Dear Joyce,

Last week I spoke about how today's traveler typically doesn't take much time off from work. Well the short travel vacation standard is actually coupled with the need to stay "connected" and work via the internet while on vacation. Not only is the American vacation shrinking for the working class it is now hard to differentiate work from vacation. Since so many of us are in the tech and services industries the traditional taking one or two weeks off at a time, without "checking in" is obsolete. I remember when I used to look forward to cruising as this was the only way I could "getaway" from the internet, this is not the case any longer. We choose to stay connected and hotels, cruise lines and private home owners have heard our call and, just about all have added high speed internet connections to their respective accommodations.

Now couple this with our already teeny tiny vacations (studies have found that weekend trips now make up 53% of all trips) and voila you have the picture of the basic traveler today. Next time you stay in a hotel check out all the cool tech gadgets most upscale major hotels are adding to entice travelers. The "work station" in most hotels is fully functional so that you can hop on your laptop and comfortably work in your hotel room, and then head out with the family to enjoy your mini vacation.

My company recently met with many of Hawaii's leisure sales managers for the top resorts and they all said the same thing, "today's travelers want to stay connected, they want to be able to work while on vacation."

The question is can we all really get rejuvenated, reconnect with family and be more productive if we never fully disconnect from work?

In this Issue
  • Italy Sojourn
  • Cruise News
  • Now's the time to...
  • Dear Endora
  • Macadamia Shortbread Cookies
  • Featured Property - The Fairmont Orchid
  • Romantic, Adventurous and Affordable...

  • Cruise News

    I just returned from an awesome wilderness adventure in Southeast Alaska aboard the MV Liseron, one of two small ships owned by The Boat Company, a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide educational and recreational trips in Southeast Alaska waters focusing on the Tongass National Forest. The Tongass is the nation's largest national forest and this earth's last, substantially intact, temperate rainforest. The entire week was focused on education about how to enjoy, protect and preserve this wonderful resource.


    Now's the time to...

    • Inquire about SUPER SAVINGS ON ALASKA ADVENTURES WITH THE BOAT COMPANY - this is a vacation not to be missed.
    • Be sure to view our new unique adventure to Tahiti on our website
    • Inquire about our fabulous fall and winter train rides aboard the Rocky Mountaineer!
    • New group cruise to Alaska in 2008, check out our flyer
    • Destination weddings for 2008 should be reserved before the end of 2007 as should all guest accommodations
    • Spring is discount season to Europe how 'bout a fling in gay ole Paris!
    • Book your spring break getaways before all the discounted air is gone
    • New group cruise to Europe in 2008, check out our flyer
    • Call about reserving private home rentals in Hawaii and Mexico for spring and summer
    • New group cruise to Mexico from San Diego for 2008, check out our flyer


    Dear Endora

    Dear Endora:

    I recently booked a cruise to South America and am interested in advance booking for shore excursions. After completing some research, it appears to me that cruise lines frequently charge more for shore excursions than direct tour providers. Isn't this gouging the passenger?

    George


    Macadamia Shortbread Cookies

    This recipe makes deceptively light, notoriously rich shortbread cookies.


    Featured Property - The Fairmont Orchid

    This Luxurious beachfront resort nestled on 32 acres of the sunny Kohala Coast at Mauna Lani. An award-winning paradise, The Fairmont Orchid offers luxuriously appointed guestrooms and suites with private lanai.


    Romantic, Adventurous and Affordable...

    These are the words that a client used when she described what she was looking for in the perfect honeymoon. What I told her was that you just can't beat Costa Rica for value and the best use of your travel dollar, let alone the romance and adventure that comes with this delightful country. Take a good look at the itinerary below which has this couple picking up a rental car in San Jose and driving to the Peace Lodge which is only a few hours away for one night with opportunities to view the Poas Volcano and get some bird-watching in. The next day has them moving on to Kioro Suites at the Arenal Volcano where they will be able to see the glow of the lava and ash after dark while they spend their days on exhilarating activities and in the hot springs. A drive down to coast for a few days at Manuel Antonio rounds out the trip with some beach time and more tours and explorations at this world famous national park known for its wildlife. A few hours drive and they will be back in San Jose and boarding their flight for the trip home. The most important thing that they will take back with them will be the unforgettable memories of this wonderful little country and their fabulous honeymoon.


    Italy Sojourn

    This September I will be off on an adventure with my aunt and second cousin in search of our roots in Italy. I am excited about visiting Sicily as my family's home (on my grandmother's side) was still in tact the last time relatives visited this island.

    New to me will be our journey to Reggio di Calabria where my grandfather is supposed to come from. He actually moved back to Italy before the start of the second war and never returned to the states. My mother remembered sending him packages up until the end of the 1940's and then nothing...

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    REGENT SEVEN SEAS

    1. GRAND ASIA PACIFIC

    Singapore to Sydney aboard Seven Seas Mariner
    November 4, 2007 - Enjoy 15 nights with 30% savings, free Economy Class air* and a complimentary shipboard credit of up to $200** on cruise fares starting from $7,276. Offers Jean-Michel Cousteau's Ocean Futures Society Lecturer Program. Dig into Asian and Polynesian cultures with Regent's Spotlight on Antiques. Don't miss Regent's Le Cordon Bleu Circle of Interest on this sailing. 5% additional savings for Seven Seas Society members!
    *Guests may choose $1,400 savings in lieu of free Economy Class air with fares starting from $5,876. **Guests staying in suite categories H thru D receive a $100 shipboard credit per suite; Penthouse C and above receive a $200 shipboard credit per suite.

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    Ft. Lauderdale to San Francisco aboard Seven Seas Mariner April 30, 2008 - Enjoy 16 nights with up to 50% savings on cruise fares starting from $5,995. Don't miss Regent's Le Cordon Bleu Circle of Interest on this sailing.

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    LAND PACKAGES INCLUDING AIR FROM LOS ANGELES

    Hawaii's Big Island 6 days from $665

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    For a limited time save up to $2000 p/couple on Trafalger's European river cruises. Offer ends September 30, 2007*.

    Over 20 Grand River Cruise Vacations Plus 3 New Tours

    • Danube Discovery - 9 days from $1,849 pp
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    • Grand Christmas & New Year's Cruise - 14 days from $2,979 pp

    Princess Cruises adds San Francisco Sailings

    Princess Cruises' 2008-09 Mexican Riviera season will see two of its largest ships operating from Los Angeles and San Francisco on seven- and 10-day cruises. The 116,000gt Sapphire Princess and the 109,000gt Star Princess together will provide 38 departures.

    British Columbia with Cruise West

    Early booking discounts now available

    The scenic, glacier carved fjords of British Columbia's coastline are some of the most beautiful in the world. Granite walls soar from the sea and disappear in the heights above. Killer whales find plentiful food in rich waters. In contrast to the immense wilderness are the cosmopolitan cites of Vancouver and Victoria, popular retirement areas for Canadians on their country's "Sunshine Coast." Victoria's truly "British" atmosphere and marvelous museums make it a popular visitor destination. We also cruise through the stunning San Juan Islands of Washington state, a boater's paradise, and visit the quaint and picturesque communities of Friday Harbor and Port Townsend, as well as the Rosario Resort.

    Come join us on this wonderful cruise of contrasts and discover why many of us at Cruise West have decided to call this area "Home."

    • Prices starting from: $2,699 per person
    • 8 Days, 7 Nights
    • Round Trip From Seattle
    • Vessel: Spirit of Endeavour
    • 2007 Departures: September 22, 29 and October 6, 13 2007
    • 2008 Departures: April, May, September, October
    • Download Map & Itinerary Flier here

    Photographers' Cruise

    • Co-hosted by professional PENTAX photographers.
    • Onboard workshops with Special field events
    • Hands-on instruction on everything from equipment to digital image management
    • Tips on how to get the right shot and
    • Access to a variety of the newest PENTAX products.
    • British Columbia: Pacific Northwest Coastal Escape, April 27, 2008
    • Alaska: Wilderness Inside Passage, May 23 & July 4, 2008
    • Mexico's Sea of Cortés: Whales & Wildlife, January 19, 2008
    • Costa Rica & Panama: Between Two Seas, March 26 & December 2, 2008

    *Terms and Conditions: *Save up to $2000 per couple ($1000 per person) valid on select Trafalgar 2008 River Cruises when booked and paid in full by September 30, 2007. Savings will vary per cruise and is listed on each itinerary page of the 2008 River Cruise brochure. Offer cannot be booked online and is not applicable to groups. All cruise and air prices include airline fuel surcharges. Additional taxes and fees apply. Additional restrictions apply. Sample savings based on Trafalgar Grand European Explorer category 2 and above when paid in full by September 30, 2007.

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