Thursday, September 2, 2010

TRAVEL TIPS

Here are a few tips to keep in mind for your next travel adventure:

Before you leave, use a printable checklist of items you need to pack, and where you'll be packing them (carry-on or checked luggage.) Include all your frequently-forgotten or last minute items: batteries, cell-phone charger, toiletries, etc, and leave blanks for the specifics about clothes, shoes, and other valuable items. Keep a copy of the list with you. If your checked baggage gets lost, you won't have to try to remember what it contained, and you can share the list with the airline.

Before traveling, always get an extra ATM card. A spare card can save the day if the ATM machine eats your card unexpectedly, or if you damage your card along the way.

Flight delays are more common these days with unpredictable weather and tighter security. It only takes a single episode of almost not making it to the port on time - or missing the ship altogether! - to make getting in town the day before... very much worth it! Plan to arrive a day early, and choose a hotel that offers transfers from the airport and to the pier.

It's easy to forget your cell phone, laptop, and other power cords when checking out of a hotel. Increase your chances of recovery by writing your name and contact information on a piece of masking tape and securing the tape to your power cord.

After checking into your hotel room, go back out and count the doors from your room to the nearest stairway. In case of fire, the stairway may be the only way out. If you had to crawl under a blanket of smoke, you could just feel the doors and count down until you know you have reached the safety of the stairway. Don't forget to pack your trusty flashlight, in case you need to exit during a blackout.

On cruise ships, most hallways and doors look alike. To help identify your room, bring along a picture of something familiar and tape it to your door. No personal pictures, for safety reasons.

Bring an insulated travel mug on your next cruise. Coffee and tea are abundantly available on board, but cruise cups are notoriously small, so you'll need refills for a proper morning jolt. If coffee's not your thing, the mug comes in handy for preventing spills in buffet lines. Poolside, the insulation keeps drinks frosty. Save luggage space by stuffing your mug with small items- scarves, ties, or even jewelry.
Do you have a favorite Travel Tip you'd like to share with others? Please send it to travelleaders@suntimetravel.com. We'll include it in a future Suntime Travel Newsletter.

For current Transportation Security Administration information for your upcoming travels, contact your Travel Expert at Travel Leaders/Suntime Travel

Which Terminal do I need to go to in Minneapolis?
Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) has two full-service terminals:

Terminal 1- Lindbergh
and
Terminal 2- Humphrey

Because the terminals are located off separate roadways, it is best
to know which terminal your airline flies from before arriving at the airport.
To determine which terminal your airline uses, please contact Travel Leaders/Suntime Travel.

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The Journey of a Lifetime Awaits You. Discover Southeast Asia.

This is the Ultimate River Cruise through Southeast Asia -
Cambodia, Vietnam, and the Mekong River.

Get the most for your vacation dollar with this special offer:

2 FOR 1 cruise and land fares!

Experience 15 days exploring Southeast Asian capitals and cruising the Mekong River.
This incredible journey features 2 nights in Hanoi, 3 nights in Siem Reap, 2 nights in Ho Chi Minh City, plus an 8 day cruise where you'll also visit Kampong Cham, Kampong Chhnang, Phnom Penh, Chau Doc, Sa Dec, Cai Be, and My Tho - Experience life on the Mekong River.

2 FOR 1 cruise pricing from $2999 per person.

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The early bird gets the worm!
2011 Winter/Spring trips are filling fast for many hot destinations....

Are you thinking of a relaxing cruise over Christmas?
Or how about visiting the Caribbean during Spring Break?
Easter Sunday is April 24, 2011

Whatever your heart desires, let us help you!!

Now is the time to plan for Spring Break and other Winter dates.
So open up those 2011 calendars, and take a look!

If you are planning to travel over any major Holiday, or just want to have more options for your desired itinerary and great prices...

Book Early for the Best Deals of the Season

You'll get the best deals on your winter vacation with our Early Booking Sale. Save up to 60% on accommodations and get the lowest airfare to Mexico, the Caribbean, and Costa Rica. Hurry, book by Sept 30, 2010 for travel Dec 23, 2010 - Apr 30, 2011

We have many of the Spring Break dates for different schools in the area,
so if you don't know when your dates are, ask us!!

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Reserve your Disney Vacation now!

Reserve your Disney vacation by Nov 21, 2010, and save at least 25% on a room at a select Walt Disney World Resort hotel.* Valid for arrivals most nights Oct 3, 2010 - Feb 16, 2011.

Reserve your 4-night, 5-day Walt Disney World room and ticket package at select Disney Moderate Resorts by Dec. 20, 2010, and get a FREE Disney Dining Plan.* Valid for arrivals most nights Oct. 1-7, Oct. 22-28, Nov. 12-18, Nov. 27 - Dec. 2 and Dec. 10-21, 2010, and Jan. 1-5, Jan. 9-13, Jan. 21- Feb. 3, Feb. 11-17, Feb. 25 - March 3, May 27-June 2 and Aug. 19- Sept. 29, 2011.

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Spotlight on Regent Seven Seas Cruises!

Regent Seven Seas Cruises offers the most all-inclusive luxury cruise experience ever! Personal service soars into the sublime aboard their elegant ships, allowing you to follow your heart, fulfill your desires, and explore exciting new places in complete and absolute comfort. The ships of Regent Seven Seas Cruises offer voyages of exploration and discovery to more than 300 ports on all seven continents. The luxury vessels are designed for guests numbering in the hundreds rather than the thousands. The ambiance on board is personal, individual, accommodating - "upscale but not uptight." And all ships share certain distinctions in accommodations, service, dining and amenities that elevate them to the lofty vantage point of enviable 6-stars. Regent Seven Seas Cruises fares include*:

FREE roundtrip air from many major US cities
FREE ground transfers between airport and ship
FREE unlimited shore excursions
FREE Business Class airfare in Penthouse Suites and higher on Europe sailings
FREE beverages including fine wines, beer and premium spirits, soft drinks, bottled water, specialty coffees and tea served throughout the ship
FREE in- suite mini-bar replenished daily with soft drinks, beer and bottled water
FREE 24-hour room service and no additional charge for specialty restaurants
FREE pre-paid gratuities
Elegant casual dress code. Formal and semi-formal attire optional on sailings of 16-nights or longer. Welcome bottle of champagne. Up to four gourmet restaurants including the iconic new steakhouse Prime 7, and Signatures, featuring Le Cordon Bleu®-inspired cuisine, Compass Rose, La Veranda plus the al fresco Pool Grill. In-suite dining, served course-by-course during restaurant hours. Butler service in Penthouse Suites and higher, including complimentary in-suite mini-bar setup and iPod® docking station. Fitness programs, sauna and steam rooms in the spa. Onboard activities including expert guest lectures, theatre performance and day time entertainment. Interactive flat screen television in each suite with extensive media library and complimentary movies-on-demand.

*Free air applies to economy, roundtrip flights only from the following U.S. and Canadian gateways: ATL, BOS, CLT, IAD, ORD, DFW, DEN, IAH, LAX, MIA, MSP, EWR, JFK, LGA, MCO, PHL, PHX, SAN, SFO, SEA, TPA, YUL, YVR and YYZ. Advertised fare includes all surcharges, airline fees and government taxes. Airline imposed baggage charges may apply. Air add-ons apply for other gateways and for additional guests in the suite. Free unlimited shore excursion reservations are accepted on a first come, first served basis and subject to availability. Supplement will apply on Regent Choice excursions and excludes private arrangements and all Adventures Ashore programs. Restrictions apply and penalties apply 36 hours prior to shore excursion start date. Fuel surcharge may apply. Free onboard activities exclude: spa treatments, boutique items, casino, laundry, telephone, Internet connection access and other personal items. **Included Business Class airfare for Penthouse Suites and above available for all European itineraries excluding Seven Seas Mariner October 21, 2010, and Seven Seas Voyager May 4, 2011, and May 24, 2011, cruises.

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FAMILY VACATION IDEAS..

Adventures by Disney - The Gateway Collection, a new Disney vacation option for your family provides the magic of an Adventures by Disney vacation at a price that's more affordable than ever. The Gateway Collection offers select trips to Costa Rica, or Italy, London, and Paris. This vacation option features the perfect blend of scheduled activities and free time for your family. Adventures by Disney invites travelers to experience the world with guided vacations created especially for families. There are breathtaking trips available all over the world - from Asia and Australia to Africa, Europe, South America, and North America:

Enchanted China - Families will learn about Chinese culture and explore amazing wonders - hiking the Great Wall of China, spending an afternoon cruising down the Lijiang River and visiting the Giant Panda Breeding Research Base.
Highlights:
Private, guided tour of Tiananmen Square and The Forbidden City
Hike up the Great Wall to explore one of the Seven Wonders of the World
Lessons in Chinese calligraphy, kite-making, fan-dancing, tai chi and stick-fighting
Private cruise on the Lijiang River
"Pedicab" tour of Beijing's ancient alleyways
Musical presentation at Shanghai Children's Palace
VIP experience at Hong Kong Disneyland

South African Safari - Welcome to the land of the Lion King! Discover a world of adventure with a castle visit in Cape Town and a trip through South Africa's wild Garden Route. Enjoy an African safari in Big Five Country, home to lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos and buffalo.
Highlights:
Wild Game Drive at Kruger National Park
Learn to make Afrikaans pastry at a world-class cooking school near Stellenbosch
Breathtaking views of Cape Town during a nature walk on Table Mountain
Shopping excursion in an authentic African market
Discover Cape of Good Hope, hike Cape Point and lunch at Boulder Beach with African penguins
Explore the indigenous forest of the Garden of Eden, encounter the exotic residents at Monkeyland and Birds of Eden. Experience an authentic Bush Walt, plus Junior Adventures craft-making and archery, at Kapama Game Reserve
Pitch a tent for a traditional pan-African lunch with a Bedouin tribe

London and Paris - Step into the stories of characters and kings in two of the most magical cities in Europe. Families can enjoy VIP and private, guided experiences to some of the world's most famous landmarks.
Highlights:
Explore London aboard a private double-decker bus
VIP experience at the Disney theatrical production of "The Lion King"
First-class train travel from London to Paris, at up to 186 mph
Dine in the Eiffel Tower
Special Junior Adventurers-only art detective game at the Louvre
Lessons in the French game pentanque
Climb the 422 twisting stairs of NĂ´tre Dame for a gargoyle's view of Paris
Bike trip through the royal gardens of Versailles

Ireland - Families will feel like they have reached a pot of gold as they discover the real treasures of Ireland. With excursions through legendary castles and authentic Irish dancing lessons, one can't help but embrace the luck of the Irish.
Highlights:
Spend two nights in an authentic castle
Guided tour through Dublin Castle and the Book of Kells at Trinity College
Tour the Guinness Storehouse and enjoy lunch overlooking the city
Visit the Muckross House, a 19th century palace and Dublinia Historical Museum
Visit an Irish farm for scone-making and sheep-herding
Traditional cheese-tasting and private Irish dancing lessons
Festive dining at a traditional Irish celebration
Private river cruise on Kenmare Bay

Germany - Embark on a fairy-tale journey through the German countryside complete with stories and tales of medieval times as well as exclusive visits to historic castles, themed dinners and unique activities. One never knows when a beloved storybook character may make a surprise appearance!
Highlights:
Visit Neuschwanstein Castle, part of Walt Disney's inspiration for Cinderella Castle
Private archery lessons and traditional pretzel-making demonstrations
Medieval castle tours with local guides plus a two-night stay at Trendelburg Castle
Private picnic lunch at Alsfeld Museum
Bike riding at Hofgut Stammen and dance lesson with an Oompah band
Teddy bear-making activity at Stieff Bear Factory


Quito and the Galapagos Islands- Join an ecological adventure in the volcanic islands of the Pacific Ocean. Families will not believe their eyes when they spot the Galapagos' swimming lizards, silvery sea lions, giant prehistoric tortoises and exotic colored birds.
Highlights:
Stand on the center of the world at the Quisato Sundial
Cruise the Galapagos Islands in the 293-foot-long Galapagos Explorer II and learn to make island cocktails with the crew
Lessons in Peguche flute-making, traditional weaving and kite-making
Private, guided nature walk to Peguche Waterfalls
Come face-to-face with penguins, sea lions and iguanas on Bartolome Island
Commune with tropical fish and sea turtles on a deep-water snorkeling excursion
Visit a cheese farm, organic garden, horse stables and an embroidery shop at a countryside hacienda
Private, guided tour of North Seymour Island to see the famous blue-footed boobies and scarlet-throated frigate birds

USA: Spirit of America - Come home to the cities that celebrate American heritage and explore some of the United States' most iconic and educational landmarks as historical characters come to life and tell the story of the nation.

Highlights:
Privately guided trolley tour of Philadelphia, including Independence Hall and Liberty Bell
Barbecue lunch along the banks of the Potomac
Get your hands dirty with real colonial brick-making
Junior Adventurer game - find the missing Declaration of Independence
Biking tour of Washington D.C., including the Capitol and the Washington and Lincoln Monuments
Privately guided tour of Williamsburg including Minuteman presentation
Private lunch at ESPN Zone including arcade games
Lunch at King's Arm in Williamsburg - a historic tavern with costumed servers

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HELP WANTED- GROUP LEADERS
GROUP LEADERS Can Travel FREE in 2011!

Plan a GROUP TRIP for your Family, Friends, Co-Workers,
Church Members, Alumni Class, Garden Club, Dance Team,
Hunting/Fishing Buddies, Bowling League, Craft Organization, etc.
Get just 10 people to commit and you can travel with them FREE!*

Where would you like to go - Europe? Australia? Africa? Asia?
South America? Canada? Mexico? or the USA?
The world is waiting!!


Contact us today for some ideas in planning your Group Trip!

*Deposit on a group of 10, 20, 30, 40 or more group members on a 2011 Globus, Cosmos, Monograms, or Avalon group benefit eligible vacation to receive this complimentary one, two, three, or four (land only) offer. Your group must be under deposit by August 31, 2010 for this 1 free for every 10 offer to apply. The group must commence travel by December 31, 2011. This offer applies to new groups only and cannot be applied to pre-existing bookings. This offer is not combinable with other group allowances, and is subject to change or be withdrawn at anytime. Additional restrictions may apply.

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