I had a wonderful experience in Ireland with CIE Tours! They took care of all the details including final documents that included a backpack, water bottle, luggage tags, baggage straps, converter, and name tags.

We were given plenty of shopping opportunities during the tour. Please note there is a VAT tax of 23% in Ireland. For purchases over €75 euro you can ask the retailer for a “long receipt” complete the information required on the receipt and drop off your envelope once you pass through security at the Dublin airport, and your credit card will be refunded within 4 weeks. https://www.planetpayment.com/countries/ireland

The plus side to traveling Ireland in November is less crowds. We were able to walk up and kiss the infamous Blarney Stone within 20 minutes. Summer travelers can wait as long as two hours to do this and would miss out on the unique gardens located on the castle grounds. Also, you may get to experience Christmas Markets as we did in Galway! https://www.christmasmarketgalway.com/christmas-market-galway2/

Our driver/tour guide name is Brian and he has been in the business for over 30 years. He is a very impressive guide and had great stories to share, history, and even sang to his 37 passengers on this tour. The locals call him the “Sheriff”.

All hotels on this tour were clean, accommodating, and sufficient. Our included meals on tour were tasty with traditional Irish cuisine options. The meals that we had on our own were also great considering our guide Brian’s advice to which restaurants he recommended.

We had to visit a couple pubs at night to get the true Irish experience and the local musicians did not disappoint.  I found Ireland to be very friendly!

Our specific itinerary is a very busy one.  I would not recommend this tour for someone that wants to take their time or stay in one area more than a couple nights. Some clients with mobility issues may miss out on certain attractions as getting to the Blarney Stone is a climb through a twisting stone stairway inside the castle with a rope to guide you.

Ireland is such a beautiful, magical country with a somber history and strong resilient people.  They are pouring their efforts into incorporating solar, wind, and green energies for a sustainable future.  We were told Ireland is the silicon valley of Europe with innovative technologies the Irish youth is bringing to the table.

The weather can change in a minute from a foggy haze to beautiful sunshine and you will find rainbows, mountains, and even some grazing sheep or cattle.  CIE Tours is a well-oiled machine regarding this itinerary and our group was very well behaved.  Great for a busy tour!

Day 1 Dublin City Tour | Teeling Whiskey Distillery

https://www.ireland.com/en-us/destinations/experiences/dublin/

https://www.teelingwhiskey.com/us/en/

Clayton Hotel Cardiff Lane

Day 2 Glendalough | Dunbrody Famine Ship | Waterford

https://heritageireland.ie/places-to-visit/glendalough-monastic-site-and-visitor-centre/

https://www.dunbrody.com/

Dooley's Hotel Waterford

Day 3 Waterford Crystal | Cobh | Blarney Castle

https://www.ireland.com/en-us/destinations/county/waterford/waterford-city/

https://www.waterford.com/en-us

https://blarneycastle.ie/

International Hotel Killarney (2 nts)

Day 4 Ring of Kerry | Killarney

https://www.ireland.com/en-us/destinations/regions/ring-of-kerry/

https://killarney.ie/

Day 5 Cliffs of Moher | Galway

https://www.ireland.com/en-us/things-to-do/attractions/cliffs-of-moher/

https://www.galwaytourism.ie/

Ardilaun Hotel

Day 6 Sheepdog Demonstration | Donegal | Derry

https://www.govisitdonegal.com/

https://www.ireland.com/en-us/destinations/county/londonderry/derry-londonderry/

Everglades Hotel

Day 7 Giant's Causeway | Titanic Belfast | Glyde Inn

https://www.ireland.com/en-us/things-to-do/attractions/giants-causeway/

https://www.titanicbelfast.com/

https://www.theglydeinn.ie/

The Croke Park Hotel

Day 8 Tour Ends in Dublin

Fiji Tourism, Fiji Airways - Nanuku Resort & Jean Michel Cousteau Resort
Flying business class with Fiji Airways from LAX you may select which lounge you would like to rest in before your flight: OneWorld or Star Alliance. I chose the OneWorld lounge; as I am not experienced in the world of lounges as to which one is better. The OneWorld Lounge was fine enough for us, plenty of food choices, drinks, water, shower access, and seating. You also have FijiAirways lounge access in Nadi airport for your return.

We arrived at Nanuku Resort https://nanukuresort.com/ with a greeting from the Fijian “spokesperson” in full tribal dress, with another tribe member blowing the conk shell to alert the Nanuku Tribe of our arrival. Wood drums beat as we are explained that we are in Fiji time now, to relax, and welcome home. After our BULA Welcome and coconut drinks in hand we are given a brief resort tour before we sit to “check in”. Our room was ready despite being early in the day which we were grateful as we were ready to freshen up.
We had an oceanfront villa with our own beach access and pool. The villa was spacious and comfortable. We were welcomed with a bottle of champagne and fruit plate. Our bed covered in flowers with a Happy Anniversary message and a welcome home.

Water toys and jet skis are available complementary as well as hiking and river kayaking located on at the resort. Day to Day activities (basket weaving, coconut cup making) located on chalk board in lobby area. Cell service and WiFi worked fine. The resort requires you to wear a bracelet which unlocks your room door. We kayaked on the river and made coconut cups!

We purchased a private Kava Ceremony $400 Fijian which was like nearly $200 USD. Kava is a drink made from the pepper root mixed as a tea in cold water. You clap once to receive your kava drink, say Bula, then drink it all down fast, and then clap three times. We were shown the “traditional way” with water from the reed, and filtered with blades of grass. After the traditional part of the ceremony we then drank Kava mixed with a 5 gallon jug of water, and a tea bag. Kava is a required earthy taste that numbs your tongue. It is not alcohol or a hallucinogenic. It gives you a relaxed calming feeling. We talked, laughed, and sang together and were welcomed into the Nanuku Tribe!
You are given a bicycle to ride through the property at Nanuku which is very nice; as we explored the property we asked a groundskeeper if we could tour the “Treehouse Villa” (which is the largest villa on the property). We were invited without hesitation and were given a full tour. The villa had panoramic views of the property with private pool, hot tub, deck space, full kitchen, living area, bedrooms and bathrooms. Great for a multi-gen family!

During one of our dinners we were given a dessert and serenaded by the resort’s band for our anniversary. As we went back to our room we had another bottle of complimentary champagne, chocolates, with flower pedals leading to our jetted tub filled with bubbles and a message in flowers. All the little touches were truly special.
The day we had to depart, I was told by the staff that they were reconfirming our transportation for me and gave me the pick-up time. I did not even ask, they anticipated. Of course, we were given a farewell gift… you guessed it another bottle of champagne and a cheese and cracker plate. The overall welcome we received from Nanuku Resort and the accommodating staff will always stand out to me.

After our long drive to Nadi airport, we arrived at the domestic terminal for our flight to SavuSavu. Nadi’s domestic terminal was very small with 4 ticket counters, one line through “TSA” to sit in a smaller room waiting to board. The plane had propellers and 7 rows, Fiji Link flight for one hour. Arrival into SavuSavu airport, I noticed the airport was smaller yet. One runway, paved, with an open air building with about seven benches, one cooler half filled with Fiji Water. Our driver from the Jean Michel Cousteau resort https://www.fijiresort.com/ was there waiting for us.

About a 20 minute ride to the resort given water and cold towels. We arrived at the JMC resort and greeted with music and singing. Checked –in, our room was not ready yet, but we sat and had breakfast. After your meal there is no receipt to sign, you just get up and go about your business. No bracelets and you receive an actual room key, with a bronze sea shell attached to it. As we walked to our Bure with a member of staff, we were at the end of the other bures (bure 25). Our two room oceanfront bure was amazing! It had all the bells and whistles, hot tub, two outdoor showers, two indoor showers, pool, sink, midsized fridge, plenty of seating options, hammock. The room was amazing, please note there are no televisions in your bure. Also, the WiFi and phone service was almost non-existent. They did provide us with a pocket WiFi that helped a little. We felt very disconnected.
There are many included activities provided at this resort as well as additional priced options. The main sell for this resort is the snorkel or scuba diving. The coral is all over and filled with so much life. I felt as if we were dumped in a tropical fish tank with all the different sea life. You can snorkel right from the dock in front of the resort. Truly Amazing!

During dinner we were serenaded and given cake to celebrate our Anniversary! We also indulged in a couples massage and I felt it was the best massage I have ever had. No fancy music, one hut with two rooms, open doorway to feel the breeze; hear the ocean and the birds. The couples massage was approximately $200 USD total for an hour (not bad).
We did take a day trip into town and shopped. The SavuSavu market is filled with local produce, fish, honey, and crafts, very neat to experience.

I feel so blessed to have been able to visit Fiji, Vinaka! Fijians do not say goodbye, they say “See you soon”!

      Rocky Mountaineer First Passage to the West - Eastbound / Gold Leaf Group Trip

I held group air space with Delta flying out of Detroit. Our trip started in Vancouver; upon arrival I proceeded to the courtesy phone in YVR, and advised our shuttle driver of our arrival. The shuttle advised us of our pick up location. Everyone loaded onto the bus, and we arrived at the Sheraton Wall Center in Vancouver

Sightseeing (driving through with Tour Guide) the North Shore with a drive through Stanley Park & Vancouver Excursion Capilano Suspension Bridge / Grouse Mountain

I highly recommend both tours. The Capilano suspension bridge is thrilling, and the walk through the tree tops makes you think you are in Endor amongst the Ewoks! https://www.capbridge.com/

Grouse Mountain is accessed through the Skyride, a large Gondola that fits 99 passengers. On top of Grouse Mountain, they offer shops, dining, two grizzly bears and a Lumberjack Show.  https://www.grousemountain.com/

Baggage was handled throughout our journey with me only having to confirm our baggage pull times and to clarify if bags should be left in the room or outside the room. Baggage pull times seemed early for our group members, however there are a lot of bags for the porters to pull. Many other RM clients are staying at the same hotel and morning pick up was quiet bustling. Thankfully, having a group, we were expedited onto our bus (mainly to clear the lobby a bit). All aboard! Train embarkation was seamless. Bagpipes playing in the distance with an early morning Rainbow to bless our adventure ahead!

Service and food was top notch, and the views are phenomenal onboard the train. We were in a recently updated train car with GoldLeaf service. Leather seats that heat, recline, optional lighting features in the rail car. I absolutely loved being able to walk out on the platform and feel the wind and smell the air. Even though the rail experience was great, I felt it was a long day. By the time we arrived into Kamloops. We stayed at the Thompson Hotel we walked around town a little bit then went to bed. I would compare the Thompson Hotel to a Courtyard By Marriott.

Second day of our rail journey was just as great as our first day. The day was a bit longer as we had to wait on rail traffic. Arrival into The Banff Caribou Lodge, check-in was seamless with a Rocky Mountaineer representative on location helped expedite our group with check-in (skipped the wait in line and received all group member’s keys).  One client’s identity bag tag fell off, however since they had their RM Tour tag on it, we were able to get the bag to the owner promptly. I recommend having clients write their name on the back of the RM Tour tag just in case. A complimentary shuttle is available at the Caribou Lodge that will take you into town. Vouchers were at the front desk.

Our first full day in Banff was our “free day” since the Icefields excursion was cancelled. Banff is amazing with so many hiking opportunities, museums, and shops. We hiked all the way to the Fairmont Banff Springs. Went through the shops, and I would love to stay here some day!

Beware of Bear signs and elk droppings throughout the trails. You are in a National Park after all. Good thing we all came prepared and dressed accordingly with layers, hats, and gloves with a good pair of hiking/ walking shoes.

You will not run out of places to dine in Banff, everything is easily walkable in town with streets clearly labeled. The downtown area is blocked off during peak season so traffic does not run through. We were at the very end of the touring season.  They are now getting ready for Ski Season.  

All of the meals that were included in our tour did not disappoint. Most breakfast was buffet style. The Fairmont Chateau was amazing. They are building a pool/spa retreat so there was construction going on. Not sure of the expect time for completion. 

Sightseeing was a bit of a bust, not many animals. Although we saw bear, porcupine, elk, deer, and birds (Stellers Jay, Magpie, Bald Eagles).

Excursion Banff Gondola
I highly recommend taking the Banff gondola to the top of Sulfur Mountain. Amazing views, you are touching heaven! https://www.banffjaspercollection.com/attractions/banff-gondola/

Excursion Heritage Park
Very interesting “living museum” to visit. Gasoline Alley would be a perfect place to visit for your classic car enthusiast. https://heritagepark.ca/

Delta Calgary Downtown is a very nice hotel, attentive and accommodating. A sleek and contemporary hotel. The Shoe and Canoe Public house offers a casual dining experience with great service.

We had a lovely group – great fun to travel with!

This was my husband and my 13-year anniversary trip. We booked through Delta Vacations and upgraded to Comfort Plus. We also upgraded to private shuttle from /to airport (I will always do this now). Upon arrival into Mexico it was very easy passing through the airport. Busy as usual, however our flight arrived just ahead of others (long line behind us). I filled out the immigration paperwork prior to arrival from the online link we provide to our clients. We had no issues.

After driving through a private twisting road through thick mangroves we arrived at the El Dorado Maroma. The check-in process was easy and the COVID tests for our return were set up at that time. Having a QR reader is truly a must since menus, survey’s, applications, all provide the QR code. I highly recommend the app to clients, although there are always alternatives available.

We booked the private pool suite with partial ocean view. Room is within a two minute walk to pool bar, has 24 hour room service, outdoor shower, indoor shower, Jacuzzi tub, sitting area, dining area, outdoor balcony, and private pool (not heated). The beach is beautiful here. The resort itself feels small and was not crowded at all! Bali beds on the beach are first come first serve.

The staff doted on us and the food was absolutely delicious. They offer a “culinary experience” and I agree it’s an experience! Every meal we experienced at the El Dorado offers fresh options.

We booked the Coba Mayan ruins excursion along with snorkel with the sea turtles. We really enjoyed this tour. Since 2020 you are no longer allowed to walk up Coba as it is protected. The snorkel with the sea turtles part felt really commercial and rushed. Side note: If we had known we would be stopping through Mayan villages as we made our way to snorkel, I would not have bought so many souvenirs in Playa Del Carmen. Very unique items available in the Mayan villages.

We booked a private dinner for our anniversary and Jesus (our favorite staff member) asked if we had a picture of us. I sent it to the e-mail he provided and he personalized our private dinner all the more adding the photo to a “Happy Anniversary” banner. We truly felt special at the El Dorado Maroma.

Spa day was everything you could imagine for a 180 minute massage. The hydro therapy room was the perfect icing on the cake and we felt like babies for two days after our treatment.

I would recommend this resort for Honeymoon Couples, Anniversary trips, Weddings, or anyone that wants a relaxing stay in a smaller resort with great food. I truly felt I could ask for anything and they would find a way to give it to you.

My experience on the Oosterdam in Alaska with Holland America was wonderful! The itinerary was; Seattle – Puget Sound (scenic cruising), Stephens Passage (scenic cruising), Juneau, Hubbard Glacier, Sitka, Ketchikan, Victoria (BC).

The ship itself is designed artfully and was easy to navigate. The Main Stage is located on decks 2 and 3 and this is where you will find most entertainment EXC Talks, Dancing, singing, magicians, and they even had a comedian onboard. If you choose to switch it up, I highly recommend the music walk. BBKing's club and the Billboard music room offer fresh and fun entertainment. Should you prefer to have a quieter evening, you may enjoy Lincoln's Center stage where musicians play classical music and may surprise you with pop tune.

The dining experience was excellent. The main dining room offered many options and were very tasty. You may take recommendations from the culinary council or you may go buffet style at the Lido Market. If you slip out to the indoor pool area you will locate the Lido Bar, a taco bar, and a little burger gem called the Dive In. They offer many options such as Nathan hotdogs and burgers cooked to order. I recommend the "Backflip" burger.

Juneau was really great -awesome cell service! We did not sign up for excursions and opted to visit the Visitors Center, picked up a map and did our own touring. Sitka was my favorite port - a very small town with one stop light. You can easily venture through the town and hit up all the historical points. Ketchikan is where you will find the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show and everyone enjoys this! We went to the visitor’s center that offered tons of information on Native Alaska life and they had many exhibits. Victoria was great for what we were able to see. (Unfortunately, due to scheduling issues we didn’t have much time here.)

Disembarkation was also very simple. Since our flight was a later departure, we chose to explore Seattle. We took the shuttle to the airport (booked by PCL) and had our bags held ($11 per bag). Then we took the train from the airport into Seattle – cost $6.00 per person roundtrip. Our plan was to visit the famous Pikes Market where we experienced fish throwing (and their chants) along with visiting the unique shops.

I recently had the pleasure of visiting the lovely destination of Punta Cana, Dominican Republic and loved every minute!

This sparkling gem in the Caribbean not only offers an impeccable ambiance, but also luxurious resorts, fine dining, and a wide variety of activities. Punta Cana features the   longest coral reef in the whole island (about 19 miles long). Divers and snorkelers of all experience levels can explore reef caverns and nearby Catalina and Saona Islands. For land lovers, there are challenging golf courses, tennis courts, horseback riding, bicycling, or you can soar high above land and water on a parasailing ride. Several resorts were visited including; Riu Republica, Barcelo Bavaro Grand Resort, The Majestic Colonial, The Majestic Elegance, The Majestic Mirage and The Hard Rock.  I was very impressed with the Majestic properties.  They cater to families and have every amenity you could ask for.

I also took a full day Santo Domingo Excursion that included wonderful sightseeing, a delightful lunch and finished up with shopping (one stop shop location rum, cigars, shirts, jewelry) all in one store. I recommend this excursion if you love history and have a full day to devote to this tour.

I have recently returned from a charming river cruise with AmaWaterways on-board the AmaSerena.  My ports included Vilshofen, Passau, Linz, Durstein, Weissenkirchen Krems, and Vienna.  Every port was delightful and we loved walking off the ship and exploring each town. 

In Vienna, we joined the morning bike ride to Klosterneuburg Abbey, where they still had remnants of the celebration (food stands, carnival rides, games) of the celebration of St. Leopold’s Day. We were able to tour the Abbey and look down into a passage where St Leopold III’s remains are kept.  Just a quick stroll from the Abbey we entered Stift Klosterneuburg Winery. Where you can pay two Euro to climb a giant wine barrel, make a wish, and slide down the other side.  And yes, my husband and I slid down the barrel!  We visited the Vienna Christmas Market in the evening and it was delightful. The Market offered amazing food, rides, and of course plenty of shopping. 


We took a city tour of Budapest, and we were able to do some light shopping, visited Heroes’ Square, Fisherman’s Bastion. Buda Castle Hill. We wish we had more time here!  This itinerary was a special Wine Cruise and I would highly recommend this to all wine lovers. We visited many wineries with an abundance of wine tastings and pairing with dinner.  You really get an education about wine and learn to appreciate the work and process that is involved.  Not to mention, it is tasty! 

The food on the AmaSerena was very excellent. The crew was very accommodating and the AmaWaterways chefs offer multiple choices for dining.  We loved the experience and would be happy to assist you on your next river cruise adventure.

I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to Jamaica with Classic Vacations and the Jamaica Tourist Board.  It was a very thorough educational trip and I was able to do a site visit of 14 properties!  There are so many lovely resorts on the island.  A couple of my favorites were the Golden Eye Resort Ocho Rios and Zoetry Montego Bay.

The Golden Eye Resort is roughly two hours from the MBJ airport. This is a very secluded property with trees around the entrance.  (You may feel like a secret agent entering your "hideout".)  As you walk through the property it opens to the beach.  Privately owned Villas provide canoes/water toys for guest use.  This property was once home to the famous Ian Fleming who wrote the "James Bond" novels.  They have an open recreation area for their guest with books/games/ and TV and an open bar that overlooks the ocean.   If you appreciate seclusion this resort would be great for you – perfect for honeymooners!

The Zoetry is roughly seven minutes from the MBJ.  This resort is very tranquil and offers butler service regardless of room category with laundry service is included.  There are 49 rooms on property.  The architecture and features are designed to embody wellness and spa.  The three main buildings: Wood, Water, and Blue Mountain are a nod to Jamaica's ecological tapestry.  The Zoetry offers Yoga, Thai Chi, and Meditation.  Top shelf liquor in rooms, with fresh fruit, is replenished daily.  24-hour in-room dining is available with organic options.  The chef will meet with guests that have special dietary needs.  Sunset Boat Tour offered at the resort.  All dining is Ala Cart (no buffets).  This resort is perfect for someone that wants relaxation and pampering.  There are in room tablets available to order room service and a state the art fitness center. 

Going to Jamaica but cannot decide where to stay?  I would be happy to assist you!