Kemp's Korner

Vacation to Paradise

2011-06-29T10:07:00.004-04:00

I recently returned from Paradise! I know people say that all the time but I have travelled extensively and I have to say the islands of Tahiti are truly the most beautiful I have ever seen.

After arrival from Toronto to Los Angeles I made an easy connection to Air Tahiti Nui to fly to Tahiti (Papeete). The flying time from LA was 8hrs and the flight was fine. Upon arrival we were met with a handmade flower lei, which I quickly found out was a tradition upon arrival at all hotels. We were taken to the Intercontinental Papeete, which was only minutes from the airport. It was dark upon arrival so it wasn’t until the next morning that we realized how breathtaking this hotel and grounds truly were. The view across the water to Moorea was amazing. This hotel had all categories of rooms, lots of activities, a beach, infinity pool, wonderful food etc. everything you could ask for. The next night we stayed at the Radisson Papeete which was just as nice but with a black volcanic beach. Both of these properties are excellent hotels for 1 or 2 nights before you start island hopping.

The island of Tahiti is the largest as it is the youngest of the islands. There is only 1 road (126km) around the island, which is the same on all the others as well. The island has many different historical sights and the landscape and gardens are beautiful. The city of Papeete is a large city, but very clean and safe.

From Papeete we took a 45min ferry to Moorea. The ferry is very large, modern and very clean. Up on the top deck you can be outside and enjoy the sight of leaving Tahiti and the view of arriving in Moorea.

Moorea is an island that has many activities from dune buggy rentals, to ATV adventures, to scooters, or swim with sting rays, or whale watching (in season) to a fruit distillery, just to name a few. The island itself is lots of fun to explore by foot on hikes or by the only road that circles the island (56km). The water is magnificent as well since this island is known for its reefs and snorkeling.

We stayed at the Pearl Hotel, in an overwater bungalow. What a treat! The room itself was large and its décor was very Tahitian. The water surrounding the bungalow was so clear, teal blue and right on the edge of the reef so lots of fish to see. Inside the room there was a glass floor to view the sea life as well. This hotel was my favorite in Moorea. All the room categories were wonderful…the garden had a private pool and the beach bungalows where just that on the Beach. The grounds, and infinity pool were so inviting and the service and food were excellent.

We stayed at the Intercontinental in Moorea as well which was every bit as nice, but a little larger and the overwater bungalows only had their decks over the water. If you love marine life though, they are the only hotel that has the “Dolphin Experience”. This is and up close and personal educational experience with one of the 3 dolphins they have on property. Be sure to pre book as it books up fast. Also they have lots of areas for snorkeling and the actually have a Sea Turtle hospital where they care for the turtles and release them back into the ocean. Also right out front of this property is where you can go swim with the Rays. And in July-September you can see and actually take a tour to swim with the whales!

Our next stop was Bora Bora which meant a ferry back to Papeete and then a 45min. flight on Air Tahiti. When you take this flight be sure to sit on the left side of the plane as the views are spectacular of the islands and the many colours of the water.

Bora Bora is only 26miles around again with 1 road. The island is the smallest of the 3 we visited. Many of the resorts are located on the motus which are small islands surrounding the main island. There are many overwater bungalows on Bora Bora because the water is so shallow. To get around the island and the motus you must take the hotel water shuttles or the public shuttle for a fee.

We stayed at the Intercontinental Maroma which is a very small hotel and budget. The hotel itself is located on the side of the hill and not the easiest to walk to. They do have some overwater bungalows that are very nicely decorated but they are across the road from the main hotel along with the restaurant and the beach area. We did see families at this property, as it is small and more economical.

We also visited the St. Regis…..the highest star rated hotel on the island and it is all that and more. Very high end and amazing! The grounds, the rooms, the spa….everything was to perfection. This is where many famous stars stay i.e. Keith Urban & Nicole Kidman, Carrie Underwood & Mike Fisher etc. I can’t say enough about this property.

Next stop was the Intercontinental Bora Bora. Just as beautiful as all the rest, but a bit more traditional, very Tahitian. The setting was tropical with its infinity pool, waterfall, palm trees on the beach, bar and restaurant on the waterside. Our room was a beach bungalow, very large and traditionally elegant décor. The overwater bungalows were just as great and stretched out into the water in front of the beach. Once again we did not go hungry, the French pastries and breads along with everything else met our expectations.

Last stop the Pearl in Bora Bora, my favorite for this island. The grounds were so tropical, you felt like you were in your own paradise. Our room this time was a garden bungalow, which meant you walked into an enclosed backyard with a small pool, picnic area and gardens. The bungalow itself was large with Tahitian décor and a huge bathroom that led out to an outdoor shower. This hotel had an amazing spa set back in the jungle with amazing views. This hotel had more activities going on….mini golf, rent DVD’s, kayaks, canoes, bikes, pool tables, and a tree top bar area that actually had music playing. Of course this hotel had many beautiful overwater bungalows as well.

Some adventures we did while on Bora Bora were jet skiing around the island for the afternoon. This was a great way to see the island, and lots of fun at the same time. This took about 2 hours. We also did a tour which included snorkeling on a reef, swimming with many Rays and the topper was swimming with sharks! Yes they threw small fish around us and the sharks showed up….lots of screams and laughter, something I will always remember.

This brought our trip to an end. This meant travelling by air back to Papeete, then to Los Angeles and back to Toronto a total flying time of 14hours with a couple of stops on route.

This trip to the South Pacific and the islands of Tahiti was truly the most beautiful destination I have ever been to. It is quiet, romantic, and truly relaxing. This is a perfect destination for couples of all ages. I look forward to helping my clients plan their vacation so they can experience what I did.

Check out our Facebook Page for more Photos from Tahiti
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kemp-Travel-Group/52774757803?sk=photos

Lorie Partridge – South Pacific Specialist
Kemp Travel
905 668 7955
lorie@wesleystravl.com

Costa Rica

2011-03-24T13:14:00.002-04:00

Sheila and Erin from our Bowmanville office just took a trip to Costa Rica, here’s what Erin had to say about her family trip.

We’ve just returned from our family trip to Costa Rica and it was GREAT! There’s plenty to do and see and we weren’t disappointed.

Infinity Pool on deck - Pacuare Lodge

We flew Air Canada into San Jose and the flight was great, on time and great onboard service. We arrived in San Jose and were taken to our hotel. We stayed at the Days Hotel, the food was great and the rooms were very nice. The town of San Jose is mainly an industrial city. There are many tours you can do from San Jose, canopy tours, rappelling, city tours to see basilicas, museums and theaters and much more.

Canopy Bed - Pacuare Lodge

We only stayed in San Jose for the night and then we were off to the Pacuare River to go river rafting. It was a 2 hour drive to the river. We stopped at a great local restaurant for breakfast up in the mountains which had a great view of the valley. When we arrived at the river we packed our luggage into dry bags and the guides strapped them down to the raft.
We hopped in a separate raft with our guide for the next three days. We rafted down class 1 and 2 rapids and stopped at a waterfall for a quick swim and continued on our way. We arrived at the Pacuare Lodge were we stayed for 3 days, 2 nights. The lodge was gorgeous, located right on the river was their restaurant and bar where you ate all your meals. Our room was located up in the mountain over looking the river. The

River Rafting - Pacuare River

room was amazing, claw footed bathtub, indoor and outdoor showers, canopy draped king size bed, loungers on the enormous deck complete with a large infinity pool over looking the jungle and the river but it was a hike up the mountain to get to the room but well worth it. The food at the Pacuare Lodge was great, actually amazing considering that there are no roads into the resort and all food has to come by water!!

Rappelling - Arenal Area

We were able to walk 5 minutes with our guide to a waterfall where we were able to swim in the natural pools below it. Another day we were walked to another small river where we were able to slide down the natural rock slides into different pools. There are several different tours you can do at the lodge (rappelling, zip lining and also massages) but just sitting on your deck taking in the sounds around you and the occasional swim in your private pool is an excellent way to spend your afternoon. We rafted again out of the lodge on the third day, on class 3 and 4 rapids. We stopped again at a great waterfall for a quick swim and some pictures in the falls. We also stopped along the river for lunch that day.

Bathroom - Tree House Lodge

We then went to Puerto Viejo, Limon to stay at the Tree House Lodge. This was a truly unique place; we stayed in the Beach Suite. It was an open air design with a large Flintstone like bathroom. The highlight of the washroom was the hot tub that filled up through the mouth of a sea horse, and the shower that was wrapped by a large snake and the water fell from its mouth. The Beach Suite has three bedrooms and two bathrooms, kitchen, living space, lower deck with hammocks and a large deck on the roof. The beach suite was a 2 minute walk from the Caribbean ocean and right on the beach. The beach out front was a natural beach, but just a short walk down the beach was a lovely beach great for swimming and the water was very warm. The town of Puerto Viejo was a little town right on the ocean. There are many small restaurants on the beach and little shops to look through. We stayed at the Tree House Lodge for two nights and then moved on to the next place.

Hot Springs - Tabacon Grand Spa & Resort

We then drove to Arenal to stay at the Tabacon Grand Spa and Resort. The drive was about 5 hours through the country side of Costa Rica. The Tabacon is a gorgeous resort and is most well known for its natural hot springs. The Spa and the hot springs are definitely the highlight of the resort. We were also able to see the Arenal Volcano from our room which was gorgeous. The best time to go in the hot springs in my opinion would be later in the evening as it is very hot during the day and getting into the hot water makes its seem even hotter. The restaurants were very nice and the food was delicious. We did a volcano hike from the Tabacon and it was great, but very HOT. The views are great and it’s a nice way to see some of the wildlife. We also did a canopy tour from Tabacon at Ecoglide. They have 12 cables and a Tarzan swing, and the Tarzan swing was by far the highlight of the canopy tour. You stand on a platform and the guides hook you up to a rope and you jump and swing up into the tree tops it was great and such a rush, you have to try it if you have the chance. We also did a rappelling tour from Tabacon which was also a lot of fun. We rappelled down four waterfalls and two of them much higher than I imagined they would have been. Our stay at the Tabacon lived up to all our expectations and the hot springs exceeded all my expectations.

Sunset - Borinquen Resort

We then travelled to Rincon de la Vieja where we stayed at the Borinquen Mountain Resort. The grounds at this resort were gorgeous, up on the mountain at the base of an inactive volcano. They had pools, thermal pools, mud baths and a natural steam room. The accommodations again here were great, our own little houses up on the hill. The restaurant had great food and the service was excellent. We did a tubing and horseback riding tour from the Hacienda Gauchipelin. The drive from the Borinquen to the Hacienda was about an hour on a rough road but worth the time for the tour. We had a 45 minute horse back ride to the Rio Negro where we gathered our tubes and floated down the river and the rapids. The scenery was great and well worth it. We spent two nights at this resort and it was a blast.

Beach at the Four Seasons Guanacaste

We then traveled to the Pacific Coast to stay at the Four Seasons Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo. The drive was about an hour and a half to the resort. The Four Seasons was gorgeous and we got upgraded to a 3 bedroom bungalow when we got there!! They have two beaches and 3 pools, which you can see both beaches from the main pool. The restaurants are great and the food is fantastic!! The room we stayed in was gorgeous bigger than any other hotel I’ve ever stayed at. Three bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, indoor and outdoor kitchen, large living room, big Jacuzzi bathtubs and French balconies in every bedroom it was amazing! We were only there for one night and none of us wanted to leave. You could hear howler monkeys from our room at night and early in the morning. It was definitely a treat to stay here!

We flew out of Liberia on United, with a quick layover in Chicago and on to Toronto. The trip was great and I would love to go back. It was great place for the whole family, in fact for people of any age and anyone could enjoy this great country. Give us a call if you are interested in a trip to Costa Rica.

905-623-3182 or by e-mail at sheila.kemp@kemptravel.ca or erin.kemp@kemptravel.ca

Grand Re-Opening Celebration

2010-09-16T14:23:00.000-04:00

Grand Re-Opening Celebration - Open House – September 22^nd

Drop by between 3-7pm to see our new location and ask one of our agents about our exciting new promotions. Free parking is available.

221 King St E., Oshawa, 905 433 8611

Destination Weddings

2010-08-03T12:19:00.001-04:00

Need help planning a Destination Wedding?

Destination weddings take away much of the stress and expense of wedding planning. That is why they have become a popular wedding choice for brides and grooms looking for a wedding day filled with warmth and pampering. Leave it all to the wedding planners. What about a bachelor party ziplining through the rainforest, a bachelorette spa day, or a rehearsal party on a sunset catamaran tour? Now that relieves lots of wedding planning stress.

I recently went to the Mayan Riveria in Mexico to see for myself some destination wedding locations. I visited eleven hotels over the weekend and viewed some spectacular scenery that could serve as a beautiful backdrop to a picture perfect wedding day.

Whether the happy couple select a beach wedding, a gazebo setting or a more traditional chapel wedding the resorts do a wonderful job decorating and co-ordinating a seamless wedding celebration personalized for the bride and groom.

I was able to see a wedding ceremony at the Princess Grand Riveria Resort. The wedding ceremony took place on a secluded area of the beach in a two tier, beautifully decorated gazebo. The bride walked over the quaint wooden bridge through the lower gazebo where her forty plus guests sat to her waiting groom in the upper gazebo. After the ceremony the guests and wedding party enjoyed themselves with a cocktail and toast on the beach.

The Mayan Riveria has everything you need for a glorious sun soaked wedding and honeymoon. Amazing white sand beach and shimmering turquoise waters await you on the Caribbean coastline. You can snorkel in the ecological parks of Xcaret and Xel-hu, explore the Mayan ruins of Tulum, Coba and Chichen Itza, or shop in the chic boutiques of Playa del Carmen. There are luxurious upscale resorts, family friendly resorts, and adult only resorts. The Mayan Riveria has something to offer all wedding guests, young and old. The bride and groom can relax knowing that their family and friends will be well taken care of; leaving the newly married to enjoy the start of their life together.

Please contact me for your upcoming destination wedding. I would love to help you plan your special day in an exotic location.

JoAnn 905 433 8611

Australia

2010-07-13T13:13:00.000-04:00

Lorie from our Whitby office recently went to Australia, here's what she had to say.

Well I have just returned from a wonderful to downunder to Australia. This is a place I have always wanted to visit and was not disappointed.

I flew with Qantas airways and they were wonderful. Always on time and the service on board was excellent. It was like flying back when the passenger really mattered.

It is a long flight but well worth the time. If it is possible upgrade to at least a exit row, Elite or Business class as the leg room is worth it.

I flew into Cairns via Los Angeles and Brisbane. We spent a couple days in the Cairns area. The weather was great. This area "Queensland" is the tropics for Australia and even though it was winter the temp were in the 20's C and no humidity. We stayed at a lovely hotel on the water the Shangri la. There are no beaches in Cairns but a great boardwalk along the water.

Cairns is a great little city with lots of shopping, restaurants, casino, and access to the Great Barrier Reef via cruises. This area is very popular with Backpackers as well as people of all ages.

We took a wonderful train ride from Freshwater (outside of Cairns) to Kuranda on the Kuranda Scenic Railway. This followed the route that was built in the 1800's for the gold rush up into the Rainforest. It traveled through 15 tunnels, ascending 327 metres and going over 55 bridges and taking 98 turns. The scenery was breathtaking. We upgraded to Gold Class which meant the seats were plush and we were served wine and hors d'oeuvre's, well worth cost of the upgrade.

At the end of the train ride we arrived at Kurunda station, where we walked thru the village of Kuranda. Here you can visit Birdworld or the Butterfly Sanctuary or Koala Gardens (all for an additional admission), as well as shop with many handcrafted goods. I chose to visit the Koala Gardens since this is the only place in Australia where you can actually hold a Koala. I was able to hold Princess the Koala and have may pic taken with her which was a real treat. These Gardens also house an area were you can feed and pet kangaroos and wallabies. This was something I will always remember.

To descend down from Kuranda to outside of Cairns we took the Skyrail Rainforest Cable Car. This flew high above the rainforest. You looked down into the forest and out over the area which you could see for miles. The sight was indescribable. We stopped twice on the way down to take a guided nature walk and get up close and personal with the forest. It was amazing.

That evening we stayed at the Thala Beach Resort which was near Port Douglas but was situated in the Rainforest overlooking the Coral Sea. The rooms were all throughout the forest so quite a lot of walking but well worth it for the sights alone. The setting was gorgeous and each room was in an individual bungalow with a spectacular view of the forest or the sea. The main lodge was all open air and had a veranda that wrapped around the entire thing. The food was fantastic as well as the service. This resort was very eco friendly and organized many nature walks, star gazing, etc. It also had is own beach area on the Coral Sea.

The next 3 days we spent on the Coral Princess II with Capt. John's Cruises. I would not compare this to a cruise that we are use to instead it was an experience on water. It was a wonderful way to see the Great Barrier Reef and really experience it first hand. The ship only holds 50 passengers. The cabins are only 8 x 10 but you are never in then but to sleep. There are 2 common rooms on board as well as a dining room and an outside area to lounge or enjoy the hot tub. There is an open door policy on board for the capt.s bridge. For the next 3 days we saw sunrises, snorkeled, took rides in the glass bottom boat, fed the fish, saw up close creatures from the bottom of the sea and learned all about them from the marine biologist on board. and if you were lucky enough even took a scuba dive (which I was) The scenery under the water was amazing....you thought you were in an aquarium or a moving. It was a colourful garden under the sea. We would stop each day on land and take a nature walk. Our last day we went to the ship's private island where the capt bbq'd lunch for us. Overall a great Reef experience.

We then spent 2 days in Sydney. This is a beautiful city where old history is nestled amongst modern day city. We stayed at the Sheraton on the Park right downtown and across from Hyde Park which houses a gorgeous Botanical Gardens and many historical buildings. It is a 15min walk to the Harbour where you can catch a ride on the ferry to Manly Beach or Bondi Beach were you can see surfing and visit a great little tourist area for shopping. The ride to and from this area is a great way to see Sydney from the water. You get a great view of the famous Opera House and bridge. The city offers lots of waterfront restaurants and many English pubs. It was the cleanest city I have every seen. There are lots of museums and places to visit in Sydney that no one would be lost for things to do.

This is just a bit of what I experienced downunder, as I could go on and on. Australia is truly a place to visit.

Please call me at 905 668 7955 to discuss a trip to Australia!

Rocky Mountaineer

2010-07-12T12:17:00.001-04:00

June 2010

Sheila & Kirk Kemp

We have just returned from a fabulous trip aboard the Rocky Mountaineer Train. We took the train route from Vancouver to Kamloops and then on to Jasper and then by coach down to Lake Louise and Banff. This was my first experience on the Rocky Mountaineer and it definetly won’t be my last. What a way to travel.

We fly to Vancouver and stayed at the Sheraton Wall hotel, many of the rooms offer spectacular views of the waterfront. We were picked up quite early and taken to the train station and from the moment you walk into the train station you are surround by nostalgic pictures of rail travel gone by. Complimentary coffee is plentiful and the station is bright and cheerful. There is no shortage of train staff to direct you or answer any of your questions regarding your trip. We were fortunate to be travelling in the GoldLeaf cars which are true luxury. From the moment your steward greats you and shows you to your assigned seating in the dome car you are made to feel extremely welcome. While pulling out you are offered coffee, tea and muffins while you await your breakfast turn in the dining car. Who knew such flavourful, well prepared gourmet meals could come out of such a small kitchen space. Breakfast and lunch each day were 5 star calibre. There was always a choice for your meals and they were always surprisingly delicious and lunch was served with wine! The rail experience in the dome car is like none I have ever experienced before. You have fabulous views of the spectacular scenery in the very comfortable roomy seats while sipping on your favourite beverage (bar opens at 10:30)....who knew rail travel could be sooooo civilized!!

The scenery in Canada is hard to beat and it is a real shame that more Canadians do not experience it. From the beautiful green forests to the majestic mountains and turquoise lakes; you would be hard pressed to find a more beautiful spot in the world. Our travels took us in to Kamloops where we spent the evening at the Thompson Hotel before continuing on our journey the next day. We had another day of spectacular scenery and the one of the great things about the dome car is that there is an outside viewing platform that you can stand on to get the smells and sounds of nature. We ended up in Jasper and stayed overnight at the famous Jasper Park Lodge which really lives up to expectations. I would highly recommend staying at least two nights here so you can really enjoy the pristine beauty of its setting. Another perk was the elk, who were quite content to forage on the lawns surrounding the lodge so picture taking was extremely easy. We took a motor coach the next day down the Columbia Fields parkway making a stop at the Columbia Ice fields which is one of the few glaciers that the “masses “are able to go out and walk on (bring your woollies as there is quite the temperature drop here). This highway has to have the most magnificent scenery in the world, every corner you are gasping at the wonders before you, from the snow capped mountains, turquoise lakes, waterfalls, overflowing rivers, bears, mountain goats, big horn sheep, elk...you name it and the bus driver is always happy to pull over for snapshots (I took over 1500 pictures). We went from one natural wonder to another...too many to describe without writing a book. Lake Louise is of course stunning and the resort is beautiful, majestic ...outstanding! Then on to Banff where we stayed at the Rimrock hotel which has spectacular views of the valley. The rooms here are spacious, well appointed and the food is fabulous. The lobby bar boasts a view that is hard to beat...what could be better than having a glass of wine in the sun looking out at the mountains which surround you! Dinner was at the famous Banff Springs Hotel. A visit here is a definite must while in Banff. The hotel is a true Fairmont flagship hotel...stunning with the rock and wood and beautiful stately public rooms...what a spectacular backdrop for a wedding! Our time was too short but the trip was extremely relaxing and enjoyable. For those interested in going on the Rocky Mountaineer I would definitely recommend GolfLeaf over RedLeaf service not only because of the dome car and the outdoor platform but because the dining experience onboard is lovely as you walk to your dining car (with white tablecloths) and pick your meals from a menu accompanied by beverages (RedLeaf you are served at your seat – similar to airline meals of the old days). All beverages in the GoldLeaf are included (alcoholic as well) and your nightly accommodation is upgraded. I would highly recommend this trip to anyone who enjoys spectacular scenery, good food and a relaxing atmosphere. Call me if you would like to discuss a trip on the Rocky Mountaineer.

905-623-3182 or email: sheila.kemp@kemptravel.ca

We've Moved!

2010-06-07T16:58:00.002-04:00

Kemp Travel has moved to a fabulous new location - 221 King St.E., Oshawa, L1H 1C5. Phone numbers are the same. Please drop by for a visit, free parking is available!

Bahia Principe Ambar

2010-02-23T12:27:00.001-05:00

Client Comments on Bahia Principe Ambar, an adults only property in Punta Cana.

Resort. Massive compared to what we have been to in the past. Ambar is busy compared to what we are used to at other resorts but the rest of resort sometimes gets a bit overwhelming.

Grounds. Very well cared for with no litter at all. Overall very clean.

Pools, Amber not too busy and very clean. Main pool at main resort packed. Other pools in main resort back from the beach less so.

Food. Excellent, ate at al a carte every night no restaurant was even close to busy in Ambar section.

Drinks. No problem getting served at any time day or night.

Staff. Very friendly, nice people.

Room. Well cleaned with everything in working order. Quick response to any defects. Good size.

Airport Transportation. To and from airport no problem.

Site Transportation. The resort has three streets with people carriers running till 3 am.

Beach. Great for walkers. Ambar section is much better than the rest of resort as the Ambar resort is built back from the beach. There is a good section of beach area that has many loungers and shade between the regular public beach and the Ambar pool. Other than Ambar the main resort beach is an absolute mad house of people.

Tipping. I did not need to tip but tipped the bar tenders a few times a day.

Entertainment. Ambar is mostly low key with one person with electric piano. The entertainment at the rest of the resort is reasonably good but busy at the 9pm show and less so later.

Adults Only. They do a good job, there are lots of kids around but most families follow the rules and stay out of Ambar. We went to a few restaurants for dinner and the families we encountered were fine.

Weather. Mixed, hot and sunny then warm and cloudy. Little bit of rain but nothing serious.

Overall. Good holiday that was, at the price we paid, definitely good value.

Danube River Cruise

2009-10-26T15:13:00.001-04:00

Jo Ann from the Oshawa office recently travelled to Europe, here's what she had to say:

What did I do on my summer vacation?

An Avalon Waterways Danube River Cruise

Our trip started out in Budapest as we explored the cobblestone streets of Castle Hill and enjoyed
the Pest's Danube promenade. Our two night stay was too short to experience all that Budapest
has to offer but we eagerly awaited the day that the Avalon Tapestry took us up the Danube
to Austria and Germany. Donna, from the Bowmanville Travel office, and our spouses were lucky
enough to enjoy this Globus Holidays/Avalon Waterways European experience together.

We boarded the Tapestry on August 2nd for our 7 night Danube cruise. Our cabin was
spacious and the views from our french balcony wonderful although we didn't spend much
time in the cabin as the top deck was sunny and the company of our travelling companions
inviting. We were 87 strong: from Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the US. It was an
intimate atmosphere that allowed us to come to know our fellow passengers well. The meals
compared to any large ship dining experience but with the addition of local specialities
and complimentary regional wines and beers. The atmosphere was casual and because the
group was so small it gave us a chance to get together to share our experiences of the day.

Each stop included a complimentary city tour with the option of additional, more specialized
day trips like a concert in Vienna, an Austrian alp tour, or Nuremberg trials tour. Our cruise
director Barbara was informative and entertaining and gave us insight to life in Hungary and
Eastern Europe in communist and recent times. Our stops included major cities and
smaller, more historical or scenic towns. They were all wonderful and in most cases because
the ports were in the city or town centre you could wander on and off the ship for as little
or as long as you liked. On the Tapestry you unpacked for the week but travelled to many
sights along the Danube so were able to enjoy your surroundings in a relaxed and
unhurried way. The scenery along the river was peaceful and beautiful so whether
you were on or off the ship it was always a great experience and almost everything
was included so the value was exceptional. Great views, great meals, great ports, great
holiday. Can't wait for my next river cruise, hopefully China's Yangtze River!

We said goodbye to the Tapestry; it's wonderful staff, magnificent meals and breathtaking views
and took the motorcoach for our 3 nights stay in Prague. Budapest and Prague; both great cities
to start and end our tour in Europe. You can't visit Prague without trying some of the local and
tasty beers. It is a wonderful walking city and very easy to get around. We mastered the
streetcar and subway system when our feet couldn't take anymore walking although the city
offers many sites around each corner when you walk the cobblestone streets. Old Town
Square, Charles Bridge, Prague Castle, the mighty Vitava River are part of the wonders of Prague.
We ventured out of Prague for a few days to explore the countryside and enjoyed the scenery
and hospitality of the people of Czech Republic. Our one week stay in the Czech Republic
was one of the highlights of this glorious European Holiday.

What did I do on my summer vacation? I had the European vacation of a lifetime!
Email me at joann.wrobel@kemptravel.ca to book your European River Cruise!

2009-09-15T12:32:00.003-04:00

Around the World in 1 Day

Join us for our 1st Annual Travel Trade Show on 26 Sep 2009 from 10am to 4pm at UOIT/Durham College - Campus Recreation & Wellness Centre (2000 Simcoe St.N.)

Talk directly to the Suppliers to plan your next Vacation!!

Travel talks, door prizes & discounts for those attending(free admission)

Win 2 FREE tickets on Westjet anywhere in Canada

Barcelo Cayo Santa Maria

2009-06-03T10:51:00.003-04:00

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.

2009-01-07T13:47:00.005-05:00

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!

2008-11-07T12:39:00.004-05:00

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

2008-09-02T15:31:00.005-04:00

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

2008-04-15T15:12:00.003-04:00

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

2008-04-09T11:35:00.002-04:00

"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

2008-02-25T17:31:00.002-05:00

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!

2007-12-24T14:18:00.000-05:00

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

2007-11-08T13:16:00.000-05:00

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

2007-08-21T10:44:00.000-04:00

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.

2007-07-30T13:42:00.000-04:00

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

2007-07-11T13:12:00.000-04:00

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

2007-06-21T10:49:00.000-04:00

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

2007-06-07T09:59:00.001-04:00

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....

2007-05-31T10:40:00.000-04:00

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

2007-05-30T11:00:00.000-04:00

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

2007-05-29T09:14:00.000-04:00

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?

2007-05-23T11:27:00.000-04:00

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!

2007-05-17T10:50:00.000-04:00

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

2007-04-30T10:42:00.000-04:00

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

2007-04-27T17:09:00.000-04:00

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!

2007-04-25T14:02:00.000-04:00

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!!

2007-04-24T10:46:00.000-04:00

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

2007-04-21T13:43:00.000-04:00

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!!

2007-04-20T09:01:00.000-04:00

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

2007-04-18T14:02:00.000-04:00

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.

2007-04-17T14:11:00.000-04:00

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

Alaska Cruising

2007-04-17T10:33:00.000-04:00

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?

2007-04-16T11:24:00.000-04:00

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 !!!!

2007-04-13T10:33:00.000-04:00

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??

Staff review of the Bahia Principe Punta Cana

2007-04-12T15:41:00.000-04:00

A member of our staff just returned from this beautiful resort with these comments. Please feel free to call us for more information.

This is a really nice resort, rooms are all Jr Suites and decorated very nicely. The resort is very long and first impression is it is miles to the beach but in actual fact from the beach to the lobby takes about 12 minutes. There are shuttles that run constantly (they must have at least 10 of these) never have to wait long for them.

There are many different room locations to choose from, such as the golden club, diamond club and gold rooms, its best to call us for suggestions on which room is best for you.All rooms have stocked mini bars..beer and soft drinks and 2 big bottles ofwater everyday.

Shows are ok but not great. Restaurants were good and food was very good even at the buffet. Breakfast was a buffet each morning (no omelet station) and most of the restaurants offered breakfast.There were over 4000 people at the hotel and it did not seem busy. If you want a chair at the pool or beach you can usually find one if you hunt but best to be down in the am.The beach was wonderful...long and lovely sand right out into the ocean. It is right beside the Palace and the Iberostar so on a nice day the beach is very busy. There is a market on the beach about 1/2 hour walk down the way. You could get premium liquor at some of the bars..CC, Smirnoff, Bacardi (about as premium as you can get) wine typical not great but you could choke it down!