Tuesday, January 23, 2018

When Traveling Take Some Of These Little Things


I know this do not sound good but it is better to be cautious when traveling. There was a honeymoon couple who stayed at  Punta Cana and love it! They stayed for a week to have a fun and relaxing couple time. However, the groom returned home with Typhoid Fever! He is very young and very sick at the moment. Anyway, the doctor told them the Typhoid may have been passed by feces which means that  most likely someone preparing food did not wash their hands.


Please know that some places we travel is behind, especially most islands in hygiene and people do get sick going there. It could happen during the vacation time or after getting back home to where you are most acclimated to. 


The doctor suspects Lyme disease can happen from a mosquito bite while zip-lining since it is usually situated in a dense forest or water. 



It is best to recommend vaccinations before traveling. Be prepared with little things you can think of to protect yourself like:

Sunscreen
Mosquito repellent, 
Bedbug traps
Vitamins
Pepto Bismol
Granola bars, protein bars or trail mix.
Water purification tablets, or a water filter.
Toilet paper
Paper towels
Shampoo, Soap, Laundry detergent, and a few feet of rope to use as a clothesline (among other things).
Enough hand sanitizer to sterilize a small village.
A universal rubber plug, for use in tubs and sinks.
A universal plug for outlets  
A small, battery-operated fan
A sewing kit
Ziploc and plastic bags for protecting your electronics and documents 
Swiss Army pocket knife (remember to put it back in your checked bag).
A waterproof container of matches, or a lighter (also to remain in your checked bag).
A small roll of duct tape. 
A luggage lock and coiling cable (preferably one for each of your bags).
Keychain flashlight

A thin blanket or bed sheet just in case!

These are little things we take for granted which may save you from time to time when in a foreign land.


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Argentina & the Life of Pope Francis


Argentina & the Life of Pope Francis

Visit Buenos Aires, Argentina and acquaint yourself with the “Paris of South America” leisurely, and a glimpse of the life of #PopeFrancis.


How about sightseeing at La Boca, a colorful district? Enjoy a short walk and head to the famous late colonial buildings of San Telmo, Plaza de Mayo, La Casa Rosada ( the President’s Pink House, and celebrate Mass at the Metropolitan Cathedral and more to see like the following:
Colon Opera house
CEMETERY OF THE RECOLETA – burial site of Eva Peron
famous TANGO CLUB - a DANCE LESSON
SAN CARLOS BORROMENO CHURCH - nicest architecture
Day 1 Arrival in Buenos Aires, Argentina
SAN JOSE DE FLORES “The Call of God”
Pope’s neighborhoods of Buenos Aires such as Almagro, Caballito, Flores and Floresta
ARGENTINE ESTANCIA
LUJAN BASILICA - the Virgin of Lujan (Patron Saint of Argentina)
Local WINE TASTING
Excursion to Tigre – Tigre Delta , Parana River
SAN ISIDRO CATHEDRAL
see the historic city of Colonia, Uruguay

CHURCH OF THE SACRED SAINT, the oldest church in Uruguay


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Tuesday, January 9, 2018

Discovering Palawan in 7 Day Itinerary




Here's a 7-day itinerary for Palawan:
Day 1: Visit El Nido
Day 2: Join an island hopping tour in El Nido
Day 3: Explore the beaches of El Nido
Day 4: Visit Coron
Day 5: Join an island hopping tour in Coron
Day 6: Snorkel or dive in Coron
Day 7: Relax on Coron Beach


If you want to relax please extend as you wish. Hensley Travel


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Sunday, December 24, 2017

Cuba Travel


Traveling To Cuba


If you are a U.S. citizen and plan to travel to Cuba you need a passport and a visa to enter the country.
Cruising Royal Caribbean from US to Cuba? You need a passport and a visa.

In fact, we are encouraging all International Travel for travelers to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program(STEP) to receive security.

The travel advisory recommends US citizens not travel to Cuba due to recent sonic attacks against US citizens. Should you be concern if you are traveling to Cuba? Concern is always there when traveling elsewhere, not only Cuba. It is advised to keep an eye on any suspicious situation, trust your gut and stay vigilant. You may consult the website for passport information and warnings. If you have concerns, consult your travel agent. You make the final decision whether to go or not. The travel agent maybe able to help but does not guarantee a safe travel since you are the traveler.

For peace of mind, travel insurance might be a wise decision to include in your travel investment.
Due to the recent happening to some Americans who were in Cuba; they closed the embassy except for essential personnel and ordered American diplomats to leave because they were targeting American's and making them ill. It is true there is crime everywhere and this is a concern, especially it can be dangerous for some.

Some who just returned from their trip to Cuba said they arrived in Cuba safely and had a wonderful time. The country is beautiful and Cuban people are hospitable. They loved Havana!

If you have some concerns, feel free to Check the site - US Cuts Havana Embassy Staff Stops Issuing Visas In Cuba


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Friday, December 1, 2017

Between Princess Cruises And Holland America Line

Between Princess Cruises And Holland America Line

For couples in their 60s who have only been on one cruise before in the Caribbean and want to do a cruise / land combo to Alaska this summer, I recommend princess and Holland when there is a land component involved.

If the couples liked the laidback “freestyle” cruising, then NCL would be good. I’m wondering if Holland or Princess would feel too rigid for the couples? As a travel agent, thinking for the client is part of our job because our first priority is to make sure the cruise fits the cruisers. When cruise fits to their personality, everyone is happy!

When you want to do Alaska once, as a dream cruise, then do it right! I absolutely agree and want to make sure recommending the right thing would be best.

Do they care if there are kids on the ship? No.

Do they care about food? No, they are not huge foodies.

How long a cruise they plan on doing? 10 – 15 days option…

That would mean that they can have more time in Denali.

Princess / Holland might be too rigid for them? Maybe no.

Another cruiser think Princess or Holland for Alaska were not that rigid or stuffy and mostly loved it. She likes the fact that there is a naturalist on the Princess cruise that gave lectures and enjoyed it very much! It was phenomenal to listen and learn about natural. Princess is awesome! Holland is a bit pricey for some. So, which one would be the option for age range 60s? Well, if they are willing to spend a little more money, then Holland America would be great! If not, princess would be great as well.

How about dining?

Being able to go outside at a specified time and they would always seat us, make us feel special.

Or maybe try Uncruise, if budget isn't an issue. 

I did learn to just fly in to Vancouver where the ship is docked for Holland America cruise/tour. It’s hard and iffy to fly into Seattle then cross the border. Either way, it is not my decision but the one who's going. I am here to assist, not insist on what I think is the correct way because there is no right way unless one knows what they want.

Princess, though not labeled “freestyle”, gives plenty of choices with Anytime dining and the ability to do what you want when you want. Princess Cruises does a fabulous job in Alaska. For the more independent person, their on-your-own cruise tours are a good option. They have their own lodges and go to Glacier Bay but Holland is also good and has the same options if they are looking at the Haven Suite.

What would you choose?


I love Princess!


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Wednesday, October 25, 2017

Argentina - Basílica Nuestra Señora de Itatí




Basílica Nuestra Señora de Itatí

This is so beautiful! 
From the country of Argentina is The Basilica of Our Lady of Itatí. 
A Catholic shrine and temple with a capacity of 9000 people and its summit is the highest in South America. 

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Brazil


Parque Nacional Lençóis Maranhenses - Lagoa Azul

The Lençóis Maranhenses National Park (Parque Nacional dos Lençóis Maranhenses) is a national park located in Maranhão state, in northeastern Brazil. It is an area of low, flat, occasionally flooded land, overlaid with large, discrete sand dunes. It encompasses roughly 1,500 km2 (580 sq mi), and despite abundant rain, supports almost no vegetation. The area became a National Park on June 2, 1981.

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Italy Weather In October

Can we talk Italy weather in October?  Question by Rachael. Mom is traveling to Tuscany and Amafi in October and wants to know w...