The New 7 Wonders of Nature

After announcing the “New 7 Wonders of the World” in 2007, the New7Wonders Foundation began worldwide voting to select the “New 7 Wonders of Nature,” a list of the seven most incredible natural wonders of the modern world. Voting ended on November 11, when the following preliminary winners were announced: Amazon Rainforest (South America), Halong Bay (Vietnam), Iguazu Falls (Argentina/Brazil), Jeju Island (South Korea), Komodo (Indonesia), Puerta Princesa Subterranean River (Philippines), and Table Mountain (South Africa).

The massive Amazon River basin, which contains more than half of the world’s remaining rainforest, covers parts of Bolivia, Brazil, Columbia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Peru, Suriname and Venezuela. Not a single bridge crosses this incredible river, but a number of tour operators can help you experience it.

In Vietnam, scenic Halong Bay features thousands of limestone islands, karst fields and slender fingers of stone that project from the water like small mountain peaks. Some of the islands are virtually hollow, with intriguing caves; others are dotted with lakes.

Straddling the border between Argentina and Brazil, Iguazu Falls is an absolutely stunning set of 275 waterfalls extending nearly two miles in a graceful semi-circle. It’s a remote location, but there is much to see: national parks on either side of the falls are home to hundreds of rare animals and plants. Plus, with nearby airports on both sides, its remote location puts the falls within an easier reach from places like Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires.

Jeju Island is both the largest island and smallest province in Korea, where the dormant volcano Hallasan rises to 6,400 feet, with hundreds of satellite volcanoes around it. There are waterfalls, a lovely crater lake, and lava tubes to explore.

In Indonesia, Komodo National Park was founded in 1980 to protect the unique Komodo dragon, the world’s largest lizard. It’s a haven for other species as well, including monitor lizards, Timor deer, water buffalo, macaques and a variety of marine life, including whale sharks, blue-ringed octopus and pygmy seahorses.

In the Philippines, Puerta Princesa Subterranean River is believed to be one of the world’s longest underground rivers. Its five-mile-long waterway passes through spectacular chambers before emptying into the South China Sea.

South Africa’s majestic Table Mountain still rises 3,562 feet above Cape Town, even after six million years of erosion. Visitors may ascend via foot or cable car for panoramic views and a look at the mountain’s surprisingly diverse flora, including some plant species found nowhere else on earth.

Clearly, any of these wondrous locations can be the centerpiece of a thrilling vacation. Talk with your travel professional about which of the New 7 Wonders of Nature you would most like to visit.

Climb the Leaning Tower of Pisa

The Leaning Tower of Pisa, which may be the world’s best-known lopsided structure, is an enduring attraction in the Northern Italian city of Pisa. The nearly 200-foot high tower has undergone years of stabilization work to ensure that visitors can continue to admire its classic architectural beauty.

            Construction of the tower, which is the bell tower of Pisa’s cathedral, began in 1174 but wasn’t completed until almost 200 years later. An insufficient foundation, set in unstable subsoil, doomed the tower to lean from the start. However, construction stops and re-starts actually allowed the foundation to stabilize enough for the tower to be finished in 1372.

            During the 1990s, a $30 million project stabilized the tower by slowly removing soil from one side of the foundation to reduce the tower’s degree of lean. The tower reopened to visitors in 2001. In 2008, more soil was removed from the foundation to further stabilize the tower. Today, visitors can once again climb the nearly 300 steps to the top of the leaning tower for a lovely view of the city.

 Pisa has other interesting buildings to explore, including several other structures that share the “Field of Miracles” with the leaning tower. There’s the Romanesque cathedral; the Baptistery, decorated with scenes from the life of Christ; the Campsanto, full of funerary monuments for long-ago noble citizens of Pisa; and a museum filled with medieval paintings and sculptures. Pisa’s Piazza dei Cavalieri also has beautiful buildings and towers from the 16^th century. If you have time, take a stroll through the city’s botanical garden, one of the oldest in Europe.

            As in much of Italy, tourism in Pisa peaks in the summer months. If you can visit in the spring or fall, you’ll find pleasant weather and smaller crowds. To plan your trip, talk with your travel professional.

Tips for Busy Days at the Airport

The holiday season means busy days at the airport.  When you're making air travel plans, remember that the busiest days are those immediately before and after the holiday.  If you can, avoid those days - try to travel two or three days before or two or three days after, and even consider traveling on the holiday itself if possible.

Whatever day you travel, remember that you don't want to be on time for holiday season flights - the key is that you want to be early.  The usual rule is to arrive at the airport 90 minutes in advance for domestic flights and two hours in advance for international flights, but during the holidays you may want to arrive two hour in advance for domestic flights and three hours in advance for international departures.

At the airport, you may encounter a new type of screening technology; millimeter wave Advance Imaging Technology machines.  These devices screen passengers for metallic and non-metallic threats that could be concealed under layers of clothing.  The machines screen passengers quickly, and most are able to proceed immediately through the security station.  While these machines originally generated a unique body outline of each passenger, raising some personal privacy concerns, new software eliminates passenger-specific images and uses generic outline of a person when screening passengers.

The following rules for airport security screening are probably familiar, but it may be helpful to review them before taking a holiday season flight.  As you approach an airport security checkpoint, be prepared to:

• Remove your coat or jacket and your shoes and place them in security trays for screening.  Children are usually subject to these rules as well, and may need help with their coats and shoes.  Frequent travelers often opt for slip-on shoes to speed them throughout the process.
• Secure all liquids or gels in your carry-on bag in a clear, quart-size plastic bag and place it in a security tray. If you forget to prepare this bag at home, most airport have bags available at security checkpoints.  Remember, each container of liquid or gel can be no more than three ounces, or it will be confiscated.  The TSA refers to this rule as 3-1-1, meaning three ounces liquids or gels allowed in a single (one) one-quart bag.
• Empty your pockets of change, keys, cell phones, combs, eyeglasses, etc., and put these items in a small security try for screening.  If you're wearing a belt , you may also be asked to remove it as well.  To speed up this process, savvy travelers typically take care of placing these items into their carry-on bags prior to their approach through security screening.
• Remove any computers or other large electronics (video game consoles, remote-control toys, etc.) from your carry-on bag.  Unless you have a TSA-approved bag, you'll need to place them in a security try for screening.
• You may be in a hurry, but double check that you've collected all of your belongings from the security trays before you leave the security checkpoint.

Remember that Holiday travel can often be impacted by winter weather.  Be sure to keep your travel agent's contact information stored on a fully-charged cell phone just in case you need any additional assistance once you arrive at the airport.  Happy and safe travels through this holiday season.

Top Trends in Buisness Travel

While employers vary in their enforcement of cost-saving travel policies, the majority of Travel Leaders associates who serve business clients - 68 percent - say their business clients are at least somewhat strict in their enforcement.  However, another 29 percent loosely or rarely enforce their policies, and three percent actually have not travel policies at all.  In addition, while air travel policies are most often enforce, employers tend to be more relaxed about enforcing hotel and car rental policies.

Because corporate travel policies are designed to save cost while ensuring quality, road warriors may find that enforcement in general will tighten as employers continue to navigate the ups and downs of the economy.

In addition, a growing dispute between the airlines and the companies that own the global distribution systems used to search for, reserve and purchase airline tickets could have an effect on travel costs.  According to Travel Leaders executives, some airline would like to force travelers, including corporate travel departments, to "buy direct" by pulling their flight data from the global distribution system.  Ultimately, business travelers could pay more for tickets.

The survey also revealed that corporate travel departments still reward their business travelers by allowing them to keep frequent flyer miles and loyalty rewards points earned while traveling on business.  All of Travel Leaders associates surveyed said their clients are able to earn loyalty rewards points fro their hotel stays; and 97 percent said heir clients are able to earn loyalty reward points fro their car rentals.

Top Vacation Destination for the End of 2011

Las Vegas reclaimed its top spot on the recent Fall Travel Survey conducted by Travel Leaders.  The desert glamour spot had consistently ranked as the top choice of travelers booking a vacation in the U.S., but recently lost that position to Orlando, Fla., and its fantastic them parks.  The 2011 Fall Travel Survey, which gathered actual booking data and insider expertise from 443 Travel Leaders owners and agents nationwide, once again has Las Vegas on top, albeit by a small margin.

There's always something new in Las Vegas, a city that understands how to reinvent itself.  Along the Strip, one of the newest casino resort hotels is The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.  The contemporary-style hotel has many rooms that overlook the lights and excitement of the Strip, including some at very affordable rates.  Trends among established Vegas hotels include new pet-friendly programs, featuring room service for pampered pooches; in house tattoo parlors; and gourmet vegetarian and vegan selections on restaurant menus.

Orland's theme parks have introduced some new features this year that are appealing to first-time and return visitors.  Sea World Orlando has a new killer whale show, One Ocean, with lost of high-energy leaps ans stunts.  Visitors to Disney's Hollywood Studios give great reviews to the new Star Wars-based Star Tours 3-D attraction.  And a new attraction, Legoland Florida,has recently opened last month. 

Rounding out the top five U.S. vacation destinations for the rest of 2011 are balmy Honolulu, Hawaii, at number three; bustling New York, N.Y., at number four; and Kahului (Maui), Hawaii, at number five.

Travel Leaders' survey also found that overall travel is up slightly from this time last year, encouraging sign at a time when the U.S. economy continues to have ups and downs.

The Imposing Hoover Dam

Hoover Dam, located just 30 miles from Las Vegas, Nevada, recently marked 75 years of water control and hydroelectric power production on the Colorado River, Spectacular new views of this Depression-era engineering wonder are now available from the nearly 900-foot-high O'Callaghan-Tillman Memorial Bridge, which allows vehicles to cross Back Canyon about 1,500 feet downriver from the dam.

The dam was originally called "Boulder Dam" even though the dam site had been shifted from Boulder Canyon to Black Canyon.  By the time construction began, the name had been unofficially during the early years of the Great Depression, many people again referred to the dam as Boulder Dam.  In 1947, a bill that permanently named the structure Hoover Dam passed both houses of Congress.

A variety of guided tours make it possible to go inside the dam and its power plant.  Exhibits explain not only the building of the massive structure, but what life was like during the Depression and the development of the American West.  You'll get a closer look at the surprisingly elegant Art Deco style of the dam's exterior.  Inside the dam, the finishing materials, colors and patterns were designed to incorporate some of the traditional motifs of the region's Navajo and Pueblo tribes.

Hoover Dam is a terrific diversion from the glitz and glitter of nearby Las Vegas.  If you have time for a day trip, you should also stop at Lake Mead, a beautiful reservoir that's open for swimming, boating, water skiing, fishing and other outdoor pursuits.

If you don't want to drive the 30 miles from Las Vegas to Hoover Dam and back, you can reserve a space on a helicopter tour that will take you to the dam.  Some operators offer sunset tours that provide an aerial view of glittering lights of Las Vegas on your return flight.

Credit Cards Issues for International Travel

Most credit card users in the U.S. are accustomed to swiping their cards through a machine that reads the information stored on the magnetic stripe, then signing their names on a paper receipt or electronic signature pad.  Outside the U.S. - including many countries in Europe, Asia and South America - banks and retailers have switched to a system that reads information on a chip embedded in the card, then asks the user to enter a PIN.  Canada is also switching to the "chip-and-pin" system.

Chip-and-pin cards, also called "smart cards," are generally acknowledged to be better at preventing credit card fraud.  While cards with magnetic stripes are vulnerable to the possibility of being cloned through a technique called "skimming," it's not possible to clone a card that has a chip.  It's also not possible to forge a PIN as one could forge a signature.

Still, traveling outside the U.S. with a "swipe-and-sign" card is often easy.  American Express, MasterCard, and Visa require their merchants anywhere in the world to accept any valid card, including swipe-and-sign cards.  However, there can be trouble if you try to use a swipe-and-sign card with an automatic dispensing machine, such as a train ticket vending system, roadway toll booth or parking lot pay station.  If an attendant is present, he or she can accept a swipe-and-sign card, but if there's no attendant you may be out of luck.

A few U.S. banks are beginning to offer dual-mode cards that have both a magnetic stripe and an embedded chip, but so far these offers are limited.  If a chip-and-pin card is not available to you before your next international trip, ask your travel professional for some advise about traveling with a swipe-and-sign card- such as knowing how to obtain cash at your destination.

The Kennedy Center Turns 40

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., opened on September 8, 1971, and has hosted thousands of performances by great artists from across America and the world during the past 40 years.  The center, located on 17 acres that overlook the Potomac River, isn't the nation's busiest arts facility.

The Kennedy Center has a place on any "must-see" list of Washington attractions, and more than three million people visit each year.  Tours can be arranged in advance, and walk-in tours are available, too.  Tours begin about every ten minutes between 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. on weekdays, and between 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. on weekeds.

Tours of the Kennedy Center include the Hall of Nations, lined with Cararra marble; five of the center's main theaters, including the Concert Hall and its 4,144 pipe organ; and the stunning Israeli Lounge.  There are 20th Century works of art and crystal chandeliers gifted by Sweden, Norway and Austria.  Tours also ascend to the center's Roof Terrace Restaurant, which has a breathtaking, 360-degree view of the nation's capital.

As part of its commitment to enabling everyone to enjoy the arts, the Kennedy Center has a Specially Priced Ticket program for students, seniors, people who have disabilities, enlisted military and other people who have fixed low incomes.  The Kennedy Center also offers more than 400 free performances - at least one per day - each year.

The Kennedy Center peresents a diverse and wide-ranging program of music, dance, theater and multi-media performances. For example, in the coming months, the center will host the National Ballet of China, the Budapest Festival Orchestra, and a tribute to comedian Will Ferrell.  The schedule also has performaces by the National Symphony Orchestra, the NSO Pops, and noted pianists, jazz musicians, chamber groups and folk musicians.  You can even attend the annual Kennedy Center Honors, a glittering event held each year to recognize luminarie in the performing arts for their contributions to American culture.

Tickets for all Kennedy Center events are easy to purchase online, or you can visit the box office after you arrive in Washington.

Airlines Lounges Could be Your Office Away from Home.

The time that business travelers must spend in airports waiting for flights can be highly productive work time.  Free from coworkers and other office distractions, you can catch up on emails, revise presentations or read sales forecasts to your heart's content - that is, if you can find a reasonable quite area, a comfortable place to sit, an electrical plug for your laptop, and a reliable wi-fi connection.

While this combination of things can be hard to find in your average airport, all of them and more are available in the airline club lounges maintained by many major airlines.  These lounges are like private clubs, offering a quiet sanctuary for their members.  They are also designed o accommodate the needs of frequent business travelers, with well-equipped workspaces, private meeting rooms, wi-fi, fax machines and other business services.  Some have showers for travelers who need to freshen up after an overnight flight; a few even have swimming pools and exercise facilities.

Most airline club lounges have complimentary beverages and food, so you don't even have to venture into the terminal to find something to snack on.  Some even include actual meal service.  And, all are staffed by airline personnel who can assist you in the case of a flight delay or cancellation.

Larger airlines operate dozens of lounges in the airports they serve around the world, while smaller airlines tend to offer lounges only in their hub locations.  Some airlines offer free club memberships to their elite travelers, but most business travelers gain access by purchasing a membership.  Memberships for the major airline clubs are about $400 to $500 per year, although you can usually pay with an equivalent number of that airline's frequent flier miles.

An airline club membership can be well worth the price when you consider what you would otherwise spend on airport wi-fi access and meals in the course of a year's travel, to say nothing of the increased productivity made possible in a club's quiet, comfortable environment.

If you want to "try before you buy," most airline clubs sell one-day access for about $50 - an expense that makes a $500 annual membership an even better deal.  Once you experience the comfort and convenience of an airline club, you'll probably be eager to purchase a full membership.

Disney Around the World

A trip to Disneyland in Anaheim, Calif., or Walt Disney World in Orlando, Fla., is an essential part of the American experience for many families.  However, Disney is very much a global enterprise, and you can also visit Disney parks in Tokyo, Paris, Hong Kong and soon in Shanghai.

Tokyo Disneyland, part of the Tokyo Disney Resort, was the first Disney park built outside the U.S. and opened in 1983.  It includes four classic Disney "lands" - Adventureland, Westernland, Fantasyland and Tomorrowland - as well as Critter County, Mickey's Toontown and a World Bazaar.  Tokyo Disneyland's sister park, Tokyo Disney Sea, has a nautical exploration theme with seven distinctive ports of call: Mediterranean Harbor, American Waterfront, Lost River Delta, Port Discovery, Mermaid Lagoon, Arabian Coast and Mysterious Island.  Mediterranean Harbor is the entrance to the park, and its canals and gondolas bring Venice to mind.  The Hotel Costa is part of the harbor's scenery, but is also a real Disney hotel that makes it possible to stay inside the park.

On the other side of the world, in the eastern suburbs of the City of Lights, Disneyland Paris sparkles.  Originally opened under the name Euro Disney in 1992, Disneyland Paris includes two theme parks, a dining and entertainment complex and seven hotels.  The top five attractions, as determined by Disneyland Paris visitors, are "It's a Small World," Disney's signature musical tour of the world; the thrilling "Space Mountain: Mission 2;" "Big Thunder Mountain", where visitors ride a runaway mining train through mountain valleys, caves and rivers; the rowdy "Pirates of the Caribbean;"  and "Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast."  As you would expect so near to Paris, there's lots of delicious European-style food in the park - but, you can find pizza, hamburgers and Tex-Mex, too.

Hong Kong Disneyland opened in 2005 on Lantau Island.  The design of this park incorporates Chinese traditions, including adherence to the rules of Feng Shui, the art of using aesthetics to maintain positive energy.  "Hidden Mickeys," subtle representations of Mickey Mouse, are incorporated into the design of attractions throughout the park.  Hong Kong Disneyland currently has four themed areas - Main Street U.S.A., Advertureland, Fantasyland, and Tomorrowland.  By 2014, the park will expand to include Toy Story Land, based on the popular film series; Grizzly Gulch, and abandoned mining town; and Mystic Point, a dense rainforest where supernatural events occur.

Shanghai Disney Resort, scheulduled to open in 2016, will include numerous themed lands.  Plans call for a castle at the center fo the park that will offer interactive experiences with Disney characters and live performances.

Savor the Flavors of Napa Valley

The distinctive bouquet of wine has hovered over Northern California's Napa Valley since the mid-1800s, when settlers discovered that the area's Mediterranean climate and rolling hills were ideal for growing grapes.  Local vintners made the leap from commercial to premium wine productions in the 1960s.  In 1976, a Chardonnay and a Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley beat many fine French labels in a blind tasting in Paris, putting Napa Valley firmly on the map as a destination for serious lovers of wine.

The fabulous flavors of the valley are not limited to wine - Napa is also prized as a fine dinning destination.  Local chefs use fresh produce and seafood, rich artisanal cheeses, free-range meats and locally produced olive oil to create dishes that complement Napa's wines.

This year, the food and wine experiences of Napa Valley will be showcased in a new event, Flavor! Napa Valley, to be held November 17-20.  The weekend's events will include tastings with wine experts; culinary demonstrations by accomplished chefs; a dinner with local vintners and sommeliers; and a Sunday lunch where growers will introduce guests to the tastiest and freshest local foods.

Most events will take place at the valley's Silverado Resort and Spa and the Culinary Institute of America.  Proceeds will benefit the scholarship fund at the institute.

While fall is harvest season and the wineries are in full production mode, Napa Valley is ready to welcome visitors all year long.  Summer is the busiest season, when visitors enjoy sunny skies and warm-to-hot weather tempered by breezes from the Pacific Ocean.  Spring is quieter and very lovely as the countryside comes into bloom.  Winter can be rainy, but the valley is still beautiful and a perfect location for a quiet sojourn - and some serious wine tasting.

Experience Napa so you can enjoy the excellent food and wine.

Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial to Open in August

Washington D.C's newest monument, the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial, will be dedicated on August 28, the 48th anniversary of the historic March on Washington and Dr. King's stirring "I Have a Dream" speech in support of civil rights and peace for all.

Located on the Tidal Basin, the King Memorial joins other famous sites along the National Mall.  It is designed to convey four fundamental themes of King's life and work - democracy, justice, hope and love - through natural elements such as water, trees and stone.

For example, a 450-foot stone wall in engraved with more than a dozen of King's most eloquent quotes to remind current and future generations of his humanitarian vision.  in the middle of the memorial, the striking "Stone of Hope" features a 30-foot sculpture of King.  The seasonal changes of the memorials majestic trees - including oak, cherry, pine and magnolia - reflect King's belief in the positive power of change via non-violent means.  Small streams of water combine into a larger cascade that will bring to mind the cadence and thundering conclusions of King's sermons and speeches.

The King Memorial joins many wonderful attractions on the National Mall, from the U.S. Capitol to the Smithsonian Castle, the National Archives, the U.S. Holocaust Museum and memorials to the Vietnam and Korean Wars.  A walk up Pennsylvania Avenue will take you to the White House - with perhaps a brief detour to learn about espionage at the International Spy Museum.

If you would like to attend the official opening of the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial on August 28, the dedication ceremony will begin at 11:00 a.m.  While all tickets for seated and reserved standing areas have already been distributed through a lottery system, there will be public standing areas that do not require tickets.  After the official dedication, the King Memorial will be open to visitors for generations to come.

Walt Disney World Turns the Big 40

Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Fla - 40 square miles of fantastic entertainment- is turning 40 years old this fall.  Sunny, warm weather all year long made central Florida a natural choice for this Disney attraction, which opened October 1, 1971.  Today, the resort includes four theme parks, two water adventure parks, 32 hotels, five golf courses, two full-service spas, a wedding pavilion, the Disney Wide World of Sports Complex and an entertainment-shopping-dinning complex called Downtown Disney.

Disney recently introduced a number of exciting new features at Walt Disney World, making this 40th anniversary year a perfect time to visit for first-timer's and repeat visitors alike.

Most recently, the Star Tours attraction at Disney's Hollywood Studios re-opened after a complete refurbishment.  It's now one of the most popular rides at Disney World, and for good reason.  With assistance from 3D glasses, you'll rocket through famous scenes from both Star Wars movie trilogies, encountering characters such as Princess Leia, R2D2, Yoda and the feared Darth Vader.  Star Tours features more than 50 possible combinations of scenes and characters, making each ride unique.

Disney's Hollywood Studios also have a new parade, "Pixar Pals Countdown to Fun," featuring favorite characters from Pixar movies such as A Bug's Life, Monsters, Inc. and Toy Story.  The parade is led by Mr. and Mrs. incredible and their crime-fighting friend, Frozone, from the Incredibles.

At Disney's Magic Kingdom, lovely Rapunzel and roguish Flynn Rider from the animated feature Tangled greet guests in new, interactive experience at the Fairytale Garden.  They join plenty of "old favorite" attractions, such as Space Mountain and It's a Small World.

Epcot Center's World Showcase has new options for a memorable lunch or leisurely dinner.  Via Napoli offers authentic Neapolitan pizza and other southern Italian specialties.  The popular San Angel Inn has expanded and can now serve traditional Mexican cuisine to more guests in open-air seating with a great view of the nightly fireworks.

To experience everything that Disney World has to offer during it's 40th anniversary year, talk with your travel professional.  With a wide variety of accommodations and discounted admission for multiple-day tickets that allow you to experience each park, your travel professional will help you plan a Disney World vacation that works with your schedule and budget.

Happy Travels!

Four Great Places to Celebrate the Fourth

As one of America's most beloved holidays, the Fourth of July is a reverential commemoration of the ratification of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, during the Revolutionary War.  Today, the colonial cities that figured prominently in the war are fabulous places to celebrate the Fourth.

The Declaration of Independence was signed in Philadelphia, where today's commemoration party starts early - on June 24, with the opening of the annual Taste of Philadelphia.  In the days leading up to the Fourth, you can attend "Go 4th and Learn About History," featuring historical story time, face panting, crafts and games; a block party in Philadelphia's Chinatown; and the Super Scooper Ice Cream Festival.  On the Fourth, patriotic ceremonies at Independence Hall - where Thomas Jefferson's declaration was signed - and a parade down Market Street are followed by concerts and fireworks, a tradition the Founding Fathers envisioned, into the night.

The National Mall in Washington, D.C., lined with iconic monuments and buildings, is a perfect setting for a Fourth of July celebration.  The Fourth begins with a parade along Constitution Avenue and ends with a display of fireworks that lights the sky over the Washington Monument.  In between, take in the Smithsonian Folklife Festival, special family programming at the National Archives where the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution are on display, or a tour of the White House Visitor Center.

Boston, site of the famous Tea Party that preceded the Revolutionary War, hosts Harborfest, a six-day celebration of the city's history.  Harborfest includes more than 200 events, such as reenactments, concerts, walking tours, sunset harbor cruises, sailboat races and musical performances.  There's also the 30th annual Chowderfest, where you can vote for the best New England-style clam chowder.

Many residents of New York City hit the beach on the Fourth or attend the annual hot dog eating contest on Coney Island.  You could also take a tour of Lower Manhattan locations related to the Revolutionary War, such as Fraunces Tavern, the grave of Alexander Hamilton and Federal Hall, site of George Washington 's first inauguration.  In the evening, fireworks burst over the Hudson River - you can find a spot to watch on land or hop on one of many riverboat dinner cruises, many of which sail beneath the stunning Statue of Liberty.

Just some quick and easy get-a-ways to help you celebrate a safe and fun Fourth of July.

Dream Destinations

If you could vacation anywhere in the world, where would you go?  When Travel Leaders/ The Travel Exchange recently asked consumers to name their ultimate international vacation, Australia was the top choice, followed by Italy, Ireland, New Zealand and cruising the Mediterranean.

Australia's gorgeous beaches perfectly symbolize the continent's laid-back, outdoorsy lifestyle that's so welcoming to visitors.  The vast interior is full of attractions as well, including the stunning natural features of the Red Center, such as Ulura (Ayer's Rock) and the Olgas.  Australia also has acclaimed wine making regions,mountain ranges that yield diamonds, and the coral wonderland of the Great Barrier Reef.

Australia's cosmopolitan cities reflect a wonderful mix of Aboriginal, European and Asian cultures in their museums, restaurants and sports. While in Australia, take in an Australian rules football match - a fast-moving game that's very different from American football.  The season runs from March through September (the last month of Australia's winter), and is played in stadiums in all of the major cities.

Keep in mind that Australia is such a large and diverse dream destination that it's difficult to see everything you want to see in one trip.  Your travel professional can help you plan a manageable itinerary.

Italy isn't as large as Australia, but also has so much to see that you may want to select a focus for your trip.  For example, you could concentrate on the incredible artistic and archaeological treasures of Rome or Florence; the historic buildings and ornate bridges along the Venetian canals; the relaxing and stunning Amalfi Coast and the nearby island of Capri; o the amazing fashion capital of Milan.

Ireland's scenic beauty ranges from ancient castles to smooth green pastureland to craggy mountains.  Picturesque villages, charming pubs and shops full of fine Irish linens and other keepsakes see to be everywhere.  The west coast is wonderful for sailing; on the east coast, you can enjoy a pint of beer in the Dublin pubs once frequented by legendary writers like James Joyce.

New Zealand is a terrific destination for outdoor enthusiasts - you can indulge a passion for hiking, whitewater rafting, bungee jumping or parasailing.  If you're not an extreme athlete, don't worry.  New Zealand offers plenty of laid-back activities, too, such as wine tasting, beach combing, learning about native Maori culture and browsing through art galleries.

Finally, the great advantage of a Mediterranean cruise is that you don't have to pick just one country to visit.  Depending on your available time and budget, you could visit Portugal, Spain, France, Italy, Croatia, Turkey and Greece, all while enjoying the many comforts of a modern cruise ship.

While these are the international destinations most Americans want to visit, you may have something quite different in mind.  Whatever and wherever your dream vacation may be, your travel professional can help you get there.

Tips for Summer Flights

Memorial Day marks the beginning of the summer travel season, which is traditionally the busiest time of the year for travel.  Families and students who can take some time off from the routines of school and work stream into airports, bound for their summer vacations.

Unfortunately, the warm temperatures of summer can lead to hot tempers- not to mention thunderstorms – and frustration when air travel doesn’t proceed as planned.  The good news is that you can take some practical steps to minimize stress and maximize your enjoyment of summer air travel.

The most important thing to do is to book your air travel as far in advance as you can.  Recent airline mergers have reduced the number of flights or even the size of aircraft available to some destinations, so the sooner you can make your reservations the more likely you are to get the best flights and prices.  If your travel dates are flexible, you may be able tot find some good values closer to the time you want to go.  However, if you’re locked into specific vacation dates, it’s essential to book as early as possible.  Early booking may also protect you from higher ticket prices that can result from rising fuel prices.

Be sure to secure a seat assignment at the time of booking, or as soon thereafter as possible.  When a flight is overbooked, passengers without seat assignments are more likely to be bumped off the flight.

Also, check in for your flight as early as possible.  Many airlines allow on-line check-in starting 24 hours before departure.  You can confirm your seat assignment at that time, too, or perhaps even find a better seat that’s opened up at that time.

To minimize luggage, pack light – no one at your destination is likely to care or even notice if you wear the same outfit more than once.  And, remember that Travel Security Administration rules still limit liquids or gels (shampoo, toothpaste, lotion, lipstick, etc.) in your carry-on luggage to containers of three ounces or less- and, all of these containers must fit comfortably in a single quart-size, clear plastic zip-top bag.

Be aware that some common “summertime” items, such as fireworks; sports equipment (baseball bats, lacrosse sticks, golf clubs) and camping equipment (tent stakes, jackknives) are not permitted in carry-on baggage.  (Fireworks, of course, are not permitted in checked baggage, either.)

In addition to assisting you with your travel planning, your travel professional can give you more tips that will help your summer air travel proceed smoothly, helping to ensure an enjoyable, relaxing vacation.

The Perfect Solution to Your Summer Gift Needs

The Perfect Solution to Your Summer Gift Needs

Before winter holidays, people put a lot of thought into their gift giving.  The summer gift-giving season, however, tends to sneak up on us.  Suddenly, you may be faced with the dilemma of what to get your loved ones for Mother’s Day and Father’s Day – not to mention summer graduations, weddings, and wedding anniversaries and birthdays that are sure to bring party invitations your way.

                Fortunately, there’s a wonderful gift that’s great for all of these occasions, and always fits perfectly: TRAVEL.  There are many ways to give travel, and this flexibility means that you can find a travel gift that’s within your budget for just about anyone on your list.

                1^st Option is to give an airline gift certificate, which allows the recipient to choose a destination.  If you’re a traveler with a supply of frequent flyer miles, you may be able to convert some of your miles into a gift certificate.  Certificates are available in denominations as small as $10 or $25 dollars and can be as large as your budget allows.  One caution: make sure that you don’t create a dilemma by presenting a certificate that covers part of the cost of an airline ticket if the recipient can’t afford the rest.  If that’s the case, consider teaming up with family and friend to give enough certificates to purchase a round-trip ticket.

                2^nd Option is to provide a gift certificate for a hotel, resort or bed-and-breakfast that you know the recipient enjoys.  Again, make sure the recipient can afford to get there – or, ask another friend or family member to provide a gift of air, rail or ground transportation.

                3^rd Option if the recipient has already booked a trip, do some investigating to find out how you can add to it.  Once you know the destination, a gift certificate to a restaurant, spa or attraction there would make a great gift.

                4^th Option if you can afford to give a loved one a complete travel experience – perhaps a cruise, a tour of France or a stay at a tropical resort – your gift will be fabulous indeed. 

 Most local agencies have gift certificates to purchase and can be used on any of the options above.  And it is always good to sit down with an agent to get ideas of what they can use their certificate for.  When giving travel, as with other gifts, remember that the thought will count for more than the cost, especially when the memories you’ve helped to create will last a lifetime.                                                                                                                                                  Give the Gift of Travel!!

Mexico The Place you thought you knew!

Perception versus Reality.......  As headlines tarnish Mexico's reputation with drug-related violence, us as travel consultants feel a struggle to promote a country that has fallen victim to sensationalized news.  The newly created perception of Mexico continues to battle the reality of its current state, while officials increase security to ensure travelers' safety and continue to promote this destination by presenting FACTS!!!
So here is a list of great facts for all those travelers who have acquired a skewed since of safety fro travel to Mexico.

Fact - With more than 21.5 million international tourists visiting Mexico in 2009, the country expects to receive 22.6 million visitors this year, already receiving a total of 15.2 million tourists from abroad from January to August this year.  This represents a growth of 6.8 percent

Fact - While this turmoil would lead you to believe otherwise, Mexico actually continues to reign as the TOP destination for international travelers, as well as the most visited international tourism destination by North Americans.

Fact - Three out of Ten travelers mention Mexico as their 1st top choice destination.  Plus these travelers don't see Mexico as a one-time visit.  Instead, they're continually coming back for more with 3 out of 10 Americans report returning within 12 months from their last trip.

Fact - A common misconception about Mexico is that because violence is happening in one location than it's happening across the country.  With a country three times the size of Texas, this is clearly false.  Most people with this misconception do not realize the size of Mexico and the sheer distance between its tourist’s destinations and other cities.

Fact - Mexico's unique and varied destinations and attractions are really what makes this country stand apart from other well traveled areas.  With more spas than any other country in the world, after the US, with over 144 golf courses, and with 30,000 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Mexico has something to offer any and all types of travelers.

Fact - Proof of Mexico's safety also lies with the most trusted hotel chains and airlines which are significantly increasing their presence in Mexico, approximately 294 flights, 44,100 seats everyday from different airports all over the U.S.  With the bankruptcy of Mexico largest airline, U.S. airlines are taking full advantage of the market by increasing and adding routes to Mexico.

Fact - The diversity of its areas goes without saying and supposed widespread violence is really nothing more than a catch phrase.
           Area of incident Ciudad Jarez
           Tourist destination Los Cabos
           650 miles apart - It's like going to Miami from Atlanta

           Area of incident Tijuana
           Tourist destination Puerto Vallarta
           1000 miles apart - It's like going to New York from Orlando

           Area of incident Tijuana
           Tourist destination Cancun
           1750 miles apart - It's like going to Los Angeles from Chicago.

The US Department of Stat updated the travel warning on September 10, 2010.  Millions of US citizens safely visit Mexico each year.  The Mexican government makes a considerable effort to protect U.S. Citizens and other visitors to major tourist destinations.  Resort areas and tourist destinations in Mexico do not see the levels of drug-related violence and crime reported in the border region and in areas along major drug trafficking routes.
Don't let the misconception absorb you!!!! Enjoy Mexico and be one of the 22.6 million visitors this year!
Happy Travels!!!

Nine Tips for Air Travel with Little ones

There is nothing more exciting for children or grand-children than to hear they are going to take a trip on a plane, but, once they're aboard, the novelty quickly wears off.  Flying is the exact opposite of what children are about.  There no pots to bang or wide-open spaces where they can run.  In-flight movies are not geared toward passengers who love to sing along, and the noise level s reminiscent of a library, not a fast food restaurant playground.

Here are some great suggestions from  a former flight attendant and a mother of two....

1) Carry-on or check.  When you're traveling with kids or grand kids, checking luggage and being suitcase free despite your balking at the cost, make it fairly simple to get through security, the airport, and on and off the plane.  A stroller is a must for zipping through airports, but leave the big, bulky one at home.  Opt for a lightweight umbrella stroller.  They're easy to fold and they fit most overhead bins; this means you don't have to wait with squirmy 2 year old after landing; they child will be comfortable in the stroller.

2) Plan your seating.  Even if your children or grandchildren are young enough to be considered "lap children (younger than age two), it's safer to purchase their own seats for them.  Buckle infants in their own aviation-approved car seat, which offers familiar comfort.  Toddlers can stand when the seat belt sign is off and use the airline seat a a coloring or play table.  If you've worried about disturbing other passengers, request bulkhead seats facing the partition that divides a plane into sections.  This is a terrific place to park with kids because there are no passengers to disturb in front of you. 

3) Dress the youngsters appropriately.  Slip-on shoes make the security screening process go smoothly, and bring layers - sweater, sweatshirts, sweatpants, even socks - aboard; airline temperatures are unpredictable.  Just to be sure to have an extra outfit, including underpants, ready.

4) Food.  Eating lunch and snacks is a great diversion tactic.  Trail mix, colorful crackers, grapes, and baby carrots are all airplane-friend food.  Turn eating time into fun time with games of counting, sorting, letter sounding, and spellings.  Use sippy cups and bowls with suction cups to keep containers secure to the tray table and to avoid spills.

5) Potty stops.  There are two crucial times to insist your toilet-trained little traveler use the potty: before take-off and before landing.  Simply walking the cabin aisle on the way to the lavatory can amuse toddlers (after beverage and snack service ends).  Kids love company so as you're roaming the cabin, look around for other children to visit.  I've seen families switch seats so the children could sit near one another and the kids end up entertaining themselves for the entire flight.

6) Books.  Children love to be read to and to turn pages of picture books.  Take it a step further with a photo album filed with photos of the family. 

7) Showtime. DVDs have changed the way children travel.  With a DVD player (and headset) and a new show to watch, they will remain busy and in their seat for hours at a time.

8) Make a tent.  Get creative with the tray table and drape a blanket over the seat or between the upraised arm rest and immediately you have a world of fun in your row.  Better yet, bring along dark blanket and charm  the little traveler with glow-in-the-dark toys; they're perfect for night flights too.

9) Surprise.  Have ready a surprise sack filled with new toys, treats (skip the sugar), and diversions.  Pipe cleaners - stickers - traveling play dough equals extended entertainment.