Google is a great travel companion...

Beyond researching destinations, tours, attractions, hotels and transportations, there are many other useful things you can Google. 

• Check the weather anywhere:  enter the name of the city and "weather" in the Google search box and you will get the current temperature and forecast for the next four days
• Track a flight:  you want to know if a loved one's plane has landed.  Enter the code of the airline and the flight number (E.g. AA209) to see the exact time the plane departed and landed
• Translate:  you received a hotel confirmation in a different language and you need the translation, go to  translate.google.com
• Map it:  go to maps.google.com and enter your street destination in the search box to bring up a map.  To find restaurants or parking, add either word after the destination in the search box
• Convert money:  enter the amount in the country's currency in the search box, followed by "into dollars", (E.g. 60 euros into dollars).
• Check the time:  to check the time anywhere in the world enter "time in" and the city name in the search box, (E.g. time in London)
• Convert metrics:  enter the number of Kilometers plus "in miles" in the search box (40 km in miles)
• Happening now:  get fast information by visiting google.com/realtime and then type the name of the city into the search box.  You will be able to view twitter updates and links to the news.  

Trends in Travel for 2011

 Trends & Predictions for Travel from industry professionals:

 1.  Exotic destinations are taking center stage.  See Africa & China now before everything changes. 

 2. Family travel continues to be popular. Resorts and cruise lines are providing both a "family vibe" while maintaining "adult-only" venues.  

3.  Family and Friends "Just Us Girls" Getaways are very popular.  

4.  Up and coming travel destinations:  Spain, Portugal, Brazil, Argentina and Peru.

5.  River cruising continues its extreme growth with many new ships.

6.  South Africa is the hottest destination in Africa and enjoys "trip of a lifetime" status. 

7.  The great interest in culinary themed travel has expanded the number of options for tours and cruises.

8.  All-inclusive cruising is being embraced by many cruise lines.

Share with us any predictions that you might have!   

Oceania Marina 

'Magical'

Travel Agent Self-Guided Tour

 From the desk of Trish Timmerman

Stepping aboard the new Oceania Marina, the first thing I saw was the glittering Lalique Grand Staircase, the centerpiece of the Reception and Concierge areas.  On a large table (also Lalique) centered at the base was a centerpiece of white orchids and birds of paradise.  This theme was carried throughout the ship. 

All suites have access to an Executive Lounge and are equipped with huge verandas, private Jacuzzis, media room, bath tub and walk-in shower, butler service...and in the Vista and Owner's Suites, your own personal fitness room. Accommodations in every category are very spacious.

The ship's public rooms, boutiques and casino are glorious.  What really stands out are the ten dining venues of which six are open seating gourmet restaurants with no surcharge:   Jacques - French cuisine; Red Ginger - Asian Fusion; Toscana - Italian; Polo Grill - Steakhouse; Grand Dining Room; Terrace Grill for breakfast, lunch and al fresco dining for dinner; Waves Grill - for the lighter side...all designed for lovers of fine dining.

The ambiance of this ship is so grand, yet it still has a welcoming feel thanks to the warm color scheme throughout and smiling faces everywhere!
 

The Queen Victoria

From the desk of Pat Jacob...

Bill and I have just returned from a delightful cruise to the Panama Canal on the Queen Victoria.  You can spend an entire voyage exploring from venue upon unique venue, activity to exciting activity, and still not experience all the thoroughly distinctive places and events that the Queen Victoria has to offer. 

Heading the list of perks is an evening comfortably seated in a beautiful box at the Royal Court Theater enjoying bubbly champagne and amazing chocolates.  Many of us returned to catch a different performance later in the week...absolutely worth the $25.00 charge.

The Royal  Spa, a cut above, offers a world of special services and treatments...return home renewed!

Lovely British High Tea in the impressive Queen's Room--elegant silver and linen--a very pleasant experience everyone should enjoy.

Pick up helpful pointers from a talented artist; relax as you brush up on interesting information about people, places and things in your world--all delivered by qualified speakers.

Try a cruise on one of the "Cunard Queens".  You will love it! 

Did you know there is another way, other than cruising, to explore Alaska?

From the desk of Janet Pringle...

Your land journey begins by flying into Anchorage, Alaska's largest city.

Relax and view the scenic beauty of a ride on the Alaska Railroad, the last full-service railroad in the United States.  The route between Anchorage and Seward is considered by many to be the most scenic in the state.

Seward, one of Alaska's oldest and most scenic communities, is sandwiched between the Kenai mountains and the waters of Kenai Fjords National Park.  This seaside village, offers a bustling harbor, quaint shops and galleries.  The six-hour Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise is one of many different ways to tour this amazing area as you enjoy abundant wildlife, a tidewater glacier, and spectacular scenery. 

Travel by rail from Seward to Girdwood.   Girdwood, originally named Glacier City, is nestled among mountains along the breathtaking Turnagain Arm and spectacular Mt. Alyeska.  You will see glaciers, moose and foliage that cannot be seen if traveling by car.

The next stop is Talkeetna nestled near the base of North America's tallest peak, Mt. McKinley.  Talkeetna means "where three rivers meet".  Nature and natural beauty are emphasized in this community and the area is a fisherman's delight.

From Talkeetna travel via the McKinley Explorer, a glass domed railcar, to Denali Park.  Located in the heart of Alaska's magnificent and rugged interior, the park is home to glaciers, a sub-arctic ecosystem and an internationally designated biosphere preserve with moose, caribou, Dall sheep, grizzly bears and wolves.

End your amazing Alaska experience by flying home from Fairbanks, a two-hour drive from Anchorage. 

 Portugal 

From the desk of Julia Shore... 

Portugal is the Iberian Peninsula's best-kept secret. It has an old fashioned charm, with medieval castles and picture-perfect villages scattered over meandering coastlines and flower covered hillsides. Tour the beautifully restored towns and well-preserved architecture of UNESCO's World Heritage sites in Evora, Batalha, Alcobaça and Sintra.

The country's capital, Lisbon, is perhaps Europe's most pleasant and affordable city.  Its fantastic architecture, diverse population, delicious seafood, intriguing tile-work and non-stop night-life bring together the best elements of Portuguese life.

Lisbon's northern rival, Porto is the home of the world famous sweet wine--Port.  The city mixes  monuments of leading world architects from the past and the present. Porto, Portugal's second largest city, over looks the Douro River and is one of Europe's most charismatic destinations.  

Beginning June 4th, TAP Air Portugal will offer four weekly nonstop flights between Miami and Lisbon. In just 8 hours you can luxuriate at the Penha Longa Hotel and Golf Resort, an exceptional hotel nestled in the Sintra Mountains near Lisbon. Featuring elegant accommodations, exclusive amenities, championship golf and a lavish spa, this luxury hotel allows guests to enjoy the tranquility of life in the Estoril coastal region and it is a perfect place for a week-long get-away. For longer stays, I would recommend  Evora's Convento do Espinheiro and Aquapura Douro Valley. Portugal itineraries will be featured on our website in the near future.

Porto Valley