Israeli Football

Football! It seems as though football is in the news daily. Whether it is youth league, high school, college or professional, the United States seems to revolve around the popular sport of football. There are professional, semi professional and fantasy leagues. Who knew the latest craze in football would be in Israel? Yes, they are playing football in Israel, tackle football with pads, and have been for 4 years. And did you know Under Armour even makes a kosher yarmulke? There were 80 players in the beginning and there are now over 400. To learn more about Israel or to travel there yourself, contact the expert on travel to Israel at Andavo Travel, Michal Reihanian.

Australia - Cruise Like a Local in Sydney

You can cruise like a local on a 52' Pacific Motor Cruiser with a minimum of 2 or maximum of 10 people. View Sydney from the water with stunning views of the Sydney Harbor Bridge, the Opera House, botanical gardens and the city. Your customized four hour tour will offer kayaking, swimming, fishing or just some relaxing time lounging on board while you enjoy the sun. While on board you will enjoy a gourmet Australian barbecue lunch complete with local wine and beer. Does it get any better than this?

Ulalena - a wonderful cultural production in Maui

I had an opportunity to visit the Hawaiian island of Maui recently and was fortunate to be able to obtain tickets to the amazing production of Ulalena. It is mesmerizing and breathtaking and rivals any production on Broadway in talent and content. To best describe the show, I will defer to the website description and encourage travels who enjoy unique culture and theater to see this production. After you have enjoyed the beautiful beaches, enjoy this  production. You will be so glad you did.

THE SHOW

‘‘Ulalena is a wind unique to Maui, as said in the Kumulipo, an ancient Hawaiian creation chant, as well as a red-yellow colored rain revealed by the twilight. Like a soft wind in the mist of light. ‘Ulalena invites each spectator to a place of wonder. “It is often said that life is a journey, an individual voyage which does not necessarily involve change of place. One is changed by events and the passage of time.” (Eugenio Barba, The Paper Canoe, A Guide to Theatre Anthropology.) ‘Ulalena explores relationships between people, nature and mythology. The use of metaphors integrates Hawaiian chants and dances, original music and choreography, lighting and projections to support the talents of unique performers. ‘Ulalena is a journey where the moment to moment excitement of self-discovery is the destination.

Travel Agents - ASTA is the American Society of Travel Agents

Good Travel Advice – Use a travel agent!

Posted on December 22, 2010 by Donna Evans

ASTA Cautions Against Travel Offers That Sound Too Good to be TrueWith the craziness of the holidays, sometimes it’s easy to forget common sense when it comes to special offers and prizes. ASTA is cautioning consumers to carefully evaluate any travel offer before spending their hard-earned dollars and offers the following suggestions to consumers when evaluating any travel offer:

• Retain a healthy dose of skepticism. Be extremely skeptical about unsolicited e-mail, postcard and phone solicitations saying you’ve been selected to receive a fabulous vacation or anything free. Be especially wary of firms requiring you to wait at least 60 days to take your trip.
• Do your homework. Some offers might sound great on the surface, but be sure to read the fine-print. Certain offers impose so many requirements and restrictions, such as black-out dates and companion fees, that you will either never have the chance to take the trip or you will end up paying more than had you made the arrangements on your own or used an ASTA travel agent
• Run a “background check.” Consumers should vet the companies from which they purchase travel services. They can do this by searching for the company on the Better Business Bureau’s Web site or by checking to see if they are members of ASTA. Other sites to check are http://www.complaintsboard.com/ and http://www.ripoffreport.com/.
• Keep private information private. Never give out your credit card number unless you initiate the transaction and you are confident about the company with which you are doing business.
• Get the facts. You should receive complete details in writing about any trip prior to payment. These details should include the total price; cancellation and change penalties, if any; and specific information about all components of the package.
• Follow up. Once you have the complete details of your trip, contact the hotel and transportation companies on your own to make certain the reservations have been made.
• Know where you stand. If you insist on replying to an e-mail or calling a 900-number in response to a travel solicitation, understand the charges and know the risks.
• Know when to fold ‘em. Know when to walk away. High-pressure sales presentations that don’t allow you time to evaluate the offer, or which require that you disclose your income are red flags to be heeded.
• Protect yourself. Always pay with a credit card if possible. Even legitimate companies can go out of business. Under the Fair Credit Billing Act, credit card customers have the right to refuse paying for charges for services not rendered. Details of the Fair Credit Billing Act can be found at the Federal Trade Commission’s Web site.

Read more tips at TravelSense.org.

Australia - Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

This Christmas give a gift that is unique and makes a difference. You can adopt an animal at the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary in Queensland, Australia.  With hundreds of native Australian animals, there is always a need for food, conservation, breeding, research, medical care and habitat maintenance. This organization is not for profit and you can be sure your gift is appreciated and well used. When you visit, you can feel proud to have contributed to the natural bushland and rainforest setting for the native wildlife of Australia.

Australia- The Great Ocean Road

Australia’s Great Ocean Road

The Great Ocean Road is the largest war memorial in the world. Tourists and locals, alike travel this road to see the incredible scenic beauty along the 151 mile stretch of road between Torquay and Warnambool, Australia.

The Twelve Apostles

Many don’t realize it was built by soldiers who returned from World War I between 1919 and 1932. It is dedicated to the casualties of the war and winds along the coast past the natural beauty of sites such as the limestone monuments of the Twelve Apostles and sheer, dramatic cliffs. You can see places that were only accessible by sea or rough bush track before the road’s construction.
Visit Victoria and make the entire drive from Melbourne to Adelaide in South Australia. You won’t regret it!

Vail - great skiing in Colorado

With all the fresh new snow in the high country, plan a ski trip to Vail and if you want 5* service, be sure to try the new Four Seasons Vail. Beautiful inside and out!

Mexico- Surf's Up

If you have always wanted to catch the big wave, but have never been surfing, Mexico can offer you a great opportunity to try this sport.

Surfing lessons are available for the novice just north of Puerto Vallarta at Punta Mita. The waves are gentle and they are slow and long. Lessons are available at Tranquilo Surf. 

If you know how to surf and are looking for a little more excitement, maybe Troncones is the place for you. It is just an hour away from the fishing village of Zihuantenejo. Again, there are lessons available and you may be able to find the secret places of the surfing specialists.

For those who love to surf and have no fear, head to Puerto Escondido to try your skill (and luck)with the Zicatela pipeline. Watch the daily show from the beach as the towering peak is challenged by experts or give it your best shot. Surf gurus can take you to some lesser waves more suited to your skill level, if you don’t have good insurance

Mexico - 5 diamond Royal Hideaway Playacar

If you are looking for a romantic getaway from winter, why not try the adults only, all inclusive, all suite Royal Hideaway Playacar. This AAA 5 diamond resort, with six pools and a stunning beach is only 45 minutes from Cancun, but a world away from reality. Amenities include exceptional first class service, fresh fruit tray upon arrival, air conditioning with individual climate control, one king or two queen beds, ceiling fan, clock, marble bathrooms, Etro® amenities, mini fridge, coffee maker, scale, safety deposit box, satellite television with remote control and DVD stereo system with CD player. Don’t shovel today; fly off to paradise.

 

Las Vegas - Cosmopolitan

The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas opened at 8pm on December 15 with a concert by Brandon Flowers. They will showcase musical events, but will it be enough to keep their rooms full in a city that is over built and under visited? Not without its struggles, this hotel began construction 5 years ago and, after several setbacks, finally offers its 3000 units of condos and rooms for those of discriminating taste. With beautiful art, fine dining restaurants, retail shops, a great casino and three distinctly different pools, the Cosmopolitan adds another dynamite accommodation to the famous strip.

Cruising on the Allure of the Seas with Royal Caribbean

The new Allure of the Seas is a sister ship to the mega cruiser, Oasis of the Seas. What a privilege to be able to preview this giant ship before it takes its first paying guests out to sea!

Allure of the Seas' Promenade

My check-in was flawless! Even with the capability of berthing over 6500 passengers, this ship does not seem over crowded. There are numerous elevators and uncrowded stairs. The organized layout of each of the main decks is so well done. Passengers have options and choices to be or go anywhere.
And the entertainment choices! Finding things to do won’t be a problem when activities range from Flow riders, miniature golf, rock wall climbing, ice skating, zip lines and gambling, to eating, drinking, swimming, relaxing in the hot tub and more. There are numerous types of shows, both day and night, including a Broadway production and a water show. For a carefree afternoon, the ship has a carousel, a park, a boardwalk and a promenade. Dreamworks characters like Shrek and Fiona are always wandering about the premises. There are also parades, a photo shop, and mores areas I didn’t even have time to explore!

The Carousel

For unique dining experiences, the ship has premium restaurants where you pay an additional charge as well as fine dining with wine pairing. For a more whimsical treat, there is an ice cream parlor, a cup cake shop and even a donut shop.
For night time amusements, the ship has several clubs and bars, (including a champagne bar!) To make sure you can stay healthy and connected, there are specialty restaurants, a gym, a spa, a walking/jogging track and a business center.
The options for dining, activities and enjoying a beverage are endless!
Staterooms can be inside, but most are outside cabins with verandas overlooking Central Park or the ocean. The ports of call are not important, since the ship is really your destination!
What did I miss? I am sure there are still more amenities (like the amazing coke machine with several different flavors of diet coke) that I have neglected to mention. You must see it for yourself to realize all this amazing ship has to offer.
Enjoy it all!

Africa - Madagascar

Madagascar is a unique destination. I was fortunate to have the opportunity to visit this amazing country where Malagasy is the language and Ariary is the currency. It is the fourth largest island in the world and flight across it takes 3½ to 4 hours. The best way to travel in this country is by charter, since Air Madagascar is quite unreliable. The diversity of the island is as expected in a country of this size.
We arrived at the capital of Antananarivo, or Tana, as the locals call it. It is a wonderful city where the culture is unspoiled and the people are lovely. There are no 4 or 5 star hotels, but the accommodations are comfortable.

Chameleon

The food is very good and the hospitality is excellent. Our guide, Rija, took us to the colorful local market where we bargained for many textiles, crafts and other goods. Our time in the city was short, but we were able to see the accommodations of the people.
The rice paddies are right in the city and a day without rice is unheard of in Madagascar. Our guide said sometimes that is all they have to eat. They season things well with fresh spices and herbs, making a meal of “just rice” a very tasty option.

Sifaka - Lemur

The people are now using some of the mud from the rice paddies to make bricks, since the income is much better. It will become a huge problem when there’s not enough rice to feed the people and no more mud to grow rice in or to sell as bricks. They aren’t looking that far into the future yet. They just see the immediate income.
This unique country has lots more to offer – rainforests and beaches, wildlife and wonderful people. It is worth the trip off the beaten path.

Africa -Lamu Island, Kenya

While Lamu Island is not exactly on the usual tourist’s path, it is truly an amazing place; blending many races and cultures into the Swahili tradition. Arabians, Indians, East Africans and Portuguese live together in harmonious existence. Mahogany is found in the forests and they plant two trees for each one they cut to use in making their beautiful tables.

Lamu Island is a well kept secret, but offers a unique experience for the traveler to East Africa. The main industry is mahogany table making. They are designed and built with skill and craftsmanship in a very special art form. The wood comes from the Mbambakofi (a type of mahogany) Forests and for each tree they cut down, two more are planted. For a country like Kenya, this is a major effort in conservation. The heavy tables are built to suit. The furniture is heavy and well made and each more beautiful than the next.

Accommodations on the island are varied. You are able to rent a house to sleep up to 14 people in luxury or stay in a self catering beach hut called the Kipungani Explorer. There is a lovely hotel in town called the Lamu House. You will have fine dining and the city at your doorstep. The Peponi is in Shela Village, a misnomer, since there is mostly beach (14km) available to the guest. Again, fine dining is available in a luxury setting. For the backpacking crew there are guest houses at a modest price. Everywhere you will find gracious people living in harmony in the Swahili culture, though their backgrounds may be varied: Portuguese, Indian, Arabian, African all come together as one on this beautiful island.

Transportation on the island is primarily by donkey or by foot, and often by dhow, also. The main town has history and you will find well preserved buildings occasionally sprinkled with "parts" that have been ignored.

After a safari, this is a wonderful place to relax, sleep in, read a book and play in the water.

Adventure - Baffin Island

If you are seeking an adventure involving polar bears and whales, you will find the ultimate experience on Baffin Island and Bylot Island. The wilderness experience involves luxury tents with heat and proper toilet facilities along the ice floe edge.

Australia -Echidna Walkabout

 

Mama and Baby Koala

Janine Duffy is one of the owners of Echidna Walkabout, an eco-experience from Melbourne that should not be missed. She is at one with nature and her precious koalas, all named by her. The following is what she wrote about the new life in the You Yangs. Enjoy!
“In the gum-tree forests of the You Yangs there is new life!  Leaves are sprouting on the trees, puddles are filled with noisy frogs and baby birds are emerging out of nests.  We’ve had rain, at last, and the Bush is singing with happiness!
It takes a while for the big animals to bounce back from years of drought, and so we didn’t expect any new koala babies until next year.   Most southern koalas breed in summer (December/January) and babies stay hidden for 6 months in the pouch before they emerge around July/August.  So we knew we would have to wait a while.
But some people get impatient – and it seems our darling Koala Pat is the impatient type.  Somehow she got herself “up the duff” (Aussie slang for pregnant) back in April or May, probably with the enthusiastic assistance of Merle.  And just the other day we first met the result of this belated union!”

Adventure Travel and Voluntourism

Biosphere Expeditions conservation holiday volunteer work and research expeditions are your chance to give back while taking a break from your everyday life.

An Experience of a Lifetime

You will explore fascinating parts of the world, have a real hands-on experience working on wildlife conservation volunteering projects and a once in a lifetime adventure. And most of all, you will have fun! You can join  for anything from a weekend to several months and at least two-thirds of your volunteer holiday contribution will go directly into the conservation project locally, funding it long-term and sustainably.

Las Vegas and The Red Square

Recently I dined at RED SQUARE, a fine dining establishment in the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas. I thought the food was outstanding – filet Oscar – Wow! Does anyone else have a favorite restaurant in Las Vegas? What was the meal you loved?

Pack and Go

Behind on my reading, I just finished reading a great article in Conde Nast Magazine (Oct.) by Wendy Perrin regarding packing for travel. I think she peeked in my suitcase before she wrote this article or great minds pack alike! Read the Perrin Report for great hints.

• One hint I would add to hers, depending on destination, is a small umbrella which can double for rain or sun when touring. It takes little space and serves multiple purposes (even snow).
• Another of my favorites is a “flat” purse or bag to use for dinner or shopping, taking almost no space in your carry on bag.

There is an art to packing and Wendy nailed it!

Africa and gorilla trekking

As you may know, Mountain Gorillas are an endangered species. For years the Silverbacks and other adults have been poached and their babies have been stolen. There has been a lot of effort to protect and conserve this species.
The latest estimate of their numbers shows they have increased by 26.3% over the last seven years in Virunga. Virunga Massif is comprised of  Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Parc National des Virunga in DR Congo; where there is estimated to be a population of 480, up from 380.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda also has gorilla families. In 2006 it was estimated there were 340 gorillas.

A limited number of permits are available for those adventure travelers who are interested in seeing them in the wild. It is worth the trek!

Australia and the Daintree Rainforest Welcome Oprah

With Oprah fever sweeping Australia and her US audience, the Opera House and the Sydney Harbor Bridge are getting lots of press.

However, in tropical north Queensland, standing tall and proud, is the beautiful world heritage Daintree Rainforest. The Daintree Rainforest has frogs, marsupials, birds, butterflies, reptiles, bats and over 12,000 species of insects, as well as glorious flora. This is the only place on earth where two world heritage sites meet: the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest. The dense beauty of these 1200 square kilometers will awe you.

Four Seasons

Did you know the snow is falling in Vail and the skiing is fantastic?
What better place to warm your toes after a day on the slope than
the brand new, just opened, always great service Four Seasons?
Finally in Vail and open for you!