Dominican Republic

August is Sizzling in the Dominican Republic

Spent a few days this month in the Dominican Republic at the AM resorts - site inspections at Dreams, Secrets, Now, Breathless and Zoetry.  all-inclusive, some for families or couples or partying with friends.  Zoetry the most upscale.  Only boutique property.  Quiet, beautiful beach.  Breathless - Las Vegas meets Miami couples or friends' getaway, Now and Dreams - families - preferred the clean lines of Now.  Secrets - for couples only - more relaxed.  Something for everyone!

Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a destination with lots of interesting things to do - hiking, biking and ziplining through rainforests, birdwatching, surfing, snorkeling, fishing, yoga and spas with relaxing hot thermal springs.  Lots of beautiful resorts, my favorite Nayara Springs; a boutique hotel near the Arenal  Volcano and Rio Perdido, another small boutique hotel.  For larger hotels, The Hilton and the Marriott Guanacaste are good choices.

Israel

Israel

Israel

Israel

Petra

Airline update

Do you have a spine condition like I do or another disability?  When making your airline reservations, inquire about handicapped seats.  You do not have to be wheelchair bound !
Also, always check if your seat assignments are correct  Afters speaking with an agent, I often find the seats are not what I booked.

Tel Aviv Maps

Very difficult to get a comprehensive map of all of Tel Aviv's streets.  Also, people we asked for directions often could not direct us.

Rome's city tax increases

Rome has just doubled the city tax from 3 to 6 Euros per day per person per day!

Petra

Awe inspiring

Waldorf Astoria will change Israeli hospitality business

Masada and The Dead Sea

Another amazing day

Old city in Jerusalem

An amazing day

Wailing Wall

Leaving today for Israel and One day in Jordan

Hope that the rain does not cause delays this evening-lots to see and do

Experiential Travel

One of leisure travel's biggest trends is experiential travel.   As the demand for this trend increases, more companies are offering exciting ways to participate in the local culture.  Holland America now offers its "On location" program where local artists, entertainers and educators will teach guests how to play the didgeridoo in Australia or learn French in select Canadian destinations.  Thus, these experiences are now enjoyed by a much larger segment of travelers.

Club Med Sale

Hello Valued Travel Partners!

Hope your year is going great and you are closing some good sales. We have been busier than ever at  Club Med.  With all the cold weather on the East Coast, our resorts

have been filling quickly.  Right now our focus is on holiday bookings. This time last year, 60% of our Family Suites were sold in Cancun Yucatan.  We are also very excited

about  new enhancements and additions in our North American resorts.  

Ø  Book Now for the Holidays

          

Cancun Yucatan, Mexico                      Punta Cana, Dominican Republic               Sandpiper Bay, Florida

§  Family Suites and Connecting Rooms are still available but will be in high demand

§  Book early and save

Ø  Get Up and Go Sale

§  From $119 per person/per night, double occupancy in Club Room

§  For travel through October 31, 2014

§  Book before May 6, 2014

§  Available at 50 Club Med Resorts Worldwide

Ø  Stay 7 Nights for the Price of 4 at Ixtapa Pacific, Mexico

          

               Ixtapa Pacific, Mexico                                Sol Suite for Couples                                    Club Room

§  Summer vacations in Ixtapa, Pacific starting from $759 per person (double occupancy, club room)

§  For travel between May 3 and August 23, 2014

§  Book before April 22, 2014

Ø  The Club Med Family Reunion Package

§  Book 7 Rooms or more

§  Get up to 15% additional land savings

§  Special value amenities for the group

§  Available at  Sandpiper Bay, Punta Cana, Cancun Yucatan, Ixtapa Pacific

§  For travel through April 30, 2015

§  Book before May 6, 2014

Ø  New Family Accommodations, Restaurants and Children’s Club in Cancun Yucatan, Mexico

§  30 Oceanfront Deluxe Family Rooms, sleeps up to 6

§  30 Oceanfront Club Family Rooms, sleeps up to 5

§  New Petit Club for 2 and 3 year olds

§  New Oceanfront Dining at La Estancia and Las Cazuelas

§  New Maya Lounge

Royal Caribbean Sale

Special sale for a limited time on select sales - 3rd. and 4th. person free.

New Zealand

New Zealand - Spectacular scenery, whale watching, hiking, rafting, golf, great food and wine.  12 hour flight from the West Coast - why not enjoy San Francisco on the way to NZ and Los Angeles on the return.

 

Traveling during "shoulder season" affords you great value.  The prices are lower, the weather is good and the crowds are gone!  This is the time period between high and low season.  For example, the Caribbean in November through early December (excluding Thanksgiving week).

Mexico's Riviera Nayarit

For those of you who are hesitant to visit Mexico because of safety concerns, do not rule out Puerto Vallarta and the adjacent Riviera Nayarit.  There were no safety issues and it is good alternative to Caribbean's higher priced resorts.  Marival Residences and World Spa is an all-inclusive resort offering top level cuisine, free alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages, all suite accommodations and  complimentary side trips including dolphin and sea lion encounters, sunset cruises, zip lining and more.
Call or email me for details at gwen@traveleaseportal.com or 267-567-3048