Italy

Have you dreamt of seeing Italy? So have millions of others. Truffles, creamy, aromatic cheeses, crisp apples, barbera, nebbiolo, and barbaresco wines are the treasures of Italy’s Piedmont, the home of the “slow food” movement. Have you considered a bicycle tour of Italy? All of that pedaling will help to work off the culinary excesses of the previous day – just in time for another day of wine and food that’s so delicious it’s almost heaven!

Where to Stay

St. Regis – Florence

St. Regis – Florence

Luxury becomes redefined at The St. Regis Florence.  It’s location in the center of the city makes it a fabulous spot to enjoy all the city has to offer.  Local attractions such as the Bargello Museum, Boboli Gardens and Pitti Palace.

Luxe Benefits

• Upgrade on Arrival
• Selection of Fine Chocolate Confections, Bottle of Vinsanto Dessert Wine and Cantucci Biscuits at Turndown on First Night
• Daily Breakfast
• Welcome Gift
• 4PM Late Checkout

There’s something so seductive about the idea of Australia. It’s a huge country (a continent, actually) with a little bit of everything from kangaroos, dingoes, and wild pigs to the sandy, white beaches hosting luxurious seaside resorts on the ocean in front of the Great Barrier Reef. Then there are the galleries and wonderful Australian wines of Sydney and the famous outback. Australia is a land of contradictions and you’ll want to experience every single one.

Where to Stay

Southern Ocean Lodge

Southern Ocean Lodge

Located on Kangaroo Island in Southern Australia, Southern Ocean Lodge sits atop a rugged stretch of coast with a panoramic view of the Southern Ocean and the wilderness on Kangaroo Island.

Luxe Benefits

• Upgrade on Arrival
• Up to Two $50 AUD Spa Vouchers
• Daily Breakfast

Marival

Marival Residences & World Spa, winner of the prestigious “Four Diamond Award” is on the Riviera Nayarit Mexico in Nuevo Vallarta. It’s made for romance! With its spectacular sunsets and pounding surf it’s become one of Mexico’s most popular wedding destinations.  And Marival Residences & Spas offers many places to say your vows from its Sky Bar, to the marina La Cruz where you will arrive by yacht. Perhaps you’d prefer your wedding party to wend its way through the gardens to Marival’s private beach for a sunset wedding. The wedding itself is on Marival; whatever else you need for your wedding will be included at very competitive prices.

Marival is an all inclusive luxury hotel and offers world class spa treatments, unlimited golf and unlimited tours. You’ll enjoy international gourmet restaurants, VIP Beach Club and many more amenities that will bring the maximum of comfort to your luxury vacation!

Weddings at Marival and the Free Wedding Package

Marival’s free wedding package includes help choosing your flowers, a service that includes flowers for the location and a bride’s bouquet and boutonniere, and you will get the wedding cake of your dreams. When you arrive you’ll find a fruit basket in your room and you may have a room upgrade, if one is available.  You and your guests will enjoy a martini and margarita wedding toast, a choice of ceremonies and all the paperwork and certificates you’ll need.  A three-course dinner is included for everyone in the wedding group who are registered guests at Marival. You will find a bottle of champagne in your room on your wedding night and a 30 minute massage for both the bride and groom will await you. In the morning you will enjoy breakfast in bed.

Available extras (not included in the free package) include a ceremony at sunset, a mariachi band, Trio, or DJ, photography, a wine and champagne list, the services of a minister, weekend or statutory Mexican National Holiday wedding dates, and translation of documents (such as birth certificates or divorce decrees.)

Honeymoons at Marival

After your wedding enjoy a fabulous honeymoon at Marival! The Honeymoon and Anniversary Bonus Package offers some very special treats. Enjoy a beautiful tropical flower arrangement in your romantically decorated suite and a chilled bottle of domestic champagne will be delivered to your room upon your arrival. You will be guaranteed a king bed. You will receive a sunset souvenir picture to remember your special honeymoon destination and have special in-room towel arrangements every day of your honeymoon stay.

If you book a luxurious Penthouse at Marival you will enjoy your own rooftop sun deck and a private plunge pool and the features above, as well.  In addition, you’ll enjoy a private, romantic, candle-lit dinner on the beach. When visiting Marival for your honeymoon be sure to note that this is a “Honeymooners” or “Anniversary” visit to receive all of the extras. Don’t forget to bring proof of your marriage!

Todd Woody has reported on his first transatlantic journey powered by bio-fuels. The news – the good news – is that there was nothing extraordinary about the flight.

The bio-fuel used, a concoction made from the seed of an inedible plant called camelina, was made by UOP, a subsidiary of Honeywell. For Woody’s trip, the camelina fuel was used in the six year old engines (made by Rolls-Royce) of Honeywell’s Gulfstream G-450.

Honeywell’s chief pilot, Ron Weight, reported that the only difference between camelina bio-fuel and aviation fuel is that it has no smell, a feature much appreciated by the ground crew. The G4 also has the word “Experimental” on the fuselage. Honeywell has a waiver from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration allowing this flight – the longest ever made with this type of fuel. The Green Jet fuel has not yet been approved for use by commercial planes but final regulatory approval is expected in the next few weeks. The exciting news is that this will herald the age of clean/green jet travel. Unfortunately it will take a few years before there’s a large enough supply of green fuel to even touch the 60 billion gallons a year of petroleum based fuel used globally.

Jim Rekoske, VP for Renewable Energy and Chemicals of Honeywell’s UOP, remarked that the flight was a special celebration of the approval of the new fuel and the new generation of flight. He said that Honeywell had surmounted all of the hurdles for certification and that they were ready to move into the commercial arena with the new fuel.

Almost all of the world’s major airlines are interested in green aviation fuels. With the high cost of petroleum based aviation fuels, airline profits are currently low. Then there’s the fact that Europe is limiting jet emissions starting in 2012. And airline execs would really like to make flying greener, considering that air travel uses the most carbon fuel of any form of travel.

During Woody’s flight, which took the same path as Charles Lindberg’s 1927 flight, the combo of biofuel and petroleum in the right engine (a 50-50 blend) burned 68% less carbon than the petroleum based fuel in the left engine.

Green Jet Fuel recycles carbon already absorbed by the camelina plants from the air, prior to harvesting in Montana. A company called “Sustainable Oils” crushes and processes the seeds and Honeywell refines the product into jet fuel in Houston.

When the G4 landed at the Paris Air Show, the savings in carbon emissions equaled 5.5 million metric tons. This will make some very wealthy people less guilty about luxury flight. It could also make the corporate jet market a very nice niche for Green Jet fuel, unless distribution challenges prove to be too costly.

During Woody’s flight, co-pilot Rob Odgers mentioned that the bio-fuel powered engine was burning a little less fuel than the conventionally powered engine – not a bad thing! Other than that, pilot Captain Weight said there wasn’t one other difference between the two engines.

This new camelina based fuel is a boon for Honeywell. The Green Jet Fuel is also powering Boeing’s jumbo jet.

Crystal Cruises says that you should expect “An Intimate Perfection. A Striking Sophistication” with your Crystal Cruise experience. Crystal’s destinations include everywhere from Alaska to the Mexican Riviera to the Mediterranean, the Panama Canal and many more exciting places! Theme cruises include everything from ballroom dance, golf, photography, and more. Culturally enriching activities are always available. Take piano lessons, learn more about photography, or learn about fashion. There’s always something going on when you sail aboard Crystal.

Crystal Cruises’ ships are the Crystal Serenity and the Crystal Symphony. The Crystal Serenity has the distinction of being considered the best cruise ship in the world and constantly wins the highest awards from readers of Conde’ Nast Travelers and others. The Crystal Symphony is an elegant ship that is found in the world’s most fabulous ports of call. Both ships are elegantly appointed and offer a choice of verandah staterooms or suites. No matter which type of accommodation you choose, you will be pampered by a personal butler and enjoy complimentary amenities such as wine and a fine selection of other alcoholic beverages.

Crystal Cruises world class cuisine and service is provided by an all European trained staff. Enjoy Italian Cuisine at Prego by legendary Italian restaurateur Piero Selvaggio. Japanese cuisine is brought to you by Master Chef Nobuyuki Matsuhisa, or “Nobu” in his restaurant “Silk Road.” And don’t miss Nobu’s Sushi Bar! Specialty coffees are available everywhere on board from cappuccino on your verandah to a mocha poolside. Dining tables are dressed in Garnier-Thiebaut linens and set with Riedel crystal and Villeroy & Boch china. The elegance of the table complements the elegance of the cuisine.

Don’t miss Crystal Cruises’ legendary spa at sea, the only Fen Shui spa at sea in the world. It’s been voted the world’s best many times over. Afternoon tea is offered in the Palm Court every day and don’t forget the fun and excitement to be had in the onboard casino. Watch incredible Broadway style productions, celebrities, classical music, and comedy revues. Enjoy award-winning performances by Crystal’s talented performers or just walk the teak Promenade deck and enjoy the beautiful ocean vistas.

When you’re thirsty enjoy something delicious, sweet, and fruity, or a custom blended cocktail and meet new friends at the Cove Bar. Pulse offers dance music by a DJ in this exciting, up-to-the-minute club. The Avenue Saloon offers rich leather club chairs and dark-paneled walls, making it the perfect place for a cocktail hideaway and quiet conversation. In the evening guests will enjoy live piano music. The Connoisseur Club is comfortable, refined, and intimate. Luxe is an exciting club to visit for some after-dark entertainment.

Crystal offers many exciting themed cruises and is now introducing a private shore excursion for travelers who don’t want to see the same things in the same way that everyone else wants to see them. Called the “Private Adventure Option,” this option lets guests take organized group excursions but in a fashion that’s more intimate than most.

Beginning this summer, groups of two, four, or six people may choose to have a personal guide and a private vehicle to explore Ephesus, Pompeii, or Barcelona (among other places.) This option was the “brainchild” of Senior Vice President, Hotel Operations, Thomas Mazloum who came up with the idea while sailing on a Crystal vacation of his own.

A “Crystal Private Adventure” program has been available in the past and the new “Private Adventure Option” is similar but the new program can be custom designed for each individual group of people. Vacationers should email Crystal if they wish to partake in the Private Adventure Option at least a week before departure. These tours will cost at least 25% more than other tours but prices will depend on the length of the tour and other options.

Everybody likes cheap air fare. Let’s face it – we’d all rather spend our money on the actual vacation, right? But how do you get cheap tickets without spending hour after hour, day after day, searching airline websites?

Well, there are tips and tricks. And even better, we’re going to share those tips and tricks!

Tip # 1: The Best Day to Fly Cheap is Wednesday

And, Tuesday and Saturday. At least it is for domestic travel. If you want to pay whopping fares, choose to fly on Friday or Sunday. When it comes to the best times to fly – choose flights that leave during or after lunch hour or during dinner hours. If you can stand it, red eyes are the cheapest of all.

Tip # 2: The Best Day to Buy Cheap is Tuesday.

Buy your tickets at 3pm (Eastern) on Tuesdays. No kidding. Those cheap flights disappear on Thursdays so and don’t wait until the weekend!

Tip # 3: Buy for one Passenger First and Save

If you buy for more than one person at a time, airline reservation systems are set to sell tickets at the same price, which will be a higher price, than the occasional cheap ticket they may have on the same flight. If the cheapest price has even one seat less than the next fare price up, everyone in your party will be bumped to the next price up. So even though one or more of your group could get the cheaper seat, you won’t be offered the cheaper seat.

To beat the system, first shop for one seat and then check out the quoted price for one seat against the quoted price for two or more seats. If the quote for one seat is less expensive, split your ticket purchase up.

To do this you can use two different browsers and get both deals to the place where you pay and then immediately click one sale right after the other. If, for some reason, you should get one seat and not the other, most airlines have a 24 hour cancellation policy. Hint: Check out this policy BEFORE you click.

Also, remember to choose your seat selections, if it’s important to you to sit next to someone in your group. It may be worth it to you to pay more to get adjoining seats – but maybe not.

And, of course, always check out a few websites to see which ones have the cheapest tickets at the time you’re prepared to buy.

Tip # 4: Learn How Airlines Price Their Tickets

How can you have paid so much more for your ticket than the guy sitting next to you on the same flight? After all, you’re both going to Chicago and eating the same teeny tiny bag of pretzels, right?

Airlines are looking to make big bucks on every seat they sell. That makes good sense – for the airlines. Prices are going to be higher when the most people want tickets.

The prices of the cheapest tickets depend on how much competition there is on that route, what the demand for seats is, the length of the route, how many available seats there are, and the price of fuel.  Then the airline divides the tickets between business tickets and leisure tickets, using the idea that business travelers are willing to pay more for tickets than those traveling for vacations and such.

To get the cheapest tickets:

• Buy your tickets at least two weeks prior to the date of your trip.
• Plan to stay at least two nights (sometimes one of those nights is a Saturday night.)
• Plan to leave or return (Tip # 1) on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Saturday during or right after lunch hour or during dinner hour.
• Beware of surcharges – for fuel, or because you plan to travel during peak travel time.
• Check baggage fees. These can significantly increase ticket prices

Tip # 5: Look into Low Cost Airlines

Some of them don’t allow their ticket prices to be quoted on comparison ticket websites. Make sure to make the effort to go to the airlines site and check prices there. They don’t always have the cheapest prices so be sure to compare.

Tip # 6: Would You Like to Fly First Class?

One of any airlines biggest secrets is the “Y-UP” (say it “Why Up.”) Sometimes airlines can’t sell all of their first class seats. After all, they’re expensive. If you get a Y-Up, it will probably cost more than a really great coach sale, but it might be worth it. Speak to a travel agent about finding a Y-Up or find a website that will find one for you. Looking for one on the average travel website can be very frustrating.

Keep in mind that Y-Ups are usually one-way tickets, can often be refunded and always be exchanged, are available at peak times and days (even if there’s nothing in Coach), accumulate bonus Frequent Flier Miles, and usually don’t require advance purchase.

If you miss your flight, always ask about a Y-Up when attempting to book a flight at the ticket agent, ask about a Y-up if you’re traveling last minute or for an emergency, and ask for one for special occasion trips like honeymoons. And make sure that the airplane on the flight actually has a first class cabin before you pay for a Y-Up. The airline can sell you a Y-Up, even if there’s no first class!

Tip # 7: Be Flexible

Try to be flexible as to what day and time you can fly and even where you’re willing to go. If one destination is too expensive, try another!

Tip # 8: Avoid Peak Travel Surcharges

If you’re flying when there aren’t many seats available, make sure that you’re not paying “Peak Travel Surcharges.”

Tip # 9: Don’t Look for Tickets too Late – or Too Early

Most airlines don’t release cheaper seats until three to four months before the flight departs for domestic travel and four to five months for international travel. So booking six months ahead may cost you!

Tip # 10: Sign up for Price Drop Alerts

Many airfare comparison websites offer Price Drop Alerts. Take advantage of this tool!

Tip # 11: Fly from Hubs

Flying from smaller, commuter airports usually costs more than flying directly from a hub. If you can, drive to the hub and save the extra fare. Be sure to factor in fuel costs and the cost of parking and make sure that you’re saving.

Tip # 12: In Case of Emergency….

If you must travel at a certain time due to an emergency, ask about bereavement rates, try to use miles or points, look for last minute deals, and check out air plus hotel packages.

Good luck finding that cheap ticket! Use the tips above and we bet you’ll find a great deal!

Tell everyone on Facebook about your vacation in Puerta Vallarta, the Riviera Nayarit, or the Riviera Maya AND become eligible to participate in a raffle for 12 luxury all-inclusive vacations of 4 days and 3 nights for two at Velas resorts!

If you have visited, or plan to visit, one of the places above between June 2011 and February 2012, you could become an ambassador for one of these destinations. Just go the Grand Velas All Suites and Spa Resort page on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/grandvelasresort?sk=app_175228065866009 and post about your experiences. You can even add photographs.

So when you’re on vacation in Puerta Vallarta, the Riviera Nayarit, or the Riviera Maya, take notes and photos. You may have a chance to return to Mexico sooner than you think!

Travel insurance is one of those things you think you’re never going to need. Why spend the extra money? What could go wrong? You’re probably like me, once you pay for transportation and a fabulous resort, your thoughts are more on some adorable new sandals or a few cute outfits than on travel insurance.

The truth is that there is a lot that can go wrong. Have you ever thought how much all new clothing for a trip costs after the airline loses your luggage? And most people have other people to think about. Illness or death among family and friends can certainly cause anyone to miss a flight, or an entire vacation. And you don’t want to travel with the flu yourself, do you? Flights are canceled, people get hurt while on vacation – lots of unfortunate things can happen. You may very be saving money by buying travel insurance.

My reluctance to buy travel insurance was tested a few years ago on a flight to Florida where I was planning on joining friends on a cruise. Because of work I had cut times pretty close. I was only going to be in Florida a few hours before the ship left port.

I was fine, my tickets were fine, and I had all of my necessary paperwork. Life was good. As we were flying somewhere over North Carolina, there was a surprise announcement over the plane’s loudspeaker. Was there a doctor on the plane?

I had seen flight attendants going back and forth to a passenger’s seat a few rows up but hadn’t thought much of it. It turned out that the passenger was having a heart attack.

Luckily, there did happen to be a doctor on board and we had an emergency landing in South Carolina. An medical crew came quickly, the poor man was hurried off the plane, and from what we heard, was rushed to a hospital and did well. End of story, right? Not so fast.

By the time the flight got permission to land, and the ill gentleman was taken from the plane, and then the plane was given permission to take off again…that delay was just long enough to get me to Florida a short while after my ship had sailed. And with my ship sailed the non-refundable money that I had spent on the trip. Do I wish I had had travel insurance? You can be sure that I buy it every time I travel now.

A friend of mine took a trip to the Greek Island of Rhodes a couple of years ago. I was excited for her. It was a dream vacation. She went off-season to save a little money. She also refused to buy travel insurance for the same reason. In accordance with “Murphy’s Law” the airline lost all of her luggage. She didn’t even have a toothbrush. It was the off season for travel in Rhodes. It was evening and dark out. There weren’t many people around who spoke English and she spoke no Greek. No stores were open.  She didn’t even have a toothbrush. It was a traveler’s nightmare. Then she had to buy an entire new wardrobe for her trip. Do you think she saved money by NOT buying travel insurance? You can be sure that she has routinely bought travel insurance ever since.

Travel insurance covers a lot of things that may not sound like calamities but are when it comes to making a flight or spending your entire vacation at your vacation destination. Perhaps the best thing about travel insurance is that it eliminates so many little worries that are totally unforeseeable. Buying insurance takes a lot of the worry out of travel and allows you to enjoy the time leading up to your vacation as well as your vacation itself.

There are different levels of travel insurance, from basic travel insurance that covers everything from illness to jury duty. (Really, have you ever thought what you’d do if you couldn’t get excused from jury duty that popped up a couple of weeks before your planned trip?) to more deluxe travel insurance which even covers dental and medical emergencies while you’re away. In fact, it covers the possibility that you might become separated or divorced between the time that you make your vacation plans and the time of the vacation! And, of course, there’s mid-level coverage. It all depends on your vacation and what you can afford.

I just remembered the time my ex-husband and I planned to fly to Ireland on a Sunday for our anniversary….and he had our passports….in the safe deposit box…..at the bank….on a Sunday. No, it’s not why we’re divorced. But I’m going to look into whether travel insurance covers instances like that right now!

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The Carneros Inn, a PlumpJack Resort  on 27 acres of grape vines, apple orchards, and farmland in the fabulous Carneros winegrowing region of the Napa Valley, provides an atmosphere of intimate hospitality. The Carneros Inn’s design combines echoes of local scenery, including barns, silos, and cottages with stylish, luxurious, resort living.  The Inn is just an hour from San Franciso.

One of the Inn’s seasonal packages is called the “Sip, Shop, and Spa Package.” The Carneros Inn recommends it for either a romantic retreat or a girl’s getaway. Your stay will be in a cottage, suite, or home and you will enjoy two 20 minute Therapeutic Massages, and two Sweet Ripened Apricot and Chardonnay Pedicures.  Spa guests will be the recipients of a special VIP gift, and you will receive a $40 credit at PlumpJackSport, and a bottle CADE Sauvignon Blanc.