Nothing tops these 12-Day, 2010 South America Passage cruises for spectacular beauty and dramatic marine history.

From magnificent Puerto Montt and Punta Arenas in Chile to southernmost Ushuaia and the Falkland Islands' Stanley with its fascinating parade of penguins, these voyages encompass intriguing ports of call with unparalleled scenic cruising. Considered by many to be the highlight and most memorable aspect of a South America cruise, larger-than-life landscapes and seascapes present unforgettable grandeur.

Sailing aboard the elegant ms Veendam through the ice-capped fjords of the Chilean Fjords, guests revel in some of the world's most impressive scenery. From lush islands and small harbors to dense forests and thermal springs, diverse wonders of this extraordinary continent unfold. And navigational history comes alive as guests sail the Darwin, Cockburn and Beagle Channels, the Strait of Magellan and round Cape Horn.

Long a major milestone and trade route for clipper ships, Cape Horn is steeped in history. It marks the northern boundary of the Drake Passage, which Magellan's fleet first circled, and is a true rite of passage for many sailors. The trade route changed with the opening of the Panama Canal in 1914, but many sailors continue to sail this route, sometimes as part of a circumnavigation of the globe.

12-Day South America Passage sailings between Valparaíso (Santiago) to Buenos Aires – from $1,199 Sail dates: 11/2, 11/14, 11/26; 12/8/10; 1/23; 2/4/11.

• Be mindful of who is around when you are discussing your trip - there is no need to let too many people know or draw attention to the fact your house might be empty for a period.
• The best deterrent is to have someone housesit. If that is not possible, ask a trusted neighbor or friend to take in the newspaper, mail, and any other deliveries and keep an eye on the house. Give them your trip plans and an emergency phone number so they can reach you in case of an emergency. You can also arrange with the post office and newspaper to suspend delivery for the time you are away.
• Lock doors, windows and secure sliding doors (a metal rod or a broomstick in the sliding door track is an inexpensive lock), as well as the garage, the basement, and the attic. Some people even disconnect the power to motorized garage door openers.
• Move any valuables from plain sight.
• Check on your appliances, unplug anything that doesn't need to be on while you're away. Lower air conditioning/heating units to energy-saving levels.
• Set timers to turn on lights if you do not have someone staying at the house.

Featured Package:  Carnival in Rio
5 nights in your choice of hotel: Windsor Martinique, Astoria Palace or upgrade to the Sofitel Rio

Priced from just $1,969 pp  Please note that a Brazil visa is required for US Citizens & is not included in the rate.

Argentina is not the first in South America to implement fees. Chile is $131 for travelers arriving by air, Bolivia is $135 for a visa, Paraguay is $65 for a visa and Brazil is $150 for a visa.  Lima and Montevideo are now currently the only ones with “fee-free” entry.

General Travel Tips

• Make sure your passport does not expire within six months of your date of travel. Some countries insist that your passport be valid for at least a six-month time period.
• Place an envelope in one of your checked bags containing copies of your passport, birth certificate and a back up form of photo I.D. in case your passport is lost or stolen.
• Place a copy of the detailed itinerary of your trip inside each piece of luggage. If your luggage is lost, this will help the airline locate you while you're traveling.
• If you are on Medicare and traveling outside the United States, be aware that Medicare does not cover any of your medical bills abroad. It's a good idea to get a travel protection policy that will cover these costs.
• Plan at least a day or two after your return home before scheduling any commitments; you may be tired after your journey.

Don't Forget

• Stow away some antibacterial wipes-they're a convenient way to clean up on the go.
• Bring a voltage converter with you, along with an adapter (to fit electrical plugs into foreign outlets). Note that some adapter kits don't include converters.
• Pack an extra pair of prescription glasses or contacts in case they are lost or broken.
• Comfortable, broken-in walking shoes are a must. Never pack new shoes.
• Wrap a long strip of duct tape around a pencil and bring it along for the ride. Duct tape is the magic fix for everything from torn suitcases to a broken sandal strap.

Click here for over 50 posts with helpful travel tips and advice.

Signature Ecuador Price from $5995.

Machu Picchu & the Inca Trail:  The "Lost City of the Incas," amongst the towering peaks of the Andes, is Peru's most famous and dramatic archeological attraction. Travel by train is feasible, however the trek along the 4-day Inca Trail is the insipration choice of tested travellers. For many tourists to Peru, this is the purpose for their trip.

Cuzco:  The ancient capital of the Inca Empire is the oldest continuously inhabited city on the continent. Stonewalled cobblestone alleys wind through a town filled with arcaheological wonders and local culture.  Surrounded by the majestic Andes, Cuzco is full of opporunities to go hiking, biking or rafting.

Nazca:  Along the southern cost of Peru lays a stony desert in which an ancient mystery is set.  The Nazca lines, a series of enormous geometric shapes and animal figures etched into the ground, are a compelling draw to many travellers.  The origins of these mystical formations are still unknown.

The Amazon:  Some of the best preserved and least expired parts of this massive rainforest lie in Peru.  It contains the origins of the Amazon River and thousands of unique plants and rare animal species.  The biodiversity is unmatched anywhere in the world.

Central Valley Region:  Home to the capital city of San Jose, this is a region of coffee plantations, rolling hills, towering volcanoes and rainforest reserves.

Tortuguero:  Also called the "Amazon of Costa Rica," for its unique eco-system, this remote area is a place for eal nature enjoyment.

Arenal Volcano and Lake:  There's a lot to do and see in this area: the erupting Arenal volcano, the Tabacon hot springs, the La Fortuna waterfall, the Venado Caves and Cano Negras Biological Reserve.

Southern Pacific Coast:  This is an area of popular beache spots full of action. The Manuel Antonio National Park is a lush blend of jungle and beaches.

Caribbean Coast:  Home to Limon, this is a unique region of the country with beautiful palm-lined beaches, coral reefs, national parks and an Afro-Caribbean flavour.

Monteverde: Monteverde is famous for its cloudforests and incredible biodiversity.  A highlight of the region is the famous Skywalk Canopy tour.

Guanacaste:  The most popular beach area in the country.  Home to Tamarindo. Guanacaste is blessed with hundreds of miles of pristine, sandy beaches.

Australia:
Enjoy a dinner under the stars in Australia at a Maori Hangi (feast,) where you will be dancing and listening to the vibrant music, and your food will be cooked in the traditional way - by steam. You will be entertained at Ooraminna Station Homestead, near Alice Springs where you will discover the authentic taste of outback life.  In Watson Bay, Sydney, a real treat awaits you with great dining at the family-owned Watsons Bay Hotel This delightful Art Deco building on the beachfront has a sweeping outdoor deck with spectacular panoramic views, and is one of Sydney's most enticing destinations.

In New Zealand, you will be invited into the home of direct descendants from the first ships to arrive in Christchurch, the Garden City, in 1850.  They will give you a personal tour of their historical home and gardens before enjoying a home cooked dinner complete with local wine.

On tour there will be mouthwatering lunches like a tropical buffet onboard a catamaran as you sail the Great Barrier Reef, or while you cruise New Zealand's majestic Milford Sound.

China:
Experience a traditional Peking Duck Feast in Beijing, a Tang Dynasty Dinner  in Xi'an or a Dim Sum lunch in Shanghai.  Get a glimpse of local family life while enjoying a Chinese home hosted highlight lunch.

South America: 
Enjoy a Brazilian barbecue dinner. In Buenos Aires, attend a traditional Argentine dinner hosted in the apartment-home of a resident.  In Lima, relish a three-course Peruvian lunch in the private and elegant mansion of the Diez Canseco family. In Costa Rica, you will have the opportunity to lunch at a local home, then children from a nearby school will perform a typical dance.

Buenos Aires:  European style boulevards dotted with cafes run through this atmospheric capital city.  Sophisticated and stylish, this Paris of the South will keep you exploring into the night.

Bariloche:  This beautiful city is surrounded by deep blue lakes and towering mountains. Enjoy a wide variety of dining, activites and day trips.

Perito Moreno Glacier:  This is one of the few advancing glaciers in the world with spectacular sights and sounds of enormous sections of ice breaking free.

Iguassu Falls:  A series of dramatic waterfalls merge into the world's most powerful single waterfall, in terms of volume, not to mention beauty.

Ushuaia:  The world's southermost city, is both the starting point for most Antarctica cruises and a fascinating destination into itself. enjoy a day trip to Tierra del Fuego national Park or just explore on your own.

Santiago:  Santiago de Chile is a modern, sophisticated city with impressive infrastructure, world-class dining and shopping within easy proximity to neighbouring regions well known for wine and impressive scenery.

Valparaiso:  This is a city with a rich cultural and architectural legacy, with an intricately woven tapestry of streets and alleyways. Valparaiso is one of Latin America's most interesting urban areas.

Torres del Paine National Park:  Found in remote Patagonia to the south, these soraing 2000m granite peaks are surrounded by glaciers, quiet wilderness and lakes.

Easter Island:  These mysterious and exotic Pacific islands are home to friendly indigenous Polynesians and the famous ancient stone faces.

Atacama Desert:  Seemingly unchanged for centuries, this region is famous for its colonial villages, powerful geysers and moon-like landscapes.  In the dessert you can see geoglyphys, which are huge ancient drawgins of animals. You will also see llamas, goat and sheep. This place is not for everyone. Don't expect any nightlife, and the temperatures can be quite hot.

Puerto Montt:  The scenery in this area is amazing.  You would not expect to see Alpine houses in Chile, but in fact this area was settled by Germany's in the 1800's, so you see the influence still today.  Puerto Montt is excellent for trout fishing and skiing in the winter.

Punta Arenas:  This is know as the gateway to Antarctica, and is the southernmost city in the world.  It is a small area that can be toured in about an hour. See the monument to Hernando de Magallanes in the main square, the bell tower and cathedral.

October through March are the best months for travel to Chile. Like in many European cities, dinner is normally eaten after 8 p.m.  so make sure you eat a late lunch or have a snack.  If you are interested in shopping, the most popular items are blankets, wool rugs, pottery, Easter Island statues, hand made jewelry and local wines.

Here are just a few of the most popular places where others have been "togethering":

• Hawaiian Islands
• National Parks 
• Galapagos
• Beaches Resorts 
• Alaska 
• Orlando Florida
• Costa Rica

Take advantage of discounts and even free travel, when you put together a travel group.

USA & Canada Tours

The Amazon Rainforest:  With over 6000 known plant species and a variety of unique wildlife, you can explore the rainforest from an Amazon ecolodge.

The Pantanal:  An enormous ecologically diverse wetland rich with wildlife as the Pantanal is one of the best places to see jaguars, rare blue macaws, armadillos and anacondas. There are over 600 species of birds in the area.

Iguassu Falls:  A series of spectacular cascading waterfalls surrounded by subtropical forest in the south of Brazil. There are 275 cataracts stretching 2 miles with a height of over 300 feet.  Each second, 450,000 gallons of water comes tumbling down the waterfall.  You can take a stroll along raised walkways, take a boat that goes to the base of the falls, or fly over them via helicopter.  If you can, spend the night at the falls, that way you can shoot photographs at different times of the day.  Many clients like to spend one night on the Argentinian side of the falls and one night on the Brazilian side.  On the Brazilian side, the Tropical dos Catarats Hotel offers amazing views of the falls.

Rio de Janeiro:  One of the world's most exciting cities, Rio is spectacularly set between jungle-covered mountains and beach-lined bays. Sights include the towering statue of Christ the Redeemer, Sugar Loaf and the famous beaches of Copacabana, Ipanema and Leblon. We suggest spending 3 nights in Rio if you have the time.

Sao Paulo:  This is the largest city in South America and the thrid largest in the world.  Sao Paulo is known of it's international restaurants, upscale shopping and active nightlife.  A must see is the Sao Paulo Museum of Art. which offers one of the largest collections of impressionist paintings in the world. 

March through November are the best months to travel for most of the country, however if visiting the Amazon, we recommend July and August.  

If you have 10 nights, one of the most popular travel packages by far is called Three Jewels which visits Rio, Iguassu Falls and Buenos Aires.

BURBANK, Calif., Aug. 11 /PRNewswire/ -- Whether floating down the Colorado River or climbing the Great Wall of China, families participating in Adventures by Disney vacations will connect with the world - and with each other - during a variety of guided group travel experiences spanning six continents in 2010. Created specifically for families, Adventures by Disney itineraries lead guests through the history and culture of each destination while providing unique experiences and exclusive access along the way.

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 more on Adventure by Disney, visit www.luxurytour.com

Booking window: August 12 – October 13, 2009

Here's a great video from Globus of some of the sites you will see while on a Globus vacation.

*Book a 2010 Globus, Monograms or Avalon South America air-inclusive vacation to receive the $300 per person discount. Booking must be made, under deposit and discount applied between August 12 and October 13, 2009 for travel commencing through December 31, 2010. Offers not valid with any other offer except Journeys Club and applies to new 2010 bookings only. Offer reliant on space availability. Full cancellation penalties will apply. Additional restrictions may apply. 

Caracas:  Venezuela's capital is a contrast between skyscrapers and low lying buildings. The country's vibrant energy hums through the whole city.

Margarita Island: This is one of Venezuela's most easily accessible islands...a short ferry ride from Puerto La Cruz or Cumana.  The long stretches of powdery white sand are an attraction to travellers and Venezuelans alike.

Canaima National Park:  this fascinating landscape is full of enormous mountains, characterized by sheer rock faces and almost perfectly even, flat tops, known by their Indian name, Tepius.

Gran Sabana:  These flat, grassy plains are home to some of Venezuela's most diverse and interesting birds and animals.

Grand Prize: A 5 night stay for two at the Beacon Escazú ho-tel in San José, Costa Rica.
Entry Limit: One per day per person/email address
Eligibility: US, 18+
End Date: Sunday, September 20, 2009

Situated in the upscale Escazú neighborhood just outside of San José Costa Rica, The brand new Beacon Escazú is a 27-room luxury boutique hotel featuring a full-service restaurant & bar, wine cellar, cigar room, an onsite upscale spa, business center, meeting facilities, luxury resort amenities and personalized service. The Beacon Escazú is a fusion of Spanish colonial style with contemporary elements, nestled on the hillsides with spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. The property contains a natural paradise adorned with beautiful gardens and trees over several hundred years old. The land has natural water creeks and is enclosed by an outer wall that adds an element of privacy. Discover an urban oasis of relaxation and enjoy a quiet escape in ultimate comfort and serenity at The Beacon Escazú. This luxury boutique five-star hotel is only a 20 minute drive away from downtown San José and Juan Santamaría Airport.

Click here for more details

Q.  I'm confused about luggage, specifically carry on. Is my purse considered a carry on item? How about my husband's camera case? My husband wants to bring his computer, it is slightly over the 12x11x6 Is this a problem?

A.  #1.  A purse or camera case is not considered a carry on. You can still have a separate carry-on bag.

#2.  As far as your husband's computer, carry-on bags must be small enough to store in overhead bins or under the seat in front of you on motorcoaches and other transportation. If it is a very minimal difference, (1 inch,) then it should still fit in the overhead without a problem, but these measurements are given to ensure you will not have any issue while touring.

Services offered include services of 24/7 agent for any last minutes changes, pre-trip travel advice such as what vaccines are required, embassy contacts, weather and currency information.  They also offer assistance for last minute changes, such as cancelled or delayed flights, making hotel reservations or ground transportation reservations. Benefits include coverage in the event of cruise line, airline or tour operator default (financial default non applicable to all suppliers) Coverage for sickness, injury or death of immediate family member. Terrorist incident that results in loss of life or major damage to property, by any person

With a good policy, you receive 24 hours assistance replacing lost or stolen documents such as visas, passports or tickets. Cash advance for travel or medical emergencies. They can also help you locate English speaking medical specialists, facilities and assistance with medical evacuations anywhere in the world.

They will provide you with baggage and personal effects loss coverage, baggage delay coverage and luggage tracing services. They have a bilingual staff for telephone interpretation for medical or legal emergencies.

If you purchase your travel insurance within 15 days of making your initial deposit your coverage will include pre-existing conditions which applies to the first $25,000 of trip cost.

Whether a child gets the flu, or a close family member has a medical emergency, travel protection has a plan that will protect you before or during your vacation. The right kind of insurance is essential. It will provide you with peace of mind, medical evacuation in case of an emergency, baggage coverage, flight delay and flight cancellation coverage.

In addition to these services some insurance policies also provide a concierge service which is available to assist you with restaurant reservations, event tickets, tee time reservations and floral services.

This is only a brief description of some of the benefits and travel services provided. All policies and coverage may vary, and may not be available in all states. There are also expanded coverage plans that offer business related covered reasons for trip cancellation and interruption, and other that let you cancel for any reason.

At times it is best to purchase the insurance with the tour operator or cruise line as part of your package, where on other occasions you can save money and get better coverage medical and evacuation coverage. An experience agent can explain your options to that you can purchase the best policy for your individual needs.

Good travel insurance isn't always expensive. We have negotiated excellent policies exclusive to Atlas, where rather than paying by age, which can add up for seniors, everyone is charged a flat amount base on the cost of the trip.

There is never a bad time to visit the Galapagos. The peak season lasts from mid-June through early September, and from mid-December through mid-January. The national park limits the number of visitors to each island, so the Galapagos will never feel crowded.

December through May - During this time of year, the water and the air are warmer, but this is also the rainy season. It drizzles almost daily for a short period of time. Ironically, this is also the sunniest time of year. The end of December and the beginning of January is still the high season, so expect more visitors than during the rest of the year.

Because the water is warm, the idea of swimming and snorkelling is enticing. On the flip side, there aren't as many fish to see as later in the year. This is also the breeding season for land birds, so it's a good opportunity to watch some unusual mating rituals. If you're into turtles, this is best time of year to come; you can watch sea turtles nesting on the beach, and from March through May, you can often see the land tortoises wandering around the lowland areas of the islands as they make their way down from the highlands in search of a mate. Sea lions also mate in the rainy season -- it's entertaining to watch as the males fight it out for the females. Around March and April, you'll see the adorable newborn pups crawling around the islands.

June through November - From June through November, the Humboldt Current makes it way up to the Galapagos from the southern end of South America. The current brings cold water and cold weather, but it also brings water rich in nutrients and plankton, which attracts fish and birds. During this season there always seem to be clouds in the air, but it rarely rains. Conditions are windier during this period.

Experienced divers claim that this is the best time of year to visit the Galapagos. Because there are more fish in the sea at this time of year, there are also more seabirds searching for these fish. Albatrosses arrive on Espanola in June and stay until December. Penguins also like the cold water and abundance of fish, so you're more likely to see them here during this season. On Genovesa, the elusive owls mate in June and July, and you have the best chance of spotting one during this time. Blue-footed boobies also mate during this time of year, so it won't be difficult to witness their beautiful mating ritual known as the "sky point."

Brazil is a massive country with quite distinct climatic regions. The hottest time of the year is from December to February, this is also when most Brazilians are on holidays too! Most rain falls in Brazil during the summer, however the Amazon receives rain all year round. The Brazilian winter runs from June to August, temperatures can be quite cool in the south - down to 15°C.

Visas

Australians, Americans and Canadians currently require a visa for Brazil. British and New Zealand travellers currently do not require a visa for Brazil. For all other nationalities please reconfirm your visa requirements with your travel agent.

Airports

Rio de Janeiro-Galeão Aeroporto is located 20km (13 miles) north of Rio de Janeiro. Bus and taxi are the best hassle-free ways to travel into Rio. Taxis are available, although you are advised to ignore the RDE taxi desk and go to the Rio de Janeiro State Tourism Authority desk instead and buy prepaid taxi vouchers. Otherwise, passengers should ensure that their taxi’s meter is cleared of the last fare. A taxi fare is approx US $20.00. There is an airport shuttle bus every hour, which stops at major hotels and beaches. Empresa Real have air-conditioned frescao buses that drive into the city as well as along the seafront stopping off at the hotels (journey time: 45 minutes). Public buses run to the city centre. The airport has a range of currency change facilities and banks.

Tour companies will include complimentary transfers if you book airfare with your land package, or transfers may be purchase at an additional charge if you book land only. The same applies to cruise lines. If you book air with the cruise line, or you add per or post hotel accomodations, transfers will be included in the package. If you book your own airfare, transfers would have to be purchased seperately.

Food

The staples of the Brazilian diet are feijão (black beans), arroz (white rice), and farinha (manioc or cassava flour), usually combined with steak, chicken or fish. Brazilian specialties include feijoada, a bean and meat stew (traditionally eaten for Saturday lunch), moqueca, a seafood stew flavored with dendê oil and coconut milk; caruru, okra and other vegetables mixed with shrimp, onions and pepper and dendê oil. On many street corners in Bahia, women wearing flowing white dresses sell acarajé, beans mashed in salt and onions, fried in dendê oil and then filled with seafood, manioc paste, dried shrimp, pepper and tomato sauce

On Tauck's Galápagos Islands cruise, treasure troves of natural wonders appear daily! From Charles Darwin's to today's visitors, the Galápagos Islands continue to fascinate with unique wildlife viewing that is unlike any other place in the world. And since the birds and animals are unafraid of humans, you can get right up close to them.

Make your own discoveries on a Galápagos Islands cruise aboard Tauck's exclusive yacht for 40 guests. Go ashore with an expert naturalist to view giant tortoises, blue-footed boobies feeding their young, and Sally Lightfoot crabs scurrying over the lava. Walk amidst sea lions and penguins on this active adventure.

Tauck Value includes:

• All gratuities to Tauck Director and ship staff
• Exclusive Tauck Cruise - only 40 Tauck guests!
• Private Tauck Shore Excursions with naturalist guides
• In-depth sightseeing within the Galápagos Islands, led by naturalist guides, including a visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station, Puerto Ayora, and diverse islands
• Entrance fee to Galápagos National Park - $100 per person (ages 12 and older)
• Outside staterooms with individual air conditioning
• Airport transfers, service charges, applicable fuel surcharges and porterage
• Wine with dinner aboard Isabela II

June 15 - Nov 3, 2009
From $4,995 USD pp for 9 nights

Before You Go

• Secure Your Home: Cancel all newspapers, pay bills and consider what to do about the mail. You can ask your Post Office to hold it while you’re away, or get someone to look after your house.  Put some lights and a radio or TV on a timer. If applicable, park a car in your driveway.
• Be prepared:  Bring an emergency contact list, including the telephone numbers of your insurance people, credit card issuers, and home numbers of close relatives or friends, in case of an emergency.
• Back up important information: Copy or scan your travel documents – passport, travelers, identity and vaccination card and credit cards – front and back. Make two sets of copies, leave one at home or with a trusted person, and store the second in a secret place in your suitcase. If your wallet is lost or stolen, you will have all the information and phone numbers you need. If you choose to scan your documents, send them to your email address. In case of a problem, you can access them from any business center or cybercafe in the world.
• If you have a black or blue suitcase, you may want to wrap brightly colored electrical tape or ribbons around the handles of check luggage to make it easy to identify, OR use colored luggage tags.
• Just in case your luggage is lost, make sure you have your name, address and phone number on each piece, so that the airline can contact you. We suggest using a work address rathern than home whenever possible.
• Medications: Remember, all medications and vitamins must be in their original containers when traveling. You can ask your pharmacist to label small bottles with just enough medication in for your trip. Always carry these in your carry-on. Also, take a few days extra supply, in case you are delayed coming back.

Useful Items When Traveling

• Sun glasses
• Pen & small notepad
• Small retractable umbrella
• Sun block
• Chapstick
• Package of wipes or bottle of hand sanitzer
• Plastic bags. Take various size zip-lock bags – the heavier duty the better. They are great for packing things that might leak, like shampoo and lotions, and come in handy again for dirty clothes, the beach, etc.
• Camera with extra film or memory cards
• Chargers for any electronics you may be bringing (such as Ipod, camera, cell phone, labtops, etc.)
• Small bag packed into your suitcase. This can be used to carry souvenirs.
• Book or magazine
  

Many clients wonder what the differences are when traveling with a budget, first class or deluxe tour operator. As we have discussed in previous posts, a lot has to do with the type of accommodations used, the location of the hotels, the number of people on the tour and how much is included in the price (i.e. sightseeing, meals, etc.)

Today our focus is to explain the difference in meals.  In most cases, on a budget tour you will receive continental breakfast. This is a basic breakfast of usually consisting of cereals, pastries, juice and coffee. Once you take a first class tour and above, breakfast is normally buffet. This offers the widest choices, quickest service and as much or as little food as you desire.

Budget tours rarely include dinners, and when they do, it is normally in the hotel. First class tour operators offer a combination of both hotel dinners and some dining at local restaurants. However, there is usually a limited menu. It includes 3 to 5 courses with a more limited choice of appetizer, entrees and desserts. We are not suggesting the food is bad, on the contrary, frequently the limited menu includes the chef's freshest market specials of the day and takes less time to serve.

Dining is a delightful and integral part of the travel experience when traveling abroad. Deluxe and luxury operators select restaurants that offer a true taste of each region you visit, and offer full choice of menu to include a starter course (hot & cold appetizer, soup or salad,) main course, dessert and beverage. You’ll savor a delectable assortment of classic dishes and regional specialties. Many meals include wine with dinner and at times entertainment.

Regardless of which tour you book, gratuities to the wait staff are included. For lunches and evenings that meals are not included, the knowledgeable tour directors can assist you in finding dining options based on your the type of food you want to have and your budget.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site is a site that holds a list of outstanding cultural or natural universal value such as, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. It could be a monument, building, mountain, forest, lake, desert, complex or city.

So how is a site selected?

Only countries that have signed the World Heritage Convention, pledging to protect their natural & cultural heritage can submit nominations for properties on their territory to be considered for inclusion in UNESCO’s World Heritage list.

A nominated property is independently evaluated by several Advisory Boards. Once a site has been nominated & evaluated, the intergovernmental World Heritage Committee makes the final decision. One per year, the Committee meets to decide which sites will be inscribed on the World Heritage list.

The program aims to catalogue & preserve sites of outstanding importance, either cultural or natural, to the common heritage of humankind.

There are currently 878 World Heritage Sites in 145 countries. These include 679 cultural, 174 natural and 25 mixed properties.

You may have visited a place in the U.S. already, not realizing it was a UNESCO site such as the Statue of Liberty, Grand Canyon, Yosemite Yellowstone or Olympic National Park.

Click here for a full list of site.

I have seen 20 sites in 9 countries, so only 858 to go, but I have to say that certain countries do not interest me AT ALL, so my goal would be to see at least half of the UNESCO sites while traveling the world.

How many UNESCO sites have you visited?

The 40-day Buenos Aries to Rio de Janeiro cruise is being split into a 13-day Buenos Aries to Valparaiso segment departing February 22, 2010 called Patagonian Discoveries and a 27-day Valparaiso to Rio de Janeiro segment departing March 7, 2010 called Temples and Treasures. All ports of call in each segment are the same as the original day-by-day breakdown for the entire 40-day cruise; there have been no modifications.  The port call at Valparaiso on the 40-day cruise will also serve as the turnaround port for those guests purchasing one of the two segments.

The special offer fare for the two cruises applies to Cats G through PH1
only.  Oceania offering a $2,000 Price Reduction per stateroom off 2 for 1 cruise fares with FREE Airfare on the 13-day segment and a $4,000 Price Reduction per stateroom off 2 for 1 cruise fares with FREE Airfare on the 27-day segment.  This is in addition to $500 shipboard credit per stateroom and FREE Gratuities.  3^rd and 4^th guests sail for 50% off the applicable fare and the Single Supplement is 25%.

$1,000 Off 2 for 1 Cruise Fares with Free Airfare:

	South American Splendors Rio de Janeiro to Valparaiso 19 Days Onboard Insignia Sail Date: 01/03/10 and 01/22/10* Fares now from $4,299 per guest
Port Highlights: Punta Arenas, Chile; Ushuaia, Argentina; Montevideo, Uruguay; Buenos Aires, Argentina & more!
*Operates in reverse itinerary.

• Click here for Swine Flu talking points
• Click here for U.S. Travel's statement.
• Click here for the CDC website with more information on Swine Flu.

For all travelers, CDC recommends the following steps to help you stay healthy:

• Be sure you are up-to-date with all your routine vaccinations, including a seasonal influenza vaccine. The seasonal vaccine is not expected to offer protection against swine flu viruses, but it can protect against seasonal influenza viruses which may still be circulating in Mexico and the Southern Hemisphere.
• Pack a travel health kit that contains basic first aid and medical supplies. See Pack Smart in Your Survival Guide to Safe and Healthy Travel for a list of what to include in your travel health kit.
• Identify the health-care resources in the area(s) you will be visiting.
• Check if your health insurance plan will cover you abroad.  Consider purchasing additional insurance that covers medical evacuation in case you become sick.  For more information, see Medical Information for Americans Traveling Abroad from the U.S. Department of State.
• Remember that U.S. embassies, consulates and military facilities do not have the legal authority, capability, and resources to evacuate or to give medications, vaccines or medical care to private U.S. citizens overseas.

Practice healthy habits to help stop the spread of swine flu

• Wash your hands often with soap and water.  This removes germs from your skin and helps prevent diseases from spreading.
  • Use waterless alcohol-based hand gels (containing at least 60% alcohol) when soap is not available and hands are not visibly dirty.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and put your used tissue in a wastebasket.
• If you don't have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve, not your hands.
• Wash your hands after coughing or sneezing, using soap and water or an alcohol-based hand cleaner (with at least 60% alcohol) when soap and water are not available.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs spread that way.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people. (Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.)
• It is important to follow the advice of local health and government authorities.  You may be asked to restrict your movement and stay in your home to contain the spread of swine flu.

If you have specific questions about the swine influenza cases see http://www.cdc.gov/contact/  or call 1-800-232-4636, which is 1-800-CDC-INFO.

To learn more about travel health, visit www.cdc.gov/travel.

More information will be provided as the situation develops. Please continue to check our website on a regular basis for updates.

Planning to travel in a group?

•  Four color tri-fold brochures or Four color flyers which can be used as 
   hand-outs or mail-outs to prospective participants
•  Power Point Presentations for group level meetings to explain the
   program to possible participants
•  Presentation by a member of our group department to local South
    Florida organizations

Should you bring a laptop while traveling?

This is a personal question that really depends on many things. What you’ll be doing, where you are going and how long will you be traveling?

I would like to share some guidelines that may help with your decision.

Reasons you should bring a laptop:

You can email your family and friends. Having your laptop, you can email your loved ones back home. This is something you could do at most internet cafes, which is a much nicer atmosphere than your hotel room. Most cafes around the world do offer free Wifi when you order something. Not all cafes have free Wifi; some do have a small charge. Newer cruise ships also offer Wifi, but make sure and purchase a package, as usage rates can be high.

You can download all your photos. You can download your digital photo right to your laptop. This will keep your camera’s memory stick free everyday. This will allow you to capture that favorite photo. If your memory stick is full, you would lose that favorite photo moment.

Keeping a journal of the cities you visited. Sometimes we see so much on our vacation that we tend to forget something. Keeping a journal along the way will allow you to never forget. It also allows you to post your travel blogs in writing.

Calling home for free (or very cheap) with Skype. For mere cents per minute you can make calls to landlines and cell phones from all over the world with Skype. It allows you to call from any web-enabled laptop. It’s a great way to keep in touch over the phone.

You can get lots of local information. Many laptops today have maps, directions, schedules and must-see sites for key cities. Maybe you would like get tickets to a play or need to get those directions to a restaurant. You can get all the information you need right from your laptop. Usually it’s much better than carrying around big guidebooks.

You can work. Even though we are on vacation, sometimes we still have our work on our minds. Maybe you have an on-line business and need to be kept informed. Having your laptop with you allows you to still work.  

Reasons you should keep your laptop home:

It could get lost, stolen or damaged. Where you are traveling really depends on the risks, which could range from mild to extreme. Getting your laptop insured by home or travel insurance is really not likely. Most insurance companies won’t cover you unless you pay a very high premium.

It’s extra weight to carry. If weight is an issue then you may want to keep it home. Depending on where you are traveling, you would need to bring your power adapter and any plug in devices to operate your laptop.

Surfing the internet. As we all know, the internet can be addicting. You could spend hours surfing the web, when we should be enjoying the experience of the city that you paid to see.

Checking in at the airport.  Our new airport regulations require us to open our carry bags to get through security. When you are traveling with your laptop, you will have to remove your laptop from the carry case for security inspection, so allow extra time for check-in.

You need to base your decision on where you are going. The more remote destinations you are traveling to, the less likely you will find a Wifi connection. Some remote islands will probably only have a dial up connection, which would probably be very slow.

The biggest consideration is whether you feel you actually need a laptop. Some people absolutely need to stay connected. If you decide to bring it, I would recommend a soft case to protect it. I would use a water-resistant case. Remember to never stow your computer in your luggage.

Contributed by: A Sternberg
angie@atlastravelweb.com

The country offers spectacular landscapes, fascinating remains of ancient civilizations, a rich indigenous culture and vast colonial treasures. Local markets are filled with woven blankets, handcrafted jewelry and souvenirs unique to their culture and tradition.

A yellow fever vaccine is strongly advised. Altitude sickness is also a common complaints of travelers, so people with health conditions should seek the advise of their doctor before considering travel to Bolivia. As is the case with many foreign countries, drink only bottled water.

A passport and visa is required. The cost of the visa averages about $140 USD. You must show proof of having a hotel or tour reservation.

Our 2 more popular packages to Bolivia are the 7 day Highlights of Bolivia and the 13 day Empire of the Incas: Peru & Bolivia

The story had a nice ending, as Mr. Elliott was able to get the client a full refund, but not all stories end this way, and clients lose thousands of dollars for not asking the right questions prior to making a reservation.

Be aware of penalties! At Atlas, when we book reservations for our clients, not only do we provide them with a confirmation, but also the Terms and Conditions for each supplier, as cancellation penalties vary for each company. At times, there are 3 to 5 pages of "conditions" for the client to read over, but all of this is done prior to booking the reservation, so you have no surprises down the road.

Furthermore as the article mentions, if there is any chance you may have to cancel your trip, a consolidator is not the way to go when booking airline tickets, as their penalties are usually higher than booking with the airline or suppliers directly.

Final thoughts...no one can anticipate or predict the future. Be prepared and have piece of mind, by purchasing travel insurance for every trip! Suppliers such as Travel Guard & Access America offer add-ons to several of their plans that allow you to cancel for work reasons or even cancel for any reason, and receive up to 75% of your penalties back. Many cruise lines and tour operators offer their own version of cancel for any reason policies, but in some cases rather than money, you receive vouchers for future travel.

It can all be a bit confusing, so make sure to consult a travel professional to help you select the best coverage to protect your investment.

Click here to read the article published on CNN.

For more information on the pros & cons of booking airfare separately from a vacation, click here.

Relax with room service. Slip into complimentary stateroom extras like Plush Frette™ bathrobes. And revel in a host of other amenities, like our Hot Tub and Sauna, Salon and Fitness Room, and our lounge featuring nightly lectures by naturalists or live music.

Add to that, this: the price of your Celebrity Xpeditions™ Galapagos package includes almost everything on board, from afternoon tea to tips for the staff from house wines and most beverages to our signature dishes (roast leg of Lamb or Banana Flambe, anyone?). Not to mention the comfort of knowing that while the Galapagos will touch you in unimaginable ways, you'll sail this itinerary on a ship specifically designed to leave them untouched.

The ship features 47 comfortable staterooms and suites, all of them offering exterior windows. All rooms have standard Celebrity Cruises amenities, including televisions, telephones, complimentary use of bathrobes, complimentary room service, and hair dryers.  Balcony cabins range from 230 to 460 sq. ft. Ocean view cabins from 145 to 160 sq. ft.

Celebrity Xpeditions offers 7-Night cruises from Baltra visiting North Seymour, San Cristobal, Punta Suarez, Cormorant Point, Baroness Outlook, Las Bachas, Bartolome, Elizabeth Bay, Punta Espinoza, Puerto Eqas, Dragon Hill & Puerto Ayora. There are also 10-Night packages available on a cruisetour, that give you 2 nights in Quito, Ecuador before the cruise & 1 day at the end of the cruise.

TIP:  Suites sell our about a year in advance, so book early! Keep in mind that your deposit is refundable, and should the price go down, your rate will be adjusted, so there is no down side to booking early, only the benefit of getting the cabin and location that you want. 

There are still good rates available for ocean view cabins on May 17-24th; June 28-Jul 5th 2009 & Jan 17, 2010. Best priced balcony cabins are currently Jan 31 & February 28, 2010

Lan Airlines provides nonstop and connecting flights to Chile, Peru, Argentina, Venezuela, Colombia, Brazil, Uruguay, Dominican Republic and Bolivia.

LAN’s colorful and spacious main cabin is exceeding expectations and offers passengers a sense of class and hospitality with amenities most airlines reserve for their premium class passengers and features. LAN is currently retrofitting its entire fleet of Boeing 767s with a new economy class that features new seating and expanded entertainment options, including:

• Individual video monitors in each seatback featuring a larger size of 8.9 inches and optimal resolution with touch-screen programming providing an easy and comfortable way to select options, offering audio and video on demand.
• Updated entertainment content, including a selection of 32 movies -8 blockbusters and 24 favorite feature films-, 55 shorts programs, 450 music CDs and 14 video games .
  Increased recline and cushion that slides forward one inch for greater comfort.
• Increased space for carry-on items, as well as cup holders.
• Adjustable headrests offering greater comfort.
• New fabrics, carpeting and redesigned pillows and blankets.
• Oversized overhead compartments.
• Award-winning menus inspired by the tastes and flavors of Latin America, as well as complimentary wines and alcoholic beverages.

The enhanced Premium Business Class offers 180-degree reclining, full flat seats, state of the art entertainment system, as well as top-notch cuisine and wine selections.

Prices from New York to Buenos Aires are available from $562 pp round trip; New York to Santiago from $689 pp round trip. Also available are special rates from Miami to Punta Cana starting at $214 pp round trip, Miami to Buenos Aires from $562pp round trip and Miami to Lima, Peru from $277 pp round trip.

We are pleased to present our new 2009 - 2010 Winter Collection of Sailings in conjunction with Oceania’s Fifth Anniversary Celebration of Savings - Up to $1,500 Price Reduction off 2 for 1 Cruise Fares with Free Airfare per stateroom, as follows:

• $500 Off per stateroom for cruises 10 days
• $1,000 Off per stateroom for cruises 12-24 days
• $1,500 Off per stateroom for cruises 25 days+
• PLUS: $500 per stateroom shipboard credit
• PLUS: Free Prepaid Gratuities
• 3rd and 4th Guests at 50% Off | Single Supplement is 25%

Route of the Ancient Traders: Istanbul to Singapore
      November 10th, 2009 - 40 days Aboard Nautica

Amazon Adventure:  Round trip Miami
     November 28th, 2009 - 25 days Aboard Regatta

Samba Rhythms:  Rio de Janeiro to Buenos Aires
     December 10th, 2009 - 12 days Aboard the Insignia
     Reverse itinerary on December 22, 2009
     Rio to Buenos Aires - February 10, 2010

Southern Cross Holiday:  Singapore to Sydney
    December 20th, 2009 - 18 day Aboard Nautica

Islands in the Sun: Round trip Miami
   December 23, 2009 - 12 days Aboard Regatta
   January 4, 2010 - 10 days Aboard the Regatta

South American Splendors:  Rio de Janeiro to Valparaiso
   January 3, 2010 - 19 days Aboard the Insignia

Splendors of Down Under:  Auckland to Sydney
   January 7, 2010 - 16 day Aboard the Nautica

Coral Seas & Asian Jewels - Sydney to Bangkok
   February 8, 2010 - 21 days Aboard Nautica

Passage to Panama - Los Angeles to Miami
   February 9, 2010 - 16 day Aboard Regatta

Grand Circle to South America - Buenos Aires Rio de Janeiro
   February 22, 2010 - 40 day Aboard Insignia

Exquisite Empires - Bangkok to Beijing
    March 1, 2010 - 24 Days Aboard Nautica

Caribbean Pearls - Round trip Miami
    February 25, 2010 - 12 Days Aboard Regatta
    March 9, 2010 - 12 Day Aboard Regatta

Journey to Iberia - Miami to Barcelona
    March 21, 2010 - 14 Days Aboard Regatta

Imerial Explorations - Beijing to Hong Kong
   March 25, 2010 - 15 Days Aboard Nautica

Vintage Crossing - Rio de Janeiro to Barcelona
   April 3, 2010 - 15 days Aboard Nautica
   March 21, 2010 - 14 day Aboard Regatta

In the past 45 days we have noticed that airlines have finally started to lower their fares. As we blogged earlier this month, British Airways is offering great rates to Europe in conjunction with Cosmos, Globus, Insight and Trafalgar tours. American Airlines has just announced a promotion.

Trying to decide where to go for your next vacation? Now is the time to plan and book a new trip with fares to fun and exciting international destinations starting as low as $75* each way, based on round-trip purchase. Purchase your flight by March 10, 2009, and travel by May 16, 2009, to Europe destinations, and by May 17, 2009, to save on all other international travel! All travel must be complete by May 20, 2009.

FARES ARE EACH WAY, BASED ON A ROUND-TRIP ECONOMY CLASS PURCHASE

Sample fares include:

Los Angeles – Los Cabos, Mexico: $75
Miami – Aruba: $135
Dallas/Fort Worth – Monterrey, Mexico: $142
Miami – St. Croix, U.S.V.I.: $156
New York Kennedy – London Heathrow, England: $196
Los Angeles – London Heathrow, England: $203
New York Kennedy – Brussels, Belgium: $210
Dallas/Fort Worth – Paris Charles de Gaulle, France: $277
Miami – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: $337
Miami – Sao Paulo, Brazil: $337
New York City – Buenos Aires, Argentina: $350
Chicago O’Hare – Shanghai, China: $351
New York Kennedy – Tokyo Narita, Japan: $425
Dallas/Fort Worth – Buenos Aires, Argentina: $497

Visit American Airlines website @ www.AA.com to search fares and read through the booking terms and conditions.

South America/Antarctica Cruise Specials

April 12th, 2009     14 day cruise aboard the Radiance of the Seas
Departing from Buenos Aires and visiting Montevideo, Punta del Este, Puerto Madryn, Cape Horn, Ushuaia, Punta Arenas, Chilean Fjords, Purto Montt & Valpariaso.

Inside cabins from $599; Ocean view from $699; Balcony from $949 pp

November 19th, 2009     16 day cruise aboad the Veendam
Departing from Valparaiso and visiting Puerto Montt, Darwin Channel, Amaila Glacier, Magellan Strait, Punta Arenas, Ushuaia, Cape Horn/Falklands, Montevideo, Buenos Airea & Rio de Janeiro

Inside cabins from $1539; Ocean view from $1729; Suite from $3059 pp
*Reverse Itinerary on December 5th with inside cabins starting at $1,349 Ocean view at $1,349 and Balcony at $1,274 pp

November 22, 2009   30 day cruise aboard the Star Princess
Departing Los Angeles visiting Cabo San Lucas, Acapulco, San Juan del Sur, Puerto Caldera, Manta, Callao, Puerto San Martin, Coquimbo, Valparaiso, Punta Arenas,

Inside cabins from $764; Ocean view from $899; Balcony from $1274 pp

Janaury 3, 2010     14 day cruise aboard Celebrity Infinity
Buenos Aires, Montevideo, Punta del Este, Puerto Madryn, Cape Horn, Ushuaia, Punta Arenas, Magellan Strait, Chilean Fjords, Puerto Montt, Valparaiso

Inside cabins from $1199; Ocean view from $1399; Balcony from $2039 pp

Start out in Colon, Panama, & visit Puerto Limon, Cartagena, Santa Marta, Aruba and ends in Ft. Lauderdale. Royal Caribbean is including airfare from Miami at incredible prices.

As of posting this blog, an inside cabin, category Q is just $399*per person; an ocean view category I is $449* pp; balcony cabin is $799* pp and a junior suite just $999* pp

Here is a brief description of the ports of call:

Colon, Panama:  As the capital of Colón Province on Panama's central Caribbean coast, Colón lies at the very heart of the country's rich history and innovation. This important port town is less than an hour's drive from Panama's most historical attractions, so it's easy to fit in visits to sites like the Panama Railroad, Gatun Locks, and old Spanish fortress Fort San Lorenzo. And of course, crystal blue waters and pure white sand are always a sweet setting for a cruise vacation kick-off!

Puerto Limon:  Columbus discovered this land on his fourth voyage to the Americas and was so impressed that he named it Costa Rica, or the rich coast. Puerto Limón is overflowing with natural wonders - towering mountains once thought to house gold and silver, magnificent rain forests containing more than 2,000 varieties of orchids, and of course, seductive, sun-drenched beaches.

Cartagena, Colombia:  Cobbled streets, balconies with blooming bougainvillea, and pastel plazas make Cartagena one of Latin America's most photogenic cities. But it's not just another pretty seaport. Founded in 1533, this Spanish-Colonial city is steeped in history. Its location made it a popular port for plunderers and pirates. Today thrill-seekers will find a perfect mix of old and new with a twist of island attitude.

Santa Marta, Colombia: Santa Marta, Colombia's charming coastal gem, is more than the average tropical paradise. Sure it's got warm Caribbean surf and white sand beaches but it's also much loved for the stunning Sierra Nevada mountain range that towers above it. And being the oldest city in the country also has its advantages, starting with a fair share of architectural treasures. Spend your day touring the Santa Marta Cathedral or visit the ruins at both the Bonda and the San Fernando forts. Just don't put too many miles on those feet.

Oranjestad, Aruba:  Located on the picturesque southern coast, Oranjestad is the historic Dutch capital of Aruba, where the traditional, tall, multicolored houses combine carved wooden doors and typical Dutch tiles with open-air patios. The charm of the city complements the beauty of this popular Caribbean island where the Dutch and indigenous cultures have merged to give Aruba its unique atmosphere. Today's visitors can enjoy this culture along with beautiful beaches, excellent snorkeling and exciting nightlife

* Prices are per person, based on double occupancy, for cruise only on select sailings and stateroom categories. Government taxes and fees are additional. For new reservations only. Subject to availability. Certain restrictions apply. May not be combinable with any other promotion and may be withdrawn at any time. "Deals" pricing reflects the special rate(s) you may be eligible for. Proof of eligibility required. If eligibility cannot be validated, you will be charged the standard rate or denied boarding. All prices are quoted in US Dollars. All itineraries and prices are subject to change without notice. Ships' Registry: Bahamas. © 2008 Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.

On the down side.....we were very disappointed in our cabin on the ship. I have reviewed our original correspondence, and we feel we had wait listed for the Renaissance suite. When you contacted us in July, that is what we thought we were upgrading to for the additional fee. Our cabin was small and dirty. We did have a nice sliding door that led to a very  small balcony, but the rest of room was very small. Other guests that we met were on a lower level (2nd level) and they had much larger rooms complete with a walk in closet. Their view was limited as they only had port holes, but the room was much more commodious. Since we spent very little time in our rooms, it would probably be good information that you can afford any future clients so that they may make a decision about their rooms based on some facts. The crew and staff were all very attentive and polite, so we chalked it up to experience and enjoyed ourselves each day. The last day of the cruise, we were taken off the ship at 8AM, amused ourselves on land in a small town near the airport, then transported to the airport around 11AM. Unfortunately, the plane we were to board at 1PM back to Guayaquil was damaged, and we, the departing guests, had to wait at the airport for 6 hours until they were able to send another plane from the mainland for us. You should have heard the roar from the crowd when the plane finally arrived......we boarded, and were in the air in 20 minutes! There are no lights at the airport or at the terminal, so it was crucial we get in the air during daylight. It was a close call.

We have friends that are now considering doing this tour and we would like to get a breakdown of the fees, and maybe some available dates for them.  Again, we really enjoyed working with General Tours and plan to use them in the future. One of the highlights of the trip for me was the train ride on the Hiram Bingham train. It was a wonderful experience.

Thank you for all your help.  M/M Saunders

For more information on this and other popular trips to the Galapagos, visit our South America website.

Before You Go:

Research:  Do your homework and find out what each area is known for and decide what items you'll look for. Find out what similar items sell for. If you are considering pictures or other items to decorate your home with your travel finds, take measurements, then pop your tape measure into your travel bag. Bring a fabric swatch if needed as well. If you plan on having garments custom-made in the Orient for example, pack a favorite item to copy. Also research customs, GST and VAT tax refunds, shipping large items, and other important rules. Thailand and China, for example, are known for antiques, but you'll need appropriate paperwork to bring them home. In Europe when you make a purchase you must fill out the tax refund form supplied by the ship. You pay the full price, but when you leave Europe there is usually an area in all major airports called 'VAT Refund' after you have cleared security. You take the tax forms to be stamped and drop them in a box. In one to two billing cycles you should see the tax refunded back onto your credit card. If you are traveling on an escorted tour, your tour manager can give you tips on the best places to shop. On a cruise, they normally hold presentations and replay them on the ship channel in the cabin, with shopping tips on each port as well.

Shopping Strategies:

Local markets offer a rich travel experience, and a treasure trove of shopping options. Here are some bargaining tips to make that a more rewarding experience:

Get the Lay of the Land - Be Strategic:  Stroll around, take in the colors and the smells of the market while checking around prices on similar items. Watch how merchants interact with their customers. In Italian markets you'll encounter a hard sell; merchants in Arab markets often bargain after you've shared a cup of tea.

The Art of the Deal: Start by offering half the quoted price. Your merchant will tout the value of his handicrafts and bring the price back to almost the original. Split the difference. By the 3rd round your price will likely be about 75% of the original. Instead of haggling again, count out your cash until you reach slightly less than his price. You should have a deal. If the merchant is aggressive, step away. Likewise there is no need to be rude to the merchants, as they are only try to make a living.

Consider Shipping Your Items Back Home: The most difficult part is waiting a few weeks for your items to arrive if you are overseas, but with airlines charging for additional baggage weight, shipping can save you money. Just make sure to insure the package if it is breakable.

In the end, the important thing is that you enjoy the experience and keep in mind, more important than the exact cost will be priceless travel memories derived from your new-found treasures.

We'd love to hear about some of your shopping strategies?

Contributed by: S Brage

Service to Colombia began on January 29, 2009 into Bogotá. Daily nonstop flights from Orlando.

Service to Costa Rica begins on March 26, 2009 into San Jose. Daily nonstop flights from Orlando.

This will be JetBlue's first time into Central America.

Rates start at $49 per person each way, but taxes and fees are additional. At the time of this blog, we got a rate of $187.70 per person round trip including all taxes and fees. All inclusive resort options in Costa Rica include the Barceloa Playa Langosta, the Occidental Grand Papagayo and the Paradisus Playa Conchal starting at $629 per person for a 3 night stay including private transfers. Also popular this year is the Costa Rica's Great Outdoors package including white water rafting and several other activities priced from $1, 299 pp

10 Days / 9 Nights
From $1731* per person
Departure Dates: April 1, 4 & 8

Your Buenos Aires, Santiago & Patagonia package includes:

• Arrival transfer International Airport to Buenos Aires Hotel
• 3 Nights at the 4 star Elevage Hotel
• City sightseeing tour
• Dinner and Tango Show
• Departure Transfer to Domestic Airport
• 3 Night / 4 Day Cruise USH-PUQ Mare Australis
• Arrival Transfer Santiago Airport to Santiago Hotel
• 3 Nights at the 3.5 star Holiday Inn Express
• City sightseeing tour
• Valparaiso & Vina del mar excursion
• Departure Transfer Santiago Hotel to Airport

Terms & Conditions:
*Price is per person, land only based on double occupancy. Air is not included. Valid for travel April 1, 4 and 8, 2009. Valid for booking between December 23, 2008 and January 15, 2009. Ask for booking code: Galapagos Special. Additional restrictions may apply.

Galapagos Special

8 Days / 7 Nights
From $2750* per person
Departure Dates: Saturdays from Quito

Your Galapagos Island package includes:

• Arrival transfer International Airport to Quito Hotel
• 3 Nights Swissotel Quito (with breakfast)
• Scenic Tour of Quito and Middle of the World
• Domestic Flights (Quito/Baltra/Quito)
• 4 night Galapagos Cruise onboard M.V Santa Cruise in Main Deck Cabin
• All meals onboard
• All ground transportation
• Quito municipal tax, Migration control card, Fuel Surcharge
• Galapagos National Park Entrance Fee

Terms & Conditions:
*Price is per person, land only based on double occupancy. International air is not included. Round trip domestic air included from Quito to Baltra. Valid for travel through 2009. Valid for booking between December 23, 2008 and May 15, 2009. Departs most Saturdays from Quito. Ask for booking code: Galapagos Special. Additional restrictions may apply.

Indulge in maximum pampering at the resort’s spa and health club where you choose from a full menu of body and facial treatments and experience the privacy of one of the spa’s massage cabins, or the ultimate romance of adults-only Royal Service. Participate in life-enriching classes including cooking, sushi making, wine tasting, flower arranging, candle making, Zen philosophy and tango dancing among others. The resort also offers a championship 18-hope Trent Jones Junior golf course, a kid’s club for programs for infants to 12 years of age, canopy tours and a Candil Theatre featuring live nightly entertainment.

The hotel is 60 km from Liberia International Airport (LIR) and 15 minutes from Tamarindo local airport. Direct flights are available from USA with Delta Airlines, Continental Airlines, and American Airlines among others.

Want to get even more out of your trip to Costa Rica? Why not raft, explore a volcano and unwind with 3 nights on the Pacific Beach? The 6 day “A Volcano, a Rainforest & a Beach” deluxe package stays at the Paradisus Playa Conchal, but also includes stays at the Arenla Kioro Hotel near Arenal Volcano. The package includes meals, river rafting, a flexible FreeStyle excursion and a private car transfer throughout. Raft, explore a volcano and unwind with 3 nights on the Pacific Beach! Additional nights can be added. Call for a custom package.

The U.S. Tour Operators Association reported that for the 5th straight year, Italy placed first as the most popular international destination for vacation packages and tours. Modern Bride's annual "World Best Honeymoon" survey showed Italy has even beaten out Hawaii as the #1 honeymoon destination.  Recommend Magazine's Readers Choice awards also listed Italy as the #1 destination. Croatia and China were the hottest up-and-coming countries for tours and travel packages. We were surprised not to see Dubai on the list.

Lonely Planet's top 10 destinations: #1 U.S. with emphasis on National parks and Hawaii;  #2 Mexico, with an emphasis on Mexico City and the Pacific Coast; #3 Argentina; #4 Japan; #5 India & #6 Canada (tied);#7 Australia #8 China (tied);#9 Spain and #10 France.

Frommers recently released its top destinations for 2009, focusing on international destinations that are affordable and seeking the newest "hot spots".  Washington D.C.; Waiheke Island, New Zealand; Saqqara, Egypt; Lassen Volcanic National Park, California; Istanbul, Turkey; Civil Rights Trail, USA; Cartagena, Colombia; Cape Town, South Africa; Berlin, Germany;  Belfast, Northern Ireland; Angkor Wat, Cambodia; Waterton National Park, Alberta, Canada

According to TripAdvisor, the top three predicted hot spots for North America travel are Florida, North Carolina and Alaska.

At Atlas Cruises & Tours, we are seeing a number of trends. Italy continues to be very popular. Consumers are booking specialty travel packages including river cruises, cooking and wine vacations, as well as religious travel. Several dates for the 2010 Passion Play are already sold out. We have been doing several blogs about sustainable travel in the past 6 months, as we are finding consumers more concerned in traveling with suppliers that are environmentally conscious, as well as the desire to visit destinations threatened by climate change such as Antarctica, Alaska, Galapagos and Machu Picchu. Cruises to the Caribbean, Alaska and South America are up, and we except a surge in Europe cruises, as air prices should be coming down considerably, and cruise lines are offering aggressive fares. For those staying close to home, National Parks, Canada & Hawaii are up as well.

Where are you planning to travel in 2009? We'd love to hear your top 3 list!

Visions of Vietnam & Angkor Wat with Singapore is a 17 day package starting from $5,999 pp land only. Price includes luxury hotel accommodations, overnight cruise in Ha Long Bay, most meals, all sightseeing & on-tour transportation including flights within Vietnam & Cambodia.

Exclusive offer: Book by December 31st, & receive a complimentary lunch at The Line, a restaurant at the Shangri-La Hotel in Singapore.  A 14 day itinerary is available without Singapore from $3,599 pp

In South America, discover the rich cultural legacy & sophisticated charms of two of the continent's great capitals. Explore Mendoza, Argentina's best wine region, and staisfy your lust for magnificent scenery with a spectacular overland journey across the mighty peaks of the Andes. Excursions include wine tastings, a tango lesson, and a cooking class will provide an insider's point of view.

Traditions & Flavors of South America is an 8 day package from $2,379 pp Rates include deluxe hotel accommodations, many meals, sightseeing at 2 estate wineries in Mendoza & all on-tour transportation & internal flights.

Exclusive offer: Booking by December 31st and receive complimentary private airport transfers on land-only bookings.

AARP Members receive up to $200 off per couple.

In order to be a good travel agent, you need education so that you can pass the information on to your clients. The Travel Institute has certifications that take about 6 years to complete, as you are not eligible to participate unless you have been in the business for a certain amount of time. Cruise Lines International has a 3 step certification process up to a ECC (Elite Cruise Counselor) You have to be in the business a minimum of 10 years to participate in the program as well as conducting various ship inspections. There are also various destination & product specialists programs, seminars, conventions & trade shows throughout the year.  Our office has speakers from various preferred partners come in at least twice a month, to ensure we are up to date with new products or changes.

So the next time you book your vacation, keep in mind that travel agents are trained professionals with your best interest in mind, and there is no additional cost to you to book through an agent. In fact, agents will always save you time (& time is money!) and also in many cases, get you a better price or added amenities.

Many tourist visas and/or entry fees for U.S. citizens are valid for MORE than just one trip. For example, if you obtained a tourist visa for a prior trip to Brazil, and you go to Brazil again within 5 years your original visa is still good - you don’t have to buy another for $130. Another example: The $130 tourist entry fee to Chile is good for the life of your passport. So - be sure to check this out with your Atlas Travel specialist before applying (and paying for) new visas. Rules change frequently, so be sure to check when you are planning your trip.

Conributed By Lois Graf - Traveled to Brazil & Chile Sept 25th-Oct 3rd

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Common question asked by clients

Answer:

You would be surprised how many things can be packed and not exceed 50 lbs. There are some wonderful no wrinkle, light weight fabrics for traveling and you don't need a pair of shoes for each outfit. When staying in the same hotel for more than 1 night, you can take advantage of the laundry facilities they have to offer.

Make a list before packing and make sure to mix and match outfits. Always pack tightly. Scarf or jewelry can change the look or a blouse. Packing loosely will waste space and cause clothes to wrinkle from moving around. Use all the space you have available to you, such as putting socks & under garments inside of shoes.

You can get a great packing list from Frommers.

Keep in mind that the airlines are changing their restrictions and charges often these days. Make sure and go to their web site or call a couple of weeks before travel to get the latest information.

There are exceptions, especially with adventure trips or luxury travel, where preliminary documents are sent, as well as personal registration forms to be filled out.

You will of course always receive written confirmations from us for your records.

Day 1 with the budget and first class tours is "always" the overnight flight to Europe, arriving on Day 2 - this means Day 2 is your first hotel night.

Day 1 with the Deluxe & Luxury Tours is the day you arrive in Europe to start your tour.

With US and Canada tours, day 1 is the day your tour begins.

With other exotic destinations such as South America, Asia and Australia, please check with you agent, as there could be as many as 1 to 2 days for the flight over.

In most cases, booking your own airfare is fine, but I want to remind you to keep a few things in mind.

When you book airfare with the cruise or tour operator, transfers are included to & from the airport. When calculating how much money you are saving, make sure & factor in the additional cost for transfers.

Tours can cancel due to lack of participation. If you book your own air, we suggest booking a tour that is "guaranteed" to operate. Many suppliers have added hundreds of guaranteed departures on their popular tours.

If you experience a problem with your flight being cancelled due to weather or other circumstances, when you book your airfare along with your travel packages, you will have assistance in booking the next available flight to meet up with your trip. If you book your flights online, how difficult will it be to get someone on the phone to assist you in rebooking another flight?

Insurance is another consideration. If you book your own air, normally the cruise or tour operators insurance will not cover the value of your flights. Make sure to speak to an agent about outside insurance coverage so that your entire purchase is protected.

Book early & save. Many suppliers offer air promotions for bookings made well in advance.

On many occasions we do advise our clients to buy airfare separately, but make sure to take the time to discuss your options with an agent to ensure you are receiving the best value.

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.