HAPPY THANKSGIVING

As Americans, living in a great democracy, we have much to be thankful for.

The safety of our country (since 9/11)
A great standard of living, well above many other countries and cultures, for many of us
An abundance of food and "conveniences" to make life easier
Family and friends


Think about this today as you gather around your holiday table with family and friends.

Have a wonderful holiday.

A Silver Lining for Travelers...

"with lower fares and a stronger dollar, it's about 25 percent cheaper to take a vacation there this winter than last year, "said Simon Talling-Smith, an executive vice president with British Airways. There, meaning Europe. Also, when taking an escorted tour or cruise, you'll save money because you're paying with US dollars, not the Euro.

And, cruise fares are rivaling the prices seen in the weeks and months following 9/11. Yes, holiday weeks are still high but before/after and in '09 there are some great rates out there. Seen recently - the HAL/Oosterdam - 7 day - RT San Diego $644pp TOTAL, including port charges, gov't. fees and fuel surcharges.

Waikiki - the Hyatt is doing 3rd night free with daily complimentary breakfast buffet for two thrown in - about a $30 value for each breakfast.

Hawaii - the other islands are seeing 4th night free instead of 5th night free

Happy Vacations is reimbursing travelers up to $100 for the cost of checked bags through the airlines.

Contact us for details.

Bon Voyage!

No more beads at the new Club Med...

Remember the Club Med resorts of the the 70's and 80's? Well, it's a totally changed concept today. Although the original reason for creating these destination resorts, remains the same, that's almost all that is the same.

Today's resorts - 84 of them on five continents embrace upscale, family travel. Many of the Club Med resorts offer Baby Club Med (4-23 months) and Petit Club Med (2-3 years) and all the family resorts include children's programs from Club Chef (cooking courses), trapeze courses, water sports and other programs set up just for kids. There are five adult only resorts also.

Their suites program is, well, sweet. All of these rooms are beach front - they are in three story buildings so it may not be on the ground floor. From a suites concierge whose staff will make restaurant reservations, book tennis courts and make golfing times...suggest local excursions...a fully stocked/restocked mini fridge, perhaps a private beach area and/or plunge pool...early morning pastries to late afternoon canapes in a private suites/concierge lounge...what more luxury would you want?

Today the Club Meds are all-inclusive. The only extra items you'll pay for are spa treatments, tours-including diving and golfing, and items purchased at their boutiques. The Baby Club Med and Petit Club Med does incur an additional daily charge; however, toddlers under the age of two don't pay any other fee and you don't need to enroll your children in either of those programs if you don't want to. Enjoy swimming in the ocean or at a variety of pools, para sail or sail, kayak, play tennis or golf, ski at the ski resorts - you won't have time to try everything in a one-week vacation.

The food is better than ever - at their buffet restaurants you'll be served by the chef that actually baked your bread or cooked the roast beef or ham he/she is serving. You'll find stations serving fresh seafood, pasta, roast meats and all of your favorite comfort foods like pizza, hot dogs, and similar. Fresh fruit is flown in daily and fresh juice bars are featured at most of the resorts. Each resort has a few reservation-only restaurants such as La Belle Creole at Buccaneer's Creek in Martinique which serves up authentic Creole specialties, or Berimbau, a Brazilian churrascaria in the Bahamas presenting hard-carved meats.

Contact us today for more information...