| Join our Newsletter List |
 |
| Forward this newsletter to a friend! |
 | |
|
| Vol 3 , Issue 12 |
December 2009 |
|
Greetings!
I just got back from a conference in Las Vegas to celebrate the 35th anniversary of Travelonly... YAY for us!
This was followed by the Luxury Travel Expo. Wow... If you ever win the lottery, just call me! Have I got destinations for you!
Now... just a little personal note... If you have the chance to eat at one of Emeril's restaurants... just say 'Yes'. Absolutely fabulous! The food, service and wine list are beyond fantastic!
OK... enough about Vegas
As always, there's a little bit of everything in this months newsletter. Enjoy... |
| Cuba: Affordable... but not for long! |
|
US Congress looks at bill to open travel to Cuba for US citizens.
If you've been wanting to visit Cuba for the first time or want to  go back and visit a different part, now is the time.
The US Congress began looking at a bill in November that will allow all US citizens to begin leisure travel to Cuba. Once this is approved, and I'm sure it will be, Cuba will be much more difficult to access for Canadians, and indeed the rest of the world.
Occupancy levels will drop significantly with the influx of US travellers which will very likely lead to price increases.
 Cuba is a vibrant country rich in history and culture with people who warmly welcome and encourage you to experience it. The beaches of Varadero are consistently rated among the best in the world! Havana, Holguin and Cayo Coco are also extremely popular with Canadians.
There are still good deals to be had... Just let me know if you are interested and we'll find the best option for you! |
| Shop Smart in Europe |
|
Rick Steves - Tribune Media
Shopping in Europe can be fun, but not if you let it overwhelm your trip. I [Rick] like to shop smart, spending my time - and money - efficiently. Based on three decades of travel, here are my top tips for shopping in Europe.
 Shop in countries where your dollar goes farther. Shop in Turkey, Morocco, Portugal, Spain, Greece, and Eastern Europe where the dollar is relatively strong. For the price of a doily in Britain, you can get a lace tablecloth in Spain. Shop at flea markets. The most colorful shopping in Europe is... Read on... |
|
A Toronto Theatre Package: Great Gift Idea! |
|
|
Are you still struggling over gift ideas for your other half, best friend, or parents?
 How about a Toronto Theatre Package? Let's put together a package including hotel & theatre tickets! Add dinner and you've got a great gift that will leave lasting memories!
Toronto always has a wealth of entertainment available.
|
| River Cruising |
|
|
The best way to see Europe "in-country"
With young river cruise ships, fabulous ship designs and state-of-the-art technology, modern river cruising is a great way to see destinations from a different perspective.
River cruising offers a comfortable and relaxing vacation through many of the world's most picturesque rivers, canals, inlets and harbours in many areas such as Australia, China, Egypt, Europe, Ukraine and Vietnam.
 If you have ever wanted to step on board your luxury cruise ship and see the world's most beautiful cities, drift gently afloat through the countryside, visit local art galleries, castles, restaurants, theatres, markets, vineyards or museums - wander through scenic rural regions, enjoy the fresh air and peace - in comfort, then a river cruise is for you.
River Cruise ships often dock in the heart of cities and towns offering easy access to your port of call.
Relaxing on deck is almost like sitting in a sidewalk cafe!
Trained local guides with years of experience can help you discover more sights than you could possibly find on your own.
With fewer passengers, you'll spend much less time waiting in lines and have a chance to make life-long friends during your cruise.
So if it's a romantic Rhine cruise, a float through the spring tulips in Holland or Germany during Oktoberfest, there is a river cruise for you.
Current River Cruise Deals:
Avalon Waterways (Div of Globus Journeys):
50% off airfare for 2010 Europe River Cruises
Cruises must be booked and deposited before 05 Jan 2010 with travel completed prior to 31 Dec 2010. New bookings only.
Save $500 per person, or save the single supplement fee on select departures
Applies to new bookings on select spring departures
Double your Early Booking Bonus and save up to $600 per person
Applies to new bookings paid in full at time of booking
Select departures
Single Supplement waived on select departures
New bookings must be made and deposited prior to 31 Dec 2009
2 for 1 on select 2009 Holiday departures
Book now! Space is very limited!
Click here for more details on the Uniworld offers
Feel free to email me for details or answers to any questions you may have. |
| New All-Inclusive Barcelo Hotel: Los Cabos |
|
On December 15, Barceló's newest all-inclusive property, Barceló Los Cabos Palace Deluxe, will debut.  Located on the Sea of Cortez, this hotel will feature 626 suites, 34 of which will be swim-up suites, a first for Barceló hotels. The rooms will include rain-style showers and jetted bathtubs. There will be seven restaurants to choose from, ranging from elegant to casual, including the Spanish-themed El Cortijo, Italian-style at Capri and sushi at Lotus. The 50,000-square-foot pool area will be a major feature of the resort. It will include a children-only water park, pool animation, volleyball nets, Jacuzzis, in-water hammocks, and an exclusive pool lounge. A spa, fitness center, Kids Club, in-house theater, bars and night clubs are also available for guests.
|
| One Day Free Parking - Park n Fly Valet Toronto |
|
With your donation to the Daily Bread Food Bank
Valid until 21 December 2009
Bring a non-perishable food item to Toronto's Park 'N Fly Valet  location and receive one day of parking free.
Or make an online donation here, bring your electronic receipt, and Park 'N Fly Valet will give you one free day of parking and match your donation up to a maximum of $5,000.
This offer is valid ONLY at the Valet lot.
Click here to see the details at the Park 'N Fly website |
| Questions & Answers |
|
Q - "How much and who should I tip at hotels?"
A - Great question with no simple answer!
The best resource I've found for the answer to this question is a USA Today article published in November of 2009 which features guidelines from a variety of sources.
To read the full article by Gary Stoller (USA Today), click here
To simply view the chart with guidelines from various people from a guest to the Ritz-Carlton hotel chain, click here
Send your questions to Janna. | |
|
|
|
