Tis the season of weddings and “Destination Weddings” are on the rise. The number of destination weddings in the US has increased to 16%. This is double what it was just five years ago (and 16% higher than it was when I got married!) A number of factors have contributed to this increase. Brides and grooms are tying the knot at an older age. Did you know that the average age of a bride is 27 and 29 for a groom? 70% of our honeymoon couples are professionals and

don’t have time to plan a full blown wedding. But the largest factor is social media. Our brides and grooms are staying connected with their college and high school friends, many of which would have to travel to a wedding…so why not all travel to a great destination and celebrate together.

At AAA we are keeping up with this trend. My collegues Meghan and Amy just completed their destination wedding certification. As Mexico is the number one destination for onsite weddings, they traveled to Cancun for a 4 day seminar where they visited some of the most romantic resorts, met with honeymoon planners and saw first hand the best places to host a reception and take photos. No need to worry about the flowers, music, food or marriage requirements. One call does it all. And, a wedding package does not have to be cost prohibitive. There is a wide range of packages beginning at no additional cost up to $4000.00 depending on the extras.

It is never too early to plan. Destinations honeymoons should be planned a bit earlier than the average honeymoon so give yourself at least 6-8 months advance notice. Email me any specific questions and if can’t answer, I have two experts with me who can.

Until next month

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As soon as the days get longer and the temperatures begin to rise, my kids get cabin fever and the countdown to summer vacation begins. This all got me thinking about summer family hotspots and the National Parks immediately come to mind. This month I wanted to share with you, a wonderful gem and one of my favorit family destinations…Arches National Park.



Arches National Park

Arches National Park is located in Utah and is one of the lesser known National Parks. Home to over 2,000 natural sandstone arches, this is a park with beautiful colors and land forms. Moab is the nearest city and Moab holds the distinction of being the “Adventure capital of the Southwest”. It is a place where you can hike world famous trails, white water raft down the Colorado River, rappel, rock climb, horseback ride or even take a jeep tour through the park. Everyday can be a new adventure and your trip may be tailored for all skill levels. The area has a couple of great places to stay. The Red Cliffs Lodge is a wonderful family spot. It is nestled on the banks of the Colorado River and offers a variety of accommodations from creek side rooms to 2 bedroom cabins. Dine under the stars while watching the sun set into the red cliffs and then spend the evening around a bonfire roasting marshmallows and singing campfire songs. Red Cliffs is a working ranch so you have the feel of a true Western Lodge with all of the modern amenities. This is family run…so wait until you get to meet Bonnie and the rest of the folks…they will take good care of you.

Now, If ultimate luxury is what you are looking for, three miles down the road is a hidden jewel called Sorrel River Ranch Resort and Spa. As Utah’s only Small Luxury resort this is a wonderful place to call your home away from home while enjoying the park. The Sorrell while offering luxury accommodations and dining, also offers a full spa services. This has more of a destination spa feel rather than a ranch feel. Either way, it is set is one of the most beautiful settings that you will ever find.

Arches can be seen on your own but if you enjoy organized tours, take at Adventures by Disney Southwest Splendors Trip. This is an 8 day/7 night escorted trip that combines Arches with Sedona and the Grand Canyon.

One last tip, before going, make sure to rent a few DVD’s. Hollywood made this area famous and you will be surprised to find out how many movies have been filmed in out here. Take a look at Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, Thelma and Louise or City Slickers II to get a sneak preview of the gorgeous scenery that awaits you out West.

PS…if there is a topic you would like discussed, email me your suggestions.
Tell us what you think!

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In the past year, the cruise industry has launched a number of new ships. Norwegian launched The Epic in July 2010. Then, Royal Caribbean came out with the Allure of the Seas on December 1st, and most recently in January 2011, Disney christened its much anticipated ship; The Disney Dream.

These ships have raised the bar in cruising. They are the destination. The ports of call are really secondary. The technological advances are so great that things that could only be imagined are now reality. This month in the interest of space, I’ll focus on Norwegian and Royal. Next month I’ll highlight what is new at Disney.

Norwegian Epic: Superb Entertainment and Food Options Norwegian has partnered with well known and loved venues such as Cirque du Soleil, Blue Man Group, Legends in Concert, Second City and Nickelodeon. Can you imagine the staging that is needed to pull off a Cirque du Soleil show. They do it superbly. The performances are on a smaller scale but of equal professionalism and quality. A typical ticket price for any one of these venues in their home cities would start at $75.00 and up. This partnership

immediately brings value to the onboard experience. Multiple shows are offered throughout the week allowing passengers to see what they want, when they want.

For those who love food, this ship offers 20 different restaurants. You couldn’t try all of them in one sailing. Noteworthy is the Teppanyaki Restaurant where the chef prepares and cooks right at your hibachi table. And for those looking for something quick and easy, there is always 24 hour pizza delivery. Not just a slice of pizza but the entire pie delivered to your door, any hour of the day.

The ship style is very sleek. It is also the first cruise line to recognize the single’s market. Traveling solo, this ship has very comfortable staterooms built and priced for one. There is a lounge exclusively for those solo travelers which provides an easy venue to meet and interact with others.

Allure of the Seas: Adventure for everyone If you are young at heart, this is a ship for you. There are a number of activities on board to try. Want to zip line, you can do it on board. How about rock climbing, ice skating, or surfing? After a morning of these activities, you can stroll down the “boardwalk”, grab an ice cream and ride the carousel. Royal Caribbean has even created an area called Central Park. This is a living

park at sea with over 12,175 plants, 62 vine plants, 56 trees and bamboo, some over 24 feet in length.You actually forget that you are at sea.

Entertainment is excellent. Like NCL, they are performing Broadway style shows and are currently performing “Chicago” on board. New to the industry is the first ever outdoor Aqua Theatre which features high divers, acrobatics and strong man routines. Royal has partnered with DreamWorks so you just might see your favorite Shrek character dancing in the promenade.

Oh, one more industry first for you coffee fans– the first Starbucks at Sea can be found on this ship.

Think incredible experience for ages 5-95. These ships offer something for everyone. They are new, innovative and affordable. Feel free to email me questions or call me and I would be happy to go into more detail about these fantastic vacation destinations.

CLICK HERE for your chance to win a $25 Gift Card from AAA!

It is that time of year when everyone is trying to get out of Syracuse. The heavy snowfall of the past few weeks has increased our phone volume and the number one question has been “Is there anywhere that I can still go for February break?” The February break week coincides with the mid winter recess that most CNY schools offer. This year if falls between February 21 – February 25th. While the demand for this week is high and the great deals are hard to come by, I do have some suggestions for those looking for a break from this weather (without breaking the bank.)

Try a Charter There are companies that have contracted air for this week. If you are willing to fly out of New York or Toronto, you will still be able to find some good deals to the Caribbean. Personally, I like Transat Holidays, a company that is Canadian based and has been one of the industry leaders of leisure travel for over 20 years. Whether looking for flights only or vacations packages we can still get flights out of Toronto for this week. The most popular destinations are Jamaica with its “hey mon, let’s relax attitude” , the Dominican Republic for its pristine beaches and Riviera Maya for its high level of service.

Try a Cruise from a port close to home If you have ever been on a cruise, you know that the party starts the moment you board the ship. This year, why don’t you save on the airfare and try a cruise out of New York or Baltimore. Here are two that I think are great options!!! Norwegian Gem – February 19, 2011 – 7 nights Florida and Bahamas, departure out of New York.

The Norwegian Gem was launched in October 2007. This departure makes stops in Orlando and Norwegian’s private island, Great Stirrup Cay. Highlights include 11 bars and lounges and over 12 restaurnants on board, a mood lit bowling alley, exclusive courtyard and garden villas and flexible, interconnecting rooms for families or groups. Rates start at $799.00 per person for a week.

Enchantment of the Seas – February 19, 2011 – 9 night Bahamas, departure out of Baltimore Royal Caribbean’s Enchantment was launched in July 1997 and completely refurbished in 2005. After the refurbishment, the Enchantment was equipped with an interactive Splash Deck for kids, a rock climbing wall, bungee trampolines for the thrll seekers and a two story state of the art fitness center. On this sailing, the Enchantment stops at Orlando, Key West, Nassau and Royal Carribean’s private island. This is a real deal…rates start at only $494.00 per person.

Call today. If you book any one of these options, I will throw in a $25.00 visa gift card. (one per booking).

Have a nice holiday and stay tuned for my next blog which will be on the brand new Allure of the Seas.

Fall is undoubtedly my favorite time of year. It is a time of year when the leaves turn vibrant colors, the crisp clear air is invigorating and the weather is perfect for hiking and biking. And because fall is so beautiful in Upstate New York, it is the perfect time to take a weekend for yourself and take advantage of the many lovely resorts in this great area. Did you know that we have a number of AAA 4 diamond resorts right in our backyard? Some you might have heard about; others are hidden gems. This month I thought that I’d highlight some of my favorites that are perfect for a quick, close to home getaway..

First, let me quickly tell you about the AAA rating system. There are over 32,000 hotels that go through the AAA rating system. Our properties are assigned a rating of 1 to 5 AAA diamonds, ranging from simple to luxurious. The rating is indicative of the extensiveness of services, amenities and décor provided. Four diamond establishments are upscale in all areas. Accommodations are refined and stylish. The fundamental hallmarks at this level include an extensive array of amenities combined with a high degree of hospitality, service and attention to detail. This is a very prestigious ranking.

Here are a few of our nearby AAA 4 diamond properties:
Mirbeau Resort and Spa – Skaneateles
Aurora Inn – Aurora
E B Morgan House – Aurora
Morgan Samuels Inn – Canadaigua
Geneva on the Lake – Geneva
The Lodge at Turning Stone – Verona

In the interest of space, I am only able to highlight a couple properties, but they are all options which are ranked high on my list.

Morgan Samuels Inn – Canandaigua, New York
http://www.morgansamuelsinn.com
This stunning 1810 mansion is a perfect getaway in the heart of the wine country. There are six uniquely decorated rooms (most with fireplaces) and a year round enclosed stone porch where a daily homemade breakfast is served. What makes this Inn so spectacular are the beautifully landscaped gardens with lovely statues and gardens. Rates range from $119 - $295 depending on the room and season. Couple this with a dinner at the New York Culinary Institute and a day of wine tasting and you have yourself a memorable getaway.

Aurora Inn - Aurora, New York
www.aurora-inn.com
On the shores of Cayuga Lake, amidst a quaint college town, the Aurora Inn has been welcoming visitors since 1833. What I love about this property is that it has the feel of a bed and breakfast (only 10 rooms) but all the amenities of a luxury hotel. (fine dining, concierge services, etc) Do not miss the waterfront dining at the Inn. The restaurant is considered the best in the area. An added bonus, is of course the proximately to the famous McKenzie Childs home.

Looking to impress someone for a birthday and anniversary, these properties are ideal. Call me and I can help find the best fit for you.

In the past week, quite a few of you have asked me “What is your favorite destination?”.  In truth, my favorite destination does depend on my mood.  It changes by what books I’ve read, what travel arrangements I’ve made and how I am feeling at the moment.  With all the hype of the movie premier of  Eat Pray Love, I find myself having a desire to go back to my roots and spend some time in Italia.    

 

Italy is one of those destinations that appeal on so many levels…art, history, music and cuisine.  If you are interested in art, what better place to soak it all in but the home of the Renaissance.  If it is religion that you seek, there is a church, synagogue or temple on almost every street corner and a rich history behind each place of worship.  Just listening to the sing song Italian language is music to my ears, but the real reason I want to return to Italy is for the food. 

 

Unlike my wife, I really don’t worry about calories so eating myself through Italy is  something I am really looking forward to.  I want to just mention two of my favorite places to eat. One is Giocomelli near the Vatican.  This is a must for anyone looking for reasonably priced pizza and pasta.  The portions are huge and you won’t be disappointed.  The other favorite spot is Vivoli in Florence.  This is a must for the gelato fans.  You will find that this is a place that is just as much a favorite for locals as it is for tourists.  http://www.vivoli.it/.  

 

Now, there are a number of different ways to visit this beautiful country and if you are a first time traveler to Italy, I recommend that you take a tour.  There is so much to see that trying to navigate the roads, trains and language for a first time traveler risks losing too much.  My recommendation is the Trafalgar Best of Italy Tour.  This is a combination of the major cities (Rome, Florence and Venice) 

but with some off the beaten path experiences such as a visit to Assisi and a stop in Siena.  There is also enough free time so that you may enjoy some of the sights on your own.  .

 

For those who have been to Italy before, I want to tell you about my friends, Carlo and his son Romeo (who were just visiting two weeks ago).  They have a family home called Villa Poggiarello located in Roccastrada.  (this is in the Roman countryside)  This lovely farmhouse dates back to the 1700’s and has been lovingly restored to its original state.  Together with Carlo and Romeo, we have designed an unforgettable experience that includes cooking courses (right in your villa), wine tasting and day excursions in the small hill towns of Monte Amiato.  This experience is very affordable and perfect for a family or group of friends looking to travel together.  The villa can hold up to 16 people but we can host a program for as few as 4.  For more information on this unique experience, email or call me and I will be sure to answer your questions.