FAMILY TRAVEL

BY CLAY LARROY

Traveling is great personal interests because it will make a more open-minded person when it comes to inter acting with people. It also made it easier to understanding as to why people act the way they do in their own society and in a society as diverse as the U.S. It has long been said that travels “broadens the mind”. Now new evidence proves that jumping on a plane will not only make you smarter, but more open-minded.  When you need to plan a vacation contact me! 

The article below offers a captivating perception on  family vacations.

 

Travel  Safely  With Family

By Robert Tellier

Planning your family holidays is not complete without taking into consideration that you must travel safely at all times. Reviewing a few very important safe holiday steps with your family prior to travel will ensure you have taken the necessary precautions for a wonderful vacation.

Here are 10 very important tips for safe travel for you to review so that you do have a trouble free safe vacation with your family.

1. Be informed of your chosen destination.

2. Are there any travel advisories posted for the country you are traveling to? Is it safe for you and your family to travel to your country of choice at the time you wish to go? Check with your local travel agent or government websites online regarding travel abroad.

3. Travel medical insurance - do not travel without it unless you can afford the thousands of dollars for medical treatment and expenses. This is probably the most important tip I can pass on to you! Why so many people choose to take a chance and not purchase travel medical insurance for the sake of saving a few dollars, puzzles me. If you can afford to travel, you can afford travel medical insurance!

4. Do you require any vaccinations to protect yourself from disease or any other precautions necessary to ensure a safe holiday for you and your family?

5. Make sure all of your travel documents are safe and secure with you at all times while in transit to and from your destination. Do not pack money, wallets, passports and such in your check in luggage! Be sure to make photocopies of your passports and keep separate from originals. It’s much easier to get them replaced if one of your family members does misplace. It’s also wise to scan your documents and keep attachments in your email account where you can access them anytime, anywhere in the world.

6. Be aware of your surroundings! Take a moment and look around, trust your instincts, if you feel unsafe in a particular area, then you probably are! Leave as quickly and safely as you can.

Travel safely and use common sense. Don’t be caught alone in unfamiliar areas where you shouldn’t be, especially at night! If you’re on vacation, this is when you are most vulnerable, as we tend to let loose and let our guard down. We also tend to overindulge in alcoholic beverages while enjoying our vacation, putting us at greater risk. Men should not carry wallets in their back pockets and women should keep purses tight against them, especially in crowds such as busy airports, train stations and so.

7. Another tip for safe travel is to leave that expensive jewelry at home if possible. It draws attention to undesirables and empty out wallets of extra credit cards, identification and other unnecessary items.

8. Watch what you eat and drink to avoid sickness and health, particularly avoid water from the tap and be very careful with side food stands. You certainly don’t want that safe holiday ruined from eating or drinking something you shouldn’t have.

9. For those who wear eyeglasses, always take an extra pair in case your original is lost or broken. To travel safely, you have to be able to see your best!

10. Be polite and courteous at all times with those around you. Most of all have a wonderful safe and memorable vacation with your family! Happy travels!

Robert Tellier - A passion for travel and with over 35 years work experience in the Travel Industry, I now enjoy writing and sharing travel information, tips, destinations and much more, helping to make your family travel stress-free and enjoyable.  For more detailed information on safe travel and much more, be sure to visit: Great Travel Tips

“Traveling in the company of those we love is home in motion.”

– Leigh Hunt.

Enjoy and travel to create great family memories!

 

FAMILY TRAVEL: ARE WE THERE YET?

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!

Are we there yet? 

Are we there yet? That familiar refrain is part of the cultural lexicon of the art and science of traveling with children. Being a good traveler is something best learned early in life, and parents can help ensure that children enjoy their family trips to the utmost with a little planning. Along the way, parents also make their own time spent in the airplane or in the car more enjoyable and less stressful. If you are traveling with young ones, here are a few tips that will make the experience less of a trial and more of a treat.

Choose appropriately. Ask your travel agent for travel plans that are highly recommended for children and families. Not all destinations and themes are age appropriate. But dude ranches, bird watching, hiking and almost any other activity can be enjoyed by children in measured doses and with adequate preparation. Many tour operators specialize in the family element and are better equipped to deal with the attention spans and skill levels of your children. But even family oriented tour operators have age limits, so make sure that your travel agent is informed on the age of your children early in the planning process. Likewise, family travel involves special budgetary considerations that your travel agent will be adept in handling for you. Many airlines and tour operators provide infant discounts that your agent can acquire for you.

Getting there is not really half the fun, particularly if the kids in tow are not happy. Plan ahead by structuring some activities during the travel time. Discuss your trip and planned activities with the kids to give them something to look forward to. Even a brief description of the landscape through which you will be driving or over which you will be flying will be enough to entice many children into making lists of sites, animals or other points of interest. Portable DVD players’ help the time pass, and packing a game bag in advance is always a good idea - include cards, game books, crayons and paper. Airline meals do not always stack up against the food children (or adults) would prefer to eat. Packing light, fun snacks and drinks is a good idea when flying or driving.

Stopping often during the course of the trip is not only a good idea, it is usually a necessity. All night and day marathon driving sessions are hard on small bodies, so breaks are an important health and stress consideration. Plan the drive to encounter interesting way points to keep kids attentive and to break up a tedious drive.

REFERENCE SITES:

http://www.travelresearchonline.com/

 “We wander for distraction, but we travel for fulfillment.” – Hilaire Belloc

Travel to experience life and create amazing memories!

JEWISH HERITAGE TOURS

BY CLAY LARROY

Traveling can be a great way to meet new people and experience other cultures. New friends are waiting to meet you in places you have only dreamed of traveling. It can be a wonderful way to see all that the world has to offer. Travel can be a hobby and an adventure that will lead you to unexpected places.  When you want to plan a vacation contact me!

Academic Study

While many people choose to incorporate their heritage tour into a traditional vacation as one important part of a varied itinerary, some people choose to concentrate solely on studying their Jewish heritage on their trip and take what is often called an Academic Study Jewish Heritage Tour.

An academic study tour will be much more concentrated and educational than the common Jewish Heritage Tour. Emphasis will be on education and discovery, and leisure time is minimal. For those who wish to gain as much as they can from their tour in a short period of time, an academic study tour may be the way to go.

Choosing a Heritage Tour and Guide

If the idea of a Jewish Heritage Tour peaks your interest, but you are not sure where to visit, ask yourself some questions and discuss these issues with your travel consultant to find a trip that best fits your expectations.

Are you interested in the history of your personal ancestors? If so, you should consider visiting those places from where your family originated. For example, if you know that your relatives emigrated from Russia, you may consider doing a heritage tour in Russia.

Is there a particular area of the world you have always wanted to see, regardless of the Jewish heritage found there? Why not visit a long desired destination while discovering the history of the Jews who lived there in the past and the culture of the Jews who live there in the present. Examples might be a trip to the Great Wall of China coupled with historical spots, or a luxury vacation in the Mediterranean with a short heritage tour in Italy.

Are you someone who feels very disconnected to your religious roots? Consider a visit to Israel, where the history of Judaism is the deepest. Or perhaps you are interested in learning more about this faith, even though it is not your own? Immersing yourself in the culture is a great way to do this, so visiting one of the main locations of Jewish culture may be a good choice.

Once you’ve chosen your tour destination, you need to pick a specific tour.

Your travel consultant will assist will choosing an appropriate Heritage Tour. Many agencies and tour guides specialize in these tours, and booking your tour with a specialist is the best way to ensure that you will get an authentic, educational, comprehensive tour of this kind.

If you know which area of the world you would like to tour, your travel consultant can compare the prices and the itineraries of the tours to see which best accommodates both your budget and interests. Some agencies offer customized tours with personal tour guides. A travel consultant will also know a tour organization’s reputation and legitimacy, which is paramount in selecting an operator.

Independent Travel

While going through an established tour organizer is probably the best way to go on a Jewish Heritage Tour, there is always the option of having your travel consultant assist you with planning and booking an independent tour. There are many books available that will guide you through a particular region, pointing you to the areas of interest for those on a heritage quest.

Some advantages to planning your own tour include the ability to completely customize your tour, change your plans on a moment’s notice, and take advantage of the opportunity to spend as much (or as little) time at any one place as you wish. A Jewish Heritage Tour can be very emotionally taxing. Some people may wish to leave a particularly disturbing stop on the tour (such as those locations associated with The Holocaust) quickly while others may be fascinated and wish to spend more time there to really absorb their emotions. Creating your own tour gives you that freedom.

A word of caution for the do-it-yourselfers: There are many regions of the world where a traveler is much safer traveling with a tour group than without. An established tour will not only take you to the best points of interest, it will keep you away from unsafe locations for foreigners. If you are making your own plans, make your safety a priority and know where it is safe to go and where it is best to stay away - researching current travel advisory and safety considerations is another part of the planning where your experienced travel consultant will be invaluable.

Making the Most of Your Tour

How do you make the most of such a remarkable experience? First of all, document it. Take pictures and video. One tip for making sure you keep track of what you photograph is to take pictures of signs with descriptions on them before you take any photos in the area. Even if it is just the name of a building, you will be able to identify the places in your pictures much more easily this way. When taking video, tell the story of the place as you are filming.

Keep a journal. If you are filming video, your narration will be one type of journal. However, thoughts and emotions can build up during the day, and spending the time to write them down in the evenings once you’ve retired to your room will help you get the most out of each day’s experiences - and remember them more easily. Yes, you will be tired, but reflections on what you learned and how it affected you are best written when fresh. These records will be invaluable for you as memories, and may also help to contribute to your family’s narrative.

When in Rome (or Israel or Poland or China) do as the Romans do. Experience the culture by taking part in their local activities. Try the foods of the area - it’s easy to imagine that common Jewish foods in China will be very different from the cuisine in New York City. Wear the traditional dress when appropriate. Immerse yourself in the experience.

A Jewish Heritage Tour will be unlike any vacation you’ve ever taken. You will visit places that will break your heart, and you will meet people who will make your heart soar. You will learn history, connect with your roots, and have a deeper understanding of your faith, all within the few days of your journey. You will be changed.

REFERENCE SITES:

http://www.travelresearchonline.com/

"If you don't know what you're living for, you haven't yet lived.”

– Rabbi Noah Weinberg, of blessed memory

         Travel to create marvelous memories for you and your family or friends!

JEWISH HERITAGE TOURS

BY CLAY LARROY

A vacation can soothe the soul and leave you renewed, refreshed, and invigorated. Whether you are just now starting to plan your next vacation, or are merely looking for travel ideas and suggestions, read all the articles about travel. So take away some of the stress of making travel plans, and get started thinking about the fun and relaxing times you will soon be having on your next trip! When you are ready to plan an exciting vacation contact me!

Experiencing the beauty and culture of an unfamiliar area of the world is always a remarkable experience. For those who are purposely exploring a culture through the window of their faith, it can be even more remarkable. Embarking on a Jewish heritage tour is one way for Jews, and others interested in Jewish tradition, to see how the tradition has lived, survived and thrived in destinations throughout the world.

By taking a trip that focuses on Jewish heritage, a traveler can visit the places, past and present that are important to Jews as a people and to the traveler as a person of faith. The Diaspora has a center, but no boundary. Israel, Russia and Poland are important destinations, but many other counties throughout the world that are filled with the rich history of the Jewish people: China, Budapest, Italy, France, the United States, Africa, South America - just about every corner of the world has something of interest for those exploring their Jewish heritage and history.

A Jewish heritage tour involves much more than simply visiting the synagogues or Jewish museums of an area. Educated, informative tour guides will lead travelers to important places rich with Jewish customs, history and culture that a casual traveler may never find without professional, guided assistance.

Travelers on a Jewish heritage tour need not worry about their entire trip being one long history lesson without any fun along the way. Many tours include other aspects of the region, like fine restaurants, first-class hotels, shopping and local recreation. A good tour will balance the traveler’s thirst for knowledge and desire for an enjoyable vacation.

It is important for many Jews to continue to observe their religious customs, even while on vacation. Many tours are able to fully service their needs, offering Kosher meals and access to synagogues for worship. They can also accommodate those who want to avoid Shabbat (the Jewish Sabbath) travel and every type of traveler: families, couples, singles, honeymooners, students, and even non-Jews who are interested in learning about the history and culture of the people can all find a tour that fits their interests.

Popular Jewish Heritage Tour Destinations

While the Jewish people have lived in and contributed to many cultures throughout history, there are certain regions where they have had a concentrated influence, and their stories in these regions are inherent to understanding the heritage of the Jewish people. These destinations are some of the best places to start or include in a tour.

Israel

The Jewish race can trace their roots back to Israel, the land of Abraham, father of Israel. A heritage tour of Israel will take travelers through Jerusalem, Masada, Galilee, Tel Aviv, Haifa, and the Golan Heights; the whole of Israel is abounding with Jewish heritage and culture. A coordinated heritage tour through the Holy Land helps travelers pinpoint the essential places to visit. Tours will also often include stays at a Kibbutz, a voluntary Israeli commune, where travelers experience first-hand one of the modern aspects of Jewish life in Israel.

Russia, Germany, Poland and the Holocaust

Before the Holocaust, the Jewish culture in Russia, Central and Western Europe thrived. The Holocaust destroyed not only families, but also attempted to destroy the evidence of Jewish life in the country. In the years since, what was lost of Jewish life has been reconstructed where possible and memorialized where it cannot be reconstructed. Travelers to Europe can visit Berlin, Warsaw, Krakow, Auschwitz, and many of the other cities where the atrocities of the Holocaust attempted to annihilate the Jewish heritage. Many of these sites are now shrines, and monuments of repentance and memorial now dot the landscape.

Budapest

Many people may not realize that Budapest has the third largest population of Jews in Europe. The Jewish culture in Budapest is not just historical; it is a modern, living, breathing way of life for nearly 100,000 Jews. The history of the Jewish people in Budapest dates back to Roman times, and travelers have much to discover in this beautiful city, including Jewish people’s contributions to its economy, politics and culture. A Jewish Museum has a wealth of information on the Jews of Hungary, and a stirring Holocaust Memorial stands in honor of the victims of the Holocaust.

New York City

In the United States, New York City is a city rich with Jewish heritage. In addition to touring the boroughs where the Jewish families live and work, travelers can tour the Museum of Jewish Heritage, a building designed in the shape of the Star of David.

China

China? Yes, China. The country has a long and interesting Jewish heritage, and travelers have much to learn from a tour of the region. For over 800 years the Jews and the Chinese co-existed peacefully in Kaifeng. Over the centuries, however, the Jews were assimilated into the Chinese culture and in 1866, the synagogue in Kaifeng was eventually destroyed. There was a new influx of Jews to Shanghai during WWII as 30,000 took refuge, but then after the war, many left for Israel. Much evidence of the Jewish culture in China still exists, however, and can be experiences on a tour through the country.

Italy

Italy has one of the oldest Jewish populations in Europe; the history of the Jews in Italy goes back over 2000 years. They have left their mark on Italy’s architecture, history, art, philosophy and cuisine, and a heritage tour of Italy will take travelers to synagogues, Jewish cemeteries, the Jewish Museum and the old ghettoes dating back to the 16th century.

REFERENCE SITES:

http://www.travelresearchonline.com/

"I don't speak because I have the power to speak; I speak because I don't have the power to remain silent" – Rabbi A.Y. Kook

Enjoy and travel to create great family memories!

HOLYLAND TOURS “IN THE FOOTSTEPS”

BY CLAY LARROY

Traveling can be a great way to meet new people and experience other cultures. New friends are waiting to meet you in places you have only dreamed of traveling. It can be a wonderful way to see all that the world has to offer. Travel can be a hobby and an adventure that will lead you to unexpected places.  When you want to plan a vacation contact me!

Jerusalem remains the primary destination for most trips to the holy land. The city is a key religious site for Christianity, Judaism and Islam, the so-called "faiths of the Book". The Abrahamic religions all derive from a common, ancient and Semitic tradition arising from this region of the world. As a result there are few destinations anywhere that can match the convergence of historical, religious and cultural significance of Jerusalem.

Most tour operators will make sure that key sites in the city are a part of your experience. In the section known as the "Old City", you will find the souk, or city market. The Church of the Holy Sepulchre, which is the traditional place of the Crucifixion and the Tomb, still stands, the cornerstone having been laid in 1149 by Crusaders. Visitors can walk the Via Dolorosa, the original Stations of the Cross. Others believe the Garden Tomb in East Jerusalem to be the place of the Tomb. The Wailing Wall in the Jewish Quarter and the Citadel (the Tower of David) are a part of nearly every itinerary. Inside the confines of the Church of All Nations is the Garden of Gethsemane. Mount Zion, the traditional location of the Last Supper is close to the nearby King David’s Tomb. Outside of Jerusalem, however, Israel is a continuum of archeological and religious treasures. Many tours take in dozens of sites such as the Sea of Galilee, Qumran and Tiberias. Bethlehem is just five miles south of Jerusalem. Now in the hands of the Palestinian Authority, the town is not always open to inspection, but when it is, no pilgrim will want to miss the location of the birth of Jesus. Nazareth, the location where Jesus spent much of his early life, is also very common stopping point on most itineraries. Many tours take in Caesarea, where Peter began his ministries. Many Roman artifacts such as the old Ampitheatre and aqueduct remain intact. The Mount of the Beatitudes overlooking the Sea of Galilee and the Jordan River provide opportunities for many tour operators to allow travelers to cruise on the Sea or to be baptized in the River.

The paths traveled by the early apostles also offer opportunities for travelers to immerse themselves in a religious pilgrimage. Travelers to Greece will find the ancient city of Corinth, where the early church received the canonical Letter to the Corinthians.

In Turkey, one can travel to the fortified monastery of St. John where tradition tells us the Book of Revelations was authored. Here are many magnificent churches visited by Saint Peter and Saint Paul as the Christian religion moved from being a Jewish sect to a religion of the Gentiles.

On Turkey’s Eastern Mediterranean coast is the city of Antakya, in biblical times called "Antioch". In 1963, the Vatican designated the Church of St. Peter in Antioch as the world’s first Cathedral. Not far away is Tarsus, the birthplace of the Apostle Paul. Here also is the city of Ephesus where grave of John is supposed to be at the Basilica of St. John. It is in Ephesus, where Paul wrote the Epistles to the Ephesians and where St. John the Evangelist is traditionally thought to have brought the mother of Jesus. The Virgin Mary’s house is located in Ephesus and is recognized by the Vatican as an important Christian shrine. It is also in Turkey that legend says Noah’s Ark came to rest after the Great Flood on Mount Agri (Ararat). Finally, Rome and Vatican City remain a center for many Christian pilgrims, both Catholic and Protestant.

The high season for travel to the Mediterranean region generally runs between May and October. The earlier and later shoulder seasons see fewer crowds and generally cooler temperatures, as the summer months can be very hot. The winter months are the least expensive season in which to go and excellent values can be found during the winter, exclusive of the spike in pilgrimage travel that occurs in Israel during the traditional Christmas season. Some tour packages include air, while others are priced "land only". Your travel consultant can assist you with achieving the greatest possible value with regard to your transportation. Other considerations will be whether to elect to do a pre or post tour extension if you choose an escorted tour, giving you an opportunity to spend time on your own exploring your destinations. Some tour operators reserve the right to cancel particular tours, or you may decide to change your own plans. Be sure to determine the policies of the tour operator you choose and to purchase travel insurance to protect against unforeseen interruptions or circumstances. Again, your travel consultant is your best guide.

Spend some time reviewing the materials provided by your travel consultant and be comfortable with what is, and is not, include in the price of your tour. Consider the issues of departure taxes, visas, gratuities and meals. You may also want to upgrade your accommodations. If you are traveling by yourself, determine what the "single supplement" charge will be, or whether the tour operator can find a suitable roommate for you.

Tours to the holy land inevitably mean a great deal of walking. Many of the sites you will visit are either roughly paved or unpaved. It is a good idea to prepare yourself by being in as good a physical shape as possible prior to leaving on your trip. If you or any of your travel companions have any physical impairment, be sure to let your travel consultant know. Bring comfortable clothing, but pack as lightly as possible. Your tour operator will provide you with a list of recommended items to bring, but a good pair of walking shoes, already broken in, is a must! A hat, sunglasses and sunscreen are also very important must-haves as you will spend a great deal of your time out-of-doors.

Make sure that your travel documentation is in order well in advance of your date of departure. Your travel consultant can assist you with the requirements of the countries that you intend to visit. You will typically need a passport valid for at least six months from your planned date of return home. In addition, some destinations will request to see a return airline ticket. Visas are required of some nationalities by some countries, so inquire with regard to your particular circumstances and planned itinerary. Travel documentation is a bit different for Israel than for some other destinations. In particular, some Arab countries will not allow you to enter if you have visited Israel. Therefore, have the customs official in Israel stamp your entry permit rather than your passport.

Finally, safety is always an issue of concern when visiting the Middle East, especially Israel. In general, the situation has been much better over the recent past than in the years just prior to 2006, despite the recent conflict between militant factions in Lebanon and Israel. If the events in one region appear too unstable for you, shift your focus to one of the other biblically significant areas. While there are no guarantees of safety, hundreds of thousands of tourists visit the holy land each year without incident.

With the assistance of a good travel consultant and a bit of planning, your own, personal pilgrimage can be safe and spiritually most rewarding.

REFERENCE SITES:

http://www.travelresearchonline.com/

At the center of the universe dwells the Great Spirit. And that center is really everywhere. It is within each of us.

Black Elk

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

HOLYLAND TOURS “IN THE FOOTSTEPS”

 BY CLAY LARROY

In the world of traveling, there are plenty of great resources available to both new and experienced travelers alike. There are many websites, guides, books, videos, and other resources available. By writing this blog I hope that I am providing valuable information about wonderful vacation destinations. When you want to plan a vacation contact me!

For well over 2000 years, the peoples of three faiths have revered the near Middle East as a holy land. No area of the world has been more gifted with religious significance. Christian pilgrims have traveled to Israel, Turkey, Jordan, Lebanon, Egypt, Greece and Italy to achieve a fuller understanding of their religious heritage. The first pilgrims traveled a difficult path on the dangerous roads of the old Roman Empire. Today’s travelers will find their journey somewhat easier to achieve, but no less rewarding in the doing. It has often been said that travel is a journey of the soul as much as the body. Nowhere is this truer than in travel that expressly seeks out the core of a religious tradition.

More and more travelers are discovering the important role the geography and culture of the Middle East played in the development of their religions. This TRO Activity Index Guide focuses on the Christian tradition in the Mediterranean region. Other TRO Activity Index Guides look to the Jewish heritage or to other geographic areas of pilgrimage. This TRO Guide will acquaint you with the basics of planning, booking a preparing for a trip to the holy land: that area of the Mediterranean important to the history and heritage of Christianity. Many of the most important events in Christianity occurred long before it was the religion of the Roman Empire, but when it was instead a little known but growing sect.

Early in your trip research, determine what type of travel to the holy land you wish to undertake, and the destinations you wish to visit. If you want to delve back to the pre-Christian era, Egypt holds many of the early origins of the faith in its fantastic array of antiquities, as does Israel. The life of Jesus is the story of Bethlehem, Jerusalem and the Jordan valley. The life of the early church spans a much wider area, however, through Israel and Jordan to Lebanon, Turkey, Greece and Italy, the first regions of travel for the early apostles and Church.

You will also want to decide if you want to travel independently or with a group. Your travel consultant can arrange an independent fly/drive itinerary for you in almost any destination. An independent itinerary has many advantages in that your time is your own and you can pace the trip to suit your own preferences without the confines of schedules and timetables. A hosted or escorted tour is another option, providing guided tours of the destinations involved. Hosted and escorted tours can be arranged privately, so that you are not with other travelers, or as part of a larger group. In the hosted or escorted option, you have the advantage of a knowledgeable guide and the efficiency inherent in having someone familiar with the setting arranging your itinerary. Group tours tend to be less expensive in general than independent or private tours. Escorted group travel permits the traveler to experience a destination while letting others worry about logistical details of the itinerary.

Many of the sites you will visit will have a maze-like quality to them, and vast historical and religious significance. Your travels will be significantly enhanced by the presence of a knowledgeable multi-lingual guide. Regardless of the type of tour for which you opt, investigate the quality of the guides that will be available to you so that you can quickly and efficiently negotiate the ins and outs of the encounters you will have. In the end, it is a matter of personal preference and budget.

Should you decide to use a tour company, you should also discuss with your travel consultant the character of the tour companies available. Many tours to the holy land are run by secular tour operators providing excellent programs complete with well-trained guides. Other tour companies are "faith based" and often use ministers or lay-evangelists to guide and conduct the tour. Some tour companies offer a variety of options such as tours specially designed for Catholics or Protestants. The character and ambiance of these groups can be very different, so communicate early on your preferences with your travel consultant.

REFERENCE SITES:

http://www.travelresearchonline.com/

The Holy Land... What an experience. I will never forget this day.

Justin Timberlake

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

“VACATIONING WITH BODY, MIND AND SPIRIT”

BY Clay Larroy

In the world of traveling, there are plenty of great resources available to both new and experienced travelers alike. There are many websites, guides, books, videos, and other resources available. By writing this blog I hope that I am providing valuable information about wonderful vacation destinations. When you want to plan a vacation contact me!

City Of Baths – Budapest

By Cindy Lou Dale

Step through a side-door into the flamboyant art-nouveau foyer of the Gellért Spa where stone swans gracefully spread their wings over a mosaic floor; fronds of exotic plants extravagantly tumble over the balustrade of the gallery and at the center atrium, healing waters gush from the mouths of sapphire dragons into a turquoise swimming pool, framed by amber porcelain figurines, above which looms a tall stained glass dome. The elegant medical baths are a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture and astound the senses. For around $205 (per night, for a double recently refurbished room, including breakfast), you can enjoy the full Gellért Spa experience. There is a unisex indoor pool with a section reserved for men- and women-only. In these reserved sections, massage services are available - but bear in mind these are bracing, Turkish-style massages.   At the entrance to the baths an attendant in hospital whites’ hands you a canvas towel (and a modesty cover for gentlemen) and points you in the direction of a dressing compartment where you disrobe and secure your valuables.

Inside the opulent spa complex the walls are covered with lustrous azure and emerald tiles gilded with honeysuckle and figurines of cherubs embracing above dolphin water fountains. Lower yourself into one of two semi-circular pools and sink up to your neck with a sigh in simmering 96.8°F water. Other patrons of mixed ages huddle together in small groups of two or three while they unwind. A contemplative hush is the favored way to bathe, although the perpetual stream of water generates enough white noise to cover the occasional comment.

Once pleasantly parboiled, progress to the massage mat where a same-sex masseuses (all of whom have a Sumo wrestler look about them) will give you a no-frills, all-business massage, like you’ve never had before - your body will be vigorously pressed and kneaded with soap lather for what seems like a small eternity, but in reality is only 15-minutes.

If you bruise easily, you may prefer the gentler Thai massage available across the foyer from the spa. This hour-long massage is unique, as the certified masseuses use not only their fingers in manipulating your muscles through a thin massage gown, but their hands, elbows, knees and feet as well.

Now well massaged, head to the outdoor pool area, which surpasses any Vegas hotel, as this pool is cloaked in history - including marble steps, ceramic tile mosaics and a luxurious landscape. During off-peak hours in mid-morning and afternoons, the patrons are mostly pensioners desperately seeking relief from arthritis or rheumatism. However, the baths provide more than physical respite, as the hushed atmosphere and exotic surroundings afford one’s psyche a welcome break from the 21st-century.

REFERENCE SITES:

http://www.travelresearchonline.com/

A massage is just like a movie, really relaxing and a total escape, except in a massage you’re the star. And you don’t miss anything by falling asleep! – Elizabeth Jane Howard

Travel  have fun and create wonderful memories for your family!