Guest Chef Joyce Goldstein Joins Lindblad this Fall

Join Lindblad Expeditions in Greece and Sicily this fall and savor the essences of this gastronomic mecca with guest chef Joyce Goldstein, a nationally known chef, author, teacher, and Mediterranean cooking expert. Joyce will introduce Greek and Sicilian specialties through discussions and cooking demonstrations on board, while you taste local wine and cheeses, introducing the provocative flavors and earthy character of this culinary paradise. Joyce's numerous books include Italian Slow and Savory, The Mediterranean Kitchen, and Cucina Ebraica. Her knowledge and dynamic personality will add immensely to the experience.

Here is a sampling of some of the singular events they have planned in conjunction with guest chef Joyce Goldstein on the September 28, 2007 expedition exploring Greece, Iberia & Isles of the Western Mediterranean:

- An introduction to the cuisine of Greece and, more specifically, of the Cycladic Islands through which you'll travel.
- Demonstrations of Greek recipes straight from Santorini.
- Just outside Olympia, you will visit the Mercouri Estate where you'll sample local olive oil and wine, all in a wonderfully authentic setting amidst the estate's vineyard and olive trees.
- Sicily has some extraordinarily good wines that you'll learn about and sample in your three days there.
- In Siracusa — and other ports, for that matter — you'll stroll through the local market and procure specialty food items, bringing the authentic, gastronomic experience to every meal.
- The medieval, hilltop town of Erice is home to former nun Maria Grammatica's famous pastry shop where you'll sample her renowned pastries.

Sound fantastic? Give us a call at 1-800-563-2338

New Royal Caribbean ship targeting newlyweds and families

Health-conscious newlyweds and families are a primary target of Royal Caribbean International's newest ship, Liberty of the Seas. Check out these new features:

"The new Vitality wellness program, Explorer Weddings, Adventure Ocean family programming and the Crown & Anchor Society Youth Loyalty Program offer more diverse options for guests on a Royal Caribbean cruise vacation," the cruise line said.

The new ship – sharing the title of the world's largest cruise ship with her sister-ship, Freedom of the Seas – will feature the cruise line's industry innovations such as the FlowRider surf simulator, full-size boxing ring, H2O Zone water park and 11-route rock-climbing wall.

Liberty of the Seas will be differentiated by her design and décor showcasing spectacular artwork commissioned by the cruise line in co-ordination with International Corporate Art, according to the cruise line.

For health and wellness enthusiasts, the cruise line's new Vitality program promotes a more invigorating and rejuvenating vacation through a balanced regimen of food, fitness, spa and shore excursion offerings.

Tai Chi, acupuncture, wellness seminars and even a signature scent will help guests get or stay on track for healthier lifestyles while aboard a Royal Caribbean cruise vacation.

The betrothed and spouses can reinforce their commitment in ceremonies with Explorer Weddings, an alternative and adventurous extension of the line's existing Royal Romance wedding and vow renewal program.

The cruise line has come up with some creative ideas for marriage. Guests can marry on an Alaskan glacier or in a hot-air balloon, while surfing on Liberty's FlowRider or scuba diving on the ocean bed, for example.

Enhancements to the Adventure Ocean program will give Royal Caribbean's younger cruisers a more immersive cruise experience. Adventure Theater by Camp Broadway, New York City's famed children's theater group, introduces kids and teens to the world of theater arts.

"With the introduction of Liberty of the Seas, the exciting new programs will provide our guests with even more freedom to create their own unique adventures," said Adam Goldstein, president, Royal Caribbean International. He added:

"This new ship embodies the brand's innovative essence in so many ways and will serve as a catalyst for fleet wide enhancements that will take the cruise vacation experience to new levels."

RCCL is definitely pushing some new boundaries for cruising and have really helped to solidify their branding with this new ship. If this is the vacation your are looking for, give us a call and we'll get you on this new ship! 1-800-563-2338

HAL introduces ‘As You Wish’ dining

Holland America Line has just launched “As You Wish” dining, a new program that allows passengers to choose from either traditional pre-set seating and dining times, or a flexible dining schedule.

One level of the two-tiered restaurant will offer a flexible/open dining service from 5:15 p.m. to 9 p.m. daily, and the other will host two seatings, an early and main seating.

All you need to do is choose which dining style you prefer when booking your cruise. Guests who choose flexible seating can either make a reservation daily during the cruise up to 4 p.m. or simply walk up anytime during dining hours.

This is an interesting departure for Holland America, obviously feeling that they needed to be more flexible themselves to compete in the hot cruise market.

Two-week vacations going way of Dodo?

I found this article in my inbox this morning and thought it might be interesting to pass on. It seems that research is showing that more Americans are foregoing traditional vacations in favour of a number of shorter "escapes." Does this sound like you? See what you think:

Report by David Wilkening

Three-and four-day getaways are replacing the traditional once-a-year two-week vacation that used to be American standard.

Work overload and the accompanying lack of time are some reasons why the two-week family vacation is becoming a thing of the past, according to various surveys.

"People are taking the mini-vacations," Sharif Aboushaba, general manager of the Hilton Melbourne Beach Oceanfront Hotel told Florida Today. He added:

"But here's the catch: They may take a shorter vacation, but they may take three or four of them, especially if it's driving within 100 miles. I call those vacations the 'Weekendscapes."

The shorter vacations are more common because of the difficulty of families in coordinating their various work, school and extracurricular schedules, say tourism officials.

Many employees will try to wrap three- and four-day getaways around holidays, such as Labor Day and Thanksgiving, so the impact on the workplace will be even less, said John Challenger, chief executive officer of Challenger Gray & Christmas, a global outplacement consultancy.

"For the employer, these brief jaunts are the equivalent of a 10-minute power nap," he said. "They do not disrupt the rhythm of the workplace."

Other reasons for shorter vacations include too few vacation days and a lack of money. But it appears some Americans are getting away from vacations entirely, say some experts.

A recent study by Orbitz, the online travel company, found a drop in the number of people taking three-week or two-week vacations. The survey also found an increase in those taking a week or less. One-third of respondents said they took five or fewer days of vacation in the past year.

One in four of those surveyed said they felt their bosses did not encourage them to take vacations, and one in three said they stayed connected with their office via phone or computer while on holiday.

"Our sense is that people are busier than ever with their lives, their family activities, their kids," said Jeanenne Diefendorf of Orbitz. "So they find it difficult to take an extended vacation and easier to balance if they're only gone a couple of days."


If this does sound like you - you should give us a call. We've got a number of 3-4 day escapes available to places like Montreal, Quebec City, New York, San Francisco and more! 1 (800) 563-2338

Wining’ in Virginia

Okay - this surprised me too. Who knew that Virginia was a big wine region in the world?

According to a July article in the Travel + Leisure Magazine, Virginia was named as one of the top five (yes - top five!) wine travel destinations in the world, and was the only American region to be featured in the Wine-Lover’s Guide: 5 Wine Regions to Visit Now article.

The article features Virginia and regions in Italy, Spain, Chile and New Zealand as destinations for those who are passionate about wine and food.

“If you’re a wine lover, you are going to love going to Virginia’s wineries,” said the article’s writer, Bruce Schoenfeld. “It’s not just the wineries, but also new restaurants, B&Bs and inns that make Virginia such a great destination.”

Virginia has 130 wineries and designates October as Virginia Wine Month.

Affordable Ireland Summer Holiday!

I know it seems a misnomer to have the words Ireland (or England or Europe for that matter) and affordable in the same sentence - however, a great deal has come across my desk I have to share.

For just $899/per person (based on 4 pax occupancy) you get roundtrip air with Air Transat to Dublin/Shannon, a 7 day fully furnished cottage rental and a 7 day car rental. This offer departs from Toronto – the 16th, 18th, 20th and 27th of July, 2007. Taxes up to $178 are additional.

Okay - its a little last minute, but then who isn't organizing their life last minute these days? So if you were thinking about renting a cottage this summer, how about doing it on Ireland's West Coast?

This is really a great opportunity to tour the area and the price is fantastic value. Interested? Give us a call at (800)563-2338

Club Med - ON SALE!

Luck is in the air

$777*/adult - $444*/child(4 to 15yrs) - $333*/child (2 & 3yrs)
for travel between August 25 and Feb 15, 2007

Travel to Buccaneer's Creek, Martinique - Cancun, Mexico - La Caravelle, Guadeloupe - Columbus Isle, Bahamas - Ixtapa, Mexico - Punta Cana, Dominican Republic - Sandpiper, Florida - Turkoise, Turks & Caicos

Air Packages available from major Canadian gateways.


Half off your better half

Receive 50% off the 2nd person's stay
for travel between June 30 and August 31, 2007

Travel to Buccaneer's Creek, Martinique - Cancun, Mexico - La Caravelle, Guadeloupe - Columbus Isle, Bahamas - Punta Cana, Dominican Republic - Turkoise, Turks & Caicos


The only all-inclusive resort in the U.S.A….Sandpiper, Florida

Club Med Family Plan - One Room, One Price, 7 night all-inclusive
$2,199* - Riverview Rooms (Accommodates up to 4 pax)
$2,699* - 2 Bedroom Riverview Rooms (Accommodates up to 8 pax)
$3,199* - Marina Suite (Accommodates up to 5 pax)

Call 1 (800) 563-2338 to book!

(*Land only prices)

West Jet Goes Paperless

A first for North American airlines, WestJet has introduced “paperless boarding passes'' on some of its flights!

The company said the service was introduced in Victoria in late May and will be rolled out at destinations across Canada in the coming weeks.

How does it work? Well passengers show the pass displayed on their personal mobile device as they go through security and board their flight. Travellers have the option of choosing a paperless boarding pass during the online check-in process. An e-mail is then sent to their mobile device which they present at the airport.

I say - very cool. If you are a technoliterate or a road warrier this will definitely make your life easier.

Space Travel - literally!

Looking for something different to do on your family vacation this year? How about space travel. Ambercrombie and Kent, one of North America's premier tour operators has now developed "A&K Space." Is this cutting edge or have we reached the point of no return with travel? I don't know, but here is what they are doing in their own words...

"Presented with A&K’s world-renown standards of luxury and privilege in travel, A&K Space offers a stunning and original collection of exclusive space-related journeys in which Earth is just the starting point.

A&K Space is revolutionary travel, pushing the limits of technology, reinventing adventure and coaxing luxury travel for this new millenium. A&K Space is 21st century vacationing. Whether you’re an aerospace or aviation aficionado, an adventure seeker who craves the adrenaline rush of Mach speed flight or the weightlessness of a zero gravity experience, or simply a person who is mesmerized by the idea of a manned rocket blasting off on a journey to the International Space Station, A&K Space can turn your dreams into reality. A&K Space has researched, developed and assembled the most exceptional and safest space-related programs available today. "

Does this kind of travel experience get you excited? If you have dreamed of taking your own astronaut adventure, you can experience weightlessness, fly the Space Shuttle on re-entry and even walk on the moon (with help from NASA simulators) on two exhilarating space adventures.

Join A&K Space at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center® (USSRC) in Huntsville, Alabama for two unforgettable adventures for children and families:

Children’s Space & Aviation Adventure (Oct 7 – 12, 2007)
Children participate in exciting simulator experiences, field trips and a once-in-a-lifetime dinner with a real astronaut.

Family Space & Aviation Vacation (Oct 4 – 7, 2007)
Guests on this program don astronaut suits for an International Space Station repair mission and land a simulated Mach 1 jet on an aircraft carrier. With four days of science-based fun, education and action, this is a truly unique family getaway.

Start your space adventure with a call to Travel My Way - 800-563-2338