Treehouse Vacations, PLUS Bermuda's Endless Summer

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

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

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

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

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

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

Air inclusive packages available from most U.S. gateways

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

Contact me for more information or to book these vacations.

Honeymoon Trends and Hot Spots

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.

Voluntourism

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.