Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Treehouse Vacations, PLUS Bermuda's Endless Summer

July may almost be over but we still have one more month of fun in the sun before we need to put away the beach towels and sunscreen. In reading the latest issue of US Airways magazine, which I picked up on my way back from Pittsburgh, I saw an interesting article on treehouses. I don’t mean something dad built in your backyard when you were 6, but more like a treehouse vacation, or treesorts as they are being called... and it’s not just for kids anymore.

If you want your kids to experience all that nature has to offer, from these elevated bed and breakfasts, visit Cedar Creek Treehouse, located in Washington near Mount Rainier National Park or Out ‘n’ About Treesort in Takilma, Oregon. Cedar Creek can accommodate up to five people, with additional space on a stairwell observation floor, and numerous camping spots below. They require a 2-night stay minimum, and they do not allow children under 10. Out ‘n’ About Treesort offers a myriad of rooms with whimsical names like Swiss Family Complex, Treezebo, and Serendipitree, and can accommodate up to 6 people depending on the room type. Both offer family-friendly eco-adventures such as zip lines, ladder and rope courses, hiking, fishing, and more.

If you’re looking for a more secluded, luxurious and romantic experience, visit Post Ranch Inn, nestled on the cliffs of Big Sur, California. Post Ranch Inn was created for adults to relax, rejuvenate and nurture relationships. Therefore, the minimum age for guests is 18 years and older. Each room has a unique design with either an ocean or mountain view. Amenities include wood-burning fireplace, indoor or outdoor spa tub, and a private deck. There are no televisions or alarm clocks in the guestrooms.

If you’re interested in one of these “treesorts,” please contact me.

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Special Offer: BERMUDA'S ENDLESS SUMMER
Guests staying 4 nights or longer at participating properties throughout Bermuda will receive a $300 Gift Card* on bookings made by October 27, 2008, for travel August 21, 2008 - October 31, 2008

Participating hotels:
• 9 Beaches - 4th night FREE
• CoCo Reef Bermuda
• Elbow Beach, Bermuda
• The Fairmont Hamilton Princess - 4th night FREE
• The Fairmont Southampton - Save 25%
• Grotto Bay Beach Resort - 4th night FREE
• Rosedon
• Surf Side Beach Club - 4th night FREE

Air inclusive packages available from most U.S. gateways

*$300 Gift Card is one per booking and issued upon arrival. Gift card can be used at any Bermuda merchant that accepts major credit cards. This offer is not combinable with any other hotel promotion. Valid on new bookings with a 4-night minimum stay required. Individual hotel promotions listed above may be restricted to specific dates, days of travel, and room categories. Blackout dates and other restrictions may apply. Offers exclude Fly/Drives and may not be available for group travel.

Contact me for more information or to book these vacations.

Saturday, July 26, 2008

2008 Blogger's Choice Awards

I started this blog at the beginning of the year as a way of bringing information and travel deals to my readers. Basically a way to bring travel to life first online and hopefully to make the travel experience something no one would ever forget. Let's face it, people are most happiest (aside from weddings and babies in my opinion) when they are on vacation!

I'm still learning the ins and outs of blogging and what it takes to design a successful blog. So to say the least, I was overwhelmingly surprised when I found out my blog was nominated for Best Travel Blog for the 2008 Blogger's Choice Awards. Being new to the blogging world I have to say I am honored to be considered and thank all who nominated my blog and voted so far. So if you come across this blog and like what you see, please vote: http://www.bloggerschoiceawards.com/blogs/show/54060. I would really appreciate it.

Monday, July 14, 2008

My State-side Travels

I just returned from another Dani Johnson seminar in Pittsburgh, PA. This was actually my fourth seminar. These are not travel-related seminars, but more for people who own traditional businesses as well as entrepreneurs. I didn’t think I would be doing this much traveling that really wasn’t for pleasure. My husband and I had made tentative travel plans for a trip to Costa Rica and a cruise at the end of the year but these seminars popped up and we felt like we could not pass them up.

Unfortunately because of the time allotted for the seminar I didn’t get a chance to check out the city of Pittsburgh. We stayed at the Hyatt Regency Pittsburgh Int'l Airport, which was literally at the airport. I’m usually wary of staying in those kinds of hotels because of the noise from the airplanes but surprisingly it was not loud. The rooms were very well appointed: the décor was modern, in shades of black, brown, gray and tan. The room contained an L-shaped work desk and marble counters topped the bathroom sink and vanity. For the 2-night stay I was very comfortable in the king-sized bed full of soft, fluffy pillows.

So this being my fourth seminar, I guess I should tell you about the other states my travels have taken me. The first event was in Chicago back in April, which was held at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare. Again, there was no time to see the city, as these seminars are only 2 or 3 days. There I stayed with my sister-in-law at the Sofitel Chicago O’Hare on the outskirts of the airport and across from the Hyatt. Gold and red furniture and linens made this hotel seem regal. My favorite amenity: plush robes in the closet. Free shuttle service took us from the airport and back.

The next seminar was in Portland, Oregon. That’s about as far west as I’ve ever gone in the States. Here my husband and I stayed at The Hilton Portland & Executive Tower. This hotel was located in downtown Portland with a majestic view of Mount Hood. This time we had time to check out the local area since we had a midnight flight back to New York. For lunch we headed to Typhoon! located at the Hotel Lucia. I dined on King’s Noodles, a non-spicy noodle dish with chicken and shrimp. For dinner we opted for American cuisine at Jake’s Grill. I noticed Portland is a very young and hip city that is also family friendly. I would definitely visit again one day in the future. One thing to note, this hotel does not offer shuttle service, but there is the MAX Lightrail System for access to the airport and other local attractions.

Dallas was the location for the third seminar. Here we stayed at the Hotel Intercontinental Dallas, in close proximity to corporate buildings on Dallas Parkway. Decorated in hues of gold and blue with rich mahogany furnishings, the room had a very relaxed atmosphere. Although shuttles were available to the local mall, we opted to stay close to the hotel. For lunch one day, we headed over to Freebirds World Burrito, about a block away from the hotel at the Old Town Shopping Center. The fun menu hosts an array of burritos with names such as The FreeBird, the ½ Bird and the Monster as well as “Not-Burritos” such as quesadillas, salads and “Bird Bowls.” It boasts all types of sauces from mild tomatillo sauce to habanero sauce, which consists of real habanero peppers and spices. Moderately priced, the food here was well worth it. A quirky plus: The walls are decorated with foil cars, flowers, animals and more, from its very artistic customers.

What’s our next stop? Currently it’s Atlanta, Georgia for a 3-day seminar in December. I’m hoping we can schedule some time to see what this Southern city has to offer.

By the way, Happy Birthday to my mom, whose birthday was on Sunday and I didn't get to spend it with her. Love you mom!

Tuesday, July 8, 2008

Caribbean Deals, Carnival Imagination, and Specials

Save big at Antigua’s Jolly Beach Resort & Spa! 4 Night land-only All-Inclusive stays from $539:
Book Early for '09 Travel & Receive Reduced Room Rates!
Book by: 12/20/2008
Travel Dates: 1/5/2009 - 4/15/2009

Or if you can’t wait until 2009 take advantage of this promotion:
Jolly Fall - Get the 4th night free and the 1st child stays free.
Book by: 8/31/2008
Travel Dates: Now - 12/20/2008
++++++++++
Great Deals to St. Martin/St. Maarten: The Dutch and French Side of Paradise:
One island. Two nations with equally appealing charm and natural beauty. On the Dutch side, you'll find St. Maarten with its extinct volcano, Mount Flagstaff. And on the French side, you'll find St. Martin and the very French town of Marigot. And on both sides, you'll enjoy a colorful Caribbean paradise with sunny days, pristine beaches, open-air seaside restaurants, calypso-filled carnivals and great duty-free shopping.

Current promotions:
Divi Little Bay Beach Resort (D) - Receive up to 2 nts FREE & More
Grand Case Beach Club (F) - Receive 5th or 7th night FREE
Hotel Beach Plaza (F) - Receive up to 2 nts FREE
Le Flamboyant Hotel & Resort (F) - Receive up to 4 nts FREE
Oyster Bay Beach Resort (D) - Receive up to 2 nts FREE
Sonesta Great Bay Beach Resort (D) -Receive up to 2 nts FREE
Sonesta Maho Beach Resort & Casino (D)-Receive up to 2 nts FREE
Westin St. Maarten Dawn Beach Resort & Spa (D) - Save up to 40%

Other properties offered in our St. Martin/St. Maarten program:
Green Cay Villas (F)
La Samanna (F)
Princess Heights (D)

(F) French side, (D) Dutch side
Contact me for more information or to book these vacations.
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Cruise Special: Carnival Imagination - 3 & 4 Day Cruises from Miami
The newly refurbished Carnival Imagination has already undergone phase one of “Evolutions of Fun,” which includes a nine-hole miniature golf course, expanded children’s facilities, an atrium lobby bar, and renovated staterooms and spas. She will undergo an extensive renovation this fall with the addition of resort-style pool areas and the new Carnival WaterWorkssm aqua parks on the Veranda Deck. The 3-day Friday cruise sails to Nassau where you’ll stay overnight so you can enjoy the Bahamas nightlife, in addition to beaches and shopping. The 4-day Monday cruise stops at Key West and Cozumel where you can visit the Mayan ruins of Tulum and Chichén-Itza, officially on the list of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

Starting Monday, September 22
3-day Cruise
Interior from $229
Oveanview from $309

4-day Cruise
Interior from $219
Oceanview from $309

Contact me for more details and sailing dates.
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Here are some specials only available at VastVoyages.com:

El Cid Riviera Maya, Cancun - Fall Sale!
Receive up to 35% discount; stay 5 nights and receive a $300 Mega Pass; kids 12 & under stay free
Book by July 31, 2008
Travel by Dec. 20, 2008

Occidental Grand Aruba - Early Booking Bonus '08
Receive a 20% discount
Book by July 31, 2008
Travel by Dec. 22, 2008

Excellence Punta Cana, Dominican Republic - Fall Sale
Receive up to 35% off
Book by July 31, 2008
Travel by Dec. 23, 2008

Visit VastVoyages.com to book these and other fabulous getaways! Also don’t forget to sign up on our homepage to receive our Travel Deals and Steals sent to your inbox every week
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