When you travel to remote places, have you ever wondered how you can help these communities that don’t seem to have basic necessities? I always have and so I’m very excited to share some news with you… I’ll soon be a partner with Pack for a Purpose, a fantastic organization that connects travelers with communities in need in the places they visit, one vacation at a time.

What Is Pack For A Purpose?

Founded by husband and wife, Scott and Rebecca Rothney, Pack for a Purpose (PfaP) is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping travelers make an impact in the communities they visit.

Avid travelers, the Rothneys saw amazing sites around the world but all too often witnessed sincere need in surrounding communities – schools needing school and medical supplies, as well as orphanages with children using blown up plastic bags as mock soccer balls and in need of clothing and other necessities.

If you’re looking for your next travel destination but aren’t quite sure where you want to go, consider Africa! Africa is a dream destination for many travelers – a diverse continent full of fascinating cultures, dramatic scenery, extraordinary animals and so much more.

Many who travel to Africa think about going on safari, where a person can have one of the most amazing travel experiences in the world.  If you are thinking about waking up to the music of nature and seeing wild animals up close, I encourage you to consider taking a Safari with Great Plains Conservation.

About Great Plains Conservation

Great Plains Conservation is an initiative to help curb the downward spiral of our threatened natural world and its magnificent wildlife. It applies a conservation model that is sustainably funded by a blend of sensitive, low volume and low impact ecotourism. In contrast to other ecotourism companies, which primarily are travel companies that sometimes carry out conservation initiatives, Great Plains is foremost a conservation organization that operates such that it provides reliable benefits for surrounding rural communities.

The Initiative to Save The Rhinos

In 2013, 1,004 wild rhinos were killed in South Africa alone. The future does not look secure for this majestic species. Hence Great Plains Conservation has committed to undertake a relocation of a magnitude never done before – to relocate no less than 100 rhino from South Africa to safe havens in Botswana, to save them from extinction!

This relocation is dependent on the funds raised through the Zeros for Rhinos campaign. Great Plains Conservation has contributed a limited number of safari bed-nights to saving the rhinos. As a fundraiser, cost of your stay goes to the fundraising efforts of the Zeros for Rhinos initiative! Plan to stay at Zarafa, Selinda or Selinda Explorers camps between now through May 31, 2014 or between Nov 1, 2014 and May 31, 2015.  You can have an exclusive African safari experience while contributing to this tremendous initiative!

A Closer Look at the Safari Experience

The camps of Zarafa, Selinda and Selinda Explorers are located in Botswana – and it’s not just a matter of coincidence that Botswana was named the winner of AFAR Experiential Travel Awards for Best Safari Destination.  These Botswana Camps are located in and around the 320,000-acre Selinda Reserve, which is synonymous with exclusivity and perfection. Here, there is no set routine, where travelers take their cues from the routines of nature.   Setting out at dawn when the colors are vibrant and the sun is low, you’ll discover the riches of the day with your guide. By mid-day, you’ll be back at the camp for a scrumptious brunch and siesta. As the light outside softens, you’ll depart for an afternoon exploration that continues past nightfall in search of nocturnal species.

As is expected in a reserve of this size, wildlife varies from area to area in response to changes in vegetation and hydrology. You will come across impressive pods of hippo and crocodiles and wild dogs. Also in the area are large herds of giraffe, zebra, elephants, lions, cheetah and more.

An African safari is unlike anything else you will ever experience, and Great Plains Conservation’s offers an ideal way to enjoy an exquisite vacation while doing saving the rhinos!

Let’s plan a vacation just for you, so we take out the guesswork out of planning, and put the fun into bonding with the land and with each other in a unique way!

I’m glad the snow is behind us and we’ve finally got some good weather (hope you are too!). The warm temps always get me thinking about all the exciting possibilities for a summertime travel.  While I’ve been busy working with many of you to plan a family vacation, for those who are still behind… it’s not too late for us to start.

To narrow down the options, travelers will need to choose the type of family vacation that fits the interests and ages of their family members.  Here are three family vacation categories that have been popular with my clients – as well my recommendations on specific destinations sure to please everyone in your clan.

Resorts For Relaxation

When it comes to escaping the everyday life, resorts and spas prove to be the ultimate destination spots for families, as well as couples and singles. Resorts are located at extraordinary destinations featuring pristine beaches, gourmet restaurants and cafés, luxury suites, pampering spa packages, outdoor activities for all ages and interests and so much more.

I highly recommend NOW Resorts and Dreams Resorts.  They have been wonderful to work with, as they are very geared towards accommodating special requests. The staff directly works with me and together we strive to create a memorable experience for you and your loved ones.  These luxurious resorts are spread throughout Mexico and the Dominican Republic. Check out the Dreams Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa, voted one of the top 25 hotels in Mexico for families and the recipient of Trip Advisor’s 2014 Traveler’s Choice award. This natural white-sand beach resort surrounded by crystal-clear Caribbean water provides an idyllic setting for a relaxing family vacation with beautiful golf courses, ethnic restaurants, live entertainment and rooms with private plunge pools.

Adventures Abroad

If you are looking for an experience beyond beach and sun, I would recommend choosing your part of the world and booking a guided tour.  The possibilities are endless, with tours that range from Ayers Rock of Australia to the islands of Greece to the railroads of Alaska. If you’ve read my blogs in the past, you know how I feel about guided tours and how they are not only hassle-free but are also a great way to immerse the family into the culture and history.  We can make it fun for kids and adults alike by planning separate activities for adults and children along with a good mix of “together” activities.

Two of my favorite travel companies are Globus and Adventures by Disney.  If you don’t have as much time for a vacation or want to stay within the U.S, a good option might be a tour by Globus family vacation.  Their Wild Wild West tour features river adventures in Wyoming, breathtaking views at the Yellowstone National Park and uncovering exotic wildlife and fascinating fossils. This tour packs quite a bit of adventure for everyone!
If you are willing to travel outside the U.S., I recommend Adventures by Disney tours that allow families and kids to experience the adventure of a lifetime! These tours often described as, ‘part concierge, guide and storyteller’, are perfect for travelling abroad sans the stress. With local experts, engaging activities, ample amenities, adventure guides coordinating trip logistics and personal touches throughout, Adventures by Disney excites, thrills, and pleases family members of all ages.

One of the most popular adventures right now is the Adventure by Disney’s Scotland: A Brave Adventure. Scotland’s lush landscapes with ancient stone castles served as the inspiration and backdrop for the Disney Pixar animated film Brave. It will be an unforgettable experience!

A few highlights from the Scotland tour:

• Tours of Scottish castles
• Exploring the facts and lore about the Loch and learning about the famous monster Nessie (your kids will love it!)
• Walking through the mysterious Callanish standing stones as your guide reveals scientific theories and folklore surrounding these stones.
• Horseback riding and archery at Rothiemurchus Estate, one of the greatest tracts of natural forest in Britain.

Classic Destination

If you are looking for a traditional vacation with broad appeal for the family, you can never go wrong with a classic destination like Hawaii. Your kids will enjoy outdoor adventures at family parks and beaches with lifeguards and full picnic and restroom facilities, discovering age old lava rock carvings etched into stone (called petroglyphs) stargazing through telescopes, exploring volcano tubes and lava fields, building sand castles, snorkeling, exploring the planetarium and interactive exhibits – your children will walk away learning something about astronomy, volcanology or oceanography. The fresh, floral air; tepid, tranquil water; breathtaking, natural beauty of Hawaii will prove to be relaxing for adults. Indeed, there’s no place on earth like Hawaii!

So, what type of vacation is your family up for this summer? If you aren’t sure, I can help you evaluate the options and get a trip on your calendar.  And for those of you who are big planners, we can even begin working on your summer 2015 trip!

Sometimes bigger is not better.

When it comes to cruises, my clients are often looking for different things.  My job is to help them select the right itinerary and cruise line to fit the type of vacation they desire.  Many of my clients are underwhelmed by the larger cruise ship experiences – which is why the intimacy, uniqueness and outstanding service of a Seaborn cruise is often the perfect choice.

The unique itineraries, outstanding service and gourmet quality food set Seabourn apart from other ocean cruises.  Seabourn really prides itself in being different than other, larger cruise lines that sail to similar destinations.

Smaller ships

With no more than 229 suites, a Seabourn ship won’t have you tripping over people in hallways or fighting for deck chairs at the pool.  The experience is like being a part of a private club – where “members” share expansive open decks and social areas and are lavished with attention by a crew ready to meet their every need.  Suites resemble five-start hotel rooms with lots of space (277+ feet!), complimentary in-suite bar, stocked with your favorite beverages, areas for entertaining and more.  Each suite has a personal suite stewardess to take care of your needs.  And that’s just in the basic suites – premium suites have even more amenities!

Watch this video to see what I mean!

Gourmet cuisine

Everyone knows that cruise ships are known for serving great food.  Seabourn takes that concept to a higher level.  Dining on a Seabourn cruise is comparable to dining in fine restaurants all over the world.  Complimentary wine is served with every delicious, authentic meal, with food that reflects regional flavors and is prepared with pride by Seabourn’s skilled chefs.  And whether you are eating in one of the ship’s luxurious dining rooms or having an intimate dinner for two in your stateroom, you’ll have quality meal presented with impeccable service.

Here’s another video to illustrate the level of dining you can expect on Seabourn.

Unique itineraries

One of the big advantages of the smaller Seabourn cruise ships is the ability to visit small ports that your average cruise line cannot reach.  On any of the six ships – Seabourn Pride, Seabourn Spirit, Seabourn Legend, Seabourn Odyssey, Seabourn Sojourn or Seabourn Quest – you’ll feel like you are sailing on a private yacht rather than large ship.  The list of ports on the Seabourn ships visit is mind-boggling, with so many ports in smaller, less-traveled cities – helping to create a really unique itinerary that cannot be assembled when sailing on a larger ship. In places like Antarctica, you’ll go where the big ships can’t, and passengers will even be allowed to make landings in zodiacs and go on to experience:

• Digital photography workshops
• Wildlife sightings from the ship and on shore
• Guidance and insight from a skilled expedition staff
• Inspiring Enrichment Program and special guest speakers on board

Onboard lecturers

Finally, one aspect of Seabourn cruises that sets it apart from many other cruise lines is its onboard lecturers.  To enhance your voyage, Seabourn invites luminaries of particular interest or experience to join guests on board.  These welcomed experts bring fascinating insights, opinions and entertaining conversation to guests seeking to learn more.  Explorers, well-known chefs, scholars, performers and subject-matter experts in many areas share your journey on Seabourn’s intimate ships. Not only will they often speak in front of groups, but they will function as a part of daily life aboard the ship – sharing meals, going ashore for adventures and chatting casually with guests throughout the cruise.

I am always confident that my clients’ experience on Seabourn will exceed their expectations.  Guests come back with comments like:

It was a true, gourmet dining experience.

Service was beyond expectations, and the crew treated us like family!

It was if they knew exactly what we wanted without us having to ask.

The onboard lecturers were top-notch well versed in the subject matter.

Getting into the smaller ports gave us a picture of how the locals live.

I can’t say enough about this smaller option for cruising – so I won’t!  I’ll let this final video do the talking for me.  And if reading this has peaked your interest, then we need to talk about a Seabourn cruise for YOUR next vacation!  Be sure to also check out Seabourn’s wonderful blog site for fun, interesting stories about real adventures at sea!

Guided tours are the way to see and experience destinations without wasting time getting lost, missing out on the history behind the sights and having a safe and enhanced travel experience.  While I’ve written about the virtues of guided tours, I haven’t shared with you specifically why I think guided tours of Italy are the way to see this country.  Well, it’s quite simple and comes down to four aspects that make it superior to “going it alone”.  Guided tours provide:

• Experience beyond the major sites
• Authenticity of people, food, environment
• Expert people leading the way
• Comfortable travel

Experience Beyond the Major Sites

Seeing the major icons or sites, such as the Vatican, the colosseum and Michaelangelo’s David are a given…but what about seeing those hidden gems, the places and things that the average traveler might not know to look for?  Maybe a private boat ride to Isola Madre, a secluded island where young princes used to play?  Guided tours offer that kind of insider knowledge so that you see something that locals favor but outsiders wouldn’t even know to look for.  Often travelers say that these experiences are the highlights of their trips!

Authenticity of People, Food, Environment

Does anyone recall the movie Eat, Pray, Love?  Julia Roberts starts her journey in Italy and “eats her way through the country”, experiencing authenticity while enthusiastically putting on a few pounds.  Guided tours offer these same kind of experiences, where travelers stay in traditional accommodations, and dine on the most local cuisine…while meeting real people in their day-to-day lives.  Participate in a balsamic vinegar tasting near Modena…visit an ‘Agriturismo’ farmhouse in the heart of Tuscany for a delicious Italian meal…and drive along the famous Amalfi Coast in order to visit the exclusive artists’ paradise of Positano.

Expert People Leading the Way

Guided tours would be of no value if the guides were not truly subject matter experts.  My clients of guided tours typically come back raving about what a difference the guide made in what they learned about a particular site, city or country.  The best tour companies employ local experts with a wealth of knowledge who really love to tell colorful stories about each historic landmark to bring the journey to life in a memorable way.  Here’s an example of one such guide and his tour experience:

Rome Sightseeing and Free Time

Your included sightseeing tour with a Local Expert begins at the Vatican Museums. Experience a Unique Insight in the Vatican when you ascend the smooth and step-less spiral staircase designed by famous architect Donato Bramante. Admire Michelangelo’s magnificent frescoed ceiling in the Sistine Chapel and then visit St. Peter’s Basilica to see his famous Pietà. Your tour continues in ancient Rome. View the Forum and see the Circus Maximus, where chariot races were held. Visit the impressive Colosseum. There’s time afterwards to explore the city on your own, or simply relax and watch the world go by!

 

Comfortable Travel

What does this mean?  It means luxury travel in an air conditioned coach, 5-star hotels and even authentic accommodations, for some tours.  For example, when staying on the exclusive Lido di Venezia island, tours may opt for the Grande Albergo Ausonia & Hungaria. Rich in romantic history, this authentic accommodation is a prestigious icon in Venice and has original period furnishings.  Other “comforts” include audio headsets throughout the trip to enhance sightseeing experiences and having all of the service fees, tips and luggage charges included in the tour fee.

Italy is a destination that many dream of – but may only be fortunate enough to visit once, with so much of the rest of the world to see.  So the experience should be as amazing as possible.  I know that with the right guided tour, your Italy trip will be one you talk about for years after.  I’ve done extensive research and can set you up with the highest rated tour companies to give you the maximum experience.  And by leaving the details to me, you can sit back and simply enjoy all the goodies the guided tours of Italy have to offer.

Buon viaggio! (Have a nice trip!)