Australia and New Zealand are full of amazing natural landscapes, vibrant cities and modern attractions. There's so much of interest it's not surprising visitors return inspired and excited about their experiences.

New Zealand is compact and can be covered, top to bottom, in a couple of weeks.

Across the Tasman Sea lies Australia. This vast country has many areas catering to visitors that are long distances apart.

Combining both countries is an adventure of a lifetime as you see two of the most fascinating countries in the world - from spectacular Fjordland National Park, New Zealand to Ayers Rock, Australia and everything surrounding these amazing places.

Independent Touring

Through our industry partnerships, we can arrange a custom vacation for you to see all you want in Australia and New Zealand.

• From luxury hotels to budget camping adventures there are many options available for singles, families and groups.
• In New Zealand, the road system on both the North and South islands is immaculately maintained and un-crowded making it easy to tour by car or motor-home. You can also travel by rail and coach.
• Farm stays let you experience first hand a vital part of these agricultural nations.
• With the long distances in Australia, take advantage of an air pass if you have limited time. There are also rail and coach passes available for independent travellers.
• Independent tours designed for families include activities just for kids like a visit to the School of the Air, a program of radio instruction for children of the Outback.
• For the outdoor adventurer, trekking, bird and wildlife viewing are safe and pleasant in New Zealand as there are no natural predators or snakes. Take a hike on White Island, an active marine volcano or through the Waitomo Caves to glow worm grotto. Go bungee jumping where it was invented, in Queenstown, the capital of extreme adventure activity. 

Escorted Tours

For many travellers, organized tours with a group provide the most efficient way to see the most important areas of Australia and New Zealand. They enjoy the carefree experience with luggage handled for them, having a full time local guide and the camaraderie of travelling with others.

• Tours are available with accommodation from budget to luxury with most sightseeing and some meals included.
• Group Tours range from a one day tour to the Hunter Valley north of Sydney to comprehensive one month tours of both countries with domestic flights included.
• Combine shorter tours and city stays to create your own adventure. Pick and choose from a wide selection of destination and special interest escorted tours.
• A must see, easily visited by guided tour, is famous Ayers Rock, situated at the Red Centre of Australia, the dry, outback desert area in the middle of the country. The area is part of Uluru - Kata Tjuta National Park which is Aboriginal land and one of the few World Heritage properties listed for both natural and cultural importance. Experience Aboriginal culture at the visitors centre and music and dance shows.
• To see more of the South Pacific, add a stop over in Fiji or the Cook Islands to your flight home.

Last but not least, you can combine both a land and sea vacation on a cruise tour of  Australia and New Zealand.  Cruising Australia and New Zealand is an adventure that offers a diversity of landscapes and experiences unmatched anywhere else in the world. The ports you'll visit are amongst the most varied and interesting in the world. You can discover more of these exciting countries by adding a tour before or after your cruise. This could certainly be your most memorable vacation

Australia tour packages and independant vacations were just released for all of 2011 through early 2012.  There are some wonderful promotions available for booking made by the end of August.

C’mon y’all, let’s go!

Invite your friends to get in on "inspired" FUN & SUN as Ensemble Inspired Journeys presents a Paula Deen Cruise: Western Caribbean Party-at-Sea!

Sail seven days roundtrip Ft. Lauderdale – January 30-February 6, 2011 – aboard Holland America Line’s brand-new ms Nieuw Amsterdam from $1,529 per person.

Paula Deen and Family are setting sail for an exciting and delectable winter-busting cruise. And we’ve got lots of surprises in store! Everything from a cooking critique to private parties (including a barbecue and the first ever Deen Beach Olympics on Half Moon Cay, Holland America's very own private island paradise) from games to photo sessions and optional hosted excursions.

Paula will be joined by husband Michael and other members of her family. Come share their enthusiasm for great cuisine, good living and good fun.

Private Events & Highlights

Optional pre-cruise welcome party in Ft. Lauderdale

*Check back to this site for details about onshore excursions that are being planned with Paula and members of her family. 



Aboard the Stunning New ms Nieuw Amsterdam

Holland America's ms Nieuw Amsterdam is the perfect ship for this culinary adventure. It's spanking new (inaugural voyage - July 2010), bright and spacious, beautifully decorated, and has fabulous entertainment and multiple dining options. The ms Nieuw Amsterdam expands the Holland America Line premium brand with new concepts such as the innovative pan-Asian Tamarind restaurant and Silk Den lounge surrounded by panoramic views overlooking the ocean expanse and the Lido pool. The ship also features the family-style Canaletto's Italian restaurant.

Other additions are an Explorer's Lounge Bar, a premium wine-tasting lounge, an elegant luxury jewelry boutique, new atrium bar area, enhanced and reconfigured The Showroom at Sea, and a new photographic and imaging center. The ship will continue several much-admired Holland America Line features, including outside-view, glass elevators at midship; the Explorations Cafe - a cyber-coffee house powered by The New York Times; the Pinnacle Grill and Pinnacle Bar; the innovative Culinary Arts Center presented by Food & Wine Magazine, where culinary experts provide cooking demonstrations and intimate classes in a state-of-the-art onboard show kitchens; an expanded Greenhouse Spa and Salon with thermal suites and hydro-pool, and the largest gymnasium ever built for Holland America Line.

What is Angkor Wat? 

The answer is simple, the destination is not, but well-worth the effort for the curious, intrepid traveler.

Angkor Wat is the famous Hindu temple to the god Vishnu, located a few miles outside of Siem Reap, Cambodia.  Siem Reap, once the center of the Khmer empire, is now a rather quiet city which seems to exist for  tourists.

After you’ve checked into your comfortable, quiet hotel in Siem Reap you may wish to avail yourself of a soothing message…very welcome after traveling the long hours many miles you’ve come for this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Your hotel will probably have an in-house masseuse, swimming pool and the luxury amenities which will be so surprisingly available in this exotic corner of the world.

The best time to visit the vast temple complex (containing many temples and monuments) is in the morning, before the heat of the day overwhelms you…always carry bottled water with you and purchase it ONLY at your hotel!  A knowledgeable guide is preferred, but a good guide book will assist you in making your way around this vast collection of architectural wonders!!!  You’ll need a guide to interpret the mural-like carvings, which tell the stories of warriors, gods, goddesses ; victories and slightly risqué encounters.

There are ladders to climb to heights with breathtaking views, cool, shady corroders whose stone walls are covered in magnificently preserved carvings. Walk with care because many areas are being restored  There will be touring monks in saffron robes…don’t be surprised if they take your picture and feel free to ask you to pose with you for your camera.  Many are mendicants and will politely accept charity, but will not confront or pester or pester you.

The breathtaking site of  Ta Prohm will dazzle you!! This is the oft-photographed temple that has been left as it was found when this area was re-discovered.  The jungle has invaded and vast trunks and branches inundate the buildings.  You will be amazed how nature can reclaim vast areas of man’s endeavor!!

Before you say farewell to Angkor Wat, you must await sunset at Angkor Wat:  the golden hues of the magnificent towers glisten in the setting rays and the shadows elongate…the lake provides a mirror reflection of this amazing sight, and you will take a picture (in your camera or in your mind’s eye) that will be a momento of a fantastic adventure.

Trafalgar offers 8 different styles of touring, as well as river cruises in Europe. All travel is carefully designed to appeal to all types of travelers. There is only one choice to make to ensure a hassle-free, dream vacation…Trafalgar.

City Breaks:  These are designed with the independent traveler in mind who prefers to explore Europe’s great cities at their own pace. Packages include transfers and breakfast daily.

Free & Easy:  Experience the art of perfectly balanced touring with longer stay in each destination. The slower pace means less packing and unpacking and more leisure time to enjoy the cities on your own.

Europe Discoveries:  Travel throughout the length and breadth of Europe’s varied destinations on multi-country vacations.

Regional Tours:  Enjoy the traditions, customs and scnery on these tours which concentrate on one country or a specific region of Europe.

Train Tours:  Rediscover the magic of train travel through the heart of Europe’s wondeerland on a choice of 5 exciting journeys featuring modern, high-speed trains in combination with state of the art motorcoaches.

Eastern Mediterranean:  Explore the cultural and historic treasures of Greece, Egypt, Israel and Turkey with included sightseeing and cruises. Embark on a tour of discovery in this fascinating region.

Cost Saver:  Perfectly balanced vacations combining all the benefits of fully escorted touring with the flexibility of traveling independently.

Breakaway: Tours designed for 21 to 38 year olds.

River Cruising:  An intimate, stylish and sophisticated experience, gliding down Europe’s waterways on a luxury river cruise is a peaceful and relazing way to see Europe’s great cities.

For a complete selection of Trafalgar Tours visit : http://www.escortedtrafalgartours.com

Here are some other  tips to reduce stress during travel.

• Get away long enough time to let go of your daily grind.  A week is recommended.
• Watch your time zones – too many time zones actually increase your stress on your body’s natural rhythms.
• Don’t over schedule your trip – Make sure you have quiet time each day.
• Be social – making new acquaintances has a restorative power.
• Enjoy physical activity – moderate exercise like swimming and walking are great energy boosters.

How sad that a third or us do not use all our vacation days!  Hopefully this will inspire you to take some time to better your health with travel.

Ready to research a trip?

Here is our network of travel destination sites for travel planning made easy!

Africa Tours | Alaska Tours | Antarctica Tours | Asia Tours | Atlas Cruises & Tours | Australia Tours | Canada Tours | Christmas Market Tours | England Tours | Escorted Family Vacations | Fall Foliage Tours | France Tours | Greece Tours | Hawaii Tours | Ireland Tours | Italy Tours | Luxury Tour | National Parks Tours | Oberammergau | River Cruise | Russia Tours | Scandinavia Tours | South America Tours | Spain Tours

Pure luxury and unrivalled Swiss hospitality await you on the Royal Lotus, built in 2005. This new, modern river vessel offers spacious accommodations and a range of public areas from where you can absorb the ever-changing panorama between Luxor and Aswan. The luxuriously furnished cabins, each with an area of approx. 22 square meters, mirror the colors of the landscape of Upper Egypt and their panoramic windows offer unhindered views of the spectacular ever-changing scenery. The Royal Lotus restaurant serves mouth-watering meals, while the elegantly decorated Crescent Lounge and Bar are the perfect place to relax with a drink after a day of sightseeing. A dip into the refreshing plunge pool may be just what you desire, and the loungers are perfect for sun worshippers. There is also a fully equipped fitness room, bridge tables for card enthusiasts in the Observation Bar, and a dance floor in the Crescent Bar and Lounge. The Royal Lotus accommodates 124 passengers.



Ship Amenities

• All staterooms feature large closets, individual climate control, telephone, color satellite TV, radio, minibar, safe, hair dryer and modern bathrooms with shower
• All staterooms are outside and have large picture windows
• One sitting at mealtimes
• Relax in the Crescent Lounge or Observation Bar
• Enjoy the fully equipped exercise room
• Refresh yourself in the plunge pool or relax in heated Jacuzzi
• Enjoy personal service from our English speaking staff
• Internet access available

Deck Plans

 

The Avalon Scenery® is the one of the latest additions to the Avalon fleet with a design that differentiates her from our other vessels and reflects the uniqueness of the area. Carrying a maximum of just 138 passengers, she is one of the smallest of the Avalon Waterways ships making for an even more intimate river cruising experience. But don’t let its size fool you; the staterooms are generously spacious and well appointed, with floor-to-ceiling windows on two decks. In addition, there is an elevator, and the whirlpool on the Sky Deck allows for a relaxing dip after a day of sightseeing. Avalon understands that great accommodations and amenities are an integral part of the perfect vacation. That’s why we care about the little things that make a big difference in enhancing your journey.

Club Lounge

Fascinating landscapes serve as the ultimate backdrop as you relax in your river cruise ship’s Club Lounge. Coffee service is always available, so grab a cup and exchange vacation stories with fellow travelers, play a board game with newfound friends, or settle in with a good book from the ship’s library.

Sky Deck

When it comes to meeting new friends, witnessing the splendid scenery, or just taking a moment to relax, the Sky Deck is the ideal place. Modern deck furniture enhances your experience as you soak up the sun or drink in the moonlight, and as you photographically capture your destination’s most scenic beauty and quintessential character.

Main Bar & Lounge

With an airy, open layout and contemporary design, this attractive space features rich hardwoods, plush fabrics, and floor-to-ceiling windows lining the walls—a relaxed, comfortable area that’s perfect for viewing remarkable scenery, taking in the evening entertainment, and enjoying an after-dinner drink, glass of local wine, or coffee with newfound friends.

Dining Room

On an Avalon Waterways river cruise, expert chefs select the finest ingredients to create delectable dishes that are both inspired and memorable. Each day you’ll embark on an epicurean adventure in your ship’s elegant dining room. Enjoy open seating, bountiful breakfast and lunch buffets, multicourse dinners paired with complimentary regional wines, and the five-star service you’d expect from a fine resort.

Lobby & Reception

On an Avalon Waterways river cruise, our number one priority is you. That’s why throughout your journey a friendly, English-speaking crew stands ready to answer your questions, meet your needs, and help you create the vacation of a lifetime. It’s also why we designed a main lobby and reception area bathed in natural light, where you’ll be warmly greeted and will feel immediately at home. You can even stay connected to the folks back home at the onboard Internet Center.

Fitness Center

On our river cruise, you can benefit from both a mind and body experience. The Fitness Center is well equipped so you can stick to your fitness program while on vacation. Take advantage of state-of-the-art cardio equipment while enjoying the view of the unforgettable passing landscapes.

Ship Amenities 

• Headsets for all guided shore excursions in Europe
• Services of a professional Cruise Director
• Sightseeing with Local Guides
• Revolutionary engineering
• Non-smoking interior
• Internet access & Wi-Fi hotspots
• Elegant polished metal & glass throughout
• Onboard lectures, activities & nightly piano music
• Panoramic picture windows for landscape viewing
• Hair Salon
• Fitness Center
• Spacious Sky Decks with shade system for sunning
• 6-person whirlpool
• Lounge & Bar
• Complimentary coffee & tea available throughout the day
• Fine dining
• Buffet breakfast items are conveniently color coded to indicate foods that are low calorie, low fat/low calorie, high fiber, low cholesterol, and high energy
• Complimentary wine, beer or soft drinks will be included on all onboard dinners
• Open seating throughout the dining room for all meals
• Flatscreen satellite TV & radio
• Comfortable, hotel-style beds
• Comfortable beds that can be configured as two twins or one queen
• European-style duvets
• Egyptian super-combed cotton linens
• Private bathroom with shower
• Large closets
• Minibar, hairdryer & safe
• Individual climate control
• Royal Deck passengers can order Continental breakfast to their staterooms
• All staterooms are outside and those on Royal and Sapphire Decks have floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors and French balconies

Deck Plans

Built: 2008; Length: 361 ft.; Crew members: 39; Staterooms: 67; Jr. Suites: 2

1 Sky Deck 2 Navigating Bridge 3 On-board Camera 4 Sky Lounge 5 Whirlpool 6 Reception 7 Foyer 8 Internet Corner 9 Lounge 10 Bar 11 Club Lounge 12 Hairdresser 13 Elevator 14 Restaurant 15 Galley 16 Fitness Center

Royal Deck  Royal Deck  Sapphire Deck Forward  Sapphire Deck Aft  Indigo Deck Forward Panoramic sliding glass doors on Royal and Sapphire Decks Staterooms On the Avalon Scenery®, you’ll see the world’s most beautiful landscapes—even from the privacy of your luxury stateroom. That’s because all staterooms enjoy an outside location and are designed to enhance your river cruise vacation experience. Staterooms feature a minimum of 172 square feet of space and are the largest on the European rivers today. Featuring the most spacious square footage on the European waterways today, your luxury stateroom is designed with your comfort in mind. As floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors reveal the ever-changing passing landscapes*, you’ll appreciate the private bathroom with shower, flatscreen TV, hotel-style bed with Egyptian super-combed cotton linens, large closet, minibar, and individual climate control. Category E Staterooms - 172 sq. ft. 1 Bed 2 Toilet 3 Sink 4 Shower 5 Closet 6 Writing Desk 7 Windows    Staterooms - 172 sq. ft. 1 Bed 2 Toilet 3 Sink 4 Shower 5 Closet 6 Writing Desk 7 Sliding Glass Doors    Jr. Suites - 258 sq. ft. 1 Bed 2 Toilet 3 Sink 4 Shower 5 Closet 6 Writing Desk 7 Sliding Glass Doors 8 Sofa 9 Coffee Table  Learn more about Avalon Waterways river cruises

What a Stress Free, Hassle Free way to travel to Europe? 

Leave all of the travel details to a tour operator. They provide you with comfortable transportation, several meals, a rich sightseeing program and much more.

Traveling can be stressful, especially if you are traveling to a country where English is not their first language. Something amazing happens when you feel comfortable.  Your senses have the luxury to stray from the detail and worry, finding in their place anticipation and wonder.  You'll feel comfortable staying in first class hotels located in clean, safe areas.

Save time and money. Spending hours in line to get into major attractions such as the Louvre or Vatican Museums can take all day. Groups have a separate entrance, and get to go in with little or no wait so that you have more time to enjoy the sites, and more free time in the city.

Nothing introduces you to the true flavors of your destination like fine local cuisine.  Included three course dinners are carefully planned to avoid the repetition of entrees.  From the tapas bars of Spain to the vineyards of Italy and France, the tour operator will include on your trip optional specialty dinners and plenty of free time to venture out on your own. For the evenings when dinners are not included, your tour director will have a number of suggestions for favorite nearby restaurants. After all, one of the best ways to learn about a foreign culture is to eat like the local do!

The tour buses are air conditioned are are equipped with emergency washrooms.  The bus normally accommodates 53 seats, but they install fewer seats (44) for extra leg room.

If buses are not for you, tour operators have many other options including city stays, rail packages and river cruises through Europe.

There are hundreds of tour operators you can choose from, however some have been in the business for over 50 years and have proven over time that they offer consumers the best value and service. Check with a travel agent if you need assistance finding a reputable operator.

Here is our network of Europe travel destination sites:

| England Tours | France Tours | Greece Tours| Ireland Tours | Italy Tours | River Cruise | Russia Tours | Scandinavia Tours | Spain Tours

We also have specialty European Tour Operators sites:

Collette Tours | Contiki Tours | Cosmos Tours | General Tours | Globus Tours | Insight Tours | Tauck Tours | Trafalgar Tours

When will I receive my tour documents ?

Clients often ask when they will get “more” information about their tour. I always tell them after final payment is made, they will receive their documents delivered to their home by UPS and not to expect anything from the tour operator in the interim. In certain cases, especially the luxury travel tours, preliminary documents are sent, as well as personal registration forms to be filled out.

What Day Does My Tour Start ?

Just thought of another confusing question among clients. Day 1 with the budget and first class tours is “always” the overnight flight to Europe, arriving on Day 2 – this means Day 2 is your first hotel night.

Day 1 with the Deluxe & Luxury Tours is the day you arrive in Europe to start your tour.

Be Flexible – it will save you money!

I would advise clients to try to be a little flexible in their planning a trip. Sometimes by simply shifting a departure date we can find special promotions that offer additional benefits. We can also look at comparable suppliers for a similar itinerary to see if there is additional value added.

Each Operator may have a different policy. Please check the operator site for more details. Operators: Abercrombie and Kent Contiki Tours | Cosmos Tours | General Tours | Globus Tours | Insight Tours | Tauck Tours | Trafalgar Tours

Experiencing nature's most demanding landscapes can reveal exactly who you are, testing your physical, psychological and maybe even spiritual selves. Extreme adventures cover a breadth of activities ranging from mildly demanding to profoundly challenging. These adventures can take you from the world's highest peaks to its most remote terrains, from the polar ice caps to the sun-bleached deserts of Africa and all points in between.

Brave the planet's harshest environments, come face to face with its most exotic wildlife and blaze paths where humans rarely venture. Return from your journey a different person from when you embarked into the power of nature and your ability to overcome it.

In man versus machine, you can experience the rush of speed from the driver's seat of a Formula One racer to the cockpit of a supersonic fighter jet. Go to the edge of the earth visiting the North or South poles. Reach the South Pole on skis or find the polar bear in its Arctic habitat on rugged polar adventures. Land within 50 feet of the emperor penguin nesting areas in Antarctica to see as many as 3,000 Emperor Penguin chicks. Take an extreme safari. See Africa's wildlife by canoe, on foot, on camelback or even from a helicopter. Reach Mount Everest Base Camp or the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, two of the world's most challenging mountain treks. Dive into the waters off Belize for up-close encounters with its extraordinary sea life, including the elusive whale shark. Explore the rainforests via ATV, riverboat or by foot. Track the elusive puma and jaguars. Experience life in the unforgiving desert following the path of Lawrence of Arabia in Jordan or exploring Egypt's White Desert.

Luxury tour operator, Abercrombie and Kent is banking not only that people will want to go to the extremes, but that they are willing to pay big bucks for the right experience. Prices start at around $5,000 up to $14,000 per person, double occupancy depending on the length of the trip and the destination.

Whatever extreme adventure you choose, just make sure you book with a reputable and knowledgeable tour operator, so that you are ensured the best experience for your money.

Paris is one of the world’s most romantic cities and elegant capitals in Europe with a wide array of things to do.  Stroll along the Champs-Elysees, see the amazing collections at the Louvre, take a cruise down the Siene River, browse for antique books on the Left Bank, explore the City of Light’s Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe.

Also known as the City of Lights, one of Paris’ highlights, is certainly the Eiffel Tower. Engineered by Gusatave Eiffel, the Eiffel Tower was built in 1887 as the entrance arch to the Exposition Universelle, the World’s Fair. What was considered an eyesore for the Parisians at the time of its construction, is now a monument linked to many historical events, and a structure that represents France to people around the world. It is a “must see” for anyone going to Paris.

The tower has three stories, with the first two accessible by stairs and elevator, while the top floor is accessible solely by elevator. The view is not all the Eiffel Tower offers though, there is a skating rink on the first floor during winters and the facility is free to use. Apart from the rink, there is the Altitude 95 on the first floor, a restaurant able to cater to up to 200 people. The second floor has a reservations only restaurant, with a private elevator. In addition, a post office, a photo studio, souvenir shops and beautiful gardens. The view from the top, as expected, is phenomenal. You cannot miss the Eiffel Tower at night. The “metal lady” is illuminated by 352 projectors of 1000 watts and twinkles every 30 minutes in the evening with 20.000 bulbs and 800 fairy lights.

With the popularity of the monument, you can expect to face long lines, but the end view from the top of the tower is a worthwhile experience. If you travel with a tour operator, you can typically skip the lines as they get preferred access. Packages include hotel accommodations, breakfast daily and a half day city tour with prices starting at $599 pp for 5 nights. If you don’t like the idea of being on a motorcoach the entire time, there are not “city stays” that allow flexibility, while still having the essentials taken care of. You can also combine stays with surrounding cities such as London or Nice, take a cooking class, visit a wine vineyard, stay in a luxury resort, or take a river cruise.

For more information on France tours, cruises & vacation packages, visit www.escortedfrancetours.com

Some of the fascinating destinations a river cruise can take you:

Europe: Travel along the Rhine, Danube, Seine, Elbe and other great rivers of western, central and eastern Europe

Russia and Ukraine: Travel along the Dnieper from Kiev to Odessa.

China: Highlights of Beijing, Shanghai, and/or Xian and the Yangtze River

Click here to learn more about River Cruising
River Cruise Operators : Avalon Waterways | Uniworld River Cruises | River Cruises

Entering its fifth year, Adventures by Disney designs tours with the family in mind and provides educationally-enriched experiences so even younger travelers understand, appreciate and have fun in their new surroundings. These hassle-free vacations, rooted in the service and quality of family travel leader Disney, provide distinctive opportunities and special touches to make memories that last a lifetime.

“We are able to offer vacation experiences to some of the most fascinating places on earth, literally bringing history to life for our guests,” said Don Gross, Vice President, Adventures by Disney. “Each itinerary is carefully planned, creating a vacation that includes the most iconic and must-see sites as well as off-the-beaten path excursions. In fact, guests often tell us the hardest part about the trip is choosing the adventure.”

The Disney Difference

From snorkeling with sea turtles in the Galapagos to discovering Europe’s classic history, each itinerary is as matchless as its surroundings. Yet one aspect holds true for every trip: the special touches that are collectively called “the Disney difference” .

Adventure Guide: Part storyteller, ambassador, concierge and role model, Adventures by Disney’s highly-trained Adventure Guides are the friendly hosts and travel specialists who lead guests on every trip. With two guides assigned for every group (of up to 40 people), travelers receive individual attention to ensure a fun and enriching vacation.

Junior Adventurers: Young travelers are transformed into Junior Adventurers – seeing, hearing and tasting things that they might otherwise not have experienced. The immersive activities created just for kids allow young travelers to learn and have fun in places like museums that aren’t always as entertaining for the younger set. For example, at the Louvre in Paris, the Junior Adventurers play an Art Detective game throughout the museum with their Adventure Guides, while adults take a privately guided tour with an art historian. In addition, the Adventure Guides are expert storytellers and are trained to create fun and unique, locally-based experiences for the kids. On almost every departure, there is also a Junior Adventurers night, in which the kids have a special evening experience with their Guides, while the adults get a quiet evening on their own at the resort.

Local Experts: An authentic Tuscan chef, a naturalist from Costa Rica, a Chinese tai chi master – these local experts share a passion; they live and breathe the local history and culture of their destination. They are an integral part of every Adventures by Disney vacation. They join guests to share their stories and provide an “insider’s” perspective to each destination.

VIP Access: Travelers vacationing with Adventures by Disney receive VIP experiences that are practically impossible to schedule on their own. Special entry to otherwise crowded sites, unique accommodations (like castles in Ireland and Germany, a dude Ranch in Yellowstone and at the base of a live, active volcano in Costa Rica. Guests also get backstage access of celebrated performances like “The Lion King“ in London. These are just a few of the exceptional moments woven through each itinerary, promising expedited service and a broader knowledge of each destination.

Adventures by Disney’s 2010 destinations include 19 global itineraries:

Asia & Pacific

• Enchanted China - China: Beijing, Chengdu, Guilin, Shanghai and Hong Kong
• Safari to South Africa - South Africa: Cape Town, The Garden Route and Kapama Game Reserve
• Discovery Down Under - Australia: North Queensland, Ayers Rock and Sydney

British Isles & Europe

• Cities of Knights and Lights – England and France: London and Paris
• The Emerald Isle – Ireland: Dublin, Killarney and Shannon
• Once Upon a Fairytale – Germany: Heidelberg, Trendelburg, Rothenburg and Munich
• Alpine Magic - Italy and Switzerland: Stresa, Zermatt and Lake Lucerne
• Viva Italia - Italy: Rome, Tuscany and Venice
• Bella Italia – Central Italy: Sorrento and Florence

Latin America

• Path to Pura Vida – Costa Rica: San Jose, Arenal and Manuel Antonio National Park
• Treasures of the Galapagos - Ecuador and Galapagos Islands
• Sacred Valleys and Incan Cities – Peru: Lima, Sacred Valley and Cusco

North America

• Spirit of America -Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, Pa., and Williamsburg, Va.
• Quest for the West – Wyoming: Jackson Hole, Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks
• Southwest Splendors – Arizona and Utah: Sedona, Grand Canyon and Moab
• Backstage Magic – Southern California: Hollywood and Disneyland Resort
• Golden Path to Yosemite – Northern California: Lake Tahoe, Yosemite National Park and San Francisco
• Taming the Last Frontier – Alaska: Fairbanks, Denali National Park and Kenai Peninsula
• Rocky Trails and Mountie Tales - Montana and Canada: Glacier National Park and Banff National Park

For Family Tour Vacations visit EscortedFamilyTours.com. For more on Adventure by Disney & other family tours, we invite you to visit  www.luxurytour.com.

Egypt’s Valley of the Kings has hosted the world’s most spectacular pyramids for 5 millennia, while the country around them has transformed into a modern center for entertainment, activities and culture. Choose from land tours or those that include a journey along the Nile.

Israel is a popular tourist destination in the Mediterranean for its multitude of religious and historical sites, its many luxurious resorts, the modern culture and nightlife of Tel Aviv, the healing spas of the Dead Sea and Eilat, and unique natural surroundings throughout.

Nearby Jordan offers a variety of attractions for travelers seeking something slightly different — an unspoiled land of desert beauty dotted with cities both modern and ancient.

Dubai is a modern city that rises out of the desert like an oasis of glass and steel and total luxury. As one of the world’s fastest growing cities, Dubai has emerged as a premier luxury travel destination, drawing visitors from all over the globe. Its dry and sunny weather, incredible shopping experiences, and unique tourist attractions have helped to turn it into a bona fide hot spot where ancient and modern cultures come together. Tour operators have just started offering vacations to Dubai, but the cruise lines all realized early on that Dubai is a thriving city and have added it as a port of call on several itineraries. Royal Caribbean took things one step further, and from January to April 2010, the Brilliance of the Seas will sail out of Dubai with an overnight stay allowing passengers to to enjoy the city. Ports of call will include Muscat, Oman, Fujairah, Abu Dhabi and Mina Sulman, Bahrain.

The Eastern Mediterranean region offers a wealth of sites and cities of interest unmatched anywhere in the world. Explore the past and the present on a once-in-a-lifetime journey to this mystical place.

When traveling in the region make sure to wear light colors and fabrics such as linens to reflect sunlight and keep cool. During the days the desert climate can be very warm and dry, while nights are often cool and breezy.

http://www.escortedafricatours.com

I told her they would be delivered by UPS to her home address on Monday.

This is 8 days prior to her departure.

She was satisfied with this and we ended the call.

She called back about 10 minutes later and asked where the documents were being mailed to. I told her they were on their way to her address in Chicago. She said, “But I’m in Rhode Island”.

I asked why she did not advise me of this and she said, “We always spend our summers in Rhode Island”

Okay, so now I need a crystal ball with all of the other hats I wear! I was supposed to know this??

I told her I would see what I could do and called the supplier to ask if another set of documents could be generated and mailed out.

This reservation was made with a Luxury Tour supplier and they agreed to send the documents directly to her Rhode Island address.

If this were a supplier other than a Luxury Tour operator, a duplicate set of documents would have a fee to generate and the overnight mail would have to be paid for by the client.

Please think of your travel agent as one of your circle of family and friends. Keep us in mind to notify us of any changes in your life. Give us your airline schedule if you make your own airline reservations; give us all contact numbers and dates when you’ll be at another location. Don’t think you’re bothering us with trivia. Our job is to give you the best customer service we can, but to do this we need your help.