experience D.O.M. Moving up from seventh to fourth on the Best Restaurant list this year, D.O.M. celebrates produce from Brazil - particularly the Amazonian region - incorporating elements such as palm hearts, manioc root and tucupi juice into its dishes.

The ancient city of Modean, Italy, is a center for the Italian auto industry, and visitors are attracted to the antiquities and the sleek, modern Maseratis and Lamborghinis manufactured there.  There's also Osteria Francescana, fifth on the best restaurant list, where chefs deconstruct regional dishes and experiment with ingredients like pork sausage, balsamic vinegar, beans and pasta.

To visit these or other "world's best" epicurean delights during your travels, talk to us!

Panama the Emerging Destination

In the most recent Travel Trends survey conducted by Travel Leaders, expert travel agents cited Panama as the top up-and-coming vacation destination in Central and South America, and with good reason.  Many people are familiar with the Panama Canal, the impressive 98 year old man made waterway that links two oceans and, in itself, is a reason to visit the Central American country.  However, there is much more to Panama than the canal.  The incredibly diverse landscape ranges from quiet beaches ringed with coral reefs to pristine rain forests and mountain peaks that lose their tops in the clouds.

Panama City, which lies at the Pacific entrance to the Panama Canal., offers a vibrant atmosphere, stunning skyscrapers, great dining, and a convenient base from which to see the rest of the country.  There are really three Panama Cities, all worth exploring: the modern city,
Panama Viejo and Casco Viejo.





In the 1500s, development of the original Panama City was set back several times by fires and earthquakes.  The city was completely destroyed by fire in January 1671 after being attacked by pirates.  The ruins, located in the suburbs of the modern city, have are now a popular attraction called Panam Viejo.
After the destruction of the original city, residents conceived of a walled city that would protect against future pirate attacks.  This is not the historic district called Casco Viejo, which is full of wonderful buildings and monuments.

Panama City is within easy driving distance of the beautiful Soberania National Park.  The park, which stretches along much of the length of the Panama Canal, is great for hiking, mountain biking, canoeing, bird- and monkey-watching, or simply taking in the beauty of the rainforest.
You'll need to venture a bit further from the city to tour Panama's spectacular highlands.  From the heights of Volcan Baru National Park, it's possible to see both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, as well as the coffee plantations around the charming town of Boquete.

Then, of course, there's the famous canal, a true marvel of engineering.  The Miraflores Visitor Center is a 20-minute ride from Panama City.  It has a museum of interactive exhibits and an outdoor terrace where you can get a close-up view of transiting ships.  Another way to experience the canal is to hop on a day cruise that will take you through one or more of the three impressive sets of locks. You can also take a cruise from Miami or Los Angeles that will sail through the canal as part of a longer itinerary.

Discovering Vietnam

One of the great things about travel is that there are always up-and-coming destinations to consider for your next vacation.  In the most recent survey of international travel trends, Vietnam was the top up-and-coming destination in Asia.  Here, bustling cities retain a touch of colonial influence, the countryside ranges from mountainous regions to sand dunes to lush rice paddies, and the long coastline hugs the shimmering South China Sea.

The urban center of southern Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City, offers a poignant look at the difficult years of the Vietnam War at the War Remnants Museum and Reunification Palace.  The memory of war is ever-present, but there's much more to explore along the wide, tree-lined boulevards laid out by French colonists.  There are hundreds of cinemas and live-performance theaters, a zoo and botanical garden, and lovely parks to explore.  Take one of the bicycle taxis to the Ben Thanh Market to browse the silks and souvenirs, and then relax at the Suoi Tien Amusement Park, which has its own beach.

Beginning just west of Ho Chih Minh City, The Mekong Delta is where the Mekong River branches into thousands of distributaries that empty into the South China Sea.  The beautiful area is a major producer of rice, fish and shrimp.  A sampan tour can take you to rice fields, floating markets, orchards, and workshops where rice is used to make paste, candy and paper.

The northern city of Hanoi is Vietnam's cultural center: be sure to catch a performance of puppetry, music or dance.  The streets and buildings of the city's Old Quarter are still home to many small artisans and merchants.  The French colonial influence can be seen in impressive buildings like the Grand Opera House, the presidential palace and the Hotel Metropole.  Try the flavorful cuisine which pairs delicate French croissant and pastries with famous Vietnamese dishes such as pho, a rice noodle soup available from hundreds of street-side, open-air restaurants.

Halong Bay is a popular side trip from Hanoi.  Painters and photographers are attached to the bay's emerald-green water and the 3,000 towers of limestone hat rise from it.  Some are hollow, with intriguing caves and grottos; others are large enough to form islands with their own lakes and beaches. 

To explore your options for discovering much more of Vietnam, talk with your travel professional