Tammy Murphy

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Traveling with Friends

Posted by Tammy Murphy

March 2, 2016 at 4:10 PM

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WARNING:  You may not want to come home  . . .   
 
I love hearing travel stories, don't you?  I love hearing which iconic sites were their highlights and especially the really, cool and unique experiences they had "by accident", or so they thought.  Some of the best memories were not actually about the iconic destination itself, but the experiences they had.  First time river cruisers are typically amazed at the experiences they have aboard the ship (AMA Waterways) . . .the sampling of local wines while cruising past hilltop castles and rolling vineyards; the gentle ride along remarkable waterways.  "We saw magnificent cities, historic villages and bespoke experiences."   It is not uncommon to hear that they are already planning their next trip with new friends they met during the wine & chocolate pairings or dining at a local wine vintner's home.   What I love most about these stories are . . . traveling to new places is exciting, but sharing the experiences with others is what really makes the EXPERIENCE!!  It always reminds me that while I LOVE exploring a new destination and meeting new friends, what would make it even better for me is  experiencing these once-in-a-lifetime adventures with my family and friends.
 
If you are like me, initially I'm planning a couple or family vacation, but when the plans begin to come to life, the excitement is contagious and I don't want any of my friends and family to miss out on this . . . and quickly it turns into a group vacation which ends up being loads more fun.  One really memorable trip that we talk about so often was a trip that began as a group of 4, turned into a group trip of 50 friends and friends of friends.  I couldn't wait to begin the trip because I couldn't wait to meet my friend's friends, etc.  I may not have known everyone on our group roster, but several of them became friends we looked forward to many future travels with.  There is something about bonding on vacation that you just can't describe.  Some friends went in different directions and we may not have traveled together again, but it is still great fun when we do see them at social gatherings to laugh and re-live times on that trip. 

If you are on an excursion with others while on vacation, can you relate to wishing it were your friends and family you're having these adventures with?  It's easier than you may think!!
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Topics: #travelwithfriends, #milestonebirthday, #girlstrip, #groupfun, #milestoneanniversary

How the Luxury Travel Agency Made a Huge Comeback

Posted by Tammy Murphy

February 18, 2016 at 6:00 PM

iStock_000060213648_Small-1Years ago, traveling in luxury meant little more than fancy transportation and expensive hotels. The travel concierges of yesteryear were tasked with relatively basic expectations when it came to putting together itineraries for the elite. 

So little was expected, in fact, that their jobs were largely relinquished to online trip planning platforms. In fact, online travel sites became the norm for booking travel.  

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Topics: concierge services

French Polynesia

Posted by Tammy Murphy

February 17, 2016 at 6:00 PM

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WARNING:  You will be tempted to stay forever  . . .   
 
It's no surprise that when you mention French Polynesia visions of paradise dance in your head. Close your eyes, and go with me . . . South Seas Isles, romantic sunset sea, giant turquoise waves breaking onto the colorful reefs, tranquil lagoons of warm, bright-emerald waters and white coral-sand beaches.  Tahiti seduces not only honeymooners, romantics,  but also adventurers looking overwaterbungalow_tahiti.jpgto escape busy lives.  Disconnect from screens and connect with nature. 
 
The islands, which include Bora Bora, Tahiti and Moorea, are still largely quiet and move at a slow pace outside Papeete, Tahiti's busy capital city. The lagoons of French Polynesia are still amazing shades of blue or green; the mountains still rise dramatically above the sea.  The surprise might be . . . Tahiti's Faa'a Airport is under 8 hours by air from Los Angeles airport, with daily nonstop flights.  Tahiti is halfway between California and Australia.
 
  

Overwater Bungalows - Enjoy the drama and comfort and dreamy experience of the world's perfect hotel room while sleeping above soothing lagoons.

Cruising - Sail within the legendary South Pacific aboard luxurious cruise ships or super yachts that travel between Tahiti's most beautiful islands.

Sightseeing - Most visitors go to French Polynesia to play in its crystal clear lagoons, but don 't miss the islands themselves, a sightseeing extravaganza. The mountainous Society group, where Bora Bora and Moorea are two of the world's most beautiful islands. Tahiti, Huahine and Raiatea aren't far behind. Many islands are crowned with jagged peaks while others appear to barely float above the breaking waves.  Regardless of the islands, their magical beauty often appears on postcards and travel posters as well as movie and TV screens.

Recreation - Scuba diving and snorkeling are the most popular recreational activities in French Polynesia, with well-established dive shops on all the main islands. Many of the scuba operators also will take nondivers out for snorkeling upon request. On Tahiti and Moorea July-October, there are many whale-watching tours available, and dolphin tours are available year-round.

Numerous opportunities for surfing exist in the Society Islands, usually on the north shores of the islands October-March and the south shores April-September. Tahiti's beach breaks are more suitable for beginners than the more distant reef pass breaks there and on Moorea and Huahine.

On Tahiti and Moorea, serious hiking trails travel up into the mountainous interiors. All the islands other than Tahiti offer excellent coastal walks. Some resort areas offer horseback riding, and Tahiti and Moorea have 18-hole golf courses. The yacht charter companies of Tahiti and Raiatea allow those with sufficient funds to enjoy sailing.

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Topics: #overwaterbungalow, #islandparadise #, #sunandsand, Bora Bora, Tahiti, French Polynesia

On Location in Hawaii

Posted by Tammy Murphy

January 13, 2016 at 4:30 PM

Hawaii-Island-Scenic.jpgVisit the delightful islands of Hawaiiwith personalized service and experiences.  Our On Location partners understand the islands and have connections needed to create an unforgettable Hawaiian vacation. 

Most important is we want to learn about your hobbies and interests so that we can help you choose the best island for you.  Each island is unique and has its own particular sights and attractions.  A quick recap:

  • For culture and history lovers, visit Pearl Harbor in Oahu
  • For adventure seekers, Maui is the ideal paradise
  • For outdoor lovers, Kauai offers great opportunities to explore nature and beautiful scenery.
  • For repeat Hawaiian visits, visit Hawaii Island for more views that take your breath away.
  • There are many luaus on the islands, however, my favorite is a traditional Hawaiian luau and I recommend Old Lahaina Luau if in Maui, but there is one on each island. 

On location partners can share facts and information from a local perspective rather than a guide book.  We have access to extensive services, including:

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Topics: hawaii

Ultimate Wildlife Adventure

Posted by Tammy Murphy

January 6, 2016 at 5:30 PM

amaafrica.jpgAll of the 2016 Africa programs offer the exhilirating thrill of a classic safari with the luxury of an AmaWaterways river cruise--a truly life changing experience.  Pair your 4-night wildlife cruise with one of four different, yet equally incredible land programs that take you to explore Africa's most amazing destinations.

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Topics: river cruise

All-Inclusive Vacation Packages?

Posted by Tammy Murphy

January 3, 2016 at 6:00 PM

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Topics: all inclusive vacation packages, all inclusive resort

Top 10 Outstanding Hawaiian Golf Courses

Posted by Tammy Murphy

December 31, 2015 at 3:30 PM

champions_golf_kona.jpgIt's another great way to make the most of your Hawaii vacation:  Tee off at the world's number 2 golf destination.  Hawaii has some exceptional courses open year-round featuring breathtaking sea and mountain views, lava formations, and surging water along rugged coastlines.  Watch out for the native Nene Geese, frequent visitors to many of the greens!  Not a golfer?  You can still join a group and head out to enjoy the action and spectacular settings. 

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Topics: Golf

Top Vacation Experiences for 2016 . . . River Cruises

Posted by Tammy Murphy

December 11, 2015 at 2:00 PM

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Convenience, Luxury, and most of all Making Memories to last a lifetime.

Making memories through vacation experiences with family and friends is priceless!!

You love the idea of exploring several countries on one visit, what better way than aboard a 5 star floating boutique hotel.   Most of the ships accommodate only 120-200 passengers, which allows for an intimate and relaxed atmosphere.

River cruises provide a unique approach to the "vacation experience".  Spend a few minutes explaining to your travel consultant what your hobbies and interest are and she can suggest the perfect river cruise vacation experience for you.  What appeals to me most is that you can immerse yourself in local culture through exclusive limited edition tours, and its offers many group benefits with a individual travel feel.  River cruises are great for groups, families, friends, special interest groups, church groups, etc.

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Award-winning cuisine crafted by expert chefs and served in a variety of stylish dining venues--including the Chef's Table specialty restaurant.  In fact, you can find the chef in the local markets because the ingredients are farm to table in the area that you are visiting.  You may eat in the main dining room which accommodates all guests, but there are smaller alternative restaurants for a more casual experience.

Most everything is included (varies by cruise line), but typically beer and wine are included with lunch and dinner.  Some cruise lines also include excursions.      

On a river cruise, you enjoy the unique small towns within the countries you visit.  You won't need a tender or bus because the ship docks right where you want to be.  You can choose from optional small group tours with local tour guides or you can explore on your own.  Some cruise lines offer a self-guided GPS walking or biking tour.   There are also optional special activities that are planned at your destinations and local entertainment is brought on board to perform for the guests in the evenings.  Between all of the exciting tours, guests can indulge in outstanding onboard amenities like massages services and a fitness room.  Or sip on a glass of wine in the pool with a swim-up bar on the sun deck.  Imagine lounging in your bathing suits and cruising by centuries-old castles. 

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River cruising is a relaxed and easy way to visit beautiful countries with family and friends.  The ease of getting from one city or country to another taking in riverside scenery from a spacious balcony stateroom is a rare treat any guests would love.   Enjoy luxurious accommodations , delicious food, and unique experiences and you only had to unpack once!  The hardest decision is which entree to try next because the staff is dedicated to exceeding expectations.  They want you to feel like part of the family.   It's so much more than a vacation, its a unique experience regardless how many times you cruise.

Please share if you know anyone that is ready to try river cruising.  As a travel consultant, I enjoy making your travel experience, as well as the planning, as easy as possible.   VIP Your Journey

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Topics: foodie travel, wine tasting, river cruise, #viptravelexperience, #VIPRiverCruise, #RiverCruise

Chianti in the Carolinas

Posted by Tammy Murphy

December 8, 2015 at 10:34 PM

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Raffaldini Vineyards and Winery, "Chianti in the Carolinas" was a pleasant surprise.

While taking a time-out from a working weekend in  Charlotte, I managed to find a little "unique experience" nearby. 

Honestly, they had me at Buon Giorno!! We were welcomed as old friends before we even reached the door of  the Tuscan style villa.  The Raffaldini family and their staff take great pride in their vineyard and we enjoyed their enthusiasm more than I can say.  The belief that family, food and wine are an integral part of their daily life had me suddenly wishing I was strolling through the piazzas of Italy again.  Well, that's not entirely truthful, it wasn't suddenly, I'm always wishing I was in Italy :)    

The Raffaldini family has celebrated family dinners with homemade Italian wine for more than 650 years.  Lucky for us, they decided to share their family heritage in the United States, or more specifically Swan Creek area of Yadkin Valley.  I did as they promised "closed my eyes and was transported to Italy . . .

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Denise was our gracious wine expert for our wine tasting.  Her knowledge and love of wine was captivating.  I enjoyed each and every wine tasted, from the dry, apple 2014 Pinot Grigio to the  2013 Montepulciano Riserva with its dark cherry finish. We were amazed with Denise's teaching of the soil and winemaking in the United States East Coast vs. the West Coast vs. Italy.

The view was beautiful of the Blue Ridge and Brushy Mountains from the tasting room, but even better to soak it up outside in the piazza.  I only wished I had more time to relax and enjoy the relaxing atmosphere, listening to chatter and laughter of friends and family while the children played nearby.  As an added bonus, we enjoyed a wood-fired pizza catered by a mobile oven and catering company, Giannos.  Along with the delicious smells of the pizza and wine, you could smell the nearby vines.    

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If you ever find yourself in North Carolina, take a short one and one-half drive from Charlotte, NC to visit Raffaldini Vineyard.  I think you will be pleasantly surprised what's hiding in the mountains.  For more details, visit their website  www.raffaldini.com.                              

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Topics: wine tasting

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