Cheers to the New Year!

As December fades with twinkly lights and holiday music, we have this wonderful time for celebration and reflection as we say good-bye to 2014.  The end of the year is when we look ahead anticipating new experiences.  It's a time for savoring the past and to begin planning amazing future adventures.  

Here at Reid Travel we are putting on our genie togs to grant you everything you're wishing for in travel for 2015 and beyond.

Happy New Year from all the genies at Reid Travel!

What our agents talk about when they talk about travel...

Here are some snippets from one of our recent chats...

Janet Pringle, who just got back from a trip to London, Belfast and Dublin, had lots to talk about this week.

In London she stayed at the Royal Garden Hotel which is perfectly situated next to Hyde Park and has lovely rooms and a friendly staff.  Dining was a treat in the Park Terrace restaurant, and truly a culinary delight on the tenth floor in Min Jiang, Janet advises:  "Don't forget to pre-order the perfectly cooked, crispy 'Beijing Duck' which gets carved tableside."

Of course, we can't go to London without taking in a theater or two.  Janet saw "Miss Saigon" at the Prince Edward Theater and said, "It was a wonderful new version for the 21st century audience"

There's so much to see in London and so many great ways to do it.  A ride on the London Eye is a good start as it takes you high above the city with a 360° view of London's major landmarks.  Back on the ground, a vintage bus tour with an informative guide brought to life many of the sights observed from above.  The grand finale of the tour was an up-close view of The Changing of the Guard.

Madame Tussauds Museum, which opened over 200 years ago, was a fun place to visit.  Museum-style ropes and poles have been removed so now it is possible to get up close and personal with replicas of famous people throughout history and around the world.

Janet also arranged a private tour of Kensington Palace, the royal home for over 300 years.  A highlight of the tour was the exhibition "Victoria Revealed" set within the rooms where Victoria grew up and at the age of 18 learned that she had become queen. 

So much to talk about... In the next post we'll share some of Janet's Ireland stories.  Don't want to wait?  Give Janet a call at 561-395-6670 or send an email to janet@reidtravel.com.  She'll be happy to tell you all about it.

You know it's not just where you go - a lot of the fun is who you meet along the way!

Time to give the gift of TRAVEL

Wow!  Thanksgiving is a week away and, if you close your eyes, you can almost smell turkey and pumpkin pie.  This is that wonderful time of year when we give of ourselves so that those we love have a memorable holiday season.  There is cooking, baking, shopping and planning.  

Hmmm...how about planning something special for yourself this season?  Reid Travel has a few very smart elves with some really  clever ideas for memorable gifts you can give yourself. 

 

Our Destination Specialists have last-minute suggestions for:  skiing resorts, thrill-seeking adventures, American cities that you may not have even thought about, cruises suitable for singles and/or families, island retreats, and a myriad of other itineraries that offer an opportunity to meet new people, experience new things, and encounter new cultures.

Let us help you tie a bow around a special gift...the gift of travel.

Our elves are waiting for your call...

561-395-6670 * 800-248-8404 

Celebrity Cruises will soon feature Craft beers!

Celebrity Cruises Breaking News!

A new bar concept and wide array of craft beers is coming to Celebrity Cruises aboard the Celebrity Equinox in May of this year!  This transformation will take place on a scheduled overhaul in Spain this month.  The new "Gastrobar" as they are calling it will feature 40 hand crafted beers along with wines and cocktails and comfort food.  In this venue there will also be music and entertainment! 

Another exciting venue being added to the Equinox is a frozen drink bar called Slush where it will feature both alcoholic and nonalcoholic frozen drinks.  So many fun and exciting things happening at Celebrity Cruises, click on the link below to see what itinerary you can hop on for your next vacation.

Regent Seven Seas Mariner Refurbishment!

Regent Seven Seas Cruises has just completed a full refurbishment of the Seven Seas Mariner.

Highlights of this refurbishment include:

-The ship's Grand, Master, Mariner, Seven Seas, Horizons and Penthouse Suites received all-new furniture, upholstery, lighting and wall coverings.  Each features sophisticated, timeless decor with new sofas and chairs, new dining tables, new lamps and accent lighting.

-The ship's two-deck high, state-of-the-art show theatre was renovated with a new LED wall to enhance the on-stage productions, and new carpeting, upholstery, wall coverings, cocktail tables, wall sconces, banquettes and chairs to provide additional comfort for Regent quests.

-The Stars Lounge features a dramatic new decor and ambiance and the Horizon Lounge received a distinctive new stone-fronted bar, chic new furnishings, tony carpeting, lustrous wall coverings, and new lighting.  Mariner Lounge was reconfigured was reconfigured with a spacious "open floor plan and features a new bar, new stone flooring, lamps and tables.

-The Observation Lounge sports a stunning new decor and a dramatic new back-lit bar serves as the room's centerpiece which offers sweeping 270 degree views.

-The Canyon Ranch Spa received new steam rooms, new stone flooring in the reception area, refurbished changing rooms and the Fitness Center was equipped with bran new state-of-the-art exercise equipment.

-The exterior decks and al fresco lounges received a makeover as well.  New teak was installed on the balconies of all 350 suites and the teak decking in common areas was resurfaced and refinished to brand-new condition.  The Pool Deck, as well as the ship's outdoor relaxation areas, were furnished with brand new resort-style sofas, chairs, and loungers.  The Pool Grill and La Veranda also received eye-catching upgrades with new mosaic tiling, new wall coverings, draperies, lighting and awnings.

For more information about Regent Seven Seas Click Here.

News from Oceania Cruises!

Oceania has created an exclusive and innovative Kosher program with a great focus on taste.  They have partnered with "Gourmet Kosher" and "Anny's Bread Factory" to provide an exclusive Kosher dining experience which includes the following dishes below:

• 14 gourmet Breakfast items
• 9 gourmet appetizers
• 5 gourmet soups
• 17 gourmet Entrees:  5 fish, 5 Chicken, 5 Beef, 2 Veal
• 9 gourmet side dishes
• 17 gourmet desserts

All breakfasts, appetizers, soups and entree items are served on real Chinaware and include real silverware and condiments.  Desserts are presented in a plastic container with a lid. 

Oceania is excited to take the culinary experience onboard to an all new level by providing custom made gourmet kosher dishes with a nice presentation (real silverware, china).

Because of the way food is stored and because it is possible that a utensil used for cooking/heating kosher food could come in contact with non-kosher food, it should be noted that the gourmet kosher meals and frozen meat options are kosher, while the onboard preparation and galley environment its not.

Guests will be required to pre-order their selections 90 days prior to sailing.  Guests who book a cruise with less than 90 days until sailing; would be allowed to pre-order at 70 days prior.  All Kosher items will need to be pre-ordered.


Always available onboard:  the frozen raw Kosher proteins which  include Veal Rack, Lamb Rack, Rib Eye Steak, Turkey Breast and Chicken will always be available onboard.  These items do not require pre-ordering.

 For more great information about Oceania Cruises click here.

Silversea aboard the Silver Explorer

Sail in luxury through the South Shetland Islands, Antarctica, Peninsula and islands, the Falkland Islands & South Georgia and experience breathtaking wildlife encounters that can be found nowhere else on earth.  You will see nature's purest beauty - the same sights many early explorers saw more than a century ago!

2014 Sailings:

• November 21, 2014 - 11 nights Punta Arenas, Chile to Ushuaia, Argentina (Venetian Society sailing)
• December 2, 2014 - 10 nights roundtrip Ushuaia, Argentina
• December 12, 2014 - 10 nights roundtrip Ushuaia, Argentina
• December 18, 2014 - 18 nights roundtrip Ushuaia, Argentina

A day on a Silversea expedition cruise...

After breakfast you can enjoy walking on the deck to enjoy the scenery of your new location before heading to the Zodiacs or head to the theatre for an enriching lecture.  During lunch the ship typically repositions to the second landing spot of the day or offers some interesting and fun workshops and presentations.

About the Silver Explorer...
The Silver Explorer expedition ship was built and designed to navigate some of the world's most remote destinations, including both of the earth's polar regions.  A strengthened hull with a Lloyd's Register ice-class notation for passenger vessels which enables the Silver Explorer  to safely push through ice floes with ease.  The fleet of Zodiac boats allows guests to visit even the most off-the-beaten path locations with the knowledge and help of the expert Expedition Team to create an unforgettable adventure.

For more news and information check out reidtravel.com

Antarctica with Lindblad Expeditions

Explore the spectacular destination of Antarctica with Abercrombie & Kent on the Le Boreal!  With A&K you will go inside Antarctica with expert-led excursions and enjoy intimate lectures by noted scientists.

A day on Lindblad National Geographic Explorer...

While in Antarctica with Lindblad you will be actively exploring every day.  Zodiac cruise, kayak, hike and walk daily:  there is nothing passive about our expedition style.  You will be able to explore daily, sometimes even twice a day!  Get suggestions on how to get the best photo of the penguins while on shore or take a long hike or short walk on a shore lined with ghostly remnants of the whaling industry.  You can also enjoy the greatest silence on Earth while kayaking.

Lindblad is the only expedition company in  Antarctica with an undersea specialist, qualified to dive in polar waters, as a part of the expedition team.  The undersea specialist suits up and dives or mans a ROV (remotely operated vehicle) able to descent to 1,000 feet and brings back footage of the life beneath the ship for you to enjoy in vivid high-definition.

About the National Geographic Explorer...
The Explorer was designed to embody the Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic Alliance and its mission to inspire people to travel and care about the planet.  Representing 175 years of collective expedition experience.  The Explorer is fully stabilized ice-class vessel with a DNV Ice-1A Super rating on her forward hull.  She also exceptional tools for exploration which allows you to see, do, and experience more in Antarctica.

Tips on Traveling with wheelchairs

The conditions for people that use wheelchairs have improved tremendously when traveling.  Here are some tips to help you have the most seamless travel experience...

-Know your rights - the Air Carrier Access Act was passed by Congress to help ensure that people with disabilities are not discriminated against during air travel.  This act says that all domestic and international flight with the U.S. as the origin or destination are required to provide certain accommodations to those with disabilities, free of charge.

-Pick the right airline - Although all U.S. airlines are bound under the Air Carrier Access Act some airlines do a better job than others.  Before you book your flights do a search on the internet or a social network to see if there is any negative feedback floating around. 

-Choose the Best Seat - If it is not an option to get an upgraded seat then turn to SeatGuru to assist you in getting the most comfortable economy seat for you. 

-Talk to your Airline - Once you have booked your reservations give your airlines customer service number a call and confirm that all of your special requests are noted in your record

Thanks On Call International for such great tips! 

www.reidtravel.com

Travelers' Choice Awards Top Hotels

Travelers' Choice Awards names the top hotels around the world today.  Which one do you want to visit in 2014?

1. Grand Hotel Kronenhof Pontresina, Switzerland - This 5-star Hotel is one of the most architecturally significant Hotels in the Alps
2. The Upper House Hong Kong - This hotel was designed by one of the most highly sough after design talents in the Asia Pacific region, his "new luxury" approach is described as a 'haven of calm and quiet taste'
3. Gili Lankanfushi Maldives Lankanfushi, Maldives - 
   
4. Nayara Hotel, Spa & Gardens La Fortuna de San Carlos, Costa Rica - Consistently voted one of the "Most Romantic Hotels in the World" with the most captivating views on earth!  50 comfortable and spacious casitas with a stunning terrace from which to view the volcano, a private garden with an outdoor shower and an intimate Jacuzzi for two
5. The Oberoi Udaivilas Udaipur, India - Here the rich heritage of the Mewar region of Rajasthan is showcased across the rambling courtyards, gentle rippling fountains, reflection pools and verdant gardens on the property
6. Casa Gangotena Quito, Ecuador - This newly restored historic mansion overlooking the Plaza San Francisco has the perfect blend of sophistication yet eclectic, historic yet contemporary with a delightfully passionate staff
7. Lindos Blu Lindos, Greece - This is the first adults-only hotel in the cosmopolitan island of Rhodes, the 70 guestrooms and villas have impressive views to the Aegean Sea are deliberately designed to offer a unique experience for each guest
8. The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort Punta de Mita, Mexico - Punta Mita means "gateway to paradise" which is exactly what you will feel with the white sands, pristine waters and lush tropical flora
9. The Oberoi, Mumbai Mumbai, India - 
   
10. Trump International Hotel & Tower Toronto - 
    

For other great hotels click here!

Destination: Ireland

Ireland is located on the northwest tip of Europe.  There are so many amazing landscapes to see while visiting the Emerald Isle including three UNESCO World Heritage sites:  The Bend of Boyne, Giant's Causeway & Sceilg Mhichil.  The Giant's Causeway which is a natural UNESCO World Heritage Site in Belfast that was formed from volcanic activity during the Tertiary period which was approximately 50 to 60 million years ago.

There are many different ways to enjoy this magnificent destination.  A select few cruise lines go to Ireland, normally just once a year.  By land you can appreciate the culture and daily life with ease.  The best time of year to travel to this "lucky" green place is April through October.  You can see the spring growth and then into October the autumn colors.  Most attractions stay open until the end of the month.

Cox & Kings Prague

Cox & Kings can be customized to your preferences and needs.  Here are some examples of a tour through Central Europe with Cox & Kings.

A Journey Through Central Europe - 10 days & 9 nights (Prague, Budapest & Vienna)

Travel through the cultural capitals of Imperial Europe as you discover the myraid delights of Prague, Budapest and Vienna.  Explore the remarkably well-preserved historical towns of Central Prague and take in outstanding views of the city from the iconic Charles Bridge.  Marvel at the the impressive architecture, relax at the public bath and cruise the tranquil Danube while experiencing the flories of Budapest, the "Paris of the East."  End your journey through Central Europe in Vienna, capital of music and home to glorious St. Stephen's Cathedral.

Itinerary:

• Prague
• Prague
• Prague
• Budapest
• Budapest
• Budapest
• To Vienna 
• Vienna
• Vienna
• Depart Vienna

Visit reidtravel.com for more information!