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Luxury Cruise Ship The Wind Star

2008-05-15T09:26:00.000-07:00

A Caribbean Cruise on the Wind Star will begin and end in St. Thomas or Bridgetown, Barbados with direct flights from the U.S. via Puerto Rico. Its standard ports of call are the French West Indies, the U.S. Virgin Islands, British Virgin Islands, Barbados Puerto Rico and the Bahamas.

The Wind Star offers course by course in stateroom dining while on board as well as traditional, casual or specialty dining in the Veranda the Main Dining Room with its shore side open café feel and open seating, but dress is casually elegant to the more casual dining areas where no tie is needed.

The Degrees (formerly the Bistro) offers cuisines from Northern Italy to France and Indonesia all prepared by a world renown chef. Relax on board in one of the hammocks on deck and swing in the breeze while ice cold lemon scented towels and cold sorbet ( in an orange half ) or afternoon hors d' oeuvres are brought to you.

Travel the Amazon River in Luxury

2008-05-15T09:22:00.000-07:00

Hear the word cruise and frequent travelers automatically picture an ocean-going vessel ready to carry thousands of passengers along the most scenic waters of the world. But those accustomed to luxury travel are well aware that some of the best cruises in the world are taken on mighty rivers like the Nile, the Danube, the Mississippi and, of course, the Amazon. The Amazon is the second longest river in the world and empties into the Atlantic Ocean along the coast of Brazil. While other rivers feature cruises on smaller vessels, the Amazon is massive enough in width and depth to support some of today's luxury cruise ships. A number of cruise lines with five-star reputations, like Crystal, Holland America, and Silversea to name a few, provide regular itineraries that include the Amazon River.

For travelers who are looking for eco-friendly ways to visit remote areas of the planet, what better way to leave a negligible footprint than to visit pristine rainforest areas by ship? Cruise passengers experience the jungle environment with minimal disruption to native habitat, while they enjoy all the first-class accommodations and amenities that the best cruise ships have to offer.

Your Luxury Alaska Cruise Vacation

2008-05-09T08:36:00.000-07:00

Each year TravelStore's experts arrange Alaskan luxury cruises, tours and vacations for thousands of travelers who come away with breathtaking experiences. We know what you're coming to see: majestic mountains, free-roaming wildlife and thundering Ice Age glaciers. These are the spectacles of nature that will fill your senses and immerse you in life-changing adventures.

You can search for and compare the most popular Alaska cruises currently available, or search Alaska offers by the cruise lines below, but we invite you to contact our Alaska experts and read further for more information.

Alaska Cruises 2008

2008-05-09T08:30:00.000-07:00

Alaska cruises have become one of the most popular ways to visit Alaska. Cruises feature glaciers, wildlife, great food, entertainment, interesting ports of call and fascinating tours along way… and you only have to unpack once! There are a number of different cruise itineraries in Alaska offered by most of the major lines. We highly recommend the Gulf of Alaska cruise itinerary offered by Princess Cruises. These week-long cruises travel between Whittier (Anchorage) and Vancouver, BC with either a northbound or southbound itinerary. Highlights include Glacier Bay National Park, College Fjord in Prince William Sound, and interesting port towns like Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan. Shore excursions are available in each port, from historic railroad trips to landing on a glacier by helicopter. Princess Cruises offers the newest ships in this Alaska market featuring the Sapphire Princess, Coral Princess, Diamond Princess and Island Princess. These fabulous ships are often called "floating cities", with features like numerous restaurants, lounges, Broadway style entertainment, casinos, health clubs, movie theaters, libraries, and more. Alaska cruises represent a great value - combining your transportation, meal, entertainment and sightseeing expenses into one reasonable fare.

Bangkok's giant Reclining Buddha!

2008-04-13T00:00:00.001-07:00

Wat Pho (pronounced "Poe", not "Fho" which is the Vietnamese noodle soup), is one of Bangkok's oldest and largest temples (over 200 years old!!). Its official name is Wat Phra Chetuphon Vimolmangklararm Rajwaramahaviharn (yeah I hear ya... I'd stick with "Wat Pho" as well, we Thais are known for our long names). The temple grounds cover some 20 acres and contain more than 1000 Buddha statues. However, the main attraction is the HUGE reclining Buddha statue, 46 meters in length and 15 meters in height to be exact. The exterior is gold plated with his eyes made of mother of pearl! The soles of his feet are also decorated with mother of pearl, depicting 108 auspicious Buddhist scenes (108 is also an auspicious number in Buddhism).

In addition to the Reclining Buddha, the temple is also famous for being Thailand's first university and the birthplace of traditional Thai massage (interesting, huh?). After a long stroll around the temple, you can decompress and get a massage as well. It'll cost you only 150 Baht for 30 minutes and 250 Baht for one hour. Be forewarned though, this is hardcore stuff! They'll yank your arms, legs, and stretch you out like gummi bears candy. I wouldn't recommend it if you're a newbie, you can end up limping during your entire vacation here. For those of you that are used to these stuffs or are into yoga, then this definitely a cheap way to unwind.

Admissions Fee: 20 Baht per person

Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Closed for lunch between 12:00PM-1:00PM)

How to get there:
Buses: #6, 8 and 12 stops pretty close by.

Taxi: Flag down a cab, but make sure they turn on the meter first. Don't even bother negotiating prices with them, they're supposed to turn on the meter...it's the law!. If they give you a hard time, I would just flag down another one, since this one will probably use the long route to get to your destination anyway.

Colors of Buenos Aires

2008-04-12T23:59:00.001-07:00

Buenos Aires is a very beautiful city, filled with color if you know where to look.

As we took a city tour, we stopped at La Casa Rosada, The Pink House. It is the presidential palace and the official seat of the government. Its front balcony has hosted many famous people. Eva Peron and Pope John Paul II have spoken from it and this was where Madonna sang 'Don't cry for me, Argentina' for the movie.

In my opinion, the most concentrated area of colors is in the barrio La Boca, The Mouth. There was a large wave of immigrants to Argentina during the later part of the 19th century and the early part of the 20th century. About 50% of them were Italian, with a large percentage from Genoa. Genoa is a port town and many of these new immigrants settled at la boca, the mouth of the river. As they did in Genoa, they painted the houses with paint leftover from the shipyards.

A major part of the history of La Boca is Benito Quinquela Martin. By the late 1950's, La Boca looked nothing like it had in the early part of the century. The colorful housing was being pulled down and being replaced with blocks of flats. An orphan who had been adopted by immigrants, Quinquela, as he is commonly known, grew up in La Boca and is a famous Argentinean painter. Because the port of La Boca had been his inspiration, he decided to do something to preserve it.

The, literally, little street of Caminito was one of the results of this preservation effort. It shows the way La Boca used to look, with brightly painted corrugated metal housing. On the weekends, Caminito becomes a place for local artists to show their wares and couples come to dance the tango in the street.

Scottsdale Arizona

2008-04-12T23:58:00.000-07:00

Disappointed in the various "wiki" guides to Scottsdale Arizona? It seems people who have never been there have written many of them.

Read on for some great information.

Scottsdale Arizona used to be considered "The Most Western Town", that doesn't seem to apply today, although there are still glimpses of the old West in certain areas like Old Town, where the stores still resemble a western town out of the past.

The Cavalliere Blackmsith shop on Brown Avenue has been there since 1908, continuously in business by the same family and represents the days when horses did roam the streets and needed shoeing.

Another spot to get the feel of yesterday is at Greasewood Flats, an old stagecoach stop located in what is now North Scottsdale. Parts of the old road from Greasewood Flats to Fort McDowell can still be seen today. Reata Pass, in the same area on Alma School Road, is a Steak House that dates from the 1950's, it was used as a stage set in some old movies and still exists today serving some great steaks. The irony is that just across the road is a very sophisticated and upscale resort, but it seems those clients like to hop across the road to view things as they "used to be" as well.

An interesting sidelight is that the Cavalliere family who were original settlers of Scottsdale Arizona still owns and operates all these "historic" Scottsdale landmarks!

A great way of seeing what Scottsdale used to be is to visit the old resorts. When you go to the Phoenician, you can't miss a small building to the side of the entryway, The Jokake Inn still stands and is used as a special events venue. Another walk into the past is a visit to the Camelback Inn. It appears as it did 50 years ago with all its charm and appeal. The Hermosa Inn is another great "old" resort. Although many of these old resorts have been renovated and re-invented, much of the old charm is there.

Prepaid Visa Card Budget Travel

2008-04-01T07:04:00.000-07:00

One of the newest financial tools for travellers is the prepaid Visa travel card, called TravelMoney. This is essentially a loaded debit card, but specifically designed for travellers, using the widely accepted Visa name. It is meant as a replacement for unwieldy travellers cheques, which are becoming increasingly difficult to have cashed in many places.

The prepaid visa travel card can be loaded with anywhere from $250 to $10,000, and can be reloaded anytime from a bank account or credit card by telephone or at a financial institution. It is a better choice for travellers than a regular prepaid debit card because it carries the Visa name, and because the protection against loss or theft is higher. It is important to keep the card number elsewhere, so that you can call to immediately have a new card issued and a stop placed on the stolen or lost card. The card is not connected to your bank accounts, so only the amount on the card is at risk, and with reloading so convenient to do, there is no need to carry a large amount on the card itself.

The prepaid visa travel card can be used to get local currency, simply by using an ATM in the place you are visiting. Local funds can be withdrawn, and the adjusted amount is removed from the card. The card can be used for online purchases, as well as for car rentals, hotel reservations, movies, dinners, and travel tickets. For budget conscious travellers, this card is a great option versus a regular credit card. Due to the unwieldy way in which transactions are recorded, particularly when travelling, it is often difficult to gauge how much has been charged to a card. This is especially true when dealing with foreign currency transactions. Often, after returning from a trip, there can be a nasty shock when the credit card bills arrive.

Get A Cruise Ship Job

2008-04-01T07:02:00.000-07:00

Is it your dream to work on a cruise ship? What a wonderful experience that would be, visiting far flung places, just like one long holiday. If you have already tried to get one of these coveted jobs then you will know how hard it is to break in. It's virtually like a closed shop, but from an ex-crew member you will be given secrets to help you get that job you desire. Fancy living 5 star all the way, a tax free income, all the new people you will meet, different nationalities. What a 'get away from it all' type of job. You won't want to come back when your contract finishes.

It can be difficult to find out what you need to know to apply for one of these jobs. Some people offer help but you find the telephone numbers they give you don't work any more, the websites are not available any more. It seems just like a dead-end, but don't give up. Some help could have been forthcoming, but at what price. It is possible for you to get the right information so that you can be a high flyer. Don't waste any more time trawling the internet, get this product and soon you will be sailing the high seas. Did you know that cruise lines need over 15,000 new staff every year just so they have enough for all the newly launched ships, but even then, the author was rejected several times and couldn't understand why.

He came to the conclusion that it had to be a case of 'who you know' or unless you were prepared to spend money bribing your way in, you were locked out. Some startling 'secrets' emerged and the author utilized them and you wouldn't believe how dramatically the situation changed. He was actually being head-hunted by cruise companies, they were actually calling him with job offers. He was actually spoilt for choice.

Family Friendly Vacation and Holiday Activity Ideas

2008-04-01T06:59:00.000-07:00

Need some inspiration on places to take your children? The Borough of Richmond upon Thames has a range of family friendly activities which children will love - in fact, the whole family will...

Richmond upon Thames is one of the best family vacation destinations in Greater London. Close enough to central London to expose your children to all that has to offer, while offering plenty of family activity to ensure your holidays will be remembered as the perfect family fun vacation. Having holidays with kids can be difficult because not everywhere is child friendly. Happy children means happy parents which is why we have put together some family vacation ideas for those who enjoy family activities on their holidays. Your kids and family will enjoy their holidays in Richmond upon Thames.

Ceramics Café Kew How about getting the whole family to try out something creative? Ceramics Café is a relaxed and fun environment to experiment with something different. Choose the ceramic object you'd like to paint, and let your imagination run wild. No experience is necessary and it is a fun outing for young and old alike. This is also one of those great summer activities for kids.Tiny Teddies This is a free activity for babies and very young children. These fun baby bounce and rhyme sessions include stories, songs and rhymes and are held in local libraries.

Story Time Under 5's can enjoy being read a story at the local libraries. These story time sessions are held once a week. Day and time vary depending on which library in the Richmond borough you visit. Puppet Theatre Barge Visiting this theatre is a completely unique experience. These imaginative marionette and rod puppet spectacles take place aboard a 50 seater barge which is moored at Richmond on the River Thames between July and October. This fantastic setting makes this an incredibly exciting outing for children.

Best Cruise Deals Find Best Cruise Deals

2008-02-23T08:04:00.000-08:00

Finding the best cruise deals can be a daunting experience if you have never had the pleasure of sailing the high seas before. Where do you start? Truth is, finding the best cruise deals isn't as much of a trauma as it once was. Once upon a time it was almost a privilege to go on a cruise holiday but today, with more ships being built and cruise lines increased schedules, great cruise deals practically jump out at you every day. Still, if you can shave a few extra dollars of the already attractive prices then why not. In this article, we'll outline the two best methods of getting the best deals.

Your Travel Agent

Despite the influence of the internet a travel agent still rules the roost when it comes to serving you in finding the best deals for cruise holidays. Many seem to overlook them today as the first go to for quotes. This is a little mystifying because they have the ability to not only do the important "leg work" for you and locate your cruise holiday, but they can also get you on a ship for the least amount of dollars. There is something you need to do though; don't accept the first prices or prices offered to you. Let them earn your business. In fact, don't stop at the first travel agent you come to. Shop around and get a list of respective prices for the same cruise you're interested in. Go back to each of the agents with the lowest price you were able to find and then ask them to beat it if they want your business.

Online cruise Deals

There are many excellent resources online which can help you hunt down the best cruise deals. The competition is fierce and online travel sites want your business.

Arizona golf Package Scottsdale Vacation

2008-02-23T08:02:00.000-08:00

An Arizona golf package Scottsdale vacation will give a golfer all that is required for a delightful golfing holiday wrapped up in a package. Scottsdale has been regarded as the most popular golf vacation location in the USA. This is because of its pleasant climate, cultural diversity and geographical abundance.

Many major golf tournaments are held in Scottsdale. The number of options present in Scottsdale can be baffling for a golfing vacationer. To simplify yet give the best option, several packages are available in Scottsdale.

Accommodation in Scottsdale ranges from budget to five star, affordable to luxury and in some parts of the year rates drop down to affordable luxury. There are hotels with suites that have living rooms that take in breathtaking views. Most suites have two or three bedrooms. There are also golf clubs that offer luxury and budget accommodation. Golf resorts offer more than just golf but have spa and wellness treatments for after golf relaxation.

Golf packages give the golfer vacationer the best golf plans. A package consists of seven nights and five rounds of golf in different premium or elite golf courses, three nights with two rounds of golf in reputed golf courses or five nights and four rounds of golf in different golf courses. Tee times, carts can be booked in advanced and prepaid. Vehicles can be rented to travel the distance between courses while booking the package.

All packages are based on availability and are subject to change so it is essential to check and recheck before starting out. Prices are per person based on double occupancy.

Travel Abroad with Adventure Alaska Canada

2008-02-23T08:00:00.000-08:00

Books and photos can only provide a static picture of the places captured unlike the emotions and beauty you hear about from those who have visited the destinations. Adventure Alaska Canada travel provides adventure-seeking travelers the opportunity to visit exotic, arctic locations that many would never even consider when planning their dream vacation. Do not be fooled, though. Adventure Alaska Canada is the perfect solution for anyone needing a break from the usual. From kayaking among giant glaciers to elk roaming the plains, both Alaska and Canada offer some of the finest opportunities for adventure, beauty, activities and fun.

Travelers participating in adventure Alaska Canada travel can enjoy a walk along the shores of Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. The Rocky Mountains tower in the middle offer many opportunities for hiking, rock climbing and a beautiful elk and polar bears for the naturalist to experience. Travelers can also experience culture unique to these regions, from the Eskimos in the west where you can experience Eskimo festivals to the Acadian culture in the east where you can listen to authentic Acadia music.

Adventure Alaska Canada travel is certainly not short on fun and excitement as there are plenty of activities and opportunities for adventure. Bicyclists will appreciate the hundreds of miles of beautiful, untouched land while campers can even camping in a new place miles away from civilization. If the water is what you love, kayaks and canoes can be used in many of the rivers found throughout Alaska and Canada. Adventures in adventure Alaska Canada are as varied and fun as the participants.

Where to go on Your Cruise Ship Vacation

2008-02-21T09:45:00.000-08:00

Where to go on Your Cruise Ship Vacation So you have decided you would like to have a cruise ship vacation. The next thing you need to decide is where about in the world you would like to cruise, and what kind of activities you would like do, both on and off the cruise ship.

There are a wide variety of options available, so you will easily be able to find several that will suit your needs perfectly. It is worth taking your time to research all the options to be sure you get the very best available. Now it is possible to find a cruise that meets most people's interests.

Tropical Cruises

Tropical cruises are very popular for cruise vacation travel If you enjoy the heat, then there are many cruises that are based in hot sunny, tropical areas. You can choose to enjoy the beaches of the Caribbean, Hawaii, Mexico, or South America, for example, as well as many other tropical destinations. There are many different destinations to choose from, where you can enjoy a tropical climate. To get a great deal on these vacations, consider looking for those that are offered during the off season. This can be the ideal time to go because temperatures are just cool enough for you to really enjoy them and you can save a great deal of money too.

Cultural Experiences

Where to go on Your Cruise Ship Vacation There are a number of different cruises that give you an option of experiencing different cultures. There are many cruises around Mexico and South America for instance. You can cruise around parts of Asia or even Europe and Africa. The world is full of possibilities when it comes to a cruise ship vacation. You have the opportunity to discover many interesting places that you can visit on these cruises as well. Most cruise ships will make several stops at various ports to allow you disembark and spend the day exploring and buying souvenirs.

Cruises for the Entire Family

2008-02-21T09:39:00.000-08:00

Cruises for the Entire Family Look at it this way: you know the kids are not going that far, unless of course they have gone overboard. Also, there is a little bit of something for everyone in all age groups. From adults, to teens, to kids, there is are coordinated activities as well as focused facilities for all of the different age groups. You can rest assured that no one will be bored on a family cruise.

For parents there are the usual activities. Your rest, relaxation and rejuvenation is certainly the focus and you can spend all the time you'd like lounging by the pool or on the deck, as well as making appointments for a massage or facial. There is plenty of evening recreation for once the kids are in bed, and it varies from ship to ship. There are also great opportunities for socializing and networking, and it is a good idea to have either a small notebook on hand, or at least copies of your card to give to new friends and contacts. There are also wine tasting groups, exercise rooms and nightclubs are on the adults only agendas for most family cruises.

For kids, there are all kinds of activities on board family cruises. From special times in the pool, to special gym classes, the kids are at least seemingly the focus on a family cruise. There are also children's centers focused on entertaining the kids and keeping them busy while the adults enjoy their alone time. There are craft activities and fully certified staff to work with your most precious commodities: your kids.

Reasons to Choose Royal Caribbean Cruises

2008-02-21T09:37:00.000-08:00

Reasons to Choose Royal Caribbean Cruises Many people find it very difficult to plan a vacation, that is any vacation. There are so many possibilities, options and different locations. For this reason there are those who turn to Royal Caribbean cruises for a great alternative. This exciting selection presents the traveler with an all-in package holiday including travel between the different stops, lodging, meals and entertainment. The cruise ships offer a variety of different dining choices, taking all ages into consideration from children to the elderly.

Ships included in their fleet of cruises are massive and should they wish, vacationers may spend their whole holiday on board without leaving at the different ports. These ships usually include swimming pools, sun bathing decks and tennis courts. They also offer exercise classes and other sports facilities. Imagine rock climbing aboard the ship! Well, it is possible for the adventurous ones who wish to take advantage of such an opportunity. Such cruises provide ongoing entertainment, including shows, bars, amusement for kids and onboard shopping.

Reasons to Choose Royal Caribbean Cruises Their cruises set off from many ports within the United States, so a traveler may not have to travel far to reach the point of embarkation. Vacationers may also plan their itinerary according to the stops that they would like to make in the different locations. One may sleep in one's cabin, take advantage of the ship's facilities and then benefit from the various stops for sightseeing, sunbathing, shopping and other activities.

Family Cruises - A Perfect Holiday Destination to Enjoy

2008-02-20T10:03:00.000-08:00

Family Cruise holidays, once said to be reserved for the rich and super rich people are now accessible and affordable by everyone. Family cruise holidays are the best options to enjoy leisure with all your loved ones together. Family cruise holidays are wonderful experiences to be enjoyed with friends and family. Pick out any of the cruise destinations of your choice and enjoy the leisure with your family members. Gift your family some memorable and cherished moments to make them happy in their cruise vacation. In modern busy life, family members get no time to spend together. Cruise lines also understand the requirements of holidaymakers so they offer family cruise packages. Family cruise holidays are ideal for family members to enjoy and spend some quality time together.

Family Cruises for Kids

Kids are always excited to get a dazzling array of entertainment when they are on their holidays. Family cruises are well prepared to cater for kids needs and to entertain them thoroughly. There are video games, sports activities, dancing classes and organized activities under the direction of the ship's crew for kids of all ages.

Family Cruises for Parents

Parents can easily enjoy the holidays leaving their kids on the cruise in the trusted hands of the cruise lines staff. From golf to poolside massages, all are available on cruises. Most cruise ships offer a babysitting service so couple's can spend time together, relax and enjoy the holidays. Be romantic lovers again while you are on your cruise holiday.