Healthy Alternative to airplane food

Posted by Tammy Murphy

March 8, 2016 at 12:00 PM

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Global Entry

Posted by Tammy Murphy

March 7, 2016 at 12:00 PM

Skip the lines - consider Global Entry.   I am taking a last minute trip and hope to be able to try it out.

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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

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