AVOID THE CROWDS AND SEE WHAT’S MEANINGFUL TO YOU ON YOUR NEXT CRUISE…
New “Shore Excursions by IsramWorld” program creates customized shore excursions and pre/post-cruise itineraries at ports of call worldwide.
IsramWorld, one of the world’s leading tour operators, today announced the creation of “Shore Excursions by IsramWorld,” a new series of custom-designed private car itineraries for cruise passengers.
The private-car shore excursions and upscale pre/post-cruise programs will be available on five continents in such destinations as Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Greece, Italy, Egypt, Israel, Turkey, Central Europe, China, Thailand and many more ports of call.
Shore Excursions by Isramworld are set apart from other pre- and post-cruise programs by the emphasis the travel experts place on avoiding crowds and focusing on local culture and areas of particular interest to each individual client, whether it be art, history, shopping or cuisine.
“We are very proud of our new customizable shore programs, which are perfect for individual and group clients alike, and are fully commissionable to our partners in the travel agent community,” says A. Ady Gelber, President and CEO of IsramWorld. “We remain fully committed to staying with agents every step of the way.”
For more information about these and all other Isramworld programs, please call 1-800-223-7460 or visit www.isramworld.com.
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
Elope-a-moon at The Inn of the Five Graces and Lake Placid Lodge
You’ve forgone the hundreds of guests, sidestepped the 
photo courtesy Inn of Five Gracesdozens of vendors clamoring for a dime, and successfully ducked the barrage of pastel colored taffeta bridesmaid dresses. But that doesn’t mean you’re left at City Hall. More and more brides and grooms seem to be opting for that “elopecation” – elopements combined with honeymoons – than ever before, and two Garrett Hotel Group Relais & Châteaux properties, The Inn of the Five Graces and Lake Placid Lodge, are helping those individuals skip the “big fussy wedding” and presenting couples with seductive elopement diversions, heightening the romance.
As Santa Fe celebrates its 400th birthday, excitement surrounds The Inn of the Five Graces, giving nuptials a whole new meaning this year. The popular Elopement Menu provides four colorful choices of distinctive ceremonies [$300 and up]. Couples who stay at The Inn of the Five Graces for three days or more will receive the wedding ceremony as a gift from the management. The elopement menu includes:
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
Prices Are Hitting Record Highs, Know How To Keep Costs Down When Renting a Car
Car rental prices are skyrocketing across North America, so Hotwire.com®, a leading travel discount site, has announced five car-rental savings tips that will help you drive off the lot with a full wallet.
Here are five tips to help you lower car rental expenses this summer:
1. If you see a good rate, book it right away. Prices are expected to continue rising through July and will stay high all the way through August.
2. Rent on the weekends. When business travelers have gone home for the weekend, there is more inventory and lower prices for the consumer.
3. Rent away from the airport if possible. Off-airport and local rental centers can often be cheaper due to lower taxes and fees. Often, by sacrificing convenience, you can save money.
4. Make sure to fill up the tank before returning your car. Rental centers charge a hefty fee for those who forget to do this. If you don’t want the hassle, many rental car companies will also allow you to pre-purchase your tank of gas to avoid fees, but it’s still cheaper to fill it up on your own.
5. Book opaque. Although prices are expected to spike this year, by booking through opaque sites such as Hotwire, consumers can save up to 45 percent and rent a car from $13.95 a day.
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
Tips and Tricks for Slow Walkers and Wheelchair-Users
Travel by its very nature requires a lot of planning and preparation, especially when it includes air travel. Factor a disability into that equation and the complexity increases. That doesn’t mean it’s impossible, but it does take more planning.
With that in mind — whether you just need an airport wheelchair to get to the gate, or you are a fulltime scooter or wheelchair-user — guest blogger Candy Harrington, the author of several best-selling guide books for disabled travelers, shares her expert tips to help you along in the planning process.
• Educate yourself about the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA), the US law that governs access on all flights to and from the US. Click here for the latest revisions of the ACAA.
• Choose US carriers for the best access, as some Asian, African and Caribbean carriers have been known to deny boarding to unaccompanied wheelchair-users. If you travel on a foreign carrier, learn the access laws of that country too.
• If you need a non-ticketed escort to accompany you to the gate, advise the airline of this when making your reservation. Your escort will be asked for photo identification and given a security checkpoint pass.
• Allow plenty of extra time to get through security, especially if you wear a prosthesis or use any type of assistive device. Slow walkers should request a wheelchair at check-in. Even if you can walk, it will cut down on the fatigue and standing time.
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
Register for Sweepstakes at Patagonia Stores Nationwide through June 29
Patagonia and Texas Tourism invite you to take it outside, and enter for a chance to win one of two adventures to Texas, or a gift card from Patagonia.
Whether your outdoor tastes run to raising your binoculars in search of an Elegant Trogon, or paddling down Class II or III rapids in water coursing beneath 1,500-foot limestone walls, you can find it in Texas. Patagonia and Texas Tourism have teamed up for a sweepstakes aimed at adventure travelers looking for a Lone Star State experience. Register at one of 23 Patagonia stores across the country (excluding Cardiff, CA and Hawaii) between June 8 and June 29 for a chance to win one of two trips or a Patagonia gift card that can help outfit you for your next outdoor excursion.
Grand prize: Six-night birding trip through the lower Rio Grande Valley. The two-person prize includes two $250 gift cards redeemable in any of Patagonia’s 25 stores nationwide, plus airfare, transportation, personal birding guide, hotel accommodations and select meals in McAllen, Brownsville and South Padre Island, TX.
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
This week London got all dressed to celebrate the summer and the famous horse races at Ascot with Her Majesty the Queen. At It’s Your London they are celebrating the launch of something new for visitors to London with the start of their customised tours.
It’s Your London is a new tailor made service for visitors to London. The service is aimed at visitors who want their planning headaches taken care of, the first timers to London, the lucky ones on a very special occasion treat, those on business and their spouses, and visitors who just don’t have the time to sort it all out.
It’s Your London will design the perfect trip to London and make sure it really fits each person’s requirements. They can do the big sights, put together a unique programme or get you to the quirky one-off sights. It’s whatever you want. As the company strapline says - your visit, your interests, your London.
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".