Unique Travel Planners Blog

Oasis and Allure of the Seas..Ready?

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 10:25:13 EST

Everyone has heard about the Royal Caribbean Oasis of the Seas and the Allure of the Seas. These are the huge, 6000 passenger ships that have so much activity on board that you will need a vacation when you return home! I have toured these ships and personally sailed on the Oasis a few months ago. If you are ever going to use a travel agent to help you with a cruise, now is the time, especially if you are considering one of these magnificent ships. There are over 35 cabin categories, 20 plus dining options, reservations to be made for shows before you even sail and much more that you don't see at first glance when you go to a website. Yes, these ships are somewhat higher in price than others, but you get so much more for your money. And when you are making this kind of investment in your precious vacation, use a qualified, Royal Caribbean trained travel profession to make sure you get the experience you are expecting. Here's an idea: Call Unique Travel Planners today and you will talk to a Royal Caribbean Expert-Plus consultant. Call 941-925-3434 or email us at info@uniquetravelplanners.com. Happy travels!

Resolve to Travel!

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 13:31:33 EST

Resolve to travel more in 2012. Now that is an easy resolution to keep, pain free and fun. It doesn't have to be something extravagant or expensive. It could be a four day cruise or a trip to Disney World. Or.... maybe this is your year for a special trip. Have you always dreamed about seeing the Eiffel Tower in Paris or the Parthenon in Athens or the canals of Venice? How about an Alaskan cruise/tour with adventures in Denali National Park?

Where ever you decide to go, just go. And if you have children, take them with you. Travel is the best education out there as it makes history come alive and gives you a feel for your place in this world.

And of course you should use a professional travel consultant to help you with this resolution. It'll be easier than losing weight or getting more organized. Trust me, I'm speaking from experience.

Happy New Year.

Happy Happy To All

Fri, 23 Dec 2011 08:21:30 EST

This has been a wonderful year for Unique Travel Planners and I owe it all to my friends, colleagues and clients, new and loyal repeaters. I can't tell you how much I appreciate all of you. I could not have had the success I've had without the support of my best friend and partner (and husband), Tom. He is always there for me, whether I need emergency printer ink or I need help setting up a booth at a bridal show. He believes in Unique Travel Planners and he believes in me.

I wish you all a joyous holiday season and wherever you are, safe travels.

What a year of travel!

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 12:24:01 EST

It has been a long time since I last posted a blog on the Unique Travel Planners website, but I've been writing frequently on my Facebook page (Unique Travel Planners) and my Facebook group, Travel Tips and News. But on the advice of a very smart person, I realize I should be entering blogs more often. So here I am.

What a year it has been for personal travel. We started the year with a fun cruise on the Crown Princess with a group of friends. That was a blast! Then we sailed on the Celebrity Century for a short Caribbean cruise with my brother and sister-in-law and that was so much fun. For an older ship, the Century is a beauty. My daughter moved to Chicago so our summer travel involved helping her with that.

Next was a very last minute cruise (don't try this at home) on the incredible Royal Caribbean Oasis of the Seas. I've been wanting to experience that ship since it first sailed and I'm so glad I did. I had toured it previously but you really can't describe this ship unless you have sailed on her. It's not for everyone, but I have to say it is for most. The entertainment, service, food and the ship itself was spectacular. I hope you can all sail on the Oasis or the Allure someday -- put it on your bucket list.

Speaking of bucket lists, we ended the year with a very special trip. Tom and I went to Prague, Vienna and Budapest. We stayed in lovely hotels, took the train between cities and ate at really yummy local restaurants (ok, I'll never be a food critic). It was a bit cold for this Florida gal, but the upside to that was smaller crowds and open Christmas markets. I highly recommend that you explore this part of Europe.

Where will we go in 2012? I have to admit that I really don't know. I'm sure there will be another trip to Chicago and probably a cruise, but other than that I'm open to suggestions.

Wherever you travel this holiday season, I wish you a safe and wonderful trip. And don't forget, it's never too early to start planning your next trip.

Uncertain Times

Mon, 15 Aug 2011 15:55:22 EDT

Everyone knows the economy is tough right now and full of uncertainties. Many people are questioning whether or not they should be making travel plans. Only you can decide that but now more than ever, use a qualified travel agent that you feel comfortable with. Make sure you are getting a good value and part of that is winding up with the exact vacation experience you were hoping for. Don't waste your precious holiday time on a less than perfect trip and don't confuse a good bargain with a good value. There is a huge difference.

Where is this summer going?

Sun, 31 Jul 2011 19:46:31 EDT

When I decided to write this blog, I had such good intentions. So how can it be that my last blog entry was in May? I blame Facebook. I have let it totally distract me. It's just so darn easy and accessible. I have several places that I post in Facebook: Unique Travel Planners LLC, Honeymoons By Unique Travel Planners and of course my personal page. I also started a Facebook group: Travel Tips and News.

I have a love hate relationship with Facebook -- I love seeing updated pictures of my friends' children, grandchildren, and pets. I love hearing about friends' and clients' travels. I don't like hearing about religion or politics on Facebook and I really don't care what bar you are in right now. It is fun to reconnect with friends I have let slip from my daily thoughts and I even enjoy those cute clever philosophical quotes that so many people post. Unless it was really fantastic, I don't really care what you had for dinner last night (and in that case, why wasn't I invited).

With all of that being said, I hope you will visit my various Facebook venues and "like" my business pages. And feel free to join my travel group. If you think you are getting too many emails feel free to "unjoin" the group. But you never know, you may learn something and you may teach something. I think Facebook is all about choices and that has to be a good thing.

Does It Pay To Plan Ahead?

Mon, 09 May 2011 09:25:44 EDT

I often have a conversation with someone who says, I'm going to wait until the last minute to book my trip because I know I'll get a better deal. This used to be true, but not so much anymore. Many folks are still remembering the great deals that were offered either post 9/11 or right after the stock market slump a few years ago. Well, more people are traveling now and the old “supply and demand” theory is rearing its ugly head. And fuel prices are not helping either. Here’s a perfect example:

I have a couple who are taking a Mediterranean cruise at the end of this month. They started planning this trip about four months ago. They got a decent price on their cruise, were able to pick a cabin that will be perfect for them and here’s the best part, we found a fantastic price on air. I just checked to see what that flight would cost if booked today and it is over $300 per person higher.

The bottom line is that playing the waiting game is a gamble. If you want your trip to be exactly what you are dreaming about, bite the bullet and do it now. You will get what you want and most likely you'll save money too.

One more thing – use a travel agent!

The Word Honeymoon

Mon, 07 Mar 2011 11:48:01 EST

Did you ever wonder where the word "honeymoon" came from? According to Peggy Post, it stems from the Middle Ages, when mead, a fermented drink made with honey (the symbol of fertility, health and life), was drunk by the bride and groom for thirty days -- the cycle of the moon. During this period, the couple stayed hidden from their parents and friends, the mead loosening their inhibitions, and getting the marriage off to a good start!

Don't let the media scare you.

Thu, 03 Mar 2011 17:04:01 EST

The media loves to focus on the negative, whether it is politics, weather, business scandals or crime. It is no wonder why people are often afraid to travel. We hear about conflicts in the Mideast, riots in Greece, crime in Mexico, volcanoes erupting, the economy crashing and gas prices rising. But I firmly believe that in order to learn what our purpose is in this world, we need to continue to travel to other parts of it, not just our own back yard. We need to explore other lands and cultures and we need to invite others to explore ours. The world feels smaller every day and it is getting more and more difficult to live in isolation. And, in my opinion, we shouldn’t. Don’t let the media scare you. Be smart, use common sense, but continue to explore and have new adventures. You will learn that we all have more in common than we have differences.

Celebrate Sarasota

Fri, 25 Feb 2011 09:50:43 EST

If you are in the Sarasota area, think about attending the Feb. 26 Celebrate Sarasota event at Philippi Estates Park, noon to 7pm. Unique Travel Planners will be there all day and we are giving away Starbuck's gift cards (if you win the raffle). Please stop by and say hello if you are going to be at this fun event. Beer, wine, chili, wings, music and me! What more could you want?

Travel Planning Tip

Wed, 23 Feb 2011 11:01:42 EST

I give this advice to my honeymoon couples, but it really should work for everyone. Sit down together with your travel companion, without other friends or family, and talk about what some of your favorite trips have been in the past. Make a list of what made those trips great and you'll have a good idea of what kind of adventure will make you both happy. Take the time to do this, it'll be worth it.

Honeymoon Tips

Fri, 18 Feb 2011 15:25:43 EST

Brides and grooms put such pressure on themselves when planning their honeymoons. But all they have to do is prepare well, work with an experienced travel consultant and the rest will fall in place. Here is our first tip: Sit down together and plan a honeymoon budget. When I ask a bride or groom for their budget, they often respond, "we don't have one." What I think they are really saying is, we haven't taken the time to really figure out what is involved. So make a list and be sure to include lodging, food, entertainment, bar bills, souveniers, new travel clothes, travel insurance and of course air expenses. If you are going on a cruise, don't forget shore excursions.

More honeymoon tips to come, so stay tuned.

Back from a wonderful cruise

Mon, 07 Feb 2011 09:47:18 EST

I returned home this weekend from a wonderful cruise aboard the Crown Princess. Tom and I sailed with five other couples and every day was great. We went to Grand Cayman, Cozumel and Princess Cays. We were supposed to call on Roatan but high winds prevented us from doing so, which was a disappointment to all but we managed to make the most of our bonus day at sea.

I had previously sailed on Princess only once and it was quite a while ago. I have many clients who prefer Princess so I thought it was time to refresh my memory! I had no expectations and I thoroughly enjoyed the cruise. I thought it was clean, I loved the food and the service was very good. I enjoyed most of the entertainment, especially the two comedians they had on board. I tried trivia, my friends played bingo, we watched movies, went to the production shows, made some donations in the casino and more. A few of my traveling companions loved to dance and there were many opportunities to kick up their heels.

It was a lot of fun being with eleven other people. We didn’t all know each other before the cruise, but became fast friends. The Chicago contingent was especially happy to miss the blizzard at home.

Would I recommend the Crown Princess? Absolutely!

Check out my Facebook for photos – I will get them up as soon as possible.

My apologies ...

Fri, 28 Jan 2011 15:37:57 EST

I know it has been too long since my last blog entry and I apologize for that. I suppose it might mean that business is good and I am busy, but that is no excuse. I am leaving soon for a Caribbean cruise aboard the Crown Princess and look forward to sharing my photos and my experiences with everyone. This is a great time of year to book a cruise as there are many special offers right now. We are in what the cruise industry calls "wave season." And they are all competing with each other so that is good news for the consumer. Take advantage of this!

Getting The Right Travel Insurance

Tue, 11 Jan 2011 16:19:33 EST

A friend of mine emailed me yesterday to tell me that she had been looking for travel insurance for an upcoming trip. She said that she looked on-line and saw many options but was unclear of the specific coverage. Of course I told her that I could help her and I did! Travel insurance is important but if you don’t have the right coverage, it is a waste of money. Some cover pre-existing conditions and some do not. Some are primary payers and some secondary (you have to go through your primary insurance first, wait for that claim to be processed and then submit another claim to your travel insurance company). Some offer cancellation protection and others only cover you while you are traveling. And website information can be so confusing when it comes to travel insurance. Work with someone who knows what they’re doing – it’s worth it!

Please feel free to contact me about your travel insurance needs, even if you only have questions. Whether it is for a family vacation or a business trip, I really want to see you get the right product, one that will give you the protection you need. After all, that’s what insurance is for. If you are not going to have the right coverage, why bother?

Happy New Year

Wed, 05 Jan 2011 11:32:18 EST

A friend of mine recently had a close relative die of a sudden heart attack, a terribly tragic event. She was about my age and though I didn’t know her personally, I felt so sad for her, her husband and her children. When you hear about things like this, it really makes you look at the priorities in your life. It makes you ask the big life questions and of course it reminds you that life is short and fragile. My family is most important to me, followed closely by friends, old and new. I am lucky to have so many special people in my life.

I know, this is supposed to be a travel blog but I couldn’t help but share some of my feelings here. I hope that many of you have made a resolution to be good to yourselves in 2011, whether that means exercise, organization, diet, time management or whatever else you think needs improvement. But most of all spend time with people you love and be sure to laugh as often as possible. Happy New Year.

Happy Holidays to All

Thu, 23 Dec 2010 13:39:56 EST

As Christmas approaches and 2010 comes to an end, it is surely time to pause and reflect, even in the midst of holiday insanity. I am so grateful to all of my family, friends and clients who supported me though the year. You listen to me and offer advice, you bring me business and spread the word -- thank you all.

Being a small business owner is not easy in any circumstance, but when you are in an industry that seems to be under a media microscope so often, it can be especially challenging. Airline delays and stricter rules, cruise ship incidents, disease and political unrest could each be a reason to stop traveling, not to mention the economy. But you don't -- you continue to want to see the world, figure out your place in it and refuse to let extenuating circumstances stop you. I believe that travel is part of our DNA, always has been and always will be.

So here’s to happy, fun, safe travels during the holiday season and throughout 2011.

Cheers!

Sue Schwartz-Wolski, owner, Unique Travel Planners

Your Dream Honeymoon

Fri, 17 Dec 2010 18:36:16 EST

I wrote the following article for the Winter 2010/2011 edition of Nuovo Bride Magazine:

WHAT IS YOUR DREAM HONEYMOON?

Ever since you were a little girl, you dreamed about your wedding and the day after, when your prince charming whisked you off to somewhere romantic for your perfect honeymoon. But what exactly does that picture look like today, as you really are planning for your special day?

It is different for everyone. Some couples want to go to a Caribbean island, sleep until noon, lie in the sun, sip unlimited margaritas and party all night to the sound of steel drums and conga lines.

Other couples want to spend time in the Mediterranean, seeing all of the ancient cathedrals and museums they can, dining at local establishments, drinking regional wine and collapsing in their hotel room, exhausted from their daily activities.

Your honeymoon options are almost unlimited which can make the planning process overwhelming at times. It is very important that you sit down with your fiancée, away from distractions, and have a detailed discussion about what you both want. Keep an open mind and start imagining what your dream trip will look like.

First, decide what kind of trip you want. If you like to be busy and on the go, you might enjoy a trip to a city such as New York or Paris or think about taking a port intensive northern European cruise. If you are hoping for relaxation and romance, consider an all-inclusive resort on a tropical island, a Caribbean cruise or a trip to Hawaii.

What are activities that you both enjoy? Museums, history, hiking, spas, mountain climbing, cruising, wine tasting, gourmet dining, surfing, skiing, or laying on the beach reading a book are a few you might want to talk about. Think of all of the trips you’ve taken in the past and decide which ones bring back your fondest memories. Figure out why and then decide if this is something you want to try again.

Talk about the kind of hotels you like to stay in. If one of you likes Ritz Carltons and the other is a Best Western fan, you may need to discuss a compromise. Figure out what is important to you in a hotel: Room size, service, restaurants, activities, spa facilities, privacy, entertainment and fellow occupants.

How long can your trip be and how much can you afford to spend? According to a Conde Nast Bridal Info bank survey, the average newlyweds spend $3700 for a one week trip but you need to be realistic about a budget that works for you.

If you are having trouble agreeing on what a perfect honeymoon looks like and how much it will cost, call a travel agent. He or she will save you time, reduce your stress and help you plan your perfect honeymoon. A good travel agent will look at all of the information you have discussed and come up with a plan that will be just right for you at a price you can afford.

This is a lot of information to think about but it’s worth taking the time to sit down together and see what works for both of you. This will be the first of many adventures that you, as a married couple will have, but everyone remembers their honeymoon. Here’s to happy memories.

A travel tip for the holidays

Thu, 02 Dec 2010 12:16:34 EST

Many of you will be traveling for the holidays and renting a car when you get to your destination. It's easy to be in a hurry, just happy to be off of that plane and out of the airport, but take your time when you get your rental car. Be sure to check it carefully for any damage so you don't get charged for scratches or dents that you did not cause. Make sure the sales person makes a note of any damage you point out if it has not already been listed. You should be given a copy of the document indicating the pre-existing damage for your own records. This will save you a lot of headaches later. One more related tip: check with your credit card company to see if you have rental car insurance through them. This will prevent you from duplicating coverage and saving money at the same time.

What I'm Grateful For

Wed, 24 Nov 2010 12:29:53 EST

It seems to be the time of year to reflect and make lists of what we are thankful for. I am so blessed with a wonderful husband, great kids, supportive friends and a beautiful house in an incredible city. And I am also thankful for being in a profession that allows me to help people make their dreams come true. Who could ask for more than that (ok, maybe coming up with a cure for cancer might be better but I don't think that's happening for me)!

I am grateful that I have wonderful clients who trust me to help them make travel decisions for not only themselves, but their friends and families as well. Everytime someone asks me to recommmend a resort or a cruise line or to put together an itinerary that will be perfect for them, I take it seriously and personally and hopefully do a good job.

There are many in the travel industry who complain about some of the changes that have taken place recently, but I try to focus on the positive. I have a job, I work with people who trust me and I love what I do. Happy Thanksgiving to all.

Crazy Cruise News

Thu, 11 Nov 2010 17:28:19 EST

As many are already aware, the Carnival Splendor was adrift at sea for four days but is now back in San Diego and all of the passengers have safely disembarked. I can't imagine what it was like to be on that ship but from what I've read, the passengers and crew were kept as comfortable as possible, had toilets restored within a day and were well fed, ok, as well fed as you can be without any electricity and with lots of spam and fruit. And the drinks were free, though I doubt there was any ice or cold beer.

Would something like this stop me from cruising again? Absolutely not! The media loves to talk about problems that happen on cruise ships and I'm not denying that bad things can happen, but in my 30 plus cruises, no one has ever been pushed overboard or jumped, there has never been a fire and no pirates have ever compromised our safety. I still think cruising is one of the safest means of travel and the best value and the most fun out there.

That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

Sandals

Sat, 30 Oct 2010 14:44:08 EDT

After I returned home from my trip to Italy and after I went to a family wedding in Milwaukee, I flew to the Bahamas and Turks and Caicos for a whirlwind tour of three different Sandals and Beaches resorts. The first was Sandals Emerald Bay in Exuma, a very short flight from Miami or Ft. Lauderdale. This is an all-butler, all ocean-front resort, with a Greg Norman 18-hole golf course, Har-tru tennis courts, a marina, the Red Lane Spa, a fitness center, huge pools and all of the privacy and relaxation you could want, and of course, several dining options. All of the Sandals and Beaches resorts also feature Weddings by Martha Stewart with so many options that I couldn't begin to list them all here.

After a tour and lunch, we got back on our plane and headed for Turks & Caicos where we checked into Beaches, the family friendly cousin of Sandals (which is all adult, couples) and stayed for two nights. This is a great resort with so many activities for guests of all ages, including a water park, an xbox 360 game room (with games that aren’t even available to the public yet), kids camps, nannies, nurseries, a partnership with Sesame Street (I had a bed time story read to me while laying next to Elmo), Scratch DJ Academy, Martha Stewart craft classes, a disco, several pools and restaurants and so much more.

After a lot of fun and a little work, we got on our plane and headed to Nassau,where we toured Sandals Royal Bahamian Spa Resort & Offshore Island. This is a great getaway for anyone that wants a charming, convenient all-inclusive resort with a great spa, nice dining options, a private island experience and a lot of pampering. We toured the property, had lunch on the offshore island and then headed back to the airport to return home.

I was impressed with Sandals and Beaches – there are so many options available to everyone. It really helped to see some of them for myself and to learn about the others in our training session. If anyone has any questions please let me know.

If you are looking to just “get away” from it all, or if you are planning a destination wedding, a honeymoon, or a family reunion, there is a Sandals or Beaches for you.

Livorno, Florence and the end

Fri, 15 Oct 2010 10:10:58 EDT

The seas calmed down on our second sea day so all was well. Yesterday was our first day in Livorno and we took the train to Florence and spent the entire day walking, eating, drinking, site seeing and walking and drinking some more. Our friends have a daughter who is doing an internship at a vinyard near Florence and she took the day off to share our day there. It was such fun and we saw parts of Florence that we haven't seen before. We had a spectacular lunch and then walked back to the Uffizzi where Tom and I spent a couple of hours. I think Indi went home to take a nap. The Uffizzi is a beautiful building but at the risk of sounding uncultured, I don't think I appreciate that period of art. How many paintings of Madonna and Child from the 1400's can there be? Maybe it was because I was so tired from walking and drinking wine at lunch (something I rarely do) that my senses were blurred, I don't know. People have been waiting in line for hours for many years to experience this museum, so it must be me. I think I'm more of a renaissance woman.

The food in Florence is incredible – different from other parts of Italy. And the most spectacular site we saw was the Duomo. Unbelievable! Indi sure walked our tails off. I've been using a pedometer on this trip and the longest we've walked up to yesterday was about 15,000 steps. We went over 25,000 yesterday. Today we just went into Livorno to walk around a bit and I had no expectations as most people usually get off the ship here and head elsewhere. But I loved it. They had the most incredible market, indoors and outdoors. Anyone coming here should check it out.

We leave the Azamara Quest tomorrow morning and head home. This has been an unbelievable trip – I've only scratched the surface in this blog. I will post pictures on Facebook when I get home (or at least a few days after I get home). Thanks for following along.

Ciao!

Venice, Dubrovnik

Tue, 12 Oct 2010 11:50:06 EDT

We said goodbye to Venice and hello to Dubrovnik, a beautiful, old walled city. We walked the whole wall with its stunnning views and many stairs. We had our first bit of rain, not too bad and certainly no complaints considering all of the good weather we've had. We also had our first bad meal at a strange restaurant outside of the old city. Tom was determined to find some local, authentic food and most of it in the old city was Italian. So we found a place that looked interesting and Tom basically got a hot dog and I got a cheese sandwhich. Oh well, I guess they can't all be winners. We went back to the ship for dinner and then went back to the town to see it at night. It's so convenient that Azamara is providing shuttle services in several of the ports, including this one. I'm so glad we went back as the lighted city was incredible.

Today is our first of two sea days in a row and the ship is rocking and rolling and some folks look green around the gills. Thank goodness for Bonine – my seasick drug of choice. I played Mah Jongg this morning, something I always enjoy. I'm not terribly thrilled by the activities offered today, but that's ok. We brought some videos to watch, I am reading and writing and napping, so no complaints.

I guess that's it for now. I'm sure we'll be ready for Florence on Thursday after two sea days, but what a way to end the trip.

Happy travels.

Trieste

Sat, 09 Oct 2010 11:16:15 EDT

Hard to believe we've been on this cruise for a week. Actually, we've seen and done so much, that in some ways it feels longer. How's that for contradicting myself? Let me start with Trieste – I loved it, possibly my favorite port so far. We were there all day and we were on and off the ship several times, as it was docked right in the middle of town. We walked and walked and walked and much of it was up hill. We saw a church that had mosaics that I thought were more stunning than Ravenna, which is known for its mosaics. There was a huge regatta going on, the largest in the world, supposedly, so there was a lot going on. Vendors set up along the water's edge, squares were filled with people and stands that sold everything from jewelry to strudel to cheese to leather gloves. The only problem with Trieste was the wind. It was unbelievably strong which I'm guessing the sailors will like when they race on Sunday.

We actually stayed up for the entertainment on the ship last night and it was great. They had a comedian/magician who was really funny. I slept really well last night after all those hills and stairs.

Today we are in Venice. We left the ship at around 9:30am and got back around 4:30pm. We're going to rest a bit and then go back out. We are having another beautiful sunny day, which is good because I can't imagine what it would be like if it was raining. It is so crowded – I knew it would be, but I didn't imagine to this extent. October is definitely a popular time to be here and I'm sure being Saturday has something to do with it.

After walking around for a few hours, we took the water bus to Murano. It was so convenient and we have a 24-hour pass so it felt free! It was less crowded and actually quiet, at least the part we walked around. We had a light lunch (with a six dollar diet coke) and and took the water bus to another part of Murano – more crowded and more stores. The glass is exquisite but so expensive. We haven't bought a thing, thought I saw a gorgeous necklace and a stunning vase that I want, but maybe in my next lifetime. I'm appreciating my glass piece that I got on the Celebrity Solstice more and more.

We are resting, having a Sambuca on our balcony and will go back to St. Mark's square after dark. It's so nice being here overnight. I hope you all make it to Venice someday – it's like nowhere else on earth. I'm so lucky.

Ravenna

Thu, 07 Oct 2010 10:25:04 EDT

Another beautiful, sunny day in Italy. Today we arrived in Ravenna, known for its sixth century mosaics, had breakfast on the ship and then headed to town. I wasn't sure what to expect as the shuttle route seemed flat and uninteresting, but when we arrived in the town center, it was wonderful, in a very different way from any other city we've been in. Most of the beauty is inside the buildings – some are even difficult to find. But once inside we found the mosaic treasures. It's really stunning and hard to describe and I know our photos won't do them justice. I'll try to post some on Facebook, something I have found challenging lately.

I'm really enjoying this cruise. I think Azamara does a wonderful job of making everyone happy. I would not hesitate to recommend this cruise line. If the big ships are not for you, think about treating yourself to this one.

Taormina, Sicily

Wed, 06 Oct 2010 06:18:41 EDT

We spent day four in Taormina, Sicily. I'm not sure what my expectations were, but it was much more beautiful than I anticipated. I have to admit though, I had a disappointing lunch. I'm sure I just ordered poorly. I think I'll survive.

The cruise has been great so far. The staff is unbelievable. Everyone is so friendly and accessible and willing to please. They really seem happy to be here – something I've seen on a few other cruises but certainly not all. We went to our first show last night and this is the one area that needs improvement, in my opinion. I'm sure there were passengers who loved it but it was not my cup of tea. Five singers were doing Hollywood songs and it was a bit corny. Oh well, I'm not on this cruise for the entertainment.

We went to Aqualina, one of the specialty restaurants. It was soooo good but I ate way too much. I thought the service in the main dining room was great – this was even better. I highly recommend trying this if you are ever on this ship.

Today is our first sea day and I have to admit that I was ready for it. We slept in, had breakfast, went to a port lecture and am now sitting on our balcony, listening to the ocean and soaking up a few rays of sunshine. Tomorrow is Ravenna and then Trieste.

Ciao.

Sorrento

Sun, 03 Oct 2010 15:54:19 EDT

This is our second night on the beautiful Azamara Quest and having a wonderful time. I really like this ship. The cabin is great (we have a very nice balcony), the service is so attentive and friendly and the food is incredible. No complaints.

We said farewell to Rome yesterday and took the train to Civatevechia (I know I spelled that wrong). It was a simple process and easy to get from the train to the ship. I say simple, but we really did pack light – one carry on each. If you had a lot of luggage this would not be a lot of fun, mainly due to all of the stairs and the uneven cobblestone walkways along the way.

We arrived in Sorrento early this morning. Azamara provided a shuttle to the town center and we walked around a bit and then made our way to the bus station where we got on a bus that took us to lovely Positano. It is a beautiful, popular but still quaint seaside town. We had a delicious lunch at Ristorante Le Tre Sorelle, right on the water (almost). As all of our Italian meals have been, it was delicious.

In case I haven't mentioned this, we are having incredible weather. Sunny and warm, but not too hot. Positano was really busy – I think it might be one of the last Sundays of the season.

The bus back to Sorrento was quite an experience. It was a public tourist bus and was really crowded. Tom and I had to stand, squished between folks, bracing ourselves during the twists and turns of the Amalfi Coast. If you've ever done this drive, you know what I'm talking about. But we made it back to the ship, had a wonderful dinner and am ready for bed.

Tomorrow will be another day in Sorrento and we plan on taking a boat to Capri, as we've never been there.

Be sure to check my Facebook page for photos.

Ciao!

More Rome

Fri, 01 Oct 2010 09:44:45 EDT

We had our first Rome pizza last night and it was delicious. Our hotel receptionist recommended it and thank goodness she did. It was very close to our hotel which was good since we were both exhausted, even after a nap. My body is used to walking and functioning at sea level and rarely experiences stairs and hills and I am feeling it.

But we got up this morning and did it all again, the walking that is. Rome is such a wonderful city to explore. Today we saw the old Jewish Ghetto and then explored the neighborhood called Trastevere. I was determined to find a restaurant that Rick Steves recommended and we must have gone up and down about 20 different streets and finally gave up. No problem finding a different restaurant with great food -- no shortage of that in this city.

There is so much more that I've seen but just can't write about it all. But one thing I have to mention is the drivers. They are all insane, especially the motorcyclists. You really do take your life in your hands every time you cross the street. Or even while you are walking down the street/sidewalk. We have been so lucky with good weather that the walking and dodging cars and scooters and trucks has been a lot of fun. I highly recommend this time of year to be here. I can't imagine doing it in mid summer when it can be over 90 degrees.

I am posting photos on Facebook so if you want to see them, that's where you'll have to go.

Ciao.

Rome

Thu, 30 Sep 2010 10:43:15 EDT

We are here and I think I can finally figure out how to enter a blog. I've tried three times but this time is going to work. The flight was ok, but felt really long. I hardly slept but got to Rome so am not complaining. We took the train from the airport to the hotel without any difficulties.

The hotel is ok, near the colloseum, walking distance from many things and convenient to public transportation. Went to the Trevi Fountain last night and it was beautiful, though crowded. We have stopped in about six or seven churches and every one has exquisite art and decor. Some simple and some almost gawdy. Today we went in one and we were the only people in the place, almost eerie.

We went to the Borghese Galleries today. Oh my goodness, words really can't express the beauty. Bernini's sculptures are amazing.

Eating pasta here is a delight. I'm trying not to go crazy with my caloric intake but we are walking so much that I'm not real concerned.

I think it is time for a quick nap so I can have some energy for tonight.

Ciao.

The clock is ticking ....

Sun, 26 Sep 2010 11:07:32 EDT

Two days from now I will be on my way to New York and then getting on a plane to Rome. I'm almost packed (unbelievable) and now it's just the little things I have to arrange. Lists, lists and more lists. I have a work-related list; a packing list that has sub lists like electronics (adaptor, camera, battery, various chargers, netbook, I-pod); things to make sure Ben takes care of while I'm gone list; well, you get the picture. OK, now I'm getting nervous. I suppose I should force myself to get off of the computer and start checking things off of those lists.

I hope you all plan on following along as I blog during my trip. Please feel free to write comments -- it'll be fun to hear from you.

The Big Question ...

Sun, 26 Sep 2010 07:27:15 EDT

Are you packed yet?

This seems to be the question I'm getting lately. Of course not, I reply. Do people really pack weeks in advance of their departure date? I never have and I've always seemed to get by. But maybe it's the old "cobbler's kids have no shoes" story. I think being a travel agent makes me a little too laid back about this. I’m a procrastinator at heart and this extends to my packing habits.

But this time, we really are packing light. Yes, we’ll be gone for 17 days, but the cruise we are going on, Azamara Club Cruises, has a casual dress code so I don’t have to worry about fancy clothes and uncomfortable shoes. I’ve been thinking about this over and over and I know I can do it. Tom and I are each taking one carry-on suitcase. I know some of you don’t believe that, but that’s the plan. I don’t mind doing laundry in other countries – it’s part of the adventure. I’ve washed clothes in Scotland, Spain, Norway, England and more. I certainly can do laundry on a cruise ship (especially since it has free washers and dryers and laundry soap).

I have four more days to pack and I think maybe possibly I’ll start tomorrow. I’ll keep you posted.

Will Technology Be The Death Of Me?

Fri, 17 Sep 2010 15:00:34 EDT

I know this is supposed to be a travel blog, but I really need to vent. I have been having some problems with my computer, email, etc. (please don't ask me what is included in the "etc" part of this). I am trying hard not to get frustrated with technology but I think I am losing that battle. I have a new operating system and I know I can get used to that but there are just too many changes all at the same time. My son, Ben, is very skilled in this area and he is trying so hard to teach me things and he has so much confidence in my abilitiy to learn new things. Sorry Ben.

If there is something new in the travel industry, I want to learn about it and have no problem with this. So I know this is selective frustration. I don't want to learn new technology but everywhere I look, everything I read and everyone I talk to is making me do this whether I want to or not. I think one of the big drug companies should come up with something that will help us baby boomers absorb new tech information, or at least not flip a lid when we have to click on something totally new. Isn't it enough that I can surf the internet, send and receive emails, make blog entrees on my website and participate in Facebook? I'm pretty proud of all of that, but no, that's not enough. I feel like I'm running on a track and there is no end in sight (not that I really know what that would be like, but I can imagine).

I want to go to sleep and wake up knowing all of this stuff. Maybe if I fall asleep with my hand on my mouse and my head on my keyboard?

Special Cruise Offer from Princess Cruises

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 10:38:18 EDT

I don't usually post specials in my blog, but I just couldn't resist. Princess Cruises is offering a very last minute special on their September 12th sailing of the Emerald Princess, sailing out of Ft. Lauderdale and stopping in Princess Cays, Ocho Rios, Grand Cayman and Cozumel. You can get a balcony cabin for $606 per person, including all taxes and fees. An inside cabin is available for $456 per person, including all taxes and fees. You can hardly afford to stay home! I know these won't last long, so call me today and set sail on Sunday.

Packing Can Be A Challenge

Mon, 30 Aug 2010 10:07:07 EDT

Every time I plan a trip for myself I say the same thing: This time I am going to pack light. And do I? Sometimes, but not usually to be quite honest. And when I don't, I always wind up bringing home clean clothes, never warn. What a waste of valuable space. Everybody has heard about all of the baggage restrictions the airlines have these days and the costs involved with checking even one suitcase on most airlines. It is more important than ever to pack efficiently. It's a little different if you are cruising from a home port and there are no flights involved, but that's a different story.

Tom and I are going to Italy for 17 days in October and I have a goal: We are each taking only carry on luggage. It's going to be a challenge but I know we can do it. Between advice from my good friend Rick Steves and clothing from my favorite store, Chico's, I can do it! Of course this means no liquids over three ounces, no scissors or nail files and no suitcase full of shoes, but yes, I think it will work. Uh oh, I'm already sounding less confident.

I have done laundry all over the United States and Europe and am looking forward to finding a great laundromat in Italy. Even the ship we are going to be on has a self service laundry room, so no excuses there. And, since we are sailing on Azamara, a "country club casual" ship, we don't have to take any fancy evening wear. Now if only Chico's sold men's clothes.

If you have any packing tips for me, I'd love to hear them. In the meantime, stay tuned for more on this packing saga.

I love my job!

Thu, 26 Aug 2010 13:52:25 EDT

What a week I've had and it's only Thursday. Here are some of the projects that I'm working on: a trip to Roatan, Honduras; a Thanksgiving Caribbean cruise; an anniversary celebration in Bermuda; a honeymoon cruise in Southeast Asia; a couple of short Caribbean cruises; a tour in Vietnam and Cambodia and an African safari. Sure these trips take time and effort to plan, but I love it -- hardly feels like work. And to know that I get to help people have the best possible experiences is so rewarding. Maybe it's a good thing that we've had so much rain lately as I've spent a lot of time in the office working on these projects.

I hope I find some time to work on my own trip to Italy -- it will be here before I know it. Time to make "to do" lists and start checking things off of them. I wish I could just do a Bewitched thing and wiggle my nose and be in Rome eating gelatto. But back to my clients' lists for now.

Don't forget that life is too short for a bad vacation. Call Unique Travel Planners and let's plan your perfect trip together.

Earn money for your favorite nonprofit groups

Sat, 21 Aug 2010 15:37:34 EDT

There are a variety of ways to raise funds for your church, synagogue, club, local humane society, food bank, cancer charity and, well, you get the idea. You can put a huge committee together, collect lots of auction items and have a big gala affair that can take hours, weeks and months to plan (trust me, I've been there), you can have raffles, sell cookies or magazine subscriptions, or how about this: Go on a cruise together. I don't know about you, but the cruise idea sure sounds like the best plan to me.

It's complicated to explain exactly how this works, but trust me, it does. The more people who travel together, the more profitable the fundraiser will be. Imagine if $25 of everyone's cruise fare went back to your favorite charity or group. If you have 40 guests, that's $1,000 right off the bat and that's just the beginning. There are many ways to add to that figure and the only way to do this right is to use an experienced travel consultant to put this kind of group together.

We would love to talk to you about your fundraising ideas. The possibilities really are endless and if we put our heads together, we can do so much good for your organization. Don't hesitate, call today. Let's get this started now.

Be A Group Leader

Tue, 17 Aug 2010 18:14:04 EDT

I promised I'd be back and here I am. This may sound like a bunch of whooey but group leaders can often travel almost free. Now I'm not saying you are not going to work for this, because you are. No free lunch here (actually, I'd be happy to take you to lunch if you want to talk about being a group leader). In return for your group connections and contacts, you can travel practically free, depending on how many guests are traveling in your group as a result of your relationship with them. Here's a common example: You are active in your community association and you know a whole bunch of people who would like to cruise with you. You put together a group of 10 to 15 fellow cruisers (depending on the cruise line) and your cruise fare is complimentary. They only amount you'd have to pay is tax and cruise line fees. And if you get even more people traveling with you, we'll talk. There are so many options that I could bore you silly talking about them and I don't want to do that. And cruises aren't the only means of travel that can be beneficial for you, the group leader. Tour companies also offer special rates for group leaders.

If you are interested in learning more, please contact Unique Travel Planners as soon as possible. Putting together a group can take several months or longer, so it's never to early to get started. I hope to hear from you soon.

Don't forget, life is too short for a bad vacation. Let us help you plan your perfect trip.

Why Group Cruises?

Sun, 15 Aug 2010 12:33:36 EDT

At the risk of being self indulgent, I want to talk a little bit about group travel, something everyone should consider. There are three different types of cruise groups and the one I am going to talk about is "affinity" groups (the other two are corporate and promotional). So, what's an affinity group? It's a bunch of people traveling together who have a common interest. This common interest can be so many different things but here are a few examples: Families (ok, so the common interest isn't always by choice), school reunions, church groups, clubs (garden, chess, bicycle, bridge, Mah Jongg, motorcycle, etc.), bowling leagues, bachelor or bacherlorette parties, weddings (yes, many couples get married right on a cruise ship or at one of the ports of call), and more. I could go on and on with more ideas, but I think you get the picture.

Here's the part about being self indulgent. If you are going to plan a group cruise (or any other type of group travel), please consult with a travel agent. Don't try to do this yourself as there are many details to attend to and a good travel agent will make your group planning so much easier. Why not tap into our experience -- don't reinvent the wheel. And please do not go directly to the cruise line to set up your group -- there are many benefits to group travel and a travel agent will have your best interest in mind. I'm not saying the cruise lines won't, but I can guaranty that I will get you the benefits you have earned if you use Unique Travel Planners to plan your group.

I'm going to continue this in my next blog as I don't want to lose you. Hopefully you will start thinking about what kind of group you could travel with and I'll give you more information in my next blog entry. Sneak preview: I'll tell you how a group leader can travel practically for free! And then I'll tell you how your favorite charity can raise funds with a group cruise. Stay tuned!

Don't forget, life is too short for a bad vacation. Let us help you plan your perfect trip.

The Oasis of the Seas: WOW!

Thu, 12 Aug 2010 11:47:20 EDT

Tom and I had the wonderful opportunity to tour Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas. If you watch t.v. at all, you've seen this ship advertised. It's the huge ship that has "neighborhoods," a zip line, two rock climbing walls, two "Flow Riders", two mini golf courses (one just for kids), incredible kids areas, even more incredible "adult only" areas, a carousal, beautiful lounges, stunning dining room, a million hot tubs (ok, I'm exaggerating a bit), and way too much more to get to right now.

Now, is this ship for everyone? I can't honestly say it is. It is huge and seemed hectic to me. Of course all ships seem hectic as passengers are getting on the first day and they always seem to calm down by day two or three. But is the Oasis for most people? Yes, I think it is. There are so many options in activities, dining and types of cabins. No one could ever get bored on this ship. I have a feeling that when you leave the Oasis, you might need another vacation just to relax. Such a problem.

Well, I need to go, because I am doing laundry at the hotel and then I have to pack and then I have to get on the beautiful Celebrity Solstice. It's a difficult job I have!

Don't forget, life is too short for bad vacations.

Our New Website is Born

Thu, 12 Aug 2010 11:46:44 EDT

I loved my old website, but knew it was time for a change (not something I always look forward to). If you are reading this now, that means you have found the new site and are checking it out and for that, I thank you. The gestation of this new site was not as long as a human pregnancy, but at times felt like it and I think it was worth it. I hope that you will find our website useful, informative and inspiring. If you have any comments or suggestions, please let us know.

I want to thank my patient, multi-talented web designer, Neal Alfano of Creative Aesthetics. He and his team are so great.

And, of course, if you have any travel questions or are ready to start planning your next trip, contact us and let's start making your dream vacation a reality.