Cruise 2009

Cruising w/ Friends is always a Great Way to Cruise.

Kobuk Valley National Park

There are no roads to this magnificent 1.7 million-acre park in north central Alaska, that's about as remote as you can get, pristine, and solitary. You'll have to fly to Kotzbue and go by air taxi into the park. Some 500,000 caribou cross in spring and fall on their way between feeding grounds. At Onion Portage, you can see archaeological evidence of prehistoric tribes who hunted the caribou. The park is home to grizzly bears, mink and musk ox, and the Kobuk River is a fisherman's paradise. Forty miles above the arctic circle, sand dunes rise as high as 100 feet, and reflected light brings summer temperatures to 100 degrees.

Dry Tortugas National Park

Discovered by Ponce de Leon in 1513, these 7 islands 70 miles west of Key West in Florida are reachable only by boat or seaplane, and they're not kidding about dry—you must bring your own water. The park contains rambling 19th century Fort Jefferson, and is a feast for birders (sooty terns, brown noodies, cormorants and pelicans) but their primary attraction is the surrounding marine life, perfect for fishing, scuba diving to wrecks and snorkeling on the coral reef. There's camping, but no lodging.

Wind Cave National Park

Wind Cave National Park Not as well known as South Dakota's other parks (like Rushmore or Badlands), and with fewer visitors, Wind Cave is in the Black Hills, and includes 28,295 acres of prairie land—along with the 4th longest cave in the world. Guided tours of the cave range from 45 minutes to four hours, including a visit by candlelight or a wild cave tour, which involves some crawling. The prairies are great for birders, and harbor bison, pronghorn and elk.

Guadalupe Mountains National Park

A hundred ten miles east of El Paso in west Texas, this spectacular park is so far off the beaten path, it's little known and lightly visited. The dramatic mountains are the remains of fossilized reef that formed 250 million years ago, when the area was covered by ocean. Rich coniferous forests on the mountainsides descend to harsh desert cacti. Coyotes, mountain lions, bobcats, mule deer and 300 bird species can be seen from 80 miles of trail, along with three species of horned lizards.

PRIVILEGE ALUXES ISLA MUJERES

Nov 27 – Dec 2, 2009

All prices below are Per Person / Per Night Taxes Included
Based on Double Occupancy

Land Only - All Inclusive / with Round Trip Transfers
Superior Room $90
Dlux Suite $100
Supplementary for Single room add $40 x nt
(means that for in case one person is booking a single room we add $40 per night)

Regular Price Per Night is $193 pp

www.privilegehotels.com

Promo Code: Blog90

PRIVILEGE ALUXES ISLA MUJERES

PRIVILEGE ALUXES ISLA MUJERES

The Beach / So Peaceful

PRIVILEGE ALUXES ISLA MUJERES

PRIVILEGE ALUXES ISLA MUJERES Diving

Singapore

Garden in the Singapore airport.

Home to 24 orang utans, the Singapore Zoo has created two free-ranging areas for these arboreal creatures to swing, climb and even play. Located at two areas flanking the Bornean Orang Utan Island, the boardwalk and island free ranging areas allow visitors to better observe these primates up close. About five orang utans including sub-adult, young and mother with babies - will be on display at the respective free ranging areas.

Fire-eaters, tribal dancers and even strolling musicians would simply perfect the concoction of pleasure, adding to the feel and atmosphere of the entire event. The bursting sense of mystery, romanticism and thrill as guests take on a journey to wild places can only be described as heavenly.

Ms Laura FygiInternational Jazz Star @ Singapore Zoo

Luxor Under a Full Moon

Nile cruise - and it doesn't get any better than Luxor under a full moon to create this perfect KODAK Moment!

Mysterious Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu high in the Peruvian mountains in the summer of 2006. The llama, an area local, happened to wander into the frame and was the perfect accent to the awesome scene.

Nice to Meet You

Friends trip in the Galapagos Islands. Towards the end of our week there, we visited the spectacular Gardiner Bay on Espanola Island. Sea lions covered the beach and swam with us in the bay. The spectacular travel setting, the wonderful late afternoon light, and the way the curve of the boy's body and the sea lion's mimic each other as they "say HI", makes this a perfect Pic moment!

Tsechu Festival in Thimphu, Bhutan

An organized tour is the only way to visit Bhutan and it costs a pretty penny, but that's how this tiny Buddhist country protected its unique culture. If you're lucky enough to go, you may see an elaborate religious celebration, such as Thimphu's Tsechu Festival.

Sunrise, Great Smoky Mountain National Park, Tennessee

America's most visited national park is world renowned for its diversity of plant and animal life. From larger animals like bear, deer and elk, all the way down to microscopic organisms, the Smokies have the most biological diversity of any area in the world's temperate zone. The park is also a hiker's paradise, containing more than 800 miles of well-maintained trails and walking paths.

Emerald Pool, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

Did you know the earth's crust is thinner underneath Yellowstone National Park than anywhere else in the world? Around the globe the crust is usually 5 miles thick: in Yellowstone it measures little more than 1 mile. Bison congregate around the resulting pools and hot springs because the sulfurous smell keeps insects away.

Cream Puffs, Wisconsin State Fair

Cream puffs are the most important part of the Wisconsin State Fair. The only thing as important as the legendary dessert, is the Celebrity Cream Puff Eating Contest. The contest features local businessman and television personalities. Brian Gotter, a local TV meteorologist is the current title-holder.

Lake Jackson, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

The granite and gneiss that make up the core of the Tetons are some of the oldest rocks in North America. Amazingly, despite the age of the rocks, the mountains themselves are some of the youngest in the world.

Tetons & Snake River, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

"Sudden" is one of the best words to describe the Teton Range. Their steep slopes jut abruptly out of the surrounding plains creating a breathtaking landscape enjoyed by nearly 4 million visitors each year. In addition to the wonderful hiking and fishing opportunities in the summer, the Tetons are also home to some of the best ski slopes in the world.

Mount Foraker in Midnight Sun, Denali National Park, Alaska

This incredible photograph shows Denali's Mount Foraker illuminated by midnight sun. Although Mount McKinley is the park's crown jewel, standing at 20,320 feet, Mount Foraker offers a challenging ascent and breathtaking views for experienced climbers.

Lake Tenaya, Yosemite National Park, California

Although Yosemite National Park covers 1,200 square miles, only around 3% of the park's visitors ever leave Yosemite Valley itself. The park is full of natural wonders outside of Half Dome and El Capitan. The beautiful Lake Tenaya, for example, is found deep within the park and can be reached using the Tioga Road during summer.

View from North Rim, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

One of the most popular attractions in the United States, the Grand Canyon receives roughly 5 million visitors a year. Even standing at the edge of the North rim (one of the most popular spots for viewing), it's still hard to comprehend the size of the canyon. 277 miles long, and 18 miles wide at its broadest point, the canyon is easily seen from outer space.

Second Beach, Olympic National Park, Washington

Olympic's famous Second Beach is easily accessed via a 0.8 mile trail off of La Push Road (Hwy 110). Wildlife viewing opportunities abound here. Hikers are treated to seals and bald eagles that congregate around the sea stacks. In March/April and October, whales migrate through the area.

Rocky Coastline, Oman

Residents of Oman still practice many traditional customs, including fishing from hand-build dhows, and nomadic lifestyles among the rocks and gorges. The country's landscape varies from coast to desert to mountains.

Nunavut, Canada

Chilly and remote, the Canadian province of Nunavut is rewarding in its own right—if you can afford to get there. Pristine arctic landscapes; abundant wildlife, including polar bears; and the northern lights are all part of its wild beauty.

Havasu Falls, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

Havasu Falls, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

Although it's within the boundaries of the Grand Canyon National Park, the Havasu Falls area is administered by the Havasupai Indian Tribe. The falls unique blue-green color and pool formations result from a high mineral content and carbon precipitate in the water.

North Carolina Beach

North Carolina is Blessed with Beautiful beaches, Majestic Mountains and countless rivers and streams in between.

Hi All,

I have just returned from a brief but quite enjoyable rail trip. I thought some of you might be interested in hearing about the five days I spent on VIA Rail's Toronto to Vancouver route. The train is aptly named the "Canadian".

The draw for this particular trip, aside from the camaraderie train travel brings with it are the Canadian Rockies. They are magnificent along this route.

Nice lodging you appreciate more after four nights in your very "intimate" sleeping compartment aboard the train. If you don't know your traveling companion well at the beginning of your rail odyssey you most certainly will by day five. Think closet with two bunk beds and a bathroom somehow wedged into it.

Along the way we saw hundreds of deer as well as foxes, bison, wolves, elk and at one point in the Rockies, a large number of mountain sheep. A lucky photo from the dome car gives you a great look at these grand animals.

I would make this trip again in a heartbeat. The motion and sounds of the rails take some adjusting to.

I think most of you would enjoy this experience. If you can I would try this at least once in your life. Traveling overnight by rail is special. You cannot help but develop friendships in this setting. If this sounds like something you would like to try, call me.

Or just call to say hi.

All for now.

Tenecatita

"Costalegre" is about 30 miles north of Manzanillo and about 130 miles south of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. I doubt that many of you have been to this area unless you visited the now shuttered Club Med Playa Blanca. This area is a popular haunt for ocean sailors and motor cruisers because there are so many beautiful remote ports and natural harbors. We met some of these boaters this trip-probably dot-com'rs who sold their shares before the bubble burst and now live in paradise half of every year along this beautiful "Happy Coast*".

I made this long weekend trip, not quite four days, along with 12 other travel agents. For those planning next year's beach vacation now would be the perfect time of year to visit this part of the Pacific coast of Mexico. The rains stopped some weeks ago and the weather is absolutely beautiful right now. Day time temps. in the low 80's with mild evenings which allow for the offing of the A/C and cracking the slider for an all night wave assisted lullaby.

Some photos: Our resort, the all-inclusive Blue Bay Los Arcos Locos, Tenecatita was modest in appearance and cost, ($120-$160 PER ROOM, per night includes all meals, liquor, shows, EVEN the excursions etc.), with I think the most beautiful beach I've walked or run on, ever. Over looking the water from Blue Bay's sister property, Punta Serena,($370/room/night, all-inclusive). This is an upscale 24 unit, clothing optional very intimate boutique hotel I would highly recommend to my more free spirited friends and clients, (and you know who you are...:)). Punta Serena's "infiniti pool". Finally, dinner at Arrecife, the nicest of the ala carte restaurants at Blue Bay.

As mentioned, this was a pretty short getaway. Still, I cannot recall feeling better after an almost full day of flying and now, sitting in my living room, looking out at the pouring rain in DFW. I feel great. So, if you could use a little R & R now or in the future please call or email. I have found yet another spot that you and yours might consider to recharge those seasonally depleted batteries. Or just call or email to say hi.

5 Night Cruise on Board Carnival - Ecstasy

5 Night Cruise on Board Carnival - Ecstasy.

It will be doing a round trip sailing from Galveston to Cozumel & Progreso Mexico / then back to Galveston.

This is going to be a FUN Sailing.

There is already a Good Group going that are a lot of Fun to be with, so you don't want to miss this one.

Tell your Freinds and Family that they need to join you.

Pricing
Prices start at:

Inside Cabin - $460 pp
Ocean View - $520 pp

Deposit - $150 pp

Non-Refundable Deposit - $50 pp

These prices include ALL Taxes, Port Fees & Fuel Charges

Terms: Group space is limited to available inventory. Secure your cabin now.

Prices are not guaranteed until the reservation has a deposit on it.

Fresh Start

Hello Friends,

I am starting this Blog to keep everyone up to date (the Best I can) of some New Places to Travel.

Places that I have been or that I am @, at the Moment. So watch Carefully & Often.

Building Memories, One Vacation @ a Time...