Plan a Vacation, Rent a House, Take a Cruise

I read in emails, magazines while patiently waiting in the doctor’s office, etc., that we are all under a tremendous amount of stress in our daily lives – hm, that does seem to be the pattern. All the articles state that in order to alleviate that stress mode we fall into, Vacations should be a priority – whether they are for a long weekend, 7 nights or 2 weeks to a month…..they should, no – MUST be taken, for our well being.
The photo above reminds us that winter is coming and with it SNOW, plan your ski vacation (or snowboarding) now as everything, whether in the States or in Europe, fills up really fast. We are Vail experts as well and can find you that perfect condo or chalet for a week or a weekend. See our luxury ski chalets, some are for the rich and famous but we have others as well.
We all tend to get wrapped up in the Primary work, the TV ads, the news of Iraq and Afghanistan where I know we all at least know of someone in either place and forget to tend to our own sense of well being. I, for one, have military presences in both arenas. I also contribute DVD’s etc to a Quonset hut in Iraq that for the amount of infiltrated sand, seems to hold up rather well…at least the DVD’s and CD’s do from what I am told. When a former son-in-law was stationed in Afghanistan I heard there was something similar there, it would be nice to know if there is. A recurring book shelf would probably be good in both places as well.
All military personnel are getting travel discounts and benefits from suppliers for vacations, R&R’s, cruises, we offer discounts on all vacations, weddings, etc., for them as well. Pass this information along if you know of someone who can use it.
Plan at least one vacation for 2009 – or if you are lucky and can do it, plan one every 3 months and as Nike says….Just Do It!™ If you work for a Company that gives you Perks Cards (Safeway is one), we honor them.

Get a group together for a cruise – see something different. Or, groups of 6 or more friends can go rent a vacation house somewhere you’ve never been, indulge in the local culture – have a drink in a taverna in Greece, practice native dance steps, rent a scooter (Vespa) in Italy and have a gelatto in Florence.
Anyone booking a 2009 vacation will receive a $100 discount on top of any early booking discounts offered by suppliers. If you book on line through my websites, let me know and I will still honor it. (booking # for supplier will do)

Weddings, Cruises & More

I have a few items of interest and timeliness for those thinking of either a Destination Wedding or who just want a Honeymoon Exclusively made for them.
1. Destination Weddings: Whether you are planning the States, Mexico, Caribbean, Hawaii or anywhere in Europe, take a moment to reflect that your friends and relatives need to know about this as soon as possible. You may also want to insert a magnetic Save the Date card for their refrigerator in your Announcements. One of my former Destination Wedding clients got theirs done at www.freshimpressions.us – they won’t forget the wedding if they see it in front of them every day and will then make plans to come.
If your friends and relatives all know early, then they can plan and book for Early Booking Discounts and Savings.

2. Sign up for a Free Honeymoon Registry- carefully read the attached Toaster Flyer so you can see how you can benefit. (When I am notified, I will send you a list of things to do in Mexico (let me know specifically where) and Costa Rica, to name a few—gifts that you can add to your Registry for guests to get for you.
3. Cruise Vacations are all inclusive and can be very private, plus you get to meet a lot of like minded people as well, see several lands or ports of call in a single voyage. You unpack once in your stateroom, roam all overdoing different things in different ports and you don’t have to worry about luggage from one port to the next. The Ship has it covered. One nice things about cruises is…you can have a Destination Wedding in port (for those who can’t go along) before you leave, above some ships outside the 3 mile limit or on a romantic Island during a port of call – it can all be pre-arranged and ready for you at your designated time and place. We have wedding planners on ships and on Islands waiting for you. These are wonderful options for you and your friends/family to enjoy the event together and yet be apart.
4. You can call us, email us or go to the website (this one has links to all 3) to plan your own if you want for either Destination Weddings or a great Honeymoon option!. (This idea is great for Honeymoons or vacations but Destination Weddings are really something you will need assistance with !). We have done them all…see just a portion of satisfied clients in our travel notes.

Central Europe Travel for Less

This is the Road Less Traveled for most of us...however, Central Europe boasts many fine cultural countries with lots to see and do....Croatia, the Czech Republic, Hungary and Turkey to name a few. They will also be kind to your wallet. For Praguem Winter and Music, make note of the following

Prague in January 2009 PRAGUE WINTER FESTIVAL January 2-7, 2009

Classical music lovers should not miss the 2009 Prague Winter Festival. Visitors can enjoy performances of opera, ballet, classical music and jazz. There are 3-5 night land packages with preferred seating for all festival events. Packages start at $688 per person based on double occupancy. Included are hotel accommodations, a choice of three evening performances, a choice of two daytime options and tickets to the opening and closing ceremonies.

email us at travel@atouchofhome.net to make plans to go soon, don't wait because it's less expensive now to book than it will be in December, when it may be too late as the programs will be sold out.

Fall is almost here....it's cooler at night and sometimes still warmer (ok, hot) during the day, it all means that wood burning in the fireplace and snow is now far behind. You could also go to Russia and ride sleighs!

Ideas for Christmas shopping and travel

I remember the year that I was in the Czech Republic and Austria during December - woeful that there was not a lot of snow but it was beautiful. The train rides were a LOT different that in the States, you had to remember to buy food before you left or take a snack along with you...none of this buy and eat on the train business. But the people were interesting and the countryside even more so, what a difference in landscape. I got to thinking that people might like to see what they can do in Austria, Germany and Central Europe during October, November, December and January - for questions or "want to go" contact pat4travel@gmail.com! (This is a four part series)Another agency owner who grew up in the Salzburg region thought up a particularly insightful Holiday Trip to Salzburg, including a visit to the “Silent Night – Holy Night Chapel” in Oberndorf (here this famous carol was first sung on Christmas Eve of 1818), a festive Christmas Eve Dinner, a concert at the famous Mozarteum, a Winter Wonderland Excursion with a ride in a horse-drawn sleigh and many more splendid features that will make this trip an experience for a lifetime.

This includes four nights hotel accommodation, daily buffet breakfast, all service charges and taxes and more are included in this wonderful program. For an even more unforgettable travel experience, this program can also be combined with a special “New Year’s in Vienna Celebration”. Make this Christmas present one that will not be forgotten !!