New Paltz Travel Blog

Cruise to Ancient Civilizations

zanger8 — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 04:17:47 +0000

Voyages to Antiquity offers a cruise experience that appeals to the amateur historian. Sounds daunting? Actually, anyone who has an interest in history, art and culture of the Ancient Mediterranean will thoroughly enjoy the carefully planned itineraries that incorporate fascinating site visits as well as beautiful scenery, cuisine and lectures by educators and authors. Yes, there is a fair amount of walking, so being fit is important to enjoy all that is offered by this cruise line.

Features include:

Expertly planned itineraries
A full, included excursion program with sightseeing in each port of call (where available) and overland excursions
Many nighttime stays in port so you can choose to explore on your own if that’s your choice
Experienced team of guest speakers giving talks on subjects relevant to each itinerary
Free and Low-Cost air fares to Europe from selected US and Canadian cities
Arrival and departure transfers plus all baggage handling (once you have cleared customs) for guests using Voyages to Antiquity’s air program
Business Class upgrades at reasonable cost
Included pre and/or post-cruise hotel stays for most of our itineraries
All meals on Aegean Odyssey with a choice of restaurant and open-seating dining so you can choose when, where and with whom to dine
Complimentary choice of wine, beer or soft drinks with your evening meal on board
Included gratuities to your cabin steward and restaurant staff

Selected sailings are offered here for comparison purposes. The ship, Aegean Odyssey is elegant without being stuffy and offers the service and intimacy only found on small ship sailings. There is no casino or showroom, so this experience may not be for everyone. Voyages of Antiquity will appeal to someone who is well traveled, has an interest in history, myths and legends as well as attentive service.

Cruise to Ancient Civilizations

zanger8 — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 04:16:43 +0000

site visits as well as beautiful scenery, cuisine and lectures by educators and authors. Yes, there is a fair amount of walking, so being fit is important to enjoy all that is offered by this cruise line.

Features include:

Expertly planned itineraries
A full, included excursion program with sightseeing in each port of call (where available) and overland excursions
Many nighttime stays in port so you can choose to explore on your own if that’s your choice
Experienced team of guest speakers giving talks on subjects relevant to each itinerary
Free and Low-Cost air fares to Europe from selected US and Canadian cities
Arrival and departure transfers plus all baggage handling (once you have cleared customs) for guests using Voyages to Antiquity’s air program
Business Class upgrades at reasonable cost
Included pre and/or post-cruise hotel stays for most of our itineraries
All meals on Aegean Odyssey with a choice of restaurant and open-seating dining so you can choose when, where and with whom to dine
Complimentary choice of wine, beer or soft drinks with your evening meal on board
Included gratuities to your cabin steward and restaurant staff

Newsletter from Thala Lodge in Port Douglas, Australia

zanger8 — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 19:36:43 +0000

Just thought I’d share the newletter I received from Thala Lodge. I have visited the property, ate lunch there and fell in love with this resort. Casual, great food, in nature, beautiful views of the Coral Sea. I could easily spend 4 nights here and not leave the property. I would go off property for sightseeng for the other 3 nights, of course. Great Barrier Reef, Daintree Rain Forest, Kuranda, just to name a few places on the ‘Yes, Let’s Visit List.’ I think I’d want to be back for dinner though.

Family-owned eco and nature retreat Thala Beach Lodge, located just south of Port Douglas, sits spectacularly atop a headland with breathtaking ocean views.
Deluxe timber bungalows are built high on stilts and nestle in the forest canopy providing an unobtrusive relationship with the natural world.

Hello Colleen

I hope this finds you very well and happy!

The second half of 2011 was an eventful time at Thala to say the least! We welcomed a gorgeous new baby osprey to the family, watched humpback whales frolic in the ocean from the comfort of Curlews Lounge, hosted many wonderful famils, welcomed our first female Executive Chef who has created scrumptous new menus, produced a stunning new brochure and decided that our profession isn’t accomm or vacation providers after all,
we are actually
HAPPY PEOPLE SMUGGLERS!

It’s not hard to see why…!

EXCELLENT SUMMER DEAL
We are delighted to release the following new
offer valid to 31 May 2012!

Book clients into a Jungle Walk Bungalow
and they will receive an FOC UPGRADE
to a stunning Eucalypt Bungalow!
(Not valid with any other offer, blackout dates 21/22 Feb & 27/28 Mar, valid for tvl to 31.5)

OSPREY’S DINING
If you have clients in TNQ who choose not to stay with us for whatever reason – you are most welcome to suggest they pop into our lovely Osprey’s to
experience our sensational views and cuisine!
It is open to the public for all meals and/or is the
perfect place for an afternoon vino!

Again, it’s not hard to see why…!

We look forward to welcoming your clients!

WISHING YOU A WONDERFUL
& PROSPEROUS 2012!

Capt Cook Highway, 16kms south of Port Douglas, Queensland
reservations@thalabeach.com.au T +61 7 40985700 www.thala.com

Unsubscribe me from this contact list

The baby osprey’s first launch was proudly captured by one of our talented houseguests!

TIPS TO HELP YOU SELL!

* Thala is the only five star rainforest AND beach retreat destination in TNQ!

* For clients concerned about budget – use Thala as a ‘treat’ throughout their itinerary – they don’t have to miss out altogether!

* Thala has an ‘island feel’
as we are surrounded by water on three sides!

* Thala is a complete
experience due to our FOC
onsite guided nature tours!

Another amazing client photo – the humble green ant!

OTHER GREAT OFFERS!

4 NIGHTS VALUE-ADD
Stay in a Coral Sea, Eucalypt Bungalow or the Sandpiper Suite and receive FOC Cairns transfers & breakfast daily!
or
STAY 4 / PAY 3
in a Coral Sea, Eucalypt Bungalow or the Sandpiper Suite!
Both valid to 31 March 2013!

You choose based on what your clients see as best value!

Doing our bit for the TTNQ ‘Adventurous By Nature’ branding – I promise I
wasn’t just slacking off…!

‘LIKE’ US ON FACEBOOK!
www.facebook.com/ThalaBeachLodge

Will Your Vacation Experience Match Your Expectations?

zanger8 — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 04:45:34 +0000

3 Big Benefits to Booking a Condo with a Travel Agent

By: Outrigger Condominium Collection

Recently we’ve all been hearing a lot of our clients telling us that they are booking a condo directly with an owner, rather than with a travel agent, because it costs less.

Before you make that decision, let us explain the benefits of booking through a travel agent and a reputable management company, like Outrigger Hospitality. Here are three great reasons to book with a travel agent.

You will be able to check-in and check-out at the front desk of the property vs. having to go to another off-property location, like a realty office, to pick up the key.
You will enjoy regularly scheduled housekeeping services.
- With owner-direct bookings, the unit may only be cleaned only after the guest leaves.
- If you need or want certain types of housekeeping or maintenance services during their stay, and if they booked direct with the owner, they may have to arrange for these services themselves, via the owner or the owner’s representative. If you book through the agent, we’ll take care of this for you.
You will have overall peace of mind knowing that you have an experienced travel agent behind you if you need assistance to make your vacation experience match your expectations.

It’s your vacation and your time to relax. Let us book your condo for you. Give New Paltz Travel Center Inc a call to book your next Outrigger getaway to any of the Hawaiian Islands.

Photos from CNN – Yucatan Peninsula

zanger8 — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 00:28:08 +0000

Escape to Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula http://cache-02.cleanprint.net/media/swf/flashcomm.swf

I have been working on packages to Akumal and Tulum this week so here is a link to some nice photos I am enjoying.

Photos from CNN – Yucatan Peninsula

zanger8 — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 00:28:07 +0000

Escape to Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula http://cache-02.cleanprint.net/media/swf/flashcomm.swf

I have been working on packages to Akumal and Tulum this week so here is a link to some nice photos I am enjoying.

6 trends changing the hotel industry By BETH J. HARPAZ The Associated Press

zanger8 — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 05:00:43 +0000

via msnbc.msn.com

Overstuffed carry-on bags getting more scrutiny

zanger8 — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 00:35:04 +0000

NEW YORK — Before you board a flight this holiday season, think twice about stuffing that carry-on full of gifts to avoid a checked bag fee. You might get charged anyway.

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And the world’s most social airport is…

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Already armed with an exhaustive list of checked bag fees, some airlines are stepping up their enforcement of weight limits for carry-ons. This may lead to aggravation if an airline agent weighs your bag at the gate and then charges you.

Although weight limits for carry-on bags are mostly on international flights, George Hobica of Airfarewatchdog.com says charges on domestic flights may not be far behind.

One practical reason for weight restrictions is that they limit an airline’s liability for accidents, such as when a heavy bag falls from an overhead bin and hits someone. But they’re also — you guessed it — a way for carriers to generate more fee income. Under congressional pressure, major U.S. airlines vowed earlier this year not to charge fees for carry-on bags. But they haven’t ruled out widening their restrictions on the weight of those bags.

Although there are practical restrictions on their size, none of the major U.S. airlines puts a cap on the weight of a carry-on bag on domestic flights — but several do on international flights. United, for example, sets a 44-pound limit for coach passengers flying within Asia or the Middle East. American Airlines puts a 50-pound limit on carry-on bags for trips to and from the Caribbean and Latin America. The airlines don’t charge for the first bag on those routes, but you may get stung if your carry-on tops a limit and you’ve already checked one bag. A second checked bag fee could run as much as $60 or $70.

Big international airlines, such as British Airways and Lufthansa, have more widespread weight limits on carry-on luggage. Caps can range from as little as 18 pounds to as much as 50. But most of those airlines also let passengers check one bag for free, lessening the chance that passengers will get stuck paying an unexpected fee.

There are some airlines, however, that have a weight restriction on carry-ons and charge for a first checked bag. Hawaiian Airlines, which flies to the Western U.S. and plans to start flights to New York in June, sets a maximum carry-on weight at 25 pounds. It charges $25 for a first checked bag for flights to and from North America.

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While some weight limits seem high, Hobica notes that a bag full of heavy electronics can quickly add up.

Before U.S. airlines would consider implementing weight limits, they’d have to balance the possible backlash: An irate passenger at the gate, holding up the plane’s departure. But other airlines have already put systems in place, including portable bag scales, to catch heavy bags at the gate. So it might not take long for these methods to catch on.

And especially during the holidays, airlines will ask passengers to check more bags as a way to clear the cabin — even if your bags aren’t overweight. They usually won’t charge a fee for this last-minute switch up, but travelers should heed this advice so they can comply with airlines’ requests, while keeping their valuables within reach.

That means you should pack valuables in a smaller bag (like a purse or even a large Ziploc bag) within a carry-on. That way, if you have to check your bag, you can grab your important items and keep them with you on the flight. This will especially pay off if your checked bag is lost or stolen.

Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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Untitled

zanger8 — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 04:22:13 +0000

Be Inspired by the Rhine River with Avalon Waterways

By: Avalon Waterways

As it winds through castle-dotted hillsides, dramatic rocky gorges and picturesque Old World villages, the Rhine River is the essence of romance. Born as an untamed river in the Swiss Alps, the Rhine takes the scenic route to the North Sea, illuminating some of Europe’s most fascinating sights and customs. Historically and culturally, the Rhine has been a crucial source of sustenance, pride and inspiration. Fortresses and castles along the Rhine’s embankments highlight the value ancient empires placed on these waters. While ancient times saw the Rhine as a dividing force, today the cities along its shores are an intriguing blend of cultures. Vineyards along the Rhine produce world-renowned vintages and riverside cafés and restaurants celebrate the region by pairing local wines with delectably fresh fare. With scenic splendor and enriching surprises around every bend, the waters of the Rhine set the stage for the very finest moments to be had in Europe.

15th century Attractions. 21st century amenities. Contact New Paltz Travel Center Inc and come experience the comfort of an Avalon Waterways Rhine river cruise.

Galapagos Itineraries are Changing

zanger8 — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 15:16:23 +0000

There are new regulations that will limit the number of visitors to Galapagos National Park in Ecuador. Beginning in February, 2012 ship visits will be limited to visiting most island sitesonly once within a fourteen day period. Galapagos Cruise Itinerary Changes