Getaway weekend in Asheville - just a short drive away!

As fun as they are, the holiday season can also be an extremely stressful time of year. So,why not plan a nice relaxing getaway weekend that is close to home? Have you visited Asheville, NC lately?

The amazing "Biltmore House" is magnificent any time of year - but during the holiday season it is absolutely spectacular!

You might like to take a candlelight tour and see their incredible 35 foot Christmas tree with over 1,000 ornaments!

Asheville is renowned as a premier spa destination, and is a wonderful vibrant town with unique shopping boutiques, 30 plus galleries to visit, live music, and a wide variety of restaurants with fine cuisine. There are accommodation choices for every budget. 

For those who are seeking somewhere very special to stay, there are some breathtaking hotels..such as the historic "Omni Grove Park Inn" which first opened in 1913 and has undergone a $25 million transformation!  It is situated a short drive from downtown Asheville in the beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway and guests can relax by their amazing 10 foot wide fireplace.

Another romantic choice might be the gorgeous "Grand Bohemian" which is a tudor inspired hotel with the Blue Ridge Mountains as a backdrop. This is an Autograph Collection hotel with old world ambiance and is located just steps from the historic Biltmore Estate. The Grand Bohemian is absolutely stunning with handcarved furniture and rustic design, It has an amazing art gallery that boasts more than 100 works of art by local, regional, and international acclaimed artists!

Who wouldn't love a romantic getaway at one of these unique properties? Call me at 336-790-8911 to book a memorable weekend that is just a short drive away! 

Ready to don your BERMUDA shorts?

Contrary to popular belief, Bermuda is NOT part of the Caribbean, but rather a British overseas territory off the east coast of the United States....

Surprisingly, Bermuda is actually at about the same latitude as Charleston, South Carolina - with a mild subtropical climate. The most popular time to visit Bermuda is May through October (when average temperature is 75-85). However even in the winter months (December-March) temperatures range from 60-70 F.

Bermuda is extremely picturesque with a sharp contrast between calm waters and beautiful pink sand beaches, with a rugged rocky coastline. The Horseshoe Bay Beach there is world famous.

There is much to see and do in Bermuda with natural sites such as the spectacular Crystal and Fantasy Caves where you can view magnificent crystals which were formed over 30 million years ago! There are also 90 historic forts here that were built by the British. For those who enjoy water sports, you can enjoy snorkeling & diving with 400 historic wrecks to explore, as well as kayaking, jet-skiing, fishing, and sailing to name a few. Bermuda is famous for fabulous sunrises and sunsets.

Are you into golf? The Bermuda tourist board boasts that Bermuda
"has more golf courses per square mile than any place on the planet" - but don't forget to put your camera in your golf bag, as these golf courses are just gorgeous.

Whether you are looking for an action packed vacation, or just want to enjoy rest and relaxation... there is something for everyone here.You can choose between taking a scenic cruise to Bermuda, or you can fly there and stay at any of their beautiful hotel properties. If you would like to know more, call me (336-790-8911) or send me an email (jan@takeasuitcase.com).

Really helpful PACKING TIPS

Packing Tips

Many airlines charge fees for baggage. Now is a great time to learn how to travel light! As reported in USA Today, here are 10 fundamental packing strategies that every traveler should learn.

1. Roll, don't fold.

Many travel experts—including backpackers, who must stuff months' worth of clothing into a pack the size of a box of wine—agree that rolling is superior to folding. Tightly rolled clothes take up less space than folded ones. Plus, they're less prone to getting deep wrinkles from fold creases.

2. Make a packing list

When it comes to packing, procrastinators fall short. Start your packing process days or even weeks ahead of your departure date; this gives you time to craft a complete list, plus purchase any additional items you might need for your vacation. Creating a packing list is a fail-safe way to ensure that you never, ever forget to bring something important.

3. Know your airline's baggage-fee policy

Figuring out the airlines' tricky and befuddling baggage-fee policies is key to any budget-minded packing strategy. While most airlines permit travelers to check at least one bag on international flights, the majority of U.S. carriers charge big bucks for bags checked on domestic flights.

Before you begin packing, take a peek at your airline's website and read its baggage policy. This is something you might even want to do prior to buying your plane ticket, especially if you're set on bringing a checked bag or two. Consider flying on Southwest or JetBlue, both of which permit at least one free checked bag on domestic flights.

4. Follow the 3-1-1 rule

What happens if you don't follow the Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) 3-1-1 rule for carry-on luggage? Attempt to bring a large bottle of shampoo or a full-size gel deodorant through the security line and the TSA will likely confiscate your stuff, holding you up in line in the process. So get familiar with the agency's rules: All liquids brought onto planes must be in 3.4-ounce bottles or smaller and inside a single, clear, quart-size zip-top bag.

It also helps to know which items are, according to the TSA, considered liquids or gels and thereby subject to the 3-1-1 rule. This isn't as simple as it sounds. Foods such as peanut butter, pudding, mashed potatoes, and icing are classified as gels. Mascara, lip gloss, and aerosol items are also classified as liquids or gels. But keep in mind that liquid prescription medication is exempt. Visit the TSA website to see a more complete list of liquids and gels that are not permitted in carry-on luggage in quantities greater than 3.4 ounces here.

5. Use your personal item wisely

It's standard for airlines to permit each traveler to bring one carry-on bag and one personal item onboard planes. This personal item is subject to specific size requirements (these vary by airline), but something like a purse, laptop bag, or backpack is generally acceptable. Bringing a large tote is a smart choice because you can fill it up and shove it under the seat.

6. Wash your clothes on the road

Laundry facilities are one of my favorite parts about staying in vacation rentals. If you know your accommodations will have free laundry facilities, you're golden. You can wash and wear just a handful of outfits for the duration of even very long trips.

If you're staying in a hotel, call in advance to see if laundry services are available and how much they cost. Travelers staying in properties without laundry facilities or taking cruises—cruise lines are notorious for charging an arm and a pant leg for laundry services—can wash clothes in sinks and hang them to dry. I always make sure to pack a travel-size packet of laundry detergent and a sink stopper to clean my clothes on the road—it's my secret for fitting everything in a carry-on bag. Portable laundry-drying lines that attach to showers via suction cups are also a good choice; you can find them at many travel-supply stores.

7. Pack dual-purpose garments

If it's two-in-one, it's one less thing to pack. Dual-purpose items, such as pants that turn into shorts or a jacket that turns into a travel pillow are worth their weight in airline baggage fees.

8. Layer

This advice is twofold: Wear layers and pack in layers. First, your on-the-road wardrobe should feature plenty of layers, which will help you jetset through multiple climates in style and comfort. Second, the items in your bag should be packed in neat layers for easy screening. According to the TSA, "Pack items in layers (shoes one layer, clothes one layer, electronics one layer, etc.)" so that the security agent screening your bag can get a clear picture of what's inside. The faster the TSA agent can screen your stuff, the faster you'll get through the security line.

9. Never check essential items

It's terribly important to keep your valuable and essential belongings in your carry-on bag, not in your checked luggage. Your passport, identification, money, credit cards, jewelry, electronics, and other valuables should always be brought onto the plane with you. We probably don't need to tell you why you need to keep your passport and wallet on your person. But if the airline loses your luggage (or if a TSA agent gets sticky fingers), you'll regret stowing your expensive watch in a checked bag.

10. Use packing aids

My all-time favorite packing aid: Eagle Creek Compression Sacs. Use them to shrivel your clothes into a vacuum-packed, tiny, tight bundle that takes up minimal suitcase space. Other packing aids that can help you organize better and fit more into your bag include packing envelopes and packing cubes.

Call me at 336-790-8911 to book your next flight, cruise and land vacation. You know how to pack for it!

Travel to "The Land of Fire & Ice" is BOOMING...

Are you looking for a unique travel destination?  If you have a sense of adventure and are looking for a vacation out of the ordinary - you might be interested in discovering what makes Iceland so special!

Recently I have had several requests for travel information on Iceland - and from what I have been reading in industry reports, popularity is growing in leaps & bounds for vacations to "The Land of Fire & Ice" as it is called. 

Located just below the Arctic Circle, Iceland is also known as "the land of light and darkness" with LONG summer days (24 hours of sunlight), and dark winters. It is home to the largest glaciers in Europe and some the world's most active volcanoes.

So what makes this country so appealing? To start with BREATHTAKING scenery as the landscape is so rugged and spectacular from moss-covered lava fields in the southwest to soaring fjords in the northwest. The people are warm & welcoming - and the culture is rich and vibrant. Iceland boasts an unpolluted environment, and geothermal energy. One of the highlights is to visit the many natural hot-springs such as the famous "Blue Lagoon". 

When is the best time to visit Iceland? The most popular tourist season is mid-June to the end of August - but with temperatures that are cool in summer and surprisingly mild in winter - any time is a good time to travel to Iceland depending on your interests. Some of the many activities include hiking, climbing, whale watching, rafting, fishing, diving & snorkeling - and in the winter there is dog-sledding, snowmobiling, skiing and snowboarding.

There are several ways you can tour this unique destination - such as cruises, escorted land tours, or take the ultimate road trip with a self-drive tour around the Ring Road. If you would like to learn more, contact us for more information and let us help you plan a trip to Iceland!

Which country is at the top of the 'HOT" destination list?

At last month's Virtuoso Travel Week, the "HOT" list of countries that are seeing the largest year over year growth was announced - and New Zealand was the overwhelming winner with an amazing 196% increase in growth!

Not surprising to us as we have both spent many years living in New Zealand,  and are well aware of how spectacular this country really is.

It's more than just the breath-taking scenery - New Zealand is a magical place to visit and visitors will be attracted to the laid back friendly atmosphere they will find there...remember "Kiwi's love to keep things casual".

New Zealand is comprised mainly of two islands - the North Island and the South Island - with scenery that is incredibly diverse from one end to the other. Those of you who have seen the famous "Lord of the Rings" trilogy are aware of just how stunning this small country is - surrounded by beautiful beaches, and home to majestic mountains and enchanted forests...it truly is absolute bliss to travel there!


If you are adventurous - New Zealand has activities galore including bungy jumping, sky-diving, caving, river rafting, jet boat racing, zip-lining, canoeing, & kayaking - just to name a few! If you enjoy fishing or golf - New Zealand is world renowned for both.

Prefer something more relaxing? Try the hot pools, tour the vineyards, or try any of the many cultural attractions available. New Zealand is well known for their world class wines, and their food is absolutely spectacular including a vast selection of fresh seafood, award-winning cheeses, and their famous lamb - it really is a gastronomical delight everywhere you go in New Zealand. 

There are so many ways you can see this gorgeous country....so whether it be a cruise, guided tour, hiking and biking, or self-drive vacation you are looking for, New Zealand offers something for everyone. CONTACT US today for more information.

THE MAGIC RETURNS…DIAGON ALLEY IS NOW OPEN!!

Diagon Alley is now open at UNIVERSAL ORLANDO RESORTS in Florida

Do you have Harry Potter fans in your family?  If so, a visit to Universal Orlando Resorts in Florida is a must-see!

Following the mammoth success of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Hogsmeade, Universal Orlando Resorts opened their new attraction “Diagon Alley” on July 8th, 2014.

Those who have read the first of J.K. Rowling’s saga “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” may remember that Diagon Alley is really Harry’s first step into the magical world.  Universal’s brilliant design team have done an incredible job of re-creating what J.K. Rowling describes in her popular novel - a sensory overload of the bizarre, the quirky, and the whimsical.

Fans of the films will love the detailed, incredible recreation of Diagon Alley and revel in the experience of being part of it as the details spring at you from all sides.

The centerpiece of Diagon Alley is the thrill ride “Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts” which takes riders on twists and turns through the bank’s vaults surrounded by Hollywood-quality footage that was shot just for the ride. It has been called “a wonder of technological achievement”.

Kids will adore an innovative piece of interactive technology that Universal has introduced, whereby guests can purchase interactive wands. With a flick of their wrist they will soon discover that magic happens that brings the Wizarding World to life!

Universal has brilliantly linked the two Harry Potter attractions at its two parks with the Hogwarts Express – a new ride that runs between Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley, thrilling passengers with a video ride through the English countryside past scenes and characters that Harry Potter fans will recognize instantly!

Contact Us if you would like to know more about the magical world of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resorts.

Kia Ora....some things you might not know about New Zealand

Kia ora is a Māori language greeting which has entered New Zealand English. It means literally "be well/healthy" and is translated as an informal "hi". The two main languages spoken in New Zealand are English and Maori.

My husband was "born & raised" in New Zealand - and I was fortunate to have lived there for 11 years myself. If you are curious about this beautiful country and considering it for your own bucket list, here are some things you might like to know about....


New Zealand has become more and more popular as a travel destination...especially after so many people became aware of the stunning scenery after seeing the well know  "Lord of the Rings" movie series. Did you know that the first man to climb Mt Everest (Sir Edmund Hilary) was a Kiwi?



New Zealand is comprised of two major islands (the North and the South Island) and a number of smaller islands. It is similar in size to Great Britain or Japan - but wonderfully uncrowded, with a population of just 4 million people.....in fact they say they have more sheep than people in this small country!  No part of the country is more than 79 miles from the sea.

They have four distinct seasons - but their seasons are reversed from what we have here in the Northern Hemisphere...so Spring is September-November, Summer is December-February, Autumn is March-May, and Winter is June-August. In New Zealand the temperatures are mild year round with little variance...so anytime is a good time to travel "downunder".

New Zealanders are adventurous - and there are lots of outdoor activities available for tourists, including golf, cycling, walking & hiking. Did you know that organized commercial bungee jumping first began in New Zealand? The Jet Boat was originally designed by New Zealander Bill Hamilton in 1953, and has developed into a Kiwi icon - and a must do activity on your New Zealand vacation. Sailing, surfing, diving, fishing - Kiwis love the water, and there are so many choices when it comes to water activities.

There are regular flights to New Zealand from the west coast - and the flight time from Los Angeles to Auckland for example is 12 hours - and the best part is that you fly out in the evening, so by the time you have had a meal, a glass of wine, watched a movie, and had a sleep - it's almost time to land and the flight attendants are waking you up with breakfast! 

If you have the travel time to do so - you can also combine a trip to New Zealand with time in Australia too - it is just 3 hours from Sydney, Australia to Auckland, New Zealand.

There are lots of choices as to how you see this amazing country - for example there are several cruise options with 9 main cruise ports in New Zealand. There are numerous tour opportunities for both escorted and fully-independent tours - including self-drive tours. Do keep in mind though that in New Zealand they drive on the left-side of the road as they do in Great Britain. There is a wide range of different types of accommodation to choose from.


So....would you like to know more? If you have questions about New Zealand, CONTACT US for more information.

This is a trip of a lifetime....NOW is the time to plan your vacation "downunder", so don't delay!

Have you heard about the Barbados difference?

I have not had the opportunity to visit Barbados as yet...but it is definitely on my bucket list - and even more so now that I know that Sandals will re-open in Barbados very soon!  More on that further down here - but first, I wanted to tell you that I recently attended a fascinating webinar from Barbados Tourism, and now I am more interested than ever in visiting this fabulous Caribbean paradise....

 So what is the Barbados difference? Well for one thing it is east of the other Caribbean islands, and has "the best of both worlds" in that it has beaches on both the Atlantic ocean and the Caribbean sea, and so much natural beauty with rolling hillsides and lush gardens. Barbados was originally a British colony, so English is widely spoken, and it is a fusion of African and British influences with a high standard of living and highly educated and friendly people. Who wouldn't want to visit when they boast an average year round temperature of 82 degrees? How about swimming with the turtles?

Barbados is a becoming a very popular cruise destination - and will be even more so in the future, as we learned that Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines are one of the companies investing in a new cruise port coming soon that will be called "Sugar Point", with planned shops & restaurants that will keep to the authentic local style of architecture.

Prefer to fly?  No problem - there are flights to Barbados from a number of gateway cities, including 2 daily flights from Miami, as well as a daily Jet Blue flight from New York, and to those of us living here in the Triad - US Air flies there from Charlotte, NC. There is lots of accommodation available - from budget to luxury hotels.

As mentioned earlier, it has been announced that after a brief closure to undertake a wide-ranging enhancement program, a new Sandal's all-inclusive resort is planed to be open by early 2015! Sandals Barbados will offer 280 luxury accommodations that range from opulent beachfront butler suites to new swim-up river suites situated in the resort's tropical gardens.

So what's is there to do in Barbados?  There are LOTS of sporting activities..did you know that Barbados is the golf capital of the Caribbean?

There are lots of water activities of course including fabulous diving, surfing, and windsurfing...in fact Barbados is the home of international surfing events. Interesting too...with the British influence, Barbados is well known for English sports such as horse-racing, rugby, cricket & polo!

There are wonderful festivals held in Barbados - such as the famous "Crop Over" festival, with local artists, themed events, great music, and a parade...and this year they will be celebrating their 40th anniversary. Check it out at barbadoscropoverfestival  There are lots of other colorful festivals throughout the year - such as the well known "Food, Wine, & Rum" festival. Did you know that Barbados is the "birthplace of rum"?

Lots of history and heritage in Barbados too - for example it is home to one of the oldest Jewish synagogues in the Western Hemisphere. A visit to historic Bridgetown is a must see for gorgeous 18th century architecture.

If Barbados is on your bucket list too, please check out the tourism website visitbarbados.org  - and if you would like more information, contact us today...we would love to help you plan your dream vacation to beautiful Barbados!

Vacation Dilemma....take a tour, or just wing it yourself?

You want to explore the world...but should you take a tour, or just wing it yourself? You may want to think twice about it....

These days with help from the internet, many travelers make the decision to strike out by themselves and just "fly by the seat of their pants"....but fully independent travel is not always the best experience, and you need to think twice. Here are some points you may like to consider:

How are you going to get around?

You can rent a car - but keep in mind that when you are traveling to a foreign country it is not as easy as you might think. Do you really want to deal with heavy traffic and narrow streets? Parking is often a nightmare!

There are great train systems available - but often it is very confusing if you don't have someone there to help you.

Are you comfortable with language barriers?  

Clients tell us that they have found when they tried to figure it out for themselves they ended up wasting precious time - and time is not something you want to waste on a vacation! 

Should you plan ahead?

Do you really want to wait in long lineups - or would you prefer knowing that you can get in to see an attraction front of the line?

Travelers have found that when they researched it themselves their internet search was not always accurate for important information such as hours of operation, etc.

What if you come across an unknown situation?

Why go through all the stress? Wouldn't you rather have someone to assist you with insider experience so you can relax and maximize your vacation time?

So what are the alternatives??

There are lots of different types of tours to consider - from guided tours to independent tour packages for all ages and interests.

Advantages of Guided Travel?

Guided tours are not what you may think they are - these days they offer luxury modern coach travel (complete with Wi-Fi), and keep in mind that the coaches are just a means to get from "a to b", and you are able to maximize your time to see all the highlights. You can sit back and relax - enjoy the view from a higher vehicle - and take advantage of a vacation that is hassle free....and have the advantage of a knowledgeable travel director!  Plus you don't have to worry about handling your luggage - it is all taken care of for you.

Prefer the idea of an Independent Tour?

If you think that you would prefer an independent tour - you may like to consider a package where you are on your one, BUT have a choice of centrally located hotels, plus a local host on the scene at your destination who is there to advise you and provide you with valuable information...and you have the option to pre-book trains, and excursions, etc.

Contact Us for more information...we work with many preferred suppliers who can make your trip both memorable, and stress free!

Belize it or not...

Our trip to Belize

We had a very interesting trip recently to Belize.....and found it to be an extremely relaxed and comfortable place to visit, where the people were very friendly and welcoming, and the food was superb!

Belize has world class scuba diving with the largest barrier reef in the western hemisphere - as well as sailing, fishing, hiking, and over 1,000 Mayan ruins scattered throughout to explore. There are also jungles, wildlife reserves, and the largest cave system in Central America. We took a small plane ride to San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, where we stayed for a week at the beautiful "Victoria House" resort.

For those who have never been there...Belize is located in Central America - it is bordered to the North by Mexico, to the South & West by Guatemala, and the East by the Caribbean Sea. It is always warm, yet comfortable with trade winds blowing that keep you feeling cool. 

Formerly know as "British Honduras", Belize gained their full independence in 1981. Belize is diverse with various cultures & languages. English is the official language, but most of the native people are fully bilingual in both English and Spanish, and many people speak Creole as well. There are lots of expatriates living there from Canada, United States, and Europe.

Belize is easy to visit as nearly every place accepts USD currency as well as Belize dollars ($2 Belize is worth $1 USD). The main mode of transportation in San Pedro on Ambergris Caye is golf carts and bicycles!

If you are interesting in taking a vacation to Belize yourself contact us for more information.