Lazy Sundays in Sunny Oregon

Yes, it's Sunday and it's sunny! Hopefully it will be warmer later on today, at least no rain and no snow! Several things also come to mind for those planning a vacation either alone, as a couple or family, get a like-minded group of friends together too (wine, reading or cooking enthusiasts) as Castles and Villas are great, or planning a destination wedding or a honeymoon to somewhere other than the Coast! (Check out the Super Inclusives as well.) (While it's a great place to go...do you really want that trip to be how you remember your Honeymoon... somewhere you go often enough anyhow? This thought pertains to anywhere anyone lives...whether it's the flats of Pennsylvania and you always zip off to the shore or the Poconos - be different. Or anywhere, you get the idea). Don't forget the idea of Dude Ranches - for all types of vacations, even honeymoons or weddings! They will let you get "out of your usual comfort zone" for a week, the hot tubs and pools help with the muscles after a day in the saddle!

I know many think that renting a cottage, castle, villa etc is out of the realm of possibility when it really isn't. Why would you want a room when you can have the Whole House, often with staff, a pool, close to magnificent towns and valleys to explore? Pick any country, if you don't see something you can always email for other ideas because there are many to choose from and not always on your screen.

Europe is coming back as the ratio of US Dollar to Euro or Sterling has changed once again. The airlines are reducing airfare for the summer, no less! Or choose off-season to get good rates and still enjoy foreign travel with nice weather.

For the SKIERS - ok, so some of you are still on the slopes (that still have snow) but most are almost out water-skiing. However, now is the time to get your place for the 09-10 skiing season.

If you are thinking of Christmas...you can always get your place now as we had many calls this last year for the popular places, that people thought they'd get in with no problem becaue of the economy (?) they learned that wasn't so. Reemember the installment plans? It's possible again.

You can also find out a little more about me and mine and see what we have accomplished by following the link. We work with some great companies and people.

Get our of your Normal spot, meet new people and gain a whole new network of friends, engage in new cultures, be an eco-tourist, visit museums even if you don't like to normally do that, you'd be surprised.

Use your airmiles to upgrade to Business or First Class and enjoy your trip, saving your money to spend on food and wine!

Have a great day - Dream a Little.

Does Caving interest you? Jungles?

Last night I was watching my new addiction..HGTV/International home buying for second homes. I guess it tends to be an extension of the vacation rental business and learning more! Last night's episode involved a real estate person in South Carolina (another old haunt of mine too!) who loves to travel to Belize and finally decided she could live there and work off her laptop as well, so she bought one of 3 she looked at, well, one of the 3 they showed on the show itself, I am sure she looked at more. Then, today, I got an email from a new place in Belize which proves that sometimes great minds think alike via the internet and TV! I know may people have gone to Belize and want to go back..as well as those who haven't yet. Go and experience the eco-tourism, the Mayan ruins, the marvelous weather, the jungles and caves, snorkeling and diving. Or....just go with a good book, sit on the beach, enjoy the water - perhaps even get enthused and buy a house! Remember, everything is on "island time". A much slower pace than here.

West Coast has a new home ported Cruise ship from Carnival - a newer one not a refurbished "new" one. Everyone who can't get to the Caribbean, take a new look at California ports and ships...time, money, etc., can afford to take the Splendor out for a test drive! (from $78.00 pp/do per day)

Royal Caribbean International has a note for their Crown and Anchor members - this is a copy of the letter they sent out to Members....if you have moved or don't check all your mail, this is an important notice from the cruise line you may want to take note of. Also, when you cruise, take advantage of opportunities to upgrade, fill out forms and become members. There are many benefits available for you on your next cruise vacation.


Don't forget to look up all the specials for Europe and Mediterranean cruises - some have free or reduced air, others have kids free, some have upgrades that can be beyond your wildest dreams! See the majestic ports and romantic places of the world...Barcelona, Marseille, Nice, Rome, Athens, Istanbul & Kudadasi (Turkey) and more...Russia, with its old world charm.

Alaska cruises and vacations, passport deadlines

Cruising Alaska in your Plans or Dreams? It might be worthwhile to do so this year since ASTA noted in a column to its agencies and others: "Several cruise lines have decided recently to redeploy ships away from Alaska, partially because of additional expenses imposed by a citizen referendum passed nearly three years ago."

If you are planning to go....call now, rates are low and there are still ships going....if you wait you may be sorry, Carnival is planning to go out of Seattle as do some of the others. You still have to have a passport and remember that changes are coming due in June for passports! If you don't have one, apply for one now.

Thailand travel issues and warnings

To keep up with Thailand's newest issues, see the Wall Street Journal (4/13), which states: While some celebrated Thailand's New Year water festival, others in Bangkok were witness to anti-government riots and other violence. The governments of the U.S., Australia, Britain, France, and South Korea have all issued travel advisories for Thailand. "The airport closures were bad enough," said Pusapa Krittiwan, the owner of a guest house in Bangkok. "But this is just getting out of hand. People are afraid to come and those that are here are thinking of leaving."

Choose your vacation and travel areas carefully.

Travel - affecting Minor children and Parents

In addition to possessing a passport (ALL international travel, including Canada and Mexico), under the new law taking effect June 1, 2009, unaccompanied U.S. or Canadian citizen under 18 years of age (however, keep in mind that the below has been on the books for a long time..the big change is the passports between Mexico and Canada, doesn't matter if you walk, ride, plane or cruise):

is required to possess a notarized letter signed by both parents giving permission for the minor to travel alone.

If traveling with one parent, he or she must have a notarized letter from the absent parent giving permission for the traveling parent to take the minor out of the country, or an original court order indicating that the traveling parent has full custody.

if the minor is traveling with one parent, and the other is deceased, the deceased parent’s death certificate must be presented.
Immigration requirements are subject to change by the country you are visiting.

April 26 sail Ft. Lauderdale through the Panama Canal to Seattle ( 20 Days ) Princess Cruises – Outside Cabin $1200. Sail the locks, drink in hand, view the beautiful scenery! After you are done, take a day trip (or two) over to Victoria BC, this is a marvelous place to be thoroughly "English"....have high tea at the Empress! You can get to BC via Seattle by train, doesn't take long and the sights are fabulous. Call or email us at pat4travel@gmail.com - we do weekends and holidays!

EASTER WEEK THOUGHTS

Now that it's Easter again....12 years has passed since the Maundy Thursday before my husband went "upstairs" - where I am sure he is dispensing great Irish Catholic advice! One wonders where the time has gone. Since then I have met some wonderful people, gone some pretty marvelous places, taken some good (and not so good) photos. I remember that we never got to take a honeymoon.....I was too busy (in my former occupation), he kept after me to take time off and I was always...we can do it "later". Well, later came, still no Honeymoon. This is for all those who think to put off that great dream trip, or just a getaway, or some fortunate enough to be planning a Destination Wedding or cruise....don't wait. Get up tomorrow, smile and be happy! Go on that cruise, take a group of friends or plan a reunion (split the cost, you would be surprised how little it costs!)in a great vacation rental anywhere your thoughts take you! Take that Honeymoon, do not put it off! Some great travel deals away you on www.eaglepointtravel.com, you can do all things...if you have questions, ask, if not you can book your own (most things). Plan ahead, deposits are welcome, ALWAYS think travel insurance.

Happy Easter to everyone - whatever your religion or walk of faith is.

The Dollar has gained in Europe money markets, the airlines have reduced fares to Europe for summer travel (it's always lower during off season, plan well)! Now Europe is once again affordable for travel. Take the family and visit Provence, France for art, history, lavender fields. Get a group of friends together, rent a villa in Croatia! Italy - there are so many places to see and visit, great eateries and oh, that Gelatto in Florence while walking down the streets to various museums. Or, cruising the Douro River or lounging in a villa nearby in Portugal. Costs, when divided among many, are extremely reasonable. Call or email www.atouchofhome.net for more information (888-421-0270) today!