WALES-ON THE TRAIL OF DYLAN THOMAS

BY Clay Larroy

After working and studying hard all year long families across the United States will be taking long awaited vacations. Family vacations and travel can be the most rewarding experience. Families that take vacations together build memories that will last a lifetime. Family vacations are so important, as it gives us a way to connect with each other in a stress-free relaxed environment. When you need to plan a trip contact me!

WALES-ON THE TRAIL OF DYLAN THOMAS

By Allen Lee

I eyed the polystyrene pot with caution. A black, glutinous, dollop of what can best be described as slime eyed me back. "Go on, it’s lovely", urged the bubbly blonde holding the pot.

I’m in Swansea, in South Wales. I’m on the trail of one of the twentieth century’s most famous poets, Dylan Thomas, who, for a brief period, was a bright shooting star burning in the literary firmament. He was born in Swansea, the son of an English literature teacher. In his short life, he became the toast of both sides of the Atlantic, and Wales is littered with memorials. Some of his most famous work, such as the play "Under Milk Wood" and the poem "Do not go gentle into that good night" have become cornerstones of English literature.

So why am I eating slime in a busy marketplace? It’s Laverbread, which has been eaten in some form in Britain for centuries. It’s made from Laver seaweed - porphyria umbilcalis - which grows on rocky foreshores. Carol Watts has been making Laverbread and selling it in Swansea market for six years, although she and her family have been involved in its production and sale for generations. "It’s a bit squidgy" she admits.

The pot in front of me glistens in the overhead fluorescent lights. "It tastes a bit like spinach", says Carol, encouragingly. And yes, it might well taste like spinach, but it looks like the Creature from the Black Lagoon. If you found this in your garden pond, you’d reach for industrial-strength algae killer.

The seaweed had been harvested, minced and then cooked for eight hours. It is a traditional delicacy of Swansea and the Gower peninsula, and Dylan Thomas specifically mentions it in Under Milk Wood. "Tourists come from the States, Australia, New Zealand and they all try it," says Carol.

So I grabbed a forkful and put it in my mouth. It doesn’t feel great. In fact, it feels gross. But it doesn’t taste bad at all. If you can imagine spinach infused with the smell of the sea, you wouldn’t be far off. I didn’t risk a second forkful, though.

Dylan Thomas was born at 5, Cwmdonkin Drive in Swansea in 1914, and spent most of his childhood in the city, or at his mother’s family’s farm in rural Carmarthenshire. His first published poem was in Swansea Grammar School’s magazine. His first book of poems was published when he was just 20 years old. He called Swansea that "ugly, lovely town", and his literary ambitions were honed at the Kardomah café in Castle Street, destroyed by Nazi bombs in 1941.

There’s plenty left of Thomas in the city of his birth, and a festival every year in October and November serves as an annual reminder. The Dylan Thomas Centre, in Somerset Place, is a permanent exhibition of his life and works, and includes a shop full of memorabilia about him.

From Swansea, I moved on west, towards the wild, rocky Pembrokeshire coast. Rolling hills and valleys stream past, patchworked with fields, brightened by occasional yellow flashes of oilseed rape. We head for Laugharne, a little village where Thomas lived after he married, and where he is buried.

Turning off the highway towards Laugharne is a culture shock in itself. One second you"re on a busy main highway, next second you’re in a country lane, with high straggling hedgerows on either side. Parts of the lane are so narrow, there is no room for two vehicles, which have to negotiate their ways round each other at slightly wider passing places.

REFERENCE SITES:

http://www.travelresearchonline.com/

Do not go gentle into that good night but rage, rage against the dying of the light.

 Dylan Thomas
 

Experience life by traveling with friends and family!

EUROPEAN RAIL VACATIONS

BY CLAY LARROY

When you choose to travel, whether it is for business or pleasure, it is important to plan your trip well before hand. Here are some tips to help you. Don't be afraid to cash in your airline miles. Many travelers let their miles accumulate and never bother using them. Reap the rewards of your traveling and spend the miles you've earned! Miles have expiration dates, so be sure to use them before they expire. Travelling is a great way to use your airline miles.  When you need to plan a vacation contact me!

Rail passes must be purchased in the United States or Canada and are not available in Europe. Your travel consultant can assist you with the purchase and with selecting the right one for your planned itinerary. Local passes and some point to point tickets, conversely, are available only in Europe. A traveler can purchase a Eurail pass from six months in advance to right before travel, allowing time for delivery. Once purchased, a traveler has up to six months to validate the ticket for the first leg of travel. The rail passes sold in the United States are not valid for residents of Europe.

The standard Eurail Pass offers consecutive day travel in the first class compartments in 17 European countries. A traveler may purchase passes for 15 days, 21 days, 1 month, 2 months or 3 months. Before you board your first train, the Eurail Pass is validated at a booth in the train station. At that point, your time period begins to run. A rail-day runs from midnight to midnight. However, if you board an overnight train that departs after 7:00 pm local, then you will be using only a single day on your pass. If, however, you leave prior to 7:00 pm local or if your itinerary requires a train change before midnight, then a total of 2 travel days will accrue to your ticket.

Certain high speed trains will require a surcharge. Reservations must be made in advance, though your seat is "pre-paid" by virtue of having the Eurail Pass. The Eurail Pass Saver offers an additional discount for two or more people traveling together. The countries included on the Eurail Pass and the Eurail Pass Saver is: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Holland, Hungary, Italy, Luxembourg, Norway, Portugal, Republic of Ireland, Romania, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. Note that Britain is not included on the Eurail Pass.

The Eurail Pass Flexi allows the traveler to break up travel in the same 17 country list into non-consecutive days, offering either 10 or 15 days of unlimited travel in a 2 month period. Like the standard Eurail Pass, there is a Eurail Pass Flexi Saver that offers additional discounts for two or more persons traveling together.

The Eurail Select pass lets the traveler pick from among the list of countries to limit the number visited, choosing from 3-5 bordering countries along with the number of days traveling.

The passes are not valid for the Eurostar.

A wide range of regional and country passes are available which permit the traveler great flexibility in their itinerary. There are sixteen regional passes running through Austria, Switzerland, France, the Benelux countries, Germany, Italy, Spain, Slovenia, Denmark Hungary Portugal and Romania.

There is also the Scanrail Pass covering four Scandinavian countries for varying number of travel days in a given period of time.

It is, of course possible to simply purchase tickets at the station on the date of travel. If you choose to purchase your tickets in Europe, go to the information desk at the rail station having already planned your trip from maps and the train schedules printed and posted at each station. Hotel concierges will sometimes assist you in putting together a point to point itinerary from the schedules they have in hand. Once at the train station, go to the information desk with your itinerary in hand, especially if you do not speak the native language. Indicate to the window attendant your destination, the time or train number, the class of travel you prefer and whether you want a one-way or a "return" (round trip).

Note that there are often much less expensive options available to the traveler if slower trains are used, or if the traveler inquires about student or senior discounts.

For overnight train rides, the traveler has a number of options. Overnight trains and hotel trains typically come equipped with sleeper compartments, couchettes and sleeperettes. Sleeper compartments are small, compact rooms with washbasins, soap, towels and electrical outlets. Typically two berths for sleeping are available with pillows and sheets. Stewards assist with your accommodations and with border crossings. Travelers can book a single, double or a triple compartment. Couchettes are compartments with between 4 and 6 berths with pillows, sheets and blankets. There are no accommodations for privacy, so travelers sleep in their street clothing. Sleeperettes are seats in the regular coach cars that recline.

Hotel trains have compartment rooms with tourist, first class and luxury class accommodations. Tourist class compartments include 4 beds and a common restroom facility outside the compartment. First class accommodations include one to two beds with an outside shared restroom facility. Luxury class includes a private toilet and shower inside the room.

Let someone else do the driving, enjoy the scenery, sit back and relax. Consider training it through Europe on your next visit.

REFERENCE SITES:

http://www.travelresearchonline.com/

“Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer.” – Anonymous

Live, Love and Travel to create memories that will last a lifetime!

        

        

EUROPEAN RAIL VACATIONS

BY CLAY LARROY

Travel is so much more that simply hopping on a flight to a new destination. If you plan it correctly, it could be a thrilling time you'll never forget. Planning a trip is fun as there are tons of things to do and see. Do you know how to plan a trip effectively? Packing light is key to making your travels as easy and free of stress as possible. Bring one carryon bag that includes everything you need, not necessarily everything you want. Your smart packing will pay off when you are happily carrying one bag around on vacation instead of lugging around multiple bags. When you want to plan a vacation contact me!

Rail Travel in Europe is one of the most interesting ways of crisscrossing the continent. For many years, travelers have enjoyed the convenience of boarding the train and relaxing as the small villages, large cities, countryside, rivers, houses and castles rushed by in a blurred panorama besting any travelogue. Getting a good grip on the complexities of the European rail system, the Eurail Pass system and the options available will help to ensure that your experience with the trains of Europe is the best possible value it can be.

Rail travel is a wonderful way to see Europe. The club and dining cars are highly social and a good way to meet other travelers. The traveler can take in the scenery without worrying about the stress of driving, directions and negotiating the round-abouts! Train travel allows you to move between cities easily with a minimal of concern for logistics. The train stations are often centrally located, adding to the convenience of traveling from city to city. If you are using one of the Eurail passes, you can get on and off of the train as you wish, making for great flexibility and the ability to explore spontaneously. You can watch the scenery go by, read a book or sleep...a great luxury at any price!

The Trains

Depending on the size of the rail station there will be vending machines, small cafes or many restaurant choices. Long distance trains typically have a dining or café car, but the regional ones may have only a cart that moves through the train offering sodas, candy and perhaps sandwiches. Many experienced travelers stock up in advance with snacks and light meals to eat on board.

Each train will have several cars, each of which will, in turn, be numbered. You may board the train at any point along the station embarkation platform and make your way through the train to your assigned car, if you have a reservation. Alternatively, you can walk along the outside of the train to your car, a preferable option to save time, especially if you have luggage. There will be a spot in your car to place luggage above your seat for smaller pieces and at either end of the car for larger ones. If you do not have a reservation, you can take any seat not already reserved and marked as such by a small slip of paper at the top of the seat back or otherwise indicated. While there are no luggage weight restrictions on most trains (there are notable exceptions such as the Eurostar) it can be difficult to maneuver through a train and around the departure platforms with a great deal of baggage.

There are two classes of travel on most trains, First Class and Second. First class will have three seats in a row while second class will have four seats together. First class tends to be more comfortable and less crowded, often less noisy. Second class is less expensive with a younger crowd having a great time! First class passengers may ride in second class, but if you purchase second class tickets, that is where you will ride unless you upgrade.

Tickets, Passes and Reservations

With a ticket or a rail pass, a reservation is not necessary but is recommended in order to make sure that you obtain a seat. In other words, a ticket or rail pass lets you ride on the train but does not guarantee a seat. You can make reservations at your train station on the day of travel.

There are a wide variety of tickets and passes, and it is not always easy to quickly determine the best combination of purchases to allow for the least cost and greatest flexibility. Purchasing your rail pass through a travel agent ensures that you will obtain the best possible value and the pass that best fits your needs. If you intend to travel over an extended period of time throughout a single country or through multiple countries, the best bet is typically a rail pass combined with one or more point to point tickets.

A Eurail Pass is a discounted ticket that permits multi-day, multi-country travel by rail. There are a number of different passes available with varying options on the number of permissible countries, the number of days of travel, and the length of time the pass is valid. In many instances, purchasing one of the varieties of Eurail Pass is a less expensive option that purchasing separate point to point tickets. Note that lost or stolen rail passes are non-refundable, but you can purchase insurance to cover loss or theft.

REFERENCE SITES:

http://www.travelresearchonline.com/

 “To travel is to discover that everyone is wrong about other countries.” – Aldous Huxley

Live Life and Travel Often!

EUROPEAN RIVER CRUISING: UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL

BY CLAY LARROY

We lead such busy lives working, going to school, taking children to different activities that often we do not stop and talk to our children. We usually do not have time to sit around the dinner table and ask our children what they did today. Family vacations are so important, as it gives us a way to connect with each other in a stress free relaxed environment. Families that take vacations together build memories that will last a lifetime. Family vacations and travel can be a most rewarding experience.  When you are ready to plan a vacation contact me!

Crewed barges with meal service and more amenities are sometimes referred to as "Hotel Barges": smaller vessels with a passenger capacity of as few as six to as many as 50. Hotel barges tend to be much slower than river cruisers, and due to their smaller size, can enter more narrow waterways like canals, in addition to the larger rivers. Hotel barges range from Spartan accommodations to luxurious rooms with gourmet meals, fine wines, and bicycles for self-guided shore excursions. Cabins vary in size and most often have private baths with showers. Many barges have saunas and hot tubs on deck. Most are without telephones or Internet service, though, as such modernity is typically absent in the barge market.

Travelers can also book a "self-drive" barge and be their own crew. The smallest of the vessels, the "narrow boats" are often seen on the small canals of the United Kingdom and Ireland as well as Holland. These boats are very easy to handle and seldom are capable of exceeding 5 miles per hour. Without a crew, passengers are required to work with the canal lock systems on their own, a simple but time consuming task that consists of turning a crank manually or waiting while a lock attendant, if available, takes care of it. If self-drive is your choice, it’s worthwhile to discuss the number of locks along your itinerary with the boat owner/operator to ensure you are comfortable with the physical labor and time required to negotiate the lock systems.

Passengers on self-drive barges provision the galleys themselves and travel their own itinerary. Bathroom facilities are similar to those found on bare boat charters with chemical toilets and potable water. No special licensing is required to pilot a barge, and while it is a very simple exercise, most wise self-drive veterans purchase optional boat insurance to cover any accidental damage to the vessel.

The differences between a river cruise experience on the one hand and a self-drive barge on the other are matters of personal taste and preference. The larger river cruise vessels and the luxury barges are akin to the best cruising experiences anywhere. Smaller crewed or self-drive barging is an outing, something more like a bare boat charter or renting a recreational vehicle on land - an adventurer’s way of crossing the terrain. In either instance, however, it is the close connection of the traveler to the landscape that’s key to the experience. The often ancient cities and villages that have grown up on the banks of the old rivers are artifacts in their own right. River travel affords the opportunity to savor history and culture as it was meant to be experienced: not as an observer, but as a participant.

The peak season for river cruising is much the same as European travel in general, late spring through mid-fall and early November. The shoulder season, a real value, ranges from early March through mid-May. The autumn months coincide with grape season, and several cruise lines are fully booked during this time by wine connoisseurs. Finally, April is tulip season and cruises in and around the Netherlands are particularly popular then.

As always, pack as lightly as possible, as space on the smaller barges can be at a premium. Your cruise operator will no doubt provide you with a list of recommended items to bring, but the usual recommendations of hats, sunscreen and sunglasses are often overlooked but very important, because so much of your time will be spent outdoors. The smaller barges and self-drive options require good deck shoes and weather gear.

Regarding travel budgets... amenities offered by the cruise and barge operators and the travel season determine costs. For high-end river cruises and hotel barges, $2,100 per person, double occupancy and cruise only, is a common brochure cost for a seven day cruise. 12 day cruises often range from $2,800 upwards, but discounts are usually available for most itineraries through your travel agent. Other cruises may be had for as little as $800.00 for a seven day itinerary. Costs typically include all meals, tour excursions, and accommodations. Tips and gratuities are expected, ranging from $10 - $35 dollars per day. Self-drive options cost approximately $700 - $1000 per week for the barge alone, with all provisioning, fuel and other charges as additional costs. Your travel consultant will have many resources on hand for finding the best possible values.

Europe and its waterways await you!

REFERENCE SITES:

http://www.travelresearchonline.com

One travels more usefully when alone, because he reflects more.

Thomas Jefferson

Travel  and create magnificent memories for your family!

EUROPEAN RIVER CRUISING: UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL

BY CLAY LARROY

The preparation for a vacation is almost as exhilarating as the vacation itself. I love printing out the tickets and confirmations while thinking about how much fun I will have on vacation. I enjoy researching all the sights at the location I will see once I arrive at my destination. When you want to plan a vacation contact me!

The rivers and canals of Europe are open for travel. As many as 20,000 total miles of inland waterways let travelers absorb European culture at a relaxed, leisurely and up-close pace. The waterways of Austria, The Czech Republic, England, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, The Netherlands, Portugal, Russia and others now have many options to meet the growing demand for river cruising.

No longer is an obscure way to see old Europe, traveling by river is one of the best ways to venture out and take in the heart of the continent. This guide looks at the options available to travelers wishing to take a trip through Europe from a river’s perspective, easing through the countryside at a pace that permits all of the culture’s best possibilities to unfold. Travelers who return from river cruises carry memories of very intimate encounters with the countryside, local people, and fellow passengers. River cruise and barging travelers inevitably become true enthusiasts for the experience.

A traveler can journey Europe’s waterways in a variety of ways. River cruising most often refers to river going cruise ships typically carrying fewer than 250 passengers. As such, river cruising ships are much smaller than mass-market, ocean-going vessels, but as river boats go, are on the larger end of the scale. Western and Central Europe have many river routes to offer the larger cruise boats. Popular itineraries include the Danube visiting Hungary, Austria and Germany and the Elbe River through Germany and the Czech Republic. In France, the Rhone and the Soane meander through Provence and Burgundy, while the Seine takes passengers through Paris and Giverny. In Northern Italy, the Po offers exciting opportunities with a variety of river cruise companies. Finally, the Volga, connecting St. Petersburg and Moscow provides a decidedly different way to port between these two magnificent cities. River cruises tend to be affairs of luxury, with an emphasis on informal, but upscale travel. Relaxation and intensive sightseeing are the main activities, as organized entertainment is somewhat limited on most river cruises, except for the occasional lecture or sing-along. Mostly, the crew allows passengers to enjoy their time as they see fit.

Cabins on larger river vessels vary in size from 90 square feet on older ships to over 200 square feet on newer. Most rooms are outside cabins, meaning they have windows for optimal sightseeing. The least expensive cabins are lower in the boat, while passengers pay more for higher rooms with better views. Cabins come with basic amenities, such as hair dryers and televisions, and are often very nicely furnished. The larger river cruise vessels have telephones and even Internet service.

Many first time river cruisers are delighted to discover that, unlike ocean cruising, there is very little boat motion. The mandated slow speeds and flat waters of the rivers ensure a quiet, placid voyage. It is often difficult when not on deck to even know the vessel is underway!

On longer trips, 10 days or more, the typical river cruise passenger is a well-traveled individual often over the age of 60. Shorter cruises typically attract a younger crowd. River cruises on the larger vessels do not always allow children under 12 as passengers, so make sure to check on any restrictions for families. The passenger manifest will be a mix of European and North American travelers, but most crews speak at least some English, and many are fluent. Individuals who require physical assistance when traveling should check with their travel consultant to determine the accessibility of any particular vessel for disabled passengers.

Meals have always been a special part of cruising, and river cruises have maintained that tradition. On river cruise vessels, food is a key part of the experience, prepared by a dedicated chef, the ship’s captain, or a restaurateur in a small village. Europeans take great pride in their culinary skills, and practically everyone who has ever cruised along the rivers and canals of Europe has at least one story about an unforgettable meal or food experience. Special dietary considerations can often be accommodated if requested early in the booking process. On self-drive barges, travelers can stock up on provisions from the villages and cook on board, or splurge at dining opportunities along the way.

REFERENCE SITES:

http://www.travelresearchonline.com 

Travel can be one of the most rewarding forms of introspection.

Lawrence Durrell

 Travel to experience life!

ECO-CRUISING THE EXPLORATION OF NATURE

BY CLAY LARROY

Do you feel like it is time for a short vacation? Once you decide to travel, how good you plan the trip will help you feel comfortable and be comfortable at your destination. Not only will you feel less anxiety before the trip, but you can rest assured that once you arrive where you're going you will have a good understanding of what's going on there.  When you need to plan a vacation contact me!

Destinations

The eco-cruise industry provides itineraries in every possible destination. Antarctica is one of the prime destinations for eco-cruise companies. Far from being a lifeless desert of snow and ice, Antarctica has abundant sea life and opportunities for exploration. Itineraries are often photography tours of southern Argentina, the Falklands and the adjacent islands, as well as the continent itself. Steeple Jason Island in the Falklands is the world’s largest albatross nesting area, and visitors to this part of the world are treated to large penguin rookeries, giant elephant seals, fur seals and pods of orcas careening in and out of the icy channels.

The Galapagos Islands are the home to the species that gave Charles Darwin much of his inspiration for the theory of evolution. Many animals here remain largely unafraid of man. The great diversity of the bird species is truly amazing: flightless cormorants, Galapagos Penguins (on the equator!), Galapagos hawks, finches and blue-footed boobies. Seals and sea lions, iguanas and giant tortoises abound. Travelers who want to snorkel or scuba will see marine iguanas, manta rays, hammerhead and white tipped sharks, sea turtles and a great variety of other pelagic species.

A cruise down the Amazon is perhaps one of the most exotic eco-cruise itineraries. The rainforests of the Amazon are home to the world’s broadest biodiversity. On either side of the river, the shores are thick with dense rainforest canopy. Pink river dolphins and colorful birds are common sights. The otherworldly Amazonian sloths meander in the tops of the trees and toucans and howler monkeys provide a daily serenade of sound. Many excursions involve meeting the local population and allow travelers to learn more about the river culture and how modernity is affecting their lives. The trips often foray into small tributaries, channels and passageways as the naturalists on board guide passengers through waters churning with life.

Some of the most accessible of the eco-cruise itineraries go to Alaska. The combination of scenery and wildlife create a high demand for Alaskan eco-cruises. Whales, both orca and humpback, eagles, salmon, seals, walrus, polar and grizzly bear appear against a scenery of high mountains and calving glaciers. Zodiac rafts launched from the small ships allow travelers to get within a hundred yards of newly formed icebergs as they fall from glaciers overlooking the sea. Naturalists that accompany these voyages know the best possible locations for wildlife viewing, far from the reaches of the mass cruise line market.

The Sea of Cortez, where the Gulf of California and the Pacific Ocean meet, is a fantastically rich feeding ground for aquatic life of every variety. Especially important to travelers are the California gray whales that calve here. But note that over 35 species of whale and dolphin make their home or transit through the Sea of Cortez. Travelers make frequent sightings of whale sharks and giant Pacific manta rays. Large pelagic fish of almost every variety are found in these waters, along with the spectacular coast line and reefs that make diving and snorkeling popular activities. Inflatable excursion craft frequently ferry travelers to uninhabited islands to dive and explore. So important is this vitally sensitive area that on July 14, 2005, UNESCO registered the region as a World Heritage Site.

During your search for an eco-cruise tour operator, consider the reputation of the eco-cruise line and its history of working with travelers. It is an unfortunate fact that too many hotels, resorts and others in the travel industry bill themselves as eco-friendly without a great deal of substantiation. The lack of globally recognized standards for being ecologically sound makes the process of selecting a tour operator a bit more difficult. Many countries have enacted their own local standards for hospitality industry participants, as has the World Travel and Tourism Council.

In addition, the manner in which your cruise operator interacts with the local cultures and environment will play a role in how you ultimately remember and relate to your voyage. To the extent that your eco-cruise line seeks actively to minimize the impact of its activities on the local environment, the better for all concerned. It is entirely appropriate to ask a cruise ship operator about its environmental philosophy and whether it has published its standards. You will also want to inquire as to the training and expertise of staff members who will be accompanying you on your trip. The end result should be a solid environmental and cultural travel experience.

You will want to determine that not only the character of the cruise line, but also of your fellow participants, will be a compatible fit. Ask about the passenger demographic and age range. Inquire about the number of passengers on a typical voyage and the ship’s capacity. Make sure that you will be able to participate fully given any physical limitations you may have by informing your cruise operator early on of access issues for you or your traveling companions. If traveling with children, make sure that the policies of the cruise company accommodate their age and maturity level.

Your cruise line will provide to you a list of recommended clothing and gear. As always, pack as lightly as possible, and remember to take along the essentials for recording your voyage on film or in a diary. Binoculars, sunglasses and sunscreen are some important items often left behind. Ask a doctor about any recommended medical treatments or vaccinations for your planned destinations. Ask your travel consultant about travel insurance to cover unexpected cancellation and medical events or trip interruption due to sickness. Finally, make sure that your travel documentation is appropriate and in order for your chosen destination.

Eco-cruising presents a real opportunity for personal excitement and growth. The options are many, affordable and accessible -- why wait?

REFERENCE SITES:

http://www.travelresearchonline.com/

“A nation that destroys its soils destroys itself. Forests are the lungs of our land, purifying the air and giving fresh strength to our people. ” 
― Franklin D. Roosevelt

Live life and travel often, the more you travel, the more memories you create!

ECO-CRUISING THE EXPLORATION OF NATURE

BY CLAY LARROY

Travel is so much more that simply hopping on a flight to a new destination. If you plan it correctly, it could be a thrilling time you'll never forget. Planning a trip is fun as there are tons of things to do and see. Do you know how to plan a trip effectively? Packing light is key to making your travels as easy and free of stress as possible. Bring one carry on bag that includes everything you need, not necessarily everything you want. Your smart packing will pay off when you are happily carrying one bag around on vacation instead of lugging around multiple bags. When you want to plan a vacation contact me!

The popular image of cruising is a modern, mass market ship filled with literally thousands of people freighted from one familiar port-of-call to the next; not so eco-cruising. As the name implies, eco-cruising is all about the exploration of nature and the environment from the vantage point of the earth’s oceans, seas and rivers. The expanding appeal of environmental tourism in general and eco-cruising in particular is evident in the great number of options a traveler now has to commune with the natural world from the bow of a ship.

Eco-cruising is characterized by an emphasis on visiting ecologically significant destinations with an eye to an educational experience. For the traveler looking to enhance their travels with something different from the ordinary, eco-cruising offers an alternative to a "7-day Western Caribbean" itinerary. If the idea of ecologically based cruising sounds good to you, speak with your travel consultant, who can hook you up with just the right opportunity for you to view nature as a seagoing traveler.

Instead of Vegas-style entertainment, eco-cruise companies generally staff their vessels with one or more onboard experts in the environment: a naturalist, zoologist, or biologist acting as a tour guide, instructor and lecturer during the trip - some cruise operators employ more than a dozen such experts per voyage. The smaller size of the vessels and their passenger count (often fewer than 200) means that travelers have greater access not only to any on-board experts but to the crew in general. A smaller vessel also allows the ship to respond quickly to opportunity and circumstance. Wildlife sightings, events at ports of call or even the whim of the captain or on-board naturalist can cause a complete change in itinerary.

Most ships used by eco-cruise companies fall into the category of "small ship". These boats have very shallow drafts (the depth of the boat’s keel) and can enter areas that larger ships could never contemplate. In general, ships carrying fewer than 800 passengers fall into the small ship category, but most eco-tourism vessels carry fewer than 100 passengers. The on--board ambience is relaxed, casual and friendly. The passengers range in all ages, and a respect for the theme of the voyage is tangible. Overall, the travelers will be an active bunch, looking for every possible opportunity to physically engage in the trip.

Accommodations onboard these ships vary, but because of the smaller passenger count, cabin size compares favorably to mass-market ships - typically between 100 and 150 square feet. Some cabins will have twin beds and some double with private baths. Some ships also offer a small number of more spacious suites. The out-of-doors emphasis of the itinerary requires participants to have excellent viewing opportunities, so many ships have all "outside" cabin facilities with large picture windows.

Meals are typically one of the highlights of cruising, and eco-cruises, in general, have carried on this tradition. Seating is usually open style and meals may be a buffet or served seated. Special meal requests often can be considered, but be sure to make your cruise operator aware early on of any special accommodations you might require, such as vegetarian or vegan meals. While meals are typically taken in a dedicated dining room, occasionally they are served on the decks to allow 360 degree viewing of the scenery while dining.

Most expedition vessels carry smaller boats on board for exploring the locales they visit. Zodiac rafts and kayaks are common ways of viewing wildlife and glaciers up-close and personal. Launched from divots or a landing platform, these small auxiliary craft allow travelers to slip into even more remote pockets of the local landscape. Typical activities involve hiking, kayaking, scuba, snorkeling, wildlife sightings and lectures.

REFERENCE SITES:

http://www.travelresearchonline.com/

“The more clearly we can focus our attention on the wonders and realities of the universe about us, the less taste we shall have for destruction.” 
― Rachel Carson

Travel  have fun and create wonderful memories for your family!

SAILING VACATIONS: CAPTAIN YOUR WAY INTO YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE

BY CLAY LARROY

Traveling can be an important part of your life, whether for business or for pleasure. You need to do all of your research so that you don't forget to pack something important, see what the best methods of transportation are, etc. Avoid crowds and save money by visiting in the off-season. If you want to be able to enjoy your vacation without having to battle a crowd of people everywhere you go, learn when the popular months are for the location and plan your vacation for the less popular time. Be aware, while it can save you money, in some locations you may have to contend with less than ideal weather. When you want to plan a vacation contact me!

Sailing insurance is always a good idea. Mishaps can occur, from bent or broken propellers to collisions with docks or other vessels. Although seldom serious, such accidents can be expensive if uninsured. As the charter guest, you are financially responsible for any damage to the boat. Your responsibilities will be set out in a "charter contract" which should be read closely. Insurance will reduce your responsibility over any deductible and is a worthwhile investment, regardless of your sailing experience.

Sailing vacations are also excellent opportunities to mix sampling local cuisines with eating meals aboard ship. Provisioning a boat is a matter of developing a day by day menu of food and perishable supplies and purchasing those supplies at either a local grocery store, marina or through your charter company. Having your boat pre-provisioned is more convenient, but typically involves a modest surcharge over the cost of the food, and the food selection may be more restrictive than if you self-provision. Take the boat’s galley and refrigeration capacities into consideration, as well as plans for the number of people on board, including the skipper and other crew. In addition to each meal, plan for plenty of high energy snacks and other "goodies" and beverages to stay well hydrated and to satisfy the demands of an active vacation.

Charter companies will furnish a boat with the basic requirements required by law, including personal floatation devices, appropriate lights, sound devices and safety equipment. In addition, the boat will have a compliment of kitchen equipment and utensils, navigation equipment and charts, bedding and other linens. Prior to leaving shore, the charter company will require you to "inventory" the gear, indicating that each item is indeed on board. Note to self - you are also required to "inventory" upon return to ensure that you still have all of the equipment you left with.

Many charter companies give certification courses that teach travelers to sail a boat. Such "Learn to Sail" courses are excellent individual and family adventures. A combination of classroom and on-board experience teaches the basics of sailing and wind power. Advanced courses cover off-shore cruising, navigation and "passage making". By the end of the course, students are typically versed in topics like routine engine maintenance, anchoring, docking, radio skills and basic chart navigation. It’s a great experience and confidence builder for children and adults alike.

Remember that if sailing to foreign ports, travel documentation is necessary. Although in the Caribbean a passport is not required by every country, it is still a good idea to carry one for entry and exit purposes. Your travel consultant can help you determine what documentation you need, based on your itinerary.

Is a sailing vacation safe? While all travel inherently involves some degree of risk, tens of thousands of travelers each year charter boats and enjoy a very safe, exciting vacation on the water. Here are a few tips to keep you safe and sound:

• If you captain your own boat, spend lots of time familiarizing yourself with the local charts and waters
• If the trip involves new skills, seriously consider a skippered vacation
• Know the "rules of the road" in every location and scenario, and do not deviate from them
• Drinking and driving, anywhere, do not mix, so if you are drinking, drop anchor
• Keep someone above board at all times when under sail - auto-pilot is not a replacement for a pair of eyes
• Plenty of sunscreen, sunglasses and hats will ensure that you enjoy all of your vacation, not just the first day

The cost of a sailing vacation is usually comparable to a mid-range land or cruise vacation. In addition to the cost of a bareboat charter and insurance, take into consideration the cost of a captain and crew, if any (and do not forget to consider their tips as well - typically $10 - $20 a day). Take into account the cost of provisioning the boat with food and the cost of any docking or "moorage" fees if you overnight at a marina. Note if the charter company includes any meals or an open bar with skippered cruises or if this is an optional amenity. Off-boat activities and meals are, of course, additional expenses. Your travel consultant will obtain a line-itemed itinerary and price sheet from the charter company, so you fully understand all of the costs and tariffs.

Water, water everywhere...and all of it a playground. Explore the possibilities of a bareboat or captained sailing adventure.

REFERENCE SITES:

http://www.travelresearchonline.com

“Anyone who needs more than one suitcase is a tourist, not a traveler” 
― Ira Levin

Enjoy life and travel often, the more you travel, the more memories you create!