1. AroundMe (Free): This app allows you to find different listings that are in your location based on categories like banks, supermarkets, hospitals, hotels, movie theatres, restaurants, bars, pharmacies etc. Not only will it list them in order of least distance, but it will also GPS them directly through your Maps app, so you can get there step by step with a mapped route. There is also an option to call the location, add the information to your contact list, or email or text the information to a friend. You can also search for a specific location yourself, and it will tell you the nearest one to your current surroundings.

2. GasBuddy (Free): This app is essential when traveling by car. It will tell you the nearest gas stations according to your location and provides a map with directions to the gas station chosen. Better yet, it even tells you their current gas prices allowing you to sort your results by price or distance. You can give back by reporting a gas price if it has updated since the last price report. By reporting gas prices, you earn points towards prize give-away entries. Each week a $250 gas gift card is given away!

3. TripTracker (Free): This app is a pocket personal assistant that will help you keep track of your trip. It provides live worldwide flight tracking. It keeps track of gate numbers, delays, cancellations, baggage claim, hotel confirmations, check in and check out dates, phone numbers, maps to your locations, car rental confirmations, pick up and drop off dates/times, contact information, itineraries, and weather reports in departing and destination locations. The app also gives push alerts that buzz your phone at any given time if there are any itinerary updates of any sort.

4. Currency (Free): This app provides current up-to-date exchange rates for over 100 currencies and countries. Once you add a currency, you can enter the amount and convert it with the touch of the screen. It's simple to use, and essential when traveling abroad!

5. Happy Hours (Free): This app shows all food and drink specials going on near your location. It provides details of each bar or restaurant like the menu, photos, amenities, location, comments, rankings, and of course a list of specials specific to that bar or restaurant. Happy Hours now has available specials from over 100 US cities and continues to grow!

6. Google Translate (Free): This app has a database of over 50 different languages. Once you choose the language you wish to translate, you can type or speak into your phone's microphone and it will translate the word or sentence for you. You also have the option of starring anything that has been translated so that it stores in your favorites to use again if you don't have access to the Internet.

7. Postagram (Free): This app allows you to choose a photo from your Instagram, Facebook, or phone's photo gallery, write a customized message, and Postagram will mail out a glossy postcard printed at 300-dpi for you themselves straight from your phone. The photo even pops out for your family and friends to enjoy!

8. How to Videos from Howcast.com (Free): Look like a local! Don't look like an obvious tourist. Howcast offers user-generated video tutorials covering just about anything. Watch videos on how to get through airport security, how to entertain children while traveling, preparing for a roadtrip or tips on getting a taxi in New York City. The short clips load quickly and look great on the larger-format iPad.

9. Urbanspoon (Free): Find restaurants at the touch of a button. Urbanspoon can help you find the particular type of cuisine you are in the mood for, or use their slot-machine style search feature and let the app pick randomly. Lots of ratings and reviews available.

10. Open Table (Free) Make restaurant reservations from your phone! For fine dining, make sure to book in advance with OpenTable. Search thousands of restaurants worldwide, and sort by cuisine, price range, and neighborhood. Confirm reservation in just a few clicks.

I told her they would be delivered by UPS to her home address on Monday.

This is 8 days prior to her departure.

She was satisfied with this and we ended the call.

She called back about 10 minutes later and asked where the documents were being mailed to. I told her they were on their way to her address in Chicago. She said, “But I’m in Rhode Island”.

I asked why she did not advise me of this and she said, “We always spend our summers in Rhode Island”

Okay, so now I need a crystal ball with all of the other hats I wear! I was supposed to know this??

I told her I would see what I could do and called the supplier to ask if another set of documents could be generated and mailed out.

This reservation was made with a Luxury Tour supplier and they agreed to send the documents directly to her Rhode Island address.

If this were a supplier other than a Luxury Tour operator, a duplicate set of documents would have a fee to generate and the overnight mail would have to be paid for by the client.

Please think of your travel agent as one of your circle of family and friends. Keep us in mind to notify us of any changes in your life. Give us your airline schedule if you make your own airline reservations; give us all contact numbers and dates when you’ll be at another location. Don’t think you’re bothering us with trivia. Our job is to give you the best customer service we can, but to do this we need your help.

From Mexico, Belize and Honduras in the west, to the island of Antigua in the east, this stretch of the Caribbean encompasses some of the most popular Caribbean islands including Grand Cayman, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, the British and US Virgin Islands, St. Maarten/St. Martin and the Dominican Republic.

There are many highlights in the region and plenty of things to see and do. You won't want to miss these fun and fascinating activities:

• Hit the beach for some sun and relaxation. There are fabulous beaches on every island with several recognized as the best in the world; Seven Mile beach, Grand Cayman; Half Moon Bay, Antigua; Trunk Bay, St John and Cane Garden Bay, Tortola.
• Use the water sports facilities available at resorts and beaches around the islands. From parasailing to windsurfing to snorkeling, there's no shortage of activities to enjoy on the water. See the Water Sports page for articles on the best islands for snorkeling and windjamming options in the islands.
• Tee off at the many golf courses with seaside locations and stunning views, or try a game of tennis. Pros are on hand to help with your game at resorts like Casa de Campo in the Dominican Republic, one of President Bill Clinton's favorites.
• See how the Caribbean heats up when the sun goes down at casinos and nightclubs like the lively casinos and nightclubs of San Juan; Hedonism II disco and the hot Jungle nightclub in Negril, Jamaica and Caribbean nightclubs with calypso music and steel bands in Antigua.
• Try the local cuisine like the hot, spicy food of Jamaica and Spanish-inspired dishes of the Dominican Republic. Don't miss the local rum and rum cake found on many islands and of course, the renowned Blue Mountain coffee of Jamaica.
• Discover the fascinating history by exploring Mayan ruins in Mexico; the Spanish fort, El Morro, in old San Juan; plantation homes on Jamaica and Nelson's Dockyard National Park, Antigua. The oldest city in the New World is Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic which dates back to the 1600's. Walk cobblestone streets in the Colonial City and visit many well preserved historic buildings in Spanish Colonial style.
• Go shopping at the local markets and duty free shops for a combination of local specialties and well priced designer goods.

Your Home Away from Home

So where will you stay while in the islands? Our partners provide a wide range of options for you to consider from luxury hotels and villas to all inclusive resorts for every budget:

• Totally private villas with from one to eight air-conditioned bedrooms, tropical gardens, breezy pavilions and most with their own swimming pool and deck. Hilltop locations have exquisite views while waterside locales are just steps from the beach. There's a range of luxury amenities while some even have a chef available to prepare meals. These gracious homes are certainly your ultimate private tropical paradise.
• Couples only resorts with lavish suites, top rated sports facilities, spa, haute cuisine and premium wine and spirits. Daily activities and nightly entertainment keep you busy while excursions let you explore the island.
• Family oriented, beachside resorts with all meals and snacks, wine and drinks and tips included. The resort facilities offer everything you could want for active family fun; glass bottom boats, water sports, golf, supervised kids activities, water parks with waterslides, fitness centers and more.
• Distinctive hotels and resorts in premiere locations are a part of our hotel collection. We offer these special amenities at our member hotels:
  • Upgraded room at time of check-in, if available.
  • Early check-in, late check-out, if available.
  • An Exclusive Amenity, such as breakfast daily, resort credit, afternoon tea, etc.

Caribbean Cruising

The Caribbean is the number one cruising destination in the world. Ships sail from island to island letting you experience the delights of several different places in one vacation.

• Ships depart from Miami, Ft. Lauderdale and Tampa, Florida; New York City; Bayonne, New Jersey (Cape Liberty Cruise Port); Baltimore, Maryland; New Orleans, Louisiana and Galveston, Texas to the Eastern or Western Caribbean.
• The Western Caribbean itineraries will include ports in some of these destinations: Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, Belize, Grand Cayman, Jamaica and Key West.
• Eastern routes call at some of these islands: San Juan, St. Thomas, St. Croix, St. Maarten/St. Martin, Dominican Republic, Antigua, Turks & Caicos, St. Barts, St. Kitts, Jost van Dyke, Tortola and Virgin Gorda.
• A port in the Bahamas is often included on both routes.
• Longer sailings of 10 days or more may include Eastern, Western and Southern Caribbean ports of call.
• Ships range from intimate yachts to massive behemoths which are destinations in themselves.
• There's a wide range of pricing depending on the ship and type of accommodation you choose.

We can narrow down the choices and help you select the best cruise for the experience you want in the Caribbean.

Here are some other  tips to reduce stress during travel.

• Get away long enough time to let go of your daily grind.  A week is recommended.
• Watch your time zones – too many time zones actually increase your stress on your body’s natural rhythms.
• Don’t over schedule your trip – Make sure you have quiet time each day.
• Be social – making new acquaintances has a restorative power.
• Enjoy physical activity – moderate exercise like swimming and walking are great energy boosters.

How sad that a third or us do not use all our vacation days!  Hopefully this will inspire you to take some time to better your health with travel.

Ready to research a trip?

Here is our network of travel destination sites for travel planning made easy!

Africa Tours | Alaska Tours | Antarctica Tours | Asia Tours | Atlas Cruises & Tours | Australia Tours | Canada Tours | Christmas Market Tours | England Tours | Escorted Family Vacations | Fall Foliage Tours | France Tours | Greece Tours | Hawaii Tours | Ireland Tours | Italy Tours | Luxury Tour | National Parks Tours | Oberammergau | River Cruise | Russia Tours | Scandinavia Tours | South America Tours | Spain Tours

So many unique places are found in South America, no wonder it's a favorite with all types of travelers. Here you'll find some of the most intriguing and amazing sights in the world. From Caracas to Cape Horn, imagine being at these remarkable places:

• Angel Falls, in Canaima National Park, Venezuela - The world's tallest uninterrupted waterfall at 3,230 ft, the view from the air is unforgettable.
• Cartagena, Colombia - The colonial walled city and fortress are a UNESCO World Heritage site well worth wandering for the history and striking architecture.
• The Amazon River - The longest river and largest river basin in the world, the Amazon runs 4,000 miles through seven countries; Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana and Brazil. With a diverse eco system and many unique species, it is a major destination for adventure and eco-travelers.
• Ecuador & the Galapagos Archipelago - The smallest country in the Andes has much to offer visitors. The colonial center of Quito, Pacific beaches, volcanoes both active and extinct, white water rafting, mountain cabins and Amazonia jungle lodges. The Galapagos Archipelago with its unique habitat and marine reserve is a province of Ecuador situated 600 miles west of the mainland.
• Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu, Peru - This area is the center of Incan civilization where ruins are still being discovered and visitors marvel at stories of ancient life. Machu Picchu, the ruined city high in the mountains is nothing short of breathtaking and the most visited site in Peru. Museums in Cusco and Lima bring Incan history, art and culture to life. Active travelers will want to take the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, a four-day hike ranked one of the best in the world.
• Lake Titicaca, Peru and Bolivia - At 12,500 ft in the Andes, this is the highest commercially navigable lake in the world. The vistas of coastline and mountains are beautiful and there are some unusual islands to explore- like the Uros floating reed islands, some of which welcome visitors.
• Patagonia, Chile and Argentina - This expansive and remote region of ice fields, fjords, glaciers and mountains contains such romantic places as the Strait of Magellan, Punta Arenas, Cape Horn, the Beagle Channel, Torres del Paines National Park. Tierra del Fuego and Ushuaia; the world's southernmost city. Visit Magellanic Penguin colonies and enjoy the rugged outdoors in one of the most beautiful areas on the continent.
• Buenos Aires, Argentina - The favorite city of many world travelers is known for its magnificent architecture (including the home of the President, the famous Pink Palace), wide avenues, street side cafes, manicured parks and colorful barrios or neighborhoods. Seeing Tango dancers perform spontaneously in the street at historic La Boca gets you in the mood of this exciting city.
• Iguazu Falls, Argentina and Brazil - Spanning the border of Argentina and Brazil is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the world and the top attraction in South America. Walkways allow for good viewing of the 275 falls which stretch along a 1.67-mile stretch of the Iguazu River. Entry is through the Visitors Centre where you buy tickets to the Iguazu Falls National Park. Tour on your own or hire a bilingual guide. Nearly 2 million people visit the falls each year.
• Rio de Janeiro, Brazil - With magnificent beaches and mountains right in town, this is one of the world's most spectacular cities. Enjoy the long, sandy- and legendary- Ipanema, Copacabana and Leblon beaches while the famous statue of Christ watches over you from atop Corcovado Mountain. Take a cog railway ride to the top to see this amazing statue and panoramic views of the city and coastline. Rio's annual Carnival is the most lavish in the world and the most colorful time to visit.
  
  New Tours for 2011
• Globus Andean Explorer
  10 day exciting journey of Peru icluding Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, the Nazca Lines an a excursion to Lake Titicaca.
  
• Trafalgar Monkeys, Jungles & Volcanoes
  8 day family Costa Rica vacation

English is a widely spoken and understood as a second or third language amongst many Western Europeans, particularly those of the younger generations.

Western European Language Basics

English	French	Spanish	Italian	German	Greek	Dutch
Good Morning	Bonjour	Buenos Dias	Buongiorno	Guten Morgen	Kalimera	Goedemorgen
Good Bye	Au revoir	Adios	Arrivederci	Auf Wiedersehen	Yasou	Tot ziens
Please	S’il vous plait	Por favor	Perfavore	Bitte	Parakalo	Alstublieft
Thank You	Merci	Gracias	Grazie	Danke Schon	Effaristo	Dank u
Yes	Oui	Si	Si	Ja	Ne	Ya
No	Non	No	No	Nein	Oki	Nee
Where is?	Ou est?	Donde ésta?	Dové	Wo ist?	Poo eeneh?	Waar is?
The toilet	Les toilettes	El lavabo	Il gabinetto	Die toilette	To oahlehtes	De toilet
The bank	La banque	Banco	Banca	Die bank	Trapeze	Bank
Post office	La poste	Correos	Ufficio postale	Die post	Takedromeo	Postkantoor
How much?	Combine?	Cunato?	Quanto?	Wieviel?	Posso?	hoeveel?
The bill	L’addition	La cuenta	Il conto	Die rechnung	To loghariazmo	rekening
Ladies	Dames	Enoras	Donne	Damen	Yinekon	Dames
Gents	Messieurs	Senores	Uomini	Herren	Anthron	Heren
Stamp	Timbre	Sello	Francobollo	Briefmarke	Grammatesimo	Stamp
One/two	Un/deux	Uno/due	Uno/due	Eins/zwei	Ena/thio	Een/twee
Three/four	Trios/quatre	Tres/cuarto	Tre/Quattro	Drei/vier	Tria/tesera	Drie/vier
Five/six	Cinq/six	Cinco/seis	Cinque/sei	Funf/sechs	Pende/eksi	Vijf/zes
Seven/eight	Sept/huit	Siete/ocho	Sette/otto	Sieben/acht	Epta/okta	Zeven/acht
Nine/ten	Neuf/dix	Nueve/diez	Nove/dieci	Neun/zehn	Enea/theka	Negen/tien
Open	Overt	Abierto	Aperto	Geoffnet	Anikton	Open
Closed	Fermé	Cerrado	Chiuso	Geschlossen	Kilson	Gesloten
Hot	Chaud	Caliente	Caldo	Heiss	Zesto	Hete
Cold	Froid	Frio	Freddo	Kalt	Krio	Koude
Water	Eau	Agua	Acqua	Wasser	Nero	Water
Tea	Thé	Té	Té	Tee	Chai	Thee
Coffee	Café	Café	Caffé	Kaffee	Kafe	Koffie
Beer	Biére	Cerveza	Birra	Bier	Bira	Bier
Wine	Vin	Vino	Vino	Wein	Krasi	Wijn
Excuse me (sorry)	Excusez-moi	Perdon	Scusi	Entschuldigung	Sygnomi	Sorry
Cheers	Santé	Salut	Saluté	Prost	Yamus	Proost

These Languages are of use in….

French – France, Southern Belgium (including Brussels) parts of Switzerland

Spanish – Spain (Spanish will be understood in most parts of Spain, however Catalan and Basque are spoken in Barcelona and the North of the country)

Italian – Italy, parts of Switzerland, Albania

German – Varying dialects throughout Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Liechtenstein

Greek – Greece

Dutch – Dialects throughout the Netherlands and Northern Belgium

Here is our network of Europe travel destination sites:

England Tours | Escorted Family Vacations | France Tours | Greece Tours| Ireland Tours | Italy Tours |  River Cruise | Russia Tours | Scandinavia Tours | Spain Tours

We also have specialty European Tour Operators sites:

Contiki Tours | Cosmos Tours |Gate 1 |General Tours | Globus Tours | Insight Tours | Tauck Tours | Trafalgar Tours

The images many of us invoke of Kenya is that of safaris replete with wild animal sightings and golden African sunsets. The truth is, one can never truly appreciate the grandeur of the Kenyan experience and discover its offerings until they visit. On the first day of your visit, whether navigating the bustling streets of Nairobi, or traversing the Maasai Mara Game Reserve in a well-suited 4x4 vehicle, you will understand that you’re in for an enriching, moving, and eye-opening journey.

Wildlife is but one of Kenya’s magical attributes. Kenya is an immensely diverse country – with mountains, lakes, golden savannah, rolling hills, aged volcanoes, white sand beaches, and lush grasslands. Its awe-inspiring views leave you speechless, and feeling a range of different emotions – happiness for the amazing beauty you are lucky to see, and excitement for the wealth of activities and experiences you can cover in your first and successive visits.

A safari in Kenya, the cradle of humanity and true home of the safari, is beyond expectations. Visitors may choose from a hot-air balloon experience replete with a champagne bush breakfast, a leisurely bike through verdant savanna, a 4x4 expedition over rugged hills in quest of wildlife, or a traditional dhow sailing experience on the Indian Ocean. Perhaps you’ll opt for a guided walk with a Maasai warrior or saddle up for a horseback expedition along side a family of giraffes. A definite must-see is a nighttime safari utilizing night-vision goggles to spot nocturnal wildlife on the prowl. Kenya offers an array of incredible and stylish ways to enhance your wildlife-viewing experiences.

Lodging and dining options in Kenya are as varied as activities. Imagine a five-star luxury lodge atop an escarpment overlooking the breathtaking Lakipia Plateau, or sleeping on a star bed beneath the undisturbed Kenya night sky at a working ranch. Let grunting hippos sing you into slumber in the comfort of a luxuriously appointed tent in the Maasai Mara. You’ll want to try the Kenyan version of a juicy rib eye steak on a sizzling hot plate along the Talek River, or a velouté of pumpkin to warm you on cool evenings in Mount Kenya National Park, or head to the coast to savor a spicy seafood stew paired with a local Tusker beer. Be sure to indulge in endless servings of local delicacies at the world-famous Carnivore restaurant in Nairobi.

Through these varied culinary experiences and accommodations, you will get a taste of Kenya’s warm and engaging culture. Everyone always remembers the storytelling of Maasai guides who will share their culture and stories of nomadic life amongst the wildlife. Try a run with the Kalenjin, famed for their endurance, or a dance with the colorful Samburu. And be sure not to miss exploring the history of Swahili culture in Lamu Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, while staying at a charming ocean-front cottage with the waves of the Indian Ocean lapping at your door.

Through your safari or “journey,” you will discover a country with a rich heart filled with history, warmth, kindness, beauty and wonder. Above all, your journey through magical Kenya will touch you deeply and beckon you to return again and again.

Inside and out you will see simplicity, fine materials and attention-to-detail that reflect the layers of refined thinking that characterize Hawaiian art forms. The unique architecture evokes Hawaiian villages in a modern, awe-inspiring interpretation. A large lava rock passes from outside to inside the glass lobby wall. This reverence for nature is seen throughout, with volcanic stone columns that line the hallway, and the use of wood and water throughout.

Rooms are appointed with lustrous wood and Hawaiian elements, such as geometric patterns inspired by kapa cloth (textiles made from tree bark), outrigger canoe posts and beams in the design of bedroom headboards, and corridor wall-coverings that are artfully embedded with a whole host of native Hawaiian cultural references – from poi pounders to fish traps to sea urchins.

Aulani's restaurants are also designed to reflect aspects of Hawaiian culture – from fishing techniques to harvest rituals. The resort's 'Ōlelo Room will be a special place guests will want to visit. Here you will become more "conversive" in Hawaiian – or have fun trying. The 'Ōlelo Room will feature a series of engaging shadow boxes that hang throughout the room, displaying wooden carvings of common, everyday objects labeled with their Hawaiian language names. Best of all, cast members are on hand to provide proper pronunciations.

From beautiful artwork by local Hawaiian artists to the playful Menehune – legendary mischievous characters from Hawaiian folklore – depicted in statue form throughout the resort, the design of Aulani celebrates the culture of the islands.

Book an idyllic Hawaiian vacation at the Disney Hawaii Hotel Aulani now for stays beginning Aug. 29, 2011.

1. Balmoral Castle and Estate
   Take a tour around Balmoral Castle; a favourite summer residence of the Royal Family. As well as the castle, the estate itself covers 50,000 acres of heather clad hills and ancient Caledonian woodland.
2. Buckingham Palace
   No trip to London is complete without peering through the gates of Buckingham Palace, the official London residence of Britain's sovereign. If you visit during the summer you can tour the State Rooms.
3. Ceremony of the Keys
   Book ahead to watch the Ceremony of the Keys (the traditional locking-up of the Tower of London). It's happened every night for at least 700 years and is a fascinating piece of history to watch live in action.
4. Windsor Castle
   Windsor Castle is the largest and oldest occupied castle in the world, and one of the official residences of Her Majesty The Queen. The Castle's dramatic site encapsulates 900 years of British history. It covers an area of 26 acres and contains, as well as a royal palace, a magnificent chapel.
5. Changing the Guard
   The Changing the Guard ceremony takes place in front of Buckingham Palace at 11.30 every day in summer and every other day in winter. It's free to watch and provides a wonderful glimpse of British Royal pageantry.
6. Edinburgh Castle
   Explore this astonishing castle fortress which dominates Edinburgh's skyline from its position atop the volcanic Castle Rock. Home to the Honours of Scotland (Scottish Crown Jewels), there are centuries of royal history to discover here.
7. Hampton Court Palace
   Favourite stomping ground of the notorious King Henry VII, Hampton Court is the oldest Tudor palace in England and has endless attractions including the Tudor kitchens, its world-famous maze and the State and King's Apartments.
8. The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
   Explore 6 magnificent glasshouses, 300 acres of landscapes and 250 years of history at the world's most famous garden. Climb to the treetops, delve into rainforest or discover more on a guided tour of this famous World Heritage Site.
9. St Paul's Cathedral
   Sir Christopher Wren's iconic domed masterpiece in the centre of London has been the venue for numerous Royal occasions including the Golden Jubilee and 80th Birthday of Her Majesty the Queen and the marriage of Price Charles and Lady Diana.
10. Tower of London
    Spanning over 900 years of Royal history, the Tower of London has been a fortress, palace, prison, arsenal, garrison and menagerie! It houses the Crown Jewels, armouries, Yeoman Warders and the famous ravens making it must-see attraction.
11. Palace of Holyroodhouse
    Visit the Queen's official residence in Scotland. Situated at the end of the Royal Mile, the Palace of Holyroodhouse has many connections with Scotland's turbulent past, including Mary, Queen of Scots, who lived there in the 16th century.
12. Royal Yacht Britannia
    All aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia! She's a beauty; a real floating palace. See the Queen's bedroom, the fabulous State Apartments, the crew's quarters and even the on-board garage housing one of Her Majesty's Rolls-Royces!
13. St Andrews University
    Travel to this ancient Scottish university where Prince William met his bride-to-be. A William and Kate Tour would have to include a peek from outside at their joint hall of residence, St Salvator's, with its views over the Bay of St Andrews.
14. Queen's Gallery, Buckingham Palace
    The Queen's Gallery at Buckingham Palace is a permanent space dedicated to changing exhibitions of items from the Royal Collection. See Royal treasures galore!
15. Victoria and Albert Museum
    Named after Queen Victoria and her husband, Albert, this spectacular museum is stuffed with treasures from all over the world. Don't miss the hoard of jewellery given to courtiers by Elizabeth I.
16. Wimbledon Tennis Championship
    The most famous tennis tournament in the world is always a favourite of the Royal Family. See players bow to the Royal box before games and receive winners' trophies from senior Royals.
17. Dover Castle
    Explore this historic fortress, built by Henry II, that has guarded Britain from invasion for nearly 900 years. It starred in the Other Boleyn Girl as the Tower of London.
18. Clarence House
    The engagement announcement was made from Clarence House, office of the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall, where Kate and William gave their first joint interview. It opens for tours in summer.
19. Chelsea Flower Show
    The Queen loves this annual explosion of colour and always takes time out to visit before the first day of the show in May. Follow in her footsteps to see a riot of blooms and the very latest in garden design.
20. Regent's Park
    First used by Henry VIII as a hunting ground, this Royal Park is still a haven for rest and relaxation. Discover 410 acres of gardens, parkland, sports facilities, an open air theatre and more - all in the middle of London.
21. Royal Ascot
    There's always a good chance of spotting the Queen and Prince Phillip in a horse-drawn carriage during the Royal procession at this most glamorous of horse races. Her Majesty has owned 20 winners over the years.
22. Sandringham
    Sandringham is the much-loved country retreat of Her Majesty The Queen, and has been the private home of four generations of British monarchs since 1862. You can tour the estate in the spring and summer.
23. Trooping the Colour
    The Queen's official birthday, Trooping the Colour is the biggest royal event of the year with Her Majesty the Queen always in attendance. Stand along the Mall to catch a glimpse of the Queen in her carriage and soak up the pageantry.
24. Westminster Abbey
    Visit the place where monarchs are crowned and the venue for Prince William and Kate Middleton's wedding. It's a world Heritage Site and burial place of scores of famous Britons including Isaac Newton, Geoffrey Chaucer and Charles Darwin.
25. Anglesey
    The young Windsors have announced their intention to begin their married life near his RAF base in Wales, and will live on the island of Anglesey. The island has some of the most stunning beaches in Britain.
26. Royal Brighton Pavilion
    Tour this magnificent building, the favourite getaway of the Prince Regent later, King George IV. The Royal Pavilion is remarkable for its exotic oriental appearance both inside and out.
27. Colman's Mustard
    Eat like a King (or Queen) with Colman's Mustard, the official supplier of mustard to the Royal household. But be careful, Colman's is hot stuff!
28. Corfe Castle
    Explore this majestic ruin built by William I soon after his arrival in Britain in 1066. One of Britain's most romantic spots, it has a wonderful Royal history waiting to be discovered.
29. Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Walk
    Follow this Royal route that takes in four beautiful parks and the buildings and residences that Princess Diana made famous.
30. Gieves and Hawkes Tailors
    With three Royal Warrants and a tradition of expertise dating back to the 18th Century, Gieves and Hawkes is the most famous tailor on London's Savile Row. They provide clothes for State Ceremonies and fashionable attire for the discerning gentleman.
31. Royal Tunbridge Wells
    Explore this historic Spa Town that was granted a "Royal" title by King Edward VII to celebrate its popularity over the years amongst members of the Royal Family.
32. Rugby at Twickenham
    Prince William and Harry are keen rugby supporters and are often seen watching international matches at Twickenham. Mike Tindall, the husband-to-be of the Queen's granddaughter, Zara Philips, is also a professional player for England.
33. Hope Street, St Andrews
    See where Prince William and Kate Middleton shared a student house on Hope Street in St Andrews and then take a romantic stroll along the edge of the North Sea on West Sands.
34. St James's Park
    Right in the middle of Royal London, St James's Park is a relaxing green space blessed with great views of Buckingham Palace and Horse Guards Parade.
35. Stirling Castle
    See the story of the monarchy in Scotland unfold before your eyes at this majestic fortress that's been a royal stronghold, a regimental garrison and coronation site of several Scottish Kings and Queens including Mary, Queen of Scots, in 1543.
36. Syon House
    Syon House is the last surviving ducal residence complete with its country estate in Greater London. You'll spot several of its lavish interiors in the film the Madness of King George.
37. Thornbury Castle
    Stay in this luxurious castle that once entertained kings and queens - Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn once walked the rooms and grounds. You can even stay in a room where they slept!
38. Tintagel Castle
    Head to the wild and unspoiled cliffs of Tintagel to discover the mythical birthplace of King Arthur. Legend has it that this ancient king was born here and that the wizard Merlin lived in a cave nearby.
39. Urquhart Castle, Loch Ness
    Robert the Bruce controlled this key castle after he became King of Scots and today you'll get a real sense of Urquhart's strategic importance. With commanding views over Loch Ness it's also beautifully sited.
40. Wild Duck at Ewen
    Have a pint in this Gloucestershire pub frequented by Royals including Prince Harry. The story goes that Harry had a picture of Prince Charles removed from a wall overlooking his table as it put him off his food.
41. Royal Armouries Leeds
    Explore the United Kingdom's national collection of arms and armour at Leeds and the Tower of London. See terrifying weaponry from all over the world including dazzling Royal pieces used by British monarchs.
42. Royal Wedding Commemorative China
    Own a piece of history with an official piece of Royal Wedding China. The beautiful pieces, made in Britain's famous Stoke on Trent potteries, are on sale from The Royal Collection.
43. Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
    Visit the world famous historic ships at the home of the Royal Navy. Go aboard HMS Victory, HMS Warrior and see the Mary Rose Museum for a great day out in the South of England.
44. Poundbury
    Visit the experimental urban village of Poundbury on the outskirts of Dorchester. It's built according to the principles of Prince Charles, who's known for holding strong views challenging the post-war trends in town planning.
45. Richmond Park
    Richmond Park is the largest open space in London and a designated Royal Park. Don't miss the famous fallow and red deer that have been roaming the park since King Charles I used it as his hunting ground.
46. Rock, Cornwall
    Sometimes known as "Chelsea-on-Sea", Rock is a famous seaside holiday resort in Cornwall and playground for the rich and famous. Needless to say, it's a favourite getaway destination for the younger royals.
47. Royal Albert Hall
    This distinctive building is recognised the world over. Opened by Queen Victoria in 1871, the Royal Albert Hall was named after her deceased husband Prince Albert. Each year it hosts more than 350 stage performances including the world famous Proms.
48. Royal Leamington Spa
    Leamington is best-known for its natural springs. Don't miss the magnificent Royal Pump Rooms and Baths which opened in 1814 attracting royal visitors hoping to soothe various ailments by bathing in the spa pools.
49. Eton College
    William attended Eton College, a ten-minute stroll over the Thames from Windsor Castle. The College, founded in 1440 by King Henry VI to provide free education for 70 poor scholars, conducts guided tours during the holidays.
50. Henley Royal Regatta
    Henley is a rowing event held every July on the River Thames by the town of Henley-on-Thames and is a highlight of the traditional English social calendar.
51. Fortnum and Mason
    Fortnum and Mason has had royal connections for over 300 years, since William Fortnum became a footman to Queen Anne. It holds two royal warrants and is renowned for the quality of its tea and its tail-coated shop assistants.
52. Frogmore House
    Set in Windsor's Home Park, Frogmore House is renowned for its beautiful landscaped garden and 18th-century lake and is where Queen Victoria is buried.
53. Green Park
    The Green Park as it is known, is one of eight Royal Parks, and was first recorded in 1554 as the place where a rebellion took place against the marriage of Mary I to Philip II of Spain.
54. Greenwich Park
    Greenwich Park is probably the oldest of the Royal Parks, first recorded in 1427, and part of the Greenwich World Heritage Site, home to the Meridian Line and Old Royal Observatory.
55. Haddon Hall
    Haddon Hall is probably the finest example of a fortified medieval manor house in existence. Recently it has become a favourite film location, including being the backdrop for the film "Elizabeth".
56. Hebridean Princess
    The Hebridean Princess has been hired by the Queen for her annual cruise round the Western Isles. See the Highlands and islands of Scotland from the luxurious comfort of the ship, which carries just 50 guests.
57. Highgrove Shop
    The Highgrove Shops in Tetbury and Bath, sell exclusive branded gifts for the home and garden inspired by The Prince of Wales's estate.
58. Hollow Bottom
    The Hollow Bottom at Guiting Power, in the Cotswolds is a 17th-century pub run by a consortium of jockeys, and is a favourite with Prince William's cousin Zara Phillips and friends.
59. Household Cavalry Museum
    The Household Cavalry Museum is a living museum about real people doing a real job in a real place. You can see troopers working with horses in the original 18th-century stables and hear first-hand accounts of their rigorous and demanding training.
60. Inverlochy Castle
    Nestling in the foothills of Ben Nevis, Inverlochy Castle sits amidst some of Scotland's finest scenery - and you can stay there! Visiting in 1873, Queen Victoria spent a week sketching and painting and wrote 'I never saw a lovelier or more romantic spot'.
61. Jigsaw
    Kate Middleton worked in the Kew branch of the popular British boutique chain, Jigsaw. Their flagship store is at 126-7 New Bond Street, designed 15 years ago by the super-minimal architect John Pawson.
62. Garrard & Co
    On Albemarle Street you'll find Garrard & Co, which claims to be the oldest jewellers in the world and was the source of Kate Middleton's famous sapphire and diamond engagement ring previously Princess Diana's.
63. John Lobb Bootmaker
    Walk like a Royal and get your shoes made at this wonderful old boot maker, holder of a Royal Warrant since 1863.
64. Kenilworth Castle and Elizabethan Garden
    This vast medieval fortress which became an Elizabethan palace is one of Britain's largest and has connections with many monarchs, especially Queen Elizabeth I, who visited her favourite, Robert Dudley while he lived there.
65. Kensington Palace
    This was a favourite residence of successive sovereigns until 1760. It was also the birthplace and childhood home of Queen Victoria. Today Kensington Palace accommodates the offices and private apartments of a number of members of the Royal Family.
66. Kensington Gardens
    Now a Royal Park, Kensington Gardens were once the private gardens of Kensington Palace. Remodelled by successive royals, today's gardens can be attributed to Queen Caroline, wife of King George II.
67. Leeds Castle
    Near Maidstone in Kent, Leeds Castle is set in 500 acres of beautiful parkland and gardens, and is the result of 900 years of alterations and changes. It was a royal palace to the medieval and Tudor kings and queens of England.
68. London Eye
    They say that on a clear day you can see around 40kms/25 miles from the top of The London Eye - as far as Windsor Castle in fact. So a perfect place to check out the Royal Wedding route.
69. London nightclubs
    Kate and William's favourite clubs have included Boujis, in South Kensington, the tropical ambience of Mahiki in Mayfair and Whisky Mist off Park Lane.
70. Madame Tussauds
    Visit Madame Tussauds to see waxworks of Princes William and Harry, the Prince of Wales and the Queen.
71. The Mall
    Designed as a processional route from Admiralty Arch to Buckingham Palace The Mall has been packed with crowds on many memorable occasions and "balcony moments". It is frequently lined with colourful flags from around the world.
72. Marlborough
    Kate Middleton went to school in the beautiful Wiltshire Downs, at prestigious public (private) school, Marlborough College. The school is not open to the public, but the town itself is pretty with two excellent tea-rooms.
73. National Portrait Gallery
    To mark the Queen's Diamond Jubilee in 2012, the National Portrait Gallery will bring together 60 images of Elizabeth II spanning the 60 years of her reign - some on public display for the first time.
74. Notting Hill, London, England
    Remember little William in his red school tie, being dropped by his Mum at Wetherby School in Notting Hill, London? On Saturdays make your way here to Portobello Road Market for antiques, vintage and posh food.
75. Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich
    Originally established by Royal Charter in 1694 for the relief and support of seamen and their dependants, and planned by Sir Christopher Wren, the Old Royal Naval College later housed the Royal Naval College.
76. Open top bus tour, London
    Check out the top royal locations in London with an open top bus tour. Hop on and hop off at palaces, squares, museums and galleries en route.
77. Osborne House
    "It is impossible to imagine a prettier spot" wrote Queen Victoria after her first visit to this Isle of Wight seaside palace where she lived with her beloved Prince Albert and their nine children.
78. Patey Hats
    Top hats, bowler hats, polo caps, and hats for shows including Evita, and Les Miserables: Royal warrant holders Patey have been making hats of all types for over 200 years.
79. Penrhyn Castle
    Located between Snowdonia and the Isle of Anglesey, this enormous 19th-century neo-Norman castle is crammed with fascinating items, such as a one-ton slate bed made for Queen Victoria.
80. Penshurst Place
    Once belonging to Henry VIII, Penshurst was used as a filming location for "The Other Boleyn Girl" (about the rivalry of Anne Boleyn, who became Henry's second wife, and her sister Mary).
81. Chillingham Castle
    Once 'base-camp' for the 1298 conquering attack on William Wallace ("Braveheart") by King Edward 1, today it is visited as one of the most haunted stately homes in Britain.
82. Chiswick
    Kate Middleton briefly rowed with a crew called The Sisterhood who practised on the Thames between Chiswick and Hammersmith. Chiswick is also one of London's prettiest riverside suburbs, while nearby Hammersmith is famous for its gorgeous riverside pubs.
83. Cirencester Polo Club
    Princes William and Harry love polo and regularly play at the club in the Cotswolds, the most historic in Britain.
84. 1066 Battle of Hastings: Abbey & Battlefield
    Discover the birthplace of English history, where the infamous Battle of Hastings was fought between William Duke of Normandy and the Saxon King Harold in 1066. The quaint town of Battle now stands where William the Conqueror built a great Abbey following his victory.
85. Airth Castle
    Be King or Queen for the night with a stay at Airth Castle Hotel. Tucked away in the Scottish Heartlands on William the Conqueror's old stomping grounds, the 17th-century castle is framed with traditional turrets and surrounded by perfectly manicured grounds.
86. Albert Memorial
    Recently repaired in a conservation project by English Heritage, this gleaming gold statue memorial was commissioned by Queen Victoria following the death of her beloved husband, Prince Albert.
87. Amberley Castle
    Built in 1100, the castle has been visited by many royals including Henry VIII and Elizabeth II. Set in West Sussex and briefly owned by the Duke of Norfolk, the castle is now houses a luxury hotel.
88. Arundel Castle
    This spectacular castle is the current home of the Duke and Duchess of Norfolk, but is open to visitors year-round. It has been featured in many films, including Young Victoria and The Madness of King George.
89. Asprey
    With locations in 2 of London's most fashionable neighbourhoods, Asprey holds a Royal Warrant bestowed by Queen Victoria in 1862 and is a premier British maker of luxury goods including leather, jewellery, china, and glass.
90. Aston Villa Football Club
    Make sure to dress in claret and blue for the trip to Aston Villa in Birmingham to cheer on Prince William's favourite team in Barclays Premier League.
91. Banqueting House Whitehall
    The only remaining structure after Whitehall Palace burned in 1698, Banqueting House has been the backdrop for major events in British Royal history including the beheading of Charles I!
92. Beaufort Polo Club
    Head to the Cotswolds for a good gallop at the polo club that has been patronised by Prince Charles since it opened in 1989 and where Prince William and Prince Harry play regularly.
93. Beaumaris
    Nestled on the banks of the Menai Strait, the historic town of Beaumaris on the Isle of Anglesey is nearby the cottage Prince William and his soon-to-be bride share together.
94. Borthwick Castle
    Find this twin-towered fortress in the rolling green hills of Scotland. Steeped in history, the castle is said to be haunted by a servant girl from the time of Lord Bothwick, who hosted Mary Queen of Scots on her honeymoon.
95. Braemar Gathering
    Her Majesty the Queen is patron of the Highland Games in Braemar (the Braemar Gathering). The celebration is loud and boisterous, featuring traditional Highland dancing and sports competitions (and the requisite bagpiping!).
96. Caernarfon Castle
    Towering above this pre-Roman town's picturesque harbour, the medieval fortress at Caernarfon was built by Edward I and offers beautiful views of the Menai Strait, the Isle of Anglesey and the Irish Sea beyond.
97. Carisbrooke Castle
    Best known as the site where Charles I was imprisoned, this beautifully-preserved stone castle was built in 1100. While there, catch a daily demonstration by the Carisbrooke donkeys, which still operate the tread wheel in the Elizabethan wheelhouse.
98. Royal Variety Performance
    Get tickets for this fantastic annual event where you can see Britain's top musicians, comedians and variety performers. Every year the senior royals watch the show which supports charities around Britain.
99. Royal Botanical Gardens Edinburgh
    Just one mile from city centre, the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh offers visitors peace and tranquillity amongst 72 acres of stunning scenery. Founded in 1670, the Garden is acknowledged to be one of the finest in the world.
100. Castell Coch
     Step into the pages of a fairytale with a visit to Castell Coch. This Gothic Revival castle is nothing less than magical; the perfect setting to image William and Kate's "happily ever after"...

When you think of your dream destination, what do you see? An energetic city or the peace of the countryside? A day of sightseeing or reclining on a beach? Do art and architecture enthuse you or are you more likely to spend the day hiking through mountains? Well, good news: there is a place where you really can have anything your heart desires, for no matter what your interests, Spain has it all.

For city lovers, Spain offers plenty of choices but the best place to start is in the country’s capital, Madrid. The city is an art lover’s dream with some of the most highly regarded museums in the world.

Tauck Bridges bekons families looking for fun on Europe's best river boat to sail on the Blue Danube: Family Riverboat Adventure this August 8, 2012. There is no easier, and no better, way to see so much of the heart of Europe than on a leisurely cruise along the “River of Kings” with your family aboard the

well-appointed ms Swiss Jewel. Unpack only once as you travel from Budapest, Hungary, to Slovakia, Austria and Germany, enjoying action-packed shore excursions specially designed for Tauck Bridges families.

Go on a scavenger hunt in Bratislava, Slovakia. Soar over Vienna on the Riesenrad (giant ferris wheel) in the Prater, the city’s famous amusement park (seen in the movie classic The Third Man). Learn how to make strüdel on board the riverboat. Visit Schönbrunn Palace, an awesome “real” palace that Empress Maria Theresa, her daughter Marie Antoinette and even Napoleon once called home! Bike along the Danube and discover the tricky secrets of Schloss Hellbrunn in Salzburg. End this coolest of family Europe tours in Passau, Germany, by checking out Europe’s biggest pipe organ and making yourself something yummy with marzipan.

__________________________________

COOL LINKS

ebags Coupon Code: Extra 20% Off + Free Shipping Over $100. Make sure your you have the right luggage for your trip

Perfect Travel Shoe: TOMS Shoes comfortable and casual styles make them perfect for travelers who need to pack light, but have comfort while on vacation. TOMS Shoes Coupon

Need to lose weight before your trip? Find all the most popular Diet Programs and Diet Coupons available!

Norwegian Cruise Line’s Suites, Villas & More Collection™ is the ultimate experience in family travel. The accommodations are chic and luxurious, including interconnecting staterooms and multi-room Suites and Villas with walls of windows offering amazing ocean views, and private balconies. And there are as many ways to have fun as there are to have dinner. From water slides, sports courts and kid’s programs to Blue Man Group on stage, tapas, teppanyaki and more. High above the sea, hidden away and accessible only by keycard is a very private Courtyard with a sundeck and hot tub, private fitness room and steam rooms. You’ll enjoy the perks of a butler and concierge service, full breakfast menu for in-suite dining, treats delivered to your door each night, invitations to exclusive cocktail parties and dining experiences and priority embarkation. It’s all about freedom, privacy and exceptional value and you’ll find it aboard Norwegian Cruise Line.

Club Med Sandpiper Bay, Florida

Located on Florida’s east coast in Port St. Lucie (the home of the New York Mets spring training camp), Sandpiper Bay Club Med is the only all-inclusive resort in the U.S. For adults, there are golf, tennis and fitness academies that turn players into pros. The Kids Program offers age-specific clubs with tennis, golf, soccer, hockey, basketball, sailing, circus school, cooking (pictured left), music, arts, dance and much more. They have a baby gym, nap room and play areas for the littlest ones. Plus, there are amazing tours and cruises, fishing, surfing lessons and dolphin encounters. This is a resort that knows how to cater to families, how to please the whole family and offer adult-friendly activities, too. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, and the restaurants offer a variety of tasty and healthful choices in a beautiful setting.

Walt Disney World®
Resort For a family trip close to home that caters to both the kids and the adults, nothing beats a visit to Epcot® and, of course, the three other exciting theme parks of the Walt Disney World® Resort. There is plenty to delight travelers of every age and countless things to do together. We recommend timing your vacation around the delectable Epcot International Food & Wine Festival from September 30 – November 13, 2011. The festival assures that your “world travel” adventure includes culinary adventures as well, with guest chefs and speakers, seminars and demonstrations, fine food and wine, shopping and terrific musical entertainment. You (and the kids!) can sample flavors from six continents as you stroll through the marketplace and promenade.

For blissfully relaxing nights, stay at one of the uniquely themed and luxuriously appointed Disney Deluxe or Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts. Disney Animal Kingdom Lodge, set amidst an expansive wildlife reserve, provides your family the experience of staying at an African safari lodge, complete with animal encounters – and the added benefit of supervised children’s activities. Disney’s Old Key West resort offers similar family benefits, but in a Florida Keys atmosphere. No matter which Disney Resort hotel you choose your family is sure to love it!

Vacations for the Ages
	6-Nights Walt Disney World® Resort Magic Your Way Package from $1,159 Vacation Inclusions: Standard Room accommodations at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge 7-Day Magic Your Way Base Ticket (one Theme Park per day) Keepsake Luggage tag (one per person) July 17th through September 29th travel.  Some restrictions may apply.
	Norwegian Cruise Line: 7-night Western Mediterranean Cruise from $749 NCL Epic sailing June through October.  $749 fare is for the September 25th sailing.
	7-Nights Port St. Lucie, Club Med Sandpiper Bay - Village for Families from $599 Vacation Inclusions: Club Room accommodations All Inclusive Gourmet dining options throughout the day Full open bar serving premium alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages Award-winning Children's Club for ages 4 to 17 years* Baby Welcome Program providing highchairs, cribs, strollers, bottle warmers & more upon your arrival A wide array of land & water sports Evening entertainment All taxes & gratuities Date ranges April 12th through December 23, 2011
This is just a sample of the thousands of vacations we can customize to fit your preferences. Let us help make your dream vacation a reality. Call us today.

An avid animal spotter? Employ infra-red night vision goggles on an evening game drive to spot elusive nocturnal species. Kenya overflows with exciting opportunities to see its teeming wildlife and unparalleled culture. Indelible moments include anything from guided walks into the savannah with a Maasai warrior or saddling up for a horseback expedition alongside a family of giraffe. Ride a camel in Samburu National Park and discover endemic species such as the grevvy’s zebra and reticulated giraffe. Fly-fish on Lake Rutundu, where Prince William proposed to Kate Middleton last fall, and savor your catch of the day.
 
If you’re truly seeking to be “blown away,” soar over Kenya’s magnificent landscape in a hot air balloon and see herds of animals from a bird’s eye view. Most balloon experiences leave at dawn and conclude with a fully cooked breakfast replete with champagne – a perfect time to exchange your animal spotting details with your balloon partners. You can also fly over the Mau forest and the famed green tea plantations of Kericho, located in the Great Rift Valley and where the best tea in Kenya is sourced, to the quiet and secluded Mfangano Island in Lake Victoria, Africa’s largest lake.

Stay in a luxury tented camp along the water and salute the grunting hippos and hungry crocodiles in Mzima Springs, while sipping on a warm mug of Kenyan coffee or locally grown tea. Kenya being the greatest country in Africa for bird watching, patiently scour the horizon to spot several of the 1,000 recorded feathered species.

Visit your Maasai guide’s village and befriend the locals; learn about their customs and partake in their colorful and upbeat dances. Perhaps you will even pick up on the Maasai women’s excellent beading skills or how to prepare ugali, a staple dish of cornmeal flour and water cooked into a porridge-like consistency.

If you’re looking to relax in between safari expeditions, revel in pampering spa treatments at your lodge. A not-miss tradition is to take part in the safari sundowner where you can watch the golden African sun set over Loita Hills, while sipping on a refreshing local Tusker brew. Kenya offers an array of unforgettable experiences for everyone.

A journey into Kenya is enriching in more ways than one. While the wildlife is spectacular, the cultural visits to any of the forty distinct ethnic communities are truly unforgettable. Only in Kenya can one unearth a rich heart filled with history, warmth, kindness, and splendor.

Start planning an Africa tour today.

World Customs & Cultures – This FREE app includes customs, cultural information and facts on over 165 countries.

Kenya Travel Guide – Official Kenya travel guide (.99 cents)

My South African Cooking App:  Lots of easy to follow recipes.  ($2.99)

ebags Coupon Code: On safari you could be taking different modes of transportation such as jeeps, boats and smaller airplanes depending on your itinerary.  Suitcases with wheels don't work well in this area as they are usually scuffed or damaged. Save up to 50% on ebags for daypacks and duffle bags like the one pictured here, which would be perfect for your African safari.

There are many reasons to take a family vacation: to encounter different destinations or cultures, to give the kids a personal interaction with places and sights they learn about in school, and to simply reconnect and spend some uninterrupted time together away from the stresses and schedules of everyday life. Getaways with the family are recognized as so important that nearly half of all leisure travelers took a family vacation last year.*

Whatever inspires you to travel as a family, Globus offers the best vacations in the industry. From a private boat tour along the Venetian canals and a visit through King Ludwig’s fairytale Neuschwanstein Castle to a high-speed Eurostar train ride and a chuck wagon cookout in the American Wild West, Globus’ special Family Travel itineraries have been refined over decades—and include more fun, hands-on experiences for parents, grandparents, and kids alike.

Planning your next family vacation? Check out these great Globus packages:

From the Colosseum to the Eiffel Tower – 10 days
(Rome, Tuscany, Venice, Lake Maggiore, Montreux, Paris)

London to Munich – 12 days
(London, Paris, Lucerne, Innsbruck, Salzburg, Munich)

Ciao, Italia! – 7 days
(Rome, Tuscany, Venice)

London & Paris: A Tale of Two Cities – 7 days
(London, Paris)

Canyon Country Family Adventure – 7 days
(Scottsdale, Grand Canyon, Lake Powell, Bryce Canyon, Las Vegas)

Wild, Wild West – 8 days
(Jackson, Yellowstone, Cody, Sheridan, Mount Rushmore, Rapid City)

Click for more information on Globus family tours.

(For families interested in packaged travel without the tour experience, Monograms, part of the Globus family of brands, offers getaways in Europe, the U.S., South America, Asia, and Africa, as well as On The Road driving vacations in North America and the South Pacific. Go http://www.independentvacations.org/ for more information.)

*Ypartnership/Harris Family Travel Study

For information concerning group travel feel free to email our Groups Manager, John Unger at john@atlastravelweb.com or call him directly, at 866-503-6429.

Experience new pulse-pounding rides.  On Dragon Challenge, you’ll need the courage of a Triwizard Tournament champion as you climb aboard one of two ferocious dragons that twist, loop and nearly collide in a high-speed, intertwining rollercoaster chase across the sky.  Each side provides a completely different ride.   On Flight of the Hippogriff, take off on a family friendly coaster that spirals and drives around the pumpkin patch and past Hagrid’s hut.   Last but not least, on Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, experience a state of the art attraction that brings the magic, characters and stories of Harry Potter to life in ways never before imagined.  Make your way through the classrooms and corridors of Hogwarts.  Then soar above the castle grounds on a groundbreaking new ride that lets you join Harry Potter and his friends on an unforgettably thrilling adventure. 

Food & Drink:

Sample fare from the wizarding world’s best known establishments.  Dine at Three Broomsticks where you can choose from fish and chips, shepherd’s pie, soup, salads and tasty desserts.  At Hog’s Head, enjoy Butterbeer, pumpkin juice and other beverages while adults can also choose from a selection of domestic and imported beers, specialty drinks, wine, spirits and mixed drinks.  Visit the legendary Honeydukes for sweets including Bertie Bott’s Every-Flavour Beans, exploding bonbons, treacle fudge, Chocolate Frogs and more.

Shopping:

Shop for magical supplies and wizarding  equipment at Dervish and Banges. Browse confiscated items and purchase Hogwarts and Quidditch clothing, movie prop replicas, magical created toys and more at Flich’s Emporium of Confiscated Goods.  In Ollivanders, step inside the small dusty shop where a Wandkeeper will help the wand choose YOU.  Try different wands with unpredictable results in this interactive experience.  Send letters with a Bogsmeade postmark from the Owl Post or visit Zonko’s Joke Shop where you can browse a selection of novelty items and toys including Sneakoscope, Extendable Ears and more.

Did you know that you can also combine your Universal Studios vacation with a cruise?  Book a 7 or 10/11-Night adventure combining a 3/4 or 7-Night Royal Caribbean Bahamas/Caribbean cruise out of Port Canaveral with 3 or 4-Nights at Universal Orlando Resort.

What's included?

If you prefer staying in one place, we urge you to consider ‘all-inclusive’ resort stays. You can have all of the features of a resort, great food, delectable drinks and unlimited activities, all included in the price. That gives the entire family the freedom to experience an amazing array of activities without stress or hassle. We love Club Med’s “Most Inclusive” family plan programs at resorts like the Cancun Yucatan, Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic and the recently renovated Sandpiper Resort in Florida. These are places that really know how to manage the diverse needs of family groups, from tots to teens to adults of all ages.

Q: I want to take my two older sons on a ‘sporty’ vacation (and not just golf!). Any suggestions?

A: There’s really nothing like fishing and hiking in the Canadian Rockies. The scenery is spectacular and the angling is world-class. We recommend the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise and the Fairmont Banff Springs. But caution: this trip can be very habit-forming! Hiking and river rafting in the National Parks is another great vacation.

We already mentioned Royal Caribbean cruise line with a number of sports activities onboard, but they aren't the only cruise line.  Consider Norwegian Cruise Line, specifically their new ship, the Norwegian Epic.  Here they'll find a sports deck with a repelling wall, extreme rock climbing wall, bowling alley, full size basketball court, volleyball, soccer, dodge ball, a batting cage, bungee trampoline, rope adventure course and a 24 ft. tall enclosed climbing cage called the spider web.  Then they can cool off in the first ever Aqua Park that offers 3 waterslides. The Epic Plunge, the only tube slide at sea, has a thrilling drop through a 200 ft. long tube. How that for a variety of "sport activities?"

Q: We’re having a tough time deciding which U.S. National Park to visit this year. Any clues?

A: Yellowstone is great for kids, with all the animals and geysers. Yosemite is good for older kids and adults, who can climb Half Dome and appreciate the waterfalls and wildflowers. For a little more adventure, how about hiking the Appalachian Trail or camping in Maine’s stunningly beautiful Acadia National Park?

Q: We’re planning a big family reunion getaway. Do you have any suggestions?

A: We keep getting rave reviews from large reunion groups that cruise together. There’s loads to do, both aboard and on shore, great accommodations for group activities and staff that really know how to entertain and satisfy the needs of several generations in one party. Depending on your time and interests, consider a family cruise to Alaska or the Mediterranean.

Q: We want to start planning our next great family adventure. What are the hottest “long-haul” destinations right now?

A: Australia and South Africa are at the top of our list of favorites. We can take you to both places, from azure oceans to cosmopolitan cities to the wild outback. Take a fabulous safari to South Africa and travel to Cape Town and the Kapame Game Reserve. Discover Down Under with a grand journey to the Great Barrier Reef, Ayers Rock and Sydney. Whether you want an experienced guide to help you navigate the new terrain or would rather venture on your own, we’ll help you choose a guided vacation or craft a tailor-made independent journey just for you.

Q: My husband and my kids and my parents want to go to Hawaii. Help!

A: Hawaii is the perfect multi-generation family destination. From lounging at the pool to hiking, surfing, shopping, golf, spa treatments, etc., there’s truly something for everyone. Consider Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa, where children 18 and younger stay free. Or how about the new Aulani Disney Resort & Spa on Oahu? It’s the first Disney resort not attached to a theme park…and sure to be a big hit!

Q: Any last-minute packing tips for traveling with families?
A: Limit each person to one wheeled suitcase and one carry-on backpack or shoulder bag (keep one hand free to hold onto your child). Make a packing checklist for each person and let older kids be responsible for their packing. Pack several days before you leave so you have time to remember those last-minute items. Pack each day’s clothing together in outfits. Choose washable clothes that can be mixed and matched and dressed up with a jacket or shawl, and make sure shoes are comfortable and broken in before your trip! Visit our Travel Advice section on our blog for more travel tips. If you are looking for a new luggage set or carry on bag, take advantage of this ebags coupon code. 

Q: Any recommendations for a family getaway at the end of the year?

A: For a really ‘magical’ holiday, the dazzling Christmas markets in Europe will please all the family. Or, for an off-the-beaten-path holiday and an escape into warm weather, take a Paul Gauguin Cruise to Tahiti or enjoy a relaxed resort experience on Fiji. But plan ahead! Resorts sell out in the summer for the holidays and family suites tend to sell out first.

Q: We’d like to take our kids on a guided vacation as a graduation gift for our daughter. What do you suggest that would appeal to both the young people and the adults?

A: For starters, here are two very different suggestions: Costa Rica and Italy tours. Both of these remarkable places are packed with scenery, colorful culture, fantastic food and warm, welcoming people. There are plenty of other options across the globe, so give us a a call and we’ll help you craft the experience that fits your preferences and your budget.

Q: I’m worried about what will happen if someone gets sick when we’re on our trip.

A: Being sick on a trip is never fun, but you can protect yourself against some of the anxiety and inconvenience with travel insurance. There are many options and we’d be happy to talk with you and help you choose the best plan for your family.

Planning a trip to France with the kids? Why not select from our list of France family tours?  Family tour itineraries are chocked full of sightseeing, learning activities and fun. In addition to these tours being family oriented, they’re some of the most proficiently planned and guided vacations ever seen!

Hands down, our most popular selling family tour this year has been Globus Tours' From the Colosseum to the Eiffel Tower. Start in Rome with a welcome dinner and guided sightseeing that features visits to the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Square and Basilica, and the Colosseum, where you get a family picture with a gladiator (if available). On to Pisa to see its Leaning Tower, then to the spa resort of Montecatini. In Florence, visit the Academy of Fine Arts with Michelangelo’s celebrated David and admire the cathedral and sculpture-studded Signoria Square. Enjoy a pizza party lunch at a local restaurant and see how they are made! Enter Venice in style by private boat, savor an authentic pasta dinner at a local restaurant, create your own Venetian mask, and follow your Local Guide for a visit to St. Mark’s Square, Doges’ Palace, and the Bridge of Sighs. On to charming Lake Maggiore, then cross Simplon Pass, ride a mountain train, and arrive in Zermatt for free time at the base of the Matterhorn. Continue to Montreux at Lake Geneva. From Lausanne, ride the high-speed TGV train to Paris for included visits to Notre Dame Cathedral and to the top of the Eiffel Tower. A farewell dinner at a local restaurant celebrates the success of an unforgettable vacation!

Other popular family tours in Europe include London & Paris: A Tale of Two Cities. The price includes 6 nights hotel accomodations at superior first class hotels, full breakfast daily, 2 three-course dinners and some sightseeing.  Spend a magnificent week in London and Pairs with prices for the adults from $1,669 pp and children $1,500 each.

Trafalgar Tours offers a similar trip with 4 nights in London and 3 in Paris on their Magic and Make Believe tour. If you have two weeks, Trafalgar tours has a vacation called European Wonderland where you begin in Rome and visit Florence, Venice, Lucerne, Paris and end in London.

Why not browse our full selection of family tours that include Europe, the United States, Canada and South America?

One of Italy's most romantic cities is Florence-the home of poets and painters and the spawning ground of what must be much of the world's great art. Even today, it's a city where art and creativity are in the forefront of everyday life, a city of timeless beauty tailor-made for lovers. So, imagine honeymooning or sharing a lovers' tryst in the stunning 400-year-old Grand Hotel Villa Medici, an historical residence located in the center of Florence within walking distance of all major art sites and shopping locations. Here, the high-quality service meets the elegance of the interior's historical furnishings, with each of its 88 rooms and 15 suites showcasing original antique furnishings and tapestries. Wide windows frame Florence and the Tuscany landscape, while the rooms on the top floor-which have private terraces and are a must for honeymooners and lovers-overlook the captivating cityscape. Or, there's the Il Magnifico Suite, which has a large terrace and jacuzzi. The hotel's Sina Fitness Club is the perfect place for couples to relax, enjoy a sauna, a Turkish bath or work out in the gym, while the restaurant Lorenzo de Medici with its Tuscan cuisine, provides an excellent and romantic Florentine dining experience. The restaurant abuts the Conservatory, another dining experience with a modern interior and verandah leading to the garden and pool. Clients of both restaurants can enjoy warm summer nights listening to live music and tasting exquisite wines.

Venice, too, of course, ranks right up there as a city for lovers. It's here, after all, where you'll find the famous Bridge of Sighs where, local legend says, lovers will be assured eternal love if they kiss on a gondola at sunset under the bridge. Unfortunately, the name really came from the fact that this was a passageway that took prisoners into the palace prisons from which few returned and where the hapless victims looked out onto freedom for the last time with a sigh. Except for one, the famous Casanova who was arrested in 1755 for spreading antireligious sentiment and escaped 15 months after he crossed the Bridge of Sighs-now that's romance. Nearby, overlooking the Riva degli Shiavoni, just steps from Piazza San Marco, St. Mark's Basilica, the Doge's Palace and the Bridge of Sighs, the restored and romantic Hotel Danieli is made up of three interconnecting palaces. The main building, the 14th century Dandolo Palace, is Venetian gothic lavishly appointed with pink marble, stained glass, gold-leaf decorated ceilings, Murano glass chandeliers and antiques. The adjacent Casa Nuova building is a 19th century palace whose decor reflects a rich, Venetian baroque style. The building to the right of the central Dandolo Palace is the Danielino, dating back to 1948 with decor focusing on Old World charm. But it's the lagoon-view rooms-some of which have a balcony-that are beautifully decorated in Empire or Venetian style with romantic views of the Venice lagoon, another must for honeymooners and lovers. Directly overlooking the Grand Canal with an incomparable view of Venice and just a short stroll from the Piazza San Marco, the Hotel Gritti Palace has a well-deserved reputation as one of the most romantic hotels in the world, attracting elite guests such as the British royal family, the Duke of Windsor, the Princess of Monaco and a bevy of Hollywood stars all the way up to today's most popular celebrities. And it's not like this is a new thing for the property, considering it was commissioned in 1525 as the residence of the Doge of Venice-Doge Andrea Gritti-and was later used as the official residence of the Vatican's ambassadors to Venice. As one of the most celebrated hotels in the world, there's no better place to take advantage of a honeymoon program-what the hotel describes as, "a fairy tale honeymoon in magical, dreamy Venice." Couples are welcomed with a bottle of wine and a bouquet of flowers in their hotel room where they'll spend a memorable night in the intimacy of a richly decorated double room or luxurious jr. suite or suite. The next morning, they're awakened leisurely to a daily breakfast served-at their discretion-in room or in the Club Del Doge restaurant. Various tours-individual, group, walking, boat, guided-may be organized through the hotel concierge. Tour guides are available upon request and honeymooners can arrange for a late check-out at 4:30 p.m.

It wouldn't be right to exclude Rome, the Eternal City, in a Europe honeymoon review and we would certainly be remiss not to mention the Hotel Hassler, which has been recognized as one of the prime hotels in Europe for more than 100 years. With an unbeatable location atop the Spanish Steps, it's one of Italy's most luxurious with 82 rooms and 13 suites, all of which are elegantly furnished with antiques while equipped with modern leisure. The suites feature exquisite boiserie and frescoes, original paintings by the Titian and Tintoretto schools and the furniture is in original 18th century Louis XV style. The large bathrooms are finished in precious Italian marble and 23-carat gold-plated faucets. Fine Italian cuisine is available at Imago, the Salone Eva Restaurant & Bar, and the Palm Court Garden Restaurant & Bar during the warmer weather seasons. Beauty and wellness treatments are also available at Amorvero SPA. The Honeymoon package includes four nights in a luxury deluxe accommodation, daily buffet breakfast or room service, continental breakfast, a bottle of Prosecco (Italian sparkling white wine) in room upon arrival, daily fresh fruit in room, a special gift from the hotel's management from the Amorvero Home Collection, a romantic dinner at panoramic, Michelin-starred Imago, with Rome's most breathtaking views and creative Italian cuisine, plus guaranteed upgrade from deluxe to an exclusive grand deluxe double room.

Despite its recent financial woes, there's no place like Greece and the Greek Islands for a truly classic honeymoon experience and indeed, many of its island resorts were built primarily with romance in mind. At Cavo Tagoo Resort on Mykonos, for example, the overall seductive design screams romance and intimacy-everything from the infinity pool overlooking the blue Aegean Sea, to the chic, luxurious and comfortable rooms and suites, all designed to embody a contemporary minimalist island aesthetic while remaining true to the traditional character and architecture of the Cycladic Islands. All modern amenities and conveniences are provided to ensure an experience of utter comfort in an elegantly minimalist and relaxed chic setting, while excellent touches of luxury are added such as jacuzzi tubs and private pools. The Cavo Tagoo Spa is also designed with a focus on classic Greek beliefs and legends and has been ideally placed in a unique location immersed in Cycladean light, facing Delos, the birthplace of the mythical God of the sun, Apollo. Its mission, they say, "...is to fuse the latest in international spa trends with a simultaneous, traditional Greek approach to wellness and beauty in our award-winning treatments and products. The Cavo Tagoo Spa Experience is an indigenous journey of the six senses-see, smell, touch, hear, feel, and experience." Couples can also take tours to Delos, charter boats or rent cars for trips to the Mykonos town.

On Santorini, honeymoon and lovers will be mesmerized by the Andronis Luxury Suites, a breathtaking all-suite boutique hotel that sits high above the sea with panoramic views of a volcano or caldera soaring into the sky across the water. The property offers five different suite categories with the first three offering spacious living areas, separate bedrooms and private, seaview verandahs, while the exceptional suite category offers a jacuzzi and a jet pool, while the pool suite offers an infinity pool overlooking the sea. Needless to say, there's plenty of 21st century comforts and amenities including satellite TV, CD player, wireless internet and international telephony-all offered in a classical but timeless island setting. The onsite restaurant serves local cuisine with traditional recipes that include virgin olive oil, fresh vegetables, Greek herbs and succulent meats, blended with organic ingredients and elements of nouvelle cuisine to create a superlative menu-all washed down with some of Santorini's famous local wines, cultivated from the island's very own vineyards. There is also a special selection of international wines. Mare Et Sanus Spa, inspired by Greek nature and the healing power of the gods, offers massages and body treatments or even a complete Day Spa Program. Local ingredients such as propolis, tomato, cucumber, orange, fig, cinnamon and almond are all part of the spa's unique, different treatments that relax, rejuvenate and revitalize.

It's not possible to list European honeymoon and romance choices without mentioning Paris, the City of Light and Love, where romance fuses with culture. Which is why couples will enjoy celebrating the centennial of the Hotel Lutetia-a property that calls itself a "...modern-day reflection of the belle epoque and Art Deco periods; the embodiment of contemporary, stylish Parisian living." Nestled in the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Pres, it's within walking distance of the Seine, the Musee d'Orsay, the Notre Dame Cathedral and the boutiques and designers' studios on the Left Bank. Views of the nearby Eiffel Tower can be enjoyed from many of the rooms and suites where the classic styling of the 1930s is combined with all the modern amenities. In fact, the sculpted Art Deco facade and welcoming statue of Gustave Eiffel, along with pictures of artists who once lived here, attest to the fact the hotel is full of artistic surprises. But while it's not a honeymoon or romance spot for everyone, it's ideal for couples who enjoy the arts. Even today, it's a meeting place for artists, writers and politicians, with the lobby boasting a lively edginess with displayed works of art by renowned contemporary artists such as Arman, Cesar, Philippe Hiquily, Perrin and Thierry Bisch. Surrounded by Art Deco architecture, period furniture, crystal chandeliers and the sounds of jazz music drifting through from the highly popular Lutetia Bar, this is a place truly immersed in a lively Parisian atmosphere.

But for those who want to honeymoon outside of the City of Light, there's a great option in sunny St. Tropez-the Chateau de la Messardiere, the 75-room and 6-suite Leading Hotels of the World property with a history that goes all the way back to the seventh century. Today, it's a beautifully restored, five-star beauty that sits near the beautiful French Riviera and combines traditional beauty with contemporary flair. It's a great honeymoon spot and for couples who want to combine a lovers' solitude with a little seaside fun. The different room categories offer a variety of views, but for the best romantic experience, book either the deluxe room with views from the terrace or the balcony to the countryside and the gardens, or even better, the Prestige Room with large private terraces and breathtaking views of the sea from the room and the terrace. The Chateaux spa offers a variety of body treatments and fitness equipment, but the truly pampering experience here is the gourmet restaurant Les Trois Saisons, reputed to be one of St. Tropez's best dining addresses and open evenings only. The hotel claims that the restaurant is "...the perfect venue for a romantic dinner for two or with friends," because Les Trois Saisons serves refined and creative Mediterranean-style cuisine in a truly exceptional ambiance. The restaurant's huge terrace offers sweeping views over the beaches of Pampelonne. The wine selection, by the way, is as sweeping as the panorama with over 400 wines and champagnes from France and the world over, with new wines being added every year.

There's still another take on a resort stay on the French Riviera with a relatively new property near St. Tropez-La Reserve Ramatuelle, a 23-room and -suite boutique hotel with an additional 12, 4- and 5-bedroom rental villas on site. It's the boutique aspect, of course, that lends itself to honeymooners or lovers, with each of the rooms and suites enjoying their own private garden or terrace. All of the modern amenities are included, of course, with drop-dead gorgeous views of the Mediterranean thrown in for free. The hotel's restaurant and bar promises "...meticulously flavored tastes of the south, that are subtly combined for pleasure, as well as health." But it's the spa here that's the real spoiler. It even includes a 6-day program designed to focus on the personal health objectives of the guest with the goal of achieving long-term health improvement and "...maximize the future life potential of each participant." Still another program is called Discovery Day, where guests get to sample the unique spa offerings, such as baleneotherapy, of their choice, exfoliant or wrap, a 50-minute body treatment, jet shower and lunch. Then there's the Creme de la Mere, which they say is exclusive skin care with the goal of relaxation and pure pleasure and includes two regenerating facials and body treatments.

For a truly fairy tale honeymoon, look no further than Europe's own fairy tale city-the beautiful and wonderfully preserved city of Prague in the Czech Republic. This is a city, in fact, that stands for many things-music and theater, Kafka and Mozart, beer and dumplings-but especially for its romantic, charming and unforgettable atmosphere. So what could be more romantic for your couples than booking into The Iron Gate Hotel & Suites, set in a 14th century building located in the heart of Prague's Old Town, in a picturesque, cobbled side street just steps from the famous Astronomical Clock in the Old Town Square-the perfect choice for enjoying the wonders of Prague, in spacious, elegant and historical surroundings. The Iron Gate Hotel & Suites offers 43 unique rooms and suites, each with a different layout, view and decor. This beautiful landmark, set in the privacy of an inner courtyard with unforgettable atmosphere, is certainly one of the hidden gems in Prague. Most rooms and suites are decorated with original 14th to 18th century frescoes or painted ceilings and some Royal Suites even offer two bathrooms and a jacuzzi. Room and suite amenities include DVD player with a selection of over 80 DVD movies available free of charge, in-room Internet connection, minibar, alarm/clock radio, satellite and cable on 28-inch large-screen TV, ETRO Designer toiletries and luxury linens. The hotel has a 2-night Romantic & Honeymoon stay in one of its luxurious jr. suites or 1-bedroom Royal Suites. The program includes Mercedes car transfer from and to the airport or railway station, welcome drink, full buffet breakfast or breakfast served in the room, flower arrangements in the room, a bottle of Bohemian sparkling wine, coffee and tea service, as well as a romantic 3-course candlelight dinner.

Talk to Atlas Cruises & Tours at 800-942-3301 to set up a honeymoon or romantic escape to Italy, France or Greece.

By: Rick Shively
Brought to you by Recommend Magazine and Atlas Cruises & Tours

Serving the traditional role of godmother for the Disney Dream christening was Jennifer Hudson, the Academy Award and Grammy Award winner whose own dreams of stardom began when she was a performer on the Disney Wonder ship in 2003.

Hudson was joined onstage by Disney CEO Bob Iger and Walt Disney Parks & Resorts Chairman Tom Staggs, as the enormous “champagne bottle” filled with dreams of adventure, romance and fun was lifted into the air and broken across the bow of the 130,000-ton ship.

Some 3,000 people were gathered at the Disney Dream for the christening ceremony including celebrities, media and members of the public.

The spectacle befit a ship brimming with innovative “wows” – including gallery art that comes alive, the first water coaster aboard a cruise ship, Magical Portholes that provide inside staterooms with a real-time ocean view, a full-blown shipboard fireworks show, personal interaction with animated characters, play floors like gigantic video games, and original Broadway-style stage spectaculars.

“For over a decade, Disney Cruise Line has been making vacation dreams come true for millions of families and we continue that tradition today with the launch of the Disney Dream,” Iger said. “The mix of imagination and innovation found on the Disney Dream is unparalleled and elevates the family cruise experience to new heights.”

The 4,000-passenger Disney Dream sails its maiden voyage out of Port Canaveral, Fla., on Jan. 26. It joins the 2,700-passenger Disney Magic and Disney Wonder, with the Disney Fantasy scheduled to join the fleet in 2012.

“The addition of the Disney Dream provides an opportunity to extend our horizons and open up Disney cruising to more families,” Staggs said. “From the majestic beauty of Alaska, to the culture and history of Europe, to the fun and sun of the Caribbean, families looking to take a Disney cruise have more options than ever before.”

In 2011, the Disney Dream will sail three-, four- and five-night itineraries to the Bahamas and Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay. The Disney Magic will sail seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries and seven-, 10- and 11-night European cruises out of Barcelona during the summer months. The Disney Wonder will sail seven-night Mexican Riviera cruises from the Port of Los Angeles beginning Jan. 23 and seven-night Alaska itineraries from Vancouver, B.C., during the summer months.

Aboard the Disney Dream
Discover what awaits you and your family onboard the ship:

• Staterooms
  Staterooms on board the Disney Dream feature contemporary amenities, ample space and elegant yacht-style decor. Most boast split bathrooms—a feature perfect for families and a cruise line industry first.
• Youth Clubs
  Youth Clubs fulfill the recreational needs of younger Guests. Kids clubs, activity centers for tweens and teens, and a plethora of unique interactive programs and wondrously themed immersive spaces can be found throughout the ship.
• Dining
  Dining options aboard the Disney Dream include elegant adults-only dining, gourmet Main Dining delights and mouthwatering made-to-order casual fare—in magically themed restaurants.
• Entertainment
  Entertainment aboard the Disney Dream, including musical live shows, first-run films, Digital 3-D movies and fun-filled family deck parties, is available at lavish onboard venues each cruise day—and is unlike anything else offered on the high seas.
• Pools
  Pools aboard the Disney Dream are terrific places to cool down and relax on sun-kissed afternoons. On Deck 11, you'll find 3 sparkling pools—one for kids, one for families, and one just for adults.
• Nightclubs & Lounges
  Nightclubs & Lounges on the Disney Dream fill the nights at sea with live music, dancing and socializing. Explore The District—the ship's adults-only entertainment area, home to 5 distinct lounges and nightclubs.

Click to learn more about Disney Cruise Line or to book a vacation call 800-942-3301

We understood the challenges before us – to create a well-organized experience that would enable the ship’s 2,600 passengers to have just as good an onshore experience as we’d been providing to those sailing aboard our smaller ships for years. It meant rediscovering history, and working closely with local experts to design an extensive range of intriguing options. So, off I went to Europe as part of the advance team. Goodbye coral reefs.

Gaudi’s unique La Sagrada Familia cathedral in Barcelona is still unfinished more than a century after it was begun.

I was aware that a grand tour of Europe and the Mediterranean became a rite of passage for the British in the 18th century, where privileged young men spent the time between their university education and the start of their career with an extended tour of continental Europe. By the late 19th century the Grand Tour had become an American phenomenon, and young men and women traveled the world visiting the great European cities and the ancient sites of the Mediterranean.

I remember reading Mark Twain’s “The Innocents Abroad” in college, which chronicled his own Grand Tour by steamship in 1867, and became one of his best-selling books of all time. To think that here I was, following in these grand footsteps as I helped to plan a similar experience for thousands of passengers.

As part of our preparations we visited each Mediterranean port to see everything passengers would see, and make sure we were ready to handle getting people off the ship and to the various sites. After all, we were taking more passengers on tour than we had ever brought to that area before.

Renaissance architecture abounds in Florence.

Over the next few weeks, our team would explore in detail with local experts the treasures of these great cities and ancient sites, trying to see them through the eyes of our passengers and drilling down to the finest details to design our tour plans.

My grand tour took me to Barcelona where I marveled at the modernist Antoni Gaudi’s famous cathedral, La Sagrada Familia; the Royal Palace in Monte Carlo, the dazzling residence and home to the Grimaldi family of Princess Rainier and the late Princess Grace; the statue of Michelangelo’s David at the Accademia in Florence, the center of the Renaissance.

Then there was Pompeii, the Roman resort tragically buried by volcanic ash from the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 A.D., and one of the world’s most magnificently preserved ancient cities. And enchanting Venice with its famous canals, bridges and cobblestone streets, and the magnificent Doge’s Palace in St. Mark’s Square.

The ruins of Pompeii are a dramatic destination on a Grand Tour.

In Athens there were the glorious marble structures of The Parthenon, built in honor of Athena, goddess of wisdom. Then I traveled to Istanbul which has dominated the Straits of the Bosporus for 25 centuries and saw its 17thcentury Blue Mosque, renowned for its domes and minarets. And from Kusadasi I experienced Ephesus, a treasure of antiquity and historical legend where on its ancient streets Mark Antony and Cleopatra rode in procession and St. Paul preached against the goddess Artemis.

It was the grandest of tours. And in the summer, when Grand Princess finally debuted, all of our efforts paid off. The ship’s first Mediterranean season was incredibly successful. The ship was well received and the shore excursion program went even better than we even hoped and expected. Thousands of passengers experienced the collection of tours that our team had so carefully put together.

The ancient ruins of Ephesus are the main attraction in Kusadasi, Turkey.

I went on to spend five more years in Europe before coming ashore into Princess’ corporate office to oversee the shore excursion program for our 17 ships around the world. Although I will never forget my first glimpses of these iconic destinations, you could say my Grand Tour continues to this day. And the best part of my job is knowing that we create magical “Grand Tour” experiences for newcomers to the Mediterranean on every voyage, and that they’ll share in the awe of seeing these unforgettable places just as generations of travelers have over the centuries – including me.

Gondolas bob in the Grand Canal of picturesque Venice.

The Blue Mosque dominates the skyline of Istanbul.

What a Stress Free, Hassle Free way to travel to Europe? 

Leave all of the travel details to a tour operator. They provide you with comfortable transportation, several meals, a rich sightseeing program and much more.

Traveling can be stressful, especially if you are traveling to a country where English is not their first language. Something amazing happens when you feel comfortable.  Your senses have the luxury to stray from the detail and worry, finding in their place anticipation and wonder.  You'll feel comfortable staying in first class hotels located in clean, safe areas.

Save time and money. Spending hours in line to get into major attractions such as the Louvre or Vatican Museums can take all day. Groups have a separate entrance, and get to go in with little or no wait so that you have more time to enjoy the sites, and more free time in the city.

Nothing introduces you to the true flavors of your destination like fine local cuisine.  Included three course dinners are carefully planned to avoid the repetition of entrees.  From the tapas bars of Spain to the vineyards of Italy and France, the tour operator will include on your trip optional specialty dinners and plenty of free time to venture out on your own. For the evenings when dinners are not included, your tour director will have a number of suggestions for favorite nearby restaurants. After all, one of the best ways to learn about a foreign culture is to eat like the local do!

The tour buses are air conditioned are are equipped with emergency washrooms.  The bus normally accommodates 53 seats, but they install fewer seats (44) for extra leg room.

If buses are not for you, tour operators have many other options including city stays, rail packages and river cruises through Europe.

There are hundreds of tour operators you can choose from, however some have been in the business for over 50 years and have proven over time that they offer consumers the best value and service. Check with a travel agent if you need assistance finding a reputable operator.

Here is our network of Europe travel destination sites:

| England Tours | France Tours | Greece Tours| Ireland Tours | Italy Tours | River Cruise | Russia Tours | Scandinavia Tours | Spain Tours

We also have specialty European Tour Operators sites:

Contiki Tours | Cosmos Tours | General Tours| Gate 1| Globus Tours | Insight Tours | Tauck Tours | Trafalgar Tours

A rather simplistic answer could be that you won’t really see Europe on a cruise ship.  You’ll see piers and ports which are usually industrial areas that you will want to hurry through to catch the tour bus that will take you on a tour of the region for a few hours. So you’re back to the land tour option, and a brief one at that.  For example, a cruise of the Mediterranean stops in Rome, well that’s not true.  The port of Rome is really the city of Civitavecchia, which is 50 miles from Rome and takes about one and a half to two hours by bus. So, if your ship is in port for 12 hours you will be spending almost a third of your precious time ashore traveling to and from the ship. You will have time to see a few, (very few if you are traveling in the summer months,) of the sights and perhaps enjoy an espresso or gelato before your bus ride back to the port.  Another popular port of call is Barcelona, where you are usually in port for 6 to 8 hours.  The port is close to the city, but it is not nearly enough time to see and taste what this wonderful city has to offer.  Other cruises, begin in Barcelona, but include no time to enjoy the city - you arrive into the airport and transfer straight to the ship.  Another popular cruise port is St. Petersburg, Russia.  Most ships stay around 12 hours, which only gives you time for a run-through of the Hermitage, a glimpse of Peter-Paul Fortress, a blini and then back to the ship.

Shore excursions on cruises can also be quite expensive.  To spend the day in Rome could easily cost $150 to $200 USD pp. If you are taking a cruise that has several ports of call, you could be talking about spending as much on your sightseeing tours as you did on your cabin.

Now don’t misunderstand me, I love cruising! The leisurely dining, great entertainment, breakfast on the balcony, cocktails at sunset, unlimited ship-board activities, unpack once for the entire trip and sleeping in the same bed every night are all wonderful, but not, in my opinion, a way to really get the flavor and see a country.  Cruises also offer a wonderful advantage to families by having programs to keep the children occupied on sea days versus trying to entertain them on a bus.

On the other hand, land tours are not the total panacea. There’s that suitcase to pack and unpack every few days and a different hotel. Depending on the itinerary, you would experience long bus or train rides between your highlighted cities.  The plus side is that there will be much more time for sightseeing. and if you plan properly and in advance, free time to visit areas on your own, unhurried and in depth.  A ten day tour of Italy for example, will typically visit at least the three major cities of Rome, Florence and Venice, giving plenty of time to visit museums and cathedrals, small shops and mysterious back streets, as well as wonderful restaurants & trattorias.  However, keep in mind that unlike your cruise ship, not all (if any) of your meals will be included in the price. Talk to a travel agent to find the best tour option for you.  Many itineraries have now been designed to give you up to 3 nights in each city so there is less packing and unpacking.  You can also choose to travel in smaller groups of under 24 people to ensure more personalized service, or rather than by bus, travel by train.  Also look at itineraries closely to see how much sightseeing is included versus having to purchase optionals. 

There is one way to combine your apples and oranges and make a nice fruit salad, which is the packaged “cruise-tour” offered by many of the best ship lines and some tour operators.  This is your chance to combine the best of both.  Depending upon the cruise and the area involved, you can tour for five, six or seven days, then board your ship for a wonderful restful sail, and even make brief visits to other cities. 

No matter how you travel, Europe is filled with gems, amazing history, architecture and cuisine, so you are sure to enjoy your vacation. The key is knowing what to expect in advance so you are not disappointed. 

Europe cruise versus a Europe tour? Well, what ever "floats your boat."  Bon voyage and/or happy touring!

Italy...1500 miles of undiluted history of art, architecture and above all, human endeavour. A cross section of 3000 years of history, beautifully displayed, tangibly visible and also “exhausting”.

Every moment of this tour is a constant reminder of human ingenuity and fallibility. An exhaustive trip to the roots of western civilisation. A trip of a lifetime.

From the primordial and indigenous tribes of the Italian Peninsula, to the nomadic tribes of Asia Minor, the exciting Greek influence, the glories of the Roman empire, the gloom of the dark ages and the Barbaric hords, the Arab and Norman invasions, the sophistication of the Swabe dynasty, the apotheosis of the Italian Renaissance, the gradual decline, the Spanish and French invasions and finally the utopic dream come true, the unity of Italy in 1861.

Italy is not only a beautiful and fascinating country, it is also a beautiful way of life. Every facet of this country is to be experienced, understood and frequently pardoned. It is sometimes confusing and yet proud, chaotic and efficient at the same time, a world-leading industrial and financial reality and yet politically a banana republic. A country of extreme contradictions. A country of sailors and poets, a country of frustrations and indifference.

Every moment on the Insight “Best of Italy” is aimed to share with you a whirlwind experience of a country worthy of many repeat visits, a taste of (always) better things to come, never a dull moment. You leave with a lingering feeling of enrichment and an extraordinary feeling of humility, as well as a sense of achievement.

For all the above reasons and many more, you have to experience the truly Best of Italy!

Arches - Moab, UT - Features over 2,000 natural sandstone arches as well as many other unusual rock formations. Weather has exposed millions of years of geologic history in a landscape of contrasting colors and textures. Desert annuals like grasses and wildflowers are adapted to the arid environment and can be seen here in April and May.

Great Smoky Mountains - Gatlinburg, TN - well known for its mist-shrouded ridges of forest which straddles the border between North Carolina and Tennessee. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a world-renowned preserve of wildflower diversity including over 1,660 varieties. It is sometimes referred to as the “Wildflower National Park.”

Yellowstone - Yellowstone, WY - Famous for Old Faithful and a collection of the world's most extraordinary geysers and hot springs, along with the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. This park was established in 1872, and is America's first national park. In the spring you may see Wild Strawberries, Glacier Lilies and Bluebells among many other wildflowers.

Yosemite - Yosemite, CA - is best known for its stunning waterfalls and Half Dome. The best time to visit is late May and early June, when mountain snowmelt and waterfalls are at their peak. In Yosemite Valley & Wawona: you will find flowering dogwood and California Poppies beginning in May. More Wildflowers begin in early June such as Sierra Onion, Lupine, MariposaLlily, and Pentstemon.

Zion - Springdale, UT - Includes towering cliffs and small narrow canyons in unique sandstone ranging in color from cream, to pink, to red. They could be described as sand castles crowning desert canyons. With elevations ranging from 3,600 to 8,700 feet, Zion National Park has a diversity of plant communities, supporting more than 900 species of plants. In the early spring, many plants take advantage of the seasonal rains, to flower such as the Desert Marigold or Slickrock Paintbrush.

Set sail on a voyage of appetizing adventure with our new, limited-time Epicurean Discovery-an entire week devoted to cuisine and fine dining. Gourmet getaway Imagine sailing the breathtaking blue waters of the Caribbean with an incredible celebrity chef who will cook for you and provide cooking tips and advice. Join us on the beautiful Freedom of the Seas®, one of the most innovative ships at sea for a culinary experience like no other. Exclusive features As part of this unparalleled gourmet experience, guest sailing in a suite* will have the opportunity to:

Participate in Exclusive Culinary Experiences Enjoy a Cocktail Reception Meet & Greet Photo Opportunity with Celebrity Chefs Receive Special In-Suite Gifts Private Dining Experience with Celebrity Chef in our Specialty Restaurants Take a VIP Behind the Scenes Tour of our Private Galley Sample Appetizers in a Private Tapas Welcome Savor Succulent Vintages in a Special Wine Tasting Event Attend a Question & Answer Session with Celebrity Chef and Ship's Executive Chef Receive a Special Kit with Photos, Recipes, Menus and Guest Chef Signature Learn Cooking Tips from the Pros Take Home a Commemorative Epicurean Discovery Apron & Chef's Hat *Suite categories include Royal Loft, Royal Suite, Presidential Family Suite, Sky Loft Suite, AquaTheatre Suites, Crown Loft Suites, Owners Suites, Royal Family Suites, Grand Suites & Junior Suites

• Chef Cindy Hutson - September 19, 2010 
• Chef Johnny Vinczencz - October 3, 2010
• Chef Tim Andriola - October 17, 2010
• Chef Carlos Fernandez - October 31, 2010
• Chef Lauren De Rouen - November 7, 2010
• Chef Roberto Treviño November 14, 2010
• TBD - December 5, 2010
• TBD - December 12, 2010
• Chef Michael Schwartz - January 2, 2011
• Chef Nick Weber - January 9, 2011
• Chef Spike Mendelsohn - February 6, 2011
• TBD - February 20, 2011

 There's limited space available on these 12 delectable specialty voyages, so book today to be a part of this unbelievable gourmet experience.

 Freedom of the Seas
Royal Caribbean's cruise ships are the most innovative and exciting in the travel industry. Freedom of the Seas features incredible pool areas including cantilevered whirlpools and an open-air night club for dancing under the stars. Epicurean Discovery turns up the heat on our already incredible dining experiences from the elegant atmosphere of Portofino to our beloved Chops Grille. And you're sure to be dazzled by our awe-inspiring original productions featuring world-class performers.

Caribbean paradise
Relax in your own ocean-view suite while visiting beautiful Eastern Caribbean destinations like: CocoCay®, Bahamas; Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas; and Philipsburg, St. Maarten - or Western Caribbean ports such as: Labadee®, Haiti; Ocho Rios, Jamaica; George Town, Grand Cayman; and Cozumel, Mexico. Enjoy the Royal treatment onboard one of the greatest ships at sea, featuring a world-class spa, some of the most innovative amenities and activities in the industry and the Gold Anchor Service® only Royal Caribbean International can provide.

Royal Caribbean International® and DreamWorks Animation® have teamed up to bring the next evolution of family programming and entertainment onboard Allure of the Seas, sailing in December 2010.  Join 22 of your favorite characters from popular movies such as Chrek, Madagascar and Kung Fu Panda. This announcement comes shortly after news of NCL’s partnership with Nickelodeon for the new NCL Epic.

Character Parades
Everyone loves a parade! But a parade with all their friends from the DreamWorks movies is certain to be unlike any parade you’ve ever seen before. Get ready to be astonished, amazed and doubled-over with laughter as Shrek and friends participate in Royal Caribbean parades. You won’t want to miss a single moment of the antics that are sure to steal the scene.

Photo Opportunities
It’s not everyday that you go on a vacation and get your picture taken with Shrek. Or even kiss the hand of a Princess who’s an Ogre who’s a Princess. But this isn’t just any vacation. It’s a DreamWorks Experience onboard Royal Caribbean! There will be plenty of chances to meet Shrek, Fiona, Po (Kung Fu Panda) and more of the lovable and popular DreamWorks characters live and in person! Then the family can get a photo taken with their favorites so they can show off to their friends and family. Otherwise, they might have a hard time believing it could all be true!

How to Train Your Dragon Ice Show
This live ice show is so crazy it just might work and it’s only onboard Royal Caribbean! This show will feature your client’s favorite characters from Dreamworks’ How To Train Your Dragon and is sure to capture the whole family’s imagination. Only on Royal Caribbean will you see How to Train Your Dragon on Ice in the middle of the ocean. It’s sure to be the highlight of your vacation.

The Madagascar Aqua Show – “Let you entertain me”
Marty, Alex, Gloria, Melman and their other favorite characters from the Dreamworks hit film Madagascar will mix and mingle with high divers, swimmers, acrobats and more. This show is certain to be a blast for the whole family.

Character Meals
Meet some of your favorite characters from popular movies like Shrek, Madagascar, Kung Fu Panda and How to Train Your Dragon. In between nibbles, the whole family will be full of giggles as the characters stop by their table for some playful shenanigans.

Adventure Ocean®
Kids will think they’re dreaming when they get the chance to play with their favorite DreamWorks Animation characters at Adventure Ocean. Royal Caribbean’s award-winning Adventure Ocean youth program is already filled to the brim with exciting activities—just imagine how great it will be with Alex, Dragon, Shrek, Po and others making surprise appearances. The laughs will be unlimited as their kids interact with the characters in fun activities such as story time, dance parties and more. And remember, it’s all included; no extra charge.

3-D Movies
Dragons fly in your face in How To Train Your Dragon and giant robots battle all around you in Monsters vs. Aliens®. The new onboard 3-D theaters will enhance the experience so much you’ll feel like they’re part of the action! What better way to enjoy the latest and final movie in the Shrek realm: Shrek Forever After®!

On TV In Your Stateroom
Want to spend some time hanging out and relaxing in their stateroom, but haven’t yet had enough laughs with the DreamWorks Animation characters? Each staterooms will offer DreamWorks programming.  It’s the perfect opportunity to catch up on Shrek’s latest hilarious adventures. Get a bit more sleep while their kids re-live their favorite moments from Madagascar. Or enjoy quiet family time together watching How to Train Your Dragon.

In 2011, the DreamWorks Experience will begin rolling out on Oasis of the Seas®, Freedom of the Seas® and Liberty of the Seas®.

LITTLETON, Colorado 11/11/2009 – When planning a wedding, some perfectly lovely women become “bridezillas” and wonderfully great men find themselves doing everything wrong… Together, bride and groom are often under extraordinary pressure – and sometimes, at odds – while booking the “perfect” honeymoon.  Monograms provides want-to-be-honeymooners a solution: Simplifying travel planning by taking care of vacation details on nearly 150 travel packages in 31 countries on five continents around the world.

“We handle all the details for honeymooners,” said Jennifer Halboth, director of marketing for the Globus family of brands, parent company to Monograms.  “This includes offering them a wide variety of destinations from which to choose the perfect getaway as well as a selection of highly recommended hotels, known for their location and amenities and transportation, ensuring they easily get from point A to B (and C, D and F).”

For international escapes, Monograms also provides travelers a Local Host – an expert in their destination – to help them make the most of their vacation.  And, in 2010, Monograms has expanded the cities worldwide in which Local Host services are available.

“Many newlyweds don’t have a lot of time or energy to research their honeymoon destination before they go.  This isn’t a problem when choosing Monograms as a travel companion,” said Halboth.  “When couples travel internationally with us, they will be welcomed by an on-site expert who will help them get acquainted with their honeymoon destination by facilitating a half-day of sightseeing.  The Local Host is also on hand to personalize their experience, providing suggestions, making excursion arrangements and answering questions.” 

Sample Monograms Vacations Sure to Appeal to Honeymooners in 2010 Include:

EUROPE

• A Week in Paris (7 days)
• Rome, Paris & London (10 days)
• Paris & Nice (7 days)
• Rome, Florence & Venice (10 days)
• NEW Rome & Sorrento (7 days)
• Barcelona & Madrid (7 days)

SOUTH AMERICA

• Cruising the Galapagos with Peru (13 days)
• NEW Brazil, Argentina & Chile (13 days)
• NEW Costa Rica Wonders (7 days)

SOUTH PACIFIC

• Australian Escape (11 days)
• Journey Down Under (11 days)

ASIA

• NEW Beijing & Shanghai (7 days)
• NEW Beijing & Hong Kong (7 days)
• NEW Bangkok & Phuket (9 days)

NORTH AMERICA

• NEW Vancouver & Whistler (7 days)
• Oahu & Maui (7 days)
• NEW Maui & Kauai (7 days)

Entering its fifth year, Adventures by Disney designs tours with the family in mind and provides educationally-enriched experiences so even younger travelers understand, appreciate and have fun in their new surroundings. These hassle-free vacations, rooted in the service and quality of family travel leader Disney, provide distinctive opportunities and special touches to make memories that last a lifetime.

“We are able to offer vacation experiences to some of the most fascinating places on earth, literally bringing history to life for our guests,” said Don Gross, Vice President, Adventures by Disney. “Each itinerary is carefully planned, creating a vacation that includes the most iconic and must-see sites as well as off-the-beaten path excursions. In fact, guests often tell us the hardest part about the trip is choosing the adventure.”

The Disney Difference

From snorkeling with sea turtles in the Galapagos to discovering Europe’s classic history, each itinerary is as matchless as its surroundings. Yet one aspect holds true for every trip: the special touches that are collectively called “the Disney difference” .

Adventure Guide: Part storyteller, ambassador, concierge and role model, Adventures by Disney’s highly-trained Adventure Guides are the friendly hosts and travel specialists who lead guests on every trip. With two guides assigned for every group (of up to 40 people), travelers receive individual attention to ensure a fun and enriching vacation.

Junior Adventurers: Young travelers are transformed into Junior Adventurers – seeing, hearing and tasting things that they might otherwise not have experienced. The immersive activities created just for kids allow young travelers to learn and have fun in places like museums that aren’t always as entertaining for the younger set. For example, at the Louvre in Paris, the Junior Adventurers play an Art Detective game throughout the museum with their Adventure Guides, while adults take a privately guided tour with an art historian. In addition, the Adventure Guides are expert storytellers and are trained to create fun and unique, locally-based experiences for the kids. On almost every departure, there is also a Junior Adventurers night, in which the kids have a special evening experience with their Guides, while the adults get a quiet evening on their own at the resort.

Local Experts: An authentic Tuscan chef, a naturalist from Costa Rica, a Chinese tai chi master – these local experts share a passion; they live and breathe the local history and culture of their destination. They are an integral part of every Adventures by Disney vacation. They join guests to share their stories and provide an “insider’s” perspective to each destination.

VIP Access: Travelers vacationing with Adventures by Disney receive VIP experiences that are practically impossible to schedule on their own. Special entry to otherwise crowded sites, unique accommodations (like castles in Ireland and Germany, a dude Ranch in Yellowstone and at the base of a live, active volcano in Costa Rica. Guests also get backstage access of celebrated performances like “The Lion King“ in London. These are just a few of the exceptional moments woven through each itinerary, promising expedited service and a broader knowledge of each destination.

Adventures by Disney’s 2010 destinations include 19 global itineraries:

Asia & Pacific

• Enchanted China - China: Beijing, Chengdu, Guilin, Shanghai and Hong Kong
• Safari to South Africa - South Africa: Cape Town, The Garden Route and Kapama Game Reserve
• Discovery Down Under - Australia: North Queensland, Ayers Rock and Sydney

British Isles & Europe

• Cities of Knights and Lights – England and France: London and Paris
• The Emerald Isle – Ireland: Dublin, Killarney and Shannon
• Once Upon a Fairytale – Germany: Heidelberg, Trendelburg, Rothenburg and Munich
• Alpine Magic - Italy and Switzerland: Stresa, Zermatt and Lake Lucerne
• Viva Italia - Italy: Rome, Tuscany and Venice
• Bella Italia – Central Italy: Sorrento and Florence

Latin America

• Path to Pura Vida – Costa Rica: San Jose, Arenal and Manuel Antonio National Park
• Treasures of the Galapagos - Ecuador and Galapagos Islands
• Sacred Valleys and Incan Cities – Peru: Lima, Sacred Valley and Cusco

North America

• Spirit of America -Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, Pa., and Williamsburg, Va.
• Quest for the West – Wyoming: Jackson Hole, Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks
• Southwest Splendors – Arizona and Utah: Sedona, Grand Canyon and Moab
• Backstage Magic – Southern California: Hollywood and Disneyland Resort
• Golden Path to Yosemite – Northern California: Lake Tahoe, Yosemite National Park and San Francisco
• Taming the Last Frontier – Alaska: Fairbanks, Denali National Park and Kenai Peninsula
• Rocky Trails and Mountie Tales - Montana and Canada: Glacier National Park and Banff National Park

For Family Tour Vacations visit EscortedFamilyTours.com. For more on Adventure by Disney & other family tours, we invite you to visit  www.luxurytour.com.