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Best Places for the Wedding of your Dreams

June 26, 2009

They are called “destination weddings” and they are becoming extremely popular in today’s culture. Why wait till after the wedding for the honeymoon, why not travel there before the wedding and make it the wedding and the honeymoon of your dreams. Your wedding is supposed to a dream come true, so why would you stay at home and deal with all the pressure of hundreds of guests etc. when you can just take off to some remote travel destination, and invite some of your closest family and friends, I am sure they wouldn’t mind a vacation either. This is your day, no one else’s so why not make it yours.

Deciding where to go for the fabulous wedding of your dreams can be the difficult part, but thankfully with destination weddings becoming more popular, there are fair amount of great wedding ideas already provided to you.

Some of the top destinations for wedding/honeymoon vacations are France, Mexico, Tanzania,Italy and Hawaii. Romance abounds in all of these wonderful destinations. Location is a large part of making that special day something you will always remember fondly. Here are just a couple of examples of the destination wedding of your dreams to help you get started.

Villa Baroncino

A five star villa located in Italy, between Umbria and Tuscany and is known for its romantic wedding retreats. Built in the 18th century, Villa Baroncino is luxuriously furnished and surrounded by soft rolling hills. Once an olive mill, its impressive architecture is reminiscent of the time it was built, a more magical time. Amidst lush gardens filled with fragrant flowers, Villa Baroncino offers a perfect wedding getaway.

Villa Baroncino offers a wedding suite with fantastic amenities for the perfect honeymoon as well. Their wedding suite is located on the top floor, featuring a luxury bedroom with an original antique bed, stunning bathroom, and living room with views overlooking the lake and surrounding valley.

Guana Island, British Virgin Islands

Guana Island is a privately owned island, one of the few remaining in the Caribbean. Featuring over 850 acres of tropical forest, mountains, valleys and 7 pristine white sand beaches, you really could have your dream become a reality you will never forget. No tourists, no strangers, just you, the person of your dreams and up to 35 of your closest family and friends on your own private island in the Caribbean, what could be better?
Guana Island has a variety of activities for you and your guests to enjoy on this tropical island paradise including swimming, sailing, kayaking, snorkeling hiking or relaxing on a hammock, it’s your choice. After a long day of activities, watch a spectacular sunset and get a massage before heading to your splendid cottage retreat to sleep in luxury accommodations cooled by the trade winds and lulled to sleep by the waves.
No matter which destination you choose, thousands of choices are available for the perfect wedding. Stop thinking traditional and start thinking fantastic! The Wedding vacation of your dreams awaits you, all you need to do is choose and your dream can become a reality.

Paris, A Dessert Lover’s Guide

June 25, 2009

Chocolate

I must admit, it’s rather easy to find three delicious dessert spots in Paris. In fact, I feel like I am cheating. But, you should know that these three venues were recommended to me when I visited. It would be simply wrong of me to withhold this information.

First, lets talk chocolate.

Nearly every block has delicious chocolate. Particularly for us westerners, who have had our senses ruined by years of mass-produced, boring and choco-tame kisses and cups. If you’d like to charge your chocolate memory, go to “Café Angelina” and order the Chocolat l’Africain.

Upon serving, it arrives in 3 separate elements. First, is the standard Parisian mug. It’s oversized, white and ceramic. It says “France” all in one object. Next, you are given a crystal dish holding freshly made whipped cream (think “Fancy Feast” commercial, without the cat food!). And finally, a small pitcher of melted dark chocolate arrives. This is when you know it is serious. You blend the crème with the chocolate, to your taste of course, and the result is a high-producing cocoa that cannot help but leave you giddy.

Next up - Ice Cream (what else).

Paris, like all of France, has delicious and fresh ice cream. (Note - please avoid the mainstream shops like Haagen-Dazs. They are traps for tourists. Go local, for Heaven’s sake!) The finest in France is none other than “Berthillon” on the western tip of the Ile Saint-Louis. Once finished with your trip through the Notre Dame Cathedral, cross the bridge and glance to the right where you will find the world-famous “Berthillon”. Inside, it feels like a standard Bistro. But, this particular venue stands out for its ice cream. The sorbet is also truly delicious, but the cream itself will ruin state-side ice cream forever. My favorite? Strawberry Cheesecake ice cream, with all of the ingredients being completely real and completely fresh.

Finally, no dessert list for Paris is complete without a bakery.

The finest in all of Paris is Poilane. I prefer the location on rue du Cherche-Midi as it’s more cozy and feels more original. I once traveled with a well-known macrobiotic choreographer. He would ask me - daily - to visit Poilane and get him fresh bread for his lunches. Upon arrival, I always found a line. But, the nice thing about Paris is that people know what they want. There is no fooling around at all, and the line moves quickly. As for pastries, I have heard that Pierre Herme has opened a patisserie on rue Bonaparte. I can only imagine how extraordinary his cake’s and pastries are. He is one of France’s finest, so certainly worth the visit.

Article brought to you courtesy of Sea land Travel Club.

Walt Disney World Orlando Florida - Not just for Kids!

June 19, 2009

Every child dreams of Walt Disney World, seeing Mickey Mouse, Minnie or Pluto.

What if you grew up and had still never been to Disney? Maybe you would be like I was and say, too bad I missed it, maybe if I have kids, I will take them. Well, why wait for kids? Disney World is not just for kids, it is for everyone who has a child inside, not just those still unable to drive a car. Walt Disney World Orlando offers a dream for everyone, big and small, young and old. Vacation in Disney for those of us who missed it as a child, can still be a reality.

So, we all know about the rides, which may still interest you, but if they don’t, or even if they do just a little, we are going to wander to the more adult side of Disney, the part that caters to your dreams now, you still have a magic kingdom at your fingertips, you just have to look.

Downtown Disney offers a shopping mecca for the adult in you. Just a short trip away from Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa, lies the downtown Disney area. It is divided into three sections - Downtown Disney West Side plays host to high-end restaurants, a 24 screen movie theatre and many other uncommon shops to visit. You will also find the Cirque du Soleil La Nouba show and other live entertainment that are sure to keep you entertained.

The Downtown Disney Marketplace offers dining as well as many Disney related stores to shop in.

It is just that, a marketplace, more Disney shopping than you could ever imagine, all in one place. A must see for that kid in you. Some attractions include Basin - Bath and Facial Products featuring handmade and natural skin and bath products. Also you could visit the newest addition to the marketplace called Tren-D. Featuring all that is hip and chic you won’t be disappointed.

Pleasure Island is a great place to end the day with some fantastic dining and entertainment opportunities.

Fulton’s Crab House is a seafood restaurant not like most. It is located on a paddleboat permanently docked at the entrance to Pleasure Island. Its focus is on fresh seafood of course, but other meals are also served as well. If you enjoy a new experience, you should definitely think about Fulton’s Crab House.

If you are looking for a little romance, you could try out the Portobello Yacht Club which features regional Italian cuisine in a romantic contemporary Italian setting. Indoor or outdoor seating is available. Also features an extensive wine list and a convenient location.

If you are looking for a place to stay Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa is an equestrian themed Victorian style deluxe villa resort on the shore of Lake Buena Vista.

It includes not only spacious 3 bedroom villas with all the amenities ,but also the newest vacation homes the Treehouse Villas, which sleep 9 are located, in the trees!

This resort features 65 acres inspired by Saratoga Springs and offers rolling hills, fountains, lakes and spa treatments. Also includes 2 restaurants and of course a fantastic pool and internet service. This could be your home away from home while experiencing the Walt Disney World vacation of your dreams. Disney is after all the magic kingdom even if you are only just a kid at heart.

Yes or no? What to bring while traveling on a flight

June 11, 2009

Tens of thousands of people travel on airlines every day. So with this many people traveling via the same flights, how do you maximize efficiency while traveling in the air? The answer is being prepared. If you know what to bring and what not to bring, traveling can be made a pleasant experience as opposed to a nightmare.
Here are some tips on what to bring and what not to bring to make your travel more pleasant and efficient.

What can I wear?

Many people wonder if they can were jewelry, belts or other metal objects when traveling. The answer is yes if you want to take it off at the gate. Rules require ALL metal objects be removed and placed on the conveyer belt in order to get through the gate. This includes keys, key chains, jewelry, belts, coats with metal buttons, coins and even your shoes, and your laptop.

What do I need to show them at the gate?

Depending on where you are traveling internationally, there are a few things you must have to travel. First, remember to have your boarding pass and know your seat location so when your section is called to board the flight, you know where you are going to make travel for everyone smoother. Next, if you are traveling in the country, you must still have your identification on your person. If you don’t drive, have your personal id card, if you have a license, bring that. Lastly, if you are traveling internationally, remember to have a valid passport. Also, make sure if you are traveling internationally, check to make sure if there are any immunizations recommended for entry into the country of destination, you have gotten them well in advance of your departure.

Can I bring fruits and vegetables on flights?

If you are traveling within the 48 states, yes is the answer, but if you travel anywhere else including Alaska, Hawaii, and internationally, the answer is maybe not. I once purchased a pineapple in Hawaii and had to have a special box that it was inspected by the department of agriculture in order to bring it back with me, and it could not be opened in the interim. Certain fruits and vegetables are allowed with the proper inspections, but others may be confiscated once you step off the plane. Internationally, rules are strict, it is easier just not to do it, which will save you time and hassle.

In general, travel can be difficult if you are not prepared. Since 9-11 rules have gotten stricter, and many people are unhappy. We need to remember that it is for our safety that these rules are put in place even if they may not make sense to us. Get online and check the prohibited items for travel before you go. The Transportation Security Administration has a list of things you may not bring on a flight, for those of you interested, here it is.

Sharp Objects
Sporting Goods
Guns & Firearms
Tools
Martial Arts & Self Defense Items
Explosive & Flammable Materials, Disabling Chemicals & Other Dangerous Items
Other Items

Most of these are broad categories and have been broken down on their website. Also, many of these things can be brought, just not as a carry on, they may be checked. An example is knives or razors, they can’t be carried on, but you may check them. Also, there may be special regulations on bringing some of these items; rules that you need to follow in order to bring them along. The moral of the story is, when in doubt check with the TSA and with your airline, and your travel experience should be a wonderful one!

Cruise Vacations for the Entire Family

May 10, 2009

Brought to you courtesy of Sealand Travel Club:

When people think of cruise ship vacations they think of a tropical, romantic getaway, but that isn’t always the case. There are many cruise vacations geared for the entire family. Each year, millions of families make the decision to take a family vacation. If you and your family are interested in becoming one of those families, you have a number of different options. Your options may include, but are not limited to, camping, visiting the beach, visiting a local amusement park, or setting sail on the water.

Setting sail on the water is something that many individuals would like to do. The good news is that you do not have to know anything about boats to enjoy a fun, family vacation aboard a cruise ship. Cruise ships are creating fun, exciting, and safe vacation environments for families.

You may be wondering if you and your family would enjoy a vacation aboard a cruise ship. The reality is that all families vary. Each family member is likely to have a personal preference. Despite that preferences, cruise ships are often enjoyed by everyone, not matter what their age. This is because cruise ships offer a wide range of activities. These activities are geared towards individuals of all ages.

To decide whether or not your family should take a family vacation aboard a cruise ship, you are encouraged to consider cruise ship benefits. The most obvious benefit, as mentioned above, is the onboard activities. On any given cruise ship, you are likely to find an unlimited number of activities for both children and adults. These activities may include swimming, gaming, gambling, eating, watching movies, and dancing.

Other one of the many benefits of taking a family cruise ship vacation is the fact that almost all cruise ships have onboard childcare. If you are traveling with small children, these childcare centers may allow you to have private moments by yourself or with your spouse. These childcare centers are often operated free of charge. That means that within a few minutes, you could drop your child off and be on your way to pampering yourself.

A cruise ship vacation benefit that many individuals do not consider is the quality time spent together. While it is true that this quality time together can be spent anywhere, it is often more memorable on a cruise ship. Many travelers view the close corridors as a disadvantage, but in a way it may benefit your family. This benefit is most often seen with teenagers. When a child becomes a teen, spending time with their family is often eliminated from their list of priorities. A cruise ship will provide them with fun and exciting activities, but it will also allow you and your child to reconnect.

The memories made on a cruise ship are often incomparable. The majority of children will be unable to, for one reason or another, take a cruise when they reach adulthood. This memory is one that could serve them for a lifetime. To cherish this memory, you are encouraged to bring along a camera or video recorder. In addition to enjoying the cruise in the present, you and your family will also be able to enjoy it in the future. Can you imagine sitting around your kitchen table twenty years from now reminiscing with your family?

Wherever you and your family decide to vacation, whether it be on a cruise ship or not, your vacation is sure to be memorable. For a reasonable price, you can have an unforgettable vacation. If a cruise is financially within your reach, why not grab hold of the experience while you can?

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