My Reasons for Traveling Abroad

When asked what they would do if they won the lottery, so many people would instantly think of traveling the world.  The answer comes as no surprise, as traveling is probably the best thing since sliced bread. Having had opportunities to travel abroad since I was a teen, I realize that I owe many of the best things that have happened to me to traveling.  There are uncountable reasons why getting off the beaten track and exploring new cultures and environments with my family is so exciting and enriching, and here I picked the basic to reasons to travel, just to stir up your curiosity.  So, without further ado:


1.  Traveling doesn't have to be expensive.

Gone are the days when traveling abroad was just a pastime designed for the rich.  Nowadays the market is awash with really convenient plane and travel packages.  With the amount people globally traveling more, and more and more countries wanting to grab a larger share of those travel spending; great deals can be found a around the world.

2.  You learn without even trying.

Have you noticed how hard it is to memorize some dry facts from a book about a certain place/museum/famous building, and how easy it is for the same facts to get stuck in your memory when you learn them on the spot?  It is easier to learn when you can make connections to your own experience and that is what traveling does.

3.  You interact with different people.

This is probably my favorite reason to travel abroad.  I truly believe that one has so much to learn from people belonging to different nationalities, cultures and religions, and nothing compares to the feeling of establishing friendships across borders.  Furthermore, it is wonderful to travel to a certain country and already know someone there who you can visit and who can show you around like a local.

4.  You learn to get around in a new environment.

And once you get accustomed to that, it gets easier and easier to switch to the local rules no matter where you are.  Cultural shocks become a thing of the past, not to mention how simple it will be when you go back to your homeland and what before was a long series of complicated procedures now seems to untangle.

5.  You are more likely to do things you wouldn't normally do at home.

Extreme sports, jumping off a rock into the sea, climbing up a high mountain?  Yes please.  Everything that seems too scary, difficult or against some prejudices at home turns into a possibility to take into consideration when traveling abroad.  You just let yourself go with the flow and don't over think all possible drawbacks.  At the end of the day you check an amazing experience off your bucket list and feel more alive than ever.

6.  You grow and become a better you.

I left this reason on purpose to the end as it is the deepest of them all, and describes a change that unfolds over time spent traveling to more and more places.  The more you see and experience, the more you realize how big the world is and how much it has to offer, you start to focus on what matters and stop being disappointed by little failures here and there.  You begin to look on the bright side of things and cease taking yourself and life too seriously.  This is probably the best thing traveling abroad has done for me.

All these being said, I will end my top reasons to travel with a quote I came across some time ago, which in the meantime has become rather cliched but that doesn't make me find it less inspirational and beautiful than I did when I first learned it: "The world is a book and those who do not travel read only a page".  It is possible that I will never finish this huge book, but that doesn't stop me being curious to discover as much as possible of its plot.

He Said, She Said A Guide for Honeymooners

Church and reception location are booked, the bride and groom need to start thinking about the honeymoon. Today most couples have travelled together and probably have a good idea what each other thinks is a "perfect vacation", but this is a major milestone in your life together. In the end are you going to really remember those centerpieces from your reception? The memories of your honeymoon will last a lifetime, so not only choose carefully but consider each others travel likes/dislikes.

Sure you see all the beach locations, because you need to relax after that wedding. But what if you or both of you get bored sitting on a lounger all day? Plan the honeymoon that is right for you, not what your friends did or some commercial is telling you to do. There are plenty of beachy options that offer sightseeing and activities other than just staying at a resort. The Hawaiian Islands fit the bill perfectly.  

Maybe a large ship cruise isn't what you have pictured for a honeymoon. There are numerous lines that offer unique experiences on a more intimate ship. Longer stays in port so you can experience the city after the sun goes down, Azamara Club Cruises that is their specialty. Want a personal yacht like experience where you are really pampered, Seaborne, Windstar and Silverseas are the lines to look at. Want to experience the South Pacific, Paul Gauguin Cruises are the experts there and the pricing includes your airfare from Los Angeles. Plus it is easy to add on a few nights staying at a hotel with the over the water bungalows before you fly home.

More adventurous, Costa Rica or Peru. The stories you could tell your future children about seeing the sunrise over Machu Picchu or white water rafting in Costa Rica before heading back to your luxurious resort?

More of a art/history honeymoon can be yours by going to one of the great capitals of Europe, Paris London or Rome are great choices.

And before we start booking the honeymoon that is perfect for you, this special advice to the bride. I know you may want to use your married name, but I will pass on the words of advice my travel professional gave to me 23 years ago, leave it till you get back you don't need to stress over getting all the paperwork off to the passport office to amend it. And you know she was right, I would never of had my passport back in time. Where did we go? Munich, Innsbruck and Vienna.



Five Great Exotic Winter Getaways

For many people, vacations in the winter means escaping the snow for a warm winter destination.  But if your ready to travel to someplace that is different than the usual Florida beach or a Caribbean cruise; or want to travel to a destination of a lifetime, here is the list for you.  Each of these exotic destinations provide the perfect weather and the time of year for that trip on your bucket list that you have always wanted to take, and will provide memories you will always remember.

Go Hiking in a Rain Forest: Costa Rica

Costa Rica has it all--vibrant rain forest; diverse wildlife; clean, white-sand beaches (bordering both the Pacific and the Atlantic); and a laid-back local culture.  Fabulous all-inclusive Costa Rican beach resorts abound but travelers seeking real adventure can head to wilderness lodges deep in the rain forest, where electricity, Internet access and room service are practically extinct.  (I doubt you'll miss checking your e-mail while spotting toucans, sloths and squirrel monkeys as you relax on your porch.)  The winter months mark Costa Rica's dry season; this is the best time of the year to find stunning weather (and crystal-clear diving conditions) in the region.

Hit the Beach: Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town is a must-visit African destination--especially during its summer season (winter in the Northern Hemisphere), which is prime time for sunning yourself on the city's many clean, white sand beaches.  One favorite is Bloubergstrand, where you can enjoy stunning views of Table Mountain, South Africa's most famous natural landmark.  Another strip of sand you won't want to miss: Boulders Beach, where you can rub shoulders with a colony of African penguins.

Go Diving or Snorkeling: Bonaire

This tiny island in the Southern Caribbean, measures just 112 square miles, is one of the world's best diving destinations.  The western side of the island is rimmed by colorful reefs swarming with parrot fish, sea turtles, butterfly fish, eagle rays and hundreds of other marine species.  More than 50 of Bonaire's 86 official dive sites can be accessed from the shore--keep your eye out for the yellow stones that mark that mark these sites.  Bonaire enjoys warm, sunny weather year round and is located south of the Caribbean's hurricane belt.

Indulge Yourself at the Spa: Cancun, Mexico

Mexico's sunny climate and and abundance of resorts of resorts in all price ranges make it a great place to treat yourself to a relaxed spa getaway.  For true decadence, many of the unique spa treatments draw on Mayan traditions, such as a detox herbal wrap incorporating local honey and healing herbs.

Explore Ancient Temples: Cambodia

The temperate, dry winter season is the best time to visit Cambodia (summertime tends to be oppressively hot, rainy and humid).  Visitors flock to the Angkor area to discover hundreds of ruined temples dating back to the Khmer empire of the 9th through 13th centuries.  Of course, the crown jewel is the five-towered Angkor Wat, the world's largest religious building.  To fully appreciate the rich details of the temple's bas-relief scenes and carvings, hire a knowledgeable local guide.

Celebrity brings an Edge to Cruising

One of the benefits of attending Cruise Planners’ Annual Convention is it’s usually tied to “test driving” a new cruise ship. It’s even more so when a cruise line is introducing a new class of ship, like the Celebrity Edge, the company’s first new ship in 6 years.  Celebrity Cruises wowed the industry in 2008 with the Celebrity Solstice, the first ship to bring Modern Luxury feel to the Premium cruise segment. The Celebrity Edge is definitely a game changer and might not appeal to who is now a Celebrity cruisier (heads up they have the fleet scheduled to get “Edge” updates). I will preface that unlike a lot of new ships that launch in the spring and spend the summer in Europe, the Celebrity Edge came directly across the Atlantic, so I was on one of the first sailings with passengers.

Suites- the Celebrity Edge introduces an exclusive area for suite guests called The Retreat with a pool, pool bar and Retreat Sundeck. The suites have been designed by renowned interior designer Kelly Hoppen, with a feel of a boutique hotel. Celebrity has kept the suite only restaurant Luminae from their other ships. I toured all the suites and they are amazing.

Living area of Iconic Suite

Retreat

Staterooms- Celebrity Edge introduces the Infinite Balcony, a design cue from Avalon Waterways Panorama Suite ships on Europe’s rivers. This extends the size of the room and gives you more room and a better view with the floor to ceiling window that can be opened. I think anytime you get more inside space in a stateroom it’s a plus.  Also the Edge has the popular Celebrity Aqua & Concierge Class staterooms featuring the infinite balcony.

Dining-Celebrity Edge does not have one huge main dining room, but 4 separate ones. This in my mind makes them less “cruise shippy” and more like a restaurant on land. They are slightly different themed, with specialty dishes, but also anytime favorites and Celebrity signature dishes. My suggestion to clients consider this ship would be to do “open dining” to try all 4 instead of set dining. There is also a selection of specialty dining restaurants onboard. I have heard many comment about Celebrity’s food, I felt the quality was what I expect from a premium brand.

Entertainment- I think this is where it gets “Edge-y”, as Celebrity created 5 production shows for this ship. No Broadway show or your standard cruise ship production numbers. The theater is in the round, so not a traditional stage. As I was only onboard for 2 nights, we saw the Jewelry Box and Hype, which the Jewelry Box being a combination of song, dance and Cirque and a story line that was somewhat hard to follow.  Then there is Eden, a beautiful 3 story location in the aft of the ship. In the evening the show is very performance art, with the actors interacting with the audience.  The Camp at Sea for kids and teens features interactive experiences and amazing learning opportunities with their STEM program.

Eden 

Theater

The Magic Carpet- This is a platform that moves alongside the ship. It can be an open air extension of Raw on 5 and what I find unique is it is also the tender dock when moved down.  With the large Destination Getaway opening up to the Magic Carpet and the ability to dock 2 tenders this is definitely going to speed up off loading at tender ports. Plus the tenders for the Edge don’t require tall people to crunch down, they have real seats, not benches and they are air conditioned! Trust me this is huge if you sail her in the Mediterranean in summer, personal experience in Santorini

Who’s a good candidate to sail on the Celebrity Edge- If you are a traditional cruiser this ship is probably not your cup of tea, especially if you like Celebrity’s sister brand Royal Caribbean or other lines in the contemporary category. With my 38 years of cruising experience, this ship is definitely the next step in the evolution of the modern cruise ship. I believe Celebrity is trying to reach sophisticated travelers who are non-cruisers with the Edge and upscale multigenerational family groups, that might not find their favorite luxury line the best fit for a trip with the grandchildren, which has been a great niche for Celebrity. I think those clients will really be wowed with the Retreat area and the variety of suites.

Solarium

Rooftop Garden