Top 10 reasons to travel to Costa Rica

Published Friday, September 5th 2014

Jim Damalas, the founder and general manager of GreenTique Hotels, is an American expatriate who had a successful career as a producer of television commercials for many Fortune 500 companies. Today working as a hotel partner with Perillo Tours, he is committed to bringing people to Costa Rica. TravelPulse asked him why he thinks Americans should come to Costa Rica. He rattled off 10 reasons.

Here’s what he told us, paraphrased from his words.

Hygiene. Costa Ricans have a higher standard of cleanliness than Americans. They bathe twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening, and they brush their teeth after every meal. It’s a pleasant cultural difference to experience, but it also translates into a reduction of risk in the areas related to hygiene issues. You can eat and drink without worrying that you may get sick, a big plus for travelers.

Hospitality. Hospitality is in the Costa Rican DNA. It’s something they are raised with. They grow up with it. I don’t have to put any effort into training my staff in customer service. It’s just the way Costa Ricans are. They have a natural hospitality that is part of a philosophy of living they refer to with the general term “Pura Vida,” which translates to “Pure Life,” but it has a special meaning in Costa Rica that you gradually absorb and learn to understand as you spend time here.

Accessibility. Costa Rica is never more than a five-hour flight from the U.S. It ranges from three to five hours’ flight time from anywhere in the continental United States.

Manageable Size. You can drive across the country in six hours. Any time of year somewhere it’s summer and somewhere it’s winter.

Diversity of Weather. Costa Rica has a tremendous variety of weather and climate. In a country the size of West Virginia we have five climate zones and many microclimates within them. Every day you can enjoy many different climate zones.

Diversity of Environments. Costa Rica has more diversity of landscapes and environments than Disneyland, but while the different lands at Disneyland are artificial constructions, Costa Ricans’ varying microclimates are naturally occurring.

Biological Diversity. Costa Rica has a great abundance and variety of wildlife. There is more biodiversity in Costa Rica than in all of the U.S.

Sunshine and Constancy. We get 12 hours of light every day year round. Because we are in the tropics, we always get 12 hours of daylight. Here we’re about 11 degrees from the equator. In the rainy season it rains a lot, pretty much every day. But it comes and then passes and the sun comes out again. It’s not the long, depressing cloudy periods you see in some northern climates. When it’s cloudy or foggy in the cloudforest, it’s a gentle covering, not oppressive.

No Language Barriers. English is the second most widely spoken language. It’s easy for Americans to get around because so many people speak English.

Boutique Hotels. A majority of the hotel and resort properties in Costa Rica are boutique hotels and most are family owned and personally operated.

We can get you a great package deal to Costa Rica! Contact us: mherzog@getawaycruiseplanner.com
website: http://www.getawaycruiseplanner.com

Best Time for a Mexico Cruise?

Published Saturday, September 6th 2014

What Is The Best Time for a Mexico Cruise?

Cozumel is one popular port of call for cruise ships.

With beaches that border the Pacific Ocean, Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea, Mexico can be a beautiful cruise destination year-round. The best time to go depends on your budget and what you hope the weather will be. Several cruise lines service Mexico's coasts; all you need to do is decide which one suits your traveling style.

Budget

If budget is not your main concern, you can travel during the high (peak) season, which generally runs from November to May. Demand is high during this time, driving up prices. It's a popular time to travel because many people are escaping colder weather elsewhere. Summer can also be a popular -- and pricier -- time to travel because it coincides with school vacations. If you're looking to find a bargain, travel in late spring or during the fall, in September or October.

Weather

If you are seeking clear skies, warm -- but not sweltering -- temperatures and a low risk of hurricanes, your best bet is to travel during the dry season (from mid-October to April). The hurricane season runs from June through October, and you will face an increased risk of storms and hurricanes. If rain doesn't bother you, the rainy season might provide a narrow window of travel. It runs from May to October, but if you travel during May, you will probably avoid the risk of hurricanes.

Travel Style

Different cruise lines have varying travel styles, from family-friendly to more of a party atmosphere. Once you've decided on your cruise line, you should be aware that there are also certain times that Mexico will be busier. If you are looking for a quieter, relaxing time, avoid traveling during peak "typical" vacation times. For example, college spring breaks, which usually occur anytime from March to April, will bring a younger and perhaps louder crowd. Cruises, beaches and towns will also be more crowded during the summer vacation season.

Activities

You can find numerous ports of call in Mexico, from the Yucatan Peninsula to Los Cabos, and all points in between. The best time to cruise these places depends on what activities you wish to pursue. If you want to simply walk the towns, visit a spa and shop, you might be able to cruise more year-round. For more weather-dependent activities, such as snorkeling, scuba and hiking, you should plan travel during the high season, when the risk of inclement weather is lower.

courtesy: Julia Forneris, Demand Media

What are the best deals in cruising right now?

Published Tuesday, September 9th 2014

What Are The Best Deals in Cruising Right Now?

PHOTO: You can get extra perks if you book quickly on the Celebrity Silhouette, pictured, or many other cruise ships. (Courtesy of Celebrity Cruises)

Four cruise lines have rolled out the latest round of deals offering extra perks and upgrades — and if you’re thinking about a cruise, act fast! These kinds of offers have proven extremely popular with cruise passengers who like the extra value-added goodies. Here are the latest limited-time promotions.

Norwegian Cruise Line launched its Cruise Event Week that offers up to $270 in onboard perks — including specialty dinners, spa credit and bottles of wine — to those who book a new five-day or longer cruise vacation by Sept. 14.

Those booking a studio, inside or ocean-view stateroom this week will receive a bottle of wine and chocolate-covered strawberries in their room during their cruise. Those booking a balcony stateroom will get the wine, chocolate-covered strawberries and a complimentary dinner for two in the Italian restaurant. Mini-suite guests will enjoy those amenities and an additional dinner for two at Cagney’s Steakhouse. Suite guests get all that, plus a $50 spa credit.

Those booking the most upscale accommodations in the Haven by Norwegian will get even more — dinner for two in Le Bistro and an additional $75 dollar onboard credit. The Haven is a luxury suite enclave available on Norwegian Breakaway, Norwegian Getaway, Norwegian Epic, Norwegian Gem, Norwegian Pearl, Norwegian Jewel, Norwegian Jade and, starting in fall 2015, on the new Norwegian Escape.

What’s more, Norwegian is extending its attractive all-inclusive offer through Sept. 30 for 2015 cruises, excluding Pride of America in Hawaii. The company says the all-inclusive package is valued at more than $2,400 but is priced from $899 per person for a seven-day cruise.

The all-inclusive package includes 10 percent off the cruise fare, the Ultimate Dining package, the Ultimate Beverage package, shore excursion credit of up to $200 per person (depending on stateroom category), pre-paid daily service charges, a 250-minute Internet package per person, 20 photos of any size, chocolate-covered strawberries, a bottle of wine, one bingo session and up to 12 bottles of water.

Celebrity Cruises reprised its very popular Pick Your Perk offer. It’s good for travelers booking an ocean-view or higher-category stateroom on four-night or longer cruises that depart Dec. 20, 2014, through April 2016. (The offer excludes Celebrity Xpedition, trans-Atlantic and trans-Pacific crossings, Celebrity Infinity’s March 15 departures and Celebrity Century’s last two cruises departing March 22 and April 5.) Travelers who book through Oct. 5 can select up to $600 savings using Celebrity’s ChoiceAir, free Classic Beverage Packages for two, free gratuities for two, or up to $300 onboard credit per stateroom.

Princess Cruises launched the “3 For Free” sales event for guests booking 2015 Alaska, Europe or Japan cruises and cruise-tours by Nov. 20. The offer includes free stateroom upgrades, a shore excursion credit, an onboard credit, and refundable deposits of $100 per person. The cruise sale gives guests the best stateroom available within a category and a shore excursion credit of $100 per person in Europe and Japan and $50 per person in Alaska. Also included in the offer is up to $100 per stateroom in onboard spending money in Europe and Japan, and up to $50 per stateroom in Alaska.

MSC Cruises’ “48-Hour Caribbean Blow-Out Sale” Sept. 9-10 is good on seven-night sailings of the MSC Divina from Miami departing Sept. 20 through Dec. 13 (not including the Oct. 11 voyage). Rates start at $299 per person, based on double occupancy, with a guaranteed balcony upgrade. Guests also will receive a $50-per-person future cruise credit to use toward any seven-night or longer 2015 Caribbean cruise on MSC Divina.

Also, as an American Express Travel Rep, we can try to get you more or pay with your American Express points with us!

Confused? Let us sort it out for you! Give us a call or email us today!
check out just some of the deals on our website! http://www.getawaycruiseplanner.com/

courtesy of: Theresa Norton Masek

Going Local! Seaside & Cannon Beach, Oregon

Published Monday, September 15th 2014

Seaside, Oregon and Cannon Beach, Oregon have miles of soft sandy beach, beautiful ocean views, classic coastal attractions and abundant outdoor adventures.

In Seaside, stroll or play on the wide stretch of beach between Tillamook Head (Lighthouse) and the wild Necanicum River estuary. Walk the scenic oceanfront Promenade in Seaside or watch the sunset from the historic beachfront turnaround. Shop, Laugh, and savor the delights of Seaside's famous downtown...and when you're ready for active adventures, stunning natural areas nearby offer endless fun. Take in the smells of the ocean waves, homemade fudge & saltwater taffy, camp fires on the beach, fish and chips and elephant ears! The food is never ending with ice cream, homemade sandwiches and soups & clam chowder in the restaurants and who doesn't love breakfast at Pig 'n Pancake!

Build a sandcastle, have a picnic or roast marshmellows at your campfire. Several little stores sell firewood and s'mores kits in case you didn't have time to pack your own! Fly a kite or comb the beach in the early morning for sand dollars left scattered by the receding tide.

Browse the boutiques, antique mall, Factory Outlet Center or just shop down Broadway for fun souvenirs, sand castle toys and clothes, too! The Carousel Mall has a beautiful old-fashioned indoor carousel surrounded by stores. Laugh & play mini golf, arcade games and ride on the tilt a whirl... its not just for kids! You can bring bikes or rent bikes! How about canoeing, kayaking or paddleboat on the river. Seaside will get you moving on foot, on wheels, on water, on horses and in the air...take a helicopter ride. There are plenty of places to stay, hotels, motels, inns, vacation home rentals & condo rentals and of course there is always camping. You can feed the seals at the historic Seaside Aquarium. Go bird and wildlife watching or discover a nature trail, experience the coastal rainforest on the Tillamook Head Trail or watch for elk just south of Seaside in the Circle Creek meadows. Watch for birds, waves, surfers and sunsets at this southern vantage point of the base of Tillamook Head, a favorite for beachcombing and exploring tide pools.

Hiking, Cycling, Kayaking, Birdwatching, Rollerblading, Golfing, Surfing, Crabbing, Clamming & Fishing! You can do all that here, or just sit on the beach and watch everyone else do it!

When you are ready to venture out, head over to Ecola State Park on your way to Cannon Beach. Enjoy some of the most breathtaking and exquisite views of the Oregon Coast at Ecola State Park. (This Park has a fee.) The park offers easy paved walking paths, miles of hiking trails, picnic areas and beach access.

Head south for about 10 minutes on Hwy 101 and tucked away on the beach, is the little town of Cannon Beach. Cannon Beach has several art galleries and shopping to savor with your morning cup of coffee and quieter than Seaside, especially after dark. However, the crowds are still here especially during the summer months and holidays, its just a little bit quieter than Seaside! Once you have arrived at the beach, take in the views of Haystack Rock! Claimed to be the third largest monolith in the world, (big rock!). This is reachable by land when the tides are out so check the tides table for a closer view, however, this is a bird and wildlife preserve so climbing is strictly forbidden. Puffins and other sea birds call the rock its home and perch and while the tide is out, you can see starfish, sea anemones and little fish. This is a wonderful place for all ages, but tides are rough so this is not a swimming hole! Often, during the summer you will find a ranger giving information talks with a telescope nearby to use for viewing. This is only at certain times of the day.

If you have time, visit the Astoria Column and the Columbia River Maritime Museum in Astoria. There is a spiral staircase to the top of the Astoria Column to catch views of Saddle Mountain, the Columbia River and the Pacific Ocean. The Columbia River Maritime Museum has a floating lighthouse; the Lightship Columbia and take to the helm to pilot a tug and experience the drama of crossing the treacherous Columbia River Bar.

Not to miss is Fort Clatsop National Park, Fort Stevens State Park, the Oregon Film Museum, the Tillamook Cheese Factory and if adventurous, try ziplining in Warrenton.

The Oregon Coast doesn't stop there, this is a beautiful coastline with so much to do for anyone at any age!

High Rolling at The Linq - Las Vegas!!!

Published Sunday, September 21st 2014

High Rolling at The Linq, Vegas' New Hotspot

After attending Giada De Laurentiis’ tasting event and touring The Cromwell, several media members were given a walkthrough of the Linq, Caesar Entertainment's new outdoor plaza.

Included in the 300,000-square-foot plaza are more than 30 retail, dining, nightlife and entertainment venues (70 percent restaurants and bars, 30 percent retail and entertainment). In the midst of all of this is the world’s tallest observation wheel, The High Roller.

I was able to take a ride on The High Roller, which reaches 550 feet up into the sky and includes 28 passenger cabins, each of which has the space to hold 40 people (for a grand total of 1,120 passengers). The world-famous attraction continuously moves one foot per second, meaning it has the ability to cram in 1,000 people in just 30 seconds time.

One thing you can be assured of if you ride The High Roller: You are going to get some great views of surrounding Las Vegas (when you are 550 feet from ground zero that’s sort of a given).

Along the way, a graphic will display how high above the ground you are, as benchmarks are periodically announced. Trivia questions will also scrawl across several TVs. Of course, an on-screen tour guide will also keep you entertained with jokes (The guide appears to have partaken in a bit too many extracurricular activities, if you know what I mean. He made sure to alert passengers when we had reached 420 feet). On top of that, The High Roller changes colors as it revolves, making it stand out even more at night.

What’s the difference between a Ferris wheel and an observation wheel?

Well, glad you asked. The cabins in an observation wheel are closed off and they never swing (don’t tell me you’ve never learned anything from me).

After riding The High Roller for a full revolution (about 30 minutes), the media group headed off to Brooklyn Bowl, a bowling/live music venue based on the original hotspot in New York city.

And I gotta say, Brooklyn Bowl impressed me.

Whether you like bowling or live music, chances are you will like Brooklyn Bowl (if you like both bowling and live music like me you will be in heaven). Highlighting the venue’s entrance: a disco ball and a golden statue of a man holding an electric guitar in one hand and a bowling ball in the other.

Brooklyn Bowl boasts 32 bowling lanes, five bars that serve food, a large-scale live music area, VIP lounges and an outdoor patio on the second floor.

The patio boasts sofas for guests to sink into, vines hanging down from the rooftop and telescopes set up right above the main Linq walkway (perfect for people watching).

Each bowling lane comes complete with its own large flat screen TV broadcasting the venue’s live music.

Brooklyn Bowl has also built up quite the reputation based on its band list. O.A.R. was playing when our media group toured the venue, and Gogol Bordello was set to play the next night. Other bands scheduled to play at Brooklyn Bowl this year include Primus, Jane’s Addiction, Ms. Lauryn Hill, Thievery Corporation, Steve Winwood, Spoon, The Avett Brothers and The String Cheese Incident. The popular Bombino had played a couple days before we arrived.

Oh yeah, and Las Vegas’ Brooklyn Bowl encompasses nearly 80,000 square feet, making it four times the size of the original. It has enough space to host more than 2,000 concert goers.

Safe to say it was a fitting spot to finish off my latest Las Vegas trip in style.

**Article via Courtesy Ryan Rudnansky Travel Pulse**

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