Latest Travel Articles

Monday, August 09, 2010

When a place has as much to offer as Australia & New Zealand, it is wise to organize your time before leaving home. By arranging an independent tour or joining an escorted, group tour, you'll be able to make the most efficient use of your time and see more of the wonder down under.

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.

Monday, August 09, 2010

The thrill and excitement of attending a world class sporting event is unsurpassed. This is more than a vacation - it's the opportunity of a lifetime!

Rather than buying tickets and then trying to secure hotel accommodations, consider booking a sports package.

• Packages including transportation, accommodation, event tickets and additional entertainment are often a good value and certainly make it easy to attend. On site event hosts act as your local concierge. There's a range of add-ons like upgrades and private transfers to make it even more special.
• If you're looking for custom arrangements, we can help you sort out the details with our network of local partners and sporting event specialists.
• Tickets to regular season games as well as world class sporting events can be arranged.

These are just a few examples of upcoming events you can attend:

• October 2-10th, 2010: Albuquerque...The New Mexico Balloon Festival is a treasured tradition and a world-renowned spectacle
• 2010 National Rodeo Finals, Las Vegas
• 2011 Rose Bowl Parade: Experience a festival of flowers and music now in its 122nd year on January 1, 2011 at 8:00 a.m
• BCS Championship game: January 7, 2010 in Glendale, Arizona
• 2011 Super Bowl, February 3-7, Arlington, Texas - Enjoy America's biggest sporting event complete with parties, festivals and entertainment.
• 2011 NBA All Star Game. Los Angeles, CA: The best players in the world - in one place, at one time.
• March 5-9, 2011: Experience Mardi Gras in New Orleans! The famous – perhaps notorious – annual Fat Tuesday festival.
• April 1-5, 2011: Final Four...College basketball at it's best. March Madness doesn't get any better than the Final Four.
• 2011 Masters Golf Tournament, April 4-10, Augusta, Georgia. Watch the world's greatest golfers compete for the Green Jacket. Flexible packages give you plenty of options for events and accommodation.
• The Kentucky Derby is run on the first Saturday in May - May 5-8th, 2011
• 2011 Calgary Stampede July 8-17th: The world famous Stampede, includes seats at the evening Grandstand Show and the famous Chuckwagon Races.
• 2012 Summer Games of the XXX Olympiad, July 26 - August 14, London, England - The ultimate in international sports, space is limited for high demand events and premium accommodation so pre-arrange early.

These events sound so exciting! Why not plan your next vacation around your favorite sporting event?

Monday, August 09, 2010

Uniworld offers exciting Epicurean Adventures program! Private wine tastings, culinary demonstrations, and a special wine and food pairing dinner make your trip extra special:

• Learn how to select the perfect wine to complement your meal at special wine and food pairing dinners
• Cooking demonstrations led by master chefs who will teach you trade secrets
• Guided exclusive shore excursions to places like vintners’ homes for private wine tastings
• All meals with complimentary fine wine during dinner onboard

Crab Cakes

These delightful morsels are easy to prepare, make a perfect appetizer, and are distinctly delicious!

Ingredients

4 ounces fresh breadcrumbs, seasoned 

1 large egg

2 fl oz creme fraiche, full fat

1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

1 tsp mustard powder

1 lb crabmeat

Handful of fresh tarragon

Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper for additional seasoning

Directions

1. In a bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, egg, creme fraiche, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard powder.
2. Add the crab meat and tarragon. Mix thoroughly and season to taste. If the mixture is too dry, add more crème fraÎche. Put in the refrigerator to bind.
3. Remove the mixture from the refrigerator and shape into eight small cakes.
4. Shallow fry the cakes over a gentle heat until brown on both sides.

Saturday, July 31, 2010

 

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

value booklet worth over $450 in savings(maximum 2 per cabin)

Private welcome cocktail party

Photo session-receive an individual photo with Paula

FREE CD with photos of the trip shot by O'Neal Bailey

FREE DVD of the trip shot by Bailey's Photos

Special dinners including a poolside barbecue hosted by Paula Private beach BBQ on Holland America's private island featuring the Deen Family "Olympics", fun, and music

Cooking demo by the ms Nieuw Amsterdam's executive chef, with Paula doing a "critique" in her inimitable style!

Q&A and game session with Paula... Prizes too!

Optional exclusive shore excursions including some hosted by members of the Deen family

Commemorative "Paula Deen" personalized gift

Paula Deen Cruise bag filled with surprises

Private farewell cocktail party

Gratuities, taxes, government fees, and insurance included

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.

Thursday, July 29, 2010

New England's fall foliage is due to crisp, clear sunny days and long, cold nights. These special weather conditions halt the chlorophyll production in the leaves, and allow the brilliant golden and scarlet colors to be revealed.

Autumn is glorious in Canada and New England. The sun still shines on the Eastern Seaboard's many seafaring towns and the cool fall air turns the foliage a dazzling crimson and gold. A trip to Canada and New England uncovers the history and character that started a nation. With the quaint Colonial charm of New England towns and the spectacular Canadian coastline, history is everywhere you look. Discover the very fabric of the cities and towns that are woven with history and experience French Canada's unique flavor and culture.

Cruises and tours of Canada & New England both offer different styles of travel to enjoy all there is to see and do in the fall.

Fall foliage is unpredicatable, as we cannot predict Mother Nature, so keep in mind that the further North you go, the better chance you have of seeing the fall colors. Most often the last week of September through mid October is a good time to visit New England.

Although New England is known for fall foliage, there are other parts of the country that have equally stunning leaf color with mountain back drops, lakeside views or sprawling vineyards. Don't forget the amazing National Parks. Peak is usually mid-October. Sedona, Zion, Grand Tetons and Yellowstone all offer great fall folors. Napa Valley, Lake Tahoe and Yosemite national park usually peak later, around the end of October.

In the South, the Blue Ridge Parkway and Smoky Mountains are popular areas to see foliage, as well as Greensboro, Franklin and These areas tends to peak in early November.

Although several departures are sold out, there are still some foliage tours, cruises and train trips to view the fall foliage in 2010.  I invite you to visit our website dedicated to Fall Foliage trips if you want would like more information.