Let me take you to paradise… Right now, maybe you can feel the chill of the air outside your window. Maybe you can’t seem to get warm or just miss the bright rays of sunshine. Perhaps you have been working long, hard hours lately and ache for some downtime to rejuvenate. Take a moment to dream. Create the ultimate, romantic fantasy filled with crystal waters, white sand beaches and brilliant, tropical fish. Come with me, let me take you to the Islands of Tahiti – which offers stunning natural beauty in every direction... We’ll be taking the overnight flight to Tahiti from LA. The flight is only 2 hours longer than getting to Hawaii, and located in the same time zone as Hawaii, so no major jet leg issues for most of us. Think of it as around the same amount of flight time to get to Europe, but with a very different payoff. Do as I did and take a sleeping aid after take-off. This way you will enjoy a full night sleep and wake as you arrive early morning, giving you a full day to enjoy paradise! Tahiti is in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, and is the largest of the French Polynesian Islands. And while Tahiti is a beautiful island with black-sand beaches, lagoons, waterfalls and adventure opportunities, it is not the remote place that most people imagine. Of all the French Polynesian Islands it is the most urban, busy and populated. Take advantage of this as you will soon be traveling on to some of the most remote resorts. In Tahiti, ‘la ora na’ means hello and ‘nana’ means goodbye. This is more than just fun-to-know information. Proper greetings and friendliness are the way of life. People are all about respect here. Make eye contact, greet people, saying please and thank you is important. Manners are everything and how you treat others will determine the level of attention you receive. While we haven’t reached our gorgeous destination just yet, you can already feel your stress melting away and the ocean breezes calling your name. Shop, dine, tour and relax. Visit the churches, museums and shops. Spend the night or two here and you’ll be ready for the short island hop to pure bliss. Touching down in Bora Bora you’ll find the island that most people envision when they think of the French Polynesian paradise. The white beach, the tranquil lagoon, the brilliant tropical fish and the gorgeous huts atop the vivid, turquoise water. All those pictures you’ve seen of the area? Not even close to what you feel and see when you are actually here. You will experience new flavors, sights, sounds and reconnect with yourself. You will find shades of turquoise you never knew existed. The beauty is so breathtaking and surreal. The views aren’t just in front of you, they are below you and above you – day and night. The endless sky, the deep, lush green of the land and the bright aqua of the water flashing with colorful fish, the copious stars sparkling among the night sky – everything is simply awe-inspiring. Will you snorkel and head to a motu for lunch today or maybe go swim with the gentle sharks and sting rays? Will you paddle board or kayak in the clear waters as the sun browns your skin? Or will you enjoy signature fine-dining as you gaze at the sea life through the glass floor? You decide. This is your dream now. Just remember, even your most vivid imagination won’t allow you to feel of the pure breeze, the warm, sun-drenched sand, the lavish vegetation and the serenity of your private bungalow atop the sensual, calm water. With over 100 islands of Tahiti, there is something for everyone. So when you’re ready, let me take you to paradise… Call Destinations HD at (913) 244-9195!
Find more photos from my recent islands of Tahiti experience on Facebook. Experiences Await...
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I hope you enjoyed the photos I posted from my recent trip to Nevis. Stunning island, wasn't it?! The destination was beautiful, but if you are looking for more action for your next vacation - I have the perfect combination for you... You may or may not know this, but there are several amazing packages available that offer a visit to both London and France in the same trip! The reason this itinerary makes perfect sense is they are virtually right next to each other on the map barring a brief across the channel to get from London to Paris. As far as things to do the rich histories of both London and France provide many things to do making a combination London and France trip a great idea. On combination trips, you choose activities before you go to locations that are easily linked to each other by transportation and distance. From there your trip across borders and cultures will be uniquely customized to fit your needs. You can choose between a trip that is about a week long to one that is several weeks, or somewhere in between. A word of advice, don't try to plan too much in both destinations. The first rule would be to give yourself enough time to take it all in. Scheduling one activity for morning, one for the afternoon, with little rest in between can get tiresome. Yes, you will want to see as much as you can, but be sure to take time to actually enjoy the attractions and culture you're visiting. When visiting London and France you can experience any number of historic locations and landmarks. From modern to classical this all depends on your taste. One interesting factor to consider is you can tour sections of both by bus, on foot, by boat or even by bicycle. Of course, photo opportunities abound all along the way. Some common classic icons in the city of London include the London Eye Ferris Wheel, Big Ben, Windsor Castle and even The River Thames. London also plays host to music history and culture you will find nowhere else. France brings you to the stunning art and food of Paris. From the Arc de Triumph, to the Eiffel Tower, to the Louvre Museum marvels of living art welcome you. There are travel package tours that include stops at specific destinations, whereas others will give you the freedom to explore on your own. The key to getting the most out of your trip is to explore all of your options ahead of time and plan for your must see attractions, but to have a back up plan as well. Your back up can include all of the attractions you will visit if you run out of “must see” destinations, or your first picks are unavailable. Of course, when you book your trip with Destinations HD we can help you plan everything well in advance, and we know all the hot spots you will want to consider.
September marks the end of the cruise season in Alaska and it was another memorable experience for my clients this year. I love seeing their photos and hearing about their adventures from this fascinating destination. Each year, Alaska becomes more "hot" and desirable - so if you don't have it on your list... make sure to add this as a top priority for your bucket list. No matter your age, you will fall in love with Alaska and the experiences it brings you. It's a great generational trip as well - grandparents, parents, kids and grandkids together - it's an amazing, cultural, and educational experience for everyone - which the family will discuss for a lifetime! Thanks in part to the breathtaking beauty and natural wonders of this frigid destination, Alaskan cruises are hotter than ever before. The majestic landscape, the exciting wildlife and stunning views are just a few things that await you should you decide to cruise here. Cruise tours of Alaska, which combine land tours with cruising, are typically 10-12 days, however there are shorter and longer ones as well. Let's explore what types of cruises are available to you, and when you're ready to learn more, I invite to call Destinations HD and we'll assist you in planning your dream Alaskan cruise! (913) 244-9195 Go Big with a Traditional Cruise Line in Alaska Alaskan cruises on large cruise lines will leave you feeling as though you're being transported via a floating city. This is the most luxurious way to cruise and a few of the top lines that cruise here are Princess Cruise Line, Celebrity and Royal Caribbean. River or Small Ship Cruising in Alaska These boats will traditionally cost you more per ticket, but you'll get a more intimate look at some of the ports that the big lines simply can't get to. The flexibility you'll enjoy with scheduling is also important to note as these boats offer more itineraries annually than the bigger cruise boats do. What you lose in amenities and size you'll get back by way of a more personalized and genuine experience. When to Travel to Alaska? The most popular time to go on Alaska cruises is June, July and August. This is when the weather is warmest in the area, but popularity has its drawbacks. Not only will this be the most expensive time to visit, it's also the time that is hardest to secure a cabin. Book early if you want your choice of accommodations and keep in mind the balcony cabins typically sell out first. May and September are considered the shoulder season, but traveling in these months comes with a word of caution as well. Yes, the tickets will be cheaper, but during this time the weather is less predictable and could cause delays and rarely, even cancellations of trips. Although traveler's insurance is always a good idea, it's even more important that you have it should you choose to travel in May or September as some cruise line policies make it harder to get refunds and re-scheduling for travel interruptions due to weather. The bigger lines generally don't travel here in the winter months, but some smaller lines cruise Alaska in the month of April. It can still be cold and weather conditions could cause travel interruptions during this month as well, but it can also be the cheapest time to book. When you call us to discuss your Alaskan cruise we can go over all of your options and help you find the perfect one for your schedule and interests. Destinations HD looks forward to helping you cruise Alaska! Experiences Await... I've been seeing Halloween decorations in the stores lately and it brings a smile to my face. Fall is around the corner and I love this season! It has comfortable temperatures, lovely colors, outdoor fires and my list goes on and on. It's also one of the best times to travel to many destinations! You can typically find less crowds and lines, lower hotel rates, enjoyable weather and see some stunning scenery. One place to add to your list of Fall travels is the charming Greek Isles... There is something so magical about the Greek Isles. When you visit them it's like slipping away to a true vacation destination. This is not to say that every vacation isn't magical, but there is something extra special about this part of the world. Some would say that the wine is sweeter, the food tastes richer and the quality of life somehow feels, well, more lively. With this in mind I thought I would share seven exciting adventures you could have if you choose to book a trip to Santorini, Mykonos or Paros for your next getaway. 1. Visit Donkey Brewery in Santorini: For centuries the island of Santorini has been a notable wine producer, but that didn't stop the success of the little beer engine that could, the Donkey Brewer. Their three brews, Red, Yellow, and Crazy are each unique and guarantee to please a variety of palates. Stop by for a brewery tour and then stick around to try all of their products. 2. Explore Santorini's Oia Village: The amazing village of Oia has many historical landmarks that tourists the world over have enjoyed. In fact, it's Santorini's most famous village. Here you will enjoy charming houses on narrow streets, see the famous blue domed churches and take in the breathtaking ocean views over the volcano of Pailia and Nea Kameni. You'll also find plenty of shops, taverns and cafes. 3. Sunbathe on Kamari Beach: Kamari Beach is a black pebble beach framed by the Profitis Ilias Mountains and jagged cliffs of the Mesa Vouno with crystalline waters of Aegean. Kamari Beach seafront features a plethora of dining and shopping options to keep you occupied all day and late into the evening. 4. Spend the Day Beaching it in Mykonos: The main attraction of Mykonos are its beaches. Here you can relax, sunbathe or snorkel. Two must see beaches include the aptly named Paradise Beach, Psarou Beach and Elia Beach. Keep an eye on signs at the beaches however, as some of them allow nudity. 5. Get a Sun Reprieve While Getting Cultured: If you tire of being on the beach, head to Little Venice for art galleries and discotheques. Additional options for going Greek education wise include visits to the Archeological Museum, the Aegean Maritime Museum or even the Mykonos Folklore Museum. 6. Head to Church: Some of the prettiest churches you'll ever see are found in Paros. There's the impressive Church of Agia Triada and the traditional Church of Agios Antonios. While exploring the religious aspects of the island, be sure not to miss the Monastery of Panagia Ekatontapiliani and Monastery of Jesus of the Woods! 7. Set Sail Around Paros: Paros features a unique landscape and a great way to see as much of the island as possible is to go on a sailing tour. On your sail you'll discover the multi-hued rock formations, incredible views of whitewashed town’s perched and stunning private beaches high on caldera, as well as, the amazing views of the architecture of the buildings on the coast. Tell us your experience in Greece and what you might add to the list.
Experiences Await... I recently visited Ocho Rios, Jamaica and learned about the vast adventure tour options you can enjoy in this mountainous area. If you are looking for an active vacation, this location is perfect for you! From bicycling through the Blue Mountains to snorkel adventures in the sea and everything in between - Ocho Rios in Jamaica will keep you entertained if you shall choose. There wasn't enough time during my visit between conference meetings to enjoy much off property, so I plan to go back with the spouse to explore! Talking adventure... What does zip lines, sky diving, and bungee jumping all have in common?
They are all amazing adventures you can have while traveling! Odds are you already can think of what a perfect relaxing vacation day would look like to you, but what about one that gets your heart racing, your adrenaline pumping and your stomach filled with butterflies? No, I'm not talking about a first date or your wedding day – I'm talking the thrill seeker vacations. I'm talking about those wild experiences you may never have even dreamed of. I'm talking about adventure travel and if you're looking for something far from boring, you've come to the right place! Here are just three amazing adventure experiences you can consider for your next vacation: 1. Zip-Lining in Puerto Vallarta Your day will begin with a scenic drive to the jungle where you will trek over bridges and up wooden steps to get to the swing spot. You'll be strapped in and then you'll zip down the cable through the jungle where the Predator movie was filmed. Afterward you can enjoy an exhilarating off road ride on a Polaris UTV. 2. Skydiving in Hawaii The big island of Hawaii is one of the top destinations in the world to skydive because there you can see not just one area, but three, including Pearl Harbor, Kaena Point and Diamond Head. That coupled with the stunning marine life, beach and lush greenery makes this a gorgeous dive from beginning to end! 3. Bungee Jumping in Switzerland Ready to go for a Dam jump? Verzasca Dam that is! This is one of the top bungee jumping destinations in the world, famous in part because of the James Bond film GoldenEye. This hydroelectric power station will give you a thrill you won't soon forget! Want to learn about all the adventures awaiting for you in your vacation destination of choice? Call us (913) 244-9195 and we'll find you an activity to experience on your next trip. Experiences Await... |