Avid golfers, rejoice! Sandals Emerald Reef Golf Club has extended its' exclusive three- and seven-day unlimited golf packages. When visiting Sandals Emerald Bay in the Out Islands of the Bahamas, golf aficionados will save big at the beautiful 18-hole Greg Norman Championship Course with special summer and winter rates. Prices for the three-day unlimited golf packages begin at $215 per person, per night this summer. Golfers vacationing for seven nights or more can also purchase an seven-day unlimited golf package starting at $325 per person. Golfers can now book these incredible summer packages through September 30, 2011, for travel from now until October 31, 2012.
Golfers traveling between November 1, 2011 and April 30, 2012 are eligible for winter rates, which start $299 per person for a three-day unlimited golf package. Golfers can also purchase a seven day unlimited golf package at the winter rate of $449 per person.
All unlimited golf packages include unlimited play, all green fees, a cart, and a special savings of 15 percent off merchandise at the Golf Pro Shop. Packages with clubs will also receive two sleeves of balls on their first day of play.
Golfers will experience the recently renovated 7,001 yard, par-72 championship course, which includes a new state-of-the-art irrigation system, reshaped and edged bunkers, new bunker drainage, major landscaping improvements and new maintenance equipment to ensure that the course is in pristine condition for the resort guests. The oceanside course continues to impress even the most esteemed players with stunning seaside views, environmentally-friendly facets and lush vegetation. Before or after hitting the links, players can venture into the Shark Shack, the club’s new casual golf lounge featuring drinks, games and an outdoor deck.
Recently celebrating its one year anniversary, the Sandals Emerald Reef Golf Club is a part of the luxurious Sandals Emerald Bay, set on a mile-stretch of white sand beach in Great Exuma, Bahamas. The resort recently welcomed a brand new Café de Paris, serving delectable crepes, pastries and coffees, an expanded outdoor dining deck at Dino’s Pizzeria an additional gourmet dining option, La Parisenne, a French brasserie, plus an additional 62 luxurious rooms and suites.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Royal Caribbean Reveals Australia Cruise-Tour Options
Diving in the Great Barrier Reef and visits to Ayers Rock are among the cruise-tours that Royal Caribbean International will offer as part of its 2012-13 Australia cruise season. The line had earlier announced the planned deployment to Australia of the 3,100-passenger Voyager of the Seas, which will join the 2,100-passenger Radiance of the Seas and the 2,000-passenger Rhapsody of the Seas already based there for the 2011-12 season.
Royal Caribbean is committing some 7,200 berths to the region next year, when the three ships will sail a series of cruises ranging from one to 18 nights. This will give Royal Caribbean the largest presence in Australia of any cruise line. Cruise-tours up to 23 nights will be offered.
Destination highlights on the land tours include visits to Ayers Rock, in the Northern Territory's desert plain; a gourmet barbecue; and opportunities to swim, snorkel and dive in the Great Barrier Reef from Port Douglas. In New Zealand, land tours feature Auckland and Rotorua and include activities such as a Hangi and Maori concert.
Call us at (410) 588-6938 for more details.
Royal Caribbean is committing some 7,200 berths to the region next year, when the three ships will sail a series of cruises ranging from one to 18 nights. This will give Royal Caribbean the largest presence in Australia of any cruise line. Cruise-tours up to 23 nights will be offered.
Destination highlights on the land tours include visits to Ayers Rock, in the Northern Territory's desert plain; a gourmet barbecue; and opportunities to swim, snorkel and dive in the Great Barrier Reef from Port Douglas. In New Zealand, land tours feature Auckland and Rotorua and include activities such as a Hangi and Maori concert.
Call us at (410) 588-6938 for more details.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
10 Places to Get Great Craft Beer
In 2010, more than 1,700 craft breweries operated in the United States. Here is a look at 10 of them.
Portsmouth Brewery, Portsmouth, NH
This neighborhood pub is celebrating its 20th anniversary, making it an elder statesman in the brewpub revolution. The welcoming atmosphere is a good introduction to this historic seaside town. Try the Black Cat Stout, a dry, dark beer similar to Guinness. 603-431-1115
portsmouthbrewery.com
Brewer’s Art, Baltimore
This two-level bar has a split personality. Upstairs you'll find upscale, creative cuisine. Downstairs is a cellar bar with a unique range of Belgian-style beers. Resurrection, an abbey-style ale with malt flavor is balanced with sweet spicy notes. It has a higher alcohol content, so sip slowly. 410-547-9310
belgianbeer.com
Church Brew Works, Pittsburgh
You can have a great beer at this unique brewery, once home to a Catholic parish. The Pious Monk Dunkel, a German-style lager, has a dark color, and a clean taste. 412-688-8200
churchbrew.com
American Flatbread, Burlington ,VT
Part of a healthy-ingredient pizza parlor chain, this location offers a variety of brews from British to German to American style. Try Summer Gruit Ale, made with herbs and spices instead of hops. 802-861-2999
americanflatbread.com
Pizza Port, Carlsbad, CA
The brewers at this small San Diego-area chain have won recognition in the craft-beer world. The Wipeout IPA, is a quintessential West Coast India Pale Ale, big and bold with lots of strong citrus flavors and aromas. 760-720-7007
pizzaport.com
Magnolia Gastropub & Brewery, San Francisco
Located in the heart of the Haight-Ashbury district, this small brewer really reflects the history of the neighborhood. The Cole Porter has striking similarities to coffee and is very drinkable. 415- 864-7468
magnoliapub.com
Hopworks Urban Brewery, Portland, OR
Hopworks, one of the newest additions to Portland's busy brewpub scene, stands out because it uses organic hops and malts. Its Hub Lager, a Czech-style pilsner, won a silver medal in the World Beer Cup before the brewery even opened in 2008. 503-232-4677
hopworksbeer.com
Town Hall Brewery, Minneapolis
This downtown pub near the University of Minnesota has sidewalk seating, plus a selection of flavorful beers. A favorite is Masala Mama, an India Pale Ale packed with tons of grapefruit and pine and citrus notes. 612-339-8696
townhallbrewery.com
Revolution Brewing Co. , Chicago
You'll find great food (the bacon-fat popcorn appetizer is popular) at this Logan Square pub. The beer is worth a trip too. The Bottom Up Wit, a Belgian-style wheat beer, which bears a superficial resemblance to Blue Moon comes is very refreshing and perfect for the summer. 773-227-2739
revbrew.com
Great Dane Pub, Madison, WI
The massive building, just steps from the state capital, has an outdoor beer garden, a pool hall, and other nooks and crannies for settling down with a beer. The Stone of Scone Scotch Ale, which has caramel and malt flavors, reminds some of Bass. 608-284-0000
greatdanepub.com
Portsmouth Brewery, Portsmouth, NH
This neighborhood pub is celebrating its 20th anniversary, making it an elder statesman in the brewpub revolution. The welcoming atmosphere is a good introduction to this historic seaside town. Try the Black Cat Stout, a dry, dark beer similar to Guinness. 603-431-1115
portsmouthbrewery.com
Brewer’s Art, Baltimore
This two-level bar has a split personality. Upstairs you'll find upscale, creative cuisine. Downstairs is a cellar bar with a unique range of Belgian-style beers. Resurrection, an abbey-style ale with malt flavor is balanced with sweet spicy notes. It has a higher alcohol content, so sip slowly. 410-547-9310
belgianbeer.com
Church Brew Works, Pittsburgh
You can have a great beer at this unique brewery, once home to a Catholic parish. The Pious Monk Dunkel, a German-style lager, has a dark color, and a clean taste. 412-688-8200
churchbrew.com
American Flatbread, Burlington ,VT
Part of a healthy-ingredient pizza parlor chain, this location offers a variety of brews from British to German to American style. Try Summer Gruit Ale, made with herbs and spices instead of hops. 802-861-2999
americanflatbread.com
Pizza Port, Carlsbad, CA
The brewers at this small San Diego-area chain have won recognition in the craft-beer world. The Wipeout IPA, is a quintessential West Coast India Pale Ale, big and bold with lots of strong citrus flavors and aromas. 760-720-7007
pizzaport.com
Magnolia Gastropub & Brewery, San Francisco
Located in the heart of the Haight-Ashbury district, this small brewer really reflects the history of the neighborhood. The Cole Porter has striking similarities to coffee and is very drinkable. 415- 864-7468
magnoliapub.com
Hopworks Urban Brewery, Portland, OR
Hopworks, one of the newest additions to Portland's busy brewpub scene, stands out because it uses organic hops and malts. Its Hub Lager, a Czech-style pilsner, won a silver medal in the World Beer Cup before the brewery even opened in 2008. 503-232-4677
hopworksbeer.com
Town Hall Brewery, Minneapolis
This downtown pub near the University of Minnesota has sidewalk seating, plus a selection of flavorful beers. A favorite is Masala Mama, an India Pale Ale packed with tons of grapefruit and pine and citrus notes. 612-339-8696
townhallbrewery.com
Revolution Brewing Co. , Chicago
You'll find great food (the bacon-fat popcorn appetizer is popular) at this Logan Square pub. The beer is worth a trip too. The Bottom Up Wit, a Belgian-style wheat beer, which bears a superficial resemblance to Blue Moon comes is very refreshing and perfect for the summer. 773-227-2739
revbrew.com
Great Dane Pub, Madison, WI
The massive building, just steps from the state capital, has an outdoor beer garden, a pool hall, and other nooks and crannies for settling down with a beer. The Stone of Scone Scotch Ale, which has caramel and malt flavors, reminds some of Bass. 608-284-0000
greatdanepub.com
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Carnival, Holland America and Princess Cruises to Institute More Restrictive Smoking Policies
Citing changing passenger preferences, Carnival Cruise Lines, Holland America and Princess Cruises have announced more restrictive smoking policies.
Effective January 15, Princess will no longer allow smoking in cabins and balconies across its fleet. Princess says it will continue to provide areas for smokers. Smoking will continue to be allowed in the Churchill's cigar lounge, a section of the disco and casino and a portion of the open decks.
Other lines that ban smoking in cabins and balconies include Crystal Cruises, MSC Cruises and Oceania Cruises.
Effective January 15, Princess will no longer allow smoking in cabins and balconies across its fleet. Princess says it will continue to provide areas for smokers. Smoking will continue to be allowed in the Churchill's cigar lounge, a section of the disco and casino and a portion of the open decks.
Also effective January 15, Holland America's new smoking policy designates cabins as non-smoking areas. Smoking will still be, however, permitted on cabin balconies. For those who wish to smoke, there will continue to be designated areas available for this both inside and on outside decks.
Carnival's policy changes will be rolled out in two steps:
Step 1: Effective June 15, cigarette smoking in public venues will only be permitted in Carnival's dance clubs as well as in designated areas within the casino and casino bar. Smoking (including cigars) will be permitted in designated exterior open deck areas (starboard side) of all ships. Additionally, smoking will also be allowed in the jazz clubs of the following ships: Carnival Destiny, Carnival Triumph, Carnival Victory, Carnival Spirit, Carnival Pride, Carnival Legend, Carnival Miracle, Carnival Conquest, Carnival Glory, Carnival Valor, Carnival Liberty, Carnival Freedom, and Carnival Splendor.
Step 2: Effective December 1, smoking will be prohibited in all guest staterooms. Those guests in balcony accommodations will be permitted to smoke cigarettes and cigars outside on the balcony. Spa staterooms -- currently featured on Carnival Splendor, Carnival Dream and Carnival Magic -- will continue to remain entirely smoke-free, including on the balconies.All three lines cited consumer studies revealing that only a small minority of passengers smoke (fewer than 10%). The cruise lines will institute a $250 cleaning fee as the penalty for breaking the rules.Other lines that ban smoking in cabins and balconies include Crystal Cruises, MSC Cruises and Oceania Cruises.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
World's Coolest New Tourist Attractions
Everyone wants to know where to go next, so we’ve unearthed the coolest new hot spots.
(Courtesy Travel + Leisure Magazine)
(Courtesy Travel + Leisure Magazine)
As you snorkel past coral reefs and angelfish in the warm, shallow waters of the Caribbean Sea, you suddenly come across an eerily beautiful tableau: hundreds of life-size human sculptures. No, this isn’t loot from some sunken pirate ship. It’s the world’s largest underwater museum.
This ingenious twist on Cancún’s popular dive tourism shows that tourism sights get bolder and more innovative each year, often thanks to the involvement of big-name architects, artists, and designers. As destinations vie to create their own “Bilbao Effect,” tourists are getting savvier about what to see and what to skip. It takes more than tall buildings and new museums to titillate today’s tourist.
Even as the Web has increased the visibility of these cool new sights, there’s still no substitute for seeing the real thing in person. Let us point the way.
1. Cancún’s Underwater Museum, Mexico
The world’s largest underwater museum opened three miles offshore in November 2010 with hundreds of sunken life-size human figures. Artist Jason deCaires Taylor used pH-neutral concrete to create these sculptures, which double as a home for peacock flounder, white telestra coral, and other aquatic life that have becoming increasingly threatened by the 750,000-plus annual divers who visit the National Marine Park’s coral reefs.
2. Capital Gate, Abu Dhabi
Dubai typically hogs the limelight with its ambitious projects, but now Abu Dhabi is defying gravity with this glassy 35-story landmark—the world’s furthest-leaning man-made tower. The glinting 18-degree tilt (four times more than that of Pisa’s leaning tower) catches your eye among the city’s jumble of skyscrapers and cranes. You can’t miss it on the drive to the Grand Mosque, but to get a peek inside, book a stay at the Hyatt Hotel slated to open in mid-to-late 2011.
3. Cheetah Hunt Roller Coaster, Busch Gardens, Tampa, Florida
Theme parks invested heavily in new attractions during the recession’s staycation trend, and 2011 sees fruits of those efforts. No new ride has more daredevil spirit than the Cheetah Hunt: a multilaunch coaster that jettisons riders from 0 to 60 mph, corkscrews up 100 feet into a skyscraping figure eight, narrowly grazing over the cable lines for the Skyride, and clips a waterfall before plummet-torqueing into a trench in the park’s Serengeti area. Can we do it again, please?
4. Metropol Parasol, Seville, Spain
If you want to know what Alice felt like in Wonderland, head to Seville, where a trippy new pavilion has sprung up in the Plaza de la Encarnacíon. Undulating blonde timber structures with a honeycomb roof make up the world’s largest wooden building, known by locals as “Setas de la Encarnación,” or the Mushrooms of Incarnation. It’s home to an archaeological museum, a farmers’ market, and an elevated plaza with bars and restaurants.
5. 11 11 Lincoln Road Parking Garage, Miami
Car culture gets the starchitect treatment at this garage. The modernist open-air structure designed by Swiss firm Herzog & de Meuron opened in 2010 and has become a hot spot for events, while hip shops and restaurants like Danny Meyer’s Shake Shack draw daytime crowds. Developer Robert Wennett refers to the trapezoidal house of cards as a “parking sculpture,” complete with an adjacent water garden and a Dan Graham–designed glass pavilion. The mixed-use venue was a winner of the 2011 T+L Design Awards.
6. Orbit Tower, London
Imagine the Eiffel Tower on acid or a roller coaster that’s survived a hurricane. These are the kinds of images that London’s twisted, blood-red, 377-foot-high sculpture brings to mind. Artists Anish Kapoor and Cecil Balmond collaborated on the controversial skyline addition, which is being designed for the 2012 Summer Olympics. The tubular steel tower will feature a platform nested at the midway point and become London’s latest must-see attraction when completed in December 2011.
7. Brooklyn Bridge Park, New York City
There’s a new reward for walking across the Brooklyn Bridge: this necklace of six leafy plots that stretches along the waterfront between the neighborhoods of DUMBO and Cobble Hill. The initial two segments opened in spring 2010 and were heralded as Mayor Bloomberg’s most important legacy by the New York Times architecture critic. An expansion of Pier 6 debuts this summer along with a restored 1920s carousel in a pavilion designed by Jean Nouvel. Time your visit to catch the sunset over the Statue of Liberty, then linger to witness Manhattan light up at night.
8. Nanjing Sifang Art Museum, Nanjing, China
Not many people are familiar with Nanjing, whose population of 7.7 million somehow ranks as “small” by Chinese city terms. But that’s beginning to change as the local art scene outpaces that of Beijing and Shanghai and welcomes a high-profile museum of contemporary architecture. Several years in the making, the Nanjing Sifang Art Museum rises from the quiet, shaggy hills of the Jiangsu like a postmodern Star Wars vehicle. U.S. architect Steven Holl collaborated with international architects on the abstract, stilt-supported design and factored in eco-friendly features like a green roof and a geothermal heating and cooling system.
The world’s largest underwater museum opened three miles offshore in November 2010 with hundreds of sunken life-size human figures. Artist Jason deCaires Taylor used pH-neutral concrete to create these sculptures, which double as a home for peacock flounder, white telestra coral, and other aquatic life that have becoming increasingly threatened by the 750,000-plus annual divers who visit the National Marine Park’s coral reefs.
2. Capital Gate, Abu Dhabi
Dubai typically hogs the limelight with its ambitious projects, but now Abu Dhabi is defying gravity with this glassy 35-story landmark—the world’s furthest-leaning man-made tower. The glinting 18-degree tilt (four times more than that of Pisa’s leaning tower) catches your eye among the city’s jumble of skyscrapers and cranes. You can’t miss it on the drive to the Grand Mosque, but to get a peek inside, book a stay at the Hyatt Hotel slated to open in mid-to-late 2011.
3. Cheetah Hunt Roller Coaster, Busch Gardens, Tampa, Florida
Theme parks invested heavily in new attractions during the recession’s staycation trend, and 2011 sees fruits of those efforts. No new ride has more daredevil spirit than the Cheetah Hunt: a multilaunch coaster that jettisons riders from 0 to 60 mph, corkscrews up 100 feet into a skyscraping figure eight, narrowly grazing over the cable lines for the Skyride, and clips a waterfall before plummet-torqueing into a trench in the park’s Serengeti area. Can we do it again, please?
4. Metropol Parasol, Seville, Spain
If you want to know what Alice felt like in Wonderland, head to Seville, where a trippy new pavilion has sprung up in the Plaza de la Encarnacíon. Undulating blonde timber structures with a honeycomb roof make up the world’s largest wooden building, known by locals as “Setas de la Encarnación,” or the Mushrooms of Incarnation. It’s home to an archaeological museum, a farmers’ market, and an elevated plaza with bars and restaurants.
5. 11 11 Lincoln Road Parking Garage, Miami
Car culture gets the starchitect treatment at this garage. The modernist open-air structure designed by Swiss firm Herzog & de Meuron opened in 2010 and has become a hot spot for events, while hip shops and restaurants like Danny Meyer’s Shake Shack draw daytime crowds. Developer Robert Wennett refers to the trapezoidal house of cards as a “parking sculpture,” complete with an adjacent water garden and a Dan Graham–designed glass pavilion. The mixed-use venue was a winner of the 2011 T+L Design Awards.
6. Orbit Tower, London
Imagine the Eiffel Tower on acid or a roller coaster that’s survived a hurricane. These are the kinds of images that London’s twisted, blood-red, 377-foot-high sculpture brings to mind. Artists Anish Kapoor and Cecil Balmond collaborated on the controversial skyline addition, which is being designed for the 2012 Summer Olympics. The tubular steel tower will feature a platform nested at the midway point and become London’s latest must-see attraction when completed in December 2011.
7. Brooklyn Bridge Park, New York City
There’s a new reward for walking across the Brooklyn Bridge: this necklace of six leafy plots that stretches along the waterfront between the neighborhoods of DUMBO and Cobble Hill. The initial two segments opened in spring 2010 and were heralded as Mayor Bloomberg’s most important legacy by the New York Times architecture critic. An expansion of Pier 6 debuts this summer along with a restored 1920s carousel in a pavilion designed by Jean Nouvel. Time your visit to catch the sunset over the Statue of Liberty, then linger to witness Manhattan light up at night.
8. Nanjing Sifang Art Museum, Nanjing, China
Not many people are familiar with Nanjing, whose population of 7.7 million somehow ranks as “small” by Chinese city terms. But that’s beginning to change as the local art scene outpaces that of Beijing and Shanghai and welcomes a high-profile museum of contemporary architecture. Several years in the making, the Nanjing Sifang Art Museum rises from the quiet, shaggy hills of the Jiangsu like a postmodern Star Wars vehicle. U.S. architect Steven Holl collaborated with international architects on the abstract, stilt-supported design and factored in eco-friendly features like a green roof and a geothermal heating and cooling system.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Disney's Top 10 Moms Panel Picks
Ever wanted to know the best places to take your kids among all the great attractions at Walt Disney World? In 2008 Disney put together the Walt Disney World Moms Panel, a free, online forum led by real, park-savvy parents to assist with the vacation planning process.
It's not easy to get onto the panel. Disney receives literally thousands of applications to join the panel each year, but only a handful of the most knowledgeable and enthusiastic Disney "know-it-alls" are asked to join this elite roster.
The 44-member panel was polled on their favorite attractions for kids and families, and here are their top 10.
Water park: Typhoon Lagoon
Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Water Park, one of two water parks in Walt Disney World Resort, features attractions for the whole family—from fast waterslides to a children's area with pint-sized raft rides. Catch six-foot waves in the surf pool and snorkel Shark Reef -- with real sharks!
According to Disney legend, Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Water Park was created in the wake of the "storm of storms." During the meteorological disturbance, surfboards were hurled into palm trees and boats were tossed through thatched roofs of beach houses... and onto mountains.
Miss Tilly, a hapless shrimp boat journeying from Safen Sound, Fla., was swept up by the twisting tides and propelled onto the peak of the volcanic mountain, Mount Mayday. Every half hour, the boat's whistle blows and the volcano attempts to dislodge its burden by bursting, causing an enormous geyser of water to shoot skyward.
Souvenir: Mouse Ears
Who could visit Disney World and not come home with the park's signature souvenir? Or even a set of them? The famous Mickey and Minnie Mouse ears come in a wide variety of colors and themes, so that kids can choose ears to match their favorite Disney movie or park ride.
Special event: Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at the Magic Kingdom
Held on select dates in September and October, Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is a Halloween-themed special event at which guests of all ages are encouraged to dress up in their favorite Halloween costumes. Even better, you can collect delicious candy as you trick-or-treat around Magic Kingdom theme park. Please note that on top of your daily admission charge, there is an additional admission charge to attend Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party.
Restaurant for picky eaters: Crystal Palace / Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe
For the Moms Panel's pick for the best restaurant for picky eaters, we came up with two great choices: The Crystal Palace, which serves a buffet of American cuisine at breakfast, lunch and dinner; and Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe, where the Blast-off Burger, Cosmic Chicken and Starlight Soups and Salads are all "stellar." Both restaurants are located in the Magic Kingdom. I have eaten at Cosmic Ray's and would concur that it was a good choice.
Restaurant to try something different: Boma - Flavors of Africa
Designed to resemble an African marketplace, "Boma - Flavors of Africa," is a family-friendly buffet-style restaurant serving breakfast and dinner in Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge. This exotic restaurant serves dishes inspired by the varied flavors and seasonal dishes of over 50 African countries, from the coast of the Mediterranean to the Indian Ocean.
Place for a family of 5: All Star Music Resort's Family Suites
Disney's All-Star Music Resort is a Disney Value Resort hotel featuring giant icons that pay homage to classic music genres -- including Broadway show tunes, calypso, country, jazz and rock n' roll.
Guest rooms are divided into 5 pairs of 3-story buildings -- each bright, whimsical pair is themed after one of the featured music genres and decorated with massive musical instruments. For larger families, Disney's All-Star Music Resort is the only Disney Value Resort to offer family suites, which sleep up to six guests each.
As you can imagine, these types of rooms are extremely popular, so you should book as far ahead as possible.
Place to watch the fireworks: Anywhere on Main Street USA
For the best place to watch the nightly Wishes Nighttime Spectacular -- the biggest, brightest fireworks extravaganza in Magic Kingdom theme park history -- you'll want to perch yourself on the Magic Kingdom's Main Street USA. Jiminy Cricket is your host, guiding Pinocchio, Cinderella, Ariel, Peter Pan and other beloved Disney Characters through a fantastic tale told amongst the stars. A magnificent musical score synchs with the fireworks for a stunning aural and visual experience, featuring unique pyrotechnics and special effects.
Restaurant: 'Ohana at Disney's Polynesian Resort
Ohana restaurant in Disney's Polynesian Resort offers a dinner menu with selections influenced by Polynesian cuisine and a Character Dining breakfast. Both meals are served family style, which makes sense since in the Hawaiian culture 'ohana means family. The Ohana servers contribute to the festive atmosphere, as they dash between tikis and tropical greenery to bring plates of Polynesian specialties to your table. Choose from skewers roasted over an expansive 18-foot oak fire pit. Side dishes include stir-fried vegetables, fried dumplings, lo mein noodles and a salad starter. The full bar in 'Ohana offers select wines and tropical alcoholic drinks.
Money-saving tip: Bring your own water & snacks
If there's two things every mother will need in the park, it's plenty of water and snacks for the kids. It's a good idea to plan ahead and bring your own bottled water and whatever your kids like to snack on, to save yourself both time and money.
Show: "Hoop-Dee-Doo Review" & "Festival of the Lion King"
For the best show, the Moms Panel actually picked two shows: the "Hoop-Dee-Do Review" at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort and the "Festival of the Lion King" at Disney's Animal Kingdom.
Disney's "Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue" dinner show has been leaving 'em laughing in their spare ribs and fried chicken for more than 35 years. The Pioneer Hall Players -- an ever-changing cast of singers, dancers and musicians with a passion for whimsy -- have delivered some 34,400 performances, yet the guffaws remain as fresh (and silly) as they were when Disney entertainment gurus created the "Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue" as a college workshop program in summer 1974.
The Festival of the Lion King brings the familiar characters of the Disney animated classic film The Lion King from the movie screen to an action-packed stage at Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park. This scheduled 30-minute big-as-Broadway live show combines the pageantry of a parade with a tribal celebration, filled with high-energy dances and even fire juggling, performed in an air-conditioned theater-in-the-round with stadium seating. This was a good show, though our 4-year-old granddaughter was expecting it to be more like the animated movie.
For more information on booking a Disney vacation, call Hurley World Travel at (410) 588-6938.
It's not easy to get onto the panel. Disney receives literally thousands of applications to join the panel each year, but only a handful of the most knowledgeable and enthusiastic Disney "know-it-alls" are asked to join this elite roster.
The 44-member panel was polled on their favorite attractions for kids and families, and here are their top 10.
Water park: Typhoon Lagoon
Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Water Park, one of two water parks in Walt Disney World Resort, features attractions for the whole family—from fast waterslides to a children's area with pint-sized raft rides. Catch six-foot waves in the surf pool and snorkel Shark Reef -- with real sharks!
According to Disney legend, Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Water Park was created in the wake of the "storm of storms." During the meteorological disturbance, surfboards were hurled into palm trees and boats were tossed through thatched roofs of beach houses... and onto mountains.
Miss Tilly, a hapless shrimp boat journeying from Safen Sound, Fla., was swept up by the twisting tides and propelled onto the peak of the volcanic mountain, Mount Mayday. Every half hour, the boat's whistle blows and the volcano attempts to dislodge its burden by bursting, causing an enormous geyser of water to shoot skyward.
Souvenir: Mouse Ears
Who could visit Disney World and not come home with the park's signature souvenir? Or even a set of them? The famous Mickey and Minnie Mouse ears come in a wide variety of colors and themes, so that kids can choose ears to match their favorite Disney movie or park ride.
Special event: Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at the Magic Kingdom
Held on select dates in September and October, Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is a Halloween-themed special event at which guests of all ages are encouraged to dress up in their favorite Halloween costumes. Even better, you can collect delicious candy as you trick-or-treat around Magic Kingdom theme park. Please note that on top of your daily admission charge, there is an additional admission charge to attend Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party.
Restaurant for picky eaters: Crystal Palace / Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe
For the Moms Panel's pick for the best restaurant for picky eaters, we came up with two great choices: The Crystal Palace, which serves a buffet of American cuisine at breakfast, lunch and dinner; and Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe, where the Blast-off Burger, Cosmic Chicken and Starlight Soups and Salads are all "stellar." Both restaurants are located in the Magic Kingdom. I have eaten at Cosmic Ray's and would concur that it was a good choice.
Restaurant to try something different: Boma - Flavors of Africa
Designed to resemble an African marketplace, "Boma - Flavors of Africa," is a family-friendly buffet-style restaurant serving breakfast and dinner in Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge. This exotic restaurant serves dishes inspired by the varied flavors and seasonal dishes of over 50 African countries, from the coast of the Mediterranean to the Indian Ocean.
Place for a family of 5: All Star Music Resort's Family Suites
Disney's All-Star Music Resort is a Disney Value Resort hotel featuring giant icons that pay homage to classic music genres -- including Broadway show tunes, calypso, country, jazz and rock n' roll.
Guest rooms are divided into 5 pairs of 3-story buildings -- each bright, whimsical pair is themed after one of the featured music genres and decorated with massive musical instruments. For larger families, Disney's All-Star Music Resort is the only Disney Value Resort to offer family suites, which sleep up to six guests each.
As you can imagine, these types of rooms are extremely popular, so you should book as far ahead as possible.
Place to watch the fireworks: Anywhere on Main Street USA
For the best place to watch the nightly Wishes Nighttime Spectacular -- the biggest, brightest fireworks extravaganza in Magic Kingdom theme park history -- you'll want to perch yourself on the Magic Kingdom's Main Street USA. Jiminy Cricket is your host, guiding Pinocchio, Cinderella, Ariel, Peter Pan and other beloved Disney Characters through a fantastic tale told amongst the stars. A magnificent musical score synchs with the fireworks for a stunning aural and visual experience, featuring unique pyrotechnics and special effects.
Restaurant: 'Ohana at Disney's Polynesian Resort
Ohana restaurant in Disney's Polynesian Resort offers a dinner menu with selections influenced by Polynesian cuisine and a Character Dining breakfast. Both meals are served family style, which makes sense since in the Hawaiian culture 'ohana means family. The Ohana servers contribute to the festive atmosphere, as they dash between tikis and tropical greenery to bring plates of Polynesian specialties to your table. Choose from skewers roasted over an expansive 18-foot oak fire pit. Side dishes include stir-fried vegetables, fried dumplings, lo mein noodles and a salad starter. The full bar in 'Ohana offers select wines and tropical alcoholic drinks.
Money-saving tip: Bring your own water & snacks
If there's two things every mother will need in the park, it's plenty of water and snacks for the kids. It's a good idea to plan ahead and bring your own bottled water and whatever your kids like to snack on, to save yourself both time and money.
Show: "Hoop-Dee-Doo Review" & "Festival of the Lion King"
For the best show, the Moms Panel actually picked two shows: the "Hoop-Dee-Do Review" at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort and the "Festival of the Lion King" at Disney's Animal Kingdom.
Disney's "Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue" dinner show has been leaving 'em laughing in their spare ribs and fried chicken for more than 35 years. The Pioneer Hall Players -- an ever-changing cast of singers, dancers and musicians with a passion for whimsy -- have delivered some 34,400 performances, yet the guffaws remain as fresh (and silly) as they were when Disney entertainment gurus created the "Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue" as a college workshop program in summer 1974.
The Festival of the Lion King brings the familiar characters of the Disney animated classic film The Lion King from the movie screen to an action-packed stage at Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park. This scheduled 30-minute big-as-Broadway live show combines the pageantry of a parade with a tribal celebration, filled with high-energy dances and even fire juggling, performed in an air-conditioned theater-in-the-round with stadium seating. This was a good show, though our 4-year-old granddaughter was expecting it to be more like the animated movie.
For more information on booking a Disney vacation, call Hurley World Travel at (410) 588-6938.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Using Common Sense Will Keep You Safe on Vacation
When going on your hard earned vacation, you want to make sure that you have fun. You want to unwind and enjoy your time off. But, you want to make sure that you come home safely. Just follow these tips and you should have a safe, relaxing time on your next vacation.
Be Prepared
When you are preparing for the intricacies of travel, safety is usually far from your thoughts. No doubt you will read countless reviews of your hotel, choose the seats for your outbound and return flights taking into account sunset times and city views, plan which excursions you’ll take and which aren’t worth the money. But how much time do you spend checking out the safety of the country you are visiting?
Just because you’re not flying into a war zone, it doesn’t mean there aren’t important facts you should learn about your destination before you arrive. The U.S. Department of State’s website, has a wealth of up-to-date travel safety information about every country in the world. And it’s not all about dodging kidnappers and avoiding guerrilla armies.
The State Department site has a fact sheet for every country detailing current health risks, security concerns and areas to avoid. Many countries in Europe, for example, have had minor outbreaks of avian flu among farm animals. Although this poses a negligible risk to travelers, it’s worth finding out how to avoid contact with farm animals and what to do if you think you are at risk.
Know Where You’re Going
As well as checking out the safety issues of the country or city you are flying to, make sure you know where you are going when you land. The excitement of being in a new and strange place can quickly turn to panic when you realize that it’s getting dark and you don’t know how to get to your hotel.Plan your route to your hotel before you embark on your trip. Whether by taxi, shuttle bus or foot, find out where you have to go and roughly how much it’s going to cost to get there so that you can be sure to have enough cash when you arrive.
If you are planning on walking to your hotel, check with someone who knows the area – your hotel is probably your best bet – to make sure that it’s a safe walk. As wonderful as today’s mapping websites are, they remain blissfully unaware of whether your intended route takes you through an area renown for gang crime or, for that matter, whether the two mile hike is entirely up-hill. Print out directions before you leave and make sure you have enough cash to hail a taxi, if necessary.
Don’t Make Bad Choices
In many cases, sampling the local culture means sampling the local alcohol. You’re on vacation. You’re enjoying yourself. Who can blame you for going a little crazy?The old adage says that, when you’ve been drinking, your first faculty to fail isn’t your speech or your coordination, it’s your judgment. And it leaves you early in the evening.
You wouldn’t dream of walking back to your hotel from a strange bar down a strange road in the sober light of day, but after a few glasses of local rum, it seems like a great idea.While it’s important to have fun while you’re on vacation, don’t do it at the expense of your safety. When you’ve had too much to drink, you’re much more likely to make a bad decision that may put your possessions, and maybe even your life, in danger.
Needless to say, indulging illegal drugs – no matter how socially acceptable it may be to the locals – significantly increases your risk of getting into a situation that could put your life in danger (not to mention the risk of being arrested and deported).
Make Sure Someone Knows Where You Are
When you are traveling overseas, it’s easy (and, in some cases, preferable) to drop off the radar a little. But, however liberating it may feel to not have to worry about your mundane life awaiting you on your return, you should not detach yourself entirely from your life back home.
Whether you are traveling with friends, your partner or your family, make sure that someone back home knows the essential details of your trip – where you’re going, how long you’ll be away for and how to contact you in an emergency.
For people who enjoy traveling alone, keeping your whereabouts common knowledge is even more important. Let the hotel front desk know if you’re going out for the day and roughly when you plan to be back. Also, leave details of how to contact friends and family back home in case of an emergency. You don’t have to provide anyone with a minute-by-minute itinerary of your comings and goings, but letting someone know of your rough plans could be life-saving if the worst happens.
Don’t Think It Could Never Happen to You
Don’t ruin your vacation by being overly-paranoid that you are going to be attacked at any minute. At the same time, it’s important to be aware of potential safety pitfalls and prepare for these eventualities.
Make at least two copies of your passport, drivers’ license and any other documentation that you might need. Keep one copy in your suitcase and one copy with friends or family back in the U.S. If you lose any of these documents, having a copy on hand will significantly speed up the process of getting replacements.
Also, take out traveler’s insurance before your trip. The insurance policies we sell cover medical emergencies, lost baggage and even flight delays that result in lost hotel rooms; it’s worth the price for peace of mind.
Whether you’re taking a short vacation in the Caribbean or the trip of a lifetime around the world, travel safety should always be a priority. If you prepare well before the trip and keep your wits about you while you are there, you can avoid potentially dangerous situations while enjoying your well-earned vacation.
Be Prepared
When you are preparing for the intricacies of travel, safety is usually far from your thoughts. No doubt you will read countless reviews of your hotel, choose the seats for your outbound and return flights taking into account sunset times and city views, plan which excursions you’ll take and which aren’t worth the money. But how much time do you spend checking out the safety of the country you are visiting?
Just because you’re not flying into a war zone, it doesn’t mean there aren’t important facts you should learn about your destination before you arrive. The U.S. Department of State’s website, has a wealth of up-to-date travel safety information about every country in the world. And it’s not all about dodging kidnappers and avoiding guerrilla armies.
The State Department site has a fact sheet for every country detailing current health risks, security concerns and areas to avoid. Many countries in Europe, for example, have had minor outbreaks of avian flu among farm animals. Although this poses a negligible risk to travelers, it’s worth finding out how to avoid contact with farm animals and what to do if you think you are at risk.
Know Where You’re Going
As well as checking out the safety issues of the country or city you are flying to, make sure you know where you are going when you land. The excitement of being in a new and strange place can quickly turn to panic when you realize that it’s getting dark and you don’t know how to get to your hotel.Plan your route to your hotel before you embark on your trip. Whether by taxi, shuttle bus or foot, find out where you have to go and roughly how much it’s going to cost to get there so that you can be sure to have enough cash when you arrive.
If you are planning on walking to your hotel, check with someone who knows the area – your hotel is probably your best bet – to make sure that it’s a safe walk. As wonderful as today’s mapping websites are, they remain blissfully unaware of whether your intended route takes you through an area renown for gang crime or, for that matter, whether the two mile hike is entirely up-hill. Print out directions before you leave and make sure you have enough cash to hail a taxi, if necessary.
Don’t Make Bad Choices
In many cases, sampling the local culture means sampling the local alcohol. You’re on vacation. You’re enjoying yourself. Who can blame you for going a little crazy?The old adage says that, when you’ve been drinking, your first faculty to fail isn’t your speech or your coordination, it’s your judgment. And it leaves you early in the evening.
You wouldn’t dream of walking back to your hotel from a strange bar down a strange road in the sober light of day, but after a few glasses of local rum, it seems like a great idea.While it’s important to have fun while you’re on vacation, don’t do it at the expense of your safety. When you’ve had too much to drink, you’re much more likely to make a bad decision that may put your possessions, and maybe even your life, in danger.
Needless to say, indulging illegal drugs – no matter how socially acceptable it may be to the locals – significantly increases your risk of getting into a situation that could put your life in danger (not to mention the risk of being arrested and deported).
Make Sure Someone Knows Where You Are
When you are traveling overseas, it’s easy (and, in some cases, preferable) to drop off the radar a little. But, however liberating it may feel to not have to worry about your mundane life awaiting you on your return, you should not detach yourself entirely from your life back home.
Whether you are traveling with friends, your partner or your family, make sure that someone back home knows the essential details of your trip – where you’re going, how long you’ll be away for and how to contact you in an emergency.
For people who enjoy traveling alone, keeping your whereabouts common knowledge is even more important. Let the hotel front desk know if you’re going out for the day and roughly when you plan to be back. Also, leave details of how to contact friends and family back home in case of an emergency. You don’t have to provide anyone with a minute-by-minute itinerary of your comings and goings, but letting someone know of your rough plans could be life-saving if the worst happens.
Don’t Think It Could Never Happen to You
Don’t ruin your vacation by being overly-paranoid that you are going to be attacked at any minute. At the same time, it’s important to be aware of potential safety pitfalls and prepare for these eventualities.
Make at least two copies of your passport, drivers’ license and any other documentation that you might need. Keep one copy in your suitcase and one copy with friends or family back in the U.S. If you lose any of these documents, having a copy on hand will significantly speed up the process of getting replacements.
Also, take out traveler’s insurance before your trip. The insurance policies we sell cover medical emergencies, lost baggage and even flight delays that result in lost hotel rooms; it’s worth the price for peace of mind.
Whether you’re taking a short vacation in the Caribbean or the trip of a lifetime around the world, travel safety should always be a priority. If you prepare well before the trip and keep your wits about you while you are there, you can avoid potentially dangerous situations while enjoying your well-earned vacation.
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Another Glorious Day in Ireland
Sitting in Tralee on my last full day in Ireland, I continue to marvel at the incredible weather. Bright and sunny with temperatures in the upper 50's, rain is forecast for the upcoming week, so I suppose we are coming home at the right time.
After golfing on Thursday, we drove into Ballyheigue and drove up to the house where my father was born. We also stopped at the old cemetery and visited the Hurley family plot. Then we walked along the beach of Ballyheigue Bay at low tide. It was a wonderful way to spend the afternoon. We then went went to my cousin Nora's house and enjoyed an outstanding dinner of lamb, mashed potatoes and "veg". The food was excellent and the company even better. It is always nice to hear about things from a local perspective. We really had a great evening.
Friday we traveled out the Ring of Kerry to Valentia Island, where my cousin Philomena spent part of her childhood. It was a beautiful ride and the views were stunning, though a bit obscured by the haze in the air. There were many sheep and heads of cattle grazing in the fields and the newborn lambs and calves were closely following their mothers. We first stopped in the village of Portmagee and enjoyed coffee and some GREAT baked goods at Skellig Mist Coffee Shop. The pastries were outstanding, as was the brown bread (a loaf of which we bought and had this morning with breakfast). We then drove across the bridge to Valentia Island and visited Fogher Cliffs, Knightstown and the Grotto at the Valentia Slate Quarry.
We then drove back to Tralee and had a nice Italian dinner at Il Pomo Doro. The pizza and pasta dishes we shared were great and reasonably priced and my wife really liked the bruschetta.
Today we spent time shopping in Tralee and Philomena will make us a nice dinner of bacon and cabbage after which we hope to head to Ardfert to watch Nora's grandsons play in 16U Gaelic football match. Then, we will drive the two hours to Shannon and spend the night at the Park Inn Hotel right at the airport.
We have been blessed to have such a great time here---great weather, great hospitality and great sightseeing!
After golfing on Thursday, we drove into Ballyheigue and drove up to the house where my father was born. We also stopped at the old cemetery and visited the Hurley family plot. Then we walked along the beach of Ballyheigue Bay at low tide. It was a wonderful way to spend the afternoon. We then went went to my cousin Nora's house and enjoyed an outstanding dinner of lamb, mashed potatoes and "veg". The food was excellent and the company even better. It is always nice to hear about things from a local perspective. We really had a great evening.
Friday we traveled out the Ring of Kerry to Valentia Island, where my cousin Philomena spent part of her childhood. It was a beautiful ride and the views were stunning, though a bit obscured by the haze in the air. There were many sheep and heads of cattle grazing in the fields and the newborn lambs and calves were closely following their mothers. We first stopped in the village of Portmagee and enjoyed coffee and some GREAT baked goods at Skellig Mist Coffee Shop. The pastries were outstanding, as was the brown bread (a loaf of which we bought and had this morning with breakfast). We then drove across the bridge to Valentia Island and visited Fogher Cliffs, Knightstown and the Grotto at the Valentia Slate Quarry.
We then drove back to Tralee and had a nice Italian dinner at Il Pomo Doro. The pizza and pasta dishes we shared were great and reasonably priced and my wife really liked the bruschetta.
Today we spent time shopping in Tralee and Philomena will make us a nice dinner of bacon and cabbage after which we hope to head to Ardfert to watch Nora's grandsons play in 16U Gaelic football match. Then, we will drive the two hours to Shannon and spend the night at the Park Inn Hotel right at the airport.
We have been blessed to have such a great time here---great weather, great hospitality and great sightseeing!
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Great Irish Weather Continues!
I am writing from Tralee, in County Kerry after just having completed 18 holes of golf in shirtsleeves in March! We have been told that we have "brought the weather" and people are asking us to stay through the end of September. We really have been lucky.
Yesterday, we made a quick morning visit back in beautiful Kinsale and then headed down to Blarney. Enroute, we met up with my cousin Mike and his mom, Ella for a coffee at the Anglers Rest Pub, just outside Cork City. We had a great visit outside on the patio, catching up.
From there we headed over to Blarney Castle led by my cousin Ella (we would have been able to find it ourselves, but, in true Irish fashion, they wanted us to have no trouble so she led us there). After paying our entrance fee (10 euros apiece), we made the walk to the castle through the lovely grounds. The castle was built nearly 600 years ago and the keep still remains standing. We walked the 100 steps to the top of the castle (it gets a bit tight and narrow towards the top) and made our way to the famous Blarney Stone. Now, to kiss the Stone, you have to lay flat on your back, grab two rails that protrude from the wall, and lean backwards. My wife and I both did it and now will be blessed with the "gift of eloquence", according to the legend. We then walked around the small garden there (the Poison Garden) and the Rock Close, a walking path highlighting an number of natural features on the castle grounds.
After our Castle tour, we enjoyed a nice lunch at the cafe' attached to the Blarney Woolen Mills and then browsed through the store. There are tons of woolen goods for evryone on your shopping list and the prices seemed reasonable enough (later verified by one of my cousins!) We wrapped up things there and headed back for Tralee, driving through the scenic Cork & Kerry mountains. We arrived in Tralee, picked up my cousin and had a fantastic dinner at the Oyster Tavern just outside Tralee in the village of Spa. I had a great dish of linguine with a mixture of locally caught shellfish and whitefish that was fantastic! I have eaten here before and would highly recommend this restaurant.
I will be visiting another cousin and her family tonight for dinner and then tomorrow we plan a trip to Valentia Island on the Rink of Kerry. It looks like the weather will hold through until the end of our trip on Sunday. Let's hope so! Slainte'!
Yesterday, we made a quick morning visit back in beautiful Kinsale and then headed down to Blarney. Enroute, we met up with my cousin Mike and his mom, Ella for a coffee at the Anglers Rest Pub, just outside Cork City. We had a great visit outside on the patio, catching up.
From there we headed over to Blarney Castle led by my cousin Ella (we would have been able to find it ourselves, but, in true Irish fashion, they wanted us to have no trouble so she led us there). After paying our entrance fee (10 euros apiece), we made the walk to the castle through the lovely grounds. The castle was built nearly 600 years ago and the keep still remains standing. We walked the 100 steps to the top of the castle (it gets a bit tight and narrow towards the top) and made our way to the famous Blarney Stone. Now, to kiss the Stone, you have to lay flat on your back, grab two rails that protrude from the wall, and lean backwards. My wife and I both did it and now will be blessed with the "gift of eloquence", according to the legend. We then walked around the small garden there (the Poison Garden) and the Rock Close, a walking path highlighting an number of natural features on the castle grounds.
After our Castle tour, we enjoyed a nice lunch at the cafe' attached to the Blarney Woolen Mills and then browsed through the store. There are tons of woolen goods for evryone on your shopping list and the prices seemed reasonable enough (later verified by one of my cousins!) We wrapped up things there and headed back for Tralee, driving through the scenic Cork & Kerry mountains. We arrived in Tralee, picked up my cousin and had a fantastic dinner at the Oyster Tavern just outside Tralee in the village of Spa. I had a great dish of linguine with a mixture of locally caught shellfish and whitefish that was fantastic! I have eaten here before and would highly recommend this restaurant.
I will be visiting another cousin and her family tonight for dinner and then tomorrow we plan a trip to Valentia Island on the Rink of Kerry. It looks like the weather will hold through until the end of our trip on Sunday. Let's hope so! Slainte'!
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Greetings from Kinsale, Co. Cork
Another beautiful day here in Ireland. Bright sunshine with a temperature around 60 degrees. This morning, we drove from Waterford City down to Cobh to visit that seaside town. From the 1848 through 1950, more than 6 million people emigrated from Ireland, with 2.5 million departing from Cobh (including my grandparents, aunt and father). Most went to America, with many more going to Canada, Australia, New Zealand and in some cases, South America. This exodus was largely a result of poverty, crop failures, the land system and a lack of opportunity. And the Cobh Heritage Centre, tells the sad story of this mass departure of so many Irish from their homeland.
Cobh is also known as the last stop for the fabled Titanic. The Titanic sailed from Cobh (then known as Queenstown) at 1:30 PM on April 11, 1912. As we all know, the grand ship sunk in the North Atlantic on April 15, 1912, killing 1,517 passengers and crew.
On May 7, 1915, the Cunard liner Lusitania was torpedoed by a German U-Boat. The incident took place 10 miles of the Old Head of Kinsale in Co. Cork, not too far from Cobh. A flotilla of rescue boats was launched and 761 people were saved. Of the 1,198 passengers who died, most were never recovered. the survivors were taken to Cobh after their rescue.
You can learn all about these events at the Cobh Heritage Centre, which is located in the old Cobh railroad station. In addition, there is an information desk, where, for 10 euros for 30 minutes, an individual can help you trace your Irish heritage with any information you can provide. We gave her some information about my wife's family that left Ireland in the 1850's. Though we were not able to pinpoint any specific information, we now know where to go for further information when we return home.
We also enjoyed a great bowl of soup and some good coffee and scones in the cafe' at the center. All in all, our journey to Cobh was a phenomenal experience.
Next, a short drive down to Cork and then heading due east brought us to the lovely town of Kinsale. Known as a "foodie" town, we spent the afternoon walking the narrow streets browsing in various shops. We also laid out our plan of attack for this night's dinner. Unfortunately, our first choice (and the restaurant that was most highly recommended from a number of sources) Fishy Fishy Cafe', was only open from noon to 4:00 PM. We decided to check in to our hotel and then re-strategizing.
A short drive out of town (about 2 miles) brought us to the Carlton Hotel and Spa. A modern hotel with a beautiful view of Oysterhaven Bay and the farm fields beyond, the Carlton offers a full spa, indoor pool and exercise facility. There is also a nice bar and restaurant, both offering tables that look over the stunning landscape.
After checking out the property, we made the short drive back into Kinsale (there is also a shuttle van that will take you back and forth from the hotel into Kinsale). We found our next choice for dinner, Crackpots Ceramic Restaurant on Cork Street. It was hard to find at fist because the entrance was blocked by a lift that was being used by a painter freshening up the front of the establishment. Unfortunately for us, this meant that Crackpots was closed. 0 for 2!
So, based on a recommendation from my cousin Michael, we settled into Jim Edwards place on Short Quay. There is a bar and restaurant and you can't go wrong with either menu. We grabbed a small table in a corner of the bar and ordered off that menu, which is plentiful and a lot cheaper than the restaurant menu (though you can order off that menu in the bar, as well.)
Starting out with a great pint of Guinness (it always taste better over here!), I enjoyed the broiled salmon, while my wife had the baked cod "Mornay" (a great sauce made of white wine and cheese). Our dinners came with mixed vegetables, scalloped potatoes and fries, all served family style. We finished it off with a fantastic piece of banoffi pie and Kinsale lived up to it's reputation.
Tomorrow morning it's back into Kinsale and then off to Blarney Castle to kiss the Blarney Stone.
Cobh is also known as the last stop for the fabled Titanic. The Titanic sailed from Cobh (then known as Queenstown) at 1:30 PM on April 11, 1912. As we all know, the grand ship sunk in the North Atlantic on April 15, 1912, killing 1,517 passengers and crew.
On May 7, 1915, the Cunard liner Lusitania was torpedoed by a German U-Boat. The incident took place 10 miles of the Old Head of Kinsale in Co. Cork, not too far from Cobh. A flotilla of rescue boats was launched and 761 people were saved. Of the 1,198 passengers who died, most were never recovered. the survivors were taken to Cobh after their rescue.
You can learn all about these events at the Cobh Heritage Centre, which is located in the old Cobh railroad station. In addition, there is an information desk, where, for 10 euros for 30 minutes, an individual can help you trace your Irish heritage with any information you can provide. We gave her some information about my wife's family that left Ireland in the 1850's. Though we were not able to pinpoint any specific information, we now know where to go for further information when we return home.
We also enjoyed a great bowl of soup and some good coffee and scones in the cafe' at the center. All in all, our journey to Cobh was a phenomenal experience.
Next, a short drive down to Cork and then heading due east brought us to the lovely town of Kinsale. Known as a "foodie" town, we spent the afternoon walking the narrow streets browsing in various shops. We also laid out our plan of attack for this night's dinner. Unfortunately, our first choice (and the restaurant that was most highly recommended from a number of sources) Fishy Fishy Cafe', was only open from noon to 4:00 PM. We decided to check in to our hotel and then re-strategizing.
A short drive out of town (about 2 miles) brought us to the Carlton Hotel and Spa. A modern hotel with a beautiful view of Oysterhaven Bay and the farm fields beyond, the Carlton offers a full spa, indoor pool and exercise facility. There is also a nice bar and restaurant, both offering tables that look over the stunning landscape.
After checking out the property, we made the short drive back into Kinsale (there is also a shuttle van that will take you back and forth from the hotel into Kinsale). We found our next choice for dinner, Crackpots Ceramic Restaurant on Cork Street. It was hard to find at fist because the entrance was blocked by a lift that was being used by a painter freshening up the front of the establishment. Unfortunately for us, this meant that Crackpots was closed. 0 for 2!
So, based on a recommendation from my cousin Michael, we settled into Jim Edwards place on Short Quay. There is a bar and restaurant and you can't go wrong with either menu. We grabbed a small table in a corner of the bar and ordered off that menu, which is plentiful and a lot cheaper than the restaurant menu (though you can order off that menu in the bar, as well.)
Starting out with a great pint of Guinness (it always taste better over here!), I enjoyed the broiled salmon, while my wife had the baked cod "Mornay" (a great sauce made of white wine and cheese). Our dinners came with mixed vegetables, scalloped potatoes and fries, all served family style. We finished it off with a fantastic piece of banoffi pie and Kinsale lived up to it's reputation.
Tomorrow morning it's back into Kinsale and then off to Blarney Castle to kiss the Blarney Stone.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Hello from Ireland
I arrived in Ireland early Friday morning (the day after St. Patrick's Day). After getting my rental car, I quickly became re-acquainted with driving on the left side of the road. After a beautiful drive along the Shannon River, we stopped at a favorite restaurant (Kirby's Brogue Inn in Tarbert, Co. Clare) for the full Irish breakfast---eggs, bacon (ham), various sausage, a broiled tomato and toast.
Afterwards, we headed to Tralee in County Kerry. We visited with my cousin and then settled in for brief nap. We then enjoyed an early dinner at O'Donnell's restaurant in the Mount Hawk section of Tralee. On Saturday, we enjoyed a long visit with another cousin and her family and experienced firsthand Irish hospitality. When you are offered something (food or drink), answering "no" is not an option!
Later that evening, we went to the Siamsa Tire, the National Folk Theatre of Ireland, for an amateur production of Michael Collins. This musical production, put on by the Tralee Musical Society, recreates the life story of one of Ireland’s most legendary political figures, Michael Collins. The story begins with Collins’ involvement in the Easter Rising of 1916, questions his controversial involvement with the War of Independence and the signing of the Treaty which subsequently led to the Irish Civil War….and ultimately, Collins death at the age of 31.
This was an extremely well done production that was rewarded with a well deserved standing ovation. The show is directed and produced by a cousin, Oliver Hurley. I am not sure what the plans for the show are, but if it ever tours anywhere near you, I would highly recommend the show!
Sunday began with Mass in the church where my grandparents were married and my Dad was baptized. After a scenic drive around beautiful Kerry Head, we were off to another cousin's house for dinner. Again, hospitality is everywhere when you visit with the Irish and it's always nice to be treated with so well (though the scale might not be too happy when I get back!).
We left Tralee this morning, driving through numerous towns in County Cork and County Waterford, passing through quaint villages and small towns. We saw numerous old churches and ruins of castles and abbeys, etc. I wish we had more time to investigate everything we saw.
We are in Waterford tonight after spending the afternoon touring the Waterford Crystal factory. The tour allows you to get up close with the process of making the world-famous crystal. We saw the craftsmen blowing and molding the glass, then smoothing it, cutting it by hand (from memory) and then doing intricate engraving. It was very impressive and when the tour is over, you have the opportunity to browse a large retail center where you can purchase any number of patterns, both new and archived.
I am staying tonight at the Waterford Marina Hotel, a nice hotel along the River Suir. Check back tomorrow, for more information about my trip.
Afterwards, we headed to Tralee in County Kerry. We visited with my cousin and then settled in for brief nap. We then enjoyed an early dinner at O'Donnell's restaurant in the Mount Hawk section of Tralee. On Saturday, we enjoyed a long visit with another cousin and her family and experienced firsthand Irish hospitality. When you are offered something (food or drink), answering "no" is not an option!
Later that evening, we went to the Siamsa Tire, the National Folk Theatre of Ireland, for an amateur production of Michael Collins. This musical production, put on by the Tralee Musical Society, recreates the life story of one of Ireland’s most legendary political figures, Michael Collins. The story begins with Collins’ involvement in the Easter Rising of 1916, questions his controversial involvement with the War of Independence and the signing of the Treaty which subsequently led to the Irish Civil War….and ultimately, Collins death at the age of 31.
This was an extremely well done production that was rewarded with a well deserved standing ovation. The show is directed and produced by a cousin, Oliver Hurley. I am not sure what the plans for the show are, but if it ever tours anywhere near you, I would highly recommend the show!
Sunday began with Mass in the church where my grandparents were married and my Dad was baptized. After a scenic drive around beautiful Kerry Head, we were off to another cousin's house for dinner. Again, hospitality is everywhere when you visit with the Irish and it's always nice to be treated with so well (though the scale might not be too happy when I get back!).
We left Tralee this morning, driving through numerous towns in County Cork and County Waterford, passing through quaint villages and small towns. We saw numerous old churches and ruins of castles and abbeys, etc. I wish we had more time to investigate everything we saw.
We are in Waterford tonight after spending the afternoon touring the Waterford Crystal factory. The tour allows you to get up close with the process of making the world-famous crystal. We saw the craftsmen blowing and molding the glass, then smoothing it, cutting it by hand (from memory) and then doing intricate engraving. It was very impressive and when the tour is over, you have the opportunity to browse a large retail center where you can purchase any number of patterns, both new and archived.
I am staying tonight at the Waterford Marina Hotel, a nice hotel along the River Suir. Check back tomorrow, for more information about my trip.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Off to Ireland
I am heading over to Ireland tomorrow evening for about 10 days. I will try to check in periodically so I can share some pictures and impressions of Ireland with you. Happy St. Patrick's Day!
Monday, March 7, 2011
Frequently Asked Questions about Disney World
Over the years I have helped families and couples plan their Disney World vacations and a number of questions have arisen over time. Here are a few of those questions and some (hopefully) helpful answers.
“Is it better to stay within Disney World or stay at an “off-site” property?"
The answer to this question depends on a couple of factors; size of your party, budget and how much you are willing to be inconvenienced by staying off-site. If you have a large family and want to spread out, a local rental property might suit you just fine. There are many rental homes in the area that offer 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, a private pool, your own full kitchen and usually, a game room. These homes tend to be a bit cheaper than getting multiple hotel rooms. However, you would then have the added responsibility of driving to and from the parks every day. This makes it difficult to get back to your accommodation should you need to take a break from your daily treks through the parks.
I feel that for the average family of four, staying within Disney World is the best way to go. You have access to Disney’s transportation system (sometimes right outside your door) and the flexibility to get back and forth from your accommodation without a lot of hassle.
"What do we do if it rains during our Disney trip?"
If you are going in the summer, it is invariably going to rain. It usually rains at some point every day. I remember being there in September one year and as the evening wore down, a tremendous downpour started. Luckily, we were already waiting for our bus back to our resort and were under cover. Some of the later arriving bus passengers were not so lucky.
So, I would recommend buying rain ponchos before you get to the park and pack them in a backpack or bag; you can buy them in the parks but they will probably cost double or triple. If it rains, just put them on keep on going! The downside is you won't get to see fireworks or parades due to inclement weather. But, a big plus is that the crowds tend to disappear when it rains, lines are much shorter, and getting into restaurants is much easier.
"What character meal would you recommend for young girls?"
The most popular character meals (and the most expensive) are the meals at Cinderella’s Royal Table, within Cinderella’s Castle in the Magic Kingdom. It is frequently booked months in advance and difficult to get a reservation. As an alternative, we took our four-year-old granddaughter to the Askerhus Royal Banquet in Epcot for breakfast one morning and she loved it. She got her picture taken with Belle (dressed in her ball gown….which shockingly was included in the price!) when we first went in. During breakfast, which consists of a cold buffet as well as hot breakfast food served family style, each child was visited by each princess; Snow White, Belle, Cinderella and Ariel. She was in heaven. The experience concluded with a parade around the banquet hall led by the princesses, who led the children around the room. For another review, click here.
"What age is the best for a child's first trip to Disney World?"
Disney World offers something for everyone of every age. I am always amazed to see couples visiting Disney with infants, so whatever age your children are, I would consider taking a Disney trip. Again, having spent six days there with a four-year-old was a great experience. With one that young, you don’t feel the need to do everything. You find out which attractions they like and which ones they don’t and you plan accordingly. For example, we went through “It’s a Small World” at least six times. However, with other attractions, we were “one and done”.
We did two things that I felt made our trip extremely enjoyable. The first was renting a stroller. Although our little one hasn’t used a stroller at home for well over a year, it is just too much to expect those little legs to withstand miles and miles of walking every day. So, either bring your own stroller or rent one from Disney.
The second thing we did that proved to be a great idea was to schedule a break every day at midday (or thereabouts). We all went back to our room and relaxed, checked email, swam, etc. while the grandchild rested. After 90 minutes or so, we were all raring to go. It worked out GREAT!
“When is the best time to visit Disney World?”
The best answer to that question is, “Can you stand large crowds?” The busiest times of the year at Disney World are just what you would expect; the summer months, Thanksgiving, Christmas Week, and periods of February, March and April, when schools have Easter and spring breaks. In other words, whenever kids are out of school, attendance at Disney World goes through the roof. This means longer lines, longer waits for restaurants and greater difficulty getting reservations for character dining.
I was just there in mid-November and it was great; weather was great (70’s and 80’s) and lines were short. Some of the bigger attractions had some longer waiting times, but for the most part, it was very relaxed and easy to get around. Late September, October and November (up until Thanksgiving) promise good weather and smaller crowds (though September tends to be warmer and more humid than October and November). Also, if your children go back to school after Labor Day, crowds tend to drop in late August, after Florida schools re-open.
"Do we need to make restaurant reservations at Disney?"
Disney offers pre-paid plans that offer various dining options. That coupled with tens of thousands of daily visitors, makes sit-down restaurants very popular. These restaurants (table service dining in Disney lingo) can be booked 180 days in advance of your vacation. Character dining falls into this category. We were not able to get a reservation at Cinderella’s table two months out, but I made a reservation for the Askerhus Royal Banquet while we were on vacation. So, if you have a favorite restaurant that you just can’t miss out on, call Disney NOW for a reservation!
I hope you learned a little bit more about Disney. It can be a great experience with some planning, patience and a positive approach!
“Is it better to stay within Disney World or stay at an “off-site” property?"
The answer to this question depends on a couple of factors; size of your party, budget and how much you are willing to be inconvenienced by staying off-site. If you have a large family and want to spread out, a local rental property might suit you just fine. There are many rental homes in the area that offer 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, a private pool, your own full kitchen and usually, a game room. These homes tend to be a bit cheaper than getting multiple hotel rooms. However, you would then have the added responsibility of driving to and from the parks every day. This makes it difficult to get back to your accommodation should you need to take a break from your daily treks through the parks.
I feel that for the average family of four, staying within Disney World is the best way to go. You have access to Disney’s transportation system (sometimes right outside your door) and the flexibility to get back and forth from your accommodation without a lot of hassle.
"What do we do if it rains during our Disney trip?"
If you are going in the summer, it is invariably going to rain. It usually rains at some point every day. I remember being there in September one year and as the evening wore down, a tremendous downpour started. Luckily, we were already waiting for our bus back to our resort and were under cover. Some of the later arriving bus passengers were not so lucky.
So, I would recommend buying rain ponchos before you get to the park and pack them in a backpack or bag; you can buy them in the parks but they will probably cost double or triple. If it rains, just put them on keep on going! The downside is you won't get to see fireworks or parades due to inclement weather. But, a big plus is that the crowds tend to disappear when it rains, lines are much shorter, and getting into restaurants is much easier.
"What character meal would you recommend for young girls?"
The most popular character meals (and the most expensive) are the meals at Cinderella’s Royal Table, within Cinderella’s Castle in the Magic Kingdom. It is frequently booked months in advance and difficult to get a reservation. As an alternative, we took our four-year-old granddaughter to the Askerhus Royal Banquet in Epcot for breakfast one morning and she loved it. She got her picture taken with Belle (dressed in her ball gown….which shockingly was included in the price!) when we first went in. During breakfast, which consists of a cold buffet as well as hot breakfast food served family style, each child was visited by each princess; Snow White, Belle, Cinderella and Ariel. She was in heaven. The experience concluded with a parade around the banquet hall led by the princesses, who led the children around the room. For another review, click here.
"What age is the best for a child's first trip to Disney World?"
Disney World offers something for everyone of every age. I am always amazed to see couples visiting Disney with infants, so whatever age your children are, I would consider taking a Disney trip. Again, having spent six days there with a four-year-old was a great experience. With one that young, you don’t feel the need to do everything. You find out which attractions they like and which ones they don’t and you plan accordingly. For example, we went through “It’s a Small World” at least six times. However, with other attractions, we were “one and done”.
We did two things that I felt made our trip extremely enjoyable. The first was renting a stroller. Although our little one hasn’t used a stroller at home for well over a year, it is just too much to expect those little legs to withstand miles and miles of walking every day. So, either bring your own stroller or rent one from Disney.
The second thing we did that proved to be a great idea was to schedule a break every day at midday (or thereabouts). We all went back to our room and relaxed, checked email, swam, etc. while the grandchild rested. After 90 minutes or so, we were all raring to go. It worked out GREAT!
“When is the best time to visit Disney World?”
The best answer to that question is, “Can you stand large crowds?” The busiest times of the year at Disney World are just what you would expect; the summer months, Thanksgiving, Christmas Week, and periods of February, March and April, when schools have Easter and spring breaks. In other words, whenever kids are out of school, attendance at Disney World goes through the roof. This means longer lines, longer waits for restaurants and greater difficulty getting reservations for character dining.
I was just there in mid-November and it was great; weather was great (70’s and 80’s) and lines were short. Some of the bigger attractions had some longer waiting times, but for the most part, it was very relaxed and easy to get around. Late September, October and November (up until Thanksgiving) promise good weather and smaller crowds (though September tends to be warmer and more humid than October and November). Also, if your children go back to school after Labor Day, crowds tend to drop in late August, after Florida schools re-open.
"Do we need to make restaurant reservations at Disney?"
Disney offers pre-paid plans that offer various dining options. That coupled with tens of thousands of daily visitors, makes sit-down restaurants very popular. These restaurants (table service dining in Disney lingo) can be booked 180 days in advance of your vacation. Character dining falls into this category. We were not able to get a reservation at Cinderella’s table two months out, but I made a reservation for the Askerhus Royal Banquet while we were on vacation. So, if you have a favorite restaurant that you just can’t miss out on, call Disney NOW for a reservation!
I hope you learned a little bit more about Disney. It can be a great experience with some planning, patience and a positive approach!
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Airfares on the Rise!!
If you've bought an airline ticket lately, you already know – airfares continue to rise. In fact, so far this year there have been five broad-based airfare hikes. In all of 2010, there were just four! This year is shaping up to mirror 2007 into early 2008 when oil prices jumped over $90 per barrel. There is one difference today, though: airlines also have bag fees and widespread "peak travel day" surcharges that add to passenger ticket totals.
Prices on average, cheapest roundtrip airfare (including taxes and fees) between top U.S. cities is around $318, compared to $319 in July of ’08. If you think it's bad on flights in the U.S., take a look at trans-Atlantic travel. Some long-haul flights are as expensive as they've been in a decade. For example, we have fuel surcharges to Europe right now averaging $360 roundtrip, not to mention the taxes on those flights that average another $120. Bottom line: you'll pay $480 for a trip to Europe before adding in any of the actual airfare! I can vouch for this…..I just paid $769.00 for a roundtrip ticket from Newark to Shannon, Ireland. The airfare was $399, with an additional $370.00 in taxes and fees!
So, what's going to happen? The airlines will see how much you are willing to pay, and that means more airfare hikes are on the way. If the planes stay full, the hikes will continue until enough passengers decide to stay home and not travel. That'll drop prices in a hurry.
So what does this mean for you? Be smart. Here are some do's and don'ts for airfare shopping:
• Don't be tempted to buy too early. In 2008, when airfare prices seemed to rise on a daily basis, people bought airline tickets for Thanksgiving in the summer to lock in prices, then were stunned when oil crashed and last minute holiday shoppers got incredible bargains. So shop early, but not too early: expect airfare for June travel to drop by mid-March.
• Be as flexible as possible. Of course, that's not always possible. Unless of course, your cousin in Chicago is willing to change her wedding date to accommodate your cheaper airfare.
• When flexibility is not an option, try this: shop Tuesday afternoons to find the cheapest flights.
If you can be flexible, even in little ways, you can save more. Ask yourself these questions:
• Are you willing to fly domestic red-eyes and sacrifice sleep?
• Are you OK with connecting flights?
• Can you fly to Europe before school lets out in May or early June?
• Can you travel for two weeks with just a carry on bag?
• Can you vacation in late August, early September or even after Labor Day?
• Finally, can you pack up and go at a moment's notice?
If the answer to any or all of these questions is yes, ask your travel agent to keep you informed of the best deals he can find. Remember this: don't wait for the same airfare prices you paid last year; you will pay more this summer. Simply look for the best of the "not-so-great deals".
Prices on average, cheapest roundtrip airfare (including taxes and fees) between top U.S. cities is around $318, compared to $319 in July of ’08. If you think it's bad on flights in the U.S., take a look at trans-Atlantic travel. Some long-haul flights are as expensive as they've been in a decade. For example, we have fuel surcharges to Europe right now averaging $360 roundtrip, not to mention the taxes on those flights that average another $120. Bottom line: you'll pay $480 for a trip to Europe before adding in any of the actual airfare! I can vouch for this…..I just paid $769.00 for a roundtrip ticket from Newark to Shannon, Ireland. The airfare was $399, with an additional $370.00 in taxes and fees!
So, what's going to happen? The airlines will see how much you are willing to pay, and that means more airfare hikes are on the way. If the planes stay full, the hikes will continue until enough passengers decide to stay home and not travel. That'll drop prices in a hurry.
So what does this mean for you? Be smart. Here are some do's and don'ts for airfare shopping:
• Don't be tempted to buy too early. In 2008, when airfare prices seemed to rise on a daily basis, people bought airline tickets for Thanksgiving in the summer to lock in prices, then were stunned when oil crashed and last minute holiday shoppers got incredible bargains. So shop early, but not too early: expect airfare for June travel to drop by mid-March.
• Be as flexible as possible. Of course, that's not always possible. Unless of course, your cousin in Chicago is willing to change her wedding date to accommodate your cheaper airfare.
• When flexibility is not an option, try this: shop Tuesday afternoons to find the cheapest flights.
If you can be flexible, even in little ways, you can save more. Ask yourself these questions:
• Are you willing to fly domestic red-eyes and sacrifice sleep?
• Are you OK with connecting flights?
• Can you fly to Europe before school lets out in May or early June?
• Can you travel for two weeks with just a carry on bag?
• Can you vacation in late August, early September or even after Labor Day?
• Finally, can you pack up and go at a moment's notice?
If the answer to any or all of these questions is yes, ask your travel agent to keep you informed of the best deals he can find. Remember this: don't wait for the same airfare prices you paid last year; you will pay more this summer. Simply look for the best of the "not-so-great deals".
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Balancing Your Workload with a Generous Number of Mini-Vacations for Maximum Productivity
We've always heard that all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. Now, here are some words of wisdom from the Wendling Group encouraging us all to take as many vacations as we can!
Balance Your Workload with a Generous Number of Mini-Vacations for Maximum Productivity
by Denis Waitley
By re-energizing and renewing yourself frequently, you will avoid burnout and become much more motivated and productive. Don't keep your nose to the grindstone for years and wait for retirement to travel. Balance and consistency are the keys. Enjoy the process, not just the result. Don't fight the passing of time. Don't fear it, squander it, or try to hide from it under a superficial cosmetic veil of fads and indulgences. Life and time go together. Do enjoy each phase of life. Do make the most of each day, and draw maximum joy from each moment.
Many people today are concerned with quality time - time generally defined in part as that spent on recreation, personal pursuits, time with children, spouses and friends. While I certainly believe quality time is important, I believe two other aspects of time are equally important.
First, one must also spend quantity time. The average father spends less than 30 minutes each week in direct one-on-one communication with each of his children. How can we possibly expect good family relationships with so little communication?
Second, one must spend regular time. Many supervisors and company presidents go for weeks, even months, without seeing many of their employees. There's no substitute for regular meetings and open forums in which managers and team members can share ideas.
Time has a dual structure. On one hand, we live our daily routines meeting present contingencies as they arise. On the other hand, our most ambitious goals and desires need time so that they can be assembled and cemented. A long-term goal connects pieces of time into one block. These blocks can be imagined and projected into the future as we do when we set goals for ourselves. Or, these blocks of time can be created in retrospect as we do when we look back at what we've accomplished.
It's not in the image of our big dreams that we run the risk of losing our focus and motivation. It's the drudgery and routine of our daily lives that present the greatest danger to our hopes for achievement. Good time management means that you maximize the daily return on the energy and mental effort you expend.
Ways to maximize your time productivity:
Write down in one place all the important contacts you have and all of your goals and priorities. Make a back up copy, preferably on CD, DVD or Zip disc. Write down every commitment you make at the time you make it.
Stop wasting the first hour of your workday. Having the chat and first cup of coffee, reading the paper, and socializing are the three costliest opening exercises that lower productivity.
Do one thing well at a time. It takes time to start and stop work on each activity. Stay with a task until it is completed.
Don't open unimportant mail. More than a fourth of the mail you receive can be tossed before you open or read it, and that includes e-mail.
Handle each piece of paper only once and never more than twice. Don't set aside anything without taking action. Carry work, reading material, audiotapes and your laptop computer with you everywhere you go. Convert down time into uplink time.
Spend twenty minutes at the beginning of each week and ten minutes at the beginning of each day planning your to do list.
Set aside personal relaxation time during the day. Don't work during lunch. It's neither noble nor nutritional to skip important energy input and stress-relieving time. Throughout the day, ask yourself, "What's the best use of my time right now?" As the day grows short, focus on projects you can least afford to leave undone.
And as we said at the beginning of this message, take vacations often, mini-vacations of two or three days, and leave your work at home. The harder you work, the more you need to balance your exercise and leisure time.
Action Idea: Plan a relaxing 3-day vacation within the next three months without taking any business work with you. Reserve it on your calendar this week.
Call Hurley World Travel at (410) 588-6938 and get a vacation on your calendar TODAY!
Balance Your Workload with a Generous Number of Mini-Vacations for Maximum Productivity
by Denis Waitley
By re-energizing and renewing yourself frequently, you will avoid burnout and become much more motivated and productive. Don't keep your nose to the grindstone for years and wait for retirement to travel. Balance and consistency are the keys. Enjoy the process, not just the result. Don't fight the passing of time. Don't fear it, squander it, or try to hide from it under a superficial cosmetic veil of fads and indulgences. Life and time go together. Do enjoy each phase of life. Do make the most of each day, and draw maximum joy from each moment.
Many people today are concerned with quality time - time generally defined in part as that spent on recreation, personal pursuits, time with children, spouses and friends. While I certainly believe quality time is important, I believe two other aspects of time are equally important.
First, one must also spend quantity time. The average father spends less than 30 minutes each week in direct one-on-one communication with each of his children. How can we possibly expect good family relationships with so little communication?
Second, one must spend regular time. Many supervisors and company presidents go for weeks, even months, without seeing many of their employees. There's no substitute for regular meetings and open forums in which managers and team members can share ideas.
Time has a dual structure. On one hand, we live our daily routines meeting present contingencies as they arise. On the other hand, our most ambitious goals and desires need time so that they can be assembled and cemented. A long-term goal connects pieces of time into one block. These blocks can be imagined and projected into the future as we do when we set goals for ourselves. Or, these blocks of time can be created in retrospect as we do when we look back at what we've accomplished.
It's not in the image of our big dreams that we run the risk of losing our focus and motivation. It's the drudgery and routine of our daily lives that present the greatest danger to our hopes for achievement. Good time management means that you maximize the daily return on the energy and mental effort you expend.
Ways to maximize your time productivity:
Write down in one place all the important contacts you have and all of your goals and priorities. Make a back up copy, preferably on CD, DVD or Zip disc. Write down every commitment you make at the time you make it.
Stop wasting the first hour of your workday. Having the chat and first cup of coffee, reading the paper, and socializing are the three costliest opening exercises that lower productivity.
Do one thing well at a time. It takes time to start and stop work on each activity. Stay with a task until it is completed.
Don't open unimportant mail. More than a fourth of the mail you receive can be tossed before you open or read it, and that includes e-mail.
Handle each piece of paper only once and never more than twice. Don't set aside anything without taking action. Carry work, reading material, audiotapes and your laptop computer with you everywhere you go. Convert down time into uplink time.
Spend twenty minutes at the beginning of each week and ten minutes at the beginning of each day planning your to do list.
Set aside personal relaxation time during the day. Don't work during lunch. It's neither noble nor nutritional to skip important energy input and stress-relieving time. Throughout the day, ask yourself, "What's the best use of my time right now?" As the day grows short, focus on projects you can least afford to leave undone.
And as we said at the beginning of this message, take vacations often, mini-vacations of two or three days, and leave your work at home. The harder you work, the more you need to balance your exercise and leisure time.
Action Idea: Plan a relaxing 3-day vacation within the next three months without taking any business work with you. Reserve it on your calendar this week.
Call Hurley World Travel at (410) 588-6938 and get a vacation on your calendar TODAY!
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Ireland's Glorious West Coast
Travelers to the West of Ireland find it an easy area to drive and cover, with so much of its beauty and attractiveness right outside the windshield in the countryside. From the rugged western coastline to green stone-walled pastures, the vistas are certainly a big part of the journey. But you can also sleep in ancient castles or spend the night in luxury modern spa hotels. You can visit ancient ruins and stone cairns of unknown origin. Whatever your mode of travel, West Ireland will put some magic into your visit to the Emerald Isle.The West Coast region includes some part of the following counties: Sligo, Leitrim, Galway, Mayo, Donegal, Southwest Offaly, Tipperary North, West Cork, Cork City, Kerry, Clare and Limerick.
The West Coast of Ireland is the Gaeltacht (Irish-speaking) region. In some areas all street signs are in "the Irish". The Gaeltact is spoken over a wide area of West Ireland, especially Kerry, Cork, Mayo, Galway and Donegal and much of the local music, both traditional and modern, is in the native Irish.
Visit on the cheap - competitive airfares, bed and breakfasts, trains, ferries and self drives!
From North America, fly into either Dublin or Shannon for West Ireland. It's easy to get around the country!
From North America, fly into either Dublin or Shannon for West Ireland. It's easy to get around the country!
St. Patrick's "Day" lasts a week in Ireland and their's no shortage of festivals at other times like the Puck Festival or the Rose of Tralee Festival!
Fishing in western Ireland is hard to beat and a favorite outdoor sport of many travelers.
Self-drive vacations are easy...but remember to drive on the left and watchout for round-abouts and, in the rural areas, sheep!
Self-drive vacations are easy...but remember to drive on the left and watchout for round-abouts and, in the rural areas, sheep!
If either hiking or biking is a favorite pastime, west Ireland boasts hundreds of miles of great countryside and spectacular coastline, including the Cliffs of Moher, just south of the Village of Doolin in County Clare, one of the most photographed locations on the planet.
Some of the best golf in the world can be found in the West of Ireland; Lahinch, Doonbeg, Carne, Ballybunion, Tralee just to name a few.
The megaliths of Carrowmore, about 3 miles south-west of Sligo town, are located in the center of the Cúil Irra peninsula and are one of the oldest and largest collections of stone age monuments in Western Europe.
Churches and ancient castles dot the landscape like a great outdoor museum. Our favorites? Roscrea Castle, as well as the ruined "Abbey" of Roscommon. Be sure to see Ballyhannan Castle overlooking the River Shannon as well and the chance to spend the night at Dromoland Castle.
Of course, you can't leave out the Blarney Castle.
Are you ready to plan your West Coast of Ireland Getaway? Contact Hurley World Travel to get started.
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