Destination Information

My husband and I recently returned from a twelve day trip to Ecuador, the Galapagos Islands and Peru.  We spent the first three nights in Quito which is a very scenic city nestled in a long, narrow valley in the Andes.  In addition to being the site of the Ecuadorian government, Quito is also the nation’s cultural capital with an impressive selection of museums, cathedrals, festivals and nightlife.  We stayed in the Hotel Quito which was conveniently located to restaurants across the street.  The hotel was very modern and the staff were friendly.  We particularly enjoyed a restaurant across the street called “Hunters” which served steak, seafood and Ecuadorian specialties.  The highlight of our stay in Quito was a visit to Mitad del Munda which means “the middle of the earth” on the equator line.  There is an onsite museum which features interactive exhibits on how the Incas determined the middle of the earth, plus interesting science experiments that visitors can engage in. 

We left Quito for our flight to Baltra airport for our four day adventure on the Galapagos Islands.  We stayed on the Galapagos Legend which accommodates 100 passengers.  We had two excursions per day and visited a total of three different islands during our stay – Santa Fe, Santa Maria and San Cristobal.  It was amazing to see the different animals and wildlife in their natural surroundings completely oblivious to us humans walking so close to them.  We saw baby sea lions that had just been born, albatross, a huge selection of birds, marine iguanas and the blue-footed boobies.  Our guide instructed us to not touch the animals because once touched by humans their mothers are able to detect the human scent and will abandon their offspring.  The food on the Galapagos legend was excellent.  Breakfast and lunch was buffet style and the dinners were a la carte.  The staff on board were also wonderful. 

From there we went to Lima which is the industrial and financial center of Peru, and one of the most important financial centers in Latin America.  We stayed in the Jose Antonio Miraflores hotel located in the Miraflores area where most of the hotels are located.  The hotel was just two blocks from the magnificent waterfront in Lima and close to restaurants and a shopping mall.

My favorite destination on this trip was Cuzco.  Cuzco was the site of the historic capital of the Inca Empire and was declared a World Heritage Site in 1983 by Unesco. It is a major tourist destination and receives almost 2 million visitors a year.  It has an elevation of almost 12,000 feet and is the gateway to Machu Picchu.  We stayed at the Hotel Terra Andina which is a lovely old colonial mansion which has been renovated into a hotel.  The staff were so friendly and accommodating and it was only a short walk to markets and the main plaza. Our three days in Cuzco were very busy.  The first day we had a city tour and the next a full day trip to the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

On our last day we took the Peru rail train to Machu Picchu which is a 3 l/2 hour trip each way.  The train rides through the spectacular Urubamba Valley to Machu Picchu, perched dramatically on a mountain ridge. Not only were we provided with meals on board but the staff provided entertainment and a fashion show of alpaca wear! Magnificient Machu Picchu should be on every traveller’s lifetime must-see list.  It truly is a wonder of the modern world.

We had a total of ten plane rides on this trip and the domestic airlines Aerogal and Lan are superb.  Some of our flights were only one hour in length and we received complimentary hot meals and a selection of the latest movies free of charge.

The people of South America were so friendly and and I so enjoyed seeing the indigenous people in their traditional and very colorful attire.  They were always open to the tourists taking pictures of them with their children, goats, llamas and pet guinea pigs.  We definitely will go back to South America one day and highly recommend it to other visitors for a memorable holiday.   Annette Buddin, Travel Consultant

cruises Azamara Club Cruise, Journey

I recently returned home from a one week cruise with Azamara club cruises on the Journey.  We did a 7 day cruise to 7 ports of call.  It was fantastic.  Azamara has two ships in it's fleet, the Journey and the Quest and despite only having two they have won the Conde Nast readers award for having  3 out of the top 12 itineraries.  This cruise line focuses on taking the guests to unique, less traveled destinations.  The ships are smaller in size then what you typically expect in a cruise ship - less then 700 passengers so you get a real welcoming feeling from the crew and the other passengers.  The time spent in port is typically longer then other cruise lines with several ports being an overnight stay.  There is a real focus on customer service.  Wine is included with lunch and dinner, speciality coffee is complimentary.  I can't begin to say enough about the food other then pack some elastic waisted pants.  Most cruises have at least one informal night and a semi formal night depending on the length of the cruise, on Azamara there are none.  Every evening is resort casual all though should you wish to dress up you will not feel out of place.  One word of caution - once you have sailed on an Azamara ship, you can never go back to anything less.  It is that wonderful!  Heidi Schmidt, Travel Consultant

Good Morning Janice,
We had a great time. Despite the earth quake, high winds and strikes. Our accommodations in Create and Santorini were wonderful the owner of the Port of Sissi apt. was very helpful she directed us to Zeus’s cave where he was born and to the palace in Knossos and a really nice beach in Placa. Sissi was very nice, good food good people laid back and relaxing.   Santorini was spectacular the hotel we stayed at (Tholos Resort) had the best view of the sunset and every night there were at least 2 or 3 brides getting their photos taken right in front of our room. Lots of stairs but it was so worth it. We rented a convertible and traveled all over the island, we stayed away from the touristy stuff visited Fria for about 2 hours one day that was all I could bear.  All and all I would say that I am really glad I went ( ps Food was fabulous) but the travel was so long and the jet leg took up a lot of time. I would suggest if anyone ask me to book at least 3 weeks or more to compensate for the travel time.   Thanks for all Your help you were great…

All the Best.
Cindy

hotel Kona Castle Reef - Kona

Hi Janice,
 
The trip was great,very relaxing and it's a beautiful island,plus the room and staff were great!
 
We faced the ocean across a public beach,which was great for people watching and listening to the waves/birds/crickets.The ocean was 150 feet away across the beach. There was a little traffic noise but nothing unbearable. Sea turtles lying right on our beach for afternoon siesta! The beach was rocky,great for snorkeling,but not so great for swimming,but there are other swimming beaches 5 min drive away. Great gas barbeques at the hotel,lot's of guests using the barbeques for dinner.
Cheap/great quality fruit and veggies at the market 10 min walk away. Kona brewery in town was awesome if you like micro brews and great food.   
 
Thanks for all your help again,
Erin

Hi Janice.
 
Hawaii was awesome and the hotel/condo was great.  We loved our room as it overlooked a beach and the water.  The deck was great for relaxing and people watching too.  We made almost all meals but one at the condo.  It was well equipped with dishes/appliances - it was like being at home (but way warmer..haha.) The resort had bbqs located in the pool areas and we took advantage of that for a few nights.  We would recommend the Kona Castle Reef to any of our friends or family.
 
Thanks,
Fiona

hotel Information on my Karisma Familiarization Trip

Recently I went on a work trip with Sunwing Vacations to visit the Karisma Resorts in the Mayan Riveria.   We viewed 4 resorts and stayed at 1 for a total of 5.   I will give you an overview of the Chain as well as information on each individual hotel we inspected.

The Karisma Chain comprises of the Eldorodo hotels and the Azul hotels.  The Eldorodo are for adults and the Azul's for families.  Karimsa is Gourmet Inclusive: from the time you arrive to the time you depart.  All meals prepared fresh, no buffet's and presentation of food is beautiful.

The Karisma resorts pride themselves on being Green, right from having their own Greenhouses to grow some of the vegetables and herbs they serve their guests.

We stayed at the Eldorodo Seaside Resort which is a very nice smaller resort and great for couples that want to just get away from the hustle and bustle and just relax.   When we entered our rooms the indoor jacuzzi tub was filled with warm water and bubbles to soak in after a long day of traveling. Room has flat screen tv, wireless internet $$ bed was very comfortable, not the hard beds you find in Mexico, bathroom nice and you receive a key for your in room safe.  Out on the little porch outside the room was a couple chairs and table then just beyond that was a hammock for relaxing. 
Mini bar restocked daily, room tidied daily and turn down service at night.
Beach was not wide but can swim as well as great snorkeling right off the beach. 

Eldorodo Royale/Casitas
Much larger resort and more happening there......many weddings...we were there 11/11/11 and they were scheduled to have 14 weddings that day.   Casitas are amazing with their private outdoor showers and outdoor bed....very romantic.  Food was great and there was a large variety of restaurants on this property.  Didn't get to see rooms as hotel was at 100% occupancy.  I would definitely go back there to stay myself!

Eldorado Maroma:  this property has the best beach of the Eldorado's.  Very wide, beautiful sand and you can walk for miles and miles.   This resort is on the small side with only 3 small buildings but very nice.   This was a favourite as well.

The Azul properties are for families and have the Little People Characters around the resorts as well as they are exclusive with Fisher Price and families can check out any Fisher Price toy or item they would need to keep for their entire stay free of charge.  If you have an infant all you need to bring to these resorts are their clothes and diapers.  They have everything else you may need, even strollers!! 

Sensatori Azul:  Is a large property and has all the standards of the Gourmet Inclusive but also has the foods children love.  This is a great property for multi generational families.  The kids club was awesome and the ground were nice.  A larger resort with an adults only section too.   One great thing is you can get up to 3 rooms that can accommodate a family up to 8 people in the same area.  If you get a top floor of these rooms it also has a deck on the top of the building for your use with BBQ, table chairs, lounge area etc.

Azul Fives:  Again for families and has the family suites but a smaller property than the Sensatori.