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

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

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

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.

There's Still Time to Win!

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

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!

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

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.

The Last Days of Summer: A Weekend in Myrtle Beach

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

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

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 Convention Update

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

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

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.

Caribbean Deals, Carnival Imagination, and Specials

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

Or if you can’t wait until 2009 take advantage of this promotion:
Jolly Fall - Get the 4th night free and the 1st child stays free.
Book by: 8/31/2008
Travel Dates: Now - 12/20/2008
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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

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

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

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!

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

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!

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

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.