Disney on the European Rivers in 2016!

We all know that river cruising is the hottest trend in travel right now...well it just got better!!  Disney will now be sailing on the European Rivers with AmaWaterways!  How exciting?!  Beginning in July and December 2016 there will be seven-night sailings from Vilshofen, Germany to Budapest and will call on Passau in Germany; Linz, Melk, Krems, and Vienna in Austria; and Bratislava in Slovakia.

If you are thinking you are going to get a photo op with Elsa or Mickey in front of the Durnstein Castle in Austria, you got it all wrong.  The partnership with Adventures by Disney and AmaWaterways will create a destination immersion with activities for the whole family.  Some activities you can get excited about would be:  a staged all-age friendly Oktoberfest celebration at a Cistercian monastery that is accompanied by folk dancing and traditional German foods, you and your family can recreate scenes from "The Sound of Music" while in Salzburg and many more Magical Memories!

Children under four years of age are not invited on this journey just yet, due to the active and educational focus of the tours it is recommended to be best for children ages eight and up.  The time spent in port will be maximized by the sailing schedule and the food onboard will focus on the delectable local specialties, yum!

The AmaViola, still being built, will be chartered by Disney and is creating extra doors for the option of adjoining cabins along with other family friendly additions in the staterooms.  At night there will be teen-only dinners available and another night that same venue can be morphed into a karaoke bar or a movie theater.  This all sounds so exciting and with Disney you know it will be a dream vacation! 

800.248.8404 ~ www.reidtravel.com ~ mail@reidtravel.com

Let's Go Exploring!

We think exploring is really part of the human psyche and you probably do too, or you wouldn't be reading this.  Matter of fact, we actually make a business of it!

So this week we'll chat about exploring by ship.  We call it "Expedition cruising", which lets the ship do most of the work.  There are many other ways to explore, of course, but if you want to learn a lot while enjoying the comforts of a cruise ship, Expedition Cruising can't be beat.

Here are a couple of outstanding companies that specialize in finding and exploring the coolest hot spots...

                                                                                                          
Silversea Cruises

Silversea now has three specialized luxury ships sailing to all seven continents:

• The Silver Discoverer - sails the islands of Micronesia, the Russian Far East and Siberia as well as the Kimberley coast of Australia.
• The Silver Explorer - visits the Polar regions and cruises Africa's west coast.
• The Silver Galapagos - explores its namesake island that inspired Darwin.

Abercrombie & Kent 

Abercrombie & Kent offers all-inclusive programs with an exciting new itinerary from Western Greenland to the Russian Far East aboard the eco-friendly Le Boreal, an all-balcony ship accommodating 199 guests.  Small group journeys range from 12 to 23 days ...a true adventure assisted by an award-winning expedition team.  We must mention that in 25 years they have operated more than 175 Antarctic expeditions.

                                                                          Lindblad & National Geographic 

Thanks to the alliance formed in 2004, you can sail to extraordinary places in the company of world-renowned scientists, naturalists, and researchers.  Ships are equipped with state-of-the-art exploration tools, such as bow-mounted and crow's nest cameras, hydrophones, and video microscopes for up-close forays.  You get to choose which individual of the expedition team you wish to join based on mutual interest.

Tauck & BBC Earth

You will have a backstage pass to experience in person places, people, animals, and stories relating to the BBC's landmark Natural History Series.  Set out on a totally new way of experiencing destinations such as the Galapagos, Northern India and Nepal, South America, and the Polar regions and Africa.  

New innovation in camera technology opens a window to worlds never seen before.  Underwater pole cameras, thermal imaging cameras and night vision goggles allow you to see what is normally hidden in darkness.  Infrared camera traps keep an eye on evasive wildlife 24 hours a day and specialized microphones bring the "voices" of nature to your ears.  Now that's something you've never heard before!

There are plenty of choices to be made here and we hope you will let us help you with them.  You'll want to be sure that your destination, itinerary and accommodations are the best choices for you.  

800.248.8404 ~ www.reidtravel.com ~ mail@reidtravel.com

Happy Valentines Day with love- Reid Travel

Love is in the air and we would like to help you share a little love straight from your heart...

Isn't Valentine's Day the perfect time to give a Gift of Travel to those we love?  Here at Reid Travel we play cupid and come up with tailor-made adventures to suit your budget.

Can't you just see the expression on your loved-one's face when opening up a box--expecting just the usual "chocolates" - only to discover a gift certificate to some exciting destination?  Better than chocolates?  Nope, better have some chocolates in there too!

There are plenty of ideas in the current issue of Ultimate Experiences.  Here's a sampler:  Hong Kong, India, Safaris, and Private Jet vacations.  Click this link and take a peek inside Ultimate Experiences magazine.

And our consultants are talking about some really nice Ecuador vacations too.  I'm hearing Disney, Tauck and custom-guided tours.  Call Reid today and see if there's something in this assortment to stimulate your traveling sweet tooth.

As your travel specialists, at Reid Travel we will save you time and money, give you plenty of savvy advice and help you in every way.  Call us today 800-248-8404!

The Seven Seas Explorer - Regent's Newest Ship

...and I wanna tell ya...she is some ship!!!  Welcome to the new reason to travel!

Regent Seven Seas Cruises is building a new ship in Italy's Fincantieri Shipyard that is destined to be the talk of the cruise industry! This all-suite, all-balcony ship will be named Seven Seas Explorer and will sail on the Mediterranean Sea for her maiden voyage.

Think exotic stonework, polished woods, eclectic lighting and rich fabrics with more spacious and sophisticated designer suites and elegant public areas. Think gourmet dining and luxurious spa treatments. (Regent features the Canyon Ranch Spa Club). Regent is looking to create something beyond all expectations with this ship. They want us to have an experience that is more of a lifestyle than just another vacation.

With only about 750 passengers to take care of, the crew of the Seven Seas Explorer is sure to spoil us with a lot more attention than we are accustomed to. The enrichment programs will be provided by the Smithsonian Collection and will surely create a lot of stimulating shipboard conversation. So I'm thinking... intimate ship, designer suites, pampered passengers, fine dining, Mediterranean maiden voyage...yep, I could go for this!

 

If you think so too, the Seven Seas Explorer begins her life on the legendary Mediterranean Sea on July 20, 2016. Imagine yourself being welcomed at 11 ports on this 14-night itinerary and returning home able to say “Oh yes, I was on the maiden voyage of the Seven Seas Explorer.”

You can share in the building of the Explorer and keep up with her progress at www.RSSC.com/Explorer and begin planning your future voyage aboard this most luxurious Regent ship. Then call us at Reid Travel (800-248-8404) to secure the itinerary and suite of your choice.

...and I wanna tell ya... that's gonna be some special cruise! 


(These pictures are artist renderings from Regent Seven Seas)

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

Our 2015 New Year's resolutions are etched in stone (or chocolate, or whatever).  So as promised, let's continue with more of Janet Pringle's trip to Ireland.

Janet started in Belfast, staying at The Fitzwilliam Hotel Belfast.  The Fitzwilliam is in the center of the city adjacent to the Grand Opera House, and is an ideal hotel from which to explore Belfast.  The hotel restaurant provided her group with samples of local cuisine created from local produce by their expert chefs before they set out on their tour.  What a nice beginning is what I'm thinking.  

On the tour they stopped at The Peace Wall, where they added their own message of peace and goodwill.  There is so much to see along the Causeway Coast which goes around the coast of Northern Ireland between Belfast and Londonderry.  Most notable was "The Giant's Causeway", consisting of 40,000 interlocking basalt columns - the result of an ancient volcanic eruption--it's the only World Heritage Site in Northern Ireland. 

They lunched at The Bushmills Inn, a luxury hotel featuring oak beamed rooms, four poster beds and opulent public areas with peat fireplaces and a secret library.  Then went on to the Old Bushmills Whiskey Distillery--the only operating distillery open to the public--where they were introduced to "hand crafting great whiskey since way back".

While in Belfast Janet said a must thing to do is to participate in The Cookery School at James Street South.  This is an interactive kitchen where they share their passion for produce and cooking with you.  Her appetizer and main course were delicious as well as an "over-the-top" mouth-watering desert.

Guinness anyone?  Before leaving Belfast, they made one last stop at the Crown Liquor Saloon, a traditional and authentic pub built in 1820, which is revered for its eclectic range of real ales and classic pub food all of which are served with a generous measure of that famous Irish hospitality.

On to Dublin now (about a 2 1/2 hour drive) to another chic and trendy Fitzwilliam Hotel.  This Fitzwilliam is located right in the heart of Dublin and, as a bonus, has a Michelin Star Restaurant.  Thornton's Restaurant is considered by foodies to be Dublin's finest.  Janet says, "It charms and captivates from the first bite."

There are so many must-see sights in Dublin:  a visit to Trinity College Old Library to see the Book of Kells exhibition; Saint Patrick's Cathedral which houses Jonathan Swift's remains (remember Gulliver's Travels?); Powerscourt Gardens and House which was voted third in the top ten Gardens of the World by National Geographic.

Well Janet can go on and on about Dublin, so why not give her a call at Reid Travel 561-395-6670 or send an email to janet@reidtravel.com.  I'm sure you'll enjoy chatting with her as much as we do.  

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!