I sailed on the MSC Opera in 2007 for an 11 days deep Caribbean cruise and the experience was wonderful. The crew, ship, dinning and tours were very organized and very Italian. The cabins are spacious and very nicely decorated (we had a balcony cabin and it is great to watch the sun set in your own private Oasis). We were so impressed by the experience of sailing on this Italian Cruise Line, that we are sailing once again, this time on the MSC Lirica to celebrate the New Year at sea and we are bringing with us most of our family and friends. If you want a taste of sailing “Italian” try the mini-cruise, you will like the experience.

For more information or reservations, please call MK Travel Club at (407) 913-8345

Please be advised that it is best to have all reservations ticketed immediately to guarantee the air price quoted. Ticketing will avoid future increases due to fuel surcharges, as airlines do not always give advanced notice of these additional costs.

All itineraries, even those which are ticketed and paid in full, may be subject to government tax increases without notice which will be collected by the airline directly. Please advise clients of the possibility of additional collection of these mandatory Airline/ Government Fuel surcharges and taxes.

Source: Go Go Travel Worldwide Vacations

Be Safe…Be Happy…and Happy Traveling!!!

My family and I have been in more than 20 cruises since we move to Florida 31 years ago, and every time we get on the ship is like the first time. The moment we start planning the trip, we start counting the days until we get on board. Going on a cruise is the most relaxing way to vacation. If you like to get pampered, relax, have fun, go to parties, have great meals, a house keeper, a butler and an all together great staff to see to all your needs…….by all means go on a Cruise!!!

We sailed from Port Canaveral, Florida on the Carnival Glory a 110,000 tons mega ship with everything on board; Casinos, Pools, Jazz Clubs, Mini-Golf, Basketball Court, Sushi Bar, Pizza Shop, Coffee Bar, Shopping Mall, Broadway Style Shows, Spa, Health Club, Sauna, Supper Club, two restaurants, Library, children programs and so many more things to do, that it will take you more than seven days to see it all.

We left on Saturday May 3rd, 2008 and as soon as we entered the ship we could feel the energy coming form the passengers and the party mood. Our cabin was on the Lido Deck ( the pool deck and the food court deck, so we were close to all the action) we had a Balcony Suite, big enough to have a California style king bed, sofa bed, three closets and a balcony, with two chairs and a table. On a Carnival Cruise the cabins are usually larger than in other cruise lines so you can accommodate three to four people and have plenty of room.

The Carnival Glory is a very elegant ship, with works of art on walls and fresco paintings in the public rooms. Elegant stairways and glass elevators in the 11 stories Atrium. An art gallery on board, sells art pieces from artist from all over the world and the jewerly store on board sell watches from Piaget to Rollex. Perfumes from Nina Ricci, Dolce Gabbana, Gucci, Estee and many more, the selection is enless and the prices are great (you don’t even have to pay tax!!!)

We sailed to Cozumel, Mexico and took a tour to a beautiful beach called “Playa Mia” with golden sand, azure water and warm Caribbean breezes. We went shopping by the port, also tax free and with a great selection of local items as well as up-scale shops selling from diamonds to jade an more. Cozumel is a great port to visit and there are many interesting places and things to do.

Next day we visited Belize, SA we were taken to the mountains on air condition buses for a visit to a Butterfly Farm. While walking in the path we could see people horseback riding in the trail, orchids in the trees, butterflies every where, Iguanas, gold winged birds, exotic trees and many more typical things of the area that it is an Eco lover paradise. Lunch was provided at the end of the trip in a beautiful spot, by a natural spring and some of the guest went kayaking and some of us took advantage of the natural waterfall and the pool that was close by. An enchanting end to a great adventure.

Our next stop was Roatan Island, Honduras, this was the first time we visited this wonderful spot and we will visit again. A ride to the mountains, on well paved roads, was cool and relaxing. Our guide was very informative and was able to tell us all about the native fruits and trees as well as their medicinal uses, it seems they do not need modern medicine to take care from the flu to fevers or any other ailments.

Our destination was a dock by the bay, we boarded a native boat (a flat boat with built in seats) and we were taken on a tour of the reefs and even got to see two ships that had run a ground many years ago. All that remains today is their rusting hulk, and the memory of their journey. Clear waters, blue sky and Caribbean breezes…. who can ask for anything more!! but their was more, as we continued our trip, we arrived to and idyllic place in the mountains, it is a working farm that produces the best jams and jellies I have ever eaten. The whole place is an Eden of fruit trees, from mangos, guavas, papayas, lemons, limes, bananas and so many other fruits that I would need ten pages to name them all, they grow them all for the production of their jams and jellies. A tasting table was provided and local fresh bread in small squares was the vessel for the tasting treat….Uhhh, delicious!!!

The farm is situated on a mountain top, overlooking the Caribbean sea, and it is home to hundreds of birds, lizards and many other wild life (such as a rabbit that grows to be about 20 pounds or the size of an small pig) but the greatest thing of all, is the hundreds of “Humming Birds” that are all over the property and do not seem to fear human proximity (of course, they know we could never catch them). Feeders are everywhere and you can see them feeding three and four at the time with their wind flapping at incredible speed. we took great pictures as well as movies of the little wonder jewels(blue underside, golden heads) you can really say that after seen and hearing the sound of the Humming Birds flying, you has witness a little of Heaven.

A day at sea followed our adventures of the last three days( in all there were two days at sea) so we could recharged, relax and eat some more ( I must say, the food on this ship was great) We took a tour of the “Galley” a massive place with big freezers and many people working all day to feed all 2,974 plus of us. They do all their baking on board as well as all the salads and everything else on the menu. Do you know that they have a chef that only makes “Bake Potatoes”? well they do.

After a whole day of relaxing, it was time to go back to the grulling task of having more fun!! We arrive at Freeport, Bahamas and were taken to our next adventure, a whole day at “Yonkanu Beach” another golden beach, with miles of drift wood and shells, steel drums and Bahama Mama’s drinks….we were suffering once again:-}}

Egg toss game ( I was disqualified on the second toss, but at least I tried), sack races, limbo dancing, great food, sun and sand….who can ask for anything more.

Now comes the sad part, it was the last day of the cruise and we had to pack. We said goodby to the new friends we made, gave a last look to our home away from home and prepared to place our bags by the door so they could take it off the ship the next day (do remember if you go on a cruise to leave something to wear for the next day….otherwise you will have to leave the ship in your pj’s or wear a towel(warning, the towels are ship’s property and they will confiscate it before you leave the ship:-})

A great experience to be have by all…we will do it again soon (we already have a cruise booked for New Years Eve…want to come alone? let me know).

I hope you like the recount of my resent trip and find in it the inspiration to spread your wings and go cruising or plan a great adventure any where your heart desires. Around the world or around the corner, the world is a great place to be and it is full of glorious places and faces.

Until next time…. Happy Traveling….Be Safe…Be Happy!!!

In case something goes wrong on your trip, it’s always a good idea to have extra copies of your passport, itinerary, key medical records, and the like. If your bags get lost, stolen, or are simply delayed, though, having all those extra copies stashed away in your luggage may not do you much good. There are two solutions that involve a lot less paper.

One is to back up all your documents on a USB flash drive, which you can keep attached to your keychain. Prices for the most basic flash drives start at under $10. If something goes wrong once you arrive at your destination, just turn over your flash drive to the nearest embassy, hospital, or travel official to access your documentation. You can also email copies of your documents to yourself—just make sure you send them to an email address you can access from any computer.

If you want a bit more security, consider setting up an account with an “online safe deposit box” through a company such as KeepYouSafe, which enables you to upload key documents, credit card and customer service numbers, travelers’ check stubs, and more—for free. Your account will be password protected and guarded on a secure network.

Until next time. Keep Safe and Happy Traveling!!!

FEATURED DESTINATION
North America’s National Parks:
The Call of the Wild.

North America’s wilderness is beckoning more and more people to leave their overly wired lives behind and get in touch with nature. The National Park Service reports that visitation to the nation’s parks and other recreational properties numbered 275 million in 2007 and beat out, “Major League Baseball, the National Football League, professional basketball, soccer and NASCAR combined,” in terms of attendance.

Two current trends are feeding the Park Service’s growing numbers: a desire to stay closer to home and a greater appreciation of the environment.

One reason the demand for domestic destinations is booming, according to Dan Austin, director of Austin-Lehman Adventures, is that travelers are staying closer to home due to economic concerns, the value of the dollar, and general election-year jitters. “But the good news is that folks are still traveling,” he added.

In addition, environmental concerns are becoming a household issue throughout the country. As more people rally behind the cause to preserve the environment, they also want to spend more time enjoying it. Families and couples are heading to see iconic natural wonders and the wide, open spaces of the United States and Canada.

This year, look for piqued interest in the following wilderness hotspots: The Grand Canyon, Alaska, Yosemite National Park, Yellowstone National Park, and Banff National Park.

Get ready to travel, pack your bags, enjoy and “Go Green”. Happy Traveling!!!

This just came in from…Smarter Travel

According to a recent health study, you may be more than 100 times as likely to catch a cold on a plane as you are in your everyday life. It pays to take some health precautions when flying.

Before you fly

• Going into a flight with a healthy immune system is a good start. Make sure you are hydrated and well rested in advance.
• Some experts dispute the effectiveness of immune-boosting antioxidant products like Airborne, but I take one tablet before each flight and have yet to get sick from flying. Similar products include AirShield, sold at CVS, and Emergen-C Immune Defense.
• In the air:
• Sip water throughout your flight. Research has shown people typically get sick on planes because low-humidity cabin air dries up their sinuses and throats, making it easier for germs to infect them.
• Keep your hands clean. Use hand sanitizer frequently. In restrooms, use a tissue to flush the toilet and turn faucets.
• Don’t waste your money on air purification filters. There is an array of devices purported to eliminate germs from the air you’re breathing. However, most airplane air is already filtered and your tiny stream of purified air won’t do much good if you move away from it.

Also now is the time to think about packing your carry-on bag. Here is some information that may help!!!

Packing the perfect carry-on bag

Carry-on bags function as purses, totes, entertainment centers, and more. How do you fit all that stuff and keep it organized and accessible? Erika Salloux, professional organizer, expert packer, and owner of Living Harmony, a Boston-based organization company, has the answers.

Salloux advises first checking the current TSA rules for banned and acceptable carry-on items. She also suggests creating a checklist you can refer to each time you pack so you don’t forget anything.

The right bag will go far in helping you pack well. Salloux says, “If you often travel with a laptop, invest in a bag that is made to carry one but will also fit all your other things.” This way, you’re not carrying more than one bag. She also suggests using a backpack to free up your hands, and says there are professional and upscale options. No matter what, use a bag with several compartments to separate different types of items, and make sure your bag is a bit bigger than you need so you don’t struggle getting items in and out.

For easy access, Salloux recommends designating a separate holder for travel documents, and creating a pre-packed baggie of everything—earplugs, inflatable pillow, etc.—you like to have on a flight. That way, you don’t have to pack it every time you travel. Finally, she suggests including a change of underwear and any medications in case your baggage doesn’t arrive with you.

Next time I will giving you information on Spring/Summer/Fall and Winter traveling, is never too soon to start planning your next wonderful trip!!!

Keep Safe…Have a great time and Happy Traveling!!!

There are some new strategies you may want to employ when searching for the cheapest fare this year, and a few old ones that are still relevant. Use this guide to help you find the least expensive prices for airfare this year.

Know where to look

If you’re a devotee of a particular online travel agency, you may be missing out on cheaper fares not available through those types of booking websites. In 2007, new airlines Skybus and Virgin America began flying, and their fares are only available on their own websites. (The exception being Orbitz, which sells Virgin America’s fares.) Skybus’ prices start at $10 each way, and Virgin America offers competitive prices for travel to cities including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Las Vegas, New York, and Washington, D.C. Southwest and Allegiant still sell tickets only on their own sites.

Other airlines’ cheapest fares may be available only on their own sites. Spirit, for example, routinely offers fares as low as $0.02, but you won’t find those prices anywhere but its website.

Let low fares come to you

Many websites, including Kayak, Orbitz, and Travelocity, offer fare alert services that make it easy to watch fares on a particular route. Select your departure and destination cities, travel dates, and maximum price for airfare, and the fare-watching service will notify you by email if your route drops below the maximum price.

Expedia and Yahoo! offer slightly different programs. Expedia’s Fare Alert is a downloadable tool (for Windows users only) that notifies you via pop-up message when a fare matching your criteria has been booked by another Expedia user. Also a desktop tool, the Yahoo! FareChase Alerts widget works the same way as Fare Alert, notifying you when fares on your route drop below the maximum you selected.

Though it’s not as customizable as Fare Alert, Southwest’s Ding! program is another downloadable application. Select your preferred departure cities, and Southwest will notify you of special sale fares featuring those cities as often as several times a day.

Whether you prefer emails or desktop notifications, these fare-tracking programs take the hassle out of what can be a time-consuming process.

Try new websites

You’re probably aware of old standbys such as Kayak, BookingBuddy.com, SideStep, Expedia, Orbitz, and Travelocity, but several new fare-comparison websites joined the crowd in 2007. Check them out during your next search, and you might find that one of them works better for your trip or search preferences.

Vayama specializes in international fares, offering a “massive selection” of fares, some of which were not previously available online.

CFares, a membership-only site, also focuses on overseas flights, claiming to find fares from airlines, travel sites, and wholesalers. Gold-level members may use the site for free, but for a $50 yearly fee, Platinum members have access to even lower fares. Of course, there’s no real way to know if the $50 fee is worth the cost before signing up.

In his initial comparisons, columnist Ed Perkins found no discernible difference between fares offered by the two websites.

Book in advance

Year after year, the advice from airfare experts around the Web is always the same: book well in advance for travel during popular periods. Resolve to make 2008 the year you actually heed this wisdom. If you’re planning a summer vacation in Europe, start looking at airfare now. Plan to travel for Thanksgiving or Christmas? Start pricing flights this summer. Even if you don’t normally book so far in advance, it can’t hurt to start looking early, and you might even spot a great deal.

Know when to book

Instead of devoting your weekends to searching for flights, remember that my research indicates the cheapest fares are available on Tuesdays. Airlines tend to release new fare sales early in the week, and last-minute airfares for the upcoming weekends are plentiful on Tuesdays as well. Though it isn’t foolproof, it’s still a good idea to search for fares on Tuesdays.

(Editor’s Note: BookingBuddy.com and SmarterTravel.com are members of the TripAdvisor Media Network, an operating company of Expedia, Inc. Expedia, Inc. also owns Expedia.com.)

Have a great day…Be safe…..Happy Traveling!!!

I just received this article from MSNBC, that may give us some insides into the travel world out there, and it may also clarify some of our misconceptions.

Are there secret codes that will get you top service on airlines? Is your credit card information encrypted on your hotel key card? And are hotel rooms as filthy as you’ve heard?

And here’s a hint if you’re impatient for the answers: No, no, and yes.

Here are several of the most enduring legends, along with some clear-eyed facts.

The airline secret code
The hardest-to-kill legend is the claim that you’ll receive special treatment from an airline only if you utter the secret code “Rule 240.” Whenever your flight is canceled or seriously delayed, the story goes, simply ask the gate agent to Rule 240 you, and the airline will magically place you, at no additional cost, on the next available flight of any other carrier flying the route.

The problem? There is no Rule 240, at least not anymore. Rule 240 was shorthand for an old Civil Aeronautics Board regulation that required airlines to immediately place you on another flight, regardless of the fare you originally paid or the carrier you originally booked. But the C.A.B. and its rules disappeared after the airlines were deregulated in 1978.Today, carriers set their own rules, and they’re laid out in the “contract of carriage” buried in the fine print on airline Web sites. You agree to the contract when you buy a ticket, and most carriers have terms similar to the jargon imposed by Delta Air Lines. Delta’s contract promises nothing; it even specifically disavows its responsibly to place you on the flight with the date, time, and destination printed on your ticket. As for getting help if your flight is grounded, lots of luck. According to Delta, any assistance is “at our sole discretion.”

Why does the myth of Rule 240 — and the chimera of mandated federal travel assistance — persist? Airline legerdemain. At least three carriers — Delta, United and Northwest — call their proprietary contract terms Rule 240. This must be some sort of inside joke that amuses airline-contract lawyers.

Dress up and get upgraded
Dressing for success, at least for business travelers, is about snaring that elusive upgrade to first or business class. Far too many flyers cling to the belief that airlines give free upgrades to the folks who will look cool in a premium-class seat.

The truth, of course, is altogether different. For starters, airlines don’t give out free upgrades anymore. Thanks to frequent-flyer-program databases, carriers can easily identify their best, most profitable customers, and upgrades are awarded in fairly rigid compliance with the perks promised to that elite group. Plus, airlines have learned that upgrades to remaining premium-class seats can be sold at the gate moments before departure. (Depending on the route, upgrade fees range from $15 to $500 per flight.) So there’s no need for carriers to give seats away to anyone, let alone award them to flossy-looking budget flyers.

That being said, my friend Leonora was bumped up to business class last year because she had the right shoes. Leonora has a bad right hip and needs to fly in a coach seat with an aisle on her right. When she booked a flight to visit family in London, I called a friend at the airline and asked him to flag her request. He did — and also apparently marked her as a V.I.P. When Leonora appeared at the gate, the agent looked at her comfortable shoes and asked, “Do you have a pair of high heels?” Leonora produced a pair from her carry-on, slipped into them, and the gate agent proceeded to put her in the last available seat up front.

The hacked key card
Hotels have switched from traditional metal room keys to computerized plastic key cards, giving rise to a weird urban-travel legend. Paranoid travelers are concerned that hotels encrypt credit-card details on the magnetic stripe of the key cards; then, once a guest checks out and returns the key card to the front desk, unscrupulous hotel clerks hack the credit-card number and go on spending sprees.

Pure fantasy. Although hotels can encrypt your key card with credit-card information, they almost never do. And despite an endless series of “tips” in the last year, I’ve never seen a police report or legal documents that prove a person’s financial details were lifted from a hotel key card.

Not convinced? Then do what I do: Take the key card with you when you leave. No hotel in the world requires you to turn it in when you check out. I’ve never even been asked to do so. If you really want to worry about hotel key cards, consider this: If there’s a power failure, and the hotel doesn’t have back-up power, those electronic locks won’t always work, and you may be locked out of your room for the duration of the blackout. Unlike the key-card scam, this has actually been known to happen over the years.

The despicably dirty hotel
Of course, not every tale is a myth. Sadly, the one that claims hotel maids do terrible things while “cleaning” your room can be all too true. Hygiene standards at hotels are, frankly, in the toilet.

The exact shape of this rumor changes from time to time. One year, horrified guests whisper that maids are using water from the toilet to clean the mugs next to your in-room coffeemaker. Another year, someone will claim that black-light inspections of hotel duvets and bedspreads reveal colonies of germs and parasites. Travelers routinely swap tales of hotels plagued by bedbugs. Eventually some local television station, usually during a ratings period, will send its intrepid “investigative” team to uncover the despicable sanitary conditions at area hotels. (An Atlanta station’s recent exposé of how maids clean glassware is on YouTube.

Hotels in every price range underpay and overwork their housecleaning staff, who then take appalling, unsanitary shortcuts in order to get their work done. And that’s no surprise: Noted lodging consultant Michael Matthews once estimated that the average hotel maid “has just four seconds per square foot to clean a guest room and is paid half a cent per square foot for her labors.”

Makes you long for the days when hotels put cheap, disposable plastic glasses in your room, doesn’t it?

That been said, there will be more travel myths out there, and I will keep you inform of all informations I receive, good, bad or otherwise so it will help you be a well inform traveler, armed with all the tools to make your future travel,  safe, fun and enjoyable.

Until next time…Keep safe…Happy Traveling!!!

Feliz Navidad y Prospero Ano Nuevo para toda la familia, les decea,

Maritza Kirsten and Family/Familia   K&E INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL!!!!!