A beautiful beach for each day of the year!

Antigua is best known for having 365 white sandy beaches - one for every day of the year!

Antigua is the largest of the British Leeward Islands in the West Indies. It boasts beautiful and safe shallow waters. Vacationers love this part of the world for its boating, excellent food, family-friendly activities and legendary cocktails! 

It has an ideal climate with temperatures ranging from the mid 70's in the winter to the mid 80's in the summer. Antigua is one of the sunniest islands in the Caribbean with an annual rainfall of ONLY 45 inches. But the best part is the LOW HUMIDITY year round!

Here are three reasons you should book a trip to Antigua!

EASY ACCESS
Several of the major airlines fly into Antigua. This island has a beautiful all-inclusive Sandals resort. Prefer a cruise? There are Southern Caribbean cruises that include a stop in amazing Antigua.

WATER SPORTS

Visitors rave about the famous "Nelson's Dockyard", which is the only Georgian Naval Dockyard in the world. This site was the home of the British fleet during the Napoleonic wars, and it was the headquarters of the legendary Admiral Lord Nelson from 1784-1787.

This island destination offers sport fishing, windsurfing and kite boarding. There are also some beautiful golf courses for those who prefer recreation on land!

NATURAL WONDERS

If you enjoy hiking, you won’t want to miss “Shirley Heights" that is known for its panoramic views. Enjoy views of the summit while dining at the "Lookout Bar and Restaurant" and listening to local bands perform live Caribbean music.

Located in eastern Antigua, Devil's Bridge is the spot where the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea meet. This natural wonder is a distinctive limestone arch.

Want to know more? Give me a call (336-790-8911) and I would be happy to give you more information!

Four Reasons to Visit the Galápagos Islands!

Galápagos Islands

Considered one of the world's foremost destinations for extraordinary wildlife viewing, the Galapagos Islands are on many people's bucket list.  Charles Darwin visited this area in 1835, and his observation of Galapagos' species later inspired his theory of evolution. The Galápagos Islands is actually a province of Ecuador and lies about 1,000 km off its coast. It is home to a diverse mix of plant and animal species found nowhere else on the planet!

I want to tell you about four great reasons to plan a getaway to the Galápagos Islands!

ONE - VARIETY. This archipelago consists of 18 larger islands, three smaller islands and over 100 rocks and islets. Visitors can "get up close and personal" with playful sea lions and enormous sea tortoises. Each island has its own personality and unique landscape - ranging from volcanic rocks to gorgeous white sandy beaches. 


TWO - TIMING. Galapagos offers visitors amazing views year round. The busiest months for tourism are June, July and August when families are able to travel together and share this incredible experience with their children. The hot rainy season is December through May when the ocean is the calmest and visitors enjoy sunny weather with temperatures in the 80's. Experienced divers prefer to visit during the cooler dry season of June through November when the colder water attracts an amazing variety of marine life.

THREE - COMBO TRIPS. The best way to view this incredible destination is by ship. We work with several different companies that offer cruises, including Celebrity Cruise Lines that has more than 12 years experience in the Galapagos Islands. Select from "cruise and land tours" where you can combine a cruise with a land extension to places such as popular Quito, Equador and the amazing Machu Picchu in Peru. Celebrity also offers small intimate ships with an "all-inclusive" cruise experience that includes twice daily expeditions. These include guided shore landings and excursions with Ecuadorean naturalists who are well educated on the country and culture. 

FOUR - ACTIVITIES. Scuba divers have long known about the variety of animal life surrounding the Galápagos Islands. Animal lovers enjoy watching the animals lounge in the sun at Turtle Bay on Santa Cruz. Learn about the islands' history and breeding program by visiting The Charles Darwin Research Station. Hikers will enjoy a day trip to Sierra Negra Volcano that rises 4,500 feet above sea level. We can create a custom-vacation package to meet your budget and interests.

If Galapagos Islands wasn't on your bucket list before, you need to add this life-changing destination!

CONTACT US for details on flights, pricing and excursions.

PS - There's NO CHARGE for my services! 

It's Dad's turn now...

NEWS FLASH!
Dad does NOT want a tie for Father's Day!

We have A LOT more stuff than people did just two generations ago. Research shows that an experience is appreciated much more than a material gift.

So, it's time to think about a " travel experience" for Dad that will will make lasting memories. The gift of travel can take many forms - and any budget! It could be a weekend trip with tickets to a sporting event, a concert or an outdoor adventure. Tell what your Dad likes, and I will provide trip options.

Not sure what to select? Give Dad a travel gift certificate in any amount so he gets to choose.

What does Dad enjoy? If he's a golf fan, then you can plan a trip to see a PGA tournament. What about a trip to Scotland or Ireland to play some world-famous golf courses? I can book a trip for one person or a whole group.

I've also got great trip ideas for scuba diving, tennis, biking, boating and more! Is he fond of fishing or hunting?  Is he into motor racing? How about  a trek to go deep-sea fishing or a trip of lifetime to the Monaco Grand Prix?  

Make it a memorable Father's Day for your Dad (or husband). I can plan a trip to cater to any interest. I would be delighted to help you plan a very special trip to create create memories he will always treasure! CONTACT US to plan an unique experience that best suits the Dad in your life.

Have you visited the Pacific Northwest? If not, you're in for a treat...

Been to the Pacific Northwest?

If you haven't taken a trip as yet to the Pacific Northwest, you definitely need to visit this amazing destination!  Of course, I admit I am biased because I was born and bred in Canada. I lived in Victoria, British Columbia before I moved to Vancouver. This beautiful area holds a special place in my heart. You should know that the scenery in this area is world renowned, and I haven't met anyone who knows this part of the world that doesn't rave about its stunning beauty!

We just returned from a trip to this area to catch up with family and friends. I was just fascinated with the different types of trees that you see on the west coast. I had forgotten about the spectacular views of the ocean and mountains in the background.

We try to visit the West Coast as least once a year. During these visits, we enjoy stops in Seattle, Washington and Portland, Oregon. These destinations offer a great variety of attractions. Alaskan cruises depart from both Seattle, Washington and Vancouver, Canada. I would highly recommend adding a day or two before or after the cruise to explore.

If you are going to Seattle, there are lots of fun activities. You can visit beautiful Mount St. Helens, take in the Space Needle, do a Boeing Tour or visit the famous Pike Place Market. The renowned Washington Wine Vineyards are just 30 minutes away where you can enjoy excellent wine tasting tours. You could also enjoy a memorable whale watching tour or go kayaking in the beautiful San Juan Islands.

Many people do not realize that Vancouver, Canada is just a three hour drive from Seattle. This short trip is an easy drive or you or you can alternatively take a seaplane or hovercraft from Seattle to Victoria on Vancouver Island.  These are the pictures I recently took of the beautiful inner harbor in downtown Victoria where you would arrive.

 
Afternoon Tea at the iconic Empress Hotel is a fun thing to do. Also you MUST take in a tour of the world famous "Butchart Gardens". They are spectacular year round, but especially nice in the summer evenings with stunning fireworks in the night-time sky. 

Visit soon to read about Vancouver. This amazing destination is absolutely gorgeous with SO MUCH to see and do! If you can't wait that long,  contact me and I would be happy to help you plan a trip to my "old stomping ground"!

A Mother's Day Gift to Remember...

Mother's Day is ALMOST here!

What does your Mom (or your wife) REALLY want for her special day?


Do you want to show your favorite lady how much you appreciate her? Travel is a memorable gift that she will love for years to come!


Research shows that the most-treasured gifts are "actual experiences" as opposed to a material gift. Jewelry is pretty, but a trip with memories can last a lifetime!

So what would she like? The gift of travel can take many forms and fit any budget. You give me an idea, and I do the research. What about a...
   - girls' getaway with friends?
   - trip to Disney World?
   - relaxing weekend at the beach?
   - tour of the wine country?
   - shopping trip to New York?


Has she always dreamed of a river cruise, a trip to Hawaii or a mini break in Paris? If you still need inspiration, see my TRAVEL DEALS. You can let her pick the perfect destination with a travel gift certificate. It's a smart gift choice for any Mom on your list!

Let's start planning a memorable trip for Mom. CONTACT ME for assistance in helping make this her best Mother's Day ever!

Creative Way to Achieve Sales Goals

The first business quarter of the year is almost over.
 NOW is the time for business owners and managers to
prepare a plan to reach their sales goal for 2017!

If you are looking for an effective and creative way to achieve your sales goals, you should consider an Incentive Vacation Trip. Research has shown that employees perform better - and stay with their companies longer - when their employer includes an incentive travel bonus as part of the company's yearly budget. I can create a trip to meet your goals - and budget!

Travel incentives can be for both internal and external sales teams. An incentive trip can:

• be used as a motivational tool to increase sales.
• provide a good networking opportunities for top performers to build relationships.

Who doesn't like to go on vacation? Everyone LOVES to travel! An incentive trip combines these two things and provides a great way to motivate your sales people.

So how does this work?  As your travel agent, I put together a package trip that will create excitement and a competitive spirit as your employees strive to qualify for the trip. I provide the options, and you set the sales goals. When included in the yearly budget, companies find an incentive trip generally brings in extra business and improves morale. They can be created for any size budget AND surprisingly are quite affordable.

For example, I can create an incentive package that includes flights and stay at an all-inclusive resort in a tropical destination. I provide destination options that offer group discounts and additional amenities. Our clients focus on running their business, and I handle all the travel details. My fee is paid by the resort and airline, so it COSTS NOTHING to the business!


Alternatively, you might like the idea of an incentive cruise instead! Cruise lines will provide meeting space and equipment - for no additional cost. This way you can attend to business in a relaxing setting. You can also arrange cocktail parties or group outings at a very reasonable cost.

Call me today at 336-790-8911 or email me (jan@takeasuitcase.com) to discuss an exciting incentive trip for your business!