Family Time in Croatia
Clients recently visited Croatia and here is what we heard:
The trip was amazing and Croatia is a gorgeous country.
Zagreb is a cute city and it just happened that we arrived during a very long weekend. Apparently they were celebrating 3 different national holidays during the time we were there and it was quiet and stores closed. But that's OK it was a relaxing few days. My advise for future travelers is 1 day in Zagreb unless they want to do excursions around the city. The hotel was very clean and beautiful but food in the hotel restaurant was quite pricey! We loved the tour guides there - they were very nice and well informed. We learned a lot from them.
The falls: speechless! I cannot describe how beautiful and fun that was. For us it was great but older folks (seniors) struggled with the walk. It was a very hot day and they didn't like walking uphill. They ended up getting a lift back so perhaps not the best for older people.
In Split we loved the hotel and location. The beach was nice and we walked to old town back and forth few times (45 min walk along the shore). The tour guide for Split was a lovely lady and she was sweet to come back in the afternoon for a Game of Thrones mini tour. The Island hopping was tons of fun. It was about 10 hours and suitable for young people. My son was a bit scared on the speed boat as it was his first time but then got used to it and was fine especially as soon as we hit the beach.
The drive to Dubrovnik was great and smooth. The hotel is beautifully located in a fun area. I loved that beach a lot! We felt the walking tour wasn't as thorough as the other tours. We felt as if we were "chaperoned" and could've done the walk without the guide. We didn't walk the wall with the guide because it was exceptionally hot in the morning. So we took the tickets and walked late afternoon (still was HOT)!. And for the Korcula excursion: 11 hours was too much. The island is ok but not worth the time really. The winery was nothing special. I wouldn't recommend the tour to this island.
Thank you so much for planning it. You saved me tons of time and effort :)
The trip was amazing and Croatia is a gorgeous country.
Zagreb is a cute city and it just happened that we arrived during a very long weekend. Apparently they were celebrating 3 different national holidays during the time we were there and it was quiet and stores closed. But that's OK it was a relaxing few days. My advise for future travelers is 1 day in Zagreb unless they want to do excursions around the city. The hotel was very clean and beautiful but food in the hotel restaurant was quite pricey! We loved the tour guides there - they were very nice and well informed. We learned a lot from them.
The falls: speechless! I cannot describe how beautiful and fun that was. For us it was great but older folks (seniors) struggled with the walk. It was a very hot day and they didn't like walking uphill. They ended up getting a lift back so perhaps not the best for older people.
In Split we loved the hotel and location. The beach was nice and we walked to old town back and forth few times (45 min walk along the shore). The tour guide for Split was a lovely lady and she was sweet to come back in the afternoon for a Game of Thrones mini tour. The Island hopping was tons of fun. It was about 10 hours and suitable for young people. My son was a bit scared on the speed boat as it was his first time but then got used to it and was fine especially as soon as we hit the beach.
The drive to Dubrovnik was great and smooth. The hotel is beautifully located in a fun area. I loved that beach a lot! We felt the walking tour wasn't as thorough as the other tours. We felt as if we were "chaperoned" and could've done the walk without the guide. We didn't walk the wall with the guide because it was exceptionally hot in the morning. So we took the tickets and walked late afternoon (still was HOT)!. And for the Korcula excursion: 11 hours was too much. The island is ok but not worth the time really. The winery was nothing special. I wouldn't recommend the tour to this island.
Thank you so much for planning it. You saved me tons of time and effort :)
Making Memories in San Miguel de Allende
Clients recently stayed at the Belmond Casa de Sierra Nevada and here is what we heard:
We are back from our wonderful mini vacation. I would like to thank you for organizing it so nicely!
The hotel really spoiled us by upgrading to 1 bedroom with beautiful " Italian style " small terrace overlooking swimming pool with spiral staircase up to the rooftop patio with jacuzzi. Wow. Impressive.
Town is very cute, safe and adorable. A lot of up and down walking. We also went twice to Rosewood hotel for a drink. The view from the terrace is really nice and gave a beautiful perspective.
We ate in a number of different restaurants, mostly asking for authentic cuisine. Over all you can send your most discriminate clients since the Belmond delivered very well.
We are back from our wonderful mini vacation. I would like to thank you for organizing it so nicely!
The hotel really spoiled us by upgrading to 1 bedroom with beautiful " Italian style " small terrace overlooking swimming pool with spiral staircase up to the rooftop patio with jacuzzi. Wow. Impressive.
Town is very cute, safe and adorable. A lot of up and down walking. We also went twice to Rosewood hotel for a drink. The view from the terrace is really nice and gave a beautiful perspective.
We ate in a number of different restaurants, mostly asking for authentic cuisine. Over all you can send your most discriminate clients since the Belmond delivered very well.
Magical Moments on a Christmas River Cruise
Clients recently traveled on the Danube with Ama Waterways for a Christmas market cruise.
Here is what we heard....
I want to thank you for booking my Ama Waterways trip. Thank you too for recommending this trip. I have travelled a lot and this has been the most incredible trip I have ever been on. Everything was so well organized on this trip. The Hilton Hotel in Budapest was lovely and in a beautiful location too.
From the moment I stepped onto the Ama Waterways boat I was treated like a princess. The first night I received a printed invitation in my stateroom to have dinner at the Captain’s table. All the other solo travellers were also seated at that table that evening so I was able to meet these people and spent most of my week touring with 2 of these women. The food was outstanding although there was a lot of it and there was never a shortage of something to eat.
Here is what we heard....
I want to thank you for booking my Ama Waterways trip. Thank you too for recommending this trip. I have travelled a lot and this has been the most incredible trip I have ever been on. Everything was so well organized on this trip. The Hilton Hotel in Budapest was lovely and in a beautiful location too.
From the moment I stepped onto the Ama Waterways boat I was treated like a princess. The first night I received a printed invitation in my stateroom to have dinner at the Captain’s table. All the other solo travellers were also seated at that table that evening so I was able to meet these people and spent most of my week touring with 2 of these women. The food was outstanding although there was a lot of it and there was never a shortage of something to eat.
Europe at Christmas time is beautiful and the Christmas markets were fabulous. The architecture in Europe is so spectacular that it almost brings you to tears. One evening in Vienna we attended a beautiful concert with a symphony, opera singers and ballet dancers. What an incredible experience!
The night before Christmas Eve we left a slipper outside our stateroom door and in the morning Saint Nicholas had left a very large Santa chocolate in our slipper. Christmas Eve Santa came to visit in the lounge after dinner and everyone received a wooden carving that I had been looking at in the Christmas Market in Vienna. Good thing that I didn’t buy one. The special Christmas dinner in the dining room was amazing on Christmas Day.
The night before Christmas Eve we left a slipper outside our stateroom door and in the morning Saint Nicholas had left a very large Santa chocolate in our slipper. Christmas Eve Santa came to visit in the lounge after dinner and everyone received a wooden carving that I had been looking at in the Christmas Market in Vienna. Good thing that I didn’t buy one. The special Christmas dinner in the dining room was amazing on Christmas Day.
I could go on and on about this incredible river cruise. It truly was a magical experience and I felt as though I had gone back in time to a place where I was living in a fairytale.
I would love to take another river cruise with this company in the future. I see in the brochure that I was looking at in my stateroom that they go to Cambodia. A few people on the cruise were talking about that trip and loved it.
It was nice to meet so many people from all over the world on this cruise. People were very friendly and interesting to talk to. The staff on this cruise were superb and very attentive to our needs throughout the trip. I would highly recommend this river cruise company.
I would love to take another river cruise with this company in the future. I see in the brochure that I was looking at in my stateroom that they go to Cambodia. A few people on the cruise were talking about that trip and loved it.
It was nice to meet so many people from all over the world on this cruise. People were very friendly and interesting to talk to. The staff on this cruise were superb and very attentive to our needs throughout the trip. I would highly recommend this river cruise company.
Kim, thanks again for booking this trip for me and for recommending it. My one regret was not going to Prague as many raved about it. One of the women I met on the cruise from New Brunswick was going to Prague for the 5th time. She invited me to share her room in Prague and suggested I rebook my flight home. It seemed like a lot of rebooking so I sadly declined. Prague is definitely on my bucket list now. May 2019 be as magical for you as my river cruise was for me.
Exploring Australia
Clients recently travelled to Australia on an awesome adventure.
Here's what we heard....
I recently just got back from 2 weeks hiking in Italy and then went to Australia for 6 weeks of touring through the country. Kim at Explore the World Travel set up my entire trip.
All accommodations everywhere were excellent, clean and the staff were friendly and always there to help. They were located in areas where it was easy to either walk or use their transportation.
Every tour that was set up for me was a great variety and I saw so much. The groups were small 12 to 14 which was really good. All tours I was picked up and dropped off at the end of the day back to my hotel. I cannot say enough about all the guides. They were so knowledgeable ,informative and personable and it just made the day.
I have asked Kim to start on my next trip. Kim at Explore the World Travel what can I say? She is Awesome. Her knowledge of the world and areas to see is outstanding. She arranged all flights and pick ups from the airport and back when I was leaving. I loved this as I had no worries. We talked regularly as she was organizing my trip and tours and also made great suggestions of areas that she thought I would like and I did everything she suggested and there is nothing I would have changed.
I would highly recommend Kim at Explore the World Travel. You will not be disappointed.
Here's what we heard....
I recently just got back from 2 weeks hiking in Italy and then went to Australia for 6 weeks of touring through the country. Kim at Explore the World Travel set up my entire trip.
All accommodations everywhere were excellent, clean and the staff were friendly and always there to help. They were located in areas where it was easy to either walk or use their transportation.
Every tour that was set up for me was a great variety and I saw so much. The groups were small 12 to 14 which was really good. All tours I was picked up and dropped off at the end of the day back to my hotel. I cannot say enough about all the guides. They were so knowledgeable ,informative and personable and it just made the day.
I have asked Kim to start on my next trip. Kim at Explore the World Travel what can I say? She is Awesome. Her knowledge of the world and areas to see is outstanding. She arranged all flights and pick ups from the airport and back when I was leaving. I loved this as I had no worries. We talked regularly as she was organizing my trip and tours and also made great suggestions of areas that she thought I would like and I did everything she suggested and there is nothing I would have changed.
I would highly recommend Kim at Explore the World Travel. You will not be disappointed.
Trekking in South East Asia
Clients recently travelled to Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand.
Here's what we heard....
We loved our G Adventures tour. We had a knowledgeable and accommodating tour guide and great people in our group. He was with us the entire tour and G brought in local guides for more specific details on the various sites and places we visited.
It was a very active tour with many optional activities so if you prefer down time, that was available. G Adventures did an excellent job of arranging the travel to the various attractions and towns/cities and helped navigate the border crossings.
The food in Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand was excellent, fresh with lots of herbs, veggies and fruits (and inexpensive) - it was refreshing to see how healthy they eat - I think we can learn from their culture.
Kim was very helpful with her personal experiences in lending local advice. I would certainly recommend Kim for her prompt efficient service.
Here's what we heard....
We loved our G Adventures tour. We had a knowledgeable and accommodating tour guide and great people in our group. He was with us the entire tour and G brought in local guides for more specific details on the various sites and places we visited.
It was a very active tour with many optional activities so if you prefer down time, that was available. G Adventures did an excellent job of arranging the travel to the various attractions and towns/cities and helped navigate the border crossings.
The food in Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand was excellent, fresh with lots of herbs, veggies and fruits (and inexpensive) - it was refreshing to see how healthy they eat - I think we can learn from their culture.
Kim was very helpful with her personal experiences in lending local advice. I would certainly recommend Kim for her prompt efficient service.
Sailing on the Rhine
Clients recently embarked on Emerald Waterways to explore the Rhine River.
Here's what we heard....
I embarked on my 2nd river cruise in July 2018.......this time on Emerald Waterways from Basel Switzerland to Amsterdam.It was a last minute decision and thankfully Kim was able to make all the necessary arrangements under very tight deadlines. Her knowledge and expertise was invaluable in recommending a great hotel in Zurich and which sights to see during the 2 days we were there. She even came to my house and showed me her pictures from her own trip to Zurich. I really appreciate the personal touch and she is very responsive and personable.
The trip went without a hitch........we learned from some mistakes we made on our first river cruise..........like going a day or 2 early and taking a direct flight if possible. We knew what to expect so there were no surprises and the added bonus was having Michael Bonacini (celebrity chef) as the host of the cruise. The tours are all very well thought out and the tour guides are all knowledgeable and entertaining. Strasbourg and Koblenz were particularly interesting and although the water levels were very low and causing some concern while cruising, we luckily had no issues and were able to cruise through the lower Rhine gorge and see all of the beautiful castles while on the sun deck with a drink in hand! Doesn't get much better than that!.
Life on board the ship is an experience in itself. The rooms are comfortable and well thought out, there is an abundance of food at the buffet and the sit down dinners provide several wonderful choices where you have an opportunity to meet other travellers from all over the world. Daily information sessions and entertainment in the lounge were informative and fun and we loved having the pool and separate bar on the Emerard Dawn. And most of all........the service is impeccable.
River cruising is a great way to travel and I can't wait for the next one...............
Here's what we heard....
I embarked on my 2nd river cruise in July 2018.......this time on Emerald Waterways from Basel Switzerland to Amsterdam.It was a last minute decision and thankfully Kim was able to make all the necessary arrangements under very tight deadlines. Her knowledge and expertise was invaluable in recommending a great hotel in Zurich and which sights to see during the 2 days we were there. She even came to my house and showed me her pictures from her own trip to Zurich. I really appreciate the personal touch and she is very responsive and personable.
The trip went without a hitch........we learned from some mistakes we made on our first river cruise..........like going a day or 2 early and taking a direct flight if possible. We knew what to expect so there were no surprises and the added bonus was having Michael Bonacini (celebrity chef) as the host of the cruise. The tours are all very well thought out and the tour guides are all knowledgeable and entertaining. Strasbourg and Koblenz were particularly interesting and although the water levels were very low and causing some concern while cruising, we luckily had no issues and were able to cruise through the lower Rhine gorge and see all of the beautiful castles while on the sun deck with a drink in hand! Doesn't get much better than that!.
Life on board the ship is an experience in itself. The rooms are comfortable and well thought out, there is an abundance of food at the buffet and the sit down dinners provide several wonderful choices where you have an opportunity to meet other travellers from all over the world. Daily information sessions and entertainment in the lounge were informative and fun and we loved having the pool and separate bar on the Emerard Dawn. And most of all........the service is impeccable.
River cruising is a great way to travel and I can't wait for the next one...............
Cruising the Med
Clients recently did a group cruise on the NCL Epic to the Mediterranean.
Here is what we heard....
The ship was nice and clean but not the most beautiful I have been on. The staff were absolutely wonderful, they did seem to cater more to their elite customers. Even though there were far less of them their pool was the same size as the one all the rest of us had to share. The pool was also smaller than ones on other ships but there were two of them.
The food was excellent and the specialty dining was fantastic, Im really glad we did it - thanks for the recommendation. Wait staff were also excellent. The buffets had so much food you really had trouble choosing what to eat.
Since we chose an inside cabin we didn't have a view but others in our group who did have balconies seemed to like it. Our cabin was quite large for the two of us and very comfortable, I liked that there was a movie channel on the tv that showed English speaking movies at night and they were fairly current so we did enjoy that too.
Way too many activities to do them all, but we did take in a couple of shows and games. The only downside was that not all of the shows were free, you had to pay for some of them as well as some of the activities, like bowling. The gym was fantastic, everything you could want to work out and I watched dolphins swim in our wake while I was on the treadmill.
During our pre-stay the hotel you suggested - Santa Chiara in Venice - was wonderful, the breakfast buffet was extremely large. Even though you had to pay for it you could eat so much that you didn't need lunch for hours. Our room was in the annex because our group needed doubles and even though we didn't need a double they did put us all in the same building. Our room was massive and you could have a party in the bathroom. Staff were wonderful from the first step into the building. They also had a deal with the water taxi to take you to Murano and back for free.
In Rome we stayed at the Pantheon first. It was an older hotel but lovely, the rooms were very small but had just been remodeled. They had a very nice lounge area where you could sit and talk and the barman would run up to the bar and get your drinks and bring them down to you. The breakfast was included and was pretty good, there was a good array of things to eat. They were very accommodating and friendly and location was fantastic on a quite side ally, no cars.
The next hotel in Rome Hotel Regno was also very nice. The rooms were much larger but there was no lobby or area to sit in to talk and have a drink, the bar was a very small area near the breakfast room and never open that I could see. Their breakfast was also not as well appointed as the Pantheons was but it was ok.
The excursions on the cruise were just as good as any I have ever booked with the cruise line, just not nearly as expensive. Even though they were not able to pick us up at the ship, in many instances they were able to drop us off at the ship. We greatly appreciated your expertise of recommending tours and saving us so much time and money.
One big disappointment for our group is that when we went to see the Tower of Pisa you are not able to go into any of the buildings anymore without paying.
Thank you again for all of your hard work in putting this trip together for us.
Here is what we heard....
The ship was nice and clean but not the most beautiful I have been on. The staff were absolutely wonderful, they did seem to cater more to their elite customers. Even though there were far less of them their pool was the same size as the one all the rest of us had to share. The pool was also smaller than ones on other ships but there were two of them.
The food was excellent and the specialty dining was fantastic, Im really glad we did it - thanks for the recommendation. Wait staff were also excellent. The buffets had so much food you really had trouble choosing what to eat.
Since we chose an inside cabin we didn't have a view but others in our group who did have balconies seemed to like it. Our cabin was quite large for the two of us and very comfortable, I liked that there was a movie channel on the tv that showed English speaking movies at night and they were fairly current so we did enjoy that too.
Way too many activities to do them all, but we did take in a couple of shows and games. The only downside was that not all of the shows were free, you had to pay for some of them as well as some of the activities, like bowling. The gym was fantastic, everything you could want to work out and I watched dolphins swim in our wake while I was on the treadmill.
During our pre-stay the hotel you suggested - Santa Chiara in Venice - was wonderful, the breakfast buffet was extremely large. Even though you had to pay for it you could eat so much that you didn't need lunch for hours. Our room was in the annex because our group needed doubles and even though we didn't need a double they did put us all in the same building. Our room was massive and you could have a party in the bathroom. Staff were wonderful from the first step into the building. They also had a deal with the water taxi to take you to Murano and back for free.
In Rome we stayed at the Pantheon first. It was an older hotel but lovely, the rooms were very small but had just been remodeled. They had a very nice lounge area where you could sit and talk and the barman would run up to the bar and get your drinks and bring them down to you. The breakfast was included and was pretty good, there was a good array of things to eat. They were very accommodating and friendly and location was fantastic on a quite side ally, no cars.
The next hotel in Rome Hotel Regno was also very nice. The rooms were much larger but there was no lobby or area to sit in to talk and have a drink, the bar was a very small area near the breakfast room and never open that I could see. Their breakfast was also not as well appointed as the Pantheons was but it was ok.
The excursions on the cruise were just as good as any I have ever booked with the cruise line, just not nearly as expensive. Even though they were not able to pick us up at the ship, in many instances they were able to drop us off at the ship. We greatly appreciated your expertise of recommending tours and saving us so much time and money.
One big disappointment for our group is that when we went to see the Tower of Pisa you are not able to go into any of the buildings anymore without paying.
Thank you again for all of your hard work in putting this trip together for us.
Fulfilling A Dream in the Highlands
Clients recently did a Mom and daughter trip to Scotland and Ireland.
Here's what we heard:
I have two daughters and when they were young I promised them that before they turn 20 they get a 1:1 trip anywhere with Mom. The idea was for us to spend 2 weeks together – a true gift at the age of 19.
My daughter, Willow, never wavered on where she wanted to go: Scotland and Ireland. We spoke with Explore the World Travel and delivered what seemed like an impossible ask – we want to explore Scotland, find fairies, Jamie Fraser (Outlander) and everything magical in between. Explore the World delivered that. We had a fantastic itinerary that ranged in experience from a 5 day small tour of the highlands (where we did find fairies); a day exploring all the magical scenes of Outlander, explored the incomparable city of Edinburgh ate haggis, sampled Whisky and more… Then off to Ireland to extend our fairy tale and 4 days laughing, singing and drinking our way around Dublin then out to the Cliffs of Moher and Galway City.
Simply put, it was the best trip we have ever taken. Each day was an adventure and we could not have done without Kim’s understanding of what we were looking for and what our needs for the experience were.
Here's what we heard:
I have two daughters and when they were young I promised them that before they turn 20 they get a 1:1 trip anywhere with Mom. The idea was for us to spend 2 weeks together – a true gift at the age of 19.
My daughter, Willow, never wavered on where she wanted to go: Scotland and Ireland. We spoke with Explore the World Travel and delivered what seemed like an impossible ask – we want to explore Scotland, find fairies, Jamie Fraser (Outlander) and everything magical in between. Explore the World delivered that. We had a fantastic itinerary that ranged in experience from a 5 day small tour of the highlands (where we did find fairies); a day exploring all the magical scenes of Outlander, explored the incomparable city of Edinburgh ate haggis, sampled Whisky and more… Then off to Ireland to extend our fairy tale and 4 days laughing, singing and drinking our way around Dublin then out to the Cliffs of Moher and Galway City.
Simply put, it was the best trip we have ever taken. Each day was an adventure and we could not have done without Kim’s understanding of what we were looking for and what our needs for the experience were.
Sailing on the Symphony of the Seas
Clients recently sailed on the largest ship in the world - Symphony of the Seas on a Mediterranean cruise.
Here's what we heard:
Our inside cabin was small but well appointed. The decor was nice and of course all brand new. Housekeeping and our cabin steward were great. We rarely saw them since we only used the cabin to sleep.
We had an amazing time on the ship. There were so many shows that we saw and we had a mission to try a drink in every single cocktail venue on the ship. Quite the feat! The ship had so many interesting features and tons of ongoing activities. Lounging by the pool after our busy days in port was a fantastic way to unwind.
Here's what we heard:
Our inside cabin was small but well appointed. The decor was nice and of course all brand new. Housekeeping and our cabin steward were great. We rarely saw them since we only used the cabin to sleep.
We had an amazing time on the ship. There were so many shows that we saw and we had a mission to try a drink in every single cocktail venue on the ship. Quite the feat! The ship had so many interesting features and tons of ongoing activities. Lounging by the pool after our busy days in port was a fantastic way to unwind.
The food venues were excellent. We tried several different options - Johnny Rockets for lunch one day and the dining room for breakfast in addition to the buffet. We had AnyTime Dining and never waited for a seat except the one night we requested a window and that was only for 5 minutes. The staff was accommodating and in some cases when we had the same servers already knew our preferences. Service all around was very good.
We had a very busy itinerary but throughly enjoyed each one. Some we went on an excursion and others we explored on our own - even taking the train to Pompeii. Each location was unique in it's own way but we particularly loved Rome and the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel.
My husband is now a cruise enthusiast and we can't wait to go on the next one.
We had a very busy itinerary but throughly enjoyed each one. Some we went on an excursion and others we explored on our own - even taking the train to Pompeii. Each location was unique in it's own way but we particularly loved Rome and the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel.
My husband is now a cruise enthusiast and we can't wait to go on the next one.
Chillin' in Jamaica
Clients recently vacationed in Montego Bay at the Royal DeCameron Cornwall Beach property.
Here's what we heard:
This Resort was a really nice place to stay. Rooms were clean and every room faces the pool and the beach "what a view". With Cornwall Beach you also have access to Royal De Cameron Montego Bay Resort and all their activities and buffet and Jamaican Restaurant and a Disco.
The beach was very clean and the swimming was perfect - the water is crystal clear. The pool was only 4 feet deep and quite large.
Here's what we heard:
This Resort was a really nice place to stay. Rooms were clean and every room faces the pool and the beach "what a view". With Cornwall Beach you also have access to Royal De Cameron Montego Bay Resort and all their activities and buffet and Jamaican Restaurant and a Disco.
The beach was very clean and the swimming was perfect - the water is crystal clear. The pool was only 4 feet deep and quite large.
The Food was fabulous. You have the choice of two places to eat there besides the two resort buffets. Buffets had so many options to choose from. And the other resort only has access to the beach at Cornwall.
Of course the drinks were delicious my two favorites were the "Dirty Banana and the Hummingbird." But who am I kidding they were all pretty good and the bartenders work really hard there serving that many people and making anything you wanted.
Of course the drinks were delicious my two favorites were the "Dirty Banana and the Hummingbird." But who am I kidding they were all pretty good and the bartenders work really hard there serving that many people and making anything you wanted.
Activities going on for most part of the day ie: Bingo, Trivia, Water Aerobics and more. There was always nightly entertainment.
This resort is only 6 minutes from the Airport in Montego Bay. The Resort is right along the Hip Strip and no problem going to venture out and explore. Margarita Ville is about a 15 minute walk along the strip lots of shopping close by.
Excursions are offered in the front lobby. They have lots to offer.
I loved this place so much I have been twice this year, once in Feb and in July. Jamaica is the place to go and this Resort Royal De Cameron Cornwall beach is a great place to stay.
Excursions are offered in the front lobby. They have lots to offer.
I loved this place so much I have been twice this year, once in Feb and in July. Jamaica is the place to go and this Resort Royal De Cameron Cornwall beach is a great place to stay.
Vow Renewal in Punta Cana
Clients recently celebrated a 10 year anniversary and renewed their vows in Punta Cana at the Sirenis Tropical Suites Casino & Aquagames le Mirage. This was a group that we organized with 40 friends and family.
Here's what we heard:
The resort overall was great!! The renovations that are done so far are modern and bright. Resort was very clean and well kept
It was big but not too big that we felt lost. In terms of the room overall it was clean. I would give it an 8 out of 10. Beach was ok. There was a lot of seaweed but they did their best to clean it up but it’s Mother Nature because the last two days the water had hardly any.
Here's what we heard:
The resort overall was great!! The renovations that are done so far are modern and bright. Resort was very clean and well kept
It was big but not too big that we felt lost. In terms of the room overall it was clean. I would give it an 8 out of 10. Beach was ok. There was a lot of seaweed but they did their best to clean it up but it’s Mother Nature because the last two days the water had hardly any.
We did two excursions - buggys and catamaran. I wouldn’t suggest the buggys unless all you want to do is drive. They told us we were going to swim in a cave and at a beautiful beach. But unfortunately we only got to spend 5 min at each of those places.
But the catamaran was amazing - good beach, good food, good drinks!!
But the catamaran was amazing - good beach, good food, good drinks!!
Food was good great variety except the snack bar. That was hit or miss. Sometimes they had food sometimes they barely had anything. And drinks were good and every night they offered a new drink in front of the buffet for everyone to try.
The bar is only open until 1 at the resort but the disco one is open until 2. Disco is ok if you like Spanish music.
The bar is only open until 1 at the resort but the disco one is open until 2. Disco is ok if you like Spanish music.
We didn't enjoy the nightly entertainment. The shows were not to our taste and didn't keep the attention of the kids.
However overall the staff was nice!!
However overall the staff was nice!!
Taking a break in St Lucia
Clients recently visited the Coconut Bay Resort & Spa in St Lucia in June.
Here is what we heard:
The room was great and the view was wonderful. We were on the second floor overlooking the gardens. The beds were surprisingly super comfortable – not all resorts can attest to the same. The room was too cold upon check in but the temperature was easily adjusted. Our housekeeping staff was exceptional and kept two messy people in check all of the time ☺ The only comment I would make would be that the room did not have a bathtub, something I enjoy everywhere I travel.
Here is what we heard:
The room was great and the view was wonderful. We were on the second floor overlooking the gardens. The beds were surprisingly super comfortable – not all resorts can attest to the same. The room was too cold upon check in but the temperature was easily adjusted. Our housekeeping staff was exceptional and kept two messy people in check all of the time ☺ The only comment I would make would be that the room did not have a bathtub, something I enjoy everywhere I travel.
The resort is located conveniently 5 minutes from the airport on the south east (Atlantic) side of the island. A very safe location and close to major attractions – snorkeling, Pitons, mud baths etc. When you stay on the north end of the island, it takes a long time to get to these so we were lucky in this regard. I highly recommend snorkelling as well as well as the tour that include the rainforest and mud bath. Fishing is a waste of time but a nice boat ride. My fantasies of catching my dinner were dashed and I heard this from everyone.
Apparently in June seaweed is a major issue and it was when we were there. This resort has a ton of beachfront. However, it was not swimmable 5 of 7 days.
Great entertainment for families, not as much for adults travelling without kids.
Apparently in June seaweed is a major issue and it was when we were there. This resort has a ton of beachfront. However, it was not swimmable 5 of 7 days.
Great entertainment for families, not as much for adults travelling without kids.
The selection of food items was good and had great options for lunch by the beach & pool including stone oven pizza etc as well as a Jerk Hut. Breakfast included a smoothie bar. Dinner I was not that impressed but I am a rather experienced foodie. A big negative I would see for families is that there was no ice cream bar most kids are used to at resorts.
Staff were all WONDERFUL. Pleasant, friendly, warm and helpful at all times.
I would definitely return to St Lucia.
Staff were all WONDERFUL. Pleasant, friendly, warm and helpful at all times.
I would definitely return to St Lucia.
Sailing the Caribbean on Oceania
Clients took a cruise around the Caribbean on Oceania's 1250 passenger Riviera ship.
Here is what we heard:
Cabin ..... good size cabin with balcony and a full 4 piece bathroom. The cabin was extremely clean and was made
up twice daily. Ice and non alcoholic refreshments in a small fridge were replenished daily with out any prompting. The cleaning
staff introduced themselves and were prompt and very courteous.
Here is what we heard:
Cabin ..... good size cabin with balcony and a full 4 piece bathroom. The cabin was extremely clean and was made
up twice daily. Ice and non alcoholic refreshments in a small fridge were replenished daily with out any prompting. The cleaning
staff introduced themselves and were prompt and very courteous.
Veranda Stateroom
Life on Board .... good combination of activities ... from trying your luck at the small casino to attending the nightly entertainment in grand theatre.
Also a handful of pleasant bars to have a quiet drink. For coffee lovers, a visit to the complimentary Barista bar is a must.
Choosing a more relaxed vacation we did not do any of the Oceania organized shore excursions, but took a few island tours we booked locally on arrival.
Also a handful of pleasant bars to have a quiet drink. For coffee lovers, a visit to the complimentary Barista bar is a must.
Choosing a more relaxed vacation we did not do any of the Oceania organized shore excursions, but took a few island tours we booked locally on arrival.
Grand Dining Room
Food ..... top notch! There is a great selection to choose from, from casual to sit down in main dining room. Four specialty
restaurants were excellent at no additional cost but reservations are a must and best done online pre- trip to get preferred times.
The portions were the right size. One of our favorite meals was a leisurely breakfast taken on the out door after deck where you could choose from a wide variety of fruits, cereal add egg combinations (made to your wish ie omelettes, eggs Benedict or as simple as poached eggs) from a very extensive buffet.
Staff .... excellent, very courteous and friendly .... everyone from the ship's crew, who maintained the ship to the various wait staff wore a smile and greeted you warmly. The Crew were all English speaking coming from around the world.
restaurants were excellent at no additional cost but reservations are a must and best done online pre- trip to get preferred times.
The portions were the right size. One of our favorite meals was a leisurely breakfast taken on the out door after deck where you could choose from a wide variety of fruits, cereal add egg combinations (made to your wish ie omelettes, eggs Benedict or as simple as poached eggs) from a very extensive buffet.
Staff .... excellent, very courteous and friendly .... everyone from the ship's crew, who maintained the ship to the various wait staff wore a smile and greeted you warmly. The Crew were all English speaking coming from around the world.
Pool deck
Although Oceania is a little more expensive then other cruises we have been on, we feel the value is there and will continue to book
with Oceania in the future (including the cruise we have already booked for next year!)
with Oceania in the future (including the cruise we have already booked for next year!)
Family Fun in Varadero, Cuba
Clients visited Varadero, Cuba over the March Break for some family fun. They travelled with Sunwing Vacations and stayed at the Roc Arenas Dorados which is an All Inclusive resort.
Here is what we heard:
The standard double room was fine. It was nothing fancy but they gave us three beds and a pack n play so everyone had a bed. Housekeeping was great (we did tip them daily). Seems like if you tipped regularly you received additional water in your room.
The location was perfect and the beach was great. They offered free kayaks and catamaran. They had shows every night and kids events all day long. We loved the swim up bar.
Here is what we heard:
The standard double room was fine. It was nothing fancy but they gave us three beds and a pack n play so everyone had a bed. Housekeeping was great (we did tip them daily). Seems like if you tipped regularly you received additional water in your room.
The location was perfect and the beach was great. They offered free kayaks and catamaran. They had shows every night and kids events all day long. We loved the swim up bar.
We took a taxi to Havana which was great, ate at the Buena Vista Social Club and went to Old Havana which was not to be missed.
Did the Dolphin excursion in the ocean, which was an amazing experience, kids were free so it was well worth it.
The food was surprisingly good for Cuban standards. The Italian restaurant was good. The Criollo one we would skip next time. The buffet was generally good but sometimes was repetitive. Drinks were great and they had the frozen machines for Pina Coladas.
The people were wonderful, super kind and helpful. The only thing is that in Cuba the expectation is there for tipping and that can get tiring.
We had an awesome time!
The food was surprisingly good for Cuban standards. The Italian restaurant was good. The Criollo one we would skip next time. The buffet was generally good but sometimes was repetitive. Drinks were great and they had the frozen machines for Pina Coladas.
The people were wonderful, super kind and helpful. The only thing is that in Cuba the expectation is there for tipping and that can get tiring.
We had an awesome time!
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Sunning in Samana, DR
We had clients visit Samana, Dominican Republic for a healthy dose of sunshine. They travelled with West Jet Vacations and stayed at the All-Inclusive Grand Bahia Principe Cayacoa.
This is what we heard:
The standard sea view room was nice as it overlooked the ocean. Housekeeping was good and the room was kept clean. It also had a beautiful patio.
This is what we heard:
The standard sea view room was nice as it overlooked the ocean. Housekeeping was good and the room was kept clean. It also had a beautiful patio.
Sunset View
View from the Room
View of Samana Bay from Resort
The location of the resort was unique and unlike anywhere we have stayed before. You need to be prepared for a lot of walking and steps but it provided a different environment. The entertainment staff was great and always had something planned. There were good options for excursions including zip lining and whale watching.
Whale Watching
The area where the resort is located is great. The local people were friendly and the nearby town is nice. There is a great walking path that crossed bridges onto small islands that was interesting to explore. The beach was very clean and we always had a place to sit.
Bridge to nowhere
Resort area
Beach from the resort
The food at the resort was very good. We weren't prepared for the dress code required at the à la carte restaurants so we mainly ate at the buffet but it was varied with different themes each night.
The staff was amazing and very friendly. We would visit again.
The staff was amazing and very friendly. We would visit again.
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Happiness in Hawaii
Waikiki Beach
We had clients visit the Islands of Hawaii on the Norwegian Cruise Pride of America ship. Here is what we heard from these first time cruisers:
We loved having some time in Honolulu prior to the start of the cruise. We enjoyed exploring Pearl Harbor and the beautiful beaches.
Once we boarded the ship, we were very impressed. We were very pleased with the inside cabin - it was very clean and for it's size it had lots of storage/organization.
We loved having some time in Honolulu prior to the start of the cruise. We enjoyed exploring Pearl Harbor and the beautiful beaches.
Once we boarded the ship, we were very impressed. We were very pleased with the inside cabin - it was very clean and for it's size it had lots of storage/organization.
Pride of America Inside Cabin
Life onboard - TONS of activities, the weather was exceptional. We really enjoyed the shows in the evening, from magic shows to Las Vegas shows, and comedians.
Pool deck
I couldn't chose a favourite port as they all offered something unique - except for Hilo (where it rained all day, but the Volcano National Park trip was still cool). My favourite trip was the Molokini crater snorkel.
Downtown Kona
There was a HUGE selection of food offered at the main buffet. The other restaurants were super too. Lots to select from - always a place to get something to eat or drink throughout the day and night. We found the drink costs were a little steep.
Main dining room
The staff couldn't have been nicer. Always spoke to you wishing you a good morning etc. - excursion bookings were very helpful, servers at restaurants and buffets were super nice. EVERYONE always had a smile.
Experiences to Remember: Exploring Mount Titlis
I took my children to Europe for the first time and while I wanted them to be part of the planning process I knew I could arrange things for them that they did not know even existed. That is when I reached out to Explore the World Travel. Not only did I get an incredible selection of tours to consider, I also got access to front of the line tickets at hard to see attractions.
By far, our favourite day on the trip was the tour that was arranged from Zurich to Engleberg. It was complete with lunch in the historic town of Lucerene and the most memorable experience getting to the summit of Mount Titlis. I highly recommend this team to provide the experience, attention to detail and expert planning necessary to make the best of travel moments come to life!
By far, our favourite day on the trip was the tour that was arranged from Zurich to Engleberg. It was complete with lunch in the historic town of Lucerene and the most memorable experience getting to the summit of Mount Titlis. I highly recommend this team to provide the experience, attention to detail and expert planning necessary to make the best of travel moments come to life!
