Wednesday, June 24, 2015

10 COOL CRUISES YOUR TEEN WILL LOVE



Parents of teens know they can be tough customers. Cruise lines address the potential grumpy factor with organized activities and surprisingly hip teen lounges for socializing – some even with outdoor hangout areas and teen wading pools.
Some teens may still sigh at the "organized" factor, but not for long. Wow your teen with these awesome cruise ship attractions.
  • Thrill Theater: On Carnival Cruise Line's Carnival Breeze, this 24-seat theater gives you a 3-D movie/motion simulator experience that includes moving seats, blowing air and squirting water, as you watch films such as Ice Age and Speed Racer. Teens will love it, so buy an all-cruise pass (the best deal). Six-day Western Caribbean cruise from Miami.
  • Walk The Plank: Dare your friends to walk this narrow platform, which actually goes eight feet off the ship. It's part of the ropes course on Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Breakaway or Norwegian Getaway. A harness is required. The course also has 40 other fun (though perhaps not quite as scary) challenges including a zip track. Seven-day Eastern Caribbean cruise from Miami on Norwegian Getaway
  • Simulated surfing: A dozen Royal Caribbean ships provide opportunity to catch a wave on a freestanding, 40-foot-long FlowRider wave pool. If you need tips on how to hang ten (and avoid wipeouts), you can book a private lesson (for a fee). Your friends can cheer your attempts from the stands. Seven-day Western Caribbean cruise on Oasis of the Seas from Fort Lauderdale.
  • Beach retreat: Cruise the Bahamas or Caribbean with Disney Cruise Line and you'll stop at the line's private island, Castaway Cay. There at the secluded Hide Out, teens age 14 to 17 can enjoy the white sands and turquoise sea sans parents and younger siblings – though they may be tempted away by such activities as beach volleyball, kayaking, biking and water cannons. Three-day summertime Bahamas cruise on Disney Dream from Port Canaveral.
  • DJ Classes: On Carnival Freedom and Carnival Paradise, teens can take classes in spin-n-scratch designed by DJ Irie, the official DJ of both Carnival Cruise Line and the Miami Heat. Shipboard spinmasters do the instruction – on topics from reading a crowd and picking a song to why you'll want to wear headphones on your shoulders. Fees are involved, though there's also a free intro course. Seven-day Western Caribbean cruise from Galveston.
  • Teen spas: Princess Cruises is among lines with a teen spa program. At the Lotus Spa, those ages 13 to 17 can book YSpa treatments including a Fabulous Fruity Facial. Get a mani and pedi while you're at it. Fees are involved. Four-day West Coast cruise on Star Princess.
  • Racing waterslides: At the expansive waterpark atop Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Getaway, teens can race each other on a pair of side-by-side twister waterslides, called The Whip. There are also twin, multi-story Free Fall slides, where you plunge feet first and super fast. Screaming and getting wet is part of the fun. Seven-day Bermuda cruise, from New York on Norwegian Breakaway, from $849.
  • Real watercoaster: On Disney Cruise Line's Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy, whirl in a translucent tube around the top deck and through your ship's smokestacks on a real, 765-foot coaster. You will want to keep your eyes open because for a few seconds you actually whip over the side of the ship, with a glimpse of the sea way down below. If you miss the view the first time, do the ride again, and again. Seven-day summertime cruise Eastern Caribbean on Disney Fantasy.
  • Simulated skydiving: RipCord by IFLY indoor skydiving is one of the biggest "wows" you'll find on a cruise ship. Teens under age 18 need to be accompanied by a parent to do it, but it's worth it. You get instructions, suit up and enter a translucent vertical tunnel to fly – in wind so intense your cheeks wobble. The experience is on Royal Caribbean's Quantum of the Seas and Anthem of the Seas. Seven-day Bahamas cruise from Bayonne, New Jersey

  • Extreme shore excursions: Take your teen on a cruise to Alaska and get their attention not only with glaciers and whale spotting but also with such activities as an off-road ATV challenge (you have to have a driver's license to get behind the wheel). Seven-day Alaska cruise on the Westerdam from Seattle.
THIS ARTICLE WAS WRITTEN BY FRAN GOLDEN, A FRIEND OF MINE

CUBA - EXPERIENCE THE CULTURE WITH APPLE VACATIONS

Beginning July 9, Apple Vacations will begin offering five- and seven-night tours to Cuba under the U.S. Department of Treasury's People-to-People program.

Apple Vacations goes to Cuba

Unlike Apple's standard FIT vacation packages, the Cuba itineraries will be guided group tours limited to 30 passengers each that will be operated by U.S.-based Cuba Travel Services, a Cuba-licensed operator that charters flights from Miami to Cuba with Sun Country Airlines and American Airlines.

Cuba's Capital

Starting July 9, Apple will open bookings for two Cuba itineraries. The five-night Havana Getaway itinerary will include sightseeing tours, musical performances, a cigar rolling demonstration and Cuban meals, and will be priced from $2,233 per person, based on double occupancy, with departure dates set for Sept. 5 and Oct. 17.

There will also be a seven-night Colors of Cuba program, that in addition to the offerings of the Havana Getaway tour, will include two nights in the colonial town of Trinidad, a Unesco World Heritage Site in the central Cuban province of Sancti Spiritus. The Colors of Cuba itinerary is priced from $2,733 per person, double, with departure dates on Sept. 11, Sept. 25 and Oct. 8. 


Click on the link to below for specific Cuba itineraries:

Apple Vacations Cuba Itineraries

Contact Travel For You for package pricing.


Tuesday, June 23, 2015

EXPLORE THE WORLD WITH COUNTRY WALKERS

There’s Still Time to Explore the American West This Year.
From Utah’s slickrock canyons to the lush Sitka groves of Washington’s Olympic Peninsula, the American West offers a spectacular array of landscapes, natural wonders, and cultures. Discover it all on a Guided Walking Adventure this September!

Colorado & Utah: Mesa Verde, Arches & Canyonlands
Sept 20-25 or Sept 27-Oct 2

Walking the remote borderlands of Utah and Colorado, rustling juniper forests give way to a sculpted topography of canyons, sandstone spires, and extraordinary arches of wind-burnished stone. Among these formations, marvel at the ruins of cities built by Pueblo Indians more than 800 years ago.

Country Walker Arches National Park

Click here for the itinerary

Contact Travel For You for package pricing and availability.

GRAND SIRENIS' MAYAN RUIN - AUTHENTIC!


DO YOU HAVE A PICTURE OF YOURSELF IN FRONT OF THE GRAND SIRENIS' MAYA RUIN?


Grand Sirenis' Mayan Ruin
is officially authentic!
Mayan Ruin: Xaac
We are proud to announce that the Mayan ruin, Xaac, located at Grand Sirenis Riviera Maya has been officially certified as an authentic piece of history by the National Institute of Anthropology and History. Named after the Mayan word for ‘fear’, the Xaac temple was used as a light house facility for merchants navigating from Central America to the Gulf of Mexico during the Post classic–late period (AD 1200 -1550). Though much smaller than the structures found in the Tulum Ruins, the Xaac temple is the only other ancient, pre- Hispanic structure in the area. This captivating Ruin has been the backdrop of countless photos to Sirenis guests, as well as to brides and grooms who have taken advantage of the wedding packages offered at Grand Sirenis Riviera Maya.

Monday, June 22, 2015

LONDON


Brent, Jennifer, Richard, Lisa and their families just returned from London!

London is a great destination for families to explore.

Here is Jennifer's review of their vacation:

Denise--
Thank you! We had a great time.

London Marriott Hotel KennsingtonAs far as the hotel, the London Marriott Hotel Kennsington worked out great for our family, and I would totally recommend it to anyone. Although they could not accommodate us with an early check-in, they did store our bags for us, which they were doing for many others as well! Our room was extremely clean and they provided us with ample towels and wash cloths each day. The junior suite and access to the executive lounge was perfect for our family. We had access to breakfast in the lounge or the hotel restaurant, which became our go-to choice, each morning. The lounge always had a refrigerator stocked with water that we could go in and grab whenever we wanted. They also served appetizers each evening and desserts as well. It saved us money on food and snacks! The hotel was also conveniently located between 2 Tube stops, which made getting around really easy. It also had easy access to Heathrow via the Earl's Court station. We actually rode the Tube to and from Heathrow with our kids and our luggage and made it!

Parliament and Big Ben



Things we did: a hop-on, hop-off bus tour, Tower of London, Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, British Museum, Harry Potter Warner Brothers Studio, Madame Tussaud's, Kensington Palace, National Gallery, National Portrait Gallery, Westminster Abbey, London Eye and St. Paul's Cathedral. 



We also attended the Queen's birthday parade, so our famly got a glimpse of the royal family. Probably our favorite site was Windsor Castle. We were able to tour the state apartments there, and it was fabulous! Windsor is also a neat little town with some cool shopping. We would have spent more time there if we could have.
All of us travelled to Paris by Eurostar one day as well.

We were tired each day but had a blast!


Thank you so much for all of your help in planning our trip


Westminster AbbeyWindsor Castle

HERON HOUSE RENTAL AT LAKE OF THE OZARKS

Heron House rental at Lake of the Ozarks
Jennifer and her family just returned from staying at the Heron House at Lake of the Ozarks.

Here is what they had to say: "We loved the house! We rented a tritoon and spent a lot of time on the wave runner that we brought. I would definitely recommend the Heron House."  

Thank you Jennifer K for your review.

  • The Heron House Sleeps 12 people; has 4 Bedrooms and 2 Bathrooms.


Ideal Family Retreat.
Private Lakefront Home on the Gravois Arm. Open Cove, Lots of Room to Play & Extensive Property Gardens.

What a wonderful property for family and friends. You'll feel comfortable the minute you park in the driveway. The 4 bedroom 2 bath property includes several desirable amenties for an vacationing guest: dock with swing and water toys, covered and open decks, a great 3 season sunroom, two living spaces and great surrounding landscaping throughout.
Contact Travel For You for availability and pricing.





Saturday, June 13, 2015

BREATHLESS RESORTS & SPAS

CAPTIVATE YOUR SENSES AT 
BREATHLESS RESORTS & SPAS

Experience the all-new Breathless Cabo San Lucas Resort & Spa 
Opening December 1, 2015

Located on Medano Beach, one of the most popular swimmable beaches in Cabo San Lucas
Minutes away from the nightlife and excitement of Cabo San Lucas
Special monthly and weekly events that will take your breath away


Breathless Resorts & Spas

Unlimited-Luxury®: A new and better way to have it all.
Breathless Resorts & Spas bring a new kind of all-adult vacation experience for sophisticated singles, couples and friends offering a place to meet people from around the world – and reconnect with those who already mean the world to you. Awaken your senses with ultra-contemporary rooms and suites, complete with private and scenic terraces set on pristine beaches. Breathless Resorts & Spas bring a multitude of trendsetting restaurants and lounges, bedazzling amenities and spirited activities \ focusing on entertainment, relaxation and a vibrant social lifestyle; all included of course. As the sun sets, mix and mingle amid many styles of live music, gala parties and spectacular shows – enveloped in smiles and laughter, romantic whispers and flirtatious winks. It leaves you Breathless.
The Unlimited-Luxury® experience includes:
  • Ultra, modern guest rooms with vibrant accents
  • Daily refreshed mini-bar
  • Twice daily maid service
  • Lively nightlife including live music, entertainment
    and themed parties
  • Limitless access to multiple international
    and fusion gourmet dining options, where reservations are never required
  • Unlimited top-shelf spirits served at hip
    bars and trendy lounges
  • Pool and beach wait service
  • Around the clock exhilarating land, beach
    and water activities
  • 24-hour room service
  • All taxes and gratuities





https://youtu.be/Fqh_YD74fq8

Friday, June 12, 2015

FALL-TASTIC SAVINGS WITH APPLE VACATIONS

  FALL IS A GREAT TIME OF YEAR TO TRAVEL TO MEXICO AND THE CARIBBEAN.

Fall is off-season in Mexico and Caribbean.  Prices are great and the crowds are gone.

Apple Vacations Mexico and Caribbean packages include round trip flights, round trip airport transfers and hotel accommodations.  Below are Apple Vacations Fall-Tastic Savings for the week of June 12-18, 2015.  Contact Travel For You for availability.

Apple Vacations Fall Sale to Mexico and the Caribbean

DRIVING TOUR VIDEOS - ST LOUIS TO CAHOKIA MOUNDS

St Louis Gateway Arch
Samantha Naes is a friend of mine and Executive Producer at CN Video Production

CN Videos has just launched a new project called:  DRIVING TOUR VIDEOS.

If you enjoy adventure day trips from St Louis I think you will like these fun videos.





Here is a direct link to her driving tour from St Louis to Cahokia Mounds

https://youtu.be/tfQFV7fFZKk

I really like this video because they have added some interesting fun facts along the way.

Take a drive and explore!

CN Video Production is a full service video production company in St Louis, MO, dedicated to helping businesses and organizations improve communication through creative video solutions.

Samantha C. Naes - Executive Producer at CN Video Production
View some examples of our work

( Office: (314) 843-3663    Cell: (314) 625-4731
: Website: www.CN-Video.com
* 4440 Chippewa, St. Louis, MO  63116

Thursday, June 11, 2015

INTERPERSONAL AND MULTI-GENERATIONAL VACATIONS




Do you love traveling and spending time with friends and family on vacation?  I do!  Interpersonal and Multi-generational travelers aren’t just seeking new destinations or experiences, but also to spend time with their loved ones and make new friendships along the way. To me, there’s no better options for these kinds of travelers than a cruise or all-inclusive vacation package. Think about it: on a cruise or at an all-inclusive resort no one has to be burdened with being the host or finding accommodations or things to do or who will be cooking tonight. Everyone is relaxed, happy and free to do what he or she pleases during the day. When dinnertime rolls around, everyone can reunite to share their day’s adventures. I always hear that people like these types of vacations because they allow everyone in the group to do their own thing and spend as much time together or apart as they please—and they’re always surprised by just how much time they do end up spending together and enjoying every moment.

Cruises and All-inclusive resorts offer group rates.  Travel For You can help you put together a memorable vacation for your interpersonal and multi-generational families!  We took our entire family to the Riviera Maya in October and it was awesome!


MARRIOTT HOTELS OFFERING NETFLIX ON GUEST ROOM TVs

MARRIOTT OFFERS NETFLIX TO GUESTS:

Now, Marriott Hotels guests can watch Netflix on their in-room TVs.
The flagship brand of Marriott International Inc. announced a partnership with Netflix on Wednesday that will allow guests to watch Netflix from the comfort of their hotel bed at select Marriott Hotels properties.
Guests staying at select Marriott Hotels can subscribe to the streaming video service or sign in to their existing accounts by using the Netflix app on the hotel’s guestroom TVs.
With the agreement, Marriott Hotels becomes the first hotel brand authorized to offer guests direct access to their Netflix accounts as part of its guest room entertainment offering.
"Our collaboration with Netflix responds to changing consumer preferences in the way our guests access and watch content, while recognizing the leading role Netflix is playing in driving this transformation," said Matthew Carroll, vice president brand management, Marriott Hotels, via a release. "Because consumers are choosing to take their streaming content with them when they travel, Marriott Hotels is making the industry's first rollout of Netflix a priority."
"Our members tell us they want to watch Netflix anytime, in any place where they have an Internet connection," added Bill Holmes, global head of business development, Netflix. "Through our partnership with Marriott, they'll get to watch their favorite movies, TV shows and Netflix originals on big screens just like they do at home."
Marriott Hotels’ Netflix app via the guestroom TV is customized for the hotel environment. Guests staying multiple days only have to log in to their accounts once throughout their stay, and all account information is automatically erased from the TVs to ensure security once guests check out.
Netflix is currently available at six properties, with six more launching this summer. The brand plans to expand Netflix to 100 of its properties by the end of 2015, and to nearly all of its more than 300 properties in the U.S. by the end of 2016.

Wednesday, June 10, 2015

VELAS VALLARTA



Velas Vallarta is certified with EarthCheck (formerly Green Globe) and also with TripAdvisor’s GreenLeaders program, which recognizes properties that are actively committed to environmentally friendly practices.



Specialty guides take guests to hotel areas seldom seen by visitors, including the solar panels, which heat the showers and pool water, and the recycling facility.
Tour participants learn composting and how to reduce the use of pesticides and get a peek at enclosures used to house resident peacocks and injured wild birds.
Velas Vallarta is located on Puerto Vallarta’s Marina Vallarta beach, where sea turtles nest from June to December.
The resort has a turtle nursery where the eggs are kept for 45 days until they begin to hatch.
Volunteers come from around the world and camp on the beach for weeks to help scientists find and protect turtle eggs.
“We share the dedication of these volunteers and support them with shower facilities and three meals a day,” said Donald Willis, assistant manager of operations.
“Last year, with our combined efforts we were able to raise and release 23,471 baby turtles,” he said

Tuesday, June 9, 2015

CARNIVAL BANS BRINGING BOTTLED WATER ONBOARD



Carnival Guests are now prohibited from bringing water, sodas and other non-alcoholic beverages onboard that are packaged in bottles.
• A small quantity of non-alcoholic beverages (i.e., sparkling water, sodas, juice, and milk) packaged in cans or cartons may be brought onboard on embarkation day only in guests’ carry-on luggage. A small quantity is considered a maximum of 12 sealed, unopened cans/cartons of 12 ounces each or less per person.
• Guests are prohibited from bringing alcoholic beverages on board with the following exception:
At the beginning of the cruise during embarkation day only, guests (21 years of age and older) may bring one 750 ml bottle of sealed/unopened wine or champagne per person in their carry-on luggage.
A $15 corkage fee (a charge exacted at a restaurant for every bottle of wine served that was not bought on the premises), per 750 ml bottle, will be charged should guests wish to consume their wine or champagne in the main dining room, steakhouse or bar.

Full story:  http://www.travelagentcentral.com/cruises/carnival-bans-bringing-bottled-water-onboard-51751


Monday, June 8, 2015

APPLE VACATIONS 72 HOUR SALE

APPLE VACATIONS 72 HOUR SALE
BOOK JUNE 9-11, 2015

CONTACT TRAVEL FOR YOU FOR RATES AND DATES!


MELIA NASSAU CABLE BEACH

Melia Nassau Cable Beach is situated on a 1,000 foot stretch of white sand on Nassau’s famed Cable Beach, Meliá Nassau Beach offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean, comfortable accommodations, luxury amenities and globally inspired cuisine. Featuring a variety of gorgeous outdoor and indoor venues, Meliá Nassau Beach is the ideal backdrop for couples seeking to capture memories they will cherish for a lifetime.

Planning a Destination Wedding in the Bahamas?

The Melia Nassau Cable Beach also offers Wedding Packages:


Destination Wedding Package inclusions:
Premium wedding site
Romance by Meliá Specialist
Bride’s bouquet and Groom’s boutonniere
Symbolic ceremony
1 hour of photography and more

Starting from $1500
*Symbolic ceremony only, legal and religious ceremonies available at a surcharge. Prices are quoted in US dollars, and are subject to change without notice. Terms and conditions apply

Contact Travel For You for detailed pricing and wedding options.



Weddings on white sand beach at Meila Nassau Cable Beach in the Bahamas
Add caption

Wednesday, June 3, 2015

SANDALS WHITEHOUSE IN JAMAICA


SANDALS WHITEHOUSE IN JAMAICA OFFERS

ALL BEACHFRONT ROOMS GUARANTEED!

Sandals has designed the perfect combination of European civility and an all-beachfront tropical resort. Sandals Whitehouse is a majestic beachfront oasis within a 500-acre nature preserve. Strolling along a grand piazza lined with bistros, restaurants, cafés and bars, it's easy to forget you're in the Caribbean. Three distinctive European Villages-French, Italian and Dutch-are set along a two-mile stretch of beach where you can watch both the sunrise and sunset each day. Relax by one of three pools, including Jamaica's largest. At night, extravagant bonfire areas and firepits add to the glow of this truly unique destination in the heart of paradise
Sandals Whitehouse White Sandy Beach
Sandals Whitehouse Beachfront Grande Luxe Walkout Club Level Room

Sandals Whitehouse Resort Map


Monday, June 1, 2015

ROYAL SUITES TURQUESA IN PUNTA CANA

ROYAL SUITES TURQUESA in Punta Cana

My clients returned from Punta Cana last week.

Thank you Lyn for your review that follows:

We had a bumpy start but it was a great trip overall.  We had booked the Grand Palladium  Palace but due to some construction we were bumped up to the Royal Suites. Under other circumstances we would have been delighted as this was adults only and VIP with room service and wifi.  We had purposely not booked here as it was far from everything.  We had asked for three rooms with double beds which all three ended up with king beds.  It took two days to get a room with two beds (two of our group were two guys not happy about sharing a bed). We were not given the option of this upgrade.  It was just assumed we would want it.

Our son in law is an avid soccer player and was able to play a soccer game with guests from other countries.  It was a great international game. The resort was huge with a multitude of activities.   Several in our group took excursions including Zip lining, dune buggies, and Santa Domingo.  Evening meals were wonderful.  The younger adults enjoyed the disco , beach party, and pool activities.  The beach was beautiful.   There was beach service for drinks at the royal suites portion of the beach.  We had some difficulty getting shuttles which were a must due to the size of the resort.  It was too large to walk from one end to the other so adequate shuttle service was an important amenity that was lacking

play soccer in Punta Cana

Adults only resort called Royal Suites Turquesa of Palldium

adults only swimming pool at the royal suites turquesa in punta cana