Monthly Archive for June, 2007

Florida Wineries…

Published on June 30, 2007 in Travel Information. 0 Comments

A few years ago, we travelled to California for a long holiday and one of our stops was in the wine country of Napa Valley. The whole valley is cover with grape vines and the air is crisp and invigorating. It is a pleasure to the eyes and all your senses. From wine tasting to art work, some of the wineries are more like museums than wineries, you come away from the whole experience, with a new appreciation of nature and what we as humans can accomplished working side by side with nature. My son and his wife were so taken with the whole experience, that when they decided on a place for their honeymoon, they traveled to San Francisco and to Sonoma, the other wonderful wine country in California.

We all think of California as been one of the only places in the U.S. perfect for wine production, but we in Florida are very fortunate to have several Wineries close by.

You can plot your next vacation around the Florida Wineries and you will be glad you did. Here is a list of some of the Florida Wineries near by:

1* Chautauqua Vineyards…364 Hugh Adams Rd. DeFuniak Springs,Fl 32435
www.chautauquawinery.com
2*Dakotah Winery & Vineyards…14365 NW Hwy 19 Chiefland,Fl 32626
www.dakotagwinery.com
3*Eden Vineyards & Winery…19709 Little Lane Alva,Fl 33920
www.edenwinery.com
4*Emerald Coast Wine Cellars…1708 Old Hwy 98 East, Destin ,Fl 32550
5*Florida Orange Groves, Inc & Winery…1500 Pasadena Avenue S. St. Petersburg,Fl 33707
www.floridawine.com
6*Henscratch farms Vineyards & Winery…19239 Henscratch Rd Lake Placid,Fl 33852
www.henscratchfarms.com
7*Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards…19239 U.S. 27 North. Clermont,Fl 34711
www.lakeridgewinery.com
8*Monticello Vineyards & Winery…1211 Waukeenah Highway, Monticello, Fl 32344
9*Rosa Fiorelli Winery..4020 CR 675 Bradenton,Fl 34244
www.fiorelliwinery.com
10*San Sebastian Winery..157 King Street, San Agustine,Fl 32084
www.sansebastianwinery.com
11*Scnebly Redland’s Winery..30205 SW 217th Ave. Redland,Fl 33030
www.scheneblywinery.com
12*SeaBreezw Winery..13201 Hutchison Blvd. Panama City Beach,Fl 32407
www.seabreezewinery.com
13*Three Oaks Winery..3348 Highway 79. Vernon,Fl 32462

These Wineries are located all over the state. With a little planning, you may be able to include a visit to one or more of them in your future vacation get away. It will be worth your while it you are a lover of nature, and enjoy a good glass of wine.

Please do not hesitate to include us in your travel planning, we are here to help. Our service is free….our advice is priceless.

Until next time…Keep Safe and Happy Traveling….

4th of July Sales Event

Published on June 30, 2007 in Travel Information. 0 Comments

Royal Caribbean International
Get up to $400 off and Celebrate!
“RESERVE YOUR CRUISE AND ClAIM YOUR INDEPENDENCE”

Book between July 1st and July 4th and get up to $400 off per stateroom on select Royal Caribbean International sailings. There is nothing like independence and this is the time of year to celebrate yours. Reserve now and bring some freedom to the rest of your year.

9-Night Canada/New England 3/4-Night Baja Mexico Explorer of the Sea Monarch of the Seas
8/31/2007 7/20,7/23,7/30.8/6/2007
Departing from Cape Liberty, Bayonne, NJ Departing from Los Angeles,CA

7-Night Eastern/Western Caribbean 12 Night Mediterranean
Mariner of the Seas Brilliance of the Seas
8/12,8/19,8/26/2007 7/20,8/1,8/13/2007
Departing from Port Canaveral,Fl Departing Barcelona,Spain

3/4 Night Bahamas 7 Night Bermuda 4/5 Night Western Caribbean
Sovereign of the Seas Empress of the Seas Enchantment of the Seas
8/17,8/20,8/27,9/3,9/7/2007 7/28.8/4.8/11/2007 8/13,8/23,8/27,9/1,9/6

There are many more sailings available. From Alaska Hubbard Glacier(7/20/2007) to the Greek Isles/Greek Isles & Turkey(7/13,7/20,7/28,8/18,8/25/20007) to the Eastern/Western Caribbean. Make your reservations now and “Get out There”……

For reservations or information, Please Call:
K&E INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL
(407)913-8345

Sheraton Grand Bahama Island….

Published on June 27, 2007 in Uncategorized. 0 Comments

Super Summer Savings!
3 nights from $305
Sheraton Grand Bahama Island Our Lucaya Resort

Just off the coast of Florida, there’s a place where the beaches are breathtaking, the vegetation is lush, and the weather is as warm and inviting as the people. This place is called Grand Bahama Island and Sheraton Grand Bahama Island Our Lucaya Resort is in the heart of it.

Book by July 6, 2007. E-mail:mkirsten@mktravelclub.com for reservations or information

Gas saving Tips….

Published on June 27, 2007 in Travel Information. 0 Comments

Now we must come back to Earth, and talk about a subject that concerns us all…how to save money on gas.

Summer means family travel. But this summer’s fuel prices may have us holding the vacation purse strings a little closer. Higher prices don’t have to keep your family home.

As per AAA, the following are Tips on how to save money on gas.

*Keep your tires inflated to manufacture’s specifications. Low tire pressure consumes more gasoline.

*Make sure your vehicle is properly maintained.

*Apply for and use a credit card that offers a rebate or rewards points on fuel purchases.

*For long term savings, consider purchasing a hybrid vehicle-it may save you tax dollars. The IRS recently posted a listing of several hybrid models that will garner a $2,000 clean-fuel deduction.

With a little planning and an eye for lower prices in your area, this summer’s vacation can be a very fun and enjoyable one. Save fuel getting there and plan ahead on hotel and attraction reservations.

Happy Traveling…

VACATION HOMES…..

Published on June 27, 2007 in Travel Information. 0 Comments

I recently came across some information about vacation homes(Conde Nast Traveler), and I would like to share the information with you. Maybe this is something that appeals to you.

Many people purchase a vacation home for year round enjoyment, some like to have the enjoyment but not the worry of up keeping and maintaining the property. For those of us that like the best of both world, now there is a new way of vacation ownership. The Private Residence Clubs, are upscale fractional-ownership properties that come with five star hotel service and amenities and that allow the owner to check in and out as they would at a hotel. This has been the domain of luxury brands such as Ritz-Carlton and Four Seasons. Now the second phase of private residence clubs is beginning to emerge, in the form of independent properties. Here are three notables.

The Fairfax, South Beach…

A new Todd Oldham designed hotel on the same Art Deco strip as the Delano. Is been offered as a fractional ownership. The 53 suite hotel has one-fourth fractions(corresponding to 13 weeks) costing between $250,000 and $400,000. Amenities: Rofftop pool and dining club, pre-arrival grocery shopping, reserved private beach chairs, VIP nightclub passes.

Vanderbilt Residence Club, Newport, Rhode Island…

A converted mansion built a century ago by Alfred Gwyn Vanderbilt, formerly the Newport Men’s Social Club. The 33 furnished 400-3,000 square-foot suites cost between $75,000 and $225,000(corresponding to 10 to 30 weeks of use). Amenities: Personal concierge, golf privileges at local courses, access to Gooseberry Beach.

Whiteface Lodge, Lake Placid, New York….

A new Adirondack lodge-style hotel. The 85 suites, in one-twelfth or one-sixth shares(corresponding to four or eight weeks of use) range from $100,000 to $433,000. Amenities: Full kitchen, spa and concierge services, airport pickup, access to private beach

I hope the properties above, serve as an example of other ways to vacation, but if you (as most of us do) are going to continue traveling the good old way:-] there are many wonderful places in the world, that we can visit and dream about one week or more at the time!!! I will be more than happy to guide you to your next vacation adventure. Our service is free…Our advice is Priceless. Contact us @:mkirsten@mktravelclub.com

See you soon….Happy traveling.

Beware of the Sun….

Published on June 26, 2007 in Travel Information. 0 Comments

According with the Cancer Center & Research Institute, Melanoma is on the rise in the United States, but better sun safety habits would cut the incidence dramatically, especially in younger children who have not already been burned by the sun.

Melanoma is one of the most serious cancers. It also is one of the most preventable. Staying indoors during the peak hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., experts say, is the surest form of protection from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. A second line of defense is sun protective clothing. Exposed parts of the body should be protected with sunscreen or sunblock.

There are many sunscreens in the market, they range from 8 to 50 “SPF”. An SPF of 15 means it will take your skin 15 times longer to burn than it would without sunscreen. Be aware that burn time vary dramatically from person to person. All of us can get skin damage, but fair skin people with blue eyes may have a higher rate damage.

Make sure your sunscreen protects against both “UVA” and “UVB” rays. UVA rays, which penetrate deeply into the skin but don’t cause tanning or burning can do long term damage.

Tips for applying sunscreen…

*Use sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher
*Apply enough sunscreen, remember all areas, such as the backs of ears, neck, shoulders, tops of feet and the back of knees.
*Apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before going outdoors, so the skin has time to absorb it, and reapply after swimming or every two to four hours if you are perspiring heavily.

Keep safe, keep happy……. See you soon…. Happy traveling…..

Summer fare sale….

Published on June 26, 2007 in Travel Information. 0 Comments

Hello everyone!! I just came across this fare sale. If you have been looking for a fast get away, you may like to look into it. If you need any assistance or have any questions about booking, e-mail: mkirsten@mktravelclub.com

Summer fare sale!
Flights from only $44+ one-way on AirTran. Don’t miss this chance to escape to your favorite destination. Low fares from major cities to a variety of great vacation spots. Book by July 3, for travel through November 14.

See you soon. Happy traveling…….

Tipping

Published on June 25, 2007 in Travel Information. 0 Comments

I have been writing about traveling and packing for your get away. Today I like to give you some tips about “Tipping”.

In a perfect world, you wouldn’t need to tip if you were already paying a service charge( as is the case with coat-check clerks and room service waiters). Too bad the world is not perfect. When in doubt, you should err on the side of generosity. It is more common to regret under tipping than over tipping.

Customs vary from country to country

If you read only one part of a guidebook before arriving someplace, make it the part on tipping. Then flag it; you will need it.

Tipping the boat

On most cruise ships, tips are automatically added to your bill. There is leeway to tip more or less, but if you would like to reduce the service fee, you will probably have to explain your reasons to the purser. Don’t be afraid to have that conversation. the cruise line likes to know when its passengers are disappointed.

General rules for tipping in the U.S.

Bellmen; $1 or $2 per bag. If you rather not tip the Bellman, you can refuse their service and show yourself to the room.

Housekeepers; Some people think, you don’t have to tip, some believe you should tip daily to make sure the money goes to the person who cleaned your room, some wait until the end of the stay. A couple of dollars per day won’t mean as much to you as it will to the housekeeper(don’t tip at B&B if the maid is also the owner).

Concierges; Giving you directions is part of the job. If they give you other services such as getting theater ticket or restaurant reservation, you should tip at least $20.

Waiter; Under 15 percent means you did not like the service. Don’t worry about the sommelier, let the restaurant determine how to divide up all the tips.

Taxi driver; Tips should be 15 to 20 percent, or around one dollar for every five dollars of fare. Round up to the nearest dollar. No one likes to deal with change.

Be nice, smile. It makes all our lives happier and better:-)

See you soon. Happy traveling……..

Pack for a 10-Day Trip in One Carry-On Bag….

Published on June 21, 2007 in Travel Information. 0 Comments

You can pack everything needed for a 10 day vacation into a single 22″x9″x14″ bag that complies with today’s strict airline carry on rules. Of course, you won’t be able to wear a different outfit every day or get really dressed up for dinner, but frequent travelers find the convenience worth it. What to pack…..

Pick one color scheme. Select a neutral color, black,navy,brown or olive, and pack only clothing in this color or that goes well with this color. This makes it easier to mix and match and create new outfits,pants, skirts, etc. Avoid lighter neutrals, such as tan and white, which are more likely to show dirt.

Buy wrinkle resistant clothes. Garments made from high tech fabrics that resist wrinkles can be worn several times during a trip without looking messy. A wrinkle resistant T-shirt is particularly useful for men and women, it looks great with jeans or under a sport coat.

You may want to bring a microfiber T-shirt and a pair of shorts as workout clothes. Microfiber is breathable and fast-drying. You can wash it and wear it again the next day. A large microfiber T-shirt works as a nightshirt and a bathing suit topper. You also may want to bring microfiber socks and underwear(enough for each day of the trip)

Wear a pair of sneakers or walking shoes, and pack one pair of dressier, but still comfortable shoes in your carry-on bag.

If you must bring a coat, make it a compact, wrinkle-resistant, all weather raincoat. With a sweater underneath, it is good even in 20 degree weather if you are not outside too long.

If you need a suit or sport coat, check for wrinkle resistance. Roll or knot the suit sleeve. If it still looks good when it is straightened out, it should work well during your trip.

Other Items…..

Buy travel size bottles for toiletries, if you are not staying in a hotel that supplies them.
Small bottles comply with new U.S. travel rules, which ban bottles that hold more than three ounces of fluid from carry on luggage.

Bring paperbacks or magazines reading material that you can throw away when you are done.

Wear a watch with an alarm if you don’t want to rely on a hotel alarm clock. Or use a cell phone alarm.

I will be following my own advice in the future(I have been known to over pack even for a 3 day trip).

Until next time. See you soon. Happy Traveling!!!

All inclusive resort….St.Lucia

Published on June 20, 2007 in Travel Information. 1 Comment

$699 — St. Lucia All-Inclusive Vacation w/Air, $300 OFF *
St. Lucia
Top 20 deal – sells out quickly!
Travel dates: Aug. 20 – Dec. 20

Known for being an upscale Caribbean island, St. Lucia is a place many want to visit, but few can afford. Now CheapCaribbean’s putting it within reach with a 5-night all-inclusive deal including air, transfers and insurance for just $699 per person! Not only is this over $300 OFF, but you stay at Almond Resort’s newest property, Almond Smugglers Cove.
Travel is valid select dates Aug. 20 – Dec. 20. For $200 more, travel now-Aug. 19.

About Almond Smugglers Cove: After $20 million in renovations, Almond Resorts, an award-winning chain of Caribbean all-inclusives, just reopened this property as Almond Smugglers Cove. Located on 60 acres on a north shore secluded bay, resort amenities include: 3 pools, a spa tub, supervised kids club and tennis courts.

This package is valid from the following cities:
Add $0 from: Miami
Add $100 from: Atlanta, Dallas, New York City, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Raleigh
Add $150 & up from: Over 40 additional departure cities,