The Chronicles of VastVoyages.com

April's Trip of a Lifetime PLUS Carnival's "Glory-ous" Cruises

2009-04-03T11:58:00.005-04:00

April's Trip of a Lifetime!

March just flew right by! So that means it’s an ALL-NEW location for April’s Trip of a Lifetime Sweepstake.

This month’s sweepstakes features a sensational resort in beautiful Jamaica! The winner will spend four wonderful days and three exciting nights at the Breezes Runaway Bay Resort and Golf Club with the person of their choice. Runaway Bay is one of the world’s truly great escapes. With quiet coves, endless beaches and shady hammocks around every corner, you’ll instantly feel like you’ve run away from all the pressures of the real world.

All previous entrants into YTB’s Trip of a Lifetime Sweepstakes will need to re-enter for a chance at this month’s grand prize. Visit VastVoyages.com now to enter. Hurry! Sweepstakes closes on Thursday, April 30, 2009!

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Carnival's Glory-ous Exotic Caribbean Cruises

Visit 4 ports in 7 days! Starting November 29, choose from two Exotic Caribbean itineraries on board the Carnival Glory departing from Miami.

The Western Caribbean itinerary includes stops at Grand Cayman, Isla Roatan in Honduras, Belize and Cozumel. While the Eastern Caribbean cruise stops at Half Moon Cay in the Bahamas, St. Thomas/St. John, San Juan and Grand Turk on Turks and Caicos.

Prices start at $529 for interior so book your “Fun Ship” cruise TODAY!

Trip of a Lifetime Sweepstakes New Location: Mexico

2009-03-10T16:54:00.002-04:00

Enter for your chance to win a luxurious vacation for two at the Paradise Village in sunny Mexico! Located just north of Puerto Vallarta, the Riviera Nayarit area has been called the new destination by USA Today. Complete with beautiful sand beaches, upscale hotel and a world-class marina, you'll never want to return home! Prize also includes round-trip airfare from any major U.S. city and extra spending money.

Stay in Staunton

2009-03-10T16:19:00.004-04:00

This weekend, my husband and I took a little road trip to Maryland and Virginia. In Maryland we stayed with some family before heading to Staunton. There, we stayed at The Stonewall Jackson Hotel & Conference Center. Southern hospitality welcomed us into the spacious lobby and we felt at ease in the richly appointed rooms in hues of beige, red and orange.

This quaint little town, located in central Shenandoah Valley, features over one hundred unique shops, art galleries and restaurants. A major draw of the town is the Blackfriars Playhouse, the only re-creation in the world of Shakespeare’s legendary indoor theater. Run by The American Shakespeare Center, the theater gives its audiences a sense of what it would have been like to actually attend an Elizabethan play. We caught A Midsummer Night’s Dream as well as The Changeling by William Rowley and Thomas Middleton. Although plays run year-round they have limited runs so check the website to see what’s showing.

We stopped at Sunspots Studios to marvel at the beautiful glass suncatchers, vases, and garden stakes that adorned the shop. Visitors can also see a live glass blowing demonstration every day. The artist of the day created a teal hanging globe as well as a orange-hued tumbler, which were not available for purchase since they need a day or so to cool off. Sunspots will be host to the 7th Annual Virginia Hot Glass Festival the weekend of April 25-26 so if you’re in the area, you can catch more demonstrations as well as glass bead and jewelry making sessions. Admission is free.

Local wineries include Rockbridge Vineyard, which opened in 1988, Veritas Vineyard and Winery and Barren Ridge Vineyards that opened in 2002 and 2008 respectively.

Visit Staunton or Virginia's official tourism website Virginia is for Lovers for more information.

Carnival Miracle: Exciting 8 Day Cruises from New York!

2009-02-25T13:55:00.003-05:00

Hate flying? Well you don't have to when you take a Carnival Cruise from right here in NYC. Cruises start April 22 and you can choose from two Eastern Caribbean itineraries. Ports include San Juan, St. Thomas, Grand Turk, and two ports in the Bahamas and prices start at $689 for interior cabins. Contact me TODAY to book your vacation!

Tell them “I QUIT!”

2009-02-11T11:26:00.004-05:00

How do you wake up in the morning? Are you charged and ready to go to work or are you depressed just thinking that today may be the day they hand you that pink slip?

With layoffs looming in every workplace you may be feeling “lucky” that you still have your job. But you also may be working more with little or no increase to show for it.

Take matters into your own hands and tell them “I QUIT!”

With your own home-based business, you set your hours and you only answer to one person: YOU. Your efforts bring in the results so this is definitely not a get-rich-quick scheme. You’ll have to work to see results, just like Juliet who was homeless and living in her car when she found out about our company. She was able to find the money to get started and within one year was able to retire her mother. She has made well over $1 million* and is a top director in our company.

If you’re not serious about changing your circumstances, stop reading now. If you’re not willing to do the work, stop reading now. We are looking for about six dedicated, driven people who are ready to do what it takes to become “recession-proof” and "financially free." Training is available. So if you’re interested in learning more, visit us online or call me at 732-983-0802. This will expire on Friday, February 20, 2009

*Example does not guarantee similar results.

There's Still Time to Win!

2009-02-09T17:17:00.002-05:00

Our Trip of a Lifetime Sweepstakes to Abaco Beach Resort is still going on so don't forget to visit VastVoyages.com and enter TODAY. This current contest ends Saturday, February 28 and the winner will be announced on Tuesday, March 3. Our next contest will run from March 1-31, so stay tuned on what the new and exciting destination will be.

NYC to Ireland Deal, Trip of a Lifetime Sweepstakes, Plus Valentine's Day Gifts

2009-01-12T20:59:00.010-05:00

Visit Ireland
New York City, NY to Dublin, Ireland: Starting from $445 per person from Jan. 22-26, 2009. Flight and Hotel Included.

Visit our Vacations tab at VastVoyages.com to view more getaway deals.

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Trip of a Lifetime Sweepstakes!
Enter TODAY for your chance to win a 4 day-3 night luxurious vacation for two at the Abaco Beach Resort and Boat Harbour in the Bahamas. Prize also includes round-trip airfare from any major U.S. city and extra spending money. Just enter your email address, it's that SIMPLE! And don't forget to register every month for the next Trip of a Lifetime (new place every month)!

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Valentine's Day
Love is in the air... So don't forget to get your loved one something special this Valentine's Day. Visit our Flower Shop today!

Happy Holidays from VastVoyages.com

2008-12-17T13:39:00.002-05:00

Are you still looking for that perfect gift for Christmas or Hannukah? Check out the new “mini mall” at VastVoyages.com! We have everything from flowers to food, health and beauty, apparel and accessories, even home décor. Visit us today and click on EXTRAS to see what we have to offer.

Also Carnival Cruise gift certificates are still available. Buy one today before the sale ends on December 31.

And if you haven't done so already, take a minute to sign up for our Deals and Steals Newsletter, to receive the latest travel deals our site has to offer.

From both of us at VastVoyages.com, we wish you a fantastic Holiday and a Happy New Year!

Alba & Alberto Diaz

Atlanta, Weddings, Cruises and more!

2008-12-09T12:56:00.003-05:00

Weekend in Atlanta

I just returned from another training seminar with Dani Johnson in Atlanta and we had a blast! While in Atlanta we stayed at the Red Roof Inn, located only 20 minutes from the airport and in the heart of downtown Atlanta. We were only a few blocks away from the actual seminar location, which was at the Sheraton Atlanta. We visited the Mall at Peachtree Center several times for lunch. We also visited the 24-hour Metro Cafe' Diner which invites it’s customers in with fun music, a bar and karaoke. On our last night we ordered food from Pittypat’s Porch, a place filled with Southern comfort, from the décor to the menu and place settings, to the hearty meals they serve. The walls are full of American antiques while the tables are adorned with heavy pewter serviceware. The menus are printed on fans, a staple of the south. And I have to tell you, the crispy fried chicken served with homemade garlic mashed potatoes and gravy just filled me up with delight!

Although our stay was short, everything we needed to sightsee was close by. The Atlanta Civic Center, which is currently running the King Tut Exhibit through May 2009, and Georgia Aquarium are both less than a mile away. The World of Coca-Cola Museum, only a mile away, offers guests the world’s largest collection of Coke memorabilia, tasting experience of over 60 different products, a 4-D Theater (3D movie with moving seats), as well as the world-famous Coca-Cola® Polar Bear and much more.

For more information visit the official Atlanta destination portal at http://www.atlanta.net/.

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Destination Weddings and Honeymoons

I was finally able to listen to the training seminar on Ask Me... About Destination Weddings. They work with travel professionals such as myself or directly with the bride & groom to handle every detail of the wedding arrangements, from deciding on the destination, the hotel and the amenities to be included. Destinations include the Bahamas, Mexico, Costa Rica, and a multitude of islands in the Caribbean, as well as a handful of private island collections for the ultimate in privacy and comfort. Every destination wedding they plan is customized to the needs and wants of the bride & groom – ensuring every couple receives the individual attention they truly deserve. So stay tuned on more information about this company...

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Save Money on Airfare: Cruise from New York!

No need to fly, just cruise! 8-day cruises from New York onboard the Carnival Miracle offer two exciting options for 2009: visit San Juan, St. Thomas and Grand Turk or Grand Turk, Half Moon Cay and Nassau. Interior rooms start at $689, balcony rooms from $1009. Contact me for sailing dates. Group rates available.

Speaking of Carnival… Have you visited www.vastvoyages.com lately? Carnival Cruises is offering spectacular deals on gift certificates through the end of the year. Certificates start at $418 for two guests on 3 and 4 day cruises. Most include all government taxes, fees and gratuities and all are upgradeable. Sale ends December 31, 2008 so check it out now.

Bermuda's 400th Anniversary, Vegas Getaways and Princess' Balcony Bonanza

2008-11-06T12:41:00.004-05:00

Bermuda’s 400th Anniversary Offer
Celebrate Bermuda’s 400th Anniversary with a credit of up to $400 per package! Plus receive the Bermuda 400th Anniversary Passport* with savings of up to $1000 in coupons for spas, golf, boat tours and more.

Stay 2 Nights - Receive $200 credit
Stay 3 nights - Receive $300 credit
Stay 4 nights - Receive $400 credit

Participating Hotels:
9 Beaches**
Coco Reef Resort
Elbow Beach Bermuda***
Grotto Bay Beach Resort
The Fairmont Hamilton Princess
The Fairmont Southampton

Book now through March 27, 2009 for travel between Nov. 1, 2008 and March 31, 2009

* Passport received upon check-in. Availability is limited.
** 9 Beaches available for travel 11/1-11/30/08 only for bookings made by 11/28/08
*** Elbow Beach available for travel 11/1-12/31/08 only

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Las Vegas Quick Getaways

Four Queens Hotel & Casino - $79*
Excalibur Hotel & Casino - $99*
Harrah’s Las Vegas - $119*
Golden Nugget - $129*
Flamingo Las Vegas - $129*
Hooters Casino Hotel - $139*
Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino - $189*
The Mirage - $209*

*3-night stays include airport transfers. Rates are per person, double occupancy and include all taxes and roundtrip airport transfers. Offer valid on bookings made by 12/15/08 for travel by 12/18/08.

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Princess Cruises Balcony Bonanza
Get a free balcony upgrade for savings of up to $1,000 per couple* –on a Europe, Alaska or Caribbean vacation with Princess!

Princess is pleased to announce the return of their popular Balcony Bonanza with FREE balcony upgrades on almost all of their summer 2009 voyages to the best summer cruise destinations.

Choose from:

* 2009 Alaska cruises & cruisetours
* 2009 Europe cruises & cruisetours
* 2009 Caribbean cruises roundtrip from New York

With special fares on these voyages, you can save up to $1,000 per couple!*

Book a cruisetour and you’ll also receive a $200-per-couple onboard credit. For maximum affordability, we’re also offering Free Upgrade pricing on Interior to Oceanview (obstructed) staterooms.

This special sale runs now through December 15, 2008, so book while the fares last!

* Save up to $1,000 off Escape Fares per couple ($500 per person) for select sailings on a space-available basis. Savings vary by departure and category. Free upgrades apply to an upgrade from lead-in interior to obstructed oceanview, and from unobstructed oceanview to balcony categories. Free upgrade must be confirmed at time of booking in preferred stateroom location. Upgrades based on a price reduction to applicable lead-in fares.

Pesky Technical Difficulties; Cool NYC

2008-10-24T15:14:00.006-04:00

Ok, so unfortunately I was unable to "attend" the online seminar for Ask Me About Destination Wedding last Friday. My computer at work (my day job) is not up-to-date so I couldn't log in. However, I will try later tonight when I get home and hopefully I will have better luck.

Cool NYC
Even though I'm originally from New York and I work here, I'm usually not out-and-about in the city. A friend told me about the new TKTS Discount Booth in Times Square and I drove past it last night on my way to Penn Station. What an incredible new upgrade! The line to buy theater tickets wrapped around the booth and the red steps are picture perfect for tourist and residents alike. Check out their article on the grand opening festivities which took place on October 16, 2008. Hmmm... I wonder if they'll allow small weddings to take place here?

New Site Enhancements

2008-10-13T16:46:00.002-04:00

The folks at YTB just keep it coming! New vendors have been added to VastVoyages.com to make your travel experience more enjoyable. Of course the lasting favorites are still there like YTB Flowers and the Honeymoon Registry. But check out the Branson, Missouri link on our homepage, which takes you to their official vacation guide. Road Trip? YES! Even with the high gas prices, it’s still cheaper than flying. Check out the Road Trip box under the “Cars” tab. Click on the “Extras” tab and find a link to Your Travel Wear, a great site for travel clothing and gear as well as gift ideas and wedding wear.

Speaking of weddings, this Friday I will be joining an online training seminar with the people from Ask Me About Destination Weddings. I’m hoping to establish myself as a honeymoon/destination wedding consultant so I’ll keep you posted on that.

Also, I finally uploaded our Myrtle Beach pictures so check out the slideshow!

The Last Days of Summer: A Weekend in Myrtle Beach

2008-09-25T15:03:00.005-04:00

It’s the end of summer and my husband and I wanted to at least head to a beach to soak in the last days of “fun in the sun.” So to celebrate our 2nd wedding anniversary, we headed for a four-day weekend to Myrtle Beach. We were lucky enough to have a relative with a vacation/retirement home out there and it was in the perfect location: nearly 10-15 minutes from everything—airport, amusement parks, area beaches, shopping and dining.

An early afternoon flight landed us at Myrtle Bach International Airport at about 12:30. We headed to the Hertz counter for our rental and were surprised by a free upgrade since all the compact cars were taken. I had done my research earlier in the week to see what we could do out there. Ready for lunch, we drove to Broadway at the Beach, a 350 acre entertainment complex which features theaters, 20 restaurants, over 100 specialty shops, 15 attractions, 11 nightclubs, and 3 hotels, all surrounding a 23-acre lake. To say the least, this site was breathtaking! We ate at Joe’s Crab Shack on an outdoor deck facing the man-made lake. Then we made our way around the entire complex, stopping at a fudge shop to sample a few of their 30+ flavors, and various stores to peruse their products. With something to do for every family member, it’s a good bet to stop here if you’re in town.

Later that evening we dined at Latitude 22. Located at Surfside Beach, south of Myrtle Beach, this trendy restaurant/bar offers a Caribbean-fare menu with the likes of conch fritters, Calypso crab cakes, and “Shrimp Rasta Pasta.” It was a Thursday night and although there were people walking the pier, not much was happening as far as nightlife goes.

Friday, we headed to Myrtle Beach’s newest attraction Hard Rock Park. Opened on June 2, 2008, this 55-acre theme park boasts more than 50 attractions, including live shows and entertainment, roller-coasters, children’s play areas, restaurants and retail stores. The park is divided into six areas: All Access Entry Plaza, Rock & Roll Heaven, British Invasion, Lost in the 70's, Born in the USA, and Cool Country. I’m not one for roller-coasters but Hard Rock’s signature ride, Led Zeppelin, the Ride sends you 15 stories high, at 65 mph and loops six times, all set to Zeppelin's "Whole Lotta Love." Now that will get your heart racing! My favorite attraction was the Garage Jam, which had hundreds of foam balls and all kinds of tools to play with them. It’s great for children but even better for adults to let out some steam as my husband and I had fun shooting at each other. Unfortunately, due to scaled back travel plans and theme park attendance flat or down this year, the park is now closed for the season “to allow management to focus on restructuring efforts” and intends to re-open in the spring of 2009. Just outside of the park is Medieval Times for dinner and a fun show for the whole family.

Saturday turned out to be a bit cloudy and not so warm, so our plans for the beach had to be modified. We walked Ocean Boulevard, Myrtle Beach’s main strip with plenty of places to eat, shop and play. Here’ you’ll find Family Kingdom, the only seaside amusement park and water park. Although it’s closed for the season, there’s never an admission charge so you can pay by the ride or you can buy an all-day wristband.

Also on Ocean Boulevard are several Ripley's attractions: Ripley's Haunted Adventure®, Ripley's Believe It or Not!®, The Ripley's® Moving Theater™, and Ripley’s® Super Fun Zone®, a hi-tech arcade. (Ripley's® Aquarium is located at Broadway at the Beach.)

The Myrtle Beach area, called the "seaside golf capital of the world" features over 100 golf courses. It also claims to be the "miniature golf capital of the world," owing to its 50 miniature golf courses. And we saw a bunch of them driving down Kings Highway. Choose from a host of themes, from man-eating dinosaurs and lava-spewing volcanoes to high seas adventures aboard pirate ships.

Barefoot Landing, located along the Intracoastal Waterway, is another entertainment complex but with the feel of a quaint village. The mood is more relaxed here. We dined at the Crab House where the prices were reasonable and the food was plenty. Barefoot plays host to a few entertainment venues such as the Alabama Theatre and House of Blues. You can also find big name stores or small boutiques to shop to your hearts content!

We had a pleasant and relaxing time and most importantly we had time to re-connect, which is key to keeping a marriage together, in my opinion. Check out the slide show in a few days for pictures of our trip.

For more information on the Myrtle Beach area and attractions visit the official site of the Myrtle Beach, SC CVB or the Myrtle Beach general info site.

Fall Foliage Tours; MSC Cruise Specials

2008-09-05T11:02:00.003-04:00

Caravan Tours: Motorcoach Travel at it’s Best
Caravan Tours began selling fully escorted tours in 1952. They have been under the same management and ownership ever since. In 1965, Roger Mudd hosted a two-hour CBS TV special on Caravan Tours. This TV production took about one month to make and was so successful it inspired the 1968 romantic comedy movie “If it’s Tuesday this must be Belgium.” In the early 50’s the Mayor of Dublin presented Caravan with the Key to Dublin for bringing the first American tour to the city after WWII. Since then Caravan has been recognized as a pioneer in travel. Take advantage of the changing weather and check out the 8-days New England Summer and Fall Colors Tour from $995:

Itinerary stops include Boston’s Old North Church, where Paul Revere began his famous midnight ride; Plymouth Rock, where you can see the Battle Green where “the shot heard around the world” signaled the start of the American Revolution. Follow the route of Paul Revere from Lexington to Concord. Then head south and stop at Plymouth Rock where pilgrims from the Mayflower landed. Then it’s off to Martha's Vineyard, a haven for artists, poets, singers and celebrities who are attracted to its laid-back, charming lifestyle. Visit the historic whaling town of Edgartown with its narrow streets and elegant homes. Next stop is Rhode Island and Connecticut: visit the historic Vanderbilt “summer cottage,” The Breakers. After a sightseeing drive of Newport you’ll get to visit Mystic Seaport, the nation’s leading maritime museum. From here you’ll head into the beautiful Berkshire Mountains of Massachusetts, where Norman Rockwell spent the last 25 years of his life and visit the Norman Rockwell Museum. Take a scenic mountain drive along country roads to Plymouth Notch, birthplace of President Calvin Coolidge. Next stop is the village of Woodstock, described as “the prettiest small town in America.” Travel past Maine’s lakes to Portland on the rocky Atlantic coast. Visit Portland’s waterfront and continue for the night at Kennebunkport. From here you’ll be transferred to the airport in Boston.

The best departure dates for viewing fall colors are usually September 21 through mid-October. Peak fall colors vary each year and can be affected by wind, temperature, and moisture. Caravan’s broad circular tour route, covering all six New England states, maximizes your foliage viewing opportunities.

Contact me for more information or to book this vacation.

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MSC Cruises Super Cruise Deals!
Explore the Caribbean aboard MSC Orchestra this winter and enjoy savings of over 50% on selected sailings. Rates start as low as $75* per night! Plus KIDS 17 & UNDER SAIL FREE! Hurry, space is LIMITED!

7nt Western Caribbean 2009 Departure Dates:
January 10; January 24; February 7; February 21; Caribbean March 7; March 21
Departing from Fort Lauderdale, Florida and calls to Key West, Florida, Cozumel, Mexico, Georgetown, Grand Cayman, Cayo Levantado (Samanà - D.R.),

7nt Eastern Caribbean 2009 Departure Date: April 18
Fort Lauderdale, Florida and calls to Cayo Levantado (Samanà - D.R.), Philipsburg, St. Maarten, St. John's, Antigua, Nassau, Bahamas, Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

*Rate listed is based on category 1 interior stateroom for Feb. 7 & Apr. 18 sailings of MSC Orchestra. Rates for other sailings and stateroom type are slightly higher. Kids sail free as 3rd/4th occupants with two full fare paying guests in stateroom.

Contact me for more information or to book this vacation.

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Here are the latest deals only available on VastVoyages.com:

Philadelphia, PA to Belize City, Belize
Flight & Hotel Included
4 Nights from $667 per person
Sept. 11 - 15, 2008

St. Louis, MO to Montreal, Canada
Flight & Hotel Included
3 Nights from $568 per person
Sept. 13 - 16, 2008

Milwaukee, WI to Paris, France
Flight & Hotel Included
3 Nights from $957 per person
Sept. 11 - 14, 2008

Everyday is New Day

2008-09-02T12:32:00.004-04:00

So many people say they are “fed up” with the way things are in their lives. They complain about their jobs, their house, their marriage and/or kids, even the weather! But if you’re not doing something about it (if you can) and continue to do the same thing day in and day out, then you don’t really have the right to complain.

I have to admit, I have not done enough with my business. God put this opportunity in front of us (my husband and I) for a reason. I believe he saw great things for us if we learned how to use HIM and the tools provided by the company to really help other people. But I have been lazy. When I get home from work I make the excuses “I’m tired,” or “it’s too late.” Or even worse, I let fear overtake me! Those annoying voices saying, “you can’t do it,” or “you don’t deserve it.” Yet, there are so many people out there, not just in my business but also in other businesses, who have kids, work full-time and are still making money to achieve their goals of financial freedom and time freedom. So I have no excuses!

I’m still learning that I can start new every day and not worry about what happened yesterday or last week. I need to press forward because it’s my duty to help as many people as I can. Everyday I ask God to guide my steps in the right direction.

So what would I do if my business exploded? The list is short: I would break those bonding chains of debt for us and for immediate family members, we would save some money and invest some, and of course I would give to charity (not just money but my time as well) because God deemed it so in my life. No fancy house or car. No closet full of the latest fashion. I don’t need to prove my wealth by buying things to appease people. Earthly possessions cannot follow me to heaven. What’s the point of gaining all that income if I don’t share it? And while sharing it I would spread God’s message of love, hope and mercy.

Ok! Now that all the ugly stuff is out of the way, here’s some fantastic news that came out of this year’s National Convention:

THE SATURDAY EVENING POST MAGAZINE FEATURING COACH
One of the most prestigious magazines in the country has chosen Coach to be on the cover! The Saturday Evening Post, the longest running continually published magazine in the history of the United States, has selected Coach to be on their 2008 Special August edition. The magazine features a four-page article on Coach's life and gives you an inside look behind his vision to create 10,000 millionaires.

The ABC's Guys
The ABC's Guys Dr. Denis Cauvier and Alan Lysaght have made an addition to their book "The ABC's of Making Money" as they have finally found a second company the meets all 15 principles they consider crucial to finding a viable business. The first company you may have heard of, it's Primerica, and we all know who the second company is, and that YTB! What an endorsement!

Check back later this week for more travel deals and Holiday Getaways!

YTB Makes News...

2008-08-25T11:40:00.007-04:00

Once again YTB is making news. Last year it was when Royal Caribbean terminated their relationship with “card mills,” stating that companies like YTB are “a scheme which denigrates the stature and role of the legitimate travel retailer.”

This year it’s the lawsuit filed by the California Attorney General against three subsidiaries of YTB International and certain executive officers of the company. The complaint alleges that the defendants violated California's unfair competition and advertising laws. Strange how both of these events took place right when YTB was hosting Funshine and the National Convention...

So to say the least, I’m disheartened that the travel community is taking this stab against a company I represent. I do support “brick and mortar” travel agents. They provide an invaluable service to people looking to escape from the mundane. However I didn’t sign up with one. Grant it no one knows me from a hole in the wall, but I take great pride in YTB. When I heard of all the success stories of people getting out of debt, and being able to spend more time with their families, my husband and I jumped at the chance to do the same. We get to “work” at our own pace and we know that if we don’t “work it” then it won’t work! It’s just common sense. We get to sell travel (and various other products) and “travel stores” in the hopes of making that extra cash to retire by 40. What’s so wrong with that? And there are hundreds of thousands of YTB agents that decided to quit their full-time job to work on their YTB business. So you know they have to have a serious interest in travel, right?

For me, I really do love to travel. For me, it’s not about sitting on a beach five days in a row. I love learning about different places and experiencing life in other parts of the world. I love being able to learn the history and culture of wherever I go. Everyone has some sort of “travel experience” they would like to check off from their “Things to Do” list, whether it’s an African safari or trekking through the Amazon, or even just a road trip through the States. All in all it’s about really living life and not just the daily grind of a 9-5 job just to pay your sky-high mortgage or your car payment.

So when I can, I read travel magazines and listen to conference calls to stay up with the latest travel news, and occasionally take online courses either through YTB or through travel vendors.

I’m not claiming to know all there is to know about the travel industry or MLM's for that matter. And frankly I don’t want to know. And there may be some of you out there who don’t agree with me, or YTB. But the truth is MLM’s are not going away and YTB will stay the fight. If you want read more about what’s going on with YTB check out Just Picture it Now. Or visit Travel Agent Magazine or Travel Weekly to read on how the industry is responding to the YTB lawsuit.

YTB Convention Update

2008-08-04T14:28:00.004-04:00

The YTB National Convention is THIS WEEK and it has promised to be BIGGER and BETTER than the previous year. The event actually started last night as 80 UPS trucks transported Lady Liberty (which coincides with this year’s theme “Liberty and Travel for All”) to St. Louis. The actual start date for the convention is Wednesday August 6 and ends Sunday August 10.

This year's convention again offers Reps and RTAs the advantage of a huge selection of YTBU classes offered on Wednesday and Thursday, with enlarged classroom sizes in the America's Center portion of Edward Jones Dome. General sessions are scheduled for Friday and Saturday. Also planned: a greatly expanded Food Court and YTB Store, totaling almost 80,000 square feet!

Unfortunately I won’t be attending, but I’m hoping to bring back reports from various team members as well as HUGE announcements from Coach, Scott and Kim. GO YTB!!

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Here are some specials only available at VastVoyages.com:

Surf on French Turf, Splash on Holland's Half
New York City to St. Martin/ St. Maarten
6 Nights from $411 per person!
Travel Dates: Aug. 21 - Aug. 27, 2008

Puerto Rico: Que Romantico!
Atlanta, GA to San Juan, PR
3 Nights from $373 per person
Travel Dates: Aug. 22 - Aug. 25, 2008

Jamaica (via Montego Bay): Reggae All the Way
Los Angeles, CA to Jamaica
5 Nights from $589 per person
Travel Dates: Aug. 22 - Aug. 27, 2008

Treehouse Vacations, PLUS Bermuda's Endless Summer

2008-07-29T14:58:00.003-04:00

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.

2008 Blogger's Choice Awards

2008-07-26T12:26:00.005-04:00

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.

My State-side Travels

2008-07-14T19:38:00.005-04:00

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!

Caribbean Deals, Carnival Imagination, and Specials

2008-07-08T14:22:00.007-04:00

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
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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.

Travel Weekly Ranks YTB; Plus Mystery Cruises and Travel Specials

2008-06-25T10:22:00.004-04:00

Travel Weekly’s 2008 Power List is out and YTB is ranked #26 overall, and tied for the LARGEST GAIN of everyone on the power list with $414.5 Million in travel sales. YTB is a REAL Travel Company! Check out the listing at Travel Weekly.
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Cruise Spotlight: Whodunit Mystery Cruises
Carnival Cruise Lines has partnered with Whodunit Productions to offer you a series of Whodunit Mystery Cruises aboard the Carnival Paradise. Eight different three-day Mystery Cruises will be offered in 2008 and throughout 2009.

The Whodunit Cruises will feature a variety of activities throughout the various public rooms - all with the objective of solving the mystery by the end of the voyage. When participants arrive on board they are given their own role to play and are encouraged to utilize the traits of their character to solve the mystery. Participants can also interact with professional actors hired specifically to set the tone for the mystery by creating an atmosphere of suspense and intrigue.

A variety of top-secret clues, from notes slipped discreetly under stateroom doors to instructions for clandestine missions, are provided throughout the cruise. At the end of the cruise, participants can enjoy a special Super Sleuth cocktail party.

3 Night Baja Mexico - Carnival Paradise
Departing from Long Beach, California
Ports of Call: Long Beach, California; Ensenada, Mexico

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

Divi Carina Bay Beach Resort and Casino, USVI - 5th Night Free
Book by July 31, 2008
Travel by Aug. 15, 2008

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

Coco Palm, St. Lucia - 35% Off Super Sale
Receive up to 35% off
Book by July 31, 2008
Travel by Dec. 21, 2008

3 Nights at the ResortQuest Waikiki Sunset: From: $1043.00pp
Departing from Kennedy Airport on Delta Airlines.
One-Bedroom Suite; includes reduced rate, 2-for-1 luau, Aloha Book value coupons and kids 12 & younger stay, play and eat FREE
Valid for travel: From 09/06/2008 to 12/12/2008

5 Nights at the Hotel Paris (in Florence): From: $1411.00pp
Departing from Kennedy Airport on Alitalia.
Standard View Room; includes daily buffet breakfast
Valid for travel: From 10/01/2008 to 10/25/2008

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.

Stretching Your Dollar; Plus a Princess' Romance

2008-06-17T15:30:00.003-04:00

In my May 27th blog, “More “Bang” for Your Buck,” I posted a link on where to find information about traveling to inexpensive destinations. Well, Money magazines’ May issue also lists seven destinations around the world where the American dollar is really worth the trip. From Buenos Aires to Vietnam, visit The Best Places to Vacation.

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Cruise Spotlight: Princess Cruise Lines

Remember “The Love Boat?” The show, set aboard the Pacific Princess (formerly a Princess ship) featured passengers and crew having romantic and funny adventures every week. Suffice it to say, Princess is known as a leader in all things related to love. So Princess has added another notch by creating an online home for its Department of Romance. Here, relationship experts, such as Dr. Ruth Westheimer, Lisa Light - founder of DestinationBride.com, and even Gavin “Captain Stubing” MacLeod offer advice, trends and tips on how to add a little spark to your relationship. One of my favorite tips, provided by Trish McDermott, romance and dating expert for engage.com and formerly of match.com, is tip number 4: Flirt with each other at a party just as if you were single. It shows your partner you’re still attracted to them as you did when you first met. So check out Princess’ Department of Romance to help plan your wedding, a special getaway at sea or just an intimate evening at home.

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Here are some specials only available at VastVoyages.com:

El Dorado Seaside Suites, Cancun, Mexico - 4 Diamonds Promotion
Free guaranteed upgrade; $50 Chichen Itza Tour Credit; $50 Spa Credit; $50 Romance Credit towards beachfront gourmet dinner; bottle of champagne on arrival; minimum 4-nt. stay required
Book by July 9, 2008
Travel by Aug. 31, 2008

Comfort Suites, Turks & Caicos - Summer Sale
Rates start at $45.00 pp/nt; Children 16 & under stay Free; Also 7th Night Free + more!
Book by July 15, 2008
Travel by Sept. 30, 2008

Sunshine Suites Resort, Cayman Islands - Summer Package Special
Rates start at $84.38 pp/nt; Children 17 & under stay Free
Book by July 28, 2008
Travel by July 31, 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.

Deals, Deals and MORE Deals! Part 2

2008-06-09T11:41:00.002-04:00

Still haven’t planned your summer vacation? Here’s a low-down on more travel promotions to get you on your way to more fun in the sun:

Great Deals on Tropical Getaways: Save big on land-only packages to the Caribbean. 3-nights land-only stays including all taxes and airport transfers from:

Puerto Rico
InterContinental San Juan Resort & Casino $419 - Up to 25% off
Wyndham Rio Mar Beach Resort $419 - 20% off, VIP Value Card & Daily Breakfast Buffet in Marbell
El San Juan Hotel & Casino $439 - 20% off on Sunday - Wednesday stays
Condado Plaza Hotel & Casino $469
El Conquistador Resort & Golden Door Spa $589

St. Lucia
The Village Inn & Spa $489 - One or Two Nights Free depending on length of stay
Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort, All-Inclusive $1049

St. Maarten
Divi Little Bay Beach Resort $399 - Up to 2 Nights Free, $50 or $100 in St. Maarten Bucks and Kids Eat and Stay Free
Sonesta Maho Beach Resort & Casino, All-Inclusive $599 - Up to 2 Nights Free, plus $50 or $100 in St. Maarten Bucks

La Romana, Dominican Republic
Viva Wyndham Dominicus Beach, All-Inclusive $289 - 15% off
Viva Wyndham Dominicus Palace, All-Inclusive $279 - 15% off
Casa De Campo $409 - 4th Night Free

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Riu Bambu, All-Inclusive $279 - 19% off
Riu Palace Punta Cana, All-Inclusive $369 - 22% off

General Conditions: Rates shown are per person, based on double occupancy. Rates and offers may be restricted to specific dates, days of travel, hotel and room categories. Valid for bookings made thru 6/30/08, for travel 6/15/08 – 8/30/08. Availability is Limited.

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Big Deals in the Big Easy: Enjoy incredible food & entertainment while saving on stays in New Orleans. 3-nights land-only stays including all taxes from:

Holiday Inn French Quarter $169
Hotel Provincial $189
Ramada Plaza Hotel The Inn on Bourbon $169
Chateau LeMoyne $189
New Orleans Marriott $179
Hotel Monteleone $209
JW Marriott $219
InterContinental New Orleans $309
Staybridge Suites $259
Hilton New Orleans Riverside $359
Windsor Court Hotel $379

Packages also include 1-day street-car pass!

Upcoming events not to be missed:
2nd Annual New Orleans Seafood Festival, June 7 - 10
French Market Creole Tomato Festival, June 13 - 15
Louisiana Cajun-Zydeco Festival, June 13 - 15
Essence Festival, July 3 – 5

General Conditions: Rates shown are per person, based on double occupancy. Rates may be restricted to specific dates, days of travel, hotel and room categories. Valid for bookings made thru 6/30/08, for travel 6/22/08 – 8/30/08. Availability is Limited.

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Cruise Spotlight: Disney Cruise Lines

Full Steam Ahead to Summer: Guests can discover the wonders of Nassau and Disney’s private island paradise, Castaway Cay, on this wonder-filled long weekend – perfect for first-time cruisers and anyone who wants a magical getaway. On a Disney Cruise, everyone of every age finds a special kind of magic created just for them.

Be one of the first to enjoy the new stage show, “Toy Story – The Musical.” Disney Cruise Line transforms one of the most beloved animated features of all time into a stage spectacular at the Walt Disney Theatre aboard the Disney Wonder®.

Take advantage of rates from $669* per person, double occupancy on 3-night cruises for sailings commencing July 10 – August 7, 2008. Plus, book online and you will receive a $25 onboard credit (one per stateroom).

*Rate valid for Category 12 stateroom (standard inside stateroom). Children’s rates are available for Guests ages 3-12 traveling with 2 full-fare Guests in the same stateroom. Fuel Charges, Government Taxes and Fees and excursions are not included. See Disney Cruise Line Terms and Conditions for details. Rates in U.S. dollars.

Also available are Disney’s Magical Rates, updated weekly to identify early booking savings on selected cruises. Contact me for more info.

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Here are some specials only available at VastVoyages.com:

ME Cancun - Early Bird Special '08
Rates start at $86.25 pp/nt
Children 12 & under stay free
Book by July 7, 2008
Travel by Dec. 22, 2008

Catalonia Hotels, Dominican Republic - Summer Specials 2008
Up to 25% discount off All Inclusive Rates
Book by July 15, 2008
Travel by Oct. 31, 2008

Dreams Los Cabos Suites Golf Resort & Spa, Mexico - Best Deal of the Year
All Inclusive Rates start at $142.00 per person per night
Kids 3-12 pay $25.00 per night
$80 Resort credit per room per stay
Book by July 15, 2008
Travel by Dec. 24, 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.

Deals, Deals and MORE Deals!

2008-06-02T10:21:00.000-04:00

Jump-start your summer travel and check out these promotions going on RIGHT NOW:

EXPLORE CANADA:
Canada is a country filled with natural wonder, and one of the most diverse vacation spots in the world. Here you can watch whales breaching from in the deep blue waters of the Pacific, kayak amidst amazing rock formations or walk through a thriving multicultural city like Quebec.

Some properties offered in this Canada program include:

The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge - 3rd or 4th night FREE
The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise - 3rd or 4th night FREE
The Fairmont Queen Elizabeth, Montreal
Marriott Residence Inn, Mont Tremblant
The Delta Chelsea Hotel, Toronto - Save 10%
The Fairmont Royal York, Toronto - 3rd night FREE
Listel Whistler Hotel, Vancouver

Contact me for a complete list of participating hotels.

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USVI’S SIZZLIN’ SUMMER SAMPLER- HOT SAVINGS! NO PASSPORT REQUIRED!
Book by July 31st, for travel through August 15th, 2008 and be eligible to receive
- 5th night Free
- $50 VISA Gift Card - Provided upon arrival at the hotel
- Entry Coupons for activities and attractions for up to two persons per booking. Coupons provided upon arrival at the hotel, Plus Resort Credits at participating hotels!

Divi Carina Bay Resort & Casino, St. Croix - $50 Resort Credit
The Buccaneer Hotel, St. Croix - $50 Resort Credit
Carambola Beach Resort, St. Croix - $100 Resort Credit
The Westin St. John Resort & Villas - $100 Resort Credit
Bolongo Bay Beach Club, St. Thomas - $50 Resort Credit
Holiday Inn Windward Passage, St. Thomas - $50 Resort Credit
Marriott Frenchman's Reef, St. Thomas - $100 Food & Beverage Credit
Wyndham Sugar Bay Resort & Spa, St. Thomas - $100 Resort Credit

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Cruise Spotlight: Carnival Splendor

BRAND NEW and waiting for you! Beginning in July 2008, Carnival’s newest, largest and most innovative ship ever, CARNIVAL SPLENDOR will dazzle all cruisers with a host of new features, including: staterooms with flat screen TVs, a spectacular 21,000 sq foot, two-level spa and gym facility, 5,500-square-foot children's playroom and a mid-ship pool covered with a two-deck-high Sliding Sky Dome. Experience a variety of itineraries including Europe, South America and the Exotic Eastern Caribbean.

Celebrate now but joining their Inaugural 7-day “Fun Ship” cruises to the Exotic Eastern Caribbean. Departing from Ft. Lauderdale, the ship will be making stops at San Juan, St. Thomas, La Romana and Nassau. Sail from November 29, 2008 through January 24, 2009 and enjoy these low prices:

Interior from $599
Oceanview from $849
Balcony from $1029
Restrictions apply. Contact me for more details.

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Here are some specials only available at VastVoyages.com:

Real Playa del Carmen, Cancun - Special Rates
All Inclusive Rates start at $61.25 per person per night; special rates for children
Book by June 30, 2008
Travel by Dec. 23, 2008

Oasis Hotels, Dominican Republic - Summer Sale
All Inclusive Rates start at $66.25 per person per night
Choose from 3 Oasis Resorts
Book by June 30, 2008
Travel by Dec. 21, 2008

Nassau Palm Hotel, Bahamas - Sizzling Spring Summer Fall Sale
Receive up to 35% off
Book by June 30, 2008
Travel by Dec. 19, 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.

More “Bang” for Your Buck

2008-05-26T21:09:00.001-04:00

Thought traveling to Thailand or Argentina would be expensive? Think again. Several destinations around the world offer economical lodging options as well as cheap eats. Check out Yahoo Travel's Faraway Destinations on a Budget.

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DOUBLE DOWN YOUR SAVINGS!
Instant Air Credit of $50 per booking and when you pay with a MasterCard® card you’ll receive a $100 MasterCard® gift card!

Experience the newest and hottest entertainment on the planet - from exciting production shows to world-renowned headliners - Las Vegas delivers!

Some of the properties offered in this Las Vegas program:
•Bally's Las Vegas
•Bellagio
•Caesars Palace Las Vegas
•Circus Circus
•Excalibur Hotel and Casino
•Flamingo Las Vegas and MANY MORE!

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Here are some specials only available at VastVoyages.com:

El Cid Riviera Maya Cancun, Mexico - Summer Saver Promo!
Receive up to 35% Off
Book by June 20, 2008
Travel by Dec. 20, 2008

Coco Palm, St. Lucia - 40% Off Super Sale!
Receive up to 40% off
Book by June 30, 2008
Travel by Aug. 15, 2008

Sheraton Grand Bahama Island, Bahamas
Grand Getaway Promotion!
Rates start at $41.33 pp/nt
Book by June 30, 2008
Travel by Aug. 31, 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.

Kansas City Chiefs Partner with YTB!

2008-05-21T12:06:00.004-04:00

YTB has partnered with the Kansas City Chiefs to administer the football team's online and fan-based travel through www.chiefstravel.com!

Chiefs fans can now book their travel through the Web site, which will offer multiple entry opportunities to win game day packages, tickets to a luxury suite, autographed memorabilia, the opportunity to become a "Chief for a Day," a cabin on a Chiefs celebrity cruise and more.

"Fan support at home and also on the road has been a vital ingredient in the success of this franchise over the last 20 years," Chiefs President Carl Peterson said in a statement. "Moreover, with this new travel program we can reward our fans for that support, as each time they book travel -whether business or personal, related to Chiefs games or not -they have the opportunity to win any number of special prizes from watching a preseason game from a luxury suite, becoming a Chiefs player for a day and enjoying other fan friendly experiences."

The Chiefs Travel Web site offers competitive rates on the top airlines, thousands of hotels and many rental car companies, as well as a wide selection of offerings by leading vacation package providers and cruise lines. Site visitors will still enjoy the ability to earn airline miles, rental car and hotel points that they typically receive. In addition, the Chiefs will be offering celebrity cruises, featuring Pro Football Hall of Fame LB Bobby Bell, current players and special guests. Also, the site offers options such as exclusive tour packages to China and Europe, limousine service, restaurant reservations, golf tee times and vacation packages, flowers, gift baskets, concert tickets, passports, airport parking and much more. Each purchase will qualify a fan to enter the Chiefs giveaways.

Everyone is talking about this from Travel Weekly, to the NFL, to Business Journals. Check it out!

America the Beautiful

2008-05-17T12:53:00.004-04:00

This Week at VastVoyages.com…

America's Most-Visited Tourist Attractions

Forbes Traveler's Most-Visited U.S. Tourist Attractions list pits the spectacles of nature against the drama of the man-made. While the list includes the thundering falls of Niagara, it also features the harrowing water chutes of Disneyland's Pirates of the Caribbean.

Visit their slideshow to view America’s 25 Most Visited Tourist Sites which includes Faneuil Hall Marketplace, Boston, Mass.; Fisherman's Wharf/Golden Gate National Recreation Area, San Francisco, Calif.; and the American Museum of Natural History, New York.

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Cruise Spotlight: America’s River Cruises

Sure river cruising is big in Europe but you can have the same tranquil relaxation from these barges and steamboats right here in the United States. If you’re looking for more scenery with less hassle, no crowds and no rush, check out Cruise West, Majestic America Line, RiverBarge Excursion Lines and American Safari Cruises. These companies offer cruises on America’s rivers such as Snake River, whose water source is the Rocky Mountains; the Columbia River in Washington and Oregon; and the Mississippi, which flows through 10 states.

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Great Deals on Florida's Beaches
3-night land-only stays including all taxes from:

Fort Lauderdale
Lauderdale Beachside Hotel $119
Harbor Beach Marriott Resort & Spa $339

Sarasota
The Helmsley Sandcastle Hotel $189
Longboat Key Club and Resort $349
Ask about 7th Night Free

Tampa
Bilmar Beach Resort $159
The Alden Beach Resort $219
Sirata Beach Resort & Conference Center $219
Marriott Suites Clearwater Beach on Sand Key $359

Daytona Beach
La Playa Resort & Suites $139
Plaza Ocean Club $149

South Beach
The Shelborne Beach Resort-South Beach $239
Courtyard by Marriott Ocean Front $349

General Conditions: Rates shown are per person, based on double occupancy. Rates may be restricted to specific dates, days of travel, hotel and room categories. Valid on bookings made thru 6/30/08, for travel 6/15/08 – 8/30/08. Availability is Limited.

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Here are some specials only available at VastVoyages.com:

Gran Bahia Principe, La Romana, Dominican Republic - Spring Madness Sale
All Inclusive Rates start at $75.00 per person per night
Book by June 20, 2008
Travel by Sept. 30, 2008

Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort, Aruba - 50% Off Sale
Receive 50% off your next all-inclusive vacation!
Book now
Travel by June 26, 2008

Excellence Riviera Cancun Fall Special - 25% Discount off
All Inclusive Rates
Book by June 30, 2008
Travel Aug. 18, 2008 to 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.

YTB Salutes Our Armed Forces

2008-05-16T11:20:00.002-04:00

As a way of saying "Thank you for serving our country," YTB is giving away a cruise to our military personnel and their families. Available on a first-come first-served basis. Contact jmurray@ytb.com TODAY!

Stress-Free Summer Travel Plus Voluntourism

2008-05-10T15:35:00.003-04:00

ASTA Offers Tips for Stress-Free Summer Travel

Alexandria, Va., May 8, 2008 - Memorial Day will kick off the summer travel season for Americans and with the usual trips to the beach and lazy days spent by the pool come dire warnings of high gas prices and economic recession, not to mention overbooked flights and long delays at check-in and lost luggage. So what's a traveler to do?

Some tips for air travel include booking your tickets in advance, arriving early and knowing the rules for luggage and security.

To read more on ASTA’s travel tips, visit their website at http://www.asta.org/News/PRDetail.cfm?ItemNumber=3810.

Also check out TravelSense.org, a consumer Web site chock full of helpful travel advice and tips to make sure it's only the weather making people hot under the collar.

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Voluntourism: Part 2

In this section, I’m following up to a posting I put up in February. I personally believe that the world would be a better place if we just lend a hand to help someone or something. Whether that’s volunteering at the local shelter or going global by empowering children at an African orphanage. And the benefits should not just be for yourself but in the fact that you truly want to make someone else’s life better. In the May issue of Conde Nast Traveler, writers embarked on several “Do-Good” trips all across the world, from building homes in Peru, to teaching children in Cambodia and even nursing a coral reef. They also include names of profit and non-profit organizations, as well as tips to get you started should you decide to embark on one of these excursions.

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Here are some specials only available at VastVoyages.com:

Bougainvillea Beach Resort, Jamaica - Summer Family Offer
Children 15 & under stay FREE when sharing with 2 adults
Book by June 8, 2008
Travel by Aug. 31, 2008

Point Village Resort, Negril, Jamaica - Spring Sale
All-Inclusive rates start at $75.00 per person/night
Book by June 15, 2008
Travel by Dec. 22, 2008

Fiesta Americana Grand Coral Beach, Cancun, Mexico - Early Booking Bonus '08
Up to 25% discount, also: stay a minimum of 4 nights and receive $100 Resort Credit
Book Now
Travel by Dec. 22, 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.

Happy Cinco de Mayo!

2008-05-06T12:37:00.003-04:00

Did you know that Mexico has the distinction of being the American country with the most places (25) registered on the World Heritage List? Some are already popular tourist sites; others are off the beaten path but undoubtedly merit the extra effort to visit and admire. The entire Historic Centre of Mexico City is a remarkable showcase of 3,000 years of cultural achievement. It is one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities and now one of its largest cities, with a metropolitan area population approaching 23 million. The city has five Aztec temples, the largest cathedral on the continent and 11 ecological parks. What about water sites? The Gulf of California, encompassing the shores of the northwestern Mexican states of Sinaloa, Sonora and the Baja California peninsula, the 244 islands, islets and coastal areas comprising the area, have been called a natural laboratory for the investigation of speciation. This aquatic paradise contains 39% of the world’s total number of species of marine mammals and a third of the world’s marine cetacean species making this a most excellent scuba/snorkeling destination. For more on Mexico’s World Heritage Sites, visit the official website of the Mexican Tourism Board and click on “Travel Experiences.”

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There’s still time to send something special to mommy and grandma. Visit VastVoyages.com/Flowers today to place your Mother’s Day order.

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Here are some specials only available at VastVoyages.com:

Bolongo Bay Beach Resort, USVI - Summer Sale
Rates start at $87.20 pp/nt
Minimum 3-night stay required
Book by May 31, 2008
Travel by Oct. 31, 2008

Excellence Punta Cana, Dominican Republic - Fall Sale
Receive up to 25% off
Book by May 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.

All in the Family

2008-04-28T11:29:00.002-04:00

Mother, madre, mae, the most important woman in your life. The one who healed your wounds with just a hug and a kiss. The one who is your very own private cheerleader. Don’t forget to show how much you appreciate her by sending her flowers on Mother’s Day. And while you’re at it send something to grandma too! Visit VastVoyages.com/Flowers today to place your order.

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Family Fun Meets Luxury

Choose Iberostar Hotels & Resorts for your next family vacation, and find a place for family fun and all-inclusive luxury. Book your vacation by June 30 and save $100 on kids flights - up to $200 per reservation! Featured hotels include Iberostar Paraiso del Mar; Iberostar Cozumel; Iberostar Punta Cana and Iberostar Rose Hall Beach. Contact me for more details and to book your trip.

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Here are some specials only available at VastVoyages.com:

The Royal in Playa del Carmen, Cancun - Early Booking Bonus '08
Up to $25.00 discount Per person per night
Book by May 30, 2008
Travel Aug. 16, 2008 to October 31, 2008

Villa del Palmar Flamingos Beach Resort & Spa, Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico
Book 4 Nts., Get 1 Nt. Free
Book 7 Nts., Get 2 Nts. Free
Book by May 31, 2008
Travel by Dec. 20, 2008

InterContinental Resort & Casino, San Juan, Puerto Rico - Summer Sale Break
Rates start at $91.25 pp/nt
Book by May 31, 2008
Travel by Oct. 31, 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.

Education can be fun!

2008-04-14T15:03:00.002-04:00

Does the idea of waiting on endless lines for a 5-minute ride make you cringe? I’m not against amusement parks and such but sometimes the headache really isn’t worth it. If you’re looking for something fun and educational, look no further than Shiwani Srivastava’s MSN article Made in America. The author showcases several factories around the United States that allow visitors to see how things are made. From the frequently visited Crayola Factory tour, which features live demos of how crayons and markers are made to earning your degree in “Beanology” from Jelly Belly, the possibilities are endless. For a complete list of factory tours visit Factory Tours U.S.A.

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Cruise Spotlight: Steps of Paul Coastal Cruises

Did you know that you could cruise to the Holyland? Steps of Paul offers several itineraries that follow the footsteps of Paul the Apostle as well as other religious cruises. Upcoming cruises include The Virgin Mary Cruise: visiting sites such as Kavala (ancient Neapolis) and Ephesus and includes a Special Mass Celebration at the House of Virgin Mary; and the Steps of Paul and the Glory Bound Journey to the Holylands: making stops at Corinth, Jerusalem and Israel. Contact me for more information.

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Here are some specials only available at VastVoyages.com:

Solaris Resorts Cancun - Summer Fall Promo
All Inclusive rates start at $93.75 per person/night
Book by May 13, 2008
Travel June 28, 2008 to Dec. 19, 2008

The Westin Aruba - Spring Medley Sale
Get 5th Night Free, Stay 7 Nights get $100 Credit
Book by May 15, 2008
Travel by June 30, 2008

Dreams Cancun - 4th & 7th Night Free
$50 or $100 Resort Credit, Unlimited Free Golf
Book by May 15, 2008
Travel by Dec. 20, 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.

No Pie in the Sky?

2008-04-07T16:59:00.002-04:00

Don’t let the recent airline bankruptcy news stop you from traveling. It simply means these carriers had a poor business model. In fact, many of the major airlines at one time or another filed for bankruptcy while they reorganized and restructured. Yet for the most part, they remained operational. So what does that mean for you? Christopher Elliott, travel columnist and MSNBC contributor recently wrote about the top three things you as a consumer should do when your airline goes bankrupt. If you’re still disheartened about the airlines, you can always take a road trip! (We’ll leave the gas price issues out of this!)

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All the way to Mexico…

Kids 12 and under Stay, Play, & Eat Free! Save up to $525* per child on a 7-night stay when you book your Mexico getaway at any participating resort by April 30th, for travel June 1st through August 31st, 2008. Regions include Cancun, Los Cabos, Cozumel and more. Email me at adiaz@vastvoyages.com for a complete list.

General Conditions: Offer may be restricted to specific room categories. *Amount of savings differs by resort and length of stay. Valid for bookings made thru 4/30/08, for travel 6/1 – 8/31/08. Availability is limited. Excludes Fly/Drives and group travel.

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Here are some specials only available at VastVoyages.com:

Paradise Island Harbour Resort, Bahamas - Fall Special All Inclusive
Receive up to 30% off
Book by May 15, 2008
Travel Sept. 1, 2008 to Dec. 19, 2008

Gran Porto Real Playa del Carmen, Cancun - Early Booking Bonus '08
Up to $25.00 discount pp/nt
Book by May 30, 2008
Travel Aug. 16, 2008 to Oct. 31, 2008

Villa del Palmar Beach Resort & Spa, Mexico/Pacific
Book 4 Nts. get 1 Free
Book 7 Nts. get 2 Free
Book by May 31, 2008 Travel by Dec. 20, 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.

Off the Beaten Path...

2008-03-31T18:10:00.001-04:00

Looking for a real adventure? Does your ideal trip consist of wide-open spaces, kayaking, hiking or fishing? YTB has partnered with Hunt’n and Fish’n Biz to bring you a unique experience for your outdoor vacation. Available packages include the Alaska Kayaking Adventure: 5 days of experiencing Alaskan wildlife such as whales, otters, and bears;
Costa Rica Fishing: a 5 day fishing trip with an abundance of game fish such as dorado, roosterfish, sea bass, marlin, and more; and the 8 day Peru Tour: tour the city of Cuzco, travel to the Sacred Valley and see Pisac, and hike to Machu Picchu. Visit VastVoyages/Paradise Network and click on the Huntn' & Fishn' logo.

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Wineries aren't the only destinations for travel-hungry foodies. What if your palate desires the smoky taste of charred chicken, a just plucked golden peach or my personal favorite, a molten chocolate truffle cake? Check out the New York Beer Trail, the Vermont Cheese Trail, the Texas BBQ Trail, the Fresno Fruit Trail or the Finger Lakes Chocolate Trail for some truly delicious trips.

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Here are some specials only available at VastVoyages.com:

Point Village, Jamaica - Family Getaway 2008
All Inclusive rates start at $81.25 pp/night
Book by April 18, 2008
Travel by August 31, 2008

Wyndham Sugar Bay, USVI, St. Thomas - Winter Blowout Sale
European Plan rates start at $69.38 pp/night. Children 17 and under stay for FREE.
All Inclusive rates start at $158.75 pp/night. Children 12 and under stay for FREE.
Book by April 14, 2008
Travel by December 22, 2008

The Westin Aruba - Spring Medley Sale
Book by May 15, 2008 for travel March 30 to June 30, 2008 and receive:
- 5th Night FREE
- $100 Resort Credit on stays 7 Nights or longer
Offer valid in all categories May 1 to June 30 and in Oceanview only March 30 to April 30, 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.

Sisterhood Rules!

2008-03-24T16:35:00.002-04:00

Oh, the stresses of everyday life: cleaning up house, taking care of the little ones, working a full-time job. This and more can certainly make you want to pass out on the couch from exhaustion or maybe even pull your hair out! So what’s the remedy? Grabbing your sisters and favorite amigas and escaping on the ultimate “girlfriend getaway.” Both Travel Agent (pages 60-61) and Recommend magazines recently published articles on hotels and spas that cater to just that: a weekend (or week if you dare to leave your children for longer than three days) full of spa treatments, dinner plans, and shopping with NO BOYS ALLOWED! What a great way to recharge your batteries!

Another property not mention in the articles that is offering a girls-only package is Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort & Spa. Beaches Turks & Caicos is rolling out the red carpet for you and your friends to kick back, relax and enjoy Caribbean-style fun at the Beaches Friends Forever (B.F.F.) Getaway. Exclusive B.F.F. activities include: a welcome reception; sunset catamaran sail-away; “Wine”-ing Allowed sponsored by Beringer Vineyards; island dance lessons; Beach Bonfire Pajama Party sponsored by Harlequin; farewell dinner, and much, much more! You can also receive $200 Red Lane gift certificate, a 10% discount voucher to our specialty gift shop and one free 5"x7" picture to capture the memories.

Travel Dates: October 2 - 6, 2008
Book By: September 30, 2008
Sample Price: 4 nights from only $1034 per person

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The final week of Carnival's Funtennial Celebration is here and they're going out in style - family style! Now through March 31st, receive a FREE stateroom upgrade when you book virtually any cruise sailing in 2008. Plus 3rd and 4th guests in a stateroom sail from only $99. That means there's no reason for you to leave your family and friends behind. Remember, this extra-special offer ends March 31st. Book early for best price and availability.

Remember: Each week, one lucky guest -- who books any “Fun Ship” cruise -- will be automatically entered to win the Grand Prize of a cruise for two in the Owner’s Suite aboard either the Carnival Inspiration or Carnival Imagination! Ten second-place winners will receive a Fuji digital camera to capture and immortalize all the wonderful moments and memories of their Funtennial celebration.

Visit VastVoyages.com to find the right cruise for you and your family.

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Here are some specials only available at VastVoyages.com:

Sunscape Puerto Aventuras, Cancun - Sun & Fun Promo
All Inclusive Rates start at $81.20 per person/night
Book Now!
Travel by April 26, 2008

InterContinental Resort & Casino, San Juan, Puerto Rico - Summer Sale Break
Rates start at $91.25 pp/nt; children 17 & under stay free
Book by April 30, 2008
Travel by Oct. 31, 2008

Sheraton Grand Bahama Island, Bahamas
Early Booking 35% Off Promo
Book by April 30, 2008
Travel by Dec. 19, 2008

Visit www.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.

Stop and Smell the Roses (or lilies, or orchids, or…)

2008-03-19T12:41:00.002-04:00

Ahhh… Spring has certainly sprung. The grass really is getting greener and the buds are starting to sprout. What better way to literally stop and smell the roses, than to visit the vast museum-garden exhibits around the U.S. Check out the Gardens That Bloom With Art article on MSN. Don’t forget, right here in New York City, Macy’s is holding their 34th Annual Flower Show at Herald Square from March 16 through March 30.

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Week 3 of Carnival’s Funtennial Celebration is offering TWO specials! In the first special, customers can save up to $400 per stateroom and receive $200 onboard credit on Europe sailings. The second offer includes savings of up to $200 per stateroom and customers can receive $100 onboard credit on Alaska sailings. These specials open March 15th and are available until March 21th. Be sure to book early for best price and availability.

Remember: Each week, one lucky guest -- who books any “Fun Ship” cruise -- will be automatically entered to win the Grand Prize of a cruise for two in the Owner’s Suite aboard either the Carnival Inspiration or Carnival Imagination! Ten second-place winners will receive a Fuji digital camera to capture and immortalize all the wonderful moments and memories of their Funtennial celebration.

Visit VastVoyages.com to find the right cruise for you and your family.

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Here are some specials only available at VastVoyages.com:

The Reef Playacar, Cancun* - Summer Early Booking Bonus '08
All Inclusive Rates start at $93.75 per person/night
Book by April 10, 2008
Travel by October 31, 2008
* Family-friendly

Excellence Punta Cana, Dominican Republic* - After Easter Sale
Receive up to 20% Off
Book Now
Travel from March 23 - April 11, 2008
* All-inclusive resort, great for couples

Grand Case Beach Club, St. Martin* - Last Minute Special
Receive up to 20% off
Book Now
Travel by April 12, 2008
* Family-friendly

Visit www.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.

Carnival Cruise Lines' Funtennial Celebration

2008-03-10T10:21:00.002-04:00

Carnival’s Funtennial Celebration is well on its way. Throughout the month of March, Carnival is celebrating its anniversary by giving YOU super specials and prizes! Plus, each week, one lucky guest -- who books any “Fun Ship” cruise -- will be automatically entered to win the Grand Prize of a cruise for two in the Owner’s Suite aboard either the Carnival Inspiration or Carnival Imagination! Ten second-place winners will receive a Fuji digital camera to capture and immortalize all the wonderful moments and memories of their Funtennial celebration.

Week 2 of Carnival’s Funtennial Celebration is offering $300 in family savings on 3-7 day summer sailings. This extra-special offer opens March 8th and is available until March 14th. Be sure to book early for best price and availability.

Visit VastVoyages.com to find the right cruise for you and your family.

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Golf season is in full swing! Book your tee times at VastVoyages/Golf today!

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Here are some specials only available at VastVoyages.com:

Excellence Resorts, Cancun, Mexico - Spring Special
30% Off at Playa Mujeres
20% Off at Riviera Cancun
Book Now
Travel by April 11, 2008
* All-Inclusive Resorts, Adults Only

Nassau Palm Resort, Bahamas - Winter Sale '08
Rates Start at $46.88 Per person/per night; kids 17 & under stay Free
Book by March 31, 2008
Travel by April 14, 2008
* Budget and family friendly

Oasis Hamaca & Oasis Canoa, Dominican Republic
All Inclusive Rates start at $75.00 per person/night
Book Now
Travel by April 30, 2008
* All-Inclusive Resorts

Visit www.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.

Honeymoon Trends and Hot Spots

2008-03-03T16:28:00.003-05:00

This weekend I had the pleasure of attending the New York Times Travel Show at the Jacob Javitz Center. Over 500 exhibitors gathered for the public and trade to offer information about their destination and products. Some exhibitors included Homeric Tours, specialists in travel to Greece; Tourism Turkey; and Carnival Cruise Lines. Nearly all the islands of the Caribbean had a presence. SpaFinder.com had a long line of patrons waiting to receive a complimentary massage. For a special treat, SeaWorld, Busch Gardens and Discovery Cove presented "Wild Survivors," an entertaining show with penguins, a sloth, and a lynx.

I decided to attend The Knot’s Travel Seminar: Honeymoon Hot Spots: Trends in Honeymoon Travel from The Knot. The panel had representatives from Jamaica, St. Lucia and South Africa. Yes! South Africa. It may be hard to believe but it looks like honeymooners are really splurging on their romantic getaway and looking for something adventurous as well. There are very few places in the world where you can go on a jungle safari one day and have dinner under the stars the next (with park rangers standing guard of course). Couples are looking for more than just sand and surf at ultra-mega resorts. They are looking for a more personalized vacation where they can do the activities they enjoy (or thought of trying) or just enjoy each others’ company away from overcrowded pools and restaurants.

Speaking of enjoying each other’s company, couples are also looking at ultra-romantic spa getaways. According to SpaFinder, many couples want to able to take a massage together or book a lavish suite, complete with a Jacuzzi and spa room for a more private massage encounter. SpaFinder notes that when booking the hotel stay couples should also book spa treatments at the same time. Although there are many types of massages, many spas have simplified their spa menu as not to confuse clients. Couples can talk to their therapists and develop a personalized spa treatment based on certain pressure points, music, and spa products. But don’t fret: if you don’t see a watsu massage (that’s a water and shiatsu combination), that doesn’t mean it’s not offered. Most spa therapists are trained in a variety of techniques so just ask. Many hotels are also offering massage classes so that the spa/massage experience doesn’t end when the honeymoon does.

Looking for something more in tuned with Mother Earth? Opt for a “green” honeymoon. Hotels are beginning to make eco-friendly changes such as using recycled materials for pools, restaurants and furniture. Some hotels only offer bicycles as the mode of transportation in and around the property. Others are using alternative fuel options such as coconut oil to power their vehicles. Couples may also engage in charity work during their honeymoon to help the local community.

Whatever the option is, couples are urged to really research your interests, costs and activities to define the honeymoon that suits your wants and needs.

Note: www.vastvoyages.com offers a spa search with available online specials. Click on the Extras Tab and then click on Spa Finder to find your next spa getaway.

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Here are some specials only available at VastVoyages.com:

Bolongo Bay Beach Resort, USVI* - Book a 5 Night Stay in April and Receive $700 in Activities Incl. All Day Sail Outing, Sunset Cocktail Cruise, Scuba Lesson, Parasailing
Book by Mar. 31, 2008
Travel by April 30, 2008
*All-Inclusive Resort. Great for families!

Villa La Estancia Beach Resort & Spa, Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico* - 4th & 7th Night Free
Book 4 Nights get 1 Nt. Free or Book 7 Nights get 2 Nts. Free
Book by March 30, 2008
Travel April 14 - Dec. 20, 2008
*Perfect for a destination wedding or honeymoon.

AMHSA Resorts, Dominican Republic* - Spring Sale, up to 35% off
Choose From 3 Resorts: Casa Marina Beach, Casa Marina Reef or Grand Paradise Bavaro & The Club Beach Resort Spa
Book Mar. 31, 2008
Travel by Sept. 30, 2008
*All-Inclusive Resorts.

Visit www.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.

Winter Wonderland

2008-02-26T12:28:00.001-05:00

All winter, not one snow-storm and this weekend, basically the entire northeast gets pummeled! I’m a summer baby so I’m definitely wishing it would go away and FAST! But there are those who live for the powdery white stuff, whether it’s skiing, snowboarding, or racing down a snow-filled mountain in a tire! Ski Magazine readers listed the top 10 Resorts in the East for 2007, which include Stowe, Vermont; Sugarloaf, Maine; and Whiteface, located right here in New York that includes Lake Placid, home of two Olympic Winter Games. There’s still plenty of time to hit the slopes on a weekend getaway and get lift tickets at your favorite ski resort so visit www.vastvoyages.com today!

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Last week’s Norwegian Cruise Lines Freestyle Resolution Sale has been extended for another week! From February 25 through February 29, you can receive up to $250 onboard credit on Bermuda and Caribbean sailings. This offer ends February 29 so visit NCL/VastVoyages to learn more and to book your cruise.

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Here are some specials only available at VastVoyages.com:

SuperClubs Breezes Puerto Plata - VIP Summer Sale
Super Inclusive rates in the Oceanview room start at $92.00 per person per night, based on double occupancy.
VIP Includes: *Special rates on Upgraded rooms
Book by March 23, 2008
Travel June 1 to August 31, 2008
Minimum 5-night stay required.

Wyndham Sugar Bay, St. Thomas - SUNsational Savings
Receive up to 45% OFF on All Inclusive rates and up to 35% OFF on Room Only rates.
Book by March 31, 2008
Travel January 2 to March 31, 2009

Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood - 2008 Rockin' Summer Promotion
Buy 3 nights and enjoy 4. Guest who stay three consecutive nights will receive the fourth night free.
Added Value: 2 x 1 breakfast coupon at Blue Plate Restaurant or Constant Grind per room per stay. Buy one entrance and get on free to enjoy an "Airboat Ride in the Everglades". Spend $35 at Hard Rock Store and get a FREE gift. Buy one get one free (burgers, salads and/or sandwiches) at Hard Rock Cafe, Mon. thru Thurs. only 11am to 4pm.
Book Feb 1, 2008 to July 30, 2008
Travel June 1 thru September 30, 2008
(This offer is valid on European Plan rates. Taxes will apply).

Visit www.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.

Voluntourism

2008-02-21T15:09:00.003-05:00

I was browsing around the net and found this great article about voluntourism and what it means. Lately, it seems like people want more than just a vacation. They want an experience. For some, that could mean a week-long safari in South Africa. For others, maybe it's two weeks teaching children how to read in Cambodia. I know for me, my ultimate experience would be a trip to the Galapagos Islands. I don't know what that would accomplish. I just feel like it would bring me closer to understanding evolution and marvel at the wonderful creatures roaming this Earth. Whatever the case, people are trying in some way to save our planet. I hope you enjoy the article and give it some thought next time you want to take a vacation.

Spring Break '08

2008-01-30T11:25:00.002-05:00

Have you booked your Spring Break vacation yet? If you haven't, visit www.vastvoyages.com and check out our last minute deals and vacation packages. Group packages available!

De-Stress Yourself!
www.vastvoyages.com
adiaz@vastvoyages.com

YTB National Convention 2008

2008-01-27T14:46:00.000-05:00

Wednesday - Sunday,
August 6-10, 2008

This year's National Convention will be bigger and better than ever!

If you thought last year's Convention staging was amazing, you won't believe this year's incredible presentation. It's the MUST SEE, DON'T MISS event of the year!

Plan now to join the thousands of Reps, RTAs, guests, family, and friends who will converge on the America's Center and the Edward Jones Dome in downtown St. Louis, August 6-10, 2008.

Check your back office for more details and registration info.

Valentine's Day Gifts

2008-01-26T12:50:00.000-05:00

Looking to buy flowers or a gift basket for your loved one? Visit www.vastvoyages.com and click on the YTB Flowers icon right on the homepage. Also visit www.vastvoyages.paradisenetwork.com/booktravel/ and click on "Sending Gifts" under the More Directories heading. International orders available.

De-Stress Yourself!
www.vastvoyages.com

YTB International Expands to Canada, Bermuda, and the Bahamas

2008-01-24T13:43:00.000-05:00

WOOD RIVER, Ill., Jan 16, 2008 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- YTBLA | news | PowerRating | PR Charts -- YTB International, Inc. (Pink Sheets: YTBLA | news | PowerRating | PR Charts ) ("YTB" or the "Company"), a leading provider of Internet-based travel booking services for travel agencies and home-based independent representatives in the United States, announced today that the Company is expanding its services into Canada, the Bahamas, and Bermuda.

YTB Bahamas opened on January 11, 2008, and YTB Canada and YTB Bermuda are scheduled to open in early February, 2008. With YTB's expansion, reps and Referring Travel Affiliates (RTAs) living in these locations can sell travel through YTB websites and market online travel agencies to others in the U.S., Puerto Rico, the Bahamas, Bermuda and Canada.

"We are pleased to take 'international' to a whole new level at YTB," said J. Kim Sorensen, President and CEO of YTB Travel Network. "We have done international trips from day one, but now we can expand the reach of our team to cover all of North America and into the Caribbean. This means even better opportunities for our RTAs and reps, and solidifies YTB's travel agency status.

"YTB's executive and legal teams worked diligently with the regulatory bodies in each country to ensure that the Company meets or exceeds the standards in each region. In addition, new RTAs are able to take advantage of the same extensive training available to U.S.-based RTAs. YTB will also be holding onsite certification training in the Bahamas, Bermuda and Canada.

"This is a truly exciting time for YTB executives, RTAs, and consumers buying travel through YTB. It also shows that people are embracing the idea of buying online travel and taking advantage of fantastic trips, including YTB's exclusive package for the Beijing Olympics," said Derek Avera, Vice President of International Business Development at YTB. "The addition of Canada, Bermuda, and the Bahamas represents the first step in YTB's international expansion plan. We look forward to adding even more countries to the YTB International family over the next year."

YTB International is now recognized as a bonded travel agency in Canada and will add three offices in Canada. The Company will also hold kick-off meetings in Vancouver on February 9, 2008 and Toronto on February 16, 2008 to provide more information about the Company and the opportunities.

About YTB International
Recognized as the 35th largest seller of travel in the U.S. in 2006 by Travel Weekly, YTB International, Inc. provides Internet-based travel booking services for travel agencies and home-based independent representatives in the United States, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands. It operates through three subsidiaries: YourTravelBiz.com, Inc., YTB Travel Network, Inc., and REZconnect Technologies, Inc. YourTravelBiz.com division focuses on marketing online travel agencies through a nationwide network of independent business people, known as 'Reps.' YTB Travel Network division establishes and maintains travel vendor relationships, books travel transactions of online travel agents (RTAs, now numbering more than 135,000), collects travel commissions and pays sales commissions. Each RTA sells travel through a personalized Internet-based travel website. The REZconnect Technologies division builds online reservation systems for suppliers within the travel industry. For more information, visit http://www.ytbi.com/investor.
Statements about the Company's future expectations, including future revenues and earnings, and all other statements in this press release other than historical facts are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, Section 21E of the Securities Exchange of 1934, and as that term is defined in the Private Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties and are subject to change at any time, and the Company's actual results could differ materially from expected results. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect subsequently occurring events or circumstances.

Media Contact: Lauren Barker Levick Strategic Communications for YTB International, Inc. Phone: 202.973.1342 Mobile: 443.618.9169 Email: lbarker@levick.com

Investor Contact: Garth Russell / Yemi Rose KCSA Worldwide for YTB International, Inc. Phone: 212.896.1250 / 212.896.1233

SOURCE YTB International, Inc.

Jan. 24th Deals & Steals

2008-01-24T13:28:00.000-05:00

The Latest Weekend Escapes:

Baltimore, MD to Smoky Mountains / Pigeon Forge, TN
Grab the kids, roll up yer' sleeves and head for a rootin'-tootin' good time at this Appalachian theme park paying homage to Dolly Parton and her country home.
Flight & Hotel Included
2 Nights from $237 per person
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St. Louis, MO to Cleveland, OH
With its Great Lakes location and Cuyahoga River Flats, Cleveland rocks everything from velvet-rope nightclubs to down-to-earth farmer's markets.
Flight & Hotel Included
2 Nights from $228 per person
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Los Angeles, CA to Honolulu, HI
The beaches and streets of Waikiki are alive with surf, shopping and the contagious spirit of Aloha.
Flight & Hotel Included
2 Nights from $420 per person
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Orlando, FL to Chicago, IL
Breeze into the Windy City, where you'll be blown away by a skyline of famous skyscrapers, miles of magnificent shopping, and nothing less than that spirited, Mid-Western charm.
Flight & Hotel Included
2 Nights from $231 per person
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San Antonio, TX to Raleigh -Durham, NC
Along with Chapel Hill, the cities of Raleigh and Durham comprise The Triangle, and you'd be a square not to avail yourself of the region's Southern cooking, sports teams, and watering holes.
Flight & Hotel Included
2 Nights from $262 per person
To book these and more last minute deals visit www.vastvoyages.com or http://vastvoyages.paradisenetwork.com/booktravel/

2008 China Olympic Packages Available NOW!

2008-01-14T15:04:00.000-05:00

YTB is excited to welcome Spring Tour International, the largest tour operator in China, to our growing family of suppliers. Together, we are offering YTB exclusive tour packages to China, Europe, and Southeast Asia. Especially exciting are a series of tours to the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing held during August, which include hard to get Olympic event tickets.

Packages start as low as $4099 per person and include tours as well as several chances to watch segments of the Olympics.

Visit www.vastvoyages.com and click on the VACATIONS tab. Click on the logo for YTB Exclusive European Tours to find the right Olympic package for you. Other packages available to China and Europe.

Alba & Alberto Diaz
Referring Travel Agents for YTB
(H) 732-983-0802
adiaz@vastvoyages.com
To Book Travel: www.vastvoyages.com

To Find Your Paradise: http://vastvoyages.paradisenetwork.com/

Welcome

2008-01-14T13:15:00.000-05:00

Hello all and welcome to our blog: The Chronicles of VastVoyages.com. Here we'll be posting news from YTB, our network marketing company, as well as a myriad of other blogs on travel related issues and articles. We hope you enjoy!

Alba & Alberto Diaz
VastVoyages.com
732-983-0802
vastvoyages.paradisenetwork.com