Barcelo Cayo Santa Maria

Client Comments on the new Barcelo Cayo Santa Maria:

The Resort:

As it is still new, there are a lot of growing pains still and of course this was to be expected. The hotel itself is quite beautiful, and the rooms are quite spacious and don't have that musty room smell like you find on most island vacation get always. We did not get a king bed as requested, but we just ended up putting out beds together and it worked out fine. As I read prior to our trip in the reviews, they do have some serious problems with the showers...there is plenty of hot water and the pressure it quite nice, however the design of the tub is just bizarre and as soon as you turn on the tap, it leaks all around the sides and pours all over the floor and often went out into the hallway and into our closets! You could see in our bathroom where the tub above us must have had the same problem as the walls were all patched and looked pretty rough. Other then that, the room was pretty nice. The one thing that we found a bit difficult is that there was not a whole lot of direction upon arriving, and there are not a lot of signs indicating various restaurants and the entrance to the beach. It was quite confusing and wasn't until the fourth day that we finally figured out how to get to and from our room to the buffet without getting lost. I'm sure that more signs will be put over time, and so that did not affect our feelings on the hotel itself. It was a great place and will be BEAUTIFUL and HUGE when it has all been completed.

The Pool:

The pool looked beautiful, and was always very clean. They were out everymorning cleaning the pool, and there was not any garbage or anything around the pool area. The one thing that could be improved on is that there are no spots with shade to recover from the sun, therefore we did not spend much time at all at the pool for this reason...where as at the beach there were tons of the cabana umbrella's for you to sit and relax out of the sun. The pool could use a few of those, as there was about 5 chairs in the shade and they were always taken. The good thing was that you never had to fight for a chair as there were always more then enough to go around. I think most people spent their time at the beach, and why not with a beach that beautiful!

The Beach:

Stunning! It was really beautiful. Due to the location, it can be quite windy on days, and during those times it makes it difficult to enjoy, but for the most part, the breeze was always welcomed and we would have probably melted without it. The water was crystal clear and always beautiful for as far out as you could see. We didn't see any sea creatures until after one of the really windy days and a whole bunch of jellyfish washed up on shore...other then that, we didn't see too much. The one complaint I would have about the beach is that there is really only one main entrance to the beach from the hotel and if you didn't wake up at the crack of dawn to put a towel on a chair, you would end up sitting 15 - 20 minute walk down the beach. This made it difficult for several reasons: getting a drink or water, bathroom, and eating. We would end up spending all day everyday at the beach because it would take us so long to get all the way down there that we didn't want to do the walk all over again.

The Food:

A lot to be desired! I'm not really a meat eater, and tend to be on the picky side, so I found it extremely difficult for the whole week. I feel as though I hardly ate the whole time. Typically I'm a huge fruiter eater, however they didn't have any fruit that was ripe and most of their food was tasteless and cold. I went to Cuba expecting this however, so it didn't put me off too much to be honest.

The Entertainment:

The Entertainment staff was absolutely amazing! The dances and shows at night were incredible! They always put on some sort of crazy show and it was always very interesting to see. They also had some things going on during the day by the pool side, but that part was lacking a bit. Otherwise, the entertainment staff was fantastic!!!

The Servers/Maids:

The Maids were great...we didn't have any complaints at all there. Most of the wait staff were quite friendly as well....they were always on top of things and always serving...of course you can come across the more lazy one's, who will completely ignore you if you don't tip enough to their liking...but that is to be expected and you can find that pretty much anywhere. The one thing I would say is to bring tons of tip money because that is all that you do day and night!!!

All in all we had an amazing trip and we both really needed the rest and relaxation. I'm happy that we went and it was a great time.

JoAnn from our office recently visited South Africa with her husband John, she has outlined her wonderful experiences below.

South Africa The Rainbow Nation

In October I was able to experience a holiday of a life time; a small group tour of South Africa
with Goway Holidays. Goway organized a trip that allowed my husband and I a relaxed and
informative trip full of memories that we will cherish forever.
Where in the world can so much variety be experienced? South Africa offers magnificent
natural beauty; from the mountains, to the breathtaking shorelines and the valleys abundant with the grapes that produce world class wines. South Africa is home to the 'Big Five'
and a variety of wildlife that will keep you in wonder of what specie will be around the next bend
in the road. South Africa is a cultural gem with its mixture of many peoples and their
rich history.
Our journey began in Cape Town, the mother city of Africa along the beautiful Western Cape.
Cape Town is home to the Victoria and Alfred waterfront development with its many shops and
restaurants. We took a trip up to Table Mountain on the cable car and witnessed below us the
bustling city of Cape Town, Lions Mountain, the rugged coastline as well as the beautiful beaches of the area. Robben Island, the former prison home of Nelson Mandela is an optional tour
from Cape Town. We took the Winelands Tour and visited prize winning estates for wine tasting
while enjoying the beauty of the hillside vineyards. Another day trip from Cape Town took
us along one of South Africa's most scenic routes to the Cape of Good Hope where the Indian
and Atlantic Oceans meet. We also took the boat trip to Seal Island; an island full of the
playful and amusing seals. Boulders Beach gave us the opportunity to be steps away from
the many Jackass penguins that waddled on the shoreline before us. We were able to spot
a few whales before their migration from the area. Cape Town - so much to see, so much to enjoy!

From Cape Town, we went to Oudtshoorn, the 'Feather Capital of the World' where I had the
opportunity to ride an ostrich, to the amusement of my fellow travellers. Continuing on the Garden Route we visited the Cango Caves, seaside resorts and a nature reserve for a hike with spectular ocean views. Travelling north we visited a vibrant Zulu cultural village with Zulu dancers performing to the beat of drums, showing off their beadwork and sharing their history with their guests. We visited one of South Africa's World Heritage Sites; a cruise down on Lake St Lucia where the highlight was the enormous hippos in the water.

We spent a night in Swaziland before heading off to Kruger National Park where
our search for the 'Big Five' began. We did view the famous five; lion, elephant, buffalo
rhino and leopard, and all manner of wondrous wildlife, birds and plants from our open
safari vehicle. Our rondeval in the Kruger rest camp was unique and allowed us
a great view of the monkeys, impalas and guinea fowl found steps away from our
patio. Wow, you don't see that everyday!!

On the Panaramic Route we witnessed some of the most spectacular scenery. Gods Window,
the Three Rondevals and the Potholes were stunning to see. Pretoria's flowers were in full bloom and the striking mauve blossoms of the jacaranda trees rival the beauty of an Ontario
autumn. Even if you aren't a flower lover you couldn't help but be awestruck at the beauty.
The food was fantastic. Don't forget to try the ostrich or warthog. South Africa
grows everything you can imagine so if you are vegetarian you will be amazed at the fresh
fruits, vegetables and nuts that grow so abundantly. If you are a seafood lover you will be in heaven.
The quality and price of the meals is great and the service is outstanding. Don't forget that
fabulous South African wine to round off your dining experience.
South Africa has become one of the world's most sought after vacation destinations and it's no
wonder. Often described as a "World in One Country" South Africa is blessed with a diversity
of climate, geography, wildlife and cultural heritage not found anywhere else.
South Africa has something for honeymooners, adventure enthusiasts, culture vultures,
nature lovers and lovers of good food and wine. South Africa won't disappoint the first
time traveller or the most experienced of travellers.
South Africa is a vacation destination that I will never forget!

We just had a client return from an Arctic vacation this summer, here are her comments:

This summer I embarked on an 8-day adventure in the eastern Arctic with Cruise North Expeditions. The company is Inuit-owned and operated and they lived up to their slogan "Nobody gets you closer". The ship, which we boarded in Kuujjuaq, in northern Quebec on Ungava Bay, held a maximum of 122 passengers, but we were lucky and there were only 52 on our trip.

Most days we left the ship in Zodiacs at least once, sometimes twice, for hikes on shore or rides to see interesting things like the largest thick-billed murre colony in the world. As a bonus that day, we saw a polar bear swimming to shore and we sat offshore in the Zodiacs watching two of them for quite a while. All the excursions were included in the price and they always offered shorter walks for people who didn't feel up to the long walks.

Many Arctic wildflowers were in bloom in the tundra and the naturalists who accompanied us on walks told us about the birds and plants that we saw. Each evening there was a meeting to recap what we had done and seen all day and an interesting presentation by one of the staff about some aspect of the Arctic and the culture of the Inuit people.

In the dining room we had lots of time to talk with the staff and the naturalists because one or two sat with passengers at every table. There were vegetarian choices at every meal and the food was delicious. The whole atmosphere of the trip was informal and comfortable. The staff was excellent and couldn't have taken better care of us. Our three young trainees were university students from Inuit communities in Labrador.

Every day we thought it couldn't get any better, but it did! From the polar bears on the second day, the muskox on the third day, the lovely people in the Inuit communities that we visited, the walrus floating by the ship on an ice floe, to the hundred of beluga whales that swam around our Zodiacs in the estuary of the Churchill River, it was the trip of a lifetime for us.

Riu's in Negril, Jamaica

I recently have returned from the RIU Negril & RIU Tropical Bay, both located in the same bay in Negril.

The RIU Tropical Bay is currently closed for renovations and will be reopening in December as a RIU Palace.

The RIU Negril is the newer property, both have fantastic restaurants, staff, entertainment, etc.

I found the RIU Tropical alittle easier to get around as it is abit smaller property, the RIU Negril is very large but absolutely beautiful. Both properties offer a 24hr bar/restaurant that serves light snacks and beverages.

Your able to eat/drink at either property, which is nice as it gives you more options. I would say if your a "pool" person to stay at RIU NEgril, if your a beach person stay at Tropical Bay. Either way you won't be dissappointed!


Negril offers some of the best beaches I've ever seen with spectular sunsets!!!!

South Africa

Sheila Kemp recently returned from a family vacation to South Africa, here are her comments about the trip:

SOUTH AFRICA “MY DREAM VACATION!”

I just returned from “My Dream Vacation” with my family (3 kids age 14, 17 & 21) and I wanted to share some of the highlights with you. South Africa is a beautiful country with spectacular scenery, friendly people and lots of unusual things to see and do. To clear the air right off the top, we did not experience or see any acts of violence or racism we only experienced warm hospitality from street vendors, people on the street and from those in the hospitality industry.

We started out in Cape Town visiting Table Mountain, Cape of Good Hope but the highlight was swimming with the “Great White” Sharks. Definitely an experience not to be missed. We had a day in the wine lands visiting the many local wineries for some wine tasting. We toured the Garden Route stopping to see the Cango Caves, Ostrich Farms (of course riding and eating an ostrich) and zip lining in the Tsitsikamma forest. South Africa’s coastline is beach after glorious beach where the white sand goes on for miles and in many areas the beach is backed by rugged Mountains “a photographer’s paradise”. We spent a day at the beach trying to learn the finer points of Surfing before we headed north to Sabi Sabi game reserve for a 3 night/4 day game drive. To me this was the highlight of my trip. Our 1st ride out we saw 4 of Africa’s “Big Five” within a couple of hours. We got to see lions stalking an Impala, a herd of water buffalo stampede and we had a herd of elephants with babies surround us. We were fortunate enough to come across a pride of lions with a fresh kill but the icing on the cake was the cheetah sighting which is so rare.

After a night in Johannesburg we were off to Zambia to see the spectacular “Victoria Falls” which certainly lives up to its name and you can understanding after seeing it why it is one of the “Seven Wonders of the World”. Zambia offers a warm welcome the local people are extremely friendly and go out of their way to make you feel welcome. Besides the falls Zambia is full of adventure activities like river rafting, river surfing, bungee jumping, zip lining, helicopter tours, biking, elephant safaris and the list goes on and on.

We stayed in a combination of small country inns and hotels throughout our holiday. Meals and drinks are very inexpensive in South Africa.

South Africa is a country that is often overlooked as a vacation destination for Canadians and it really shouldn’t. It is a long way to travel but it is definitely worth it. It is an ideal holiday for a family, a couple and I think it is a perfect Honeymoon or wedding destination especially in one of the beautiful game lodges.

Call me if you have any questions or would like to inquire about a trip to South Africa.

Sheila Kemp

Spanish Treasures

"Discover the joys of small town life outside Barcelona & Madrid"

Spain's bustling metro centres buzz with activity on every block and they're home to some of the biggest must-see attractions for tourists. You can easily spend your days soaking up the sights in Barcelona and Madrid and be quite content. But many visitors are discovering the country's small wonders - the towns and villages outside urban areas. They still have the cultural treasures that we love, but they are balanced with the slower rhythm of the everyday life. Stay longer and get off the beaten path to really get an authentic taste of Spanish life.

RIU Bachata

Clients recently returned from the RIU Bachata in Puerto Plata. Here's what they had to say:

You couldn't have directed us to a nicer place. When we registered, we were given wrist bands to wear all week. We were the only resort of the three to have them. The days were sunny 23 - 25C everyday, with constant warm trade winds blowing which made the temperature very comfortable. 5 minutes of rain each of the first two days and rain overnight for two nights. The nights went down to 22 - 23C and were perfectly comfortable no matter what you wore.

The room: was clean, with two 3/4 beds pushed together, T.V. with 100 channels (about 6 were English speaking, the rest Spanish), sliding glass doors to a balcony with 2 chairs and a table and a drying rack for bathing suits and towels. Lots of closet space, a safe and a mini bar with four huge bottles of alcohol (rum, vodka, etc.) They provided pop; diet and regular, club soda and 2 - 4 litre jugs of drinkable water in the fridge; those were changed every two days. The water was not drinkable in the rooms but you could shower and wash your hands with it. The bathroom consisted of a toilet, sink and tub/shower all in one room, all finished in tile. The floor in the rest of the room was all tile as well.

The beach: was kept clean by the staff, there were lots of lounge chairs, LOTS of SHADE (mango and palm trees mostly). The washroom at the beach had an attendant who kept the toilets clean and the floors mopped of excess water and sand. When you left the washroom she was there to give you some hand sanitizer. There was a chicken and pig roast buffet style on the beach with lots of entertainment to keep people participating. Also on the beach, there was soccer, bocce ball, horseshoes and volleyball on the go constantly. There was a "mini club" for kids with their own club house and lots of activities to keep them busy. According to one of the Recreation staff who put on the activities, the part of the beach where we always sat, which was closest to the gazebo, is for people who like to be quiet and undisturbed by the activities going on further down the beach. We figured the beach to be about a mile long one way which took you from our resort to the end of the Mambo resort at the other end. We walked it up and back 3 times a day either on the beach or the walkway which meandered all long the three resorts.

The restaurants: were fabulous. The one by the pool was open for a buffet style lunch made up of sandwiches, hamburgers, hot dogs, french fries, pork chops, steaks, potatoes, veggies, salads, ice cream, deserts, soups and buns/bread, wine, juice/pop and beer etc. Dinner was a la carte with a set menu and reservations were required. There were no walls, so no matter where you sat, you were eating outside, which we loved. There was a staff member standing at each entrance to give each guest some hand sanitizer.

The main dinning hall was huge, sat around 800 people plus, well decorated, bright and clean with white linen table cloths and napkins and fake red roses in a white vase on each table. There was always fruit carved and made into big birds or other animals as decorations placed around the room. The walls and ceiling were decorated with stencils of flowers and birds and very colourful. The floors were tile and there was always serving staff keeping the tables clean and maintenance staff picking up anything that hit the floor. The majority of the seating was inside, but there were sliding glass doors around the walls that were kept open so the breeze could come in. There was seating for 150 plus outside and we were able to sit out there the majority of the time. You could sit where you wanted when you wanted. The food was presented buffet style and there was an outstanding selection for all tastes, all cooked just right. They did a good job at making a huge room into a very intimate setting. Again, there was always a staff member standing outside the washroom on the way to the dinning room to give each person hand sanitizer.

We didn't spend much time at the pool but we did walk through and stopped to watch whatever happened to be going on at the moment. The rec staff always had some competition or games going on the whole time. There was always music playing in the background. Clean beach/swim towels were available everyday at the pool.

The staff always said hi in Spanish no matter where we went. If they asked how we were, in Spanish, we asked them how they were, in Spanish. They were very surprised that we tried and they laughed at our bad Spanish accents but went out of their way to help us learn their language or with anything else they could do for us. That was fun.

There is "Caribbean Street" which is a city block of little shops to purchase souvenirs. The prices were quite high but we were able to barter for lower prices in some cases and in most shops we could buy our goods with Canadian money because it was pretty well on par with the U.S. dollar.

Happy Holidays!

On behalf of all the employees of the Kemp Travel Group, we'd like to wish everyone a safe & happy holidays.

We look forward to helping you with all your travel needs in 2008!

RIU Caribe - Cancun

I recently returned from the RIU Caribe, located in the hotel zone in Cancun, Mexico.

I'm a huge fan of the RIU properties, it doesn't matter which one you go to whether its Mexico, Dominican or Cuba, they are known for there customer service.

It is an older property but RIU has done major renovations to make the RIU standard.

The public areas are very clean and well maintained. You can see this as you stroll the lovely grounds. Rooms are very clean with beautiful bathrooms and every room is an oceanview (very nice views).

What I especially liked about the property was the staff, very friendly and willing to go the extra mile to help with your requests. The activity staff was one of the best I've ever seen, Enrique from Cuba was exceptional. He was a very talented and hard working person.

The hotel has three a la carte restaurants (Asian,Mexican,Steakhouse), one buffet that always had a huge selection. There is a 24 hour sports bar with snacks, pool bars, swim up bar and lobby bar. Always somewhere to go to eat or drink. The beach was nice there, but because it was very windy a lot of weeds were being washed ashore, which I found out wasn't typical.

It has great atmosphere for the young or young at heart!!

MSC Cruises

Recently Janice from our Bowmanville office went on a Mediterrean cruise aboard the MSC Armonia, here are her comments.

I was booked in an outside balcony cabin on deck #12, the cabin size was 237 sq ft, it was fabulous waking up to the sun rise every morning.

The Armonia is spotless with typical brass & glass decor, the staff is constantly working on the ship to keep it clean and it shows.

Dining

Breakfast: you could do the buffet or go to the dining room, both had lots of variety

Lunch: the dining room offered a la carte or there was a buffet with a huge variety of food

as well as a fresh pasta bar

Dinner: a la carte dining with fresh fish, chicken, beef etc, your typical 6 course meal, was nice because the dining room was pretty casual unlike some other cruises.

Excursions

Lots of variety and the most expensive was 46euros, we took a tour in Athens and Dubrovnik, most cities we moored at the pier so you could get off and walk around easily.

I would not hesitate to travel with MSC Lines again, staff was very helpful, most of them didn't have a problem speaking or understanding English.

The Value of a Travel Agent.

Undoubtedly, one of the biggest reasons for buying travel services from a Travel Counsellor is our network of support we can offer the traveller. Here's a breakdown of why:

Before the trip: We work with you to discover your needs. Travel is a service industry and servicing these needs is the first step towards a successful trip. We know how important it is for you to have that aisle seat, or that special meal you ordered for the plane or to have an oceanview room once you arrive at your destination. It's our job to confirm these special arrangements.

During the trip: We are here for you! You can contact us throughout your trip should anything go wrong. The perfect example is when Canada 3000 went bankrupt, we had most of our clients rebooked before they even knew something was wrong. People who booked online? They were left on there own.

After your trip: We're here to listen to your praise, take in your suggestions and help resolve any issues that may have arisen while on your trip. This is also where service comes into play. Whether its keeping your name in our database to inform you of special prices to your favourite place or inviting you to a special destination evening, the relationship continues.

There is no substitute for personal interaction. As much as online booking sites try to emphasize choice, freedom and independence, the bottom line is travellers are responsible for there own actions. So when you push the "enter" key I hope you've made the right decision.

Kananaskis

Alot of people take holidays in the summer but normally go outside of Canada and forget that we have many wonderful places here to see. Here is a review from my clients who just returned from the Delta Lodge in Kananaskis.

Lori, Jo-Anne and I had a terrific time at the Delta Lodge in Kananaskis. The hotel is very spacious and sets a very relaxing tone.

The killer about this hotel is the location and how they have integrated it into the location. The location is up on the hillside overlooking the Kananaskis Valley. The view from the back of the property is stunning. This picture was taken from a hiking trail that runs around the perimeter of the grounds...hard to take ! When you are on the valley floor you cannot see the hotel however.

During the week we took a number of side trips including Lake Louise...I cannot tell you how glad we were that we did not go there. The location as special as it is, is overrun by tourists coming to see the lake. The crowd virtually overruns the hotel location. Although the scene is amazing there is nowhere on the grounds that can compare to the quiet and serenity of the

Delta. I managed to get a picture of Lake Louise after I pushed my way to the front of the crowd at the side of the lake...

Things we liked about the Delta Lodge :
- spacious, relaxing atmosphere
- facilities that inlcuded pool, tennis, fitness, hiking with golf within a 10 minute drive down to the valley
- location - 20 minutes from Canmore, 40 minutes to Banff, 1 hour to Lake Louise, 1 hour from Calgary
- tranquility of the location and the lack of tour bus traffic... yes there were some tours - maybe 1 bus /day but you were never overrun.
Also no hustle and bustle around the hotel as you find in Banff or Lake Louise. The hotel is about 10 minutes up the hill from the highway and there is nothing else there.
- incredible scenery around the hotel

Tks for your help putting this together.

Ross

Kelowna

Here is a review from Sheila Kemp, last weekend she was out in Kelowna, here's what she had to say.

I have just returned from Kelowna, located in the beautiful Okanogan Valley. I have been here many times before to ski at Big White but I have never been in the summer months. I stayed at the Cove Resort which is a brand new luxury condominium complex located right on Lake Okanogon. The recreational activities are abundant from hiking, biking, boating, horseback riding to a choice of over 53 local golf courses the Okanogon can keep you busy and entertained. The Okanagon is rich with lush orchards, gourmet restaurants and award-winning wineries, many of which have restaurants located on site. Why not try a feast for the palate with a wine pairing dinner. It is spectacular, something everyone should try at least once. Kelowna is truly a year round resort and with direct (41/2 hour) flights from Toronto why not give it a try this summer or go for the powder next winter.

Superclubs Guaranteed Getaways

SuperClubs is once again offering there year-round Guaranteed Getaways program!

To put vacationers' minds at ease during summer holiday plans, SuperClubs'guests can depend on Guaranteed Getaways even during hurricane season (June1 - November 30, 2007).

No Hurricane Guarantee: Should a hurricane happen to strike the resort, guests staying at the resort will receive a reimbursement for the total value of disrupted nights. In addition, a voucher for a future stay will be issued for the same number of disrupted nights for use during the same month the following year, excluding airfare.

Sunshine Guarantee: Expanded this year to include Breezes Curaçao, as well as six Jamaica resorts, every day is a "sun" day at SuperClubs. For each and every day the sun doesn't show its face during guests' stay, guests will receive a credit voucher equal to that day's Super-Inclusive room value, good for one year towards another SuperClubs vacation.

Satisfaction Guarantee: If a SuperClubs guest is not 100 percent satisfied with the holiday, the guest must notify the general manager of the problem immediately. If the general manager is unable to rectify the situation by the second night of the guest's stay, SuperClubs will issue a credit voucher for the entire value of the unused portion of the guest's hotel stay, good for up to one year at a SuperClubs resort.

Eurobics....

The traveler's need to exercise while on holiday can be seen in the state-of-the-art fitness centres and gym facilities that are now available at virtually every Caribbean resort and cruise ship sailing the seven seas. But what about this summer if you're touring Britain & Europe?

Here are a few simple ways to keep fit and keep active while seeing all the sites in your favorite cities across Britain & Europe.

Skate London - It's one of the great walking capitals of the world. What better way to see the city than online skating. Covent Garden is a great starting point, it's a short roller blade from the Royal Opera House, the National Gallery, Piccadilly Circus and Trafalgar Square. You can easily burn up kilometers & calories exploring the streets and alleyways of Soho.

Bike Paris - Paris is another great walking city, with its broad, tree-lined boulevards, large parks and squares. About 5 minutes from the Eiffel Tower is Fat Bike Tours, burn calories while exploring the outer reaches of Paris and the countryside on a bicycle.

Jog Barcelona - Barcelona is easily among the most beautiful and captivating cities in all of Europe. Skirted by the rich, indigo seas of the Mediterranean, this cosmopolitan city dazzles and delights its visitors with a winning combination of ancient ruins, gothic cathedrals and modern hotels, restaurants and clubs. Whether you jog or walk, be sure to take in the mile long promenade that is called La Rambla de Barcelona, it's the city's main street.

Hike Dublin - Without a doubt Ireland is hiking and biking territory. The scenery, landscape, climate and pace of the country command a pastoral approach to the land. For the adventurous try Wicklow Way, its 132 kilometres of trails that will take you about 8-10 days to complete but you'll find plenty of affordable accommodation and restaurants along the way.

Weddings in Paradise

With the costs of home town weddings continually soaring, wedding couples are flocking to the Caribbean more than ever! The typical destination wedding package, with an added week for a honeymoon, often costs less than a seated dinner at the local country club.

Uniqueness is what a destination wedding offers. The combination of charming gazebos, exotic gardens, tropical cocktails and a relaxing vacation are too tempting to pass on. In addition, travelling to the Caribbean to say ‘I do’ means your one special day turns into seven extraordinary days of celebration with family and friends. It is the chance to glide into married life stress-free and with a tan!

Simplicity and island weddings go hand-in-hand. Resorts offer qualified on-site wedding coordinators who are dedicated to making sure your big day is exceptional. Every detail, big or small, is taken care of for you. Upon arrival you will meet with your wedding coordinator to decide upon flowers, cake and dinner venue. Then it is time to unwind. Destination weddings allow you to focus on yourselves and your family.

Los Cabos

Los Cabos is one of my new favourite places to holiday, situated on the tip of the Baja peninsula are the towns of Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo.
Cabo San Lucas used to be nothing more than a sleepy fishing village, it has now been transformed into a world-class tourist resort with an exciting and varied array of restaurants and nightclubs. If your hoping to catch a glimpse of a movie star this is the place to be, last time I was there I met people from the reality series, the Amazing Race.

If you prefer a more peacful experience but still close to the action then San Jose del Cabo is the spot for you, offering a tranquil atmosphere with boutiques, markets and an authentic Mexican feel.

Both destinations share multiple golf courses, plus deep sea fishing, scuba diving and seasonal whale watching opportunites.

What's Cooking?

T-shirts are fine, but what better souvenir to bring home from your trip than a fabulous gourmet meal to cook up for friends? Culinary schools are all the rage and a great way to marinate in the local culture. From the Marrakesh palmeraie to the Italian countryside to a sailboat in the blue Aegean, there's a trip for you.

You'll find that culinary learning vacations are a great way to marinate yourself in local culture, make new friends, and impress old ones.

Tours are available for passionate amateurs and combine an entertaining mix of hands-on cooking with visits to the kitchens of local chefs. You will get to experience wine & food tasting with excursions to the local markets.

Southern Hospitality!

I've just returned from the Ritz Carlton Lodge, Reynolds Plantation located in Greensboro, Georgia and I will attest to the fact that yes indeed, southern hospitality still exists.

This property is a hidden gem in the southern States that I'm sure alot of people aren't aware of. Located on Lake Oconee you really feel like your in the Muskoka's but with alot more charm.

The staff here are absolutely incredible, constantly going out of their way to make your stay more enjoyable. The Lodge is the perfect combination of surreal elegance and outdoor tranquility, offering escapes such as fishing for large mouth bass, waterskiing and canoeing.

With 99 holes of golf, a full service spa & fitness centre and more than 35 acres of picturesque shoreline, you will never run out things to do.

European River Cruising

Discover why the road best traveled in Europe...is a river. Whether you've been to Europe once or a dozen times, a Grand River Cruise takes you through the timeless beauty of Europe in a way you've never seen before.

The ships sail along the historic waterways of Europe and dock in the heart of the quaintest villages and grandest cities. Arrive rested and ready to spend more time in each destination.

Follow in the footsteps of the adventures of days gone by as you embark on a history-steeped European journey taking you through many different countries and along three great rivers where you’ll experience the jewels of Europe.

As you sail along the Rhine, you’ll find yourself transfixed like artists, composers and poets of the past, as you see fairytale castles and sloping vineyards, and hear the legends surrounding the river throughout your trip. You’ll cruise through the spectacular 106-mile Main-Danube Canal, an engineering marvel, en route to the beautiful Danube. Sail through Austria’s lush vineyard-rich Wachau Valley, and all along the way, you’ll discover the diverse cultural heritage and rich history of three great rivers, the Rhine, the Main and the Danube.

St.Lucia

It's Friday afternoon and the sunshine has arrived just in time to make it a wonderful weekend here in Oshawa.

To keep the sun shining here is a glowing review of a resort in St.Lucia.

Welcome to Jade Mountain, St.Lucia.

High on Morne Chastanet, overlooking St.Lucia's Piton World Heritage site and the Caribbean Sea, Jade Mountain is Anse Chastanet's new and exclusive resort within a resort.

The bold architectural design with individual bridges leading to the extraordinary infinity pool suites and columns reaching towards the sky makes Jade Mountain one of the Caribbean's most mesmerizing resort experiences.

Expect grand sweeping spaces beyond your imagination, with your bedroom, living area and extravagantly sized private infinity edge pool gliding into one another to form an amazing platform floating in space, with the 4th wall missing entirely - the result is a stage-like setting from which to embrace the full glory - and infinite views - of St. Lucia's twin Pitons and the shimmering Caribbean Sea - a view you are not likely to ever forget.

Enjoy the exclusivity and private setting of Jade Mountain, simply let go, forget the outside world and float away as the resort would like you to!

Welcome Back to New Orleans!

New Orleans is back, better than ever. If you haven't been before now is the time to go, the city has been revitalized, hotels have been refurbished, the essence of this city is back and its alive & thriving.

New Orleans has one of the freshest hotel products of any major city. The shops and boutiques - from the French Quarter to Magazine Street - offer the finest and most eclectic shopping options in the U.S. The arts scene is exploding and the galleries are among the finest in North America.

Although there was considerable damage to post-World War II outlying suburban neighborhoods, the historic architecture in the tourist areas is intact. The core of New Orleans’ hospitality and tourism destinations are open and thriving.

Now is the time to fall in love with New Orleans all over again. There is no need to wait, the time to visit is now!

Viva Cuba!!

Cuba - a land of rhythms.

Every year Cuba gets increasingly more popular with Canadians, with thier friendly locals, stunning beaches, diverse culture & history it's not hard to see why.

The vibrant rhythms of mambo and salso enrich the soothing sounds of ocean waves along miles of unspoiled pristine shores. A land where cigars are hand-rolled to perfection, where aged rum is served up in a Cuba libre, a national drink as popular as the heroes of this land and where a stroll through Havana's quaint cobblestone streets conjures up images of glory and grandeur.

Cuba's history, culture and exotic natural beauty are sure to awaken all of your senses.

Earth Day Canada

In keeping with the Earth Day theme, here are the top 10 actions you can do to help the environment.

1. Park it - leave the car at home for a day.
2. Shut down - turn off lights, computer, TV when not in use.
3. Where's the beef? - eat meat-free once a week.
4. Eat it - choose organically and locally grown foods in season
5. Let it rot - start composting either through the green bin program or with a composter in your backyard.
6. Don't let it idle - turn off your car if stopped for more than 10 seconds.
7. Keep your eye on the temperature - set thermostat above room temperature in summer and below in winter.
8. Bright ideas - use compact fluorescent bulbs.
9. Don't dump it - use your blue box.
10. Tell someone - brag about your green activities and encourage them to follow suit.

Happy Earth Day!!

As we head into this beautiful weekend, I'd like to remind everyone that Saturday is Earth Day. It is a day dedicated to the environmental health of our planet. If you are looking for some activities to enjoy the official Earth Day celebrations throughout the city here's the link to help you plan your fun http://www.oshawa.ca/whatsnew/Earth_Day_Activities.pdf

The streets in Oshawa will be happening, hopefully you will come out and lend a helping hand! All your work is greatly appreciated, wash your windows, sweep the walks and get ready to enjoy spring!

Travel Tips

Well the sun is finally out in Oshawa!! Please, lets hope it stays out. I think everyone is ready for the warm weather. Today I thought I'd share some travel tips with you, this will become a regular feature. If you have a question please email it to me and I will post an answer for you.

1.Please remember all Canadian citizens now require a valid Canadian passport to travel to the United States by air. If your travelling by car across the border a birth certificate and photo I.D. is still acceptable.

2. Liquids, gels and aerosols are now permitted in your carry-on but with restrictions as follows:
- must be packaged in containers with a capacity of 100 ml / 100 grams (3.4 oz) or less.
- The containers must fit comfortably in one clear, closed and resealable plastic bag with a
capacity of no more than 1 litre (1 quart).
- The approximate dimensions of a one litre/quart bag are 15.24 cm by 22.86 cm (6 in. by 9
in.) or 20 cm by 17.5 cm (8 in. by 7 in.).
- One bag per passenger will be permitted.

3.Find out how many pieces of luggage you are allowed to take with you. Checked and carry-on baggage limits vary by airline and destination.

4. Pack your own bags; never let someone else do it.

5. Know how early you should arrive at the airport. Check with your airline, because check-in times may vary by airline and destination. New security measures can cause delays for travellers. Be sure to arrive well before your departure time.

Thanks to Rheal for all his expertise!!!! It's much appreciated!

Alaska Cruising

Now that I think Spring is actually on its way, people start to plan there summer holidays and what a better way to see Alaska than from your own private verandah while sailing up the coast.

See the Alaskan wilderness while you sip a cappuccino from your verandah and hopefully catch sight of a humpback whale or wolf pups frolicking in the snow.

From the breathtaking sights of Hubbard Glacier to the pioneering spirit of Juneau, the gold-rush spirit of Skagway and the totem poles of Ketchikan, Alaska is as rustic and romantic as one could ever imagine.

Do you have the Monday morning blahs?

Since it's raining again and the weather is very bleak here in Oshawa, thought I would share another fabulous hotel review to try and brighten your day! I have just returned recently from the Moon Palace Resort in Cancun and I know people are still leary about Mexico in general. Well I for one thought it was fabulous and I can honestly say Cancun is back better than ever.

The spectacular Moon Palace Golf & Spa Resort is located 5 miles south of the airport in Cancun's tranquil south shore. Nestled between 123 acres of tropical foliage and a secluded white sand beach stretching nearly 2000 feet, perfect for non-motorized water sports, this resort offers 2,103 luxurious rooms with either ocean or garden views. It is divided into two sections, Sunrise and Nizuc, each one with its own characteristics. Full fitness facilities, a kids club, restaurants featuring a wide variety of cuisines, several bars to quench your thirst and an attentive service make of this resort a truly destination for travelers of all ages.

Happy Friday the 13th !!!!

Is spring ever going to officially arrive? To brighten your day, here is a wonderful review of the
Royal Hideaway Ensenachos in Cuba.

Outstanding!!!!!
** Grounds and rooms were beautiful**
**Champagne upon arrival**
**Amazing beach**

At the beach there were people to find you a lounge and they put your towels on the lounge for you. At the pool, they brought you a cushion for your lounge chair as soon as you sat down. Again they put your cushion and towel on the lounge chair. They had golf carts to take you to the buffet if you didn't want to walk. Some days we were walking to the buffet and they would stop to pick us up along the way. We had day maids and night maids.

We had the Italian a la carte delivered to our room and they set everything on the balcony including flowers on the table. All was done with a huge smile. Our villa was directly across from the pool and right beside the board walk to the beach. The snack bar was incredible, it had a full menu, more than a snack bar. The beach was amazing too. The sand was so white and soft. You never had to look for a lounge or Pallapa there were so many and always one to be had. The staff always went out of your way for you. The spa was beautiful and the spa area was gorgeous.

Doesn't this sound fabulous??