If you haven’t been on a river cruise yet-take a river cruise!  This is a fabulous way to see Europe. I stayed in two hotels in Budapest prior to the river cruise.

Ikonik Parlament-Four Star Hotel-Great modern hotel located on a side street that was a fair distance from the Central Market and Waterfront, but was right around the corner from a Hop On/Hop Off Bus stop.  Rooms small but ample storage and everything up to date. I would recommend for budget conscientious clients.

Mercure Budapest City Center Hotel-Four Star Hotel-Do not hesitate putting your clients here.  Awesome location right in the middle of Vaci utca-the main pedestrian street of Budapest. Large rooms and bathroom. Restaurant onsite, but not needed because you can walk right out the door to many restaurants and shopping.

AmaWaterways-AmaViola-Best of the Danube

I did this new itinerary for 2025 which took us roundtrip from Budapest, Hungary including stops at Bratsalvia, Slovakia, Linz Austria, Melk, Austria, and Vienna, Austria. I was told the itinerary was more leisure then most. A couple of days we had only a morning excursion or an afternoon excursion where most have morning and afternoon excursions every day.

I checked in independently and even though they said we would not be able to get in our rooms until 230pm (you can drop luggage off and have a light lunch) we were able to get in our room right away.

Rooms are not large, but ample space. Plenty of storage (especially for two women) in the room and bathroom.  You are not able to use your own hair appliances, but they have a hair dryer in the bathroom that is good and you can borrow curling irons or straighteners from the front desk.

Observations-

Outstanding Customer Service-Marcia likes Cabernet-I didn’t even have to ask after night two in the dining room.

Get your laundry done-I had two dresses pressed for 6,00 Euro.  They also folded all my clothes lying around every time they serviced the room.

The Cruise Manager came to me one day while I was sitting in the lounge since we did not have a post tour with them and wanted to know our exit plan. I told her we were going to a hotel.  She arranges a taxi for us and asked me what time would be best.  FYI, don’t go up to the staging area off the ship if you do this: wait for them to call your name on the ship.

If you have food allergies, they will give you a menu at breakfast for the rest of the day’s meals. They have you choose what you want to eat and then they plan according to your allergy.

Shore Excursions-

They usually have three shore excursions per stop: Active walkers, gentle walkers, and late risers. I did the active ones and these had the least amount of people on them which made it a nice small group tour. Most of the tours offered free time during or after the tour.

Onboard-

Ama has a Sip and Sail every night before dinner that incudes beer, wine, and a few signature cocktails (rotate every night). You also get beer and wine included with lunch and dinner. Breakfast is combo of buffet and cooked to order and lunch and dinner are off the menu.

Do the Chef’s Table- six course meal that is fabulous.

Evening entertainment-there was a keyboard player that sang every night and a couple of nights we had local entertainment onboard.

Deck has a small swim up pool, loungers, and corn hole.

Budapest-

Eat the local food!  Sit in a restaurant on the Danube and watch the world go by. There are so many boats on the river, people walking their dogs, runners, and cyclists.

Go to the Central Market. There are hundreds of food and shop booths. The Paprika is abundant and make sure you get your Paprika that comes from the Kalosca region. Eat at the food booths here.  Get the Gulyas (Goulash) and Noodles and ask for sour cream and paprika paste on the side. There is also an Aldi on the lower level. If you are an Aldi fan, this is a “not to miss.” There is an onsite bakery and the bottles of wine are cheap and tasty. We grabbed a few for onboard.

Most of know that the Christmas Markets are great to visit in Europe, but did you know they also have Easter Markets?  They were abundant in each city I visited and just as fun as the Christmas Markets. I think spring is the perfect time to visit this area and the Easter Markets were the icing on the cake.

Geothermal Baths-Budapest is known for their baths and this was a must do stop for me.  I went to Széchenyi Thermal Bath which had outdoor and indoor baths.  This is where many of the locals go.  They also have a Beer Spa that you can add on where you are in an oak tub for 45 minutes. They add hops, malt, and yeast to your bath that is supposed to be good for your skin and body. And right next to your tub is a beer tap!  Add this on for a nominal fee. It was well worth it.  I also recommend renting a changing room where you can keep your belongings locked.

As one of Central Travel’s Delta Vacations top producers I was awarded a wonderful trip to Iceland and it was amazing!

We stayed at The Hilton Nordic located 15 minutes from the city center. They offer free parking, free Wi-Fi, spa and room service. They have a restaurant and a bar on site. Their buffet breakfast had several choices and was good.

We looked at Canopy by Hilton Reykjavik City Center. It is in a great location in the city, the heart of shopping and the nightlife of Laugavegur Street and the city center. The hotel lobby is very warm and welcoming. We also visited the Reykjavik EDITION. This is currently the only five star hotel in Reykjavik and sits right on the harbor. This was our favorite hotel in Reykjavik due to the location, customer service level, and stylish rooms and common areas. The rooms are modern and spacious with floor to ceiling windows.  They have a lobby bar, restaurant, rooftop bar and restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating, and spa.  You know it’s an Edition Hotel from the first moment you walk in due to the signature scent.

Our sightseeing included the Golden Circle Classic Tour. There are 3 areas that we experienced the Geyser Geothermal Park, Gullfoss Waterfalls and lava canyon in pingvellir. We stopped at the Pingvellir National Park and it is an old lava canyon and the continents are being pulled apart and you can see the rift in the fields. The Geyser Hot springs was our next spot and that is an amazing sight. It is the largest Geyser hot springs and Iceland’s most Iconic natural wonders. This stop didn’t disappoint, there were smaller hot springs leading to the large original geyser. You are able to totally walk around the Geyser to get a view from all sides of the Geyser.  We then headed on to the Gullfoss Waterfall which is reminded us of Niagara Falls but a smaller scale. Awesome views! We recommend a private tour so you can move at their pace and enjoy the sights along the way.

We participated in the South Coast Classic Tour which was a full day. If you are short on time and a smaller budget, this is a great way to see Iceland’s highlights on the South Coast. The tour drives by Eyjafjallajokull Volcano which is the volcano that shut down European flights in 2010.  It was fun to see it from a distance.  The South Coast tour visits Solheimajokull Glacier, Reynisfjara Balck Sand Beach, the town of Vik, Skogafoss Waterfall and Seljalandsfoss Waterfall.  All of the nature stops were breathtaking.  I think the black sand beach and Seljalandsfoss were my two favorite.  Both were very peaceful and gorgeous.  If the weather had been warmer and I had rain gear on, I would have done the full hike behind Seljalandsfoss.

We also did the Classic Whale Watching tour which is on a good size vessel that has indoor and outdoor viewing areas, plenty of seating inside, overalls you can wear to stay warm, and a cafeteria with drinks and snacks. We saw whales within 10 minutes of being on the water.  It lasted about 2.5 hours.  You will also see birds and dolphins. Excellent experience! 

Recommended Restaurants and Bars:

The Laundromat-for breakfast or lunch

Jorgenson Kitchen & Bar-located in Midgardur by Center Hotels-amazing menu with beef, lamb and seafood.  Lunches are two for one Monday through Friday from 11:30am to 5:00pm

Bastard Brew & Food-great bar food and vibe

Lebowski’s-looks like a bowling alley inside, happy hour, great nibbles

Hús máls og menningar- or The Bookstore. This is a bookstore, café, bar and they have live music-The Bookstore Band, and we happened upon open mic comedy night on Thursday.  What a hoot!  And the band is awesome!

Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur-the best place to get an Icelandic hotdog made from beef and lamb.  This hot dog stand has been around since 1937 and there is usually a line, but worth the wait.  And you can buy the hot dogs, mustard, and remoulade at the airport to take home.

Iceland is a ‘must see’ destination for many people and Delta makes it easy with non-stop flights from Detroit. I would be happy to assist you with your next adventure!

I just returned from New Zealand and my first comment to anyone thinking about travelling there is don’t think about it-book it. I experienced the North Island exclusively this trip and loved every minute of it. Auckland, Waiheke Island, Rotorua, Taupo, and Wellington were the areas I explored and they have so much to offer-from leisurely food walks and boat rides to extreme sports like Ziplining, Zorb, and Velocity Valley. Waiheke Island is a 45 minute ferry ride from Auckland and is great for a day trip, but I would recommend staying a night or two if your schedule permits. Don’t miss the Timmy Smith Shop for unique jewelry and mixing your own tea. Auckland is a vibrant city with many activities to experience-don’t just make this a landing spot from your international flights-stay at least two or three nights here.

Rotorua is the North Island’s playroom. You could spend a week here and still not enjoy all the activities. Some exciting experiences on the way from Auckland to Rotorua were The Hamilton Gardens and Hobbiton. In Rotorua I enjoyed Secret Spot Hot Tubs for a “Shinny Dip” (and best Smashburger I have ever tasted), Waimangu Volcanic Valley, Wai Ariki Hot Springs & Spa, Redwoods Nightlights Tree Walk, and of course, my favorite activity of all time-Zorb. Imagine rolling down hill in an inflatable ball-that’s what Zorb is.

On to Taupo, where I experienced beautiful Lake Taupo by boat charter. Lake Taupo is the largest freshwater lake in New Zealand and was formed from one of the largest volcanic eruptions the Earth has seen in the last 5000 years. On the way, I took a thrill boat ride to Huka Falls, stopped by Lava Glass, and Wairakei Terraces for a hot springs soak.

Wellington, the capital of New Zealand houses the amazing national museum, Te Papa. I could spend days in this museum! Entrance is free, but I recommend starting out with a guided tour-the guides are so knowledgeable and humorous. The Wellington Cable Car was a sweet treat, and Weta Workshop is always interesting-this time I learned how to make a scar on my hand from a makeup artist.

There is no reason not to explore New Zealand now. Our dollar is strong there, Delta Airlines now has non-stop flights from Los Angeles to Auckland, the people are welcoming, the food is out of this world-oh, the butter!-and the size of this country is so manageable. Contact me and I will make your New Zealand adventure a trip of a lifetime.

Thanks to Delta Vacations, Tourism New Zealand and the Local City Tourism Boards, and ANZCRO DMC for an unforgettable experience!

I was chosen as one of 300 travel advisors from around the world by the Australian Tourism Board to participate in a three day conference in Cairns, Queensland, Australia with over 130 tour operators and local tourist board in attendance. This was an information packed session to say the least. I also explored the Great Barrier Reef on a platform with Great Adventures. One more experience I checked off my Must-See List.

My group of 10 advisors then flew to the beautiful state of South Australia where we experienced kayaking, wine blending, wine tasting, and a flower and herb farm that specializes in Skin Care in and around the Adelaide area. I also was blessed to visit Kangaroo Island, considered nature’s playground. Wildlife abounds as friendly pubs, accommodation, and restaurants give-way to towering cliffs, wild plains, and impeccably clear waters. Follow the road less travelled and discover unique wildlife, mouthwatering food and wine, breathtaking scenery, and a laid-back lifestyle.

I would love for you to experience three of my new favorite properties:
Sea Dragon Kangaroo Island, South Australia is a full service boutique hotel on over 250 acres. I saw the elusive Echidna walking around on property and the views are to die for.

Mount Lofty House Boutique Estate, South Australia is a Five Star Boutique Hotel in the Adelaide Foothills and is the perfect location to enjoy the city life of Adelaide and the Wine Regions north of the city. Make sure you take a day just to enjoy this property and its gardens. Mount Lofty House is a Signature Travel Network Hotel, so I can offer you special amenities.

Crown Towers Sydney, New South Wales, Australia-Wow! If you want to be treated like royalty, spend a few nights at Crown Towers when you are in Sydney. This hotel has the most amazing views of the harbour with its prestigious waterfront location in Bangaroo. Crown Towers is also a Signature Travel Network hotel.

If Australia is on your “Must-See List,” 2024 will be a great time to go. The exchange rate is at an all-time high for the US Dollar in Australia. Please contact me for your Australia Holiday-they are headed in to their Summer Season now, but there are great places to travel year round in Australia. 

If there is a slice of Heaven on Earth, it’s called Croatia! The landscape and islands are beautiful, the vibe of the cities and islands is full of joy, and the people are angels. Croatia is a crescent shaped country with about 1200 islands-60 of which are inhabited. I went with Roundabout Experiences, a Signature Travel Network Destination Specialist. They specialize in customized itineraries in Croatia and Slovenia and the surrounding counties. Their staff is amazing and you will get white glove service behind the scenes and on tour.

I flew into Dubrovnik and out of Split. Both airports are relatively small-they are currently expanding Dubrovnik which is about a 30 minute ride to the city. Split airport is more modern and best feature-you don’t go to a particular airline desk to check in-all desks accept all passengers. This made for a quick check in process.

Dubrovnik-I stayed at Hotel Excelsior-beautiful old hotel that also has a newer tower. This is an STN property and in great location directly on the water-near town (walking distance) and next to one of the best beaches in Dubrovnik. Breakfast buffet was plentiful and our dinner there was exquisite. I recomend a seaview room in the older section with terrace. I also toured Villa Dubrovnik. Beautiful and more contemporary hotel but you will need to take a taxi into Old town. This hotel sits right on the water, too. They are doing some major construction soon.

We did a walking tour of Old Town and the Wall. You can do this with or without a guide, but the guide was full of information. This tour is not for anyone who has walking issues. The staircases are narrow and high going up to the wall. The cable car was a fun ride and the views from the top were amazing with views of Bosnia on the other side. We did a Vintage Car ride in 1950’s Renaults and went to Stari Miln (an old mill) and Crvik Winery for wine tasting. This was a delightful tour and there were two people per car with private driver. This would be a romantic little tour for couples.

Hvar-again, Hvar is an Island and a city, you will want a hotel in the. I was only here for a minute and stayed at Hotel Adriana. Nice, smaller hotel on the waterfront, but I would recommend the Palace Elisabeth, also on the waterfront. Stunning rooms, lobby, and rooftop pool area. They have many weddings here, but you need to buy out the hotel. The promenade and square is a great place to stroll, people watch, grab a bite, and shop. We took a ferry from Hvar to Split to board our yacht.

Split - This is a vibrant and bustling city. It felt a little more modern and youthful. This is where we boarded our yacht. Again, lots of cafes up and down the promenade to enjoy and people watch. Take a city tour here and a catamaran ride. I wish I could have spent more time here-next time I visit.  Along with the 36 passenger private yacht, Casablanca, that we sailed on for four days, we also had an afternoon on the Sea Breeze which holds 12 passengers. These two yachts can be chartered.

Sibenik was the small port we stayed at and went to Krka National Park-home to amazing waterfalls. You can only get there by boat. This town was great and our lunch dessert was delivered by the baker’s husband via motor scooter. You can rent bikes here and tour around the city. Great stop.

I spent four days on the private yacht-Casablanca. This is the perfect way to explore Croatia since most of the cities sit on the Sea. With Roundabout Experiences, I can assist your group with a private seven night yacht charter complete with touring at each port. Let me know your group size and I will find a yacht to accommodate you.

As a top producer with Delta Vacations I have recently returned from Grand Cayman – what a great destination!

The Westin Grand Cayman was our host hotel located directly on Seven Mile Beach, just a 5-minute drive of the Strand Shopping Center and Galleria Plaza. Truly a luxury resort with all the amenities one could want. The rooms were quite nice. The fitness center offered daily activities like Beach Yoga, water fitness and more. The Hibiscus Spa offered a variety of spa treatments. Ferdinand’s Restaurant  was excellent and great service. The Lounge bar, Catboat Bar offered a nice open space to enjoy evening cocktails and evening music.

We looked at the Marriott Resort Grand Cayman.  When a hurricane came through they lost their beach. The hotel is undergoing a major renovation that started in July of 2023 and is not schedule to be completed until March of 2024. The hotel right now offers 299 rooms and suites however after the renovation they will be at 301 rooms as they will be adding two family suites. After the renovation, each room will have their own routers in the rooms with fiber option WiFi; this should make the connectivity much better. I would suggest waiting until renovations are done before staying here.

We also did a site visit at the Ritz Carlton Grand Cayman. The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman offers luxurious rooms and bath amenities in a resort that spans 144 acres of natural landscapes on renowned Seven Mile Beach. An unmatched collection of resort amenities and experiences await, including four signature restaurants and the Caribbean's only AAA Five Diamond dining experience, Blue by Eric Ripert. Other highlights include: The Ritz Carlton Spa; a Greg Norman-designed golf course; 3 clay and 2 grass tennis courts that are lit for night play; eco-adventures and family activities with Jean-Michel Cousteau's Ambassadors of the Environment; plus Starfish Cay, an interactive water attraction for families.  The Cayman Cookout https://www.caymancookout.com/ is a famous food event on the island that the Ritz hosts. This is their 15^th Anniversary of the event and it is held in January. Very popular.

The Kimpton Seafire is the only 5-Star hotel in the Kimpton Brand and it shows.  The hotel is very stylish, with a modern yet retro flair.  It is located directly on Seven Mile and has a very wide stretch of beach (we learned the owner brought in additional sand).  The grounds are beautiful with lots of trees, flowering shrubs and lots of grass areas, which was different for the other properties we saw.

If the budget allows, this is the perfect resort for families.  There are many rooms categories that can be combined (connecting can be confirmed prior to arrival) as well as many suites.  We all loved the Two Bedroom Family Suite Oceanview that has bunk beds as well as a sofa sleeper underneath.  It is perfect for large or multigenerational families.  The rooms are chic and very clean.  I loved the black and white motif with a pop of pink.  The resort is very eco-friendly and is trying to remove single use plastic items.  All rooms with have a water pitcher and bottle refill stations are found throughout the property.  Most rooms have some sort of a small kitchen as well. The Kimpton has a wonderful complimentary waterpark for children with cabanas that are available for rent.  Camp Seafire is an additional cost and we were told it is quite popular.

Activities:

Cayman Turtle Centre-Tourist Attraction that breeds and researches The Green Sea Turtle.  You can view and swim with the turtles.  We took a guided tour and then we were left to tour the rest of the facilities on our own.  There is also a bird sanctuary, Smiley the crocodile, shark reef, and butterfly house along with a fresh water pool and water slide. This would be a great place for cruisers to spend a half day or day on the Island.

Pure Art Gallery & Gifts-KY1-1105Way, Grand Cayman Grand Cayman, 5 Denham Thompson Way, George Town KY1-1109, Cayman Island
Pure Art Gallery & Gifts charming Cayman cottage has exhibited and sold local Fine Art, prints, jewelry, souvenirs and collectibles for over thirty years. Located just a mile south of George Town on South Church Street, this treasure trove of island gifts and art is sure to delight. Gift Certificates, Corporate or Wedding, home, Anniversary, kids corner, Birthday, relocating or gifts for yourself abound at Pure Art. Our Cayman Christmas Corner is year-round! This is a great place to have your clients go for gifts. If they want local coffee, salts, hot sauces, Ronnie from Cayman Islands Tourist Board recommends going to the local grocery stores.

My Bar & Seaharvest Restaurant- 390 South Church St Grand Cayman KY KY1-1106, S Church St, George Town, Cayman Islands
This is a great local bar at The Sunset House which is a hotel for divers by divers.  We sat at the semi-outdoor bar and tasted a Caybrew (Cayman Beer) and had some bites.  Great local vibe if you want to stay away from the more touristy bars and restaurants.

Ms. Piper’s Kitchen + Garden-22 Piper Way, KY1-1201, Cayman Islands
This is a MUST stop!  Located at Hampton Inn and set in the backyard within the heart of 7MB, Ms. Piper’s cottage is a collection of keepsakes of her travels, inspiring our dishes, cocktails, décor, music and thoughtful details. Her kitchen is a testament of a journey greatly lived. An imprint of the cultural and spiritual life she has pursued and enjoyed. A celebration of graceful aging; that is abundant and eternal. We are creating a meaningful space with a nod to the free spirits, the stylish vagabonds, the young at heart and effortless feminine energy. Ms. Piper exists in our dreams. She is a figment of our imagination, yet lives in all of us, whispering: “LIVE A LITTLE.”  Make sure you stop by for lunch or dinner and try the Cassava Cheese Bread. Wednesday nights they have local bands play.

We traveled on a Delta Vacations package and flew Delta Comfort DTW-AMS and Air France Premium Economy CDG-DTW. I recommend both. Connecting through AMS at 600am-passport control took less than ten minutes. Connecting through CDG midday-passport control took about 15 minutes. I loved flying in to FLR Airport, small and from disembarkation to transfer took 15 minutes.

We stayed at Hotel Rivoli in Florence-great location next to Piazza S.M.Novella. Request Room 221 - this large corner room had with two chairs, table, desk, and fire place and a huge terrace. Kettles and coffee and tea in room along with a mini bar. The hotel is a five minute walk to train station.

The Benedetta Restaurant at the hotel was amazing - highly recommend the Octopus. This is also where they serve the complimentary morning breakfast-plentiful. Adorable courtyard with jacuzzi and outdoor seating. Small bar off of Check in and several “parlor rooms” on first floor. Spa-only has Sauna and Turkish Bath. They will arrange massages in room. Typical Italian Décor. Walls could use a redo, but nothing terrible. Each room is a little different. All staff amazing.

We did a Vernaccia of San Gimignano Wine Small Group Tour. The tour operator is We Like Tuscany and I highly recommend. Spent two hours in San Gimignano with guide - Tommy pointed out a few things, but basically let us go on our own. LOVE this city!! I will be going back here in better weather to stay a couple of nights.

Fugnano Winery-Fattoria di Fugnano-is where we went for wine tasting and lunch. Beautiful grounds-since it was rainy did not get to see much-and beautiful table set for us. They specialize in the Vernaccia grape that makes the white wines of Tuscany. They also make Chianti. We had a huge three course meal and plenty of wine! Jakub was our sommelier and very informative. You can purchase wine to have shipped to the States or buy and take with you along with Olive Oil.

We had some amazing meals while in Florence – happy to share my list!

In Rome we stayed at Romanico Palace which has an inviting front desk and large sitting area/bar in lobby. All rooms are decorated/painted in Trompe-l’oeil. It was beautiful. I recommend booking Deluxe room or above. The Classic are fine but small. Again, each room is a little different and we had a dressing area with couch. 

Breakfast was on rooftop terrace and was enclosed. Again, plentiful breakfast and you could walk out on outside part of terrace to take pictures. The terrace on floor eight is open April through October, Wednesday through Sunday from 500pm to 1000pm. The Spa is small but feels like you are in a Roman bath. Again, Sauna, Bath, and meditating rooms only. Hotel is only a six minute walk to great shopping and restaurants.

We decided to do Hop On/Hop Off tour for a day in Rome. This was great way to get around with the short amount of time we had. There was a Kiosk across the street from our hotel to purchase and a three minute walk to the closest stop. Walks: Gladiator’s Gate: Special Access Colosseum Tour with Arena Floor-this was a three hour tour that got us on to the Arena Floor. This is the first time I experienced the Colosseum with floor access-highly recommend. This tour also took us to the Forum. Great guide and very easy to find the meeting point. We did have 25 in our group and it reminded me I definitely like the small group tours.

Again, I have a great list of Rome restaurants – just call me!

Inspired by the surrounding Mayan jungle, Dreams Natura Resort & Spa offers a unique Unlimited-Luxury® experience. Enjoy the best of both worlds with modern design and luxury accommodations infused with elements of nature including a lazy river, waterfalls and a grotto bar. Rest and relax at the Dreams Spa by Pevonia® - designed to look like the region's remarkable cenotes.

The resort is relatively new. It was supposed to open 19December but was delayed. The grounds are beautiful and the rooms are large and typical of a Dreams property. All restaurants are the same as other Dreams properties and food was on par with others. Steak at the Steak restaurant was less than desirable, but really good at the Seafood restaurant. There is no Preferred Club Pool-only lounge and a reserved sit down restaurant for ala carte breakfast. There is also an area on the beach set aside for Preferred only with a small bar.

There are three pools-one adult’s only with Swim Up Bar, the infinity pool sits on much of the beach length and that is where they had pool aerobics and other activities. There is also a small pool on the other side of this pool where the water slides drop off. Along with three water slides, they have a small lazy river and a zip line contraption and a splash pool for the kiddos.

Observations:

• They had vendors in several times a week. This was nice since not super close to Playa del Carmen or Cancun.
• Covid testing was easy and went quickly.
• Spa was absolutely gorgeous-looks like a cenote and service there was top notch. They did not try to sell you all their products which I appreciated.
• Fitness center was ample, but they are still social distancing on the machines.
• The beach is not huge, but I liked the compactness of the resort. Although a smaller resort, it has many steps from the lounge to beach. They do have elevator service and I did see several mobility impaired guests there that looked like they were not having issues. You can walk up and down the beach, but there is one property next door that has been abandoned during construction and is a big eye sore. Sargassum was awful when we got there, but cleared up literally overnight on the second to last night we were there.

I would recommend this resort to a full range of guests: multi-gen families, couples, young families, etc. 

I went here for my daughter’s Destination Wedding.  It was wonderful! 

Located in Uvero Alto, Punta Cana, Dreams Onyx Resort & Spa is set on a remote, palm-studded beach. The family section offers 320 suites, including two room categories offering plenty of connecting room options, two bedroom suites perfect for larger families. With limitless gourmet à la carte dining and unlimited top-shelf beverages at eleven dining options and eleven bars you will find everything you're looking for. Plus, with exchange privileges, adults can enjoy complete access to the seven bars, nine restaurants, entertainment, and amenities right next door at Breathless Punta Cana.

Food was overall great.  I did the buffet for breakfast and lunch and they had ample offerings.  French Restaurant-outstanding food! Italian Restaurant-we ate here for the rehearsal dinner and again, would recommend. Ice Cream Shop near lobby-by grandson and mother were here everyday! Burger Bar-the group was here for late night since it was near the Sports Bar.  Beach Grill-this is located next door at Breathless, but you have reciprocity with Breathless if you are an adult at Dreams.

Wedding - Very easy to work with and we even changed/added a few things once we arrived at the resort with no problems. We upgraded to the Divine Wedding Package and then added some extras. Hannah chose the beach for her wedding and also for reception.  We had the wedding at one end of the resort and the reception at the other.  Food for the wedding was better than great.  They have a separate crew do the wedding food, so it is just not taken from the buffet.  Again, it was amazing.  The wedding was at 200pm, then cocktail hour from 300pm-400pm and reception from 400pm-700pm. 

Activities - New Water park has lazy river and slides along with a bar. They have floats for you or you can buy your own.  Kids and adults were loving this.  The main pool is multi leveled and has a small wading pool between the main pool and beach.  The kid’s area is up near the lobby and has a small splash park and play area.  They do activities around the resort. The adults enjoyed the ability to go to Breathless for Casino and evening entertainment.  Our resort also had entertainment, but more family friendly.

We used Bebe Catamarans for a private charter the day after the wedding for our group.  They picked us up at the resort for transfer and we were on the boat for three hours.  We stopped for snorkeling and used the slide at the first stop and then stopped at a sandbar for play and drinking. If you are snorkeling, you have to use a ladder, jump, or slide off the boat. 

Covid testing for the return was easy and went smoothly.  You will need to go the concierge and set it up.  They helped everyone on our phones to fill out the electronic paperwork.  We set an appointment and it took about 15 minutes from start to finish.

This adults-only, all-inclusive, beachfront resort on the Dutch side of Sint Maarten boasts chic décor, sophisticated amenities and a variety of daily activities all within walking distance of the shops and entertainment of Maho Village. Guests also have full exchange privileges next door at Sonesta Maho Beach Resort.  Sonesta Ocean Point is the adults only section of the Sonesta Resort. All rooms are oceanfront/view and they have Junior Suites, a two bedroom Butler Suite and a one bedroom Rooftop Suite. Beautiful views from all rooms and the ground level rooms are swim up suites in a semi-private winding pool.

The resort sits on Maho Beach-unpredictable-goes from sandy to rocky depending on Mother Nature. The adults only section does not have its own beach, but has “The Edge” pool which is an infinity pool with a man-made beach. The pool sits between the room with the buildings and the Azul restaurant-the only adults only restaurant. Beautiful views from anywhere you are seated. There is also a rooftop bar, Casa Blue, that serves above the restaurant that had evening music and drinks. There is also a Sunset Bar on the rooftop of the room building section. The food was very good.

Fitness center has floor to ceiling walls and a good size at adults only section. Guests may also use the gym at Maho, but it is small and no windows. The rooms are spacious and come with Molton Brown toiletries, stocked mini bar, and four bottles of liquor. You can take the bottles of liquor home with you if you don’t drink them all. Slipper and robes in room and phone charges for any type of phone are attached to the alarm clock. Toothpaste and brush, shaving kit, sewing kit, and shower cap also in bathroom. I was very impressed with the rooms.

Except for a few hiccups at the front desk (each of us received different answers on a few things-even from the same person) the service here was excellent and I would recommend this resort for all-inclusive travelers. There are many wonderful restaurants in Sint Maarten, though, so I encourage you to go off site a few times to enjoy the local eateries.

South Africa with African Travel Inc.
I spent one night in Johannesburg, two nights at Thornybush and three nights in Cape Town featuring Queen Victoria Hotel and Belmond Mount Nelson. From the time I stepped off the plane in JNB, African Travel made our group feel welcome and safe. They had greeters meet us when we got off the plane, expedited us through customs and immigration, assisted with luggage and porters and took us to our transportation. This was the case for every airport arrival and departure and they were even in JNB to meet us and assist us from our domestic flight to international flight.

The Thornybush Private Game Reserve is adjacent to Kruger Natioanal Park. They have several properties on the reserve. I stayed at Thornybush Waterside Lodge and viewed Thornybush Game Lodge, Saseka Tented Camp (both in their Premium Collection) as well as Jackalberry Lodge (Waterside and Jackalberry considered Classic Collection). The Saseka Tented Camp just opened eight months ago and has already had at least one repeat guest! This would be a great property for honeymooners or anyone that wants more privacy. There was a millennial group there while we toured and it looked like they were having a good time. The tents here were absolutely stunning.

Observations and information of my Safari Experience:
Open top vehicles used with driver and tracker. They seat nine but they will only put up to eight guests in vehicle. Very comfortable seats and plenty of room. Theatre style seating and back room is bumpiest. Please note you are out for three hours-go to the bathroom before you leave! You can take a “bush pee” if you need to go during the drive.

Tipping guidelines for your drive staff and lodge staff are in the room information booklet. In South Africa you can tip in Rand as well as USD (newer bills only). If you are not taking a bushwalk after your drive, you can where flip flops, sandals, tennis shoes. You will not go out of your vehicle except for a “Sundowner” drinks on the last night drive of your stay in the bush or a light breakfast on the last morning of your stay out in the bush. Dress in layers. I went from shorts and t shirt to wearing a blanket over my lap, jacket and scarf on one ride. They provide blankets and rain tarps. 

The crafts and brand wear in the gift shops at the lodges were priced well. Please buy from the shops since they support the locals. I had no problem doing this! Get to know your trackers and drivers-they have great stories. We asked ours to have a drink with us the last night and they obliged. Also listen to their directions. They are the ones that keep you safe.

I took a Wine Country tour to Franschhoek and vicinity. This is a quaint town with great shopping. Many wineries here and we did a tasting, lunch, and a blending class. The blending class was quite fun and interesting. We were able to bottle our own blend and take with us. We also stopped at the last prison where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated and say where he did his Freedom Walk and statue. I also went down to the Cape of Good Hope, Cape Point, The Penguin Colony, and had lunch at Bertha’s in Simon’s Town-great seafood platter! This is a coastal town where I would recommend some time to stroll. I recommend booking an early morning tour, especially in busy season. The road gets quite congested by midmorning.

The Cape Town City Tour was excellent and again, I recommend a private tour: you will see beautiful views of Table Mountain, the city, and Company Garden. They also took us to a private diamond/jewelry store. Great prices and we were given a demonstration of diamond cutting. This was my first experience to Africa and I am hooked – cannot wait to go back again!

My experience in Turks & Caicos was amazing with Delta Vacations! We visited Wymara Resort and Villas,The Sands at Grace Bay, The Shore Club and The Palms.

Wymara Resort and Villas has 91 Suites on property and five Villas (seven will be completed by 2020) about five minutes away.  Wymara Resort has studio, one, two , and three bedroom.  I had the Luxury Ocean Front Studio which looks directly on the ocean. 

Wymara Villas is located on the other side of the island-no beach but walk out decks in to the ocean.  Villa guests have full use of the resort (can go for breakfast but not included) and there is a shuttle for use between the two properties.  Continental breakfast delivered to villas starting in December and is included. They have small gym but awesome views. All unites are made of reclaimed limestone from area and hand cut-gorgeous

The Wymara has a very laid back, intimate setting-if someone wants a lot of activity and hype, this is not the place for them.  I would consider this for honeymooners and couples that want privacy and upscale atmosphere. They have an extensive beach area with plenty of umbrellas and chairs-won’t seem busy even in season

The Villas are out of this world!  They are individually owned (about 5 mil per unit, 8500 a month for HOA fees-but no property tax) but the onsite builder and management take care of them.  They are cleaned every two days when no one is in them and twice a day when guest are onsite. These are great for multi gen, girlfriends or men’s getaways, or life celebrations. 

The Pink Bar is great bar for Sunset Cocktails-the Signature Pink Cocktail with gin was delicious! 

My recent Iceland Experience exceeded my expectations!

I worked with a Signature Travel Network Specialist called Iceland Travel. Their escorted group size is usually 10+ passengers, but we can also do a private tour for 1-10 guests. And for the adventurous they also have a luxury product called Nine Worlds that includes private jets, helicopters, meet & greet, gifts, etc.  The Icelandair Hotel Reykjavik Natura was my hotel which is located about 10 minutes from the city center. The onsite restaurant, Satt, has an excellent breakfast buffet (included in rates with Iceland Travel). With only 220 rooms the property is very nice with great views. Outside of Reykjavik in the summer there is limited availability for hotels - book early.

The Golden Circle Tour is a 'must do.' This is the most popular tour from Reykjavik and you can do add-ons to a spa, tomato greenhouse, etc. The basic includes Geysir, Gullfoss Falls, and Thingvellir National Park. This tour does have a lot of walking and was about eight hours.  We also went out to Reykjanes Peninsula where I saw The Blue Lagoon (a must for any traveler wanting to get in the hot springs) as well as the Brimketill Lava Pools, and the bridge between two continents-where the North American Plate and the Eurasian Plate meet. Don’t miss the large Lutheran Church, Hallgrimskirkja, in town.
Some tips:

*No mosquitos in Iceland
*90% of the whale watching is up north
*24 hours of effective daylight starting the end of April
*There are over 65 golf courses in Iceland and “Midnight Golf” is very popular.
*Outside of Reykjavik in the summer amounts has limited availability for hotels-book early.
*For self-drives, you now receive a tablet when you pick up car. You type in your booking number and it gives you a step by step itinerary and restaurants and sights to see along your way.
*Northern Lights is best to see around a new moon from September to March.

I love Iceland! The people are incredible and there is so much to see.

As one of Central Travel’s top producers for Delta Vacations, I was part of an incentive award trip this January to the Riviera Maya.  We did site inspections at Ocean Riviera Paradise, Hotel Xcaret, Unico 20° 87°, Zoetry Paraiso De La Bonita, Generations Riviera Maya, by Karisma and our host resort was the beautiful Grand Velas Riviera Maya.  All resorts were 4.5 – 5 Star properties and we saw all room categories in each resort.  There is certainly something for everyone in the Riviera Maya! 

I found the Unico 20° 87° resort to be rather unique.  The property is owned by Hard Rock and is considered a luxury hotel in Riviera Maya.  Located in a bay with a private beach flanked by El Dorado Seaside Suites and The Palladium resorts, the hotel is set in a horseshoe and 90% of their rooms are Ocean View.  The resort is adults only.

Alcoba is the name of the lead in the category and is a swim up room on the first floor and not Ocean view.  If you have an ocean view or ocean front Alcoba room, it is not a swim up but has a tub on the terrace, however, the tub does not have a privacy curtain. The Estancia Suites are one bedroom, 1.5 baths and either tropical view (palm trees in way of the ocean) or Ocean view.  These are located on floors two and above with large living area and terrace.

The resort has a laid back atmosphere-they have no scheduled entertainment but always something going on. Three pools including one quiet pool.   Palmera is open Wednesday through Saturday until 2:00 am with music, but if you want a “club” atmosphere they have a $10.00 excursion that takes you to the Hard Rock Club-Heaven from 10:00 pm-2:00 am.

Restaurants-you can make a reservation or do first/come first served.  Best take away-casual dress code in every restaurant. Unico does not expect you to come to Riviera Maya and have to dress up for dinner.  Inez Café opens from 6:00am-2:00am-great for early morning flights if you want to have a breakfast take away.

I would be happy to assist you with your next Riviera Maya vacation!

I have recently returned from Tahiti and French Polynesia and have a new favorite destination in the world!

My trip was sponsored by The Tahiti Travel Exchange and I stayed or visited several properties.  In Tahiti, I stayed at the Tahiti Pearl Beach Resort and the Intercontinental Resort.  In Bora Bora, I visited the Conrad Bora Bora Nui, the Le Meridien Bora Bora and the St. Regis Bora Bora Resort which was an amazing property and perfect for weddings.  On Rangiroa, I stayed at the Hotel Kia Ora Resort & Spa, one of two hotels on the island and definitely the nicest.  Rangiroa is an atoll and is known as a diver’s paradise.  This would be great for divers or honeymooners that want privacy.  Over-water bungalows have a nice deck and large interior.  

Tahiti and French Polynesia are rather expensive – I would suggest taking a Paul Gaugin cruise (which is all-inclusive) then staying a couple of nights in an overwater bungalow – makes a perfect combination.

Since I have personally visited several properties I can recommend what’s best for you depending on your personal interests and would be happy to create a French Polynesia vacation with memories for a lifetime!

I have recently returned from a wonderful trip from Paris to Barcelona on the MSC Fantasia! 

Our hotel in Paris was the Paris Marriott Ambassador Opera Hotel which provided great views of the Eiffel Tower in the executive lounge.  The hotel is close to the Opera, walking distance to Moulin Rouge, Galeries Lafayette, and the start of hop on hop off tour.

The Jules Verne Restaurant-on second floor of Eiffel Tower serves lunch and dinner.  You can make reservations online only starting about 90 days prior. The food was amazing and well worth the price. Make sure you get there early since you do have to go through a security check to get on to the grounds.  A private elevator takes you up to the restaurant and only six people at a time fit in the elevator.

In Barcelona, we stayed at the Cotton House Hotel, Autograph Collection by Marriott. I highly recommend this hotel: great location, service was five star, and there is a small pool and sunning deck on the top floor.  You can see La Sagrada Familia from the rooftop. Definitely book a bed and breakfast rate here.  We were in the Madras room that gave us a balcony with a courtyard view. 

Our MSC Fantasia cruise was a 12-day Western Mediterranean itinerary in a Yacht Club Suite. This was my first experience with MSC and I was pleasantly surprised.  However, we were in the Yacht Club section of the ship which has only 69 suites and TONS of amenities;  private check-in area, private elevator, butler service, reserved seats on all shore excursion vehicles,  private dining room (with any time dining) for Yacht Club members, etc. MSC is an Italian company and still caters to the European market.  Although we met other US Citizens, we were definitely the minority.  I loved the diversity. The buffet restaurant was average at best.  Service was spotty and you need to get your own coffee and water.  There are several bars and lounges to sit in relax, listen to music, etc.  Needless to say, we kept to the Yacht Club most of the time.  Top notch service, never crowded and had everything we needed.  If you are considering the MSC Fantasia the Yacht Club is the only way to sail!

In 2016 I had the opportunity to explore New Zealand with Travel2 and it was amazing.  Absolutely, positively my favorite destination to date!  I arrived in Auckland and immediately headed to Hobbiton-a must see for anyone, but especially all the “Lord of the Rings” fans.

Queenstown was my favorite city, located on the South Island and a favorite ski destination.  It was the beginning of ski season, but still not crowded.  Many hikes and trails start right in the city; anywhere from 45 minutes to 4 hours, and offer breathtaking views from every angle.  I did two river excursions in Queenstown: Shotover River and Dart River.  I highly recommend both.  The Shotover is great if you do not have a lot of time: Shotover is 10 minutes from town and about a half hour ride.  The Dart River is about an hour ride from Queenstown where you begin at the quaint town of Glenorchy, and you have several tours to choose from.  The Dart includes a 30 minute forest walk where they show you where many movies filmed their outdoor scenes.

I visited several resorts on both the North and South island and know where to stay, dine and what to do. Please call me to assist with your New Zealand adventure - you'll love it!   

Cancun Omni Cancun Resort and Villas
Beautiful beaches, breathtaking sunsets, spectacular views and Five Star accommodations combine to create an unparalleled getaway experience in beautiful Cancun.  I could not be more pleased with this all-inclusive resort.  On a great stretch of beach, all rooms have either a lagoon view or sea view, so water view either side.  Rooms are good size with mini bar (beer, soda, and water) and a coffee maker.  This is a smaller resort, but the service is outstanding.  Poolside service, we never had an empty drink!

Hotel RIU Palace Riviera Maya
What a difference a resort makes!  Leaving the Omni and walking into the grandeur and opulence of the RIU we realized we would have a totally different experience here.  Although the service was not as special as the Omni, we enjoyed the vibrance of the resort, the ability to have access to the other RIU’s, and the beach.

I have recently returned from an exciting trip to Australia in August and am pleased to let everyone know I am an Australian Destination Specialist!  I have completed course and webinars online and now, with my first trip to Australia under my belt, I can assist you with your plans to Australia with confidence.  

I toured Sydney, Hunter Valley, and Blue Mountains in New South Wales and did an extensive trek to the Outback with stops at Uluru, (Ayer’s Rock) King’s Canyon, Alice Springs, and Glen Helen.  I stayed in five star accommodations as well as a Homestead stay in Glen Helen.

I would love to talk to you about my experiences:  The Sydney Bridge Climb, Sydney Harbour Cruise, Sunrise and Sunset at Uluru, Camel Camp, King’s Canyon Rim Walk, Gorge Hikes-just to name a few-and then find you the perfect South Pacific vacation to suit your needs.  Please give me a call to set up an appointment today!

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
I loved my visit to Punta Cana where I visited several resorts; Chic-very impressed with this hotel - used to be a French “Club” hotel, Hard Rock-feels like a cruise ship on land, Iberostar Bavaro Suites-felt a bit commune like, but good choice for families, RIU Macao-adults only very West Indies feel and again, laid-back atmosphere, and the Grand Palladium – one of my favorites.

Right on the shore of Bávaro Beach, where the Caribbean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean, you find the Grand Palladium Punta Cana to be a lovely property. Thanks to this idyllic setting, you'll enjoy your vacations under the warm Caribbean sun walking along a one kilometer long beach with fine white sand. The waves of a transparent turquoise sea sing a soothing lullaby in the midst of lush tropical vegetation. Whether you travel as a couple or with your family, you can choose from a wide variety of cuisines, pamper yourself with relaxing massages in the Spa or practice your favorite water sport!

Rocky Mountaineer Canadian Rockies Adventure

Since 1990, Rocky Mountaineer has had the extreme good fortune to carry guests from the world over into the heart of the famed Canadian Rockies. Now I know why Rocky Mountaineer has won eight World Travel Awards, hailed as the Academy Awards of the tourism industry!

I have recently returned from a fantastic experience traveling from Calgary to Lake Louise and Banff via motorcoach then to Kamloops and Vancouver via train. Truly a luxury train experience, Rocky Mountaineer lets you travel during the day through the Canadian Rockies and overnight along the way at luxury hotels.  There are several train itineraries and you can customize your vacation by adding on motorcoach tours as well as independent travel.

The Fairmont hotel is normally your home in the evenings.  I experienced the Fairmont Palliser in Calgary, the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, and the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. Ask me about the Summit Helicopter Tour in Calgary  - certainly, a must do.

The Rocky Mountaineer Train experience was phenomenal!  Service accommodations and dining were excellent. This is definitely the best way to see the Canadian Rockies.

Loved Sandals Emerald Bay in Great Exuma, Bahamas, Beaches Turks and Caicos, and Sandals Grande Antigua!

Sandals Grande Antigua is situated in the most beautiful and longest white-sand beach in Antigua and is only 15 minutes from the airport (UVF).  This property consists of really two distinct sections.  There is the original Caribbean Village section where the style and feel are just what it sounds, the Caribbean like and the rooms are closest to the beach and gardens.  The Red Lane Spa and Red Lane Fitness center are both located in this area and also the first original Rondovals for Sandals.  Many rooms have been newly refurbished and all have the mahogany furnishing.

Sandals Emerald Bay, Great Exuma Bahamas sits on a mile of white-sand beach on one side and a marina on the other.  It has an 18 hole, 7,000 yard, par 72 Greg Norman-designed golf course with 6 holes on the oceanfront peninsula.  This resort felt intimate and not too overwhelming.  The rooms are all pretty close to the beach and pools so you don't have to walk a mile from your room or anywhere to swim.  It is a very sports active resort with 6 tennis courts and a 2.6-mile jogging trail through the golf course and along the Emerald Bay.  They have unlimited scuba diving for certified divers and Discover Scuba for beginners.  The pools here were great and they have the Caribbean's largest zero entry pool with a central fire pit, really cool.  They have added a brick oven down by the beach where they make all kinds of different fresh breads daily.

Beaches Turks and Caicos, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos is a large resort and has an excellent beach. Broken down into four areas: French, Italian, Caribbean, and Key West.  The French are furthest from the beach.  The Caribbean is in the main area, Italian between the Caribbean and Key West.  Key West was another resort and you can clearly feel the difference.  Although the beachfront villas are amazing, the bathrooms are basic.  Great maybe for families, but did not impress me.  The pools in this area are also small.  
Restaurants abound here (19 places to eat) and two of them are beachside. The kids' area is fabulous: Sesame Street daycare area, waterpark area with slide and lazy river and their own swim up “bar.”