Monday, November 30, 2009

Celebrity Cruises offers Beverage Packages

Celebrity Cruises is offering new beverage packages fleetwide that include bottled water, soft drinks, beer, wine or liquor. Beverage packages must be pre-reserved a minimum of four days before sail date. Packages also can be purchased onboard at the guest relations desk. A bottled water package includes Evian and Pellegrino for a price starting at $13.50 per night. The soft drink package for Coca-Cola products in a souvenir cup starts at $5.75 per night. A beer package, which includes Heineken, Samuel Adams and other domestic and imported beers, is priced from $34.50 per night. Wine packages start at $114 per package. A stateroom bar set-up includes a one-liter bottle of liquor and mixers and starts at $80 per package.

For more information about booking your next Celebrity cruise, contact mindy@myvacationlady.com

Friday, November 27, 2009

Hotel Hidden Fees

This was taken from the Independent Traveler blog from Nov 9, 2009

Hidden hotel fees- Independent traveler 11/9/09

Hotels have always offered their share of unreasonable fees -- such as exorbitant taxes and dollar-a-minute telephone charges -- but in recent years the industry has begun upping the ante. Ever been socked with a $25-a-night "resort fee," or had the pleasure of paying $3 simply for having a safe in your room, even if you never used it? These are just a few of the pesky fees that hotels are tacking onto travelers' bills.

What fees might apply to your stay, and more importantly, how can you avoid them? Read on...

The Most Common Fees, A to C- more to follow...

Airport shuttle: Before you assume that the shuttle from the airport to your hotel is free, be sure to ask; some hotels are starting to charge a fee for this usually complimentary service.

Bellhop/housekeeper gratuities: Sometimes called a service charge or service fee, this expense may be charged per day or per stay, and it covers gratuities for bellhops and housekeeping staff. Look out for this charge particularly if you're traveling with a convention or large group.

Bottled water and snacks: Think twice before touching that "complimentary" bottle of water that the hotel has left on your desk. It could cost you upwards of $5. Ditto for fruit plates, cookies or other munchies. If in doubt, call down to the front desk before indulging.

Cancellation: Before assuming that you can cancel your reservation a day or two before you arrive, read your hotel's cancellation policy carefully. You may be penalized the price of a night's stay (or more).

Checking in and out: Have your travel plans changed? Some hotels will charge you a fee for checking in early or checking out late.

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Kauai Marriot Resort- pix and info




Earlier this month, we visited Kauai, Hawaii and it has quickly become our favorite islands. Kauai is one of the most stunning places on earth. Its astounding beauty creates a perfect backdrop for the Kauai Marriott Resort. We visited this property on one of our site inspections and came to appreciate it much more than I anticipated. It is just minutes from the airport on the east coast of Kauai, a short walk or drive from the town of Lihue with lots of shops and dining options. You can see the cruise ships pulling into harbor right from the beach.

Experience the newly renovated guest rooms and restaurants while you are surrounded with the beauty and splendor of the Garden Island at this enchanting resort on Kalapaki Beach. Come enjoy this 800-acre paradise where Kauai Lagoons Jack Nicklaus championship golf, Hawaii’s largest single-level swimming pool, an expansive swimmable beach and oceanfront dining together create an experience you will never forget. Amenities include: Complimentary Airport Shuttle, Complimentary Fitness Center, Alexander’s Day Spa & Salon, Resort shops, Kauai Beach Boys with surf lessons and Kalapaki Kids Club. There are also six restaurants on property: newly redesigned Kukui’s on Kalapaki Beach featuring daily breakfast buffet with local ingredients and Pacific Rim cuisine, Duke’s Canoe Club has local island fare and great fresh fish specials, Café Portofino offers Northern Italian dishes, Aupaka Lounge has tropical drinks with Kauai-made Koloa Rum and fresh fruit juices, Kalapaki Grill with casual poolside snacks and drinks and brand new Oceanfront Toro-Tei Sushi Bar where you can enjoy specialty sushi with light ocean breezes and wonderful views. For a unique dining experience, enjoy a romantic evening in your own private seaside cabana or private gazebo overlooking our spectacular pool. Your personal server will greet you with a fresh flower lei and free-flowing champagne to start out your enchanted evening.

Great location for those clients who want to be in between the North and South Shores of Kauai and the new renovations make the Kauai Marriott Resort a top choice for my clients.

Monday, November 23, 2009

Travel Agent Review of the Fairmont Orchid





As a Vacation, Cruise and Honeymoon Specialist, I am always more critical of hotels and resorts than your average traveler. I am always on the look out for properties that will fit the needs of my clients and to know which property to recommend to which client. I also make a point of not reading reviews of the resorts I am visiting so I can give an honest opinion of the property.

The Fairmont Orchid on the Big Island has quickly become one of my favorite resorts in all of Hawaii. We arrived late (our flight from the East Coast was delayed) and we drove up to the resort in the dark so we really had no clue how stunningly beautiful the grounds are and we also had no idea of the great view from our balcony.

In the morning, we were in awe of both. We were in a deluxe ocean view room on the 5th floor of the North Tower. Tower is not the word I would use since it is only 6 stories high. The view was spectacular- ocean to the right, pool and waterfalls in the front, lush tropical gardens to the left. I felt relaxed just looking at the view!

The room itself is a good size- over 500 square feet with a great bathroom- double sink vanity, separate shower, good size tub, and the toilet was separated from the main section of the bathroom. Great bath amenities are a Fairmont trademark. The bed was comfortable and I am a bed snob so for me to say that, it had to be good. Since I am highly allergic to feathers and down, I emailed my contact at the resort and the room was down free when we arrived. The balcony- my favorite part of the room had a lounge chair, 2 chairs and a table. The only negative to the balcony was that there was no outdoor light- so if you wanted to eat outside or read at night, it was a bit too dark.

Upon arrival, we were greeted with an orchid lei, promptly checked in and escorted to our room by a bellhop who explained some of the amenities of the resort- restaurant, spa, fitness center and more. What amazed us even more is that he refused to take a tip.

The room had an empty refrigerator, large safe, coffee maker, bottled water and enough storage. It is a very comfortable room. We had a king bed with enough space for a table and chairs as well as a comfy chair and ottoman for relaxing or reading.

The resort is divided into 2 “towers”- the North (Kohala) tower which had views of the courtyard or ocean or a combination of both, or the opposite side of the building has golf mountain views. We had fabulous sunset views. The rooms opposite us had great sunrise views. The South (Kona) Tower has either courtyard/ocean view rooms or views of the private homes and trees which back the property. We didn’t see the rooms or views in the South Tower but I’m sure all rooms are similar- it is the view that differs.

There is an air conditioned fitness center- open 24/7 with individual heat sets for TV’s on each piece of equipment. Sorry to say- I didn’t use this at all. The lagoon style pool is 10,000 square feet, gorgeous and heated. There were lounges and cabanas (additional daily charge) around the pool but not enough shade if you didn’t want to rent a cabana. The one day when we actually had time to relax at the pool, it was too windy to open the umbrellas and since I can’t sit in the sun, this presented an issue. We ended up going down to Coconut Grove, at the edge of the property in a treed area just off the swimming beach. It was lovely and quiet there but I was hoping to sit by the pool.

The beach is a swim-able lagoon. Please realize that most of the resorts on the Big Island only have small beaches due to the lava rocks that surround the island. The Fairmont’s beach is more of a cove which makes it very safe for swimming, children and snorkeling. There is bar service on the beach area so that you can get drinks while lounging by the beach, as well as by the pool. The Fairmont offers an activity pass that includes free outrigger canoe lessons (which we took advantage of) and a host of other water sports, hikes, lessons and classes but we were so busy that we didn’t get a chance to take full advantage of them. For those guests who were not out and about every day, as we were, this Fun and Sun Activity Pass is worth looking into. The current price is $65 for adults and $50 for kids and is valid for your length of stay. It includes an introductory scuba, snorkeling and outrigger canoe lesson, complimentary tennis drill, aqua aerobics plus free snorkel equipment, floats, kayaks, boogie boards, games, books, and more available to borrow.

One of the amenities of this resort that is unique and such a great feature is the Spa Without Walls. Outdoor hales (huts) are throughout the property (both Oceanside and in the gardens) that are private spa treatment rooms. This is probably one of the most relaxing ways to take a spa treatment. There are indoor treatment rooms as well, if you prefer. The Paradise Within is another great concept that the Fairmont Orchid offers to help relax both body and soul. This program offers classes and lessons from outdoor yoga, relaxation techniques, pilates, meditation, art classes, and so much more. You can take these classes individually or sign up for a package. According to their brochure, the Paradise Within is “well being you can take home- a toolbox of skills for living a joyous life of energy and flow.” I met one of the instructors, Callie, and she was so incredibly passionate about what she does that she almost had me convinced to join her for an 8am yoga class! The entire concept of the Spa Without Walls and the Paradise Within, makes the Fairmont Orchid one of the perfect resorts for guests who want to relax and rid themselves of the stress of every day life.

I would highly recommend the Fairmont Orchid to honeymooners, couples, golfers (forgot to mention that the property has 2 golf courses within the Mauna Lani complex), and certainly those guests who want a great spa and to relax and de-stress. There is a beautiful wedding gazebo and the Fairmont is a great resort for destination weddings. Families are certainly welcomed and there are many complimentary activities to keep the kids busy, in addition to the pool and ocean.

While we were in the Big Island, we toured many different hotels and the Fairmont Orchid is definitely up at the top of my list of favorites. Five nights was definitely not enough time to spend at the Fairmont Orchid and my next visit will be longer.

Just one other point to make—we never saw an employee who didn’t greet you with a smile and an Aloha—from the maids to the valets to the concierge and front desk. Whether it is the Hawaiian culture or the Fairmont culture, happy employees will certainly make happy guests.

If you have specific questions about the resort or some of the others on the Big Island, feel free to contact me at mindy@myvacationlady.com

Friday, November 20, 2009

Avoiding an airline cold

Last Updated: 10/28/09 Independent Traveler

Many travelers would swear that they get sick after every trip or vacation. They wonder if it was the food, the water, the pina coladas -- or, like me, the airplane ride. While I don't think you can count out the pina coladas (or that burrito you bought on the street), it turns out you could be right about airplanes.

Airline carriers are also formidable carriers of the common cold. A recent study says you may be 100 times more likely to catch a cold on a plane than you are in your normal daily life, according to a study published in the Journal of Environmental Health Research.

Why this is the case isn't perfectly clear, but the publishers of the study investigate a panoply of possible causes, including close quarters, shared air and, as I will explain, the most likely culprit: extremely low cabin humidity.

On to the Numbers
The study found that "When the scenarios of 6 days, 24 hours or 5 hours were taken as the relevant flight exposure times to colds, passenger transmission rates for colds of 5, 23 and 113 times the normal daily ground level transmission rate were obtained." (Ominously, transmission rates for tuberculosis were also found to be dramatically increased as well.)

Thus, the common perception that flying causes colds seems to be based in fact -- maybe even 113 times over.

The Culprit: Low Cabin Humidity
The study runs through several potential sources of higher transmission, but settles primarily on a single likely cause: extremely low cabin humidity caused by low humidity at high elevations. (A review of the study reveals the conclusion that aircraft that actively recirculated air actually showed slightly lower transmission rates than those that did not.)

Most commercial airlines fly in an elevation range of 30,000 to 35,000 feet, where humidity typically runs at 10 percent or lower. At very low levels of humidity, the "natural defense system" of mucus in our noses and throats dries up and is crippled, creating a much more tolerant environment for germs to infect us.

This protective system, called the Mucociliary Clearance System, is your first line of defense against harmful germs and bacteria. To wit, if the common cold is pounced on by a sufficiently moist and percolating proboscis and throttled by your throat, you remain uninfected. Shut down those systems, and you'll be suffering within days.

Tips to Avoid the Airline Carrier Cold
1. Stay hydrated. It turns out that drinking plenty of water will not only counter the overall dehydrating effects of air travel, which can lead to headaches, stomach problems, cramps, fatigue and more, but can actually fortify your preemptive natural immune mechanisms to function considerably better. Of course, this is the case in normal daily life -- when exercising, during prolonged sun exposure, etc. Even caffeine and alcohol consumption can dry you out. However, in an airplane, where your nose and throat are on the front lines of the war with exceedingly dry air, these are the first places to suffer.

Sipping water or some other fluid regularly throughout the flight may be more effective than drinking a lot of water at one time before or during the flight; this will keep your protective system from long dry spells. (And we do mean to single out water here -- as noted above, alcohol and caffeinated drinks such as coffee or sodas can actually dehydrate you.)

Nasal mists have been found to be very effective in keeping this system working in your nose. Additionally, hot drinks are a good way to keep your protective mucous membranes working -- first, to assist in keeping you generally hydrated; second, by triggering the system into gear; and third, by directly providing moisture in the form of steam. Note that this is not a treatment per se. Rather, it just keeps your defenses strong and functioning.

2. Keep your hands clean. Your hands are the most consistent point of first contact with cold, flu and other germs. It is a direct line from armrest/seatback/handshake to fingers to fork to mouth to full-blown fever a few days later. According to a National Institutes of Health factsheet, the type of virus that causes the common cold and the flu has been found to survive for up to three hours on your skin or on objects such as armrests, TV remote control handsets, tray tables and other similar surfaces. However, the simple act of washing your hands with hot water and soap is a formidable rampart against this transfer of harmful microorganisms.

Hand washing is not just for restaurant workers and travelers; health professionals and researchers working to combat communicable diseases in many third-world countries are waging a fierce campaign to encourage residents to adopt this simple practice into their daily routines. If possible, wash your hands before any in-flight meals, and after your flight as well.

Of course, airplane cabins are tight places, and getting out of your seat to wash up before and after every snack time can be almost impossible, as the flight attendants command the aisles, your seatmates are trying to eat, tray tables are down cabin-wide, and no one involved really wants to have folks getting up and down and roaming around the cabin. (Even on the ground, the water in many locations can carry water-borne bacteria that may not agree with all Western constitutions.) In these cases, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends alcohol-based products made specifically for washing hands.

3. Don't forget the dental hygiene. Just as keeping your hands clean can prevent transmission of germs, using a germ-killing mouthwash in-flight may add another layer of protection while simultaneously helping to keep your throat moist. Just make sure your mouthwash bottle is three ounces or smaller to comply with the latest carry-on rules for liquids and gels.

4. Take your vitamins. The rapid response effect of vitamins is unproven, but many travelers swear by them. Charles Westover, a retired VP of fleet management for a major shipping company, starts taking vitamins two days before flying. "I have no idea if it helps at all, but of the hundreds or thousands of flights I have taken, I rarely get colds," he said. "I just take a standard multivitamin, and it has never let me down." The NIH concurs, sort of, offering that no conclusive data has shown that large doses of vitamin C will prevent colds, although it may reduce the severity or duration of symptoms.

5. Wear a face mask. The NIH cites airborne germs as one of the top two sources of cold virus infection; some travelers have taken to wearing masks either to prevent infection, or when they themselves are already infected. Personally, I would not last more than a half-hour or so behind a hot mask, but this may be an effective prevention tactic nonetheless.

As the proverb goes, an ounce of prevention may be worth a pound of cure -- or perhaps 113 cures.

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

New Cruise ships coming out

New Cruise Ships Launching Over the Next 6 Months


RCI
Oasis of the Seas 5,400-passengers

Expected Launch December, 2009
A floating Island with 7 neighborhoods: Central Park, Boardwalk, AquaTheater, Royal Promenade, Pool and Sports Zone, Entertainment Place, The Youth Zone


Carnival Cruise Lines
Carnival Dream 3652- passengers
Expected Launch December, 2009
Laser Light Show at Sea, Top-deck Seaside Theater, 11,250-square-foot Adults Serenity area, 23,750-square-foot Cloud 9 Spa


Silversea
Silver Spirit 540 Passengers

Expected Launch December, 2009
One of Cruising's Most Elegant Small Ships
Large Suites, Most with Verandas, More Dining Choices, Luscious, Gourmet Cuisine. Truly All-Inclusive Fares, Elegant, Modern Decor


Costa Cruises
Costa Deliziosa 2260 Passengers

Expected Launch February, 2010
Samsara Spa, la Carte Club Restaurant, 4-D Cinema, Innovative Golf and Grand Prix Simulators, 68% Balcony Cabins, Outdoor Mega-Screen


MSC
MSC Magnifica 2518 Passengers
Expected Launch March, 2010
Mostly Sea-Facing Cabins with Private Balcony.
MSC AUREA SPA, 3 Swimming Pools, Magrodome Retractable Roof, Tennis and Basketball, Jogging Track, Mini-Golf Course, Choice of 5 Restaurants, Numerous Bars, an Internet Caf Cigar Lounge - Plush 1,200-Seat Theatre, Cinema, Casino and Disco


Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity Eclipse 2850 Passengers

Expected Launch April, 2010
The Lawn Club, the Hot Glass Show, Quasar, a Mod-futuristic Disco, 10 Restaurants Onboard, Two-story Glass Wine Tower, Cellar Masters, Inspired by the Vineyards of Napa Valley, Aquaspa, AquaClassSM stateroom, Eclipse Theatre, Murano Restaurant, Tuscan Grille Restaurant, Blu Restaurant, Sky Observation Lounge

For reservations on these new ships or any other cruise ship, please contact me at mindy@myvacationldy.com

Monday, November 16, 2009

A Dream by Carnival

A Dream by Carnival
By Theresa Norton Masek
Published on: November 16, 2009

Carnival Cruise Lines’ newest ship, the 130,000-ton Carnival Dream, is a beauty, and the first without a shipwide theme. But make no mistake -- the décor is lively and exuberant, but not quite as over-the-top as some of the other ships in the fleet. The Dream was christened Nov. 12 in a pierside ceremony in New York City by Oscar-winning actress Marcia Gay Harden. It then embarked on a two-night revenue cruise-to-nowhere full of New Yorkers making the most of the ship’s amenities -- at least those indoors, since the weather wasn’t exactly cooperating.

The Dream is now Carnival’s largest ship but nowhere near the size of its new competitor, Royal Caribbean International’s 225,000-ton Oasis of the Seas, which arrived at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale on Nov. 13. Although the consumer media likes to portray cruise lines as engaging in a continual race to build the world’s biggest ship, Carnival executives say the Dream is as big as the Fun Ship line is likely to go.

Carnival is maintaining its traditional goal, which is to offer lively ships with excellent value. “This ship is booking very, very well, and the pricing has been higher than across the fleet,” Cahill said of the Dream. “But it’s a reflection of demand.” Cahill also said Carnival wants to keep its ships no larger than the Dream so it can continue its strategy of basing ships in non-traditional homeports.

The Carnival Dream is a family-focused cruise ship with expansive facilities for kids and teens, as well as a two-level, adults-only area called Serenity. The Carnival WaterWorks Park boasts a twisting yellow waterslide billed as the largest at sea.

Of particular note are the 193 staterooms that sleep five and have two bathrooms -- one full and the other with a junior tub, shower and sink. Open-seating dining is being rolled out across the fleet, allowing passengers to dine in the main restaurant anytime between 5:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. The ships continue to offer traditional early and late seatings for those who prefer that dining style. There’s also casual dining in the Lido buffet area, even for dinner.

Many people confuse value with cheapness, and even during this down economy Carnival didn’t cut back on the onboard product or on marketing. “Most people in the travel business are cutting back on marketing, which is the easiest thing to cut,” Cahill said. “We didn’t. It is the engine that drives newcomers into the cruise industry. And we did not cut back on our product. We have a golden opportunity. People in the past who wouldn’t have tried Carnival are now trying Carnival because of its value. This is our opportunity to capture them.”

As for Carnival Dream’s décor, the line’s long-time interior architect Joe Farcus said the Dream is the first ship without a theme that carries through the public rooms. “We’re going more into pure design and less high-concept design, which raises the level of the ship,” he said. “It allows me to be a better designer and create an atmosphere rather than a high concept.”

The Carnival Dream is currently operating two more eight-day Bahamas cruises from New York departing Nov. 15 and 23, and then will then reposition to its new homeport at Port Canaveral. From there it will alternate year-round seven-day Caribbean cruises on Dec. 12.

For info and reservations, please contact me at mindy@myvacationlady.com

Friday, November 13, 2009

Secrets of Paris

This is an interesting article about unusual tours in Paris from the Sydney Morning Herald.

http://www.smh.com.au/travel/unusual-paris-tours-secrets-of-the-city-of-love-20090908-ffny.html

Monday, November 9, 2009

Top 20 Secrets of Napa Valley

Napa Secrets

by Thayer Allyson Gowdy

1. There aren't that many vineyards
Although it has casually been dubbed California's wine country, Napa Valley is hardly the state's largest wine-producing region (that honor goes to San Joaquin Valley, 80 miles southeast). Napa's 400 wineries produce only 4 percent of the state's wine. The focus here is quality, not quantity.
2. A kitchen shop with character
Shackford's Kitchen Store in downtown Napa has a seemingly endless selection of gleaming gizmos: cupcake molds, paella pans, cappuccino makers. But the most compelling item in the place is John Shackford himself, a true Napa legend who runs the shop with his wife, daughter, and granddaughter. At 80, Shackford works in the store six days a week, just as he has for the past 34 years, punching an antique cash register, hand-printing receipts, and calling his customers by first name. 1350 Main St., Napa, 707/226-2132.
3. A wine tour using legs, not limos
In the town of Napa, 18 tasting rooms stand within easy walking distance of one another, and a $20 Taste Napa Downtown card gets you a pour at 13 of them. Officially, each winery is supposed to charge you 10¢ to do the tasting, but most won't take your dime. napadowntown.com.
4. The Preiser Key tells all
Consider Monty and Sara Preiser your all-knowing wine country guides. They're the couple who in March 2007 launched The Preiser Key to Napa Valley, a free booklet that comes as close as possible to listing every Napa wine label (over 800) and restaurant (170)—but no chains! The Key also includes detailed maps of the region. They put out a new issue three times a year and distribute it all throughout the valley. preiserkey.com.
5. It's all casual, all the time
In Napa, there's no such thing as a dress code, even in the poshest places. So that bearded guy in weathered blue jeans sitting at the next table? He's just the billionaire from next door.
6. Fainting goats. Yes, fainting goats
In Calistoga, a town near the top of the valley known for its hot springs, there's a regularly erupting geyser called—you guessed it—Old Faithful. You'll want to tread lightly; the area near the geyser is also home to a herd of Tennessee fainting goats, a quirky breed with a nervous-system disorder that causes them to keel over (harmlessly and temporarily) when startled. 1299 Tubbs Ln., Calistoga, 707/942-6463, oldfaithfulgeyser.com, $10 adults, $3 kids 6–12.
7. Real sleeper cars
At the recently refurbished Napa Valley Railway Inn, seven suites, fashioned from 100-year-old train cars, lie on the dormant tracks of the Napa Valley Railroad, which went out of passenger service in 1929. Black-and-white photos of the old Yountville train station adorn the walls, and the cupolas, once used as lookout posts by railway employees, serve as skylights. An eighth car, a quaint red caboose, was converted into a coffeehouse this summer. 6523 Washington St., Yountville, 707/944-2000, napavalleyrailwayinn.com, from $125.
8. The road less traveled
When the traffic bottlenecks on Highway 29, Napa's central thoroughfare, find salvation on the 35-mile Silverado Trail, a pastoral road along the valley's eastern edge that's lined with world-class, often small-batch wineries whose labels you're unlikely to find at your local grocery store. silveradotrail.com.
9. The two-wheel option
Founded 22 years ago, Napa Valley Bike Tours is an area fixture. Among the staff's favorite routes to lead you on is the Rutherford Loop, a 16-mile spin that meanders through the Rutherford and Oakville appellations, known for their cabernets, before depositing you back at the shop. If you'd rather go solo, you can pick up a map with other suggested routes. 6795 Washington St., Bldg. B, Yountville, 800/707-2453, napavalleybiketours.com, tours from $134, rentals $35 per day.
10. There's a respectable oil industry
Forget grapes—olives are another treasured Napa crop. Round Pond Estate, one of the valley's top olive oil producers, offers guided tours that lead you from harvest to mill and culminate in tastings paired with cheese and freshly baked bread. 886 Rutherford Rd., Rutherford, 888/302-2575, roundpond.com, tours $25, by appointment.
11. Wineries double as art galleries
A heart-shaped sculpture by pop artist Jim Dine greets visitors at Cliff Lede Vineyards, one of several wineries that put prized private collections on free display (1473 Yountville Cross Rd., Yountville, 800/428-2259, cliffledevineyards.com, tastings from $20). At Artesa Vineyards & Winery, a waterfall-flanked stairway leads to a tasting room that could pass for a museum. Credit artist-in-residence Gordon Huether, who mounts dramatic glass, metal, and canvas installations that change throughout the year (1345 Henry Rd., Napa, 707/224-1668, artesawinery.com, tastings from $10).
12. A vineyard tour with a third-generation owner
The best Napa Valley wine tours go beyond the tasting room. At Gamble Family Vineyards, owner Tom Gamble takes you on a hay-bale ride through his organic and sustainable vineyards, on land his grandfather first farmed almost a century ago. This is no cookie-cutter tour; it's a chance to hear wine-making tales from a third-generation Napa native—and taste an old-vine Syrah and a robust cabernet. 707/944-2999, gamblefamilyvineyards.com, by appointment, free with suggested purchase of two to four bottles of wine, bottles from $25.
13. A supersize mineral bath
The nearly Olympic-size pool at Indian Springs Resort and Spa, fed by geysers and infused with minerals, is naturally warm—typically 102 degrees in winter and 92 in summer—and preternaturally relaxing. A single spa treatment, like a vitamin C facial or a volcanic-ash mud bath, comes with an all-day pass to the pool. Rooms and cottages in the Spanish-style resort, many with private patios, are pictures of casual comfort. 1712 Lincoln Ave., Calistoga, 707/942-4913, indianspringscalistoga.com, treatments from $65, rooms from $185.
14. The valley's most awesome view
The subtle drama of Napa is never more obvious than when you're sitting on a veranda on a hill overlooking the vineyards. Auberge du Soleil, a high-end resort on the eastern side of the valley, has one of the region's best spots for taking in the view. Forget booking a $575 (or more) room; a shaded terrace out back opens up onto the valley below, and everyone is welcome for sparkling wine at sunset or cappuccinos in the morning—the perfect time to take in hot-air balloons rising through the mist. 180 Rutherford Hill Rd., Rutherford, 707/963-1211, aubergedusoleil.com, sparkling wine from $13.
15. Even the malls are gourmetFounded by Steve Carlin (who helped start San Francisco's Ferry Building Marketplace), the Oxbow Public Market feels like it belongs in an epicurean fantasy. In a concrete building that calls to mind an industrial barn, 23 artisanal vendors sell everything from strawberry-balsamic ice cream (from Three Twins) to soothing oolong (Tillerman Tea) to peanut-butter-and-chocolate cupcakes (Kara's Cupcakes). 610 and 644 1st St., Napa, oxbowpublicmarket.com.
16. And even the beans are better here
Rebosero. Flageolet. Black and white runners. In a world overrun with plain-tasting and industrially processed pinto beans, Steve Sando is committed to preserving heirloom legumes. His love for the earthy flavors of distinct organic strains has given rise to Rancho Gordo, a bean-centric specialty store whose coveted products can be found at top California markets and at restaurants across the country. 1924 Yahome St., Napa, 707/259-1935, ranchogordo.com, beans from $5 per pound.
17. A taco to remember
No reservations required at La Luna Market & Taqueria, a home-style Mexican takeout counter. Get there before noon, at which point locals have already started to line up. Adventurous eaters swear allegiance to the smoldering tacos al pastor (spicy, marinated pork). 1153 Rutherford Rd., Rutherford, 707/963-3211, lalunamarket.com, tacos from $1.75.
18. Anything's possible
House-made granola. Lavender-dusted almonds. Yoga gear. These are just a few of the things you can get at Ubuntu Annex, a tasting room and variety store that opened in June two doors down from its eclectic sister spot, chef Jeremy Fox's acclaimed vegetable restaurant (please, not "vegetarian") and yoga studio Ubuntu. 1130 Main St., Napa, 707/251-5656, ubuntunapa.com, almonds $8.
19. 150-foot-tall redwood trees
The footpaths in Bothe-Napa Valley State Park, a peaceful swatch of green just down the road from the Beringer winery, provide a perfect way to work off food-and-wine-related excess. The six-plus-mile hike that connects the Ritchey Canyon Trail and the Redwood Trail runs past Douglas firs and the easternmost stands of redwoods in California. 3801 St. Helena Hwy. N., Calistoga, 707/942-4575, parks.ca.gov.
20. A local dive bar with class
Pancha's of Yountville is just the kind of place where the guy slumped on the bar stool next to you might start giving you tasting notes on his margarita. This is where Napa's winemakers come to unwind (and unwind and unwind). Expect to eavesdrop on gossip about rivalries and romances that seem sprung from Falcon Crest. 6764 Washington St., Yountville, 707/944-2125.

Thursday, November 5, 2009

How to Choose the Right Cruise for You

Cruising offers such variety it is difficult to know where to begin to find the right cruise for you. The best advice experts offer is to create an inventory of what you want to get out of this trip.

Here are some good questions to yourselves before deciding on your cruise.

1. Are you looking for rest and relaxation or lots of activity and/or adventure?

2. Is this a romantic getaway? Are you celebrating a special occasion?

3. Do you want to see as many different sights as possible or just a few indepth?

4. What do you want to do when you are on the ship and not sight seeing?

5. Do you prefer dressy or causal?

6. Do you want to meet new people?

7. Do you want to be pampered?

8. How long would you like to be on your trip?

9. What type of cabin would you prefer- suite, balcony, oceanview or interior?

10. Do you have a budget in mind?

Once you have given some thought to all of these questions, I can help your dream cruise become reality.

Contact me at 732-418-0819 or mindy@myvacationlady.com