Disney plans $1.1 billion overhaul of California Adventure

Walt Disney Company is planning to put more money into the makeover of California Adventure than it did in building the theme park, which opened in 2001. The overhaul, which has been approved by the board of directors, aims to make the park more like Disneyland with new attractions and a stronger identity.

Carole Lake, one of our “home based” agents recently escorted a group to China. The highlight of their trip was a cruise on the Yangtze River.  

This past spring I journeyed to China with a group from the Oregon and Washington area.  We traveled with Viking River Cruises taking part in a tour called “China Cultural Delights.”  It was a 15 night cruise-tour which included 6 nights (5-star) in Shanghai , Xian, and Beijing along with 9 nights (balcony cabins) on the Yangtze River aboard the Viking Century Sun. 

The trip was superb, with excellent service and a combination of both Western and Chinese meals. We were introducted to the roots of Chinese civilization visiting Buddhist temples, porcelain, silk and rug factories, the gardens of Suzhou and Shanghai , and the former capital of ancient China , Nanjing .  Highlights included the Three Gorges Dam, the Terra Cotta Army in Xian, the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square , and the Great Wall.  Our group also enjoyed visiting museums, the Viking River School , performances by the Shanghai Acrobats, Tang Dynasty dinner show, and the Peking Opera.  In Beijing it was exciting to see the preparations underway for the upcoming Summer Olympics beginning on August 8, 2008.  This trip was an adventure enjoyed by all. 

NCL named “Official Cruise Line” for PGA Tour

Recently Norwegian Cruise Line and the PGA Tour signed a three year agreement to work together in promoting Golf Hawaii and Golf Bermuda programs. This exclusive relationship is designed to expand the islands golf experience, including promotional and tournament opportunities.

The Passage to Panama

At 50 miles in length, the Panama Canal is truly a testimony to the imagination and determination of the human spirit.

But there is much more to Panama than the locks and man-made lake. For those seeking eco-adventure; acres of rainforest, miles of deserted beaches and endless hiking trails will transport you away to another world. Bird watchers don’t have to be reminded that this is a haven for hundreds of species of winged wonders that use the isthmus as their own natural highway between the Americas.

Whether you choose to view the beauty from the comfort of your deck chair onboard a ship, or your chair on the deck of a treetop bungalow - Panama will enchant you. 

What Happens on a Royal Caribbean Cruise?

From sunrise to sunset and around every corner, there's something exciting for you to do on a Royal Caribbean vacation. Onboard, try the rock-climbing wall, or shoot some hoops on the expansive Sports Deck. How about a workout or a relaxing massage? Better yet, try your luck at Caribbean Stud Poker, attend an art auction, or turn it out dancing in a nightclub.

And on land, they offer shore excursions for everything from glacier trekking in Alaska to wine tasting in Tuscany. Best of all, every experience is delivered with their unique Gold Anchor Service.

45 years and counting...

It’s hard to believe, but 2008 is our 45th year in business serving travelers. We truly appreciate our clients, who have made our business successful and who continue to make our days interesting. It’s always been our goal to provide the best value and service for our clients. The world has changed, to be sure, but the basics of providing value and service have never changed.

Planning in advance has become the norm for most popular destinations, so if your travel plans include a vacation during seasonally busy times, please plan well ahead of time so your choices won’t be limited and you’ll get the best pricing.

A fun, long weekend in Maine

The Maine coastline has countless inlets off the main highway that beckon you to drive into and explore them. We drove in and out of interesting places until we reached Bar Harbor, about half way up the coast. Bar Harbor is a busy tourist town with lots of bus tours, etc. going on. We continued on, and our favorite discovery was a little lobster fishing town called Boothbay Harbor. Located about an hour north of Portland, Boothbay Harbor has hotels, motels, bed and breakfast inns, and lobster… lots of lobster. It is the most charming little seaside town and has plenty of restaurants and shops. There is a foot bridge that you can walk from the main part of town over the water to the other side of town where they bring the lobster boats in. If you like browsing through antique shops, there are many of them along the way too.

This Maui condominium resort is one of our favorites and offers 2 bedroom/2 bath fully equipped units that are all oceanfront. The units are very spacious and have large lanai's with spectacular views of Molokai, Lanai, and Maui’s awesome sunsets! Hololani is located on West Maui in the Kahana area. It's only a few minutes drive to the town of Lahaina, yet is a very peaceful relaxing property. There’s a nice pool and complimentary gas barbeques for guests to use.

Wireless Hot Spots -

Air travelers generally are finding it easier to check e-mail wirelessly, but airports are adding Wi-Fi hot spots at a slower pace than other public places. Observers say that's because providing Internet access at airports can be more complicated than at a coffeehouse or hotel. McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas is one exception, having just finished installing free wireless access across 90% of its public areas.

Puerto Rican Culture

When Christopher Columbus stepped ashore in Puerto Rico in 1493 he encountered a flourishing Taíno native population. Within decades the Indians had disappeared, but they left their mark on the character that was to become Puerto Rican. Later, African culture was added along with the influence of more than four centuries of Spanish dominance.

The symbol of the Institute of Puerto Rico Culture depicts these three influences: Indian, African and Spanish.

What is Puerto Rico? It is an island teeming with beauty and vitality. Some of it is Spanish, some Indian, some African and some… something else. But somehow it all blends together into a culture that you will find fascinating and one-of-kind.

Pack an "emergency kit" to help you get a replacement passport in case yours is lost or stolen. To make a kit: photocopy the data page at the front of your passport; write down the addresses and telephone numbers of the U.S. embassies and consulates in the countries you plan to visit; and put this information along with two recent passport-size photographs in a place separate from your passport.

When you travel, make a photocopy of your passport identification page, airline confirmation, driver's license, and credit cards that you plan to bring with you. Leave the copy of this data with family or friends at home.

A LARGER MALL OF AMERICA.

Triple Five of Minnesota plans to double the size of the Mall of America, the largest U.S. shopping center, at a cost of more than $1 billion. The plans include the addition of a casino, department stores, boutiques, restaurants and a hotel. The 4.2 million-square-foot Mall of America has 520 stores as well as the country's largest indoor theme park. The number of visitors to the center likely will increase to more than 60 million a year from 40 million, Triple Five said.

VIETNAM TOURISM ON THE INCREASE -

According to U.S. News and World Report, more than 270,000 Americans traveled to Vietnam in 2004. They're part of a surge: Nearly 3 million foreign visitors came last year, about 500,000 more than in '03. Capitalizing on this interest, United Airlines launched flights to Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) in December--the first American airline to offer service to the country in 30 years. Other U.S. companies are taking note, too; a five-star Park Hyatt opens in downtown HCMC this April to cater to wealthier visitors.

Royal Caribbean’s exclusive port of call Labadee is transforming from an “ordinary” private paradise to a pirate’s paradise. The line has opened a new pirate-themed water playground, sponsored by The Coca-Cola Company and featuring a “sunken” pirate ship.

“This is the perfect addition for guests who want to become pirates of the Caribbean for the day,” said an RCI spokesperson.With Labadee’s buccaneer past, the water park’s pirate theme will spark imaginations and add to the enjoyment of our private paradise.”

New Signature of Excellence enhancements to the ms Statendam will make every moment of every voyage simply extraordinary.

You can sip a mocha, stay up on the latest news, and e-mail loved ones back home at the Explorations Café – powered by The New York Times. Expanded kids’ programs and brand-new youth facilities like “The Loft” and “The Oasis” make each cruise fun for the whole family. Food lovers and epicureans alike will be thrilled by the Culinary Arts Center and Wine and Gourmet Shops, and you can dance the night away at the updated Crow’s Nest.

Stateroom upgrades include everything from luxurious Euro-Top mattresses to flat-screen TVs.

A Cruise aboard the Statendam on Holland America Line offers everything the heart could desire.