Do you know why you should be thanking the giving?

Get your Gift Certificate by November 30th and win two tickets!

I know we don’t celebrate it in Bermuda. Well, we don’t celebrate this meal on the fourth Thursday of November since 1863 unless you are American or have the American heritage.

But why do Americans celebrate it? Well apparently way back when, Americans were not quite as hardy and they barely made it through their first winter in a new land.

They put together a meal of venison, calms, fruit, pumpkin, etc… and sat down for three days! Yes, three days. They managed to consume enough food for 53 pilgrims and 90 Native Americans.

Not a bad job. Now that food feeds a family of five. Just kidding.

But why am I bringing this up? Good question. Fancy celebrating Thanksgiving in the country that founded it? For free? Why not, right? I do!

Want to finish a bit of Christmas shopping too?!? I know. I know. You’re thinking: “This is boring, Robyn. Just tell us.”

Ok well if you go into CTravel by November 30th and buy a gift certificate for someone on your Christmas gift list (or even yourself) you’ll be entered to win two tickets to anywhere in the United States!

No I’m not kidding! So what are you waiting for?

More suggestions? We that’s good because CTravel has also launched a new website for those looking for more travel ideas.

What’s it called? CTravel Society. It has all of your travel advisories, currency converter, FAA tips, etc.! So check it out and find-out about their latest ventures.

And finally…..what are you doing tonight? Need an excuse to shop?

Well perfect then.

The Phoenix Centre is opening its doors to the lucky shoppers who make it to the store between 6.30 and 9.00 p.m. tonight!

Sip, shop, sample and save!!!

Need I say more? Well how about if you get your Christmas gifts sorted now you can fly to Jamaica directly from Bermuda for the holidays!

Don’t bother having to connect through America or swing through London.

For Christmas CTravel can connect you directly to Jamaica for the low price of $1,200 per person.

That runs from December 18th to January 8th and the price includes all of your accommodations!

Optional visits to Cuba, Panama, Santo Domingo and other islands can also be arranged.

For more information or to make a reservation please contact: Pam Maybury at: 294-6908 or email: pamm@ctravel.bm

Or visit their website for more trips!

What are you doing for New Years?

Berlin's Wall

I said I wanted to go back.

Back where? Back to Berlin.

What better time than for Christmas? I can’t think of any which is why it’s cool that Globus through CTravel in Bermuda offers affordable trips to some of the most beautiful Eastern European cities.

Departing on December 17th the nine day trip will cost only $1,449 and will include everything from the my favourite, Berlin, to Prague, Budapest and Vienna.

And do you know what you would be seeing? Eating? Drinking? Well everything! These European cities know how to do Christmas right.

Try the beiglie, a Christmas cookie made of walnuts and regional spices in Budapest; savor the Glühwein, a hot spiced wine, in Vienna; and sample the Stollen, the traditional Christmas cake originated in Dresden, Germany.

But this is more than eating, drinking and shopping. Though those are good things. It will also be a vacation filled with the beautiful history that haunts these European cities. That includes the infamous St. Stephen’s Cathedral in Vienna to the Hradcany Castle in Prague.

Or maybe you’re trying to find somewhere for New Years. Yeah me too! I’ve been trying to organize a trip with

New Years in London

a group. Talk about a full time job.

So why not get someone else to do it for you?! Perfect. Globus also has an affordable alternative for you.

For nine days you will enjoy a Christmas Eve dinner in one of Paris’ fine restaurants, before wandering to London to celebrate New Year’s Eve with dinner at a local London restaurant.

Need something more? How about visiting the top of the Eiffel Tower while you’re at it before a fast ride on the infamous Eurostar train through the Chunnel from Paris to London. You also have plenty of free time in both cities to explore the museums, historical sites, and optional excursions.

And why not take advantage of the sales while you’re there? And if that’s not quite in the books, enjoy the window shopping at the infamous Harrods in London and Galleries Lafayette in Paris. These stores know how to decorate for the holidays and CTravel knows how to help you book your trip. So what are you waiting for?

Create your own?

Or maybe you are interested in creating your own tour? You want to travel independently, but you don’t want the hassle of booking your hotels, tickets, etc…

Yeah me too! Perfect. CTravel and Virtuoso are here to help.

With the new Monograms site these can be affordable and creatively coordinated. Want to build an eight day vacation in Paris? No problem. They are here for you picking what you want and what you are interested in and the best part: It’s just for you!

So remember to visit CTravel on their website or their offices on Queen Street for all the personalized vacation help you need.

Looking for something to do tonight?

How about indulging in some cupcakes, wine and shopping? What more can you ask for really? Oh really can you ask for more? Oh you can?

Ok well how about joining CTravel for 20% off at the Gibbons Company when you shop there tonight? Get your clothes, your Christmas presents, and a train ride?

Ok maybe not the train ride. Well at least not from Gibbons. But what about a train ride across Russia with all the perks?

Um….how could you say no? I don’t know!!! I’m dying to take this trip actually. I have had too many people tell me how great the Trans-Siberian rail trip is.

From Russia....with love!

So why not you?  For just $6,350 an agent at CTravel can organise your connections with Russia (i.e. any help you might need on a visa), a luxurious train ride through the capital of Siberia and skirt the shores of the largest fresh water lake in the world? Lake Baikal!

You can. You just need to contact Ctravel to make the arrangements. It’s as easy as clicking on this link.

Norway by Train

Or what about exploring the Fjords of Norway by train for just $1,218 each? I mean do you see this picture above? I know it’s a fair distance from Bermuda, but for just over $1200 it’s worth it!

Not got the money to travel yourself but have someone you love who does? Or you’re looking for a present for yourself? Why not give everyone what they want this holiday season.

A gift certificate.

Christmas!!!

I know. It’s a piece of paper. But, but, but!!! for those who love to travel perhaps it’s a passport to next year.

Maybe it will create a vacation for someone you love! Don’t delay. Give them what they’re always looking for – a way to travel…..for free!

I would definitely be happy with a piece of paper that would give me access to the world on your dollar!

Good thing CTravel is there for you to help with your holiday shopping at Gibbons Company tonight or for that last minute gift certificate. So don’t wait and get your shopping done early this year.

Stop by CTravel’s offices on Queen Street and check back tomorrow for more travel tips and tales from me.

Fall into Africa

Victoria Falls

South Africa that is. We’ve heard about it before. Some people played football (soccer) there this year. It’s a place to touch the noses on Great White sharks.

A plane ride away? If you go with Globus? Falls that are considered one of the seven wonders…..Victoria.

Why not take the chance this holiday and spend 11 days riding a cable car up Table Mountain before visiting

The Globus Tour

Cape Point Nature Reserve.

Then visit Kapama Private Game Reserve and visit Soweto and the Apartheid Museum Livingstone. Finally enjoy a cruise along Zambezi River before visiting the Victoria Falls!!!

Why not enjoy it without stressing about your safety? Or worrying about the organization? Well that’s why Globus, through CTravel, is offering 11-day tours for just $4,269 in December and January this year.

Spend Christmas contemplating the falls!

Or are you seeking a ship for Christmas? Something to explore the seas while enjoying your cocktails on board?

Why not let Celebrity Cruises pull you away from your stress starting on December 19th with their 7-night Western Caribbean cruise for just $1,670?

San Juan, Puerto Rico

Starting from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida your ports of call will be : Labadee, Haiti; Puerto Costa Maya, Mexico and Cozumel, Mexico.

Or maybe the South of the Caribbean is more your style? For just $955 you can sail from San Juan, Puerto Rico to  Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; Basseterre, St. Kitts; St. George’s, Grenada and finally Castries, St. Lucia.

Celebrity Cruises is offering these great deals through their travel agency of choice here on the island – CTravel. Why not visit them today for more information.

Give the Gift

Do you need the gift for someone who has everything? Have a brother, sister, mother who can’t seem to stay on the Rock?

Why not indulge them in their travel spirit with a little Christmas spirit?

CTravel is offering Gift Certificates that are convenient all year round for that someone who has everything.

Visit their website today or their offices on Queen Street today to start your Christmas shopping.

Japan for one?

 

Japan for one?

 

Yep. You read it. Japan for one on this one-time only basis. Well not really. Ok definitely not, but at least some tour operators are starting to catch-on that people travel solo.

What am I talking about? Have you ever tried to book a tour? They usually try to quote you a double room for the cruise or land-tour as it were. So I’m solo and I have to pay for two?

Uh…not going to happen.

Which is why Tauck Tours has introduced solo pricing for their tours in 2011!!! Can you believe it? Well if not you need to contact CTravel because they have all the details.

Which include this trip to Japan which reveals the essence of Japan through its temples, shrines, Shinto gates, feudal castles, and perfectly preserved villages. In Tauck’s Japan travel on the fascinating island of Honshu to off-the-beaten-path spots, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and the vibrant cites of Tokyo and Kyoto for a full cultural immersion.

Experience ancient traditions firsthand when you stay in a ryokan-style hotel, attend a tea ceremony, and soak in hot spring baths. Tour legendary samurai residences and the Geisha district.

Ride the Bullet Train and a boat across a lake. See the Great Buddha, thatched-roof gassho-zukuri farmhouses, serene gardens, and priceless art treasures.

And Tauck has so many more tours than Japan for those on their own! But you have to contact CTravel to find out more.

 

Italy for Christmas and New Years

 

Still looking for that last minute trip this year? Trying to find somewhere for Christmas and New Years?

Why not spend Three days in Rome. A day in Assisi followed by two days in Florence and cap it off with Verona and Venice? For New Years?

Then, well, enjoy these tours brought to you by Globus and CTravel in Bermuda. They are offering the Italian experience over one of the most festive times of year in this country!

Visit the sights in Rome: the Vatican Museums, Colosseum, and Roman Forum. To enjoying a Christmas Eve dinner with wine in one of Rome’s lively restaurants, and spend time exploring Rome or attending Mass on Christmas day.

You’ll also travel to Assisi, the birthplace of St. Francis, and Florence, home to Michelangelo’s David. Completed in 1504, the artist worked over thirty months for a mere 400 florins (roughly $50,000 today). On this tour, you’ll get a chance to see this famous statue. In Venice, see the famous sights, shop for Murano glassware, enjoy a roman- tic gondola ride, taste sumptuous Italian cuisine, and enjoy a drink in St. Mark’s Square. Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Venice

For a price of $2,149 per person you can have all of this!

Swan's Cruises

Or how does sailing around the Aegean Sea for 15 days for just $2,250 sound?

Cruise through the land of harems to the land of democracy and back again and enjoy the crystal clear blue waters of Turkey and Greece from September 30th next year!

Starting in Istanbul and following the coast line of the multitude of islands that litter this sea, the cruise will drench you in both culture and luxury.

Contact Carl Paiva, the CEO of CTravel for more information on these deals and make sure you check back tomorrow for more adventures!

Head South for the Winter?

Winter’s coming. The birds are fleeing so why don’t you? Even better? Friday’s almost here! Why not give yourself something more to look forward to? What? Well why not a beautiful trip outback? Or why not head South? Save yourself like your feathered friends.

How?

Good glad you asked. CTravel has got the perfect one for you with Epic Private Journeys group. This includes a nine nights to try-out a safari in the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park outside of Sydney, Aboriginal art and to top it off? Wine in the Barossa and Clare Valley wine regions. But don’t forget you will also be able to visit Kangaroo Island!

For approximately $10,598 per person these nine nights of Australia adventure will also include:

•  Nine nights’ accommodation
•  Private tour of Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, including
gourmet lunch
•  Private city tour of Adelaide including Aboriginal collection at
South Australia museum
•  Private tour of Barossa and Clare Valley wine region

Or do you have eight friends you want to take to Australia? Or family? Well why not find an adventure on the infamous reef?

Well why not take them for five nights to paddle through the crystal waters of the Whitsunday Islands in your own PRIVATE YACHT!?

Yes. That sounds good to me. Sign me up. From Hamilton Island, Whitsundays and the Great Barrier Reef this trip will also include:

•  Five nights’ accommodation aboard fully skippered and serviced
motor yacht
•  Fully customizable activities including kayaking, jet-skiing, snorkeling,
diving and hiking

How much will it cost? Well that is approx. US$3,024 per person for all of this? Yes for all of this.

 

The Blue Train

 

Want to head South next year, but maybe not outback? What about South Africa? What about experiencing it on a luxurious train?

Well perfect. CTravel also has the adventure for you. It comes in the form of the Blue Train.

There are two departures in September and December 2011 are available, and these can be combined with a two-night stay at Ivory Tree Game Lodge in Pilanesburg.

The package includes a round-trip Blue Train journey from Pretoria to Sun City, transfers to the lodge, 2 nights at Ivory Tree including 2 game drives per day and meals, plus a R400 spa voucher.

The total? Rates start at only $1,614 per person!

What are you waiting for? Contact CTravel today for more information and to book your trip south.

As the weather gets cooler snuggle in your own ski chalet?

Yes it’s truly true. Our summer has come. It’s been fun. It’s been warm. It’s melted more than a few chocolate bars in my bag.

But now it’s starting to turn. Now the weather is starting to cool down and the jeans are starting to sneak their way out of their drawer. Is that a sweater your wearing?

Probably in the evenings. You know….as you ride that motorbike on your way home for work. Why not pretend that cool breeze is what you’re feeling as you fly down the ski slopes?

Good thing CTravel has something for you. Places that combine both the beautiful breeze of the slopes as well as the warm fire (because let’s be honest Bermudians need their warmth) to defrost your toes at the end of the day.

Skiing in the French Alps

Luxury pure luxury. CTravel will help you find it with their private chalets they can help you book in either the French or the Swiss Alps! These beautiful chalets can be found in the villages of Meribel, Courchevel and Val d’Isere in France and Verbier in Switzerland.

They include things like a full staff, breakfast and afternoon tea daily, champagne and canapes every evening and dinners by your private chef every night.

With that kind of luxury you will have to hit the slopes or…..your private gym and pool complex that is attached to some of these beautiful homes.

So check with CTravel and remember what Brenda Warwick said about booking your ski trip now. You don’t want to miss out!

Or maybe you’re looking for something magical? Something brought to you by David Copperfield? Ok maybe

Copperfield's Island: Musha Cay

you don’t like his act, but why not enjoy his island!? Yes he has an island.

And beautiful villas can be rented out on this island for the holidays or basically any time of year. You just need to call or email the helpful representatives at CTravel for more information.

Unfortunately this island is not for the cheap at heart (like myself). Rates start at $37,500 a day and can accommodate 24 people. It includes all of your alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Break that down for your four-day trip (which is what you have to book) and it’s about $1500 a day. So…..win the lottery and enjoy your trip!

Cruising with Sea Dreams

If this is too much for your budget don’t worry. CTravel agents can help you find something more your speed. Why not book a cruise from San Juan, Puerto Rico through the various islands that surround it to St. Thomas for seven days?

The price on this adventure? It starts at $2,999……and it’s not a massive cruise ship. These small boats are designed for just over 100 people.

And no amount of luxury is spared. The best part? If you book by October 30 then you will receive a $200 spa credit!

I can’t think of a better way to spend my holidays! If you can’t either make sure you contact CTravel and book your trip today!

Easy Europe?

Tell me it’s not so?! Please. You’re  telling me I’ve been haggling with immigration and hassling with passports, worried about the weight of my bags and I could have just cruised to Norway?

Yep. I’m both afraid, for me and happy for you because CTravel has the best of both worlds to offer you. Why? Because they’re a company that keeps their eyes peeled for you!

And what have they seen this week? Well none other than the Emerald Princess sailing from Bermuda on April 30th for 14 days through Europe! Leave the worry of trains, planes and automobiles for the luxurious entry to Europe care of no other than CTravel.

What does Europe include? Well Oslo, Norway, Copenhagen, Denmark, Cobh, Ireland and Le Havre, France to name a few! The best part?!?!Prices start at $1,390 with double occupancy. I’m sorry why are you still reading this and not calling CTravel or checking their cruise website?

Oh you’ve got more time? And you want to see more of Europe? But you want it to be easy too. Gosh you’re asking a lot.

Good think CTravel’s got you covered again! There is a 24 day cruise with Emerald Cruises that leaves on April 30th and the best part? Prices start a$t 2,888!

And you get to also see Stockholm, Sweden, Berlin, Germany and Aahrus, Denmark to name a few of the 15 ports this luxury cruise will deliver you to. I told you it got better!

Well finally, but definitely lastly you could sail around a part of Europe rarely open to the cruise ships. Could there

Sail around Sicily

really be a part? Yes there is. In fact it’s called Sicily and it’s at the bottom of Italy and it’s a trip that Zegrahm Expeditions has been working on for years.
And now with the help of CTravel you can book this 12-day tour that starts from Malta and circumnavigate this island filled with Greek temples and Roman Villas.

Of course there will be wine-tasting and olive oil indulgence, which can be walked-off with a hike through the hills.

Whatever you want CTravel can offer your choice of trip or cruise. Just check them out on their website!

Walk off Bermuda and onto…….

Escape Bermuda?

No, not water. Only one walking on water incident has been recorded and it wasn’t off of Bermuda.

What is off of Bermuda? On April 2 next year Queen Victoria will be. You know…the boat? Yep it’s going to visit our island to pick-up those ready for their trans-Atlantic adventure.

From Bermuda to the Azores and Portugal, Ireland and even France before finishing at Southampton….not Bermuda – England.

But wait…guess how much it will cost you for this 12-day cruise? It starts at $2,990 per person but find the deal from CTravel!

Caribbean Cruising

Wait you want a cruise sooner? Something long enough to enjoy your holidays, but short enough to not use all of your vacation days? For you? We’ve got something. How about a seven night Western Caribbean cruise starting on December 19?

You get to depart from Ft.Lauderdale, Florid; Labadee, Haiti; Puerto Costa Maya, Mexico; and Cozumel, Mexico! In fact CTravel can help your with both longer and shorter cruises for the holiday season and al of them taking-in the Caribbean! So what are you doing?

Check out CTravel’s cruise site.

Kids love Disney!

Oh you’re waiting for something that also caters directly to kids? Well if you book now Disney is offering 25% off a Disney resort in October and November. There are even some dates in January so make sure you check-out CTravel’s website and make sure you enjoy your trip.

What’s your name?

Want to fly?

No, seriously. What’s your name?

Robbles.

No it’s not. What’s your name on your passport?

Oh….it’s……a struggle. It’s a struggle. Bermudians have so many nicknames we can’t seem to remember the exact name our parents wrote on that piece of paper as we struggled to enter the world.

Or more importantly the one we placed on the form as we applied for a passport. Sound crazy? It happens more often than you realize, according to Carl Paiva of CTravel.

Why does this matter? The ubiquitous nicknames that bound around this 21-square-mile island are not what the airlines are looking for…..and they WON’T let you travel.

We’re not alone in this issue. Apparently lots of other countries also struggle to know their names. So starting November 1 this year airlines without your proper “Secured Flight Passenger Data” (say that ten times fast) will be fined and will take that out on you.

No plane for you Robbles!

So make sure you fill out your passport details because you wouldn’t want to miss some of these amazing deals brought only to you….yes you whatever your name is….by CTravel.

How sad would you be if you couldn’t fly around Namibia in a private plane for 12 days for just $7,995? Yeah I would be.

Fly over and then drive through the Namibian desert before hitting the sea to discover the dolphins and seals that waddle around Walvis bay!

The luxury is not lost on this off-the-beaten track tour of Namibia either. You’ll get the chance to hike along the Uarosib River and enjoy a visit with local Himba families who will share their stories and traditions before a two-day safari.

Where can you sign-up? I though you’d ask. Well with CTravel of course. And don’t worry they will make sure you get the right name on your passport!

Or maybe you want to travel from Bermuda without ever having to leave Bermuda? What am I talking about?

Cruising from Bermuda with Oceania

No I haven’t lost my mind.

I’m talking about CTravel’s Board in Bermuda cruises. In April (yeah but these cruises fill so book ahead!) you – Bermudians and residents – will get a chance to walk the plank….onto a cruise that delivers you to Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Turks and Caicos and Miami for as little as $1,725!!!

If you stay on you go through the Panama Canal to California and Mexico for as little as $5,975! All without having to leave the island.

You’ll still need the passport though so….make sure you know your name!