Samana, a province in the northeast of the Dominican Republic, is still perhaps a few years away from being popular in the U.S. market, but the destination is slowly adding hotels that could attract American families and couples.

Balcones del Atlantico, A Rockresort opened in April. Of its 87 units, 35 are operational and the rest are expected to open to visitors at the end of the year.

The Viva Residence brand has both sales and rental divisions at two different properties. Viva Residence Bahía Estela, with Victorian-inspired design, has 42 beachfront apartments, each with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, living and dining area, complete kitchen, and balcony or terrace. Viva Residence Las Terrenas has 24 one- and two-bedroom villas and 52 one- and two-bedroom apartments.

El Portillo Beach Club & Spa looms as another option down the road. Although most of its 156 villa apartments will be entered in a rental pool, they may not be ready for booking until 2014.

Jetblue Airways is expected to operate the first direct flights from JFK in New York to the four-year- old Juan Bosch Airport in Samana by the end of the year. For now, clients can fly to Puerto Plata and take a 20-minute connection.

An American Paradise

Culebra, in eastern Puerto Rico, is a domestic tourism hot spot that is also popular among travel gurus and celebrities from around the world. Culebra’s appeal is its seclusion— along with its tranquil beaches and incredible wildlife. The Culebra National Wildlife Refuge is called Ultima Virgen (Last Virgin) for its virtually untouched natural wonders and underwater vistas. Its reefs are a diver’s paradise, and Flamenco Beach made the Travel Channel’s list of world’s best beaches.

Culebra’s notable boutique hotels include Palmetto House—a five-room gardened guesthouse just up the road from the airport and close to the ferry dock, town and beach—and Bahia Marina Condo resort with 16 one-bedroom suites and 12 brand-new two- bedroom villas. The site borders a 100-acre nature reserve and the Caribbean Sea.

The destination suits Americans who are seeking a quieter, more relaxing Caribbean getaway.

From Ruins to Riches?

As the third-most visited archaeological site in Mexico, Tulum is an immensely popular tourist attraction, but it’s never truly been a destination that stood on its own. Rather, travelers to Cancun or Playa del Carmen would take a two- hour drive to the Mayan city, check out some ruins, get an authentic Mexican meal and make their way back to their hotel. But with a new airline expected in Tulum in 2014 or 2015, we may see a tourism giant emerge in the Mexican Caribbean. Tulum’s Mayan ruins, coupled with its beaches and a plethora of cenotes (underwater caves), make it one of the most aesthetically pleasing spots in Mexico.

10 months prior
• Make destination wedding planning trip, if necessary
• Set up meetings with any stateside wedding professional who may be traveling to your wedding locale.
9 Months prior
• Start putting together any legal documents required to be married at the destination wedding location.
• Make travel arrangements to the destination wedding site, if possible.
• Book the lodging accommodations for wedding attendants
• Complete itinerary for tours or any other extra curricular activities for guests, if applicable
• Make your own travel arrangements for the wedding
8 Months prior
• Register for gifts
• Determine style, formality and colors of wedding
• Consider style of stationery, invitations
7 Months prior
• Select your wedding gown
• Choose and order bridesmaids wedding dresses
• Order groom and groomsmen attire
• Shop for wedding rings
6 Months prior
• Make final selections on wedding cake baker, florists and décor, and transportation necessary.
• Work on ceremony details and buy any necessary items
• Finalize menu and wedding cake order
5 Months prior
• Purchase fiancé’s gift (optional)
• Order favors (optional)
• Buy gifts for wedding attendants and parents

4 Months prior
• Finish addressing wedding invitations and mail out
3 Months prior
• Update your budget
• Review contracts again and familiarize yourself with arrival times, etc.
2 Months prior
• Start creating seating charts. Yes, it is hard but it must be done.
• Call guests who have not yet responded
1 Month prior
• Release any unnecessary rooms
• Finalize all wedding day itineraries
• Confirm travel arrangements with the hotel/resort
3 Weeks prior
• Send out emails to wedding providers who have been contracted to finalize the details.
3 Days prior
• Arrive at wedding destination
• Meet with banquet manager
• Go over details
• Bridal beauty – manicure, pedicure – no change in facial products at this time. Any change in cleansers or makeup should be done at least one month prior to the wedding.
The day of
• Relax, say “I DO” and live happily ever after!

Different from the big ships where your waiter is only your waiter and your steward only fixes your cabin, otherwise they are somewhere else and you never see or interact with them. You may know your cruise director, but will he know you?

Crew members on a small ships share the thirst for adventure along with the passenger. Their job is unique in that they have the duties of whatever they are assigned, but they are also there to mix and mingle with the passengers. They become your traveling companions, your fellow explorers, your experts on less traveled waterways.

Due to the size of the ships and number of staff, they usually have to wear numerous hats. My college daughter worked for a summer on a small ship. She served meals in the dining room, cleaned the cabins and sang opera in the lounge in the evenings. There is no hidden staff area on the ship except where they sleep. They do not have their own “hangout” spots. They are encouraged to mix and mingle on their time off. To share their experiences from week to week on the itinerary. To share where they go on their precious time off. They know the local joints in the ports, where the locals hang out.

They are there to serve and interact with the passengers. Informal, casual, up close and personal, they are part of the whole cruise experience. At the end of the cruise, the passengers and crew know each other by name.

In deference to my cruise line contacts some of whom I know read my blogs here is my list of 5 great ships, they are in no order as I really do not have a favorite or favorites. They all do a great job providing their product to the cruising public.    

 Norwegian Epic

 The Norwegian Epic is NCL’s and in many ways the industry’s most innovative ship. Some of the onboard offerings for teens are totally new to cruising, and the entertainment offerings rival any land destination. Shows range from those presented by the Second City improv comedy company to Blue Man Group. And like all the other cruise ships , there’s a teens-only center. It’s called Entourage, and it’s filled with, stylish couches (good for lounging’ with the iPod), air hockey, foosball and a flat-screen TV with video games.

Epic’s cabins are pretty cool, too — we’re confident teens will like them. Think circular beds, trendy colors, interesting lighting effects, curvy walls and flat-screen TV’s. For more information on the Epic read my earlier blog, written on one of her inaugural cruises or peek in on you tube and view the undercover boss video segment. 

Disney Dream

Brand-new Disney Dream is of the Mickey Mouse persuasion. But don’t let that discourage your older kids who think they’ve outgrown cartoon characters. There’s so much that teens will love on Dream, which was designed to cater to young adults as well as smaller children. The AquaDuck, for one, is cruising’s first “watercoaster” at sea. It runs the span of 2 1/2 football fields with hair-raising twists and turns, even zigzagging over the ocean! Dream’s teen club, The Edge, feels grown-up and sophisticated (it’s located in the ship’s funnel), with a massive video wall for gaming. Facebook-addicted teens will be ecstatic when they discover that The Edge has computers with social media apps that allow teens to tweet or post pictures of themselves splashing down the AquaDuck on Facebook. 

 Carnival Dream

 Carnival’s largest ship, the 3,646-passenger Dream, is as teen-friendly haven. Carnival, like many other lines has created two separate clubs for teens onboard Dream: a special tween-only club for 12 to 14 year olds, called Circle C, plus a club for older teens, ages 15 to 17, Club 02. Circle C boasts a dance floor and movie screenings, while Club 02 kicks the style up a notch with its own dedicated DJ and a soda bar.

For spa-going teens, Carnival has a fleet-wide youth spa program that is tops. Treatments include Surfer’s Scrub, a sea salt body scrub that incorporates seaweed and mint, and Y Care for Your Hair, a conditioning hair treatment with a French braid styling session. Check for booking times and availabity when you get on board. Anticipation is wonderful.

Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas

Oasis of the Seas, the world’s second largest ship, and newer sister ship Allure of the Seas, the world’s biggest cruise ship, offer more bells and whistles for passengers of any age than you could imagine — and teens are certainly no exception. There are two teen centers, divided by age big brother or sister will not be stuck with the “baby”. The special teen-only areas are equipped with unique offerings; DJ lessons, a juice bar and hip lounges, and a youth spa with treatments geared toward teens to name but a few. There’s one club for kids ages 15 to 17, and another separate club for kids ages 12 to 14. Ship staff host fun theme nights and events just for teens, such as karaoke competitions. There are a host of activities the whole family — including your pernickety 15-year-old — will enjoy, like FlowRider, an onboard surfing simulator; a rock-climbing wall; a zip-line; the AquaTheater, with its jaw-dropping water-themed performances; and even a cupcake shop.

Allure of the Seas offers 3D movies, and Oasis of the Seas will be featuring in-your-face 3D films by spring of 2011.

Be prepared to treat yourself and any companions for minor medical injuries that may occur while traveling. Include these basic supplies in your travel first-aid kit.

Adhesive tape
Antacid
Antibacterial cream
Antidiarrheal tablets
Antihistamine
Bandages
Decongestant
Moleskin (for blisters)
Mosquito repellent with DEET
Over-the-counter pain reliever
Over-the-counter heartburn medicine
Thermometer
Tweezers

Ketchikan is an ancient city that is both fascinating and enjoyable. Even though there are some American restaurants and stores, (and it is part of the States, of course), it is certainly not your typical American town. If Anchorage is at one end of the Alaskan spectrum, you will definitely find Ketchikan at the other end. This small city contains more totem poles than anywhere in the world, and is set at the base of Deer Mountain.

Sitka is a small yet lively town in Southeast Alaska that is full of surprises. Just when you think that you have seen all there is to see in this remote city, you stumble upon something that will instantly catch your attention. This is the case for the best restaurants and a few of the premier shopping outlets. They simply spring up out of nowhere, making for an interesting and exciting stay. There are a couple of great museums, and the scuba diving and sea kayaking in Sitka is marvelous. The calm, protected waters make these two sports very popular among both tourists and locals.

Skagway is a Southeast Alaskan paradise, full of culture and brimming with life. Parts of the city seem stuck in 1897, never progressing beyond the height of the Alaskan gold rush era. This is speaking in architectural terms though, as some of the restaurants and shopping facilities offer distinctly 21st century fare. This unique blend of old and new really enhances the atmosphere of Skagway. There is so much to see and so much fascinating history to soak up. The saloons and bars, some of which date back to 1898, are splendid, full of artifacts and local heritage.

A visit to Alaska would not be complete (at least it should not be considered complete) without a visit to witness the magnificence (probably not a better word to describe them) of a glacier. One of the best glacier viewing vantage points is College Fjord — which deserves a bit of an introduction. In the summer of 1899, railroad magnate Edward H. Harriman, president of the Union Pacific Railroad and the Washington Academy of Sciences undertook a two-month expedition, intended initially as a family vacation; but eventually wound up as a scientific research trip consisting of an illustrious group of scientists, naturalists, writers, and artists. It was the Harriman Expedition party who named College Fjord as well as the glaciers that line it. The dozen or so glaciers lining this fjord were named for the Ivy League schools that members of the party attended. On the northwest side of the fjord, the glaciers were named after the women’s colleges, such as Smith, Bryn Mawr, Vassar, Wellesley, Barnard, and Holyoke. On the southeast side, the glaciers are named after men’s colleges Harvard, Yale, Amherst, and Dartmouth.

While the coastal towns are spectacular, it is recommended that travelers to Alaska take some time (preferably a few days) to explore the interior of the state. From the moment you step off the Alaska Railroad at the entrance to Denali National Park and Preserve, you’ll feel as if you’ve been transported back in time, where skyscrapers and traffic jams have been replaced by snowcapped mountain peaks and flocks of native birds. This park truly defines the Alaskan experience. Towering above it all is t Mt. McKinley, the highest point in all of North America. At 20,320 feet, its summit welcomes more than 1,000 climbers each year who brave the elements for the chance to scale its majestic face. Located 240 miles north of Anchorage, Denali encompasses 6 million acres of forests, tundra, glaciers and mountains (to put that number in perspective, think the size of Massachusetts). Yet only 90 miles of main road traverse the park, leaving the moose, caribou, sheep and bears free to roam a wide area of land untouched by man.

What are you waiting for? Contact Cruises by Captain Jack and get ready to go.

Ladies traveling together – you have seen it time and again. What you usually notice is that they are having a great time. Ever wonder why? I believe it’s because they make it happen just by their very natures. However, not too many years ago the idea of ordinary women traveling alone to exotic destinations on trips designed especially for women was very novel. Happily, times have changed! The travel industry has been transformed and today thousands of women of all ages, and from all lifestyles, pack their bags annually to head for exotic, worldwide, destinations.

Who is the solo woman traveler? She may be a businessperson, wife, homemaker, mother, daughter, sister or caregiver. In fact, all of these may be embodied in one individual. She is often heavily depended upon by the people in her life and never quite makes time for herself. The average woman adventurer is quite satisfied with her life and is successful in her current job or situation. She is also confident about how she looks and feels, and makes an effort to stay in good physical condition. But even a superwoman needs to take a few days of vacation to renew body, mind and spirit, and doesn’t have the time to plan it. This is where women’s travel clubs come in.
Women want to travel so they can have the opportunity to meet new people or challenge themselves by learning a new skill or activity. They also want to take a vacation that is out of the ordinary. They want to be physically active and (perhaps for the first time) venture out on their own, unfettered by the responsibilities of home and work. More than 60% of women solo travelers are repeat customers… evidence that women “feel great” about themselves – more confident, productive, and adventurous—when they come home from these types of vacations, so they return to try something new year after year.
Women have a unique sense of discovery, an unabashed curiosity, and the easy ability to laugh at themselves… attributes essential for the successful adventure traveler. They also naturally create a non-competitive environment of support and encouragement for each other.

The joy of watching women blossom with self-confidence and stretch themselves to learn something new and challenging, and seeing women take the chance to travel alone—often for the first time—and being proud of themselves for having done it.
Women who travel with other women now hear that it’s “healthy” to take a vacation on their own, and often their kids, husbands, or significant others give them the trip as a present. Most come alone, but an increasing number of women find it important to share the experience with their sisters, mothers, daughters, and friends.
Do you want to learn a new skill, challenge yourself, try something completely different, explore a new area, enjoy the company of other active women, alternate active days with a warm bed at night, or just relax in beautiful surroundings?
Who travels on women only trips? Some women are single, some married or partnered. Many women join trips on their own, while others travel with a friend or relative. Stay-at-home moms, professionals, students, businesswomen and retired women all joined women only trips. The diversity of women who come on these types of trips is one of the true pleasures of group travel.
Why would I choose to go with an arranged group rather than on my own?
Women choose to travel together for many reasons. Some come to learn new skills, so that they can pursue the activity on their own, or just to try something new. Some have trouble finding other women who share their love for adventure. Others simply lack the time to do all the organizing that any trip takes, and enjoy not having to hassle with all the details. In addition, some women love the idea of going on a trip where they are not in charge, and can sit back and relax while someone else takes care of all of the planning.

Women’s Safety & Travel Tips
Make smart choices and use your common sense. Don’t be paranoid, but be aware that bad things can happen, and protect yourself. Trust your instincts. If you feel something is off, wrong, strange – get out, move on, flee, scream, whatever is appropriate and do it quickly.
Protect Yourself always travel with a simple rubber door-stop. It can stop intruders in their tracks. It is inexpensive, light to pack, and gives you the peace of mind to sleep well.
Body language: Keep your head up, swing your arms and act confident. Adopt a no nonsense attitude. Walk with purpose and you will be less of a target for hustlers who prey on disoriented or timid tourists.
Try to sit or stand next to other women or family groups in restaurants, on trains or buses, and in other public places. It is unlikely that you will be approached or harassed if you are in the company of other people.
Dress appropriately. Clothing that is fashionable and appropriate in the USA may project a provocative image in another culture. A little research before you begin packing can make your choices simpler and safer.
Anticipate potential problems. For example: if a group of men or young boys approaches you on the sidewalk on your side of the street, cross to the other side to give them space and you peace of mind.
Be sure to know when the sun rises and sets. A bustling market can quickly empty out and be transformed into dark deserted streets. Plan to be back to your lodging or in a safe, busy neighborhood by dark.
Carry enough money in your shoe or money pouch to get you out of a tight spot. Be willing to spend this money on a cab in order to get you to a safe place or back to your lodging.
Others already know how much fun an all-women’s trip can be. They want to get away from it all, let their hair down, and have a good time with a spirit of fun, camaraderie, and self-discovery. Having fun, laughing a lot, shopping and eating good food is always important!
When was the last time you truly took time for yourself? Time just for you? Days of nurturing…your spirit of adventure… your spirit of creativity… your soul. Consider giving yourself – or someone close to you – the gift of renewal, the gift of time, the gift of bonding.

Call us today to plan your Get A Way!!

The anticipation
Pros: A vacation begins the second you start to plan it. A study last year found that travelers’ moods improved eight weeks before the actual vacation started.

Cons: Running out of toner the second you try to print your boarding pass. Trying to remember where you put the digital luggage scale. Rushing out to buy batteries for the digital luggage scale.

Why go anyway? Because the pleasure of pre-trip anticipation is almost sexual. It’s why December is better than January. It’s why puppies are more joyful than dogs.

The adventures
Pros: What if Hemingway had never left Oak Park, Ill.? The physical challenges of travel give us fodder for our own stories about the world, some of them epic.

Cons: Death is such a drag sometimes. Imagine the crystalline splendor of being frozen to death atop a mountain, your body missing till the bears find it come spring. In 100 years, Cub Scouts could be camping on you.

Why go anyway? I once saved a man’s life on a raft trip on the Upper Kern. Later, he bought me a beer.

The conversations
Pros: Sometimes the lilt of a new language can distance you from the worries back home. Then there are the stories, the humor, the handshakes. Travel is an education, and it all starts with chatting up the locals.

Cons: Hell is other people, Jean-Paul Sartre said. I’m pretty sure he was talking about New York cabbies. Or Parisian waiters.

Why go anyway? The kindness of strangers is a remarkable thing. It can change the way you feel about a country, its people, its culture. Just watch your wallet, especially in Madrid.

A change of scenery
Pros: Travel offers new textures, fresh smells, a change in weather. In Seattle, sunlight trickles through a bistro window differently from the way it filters in London. All the escapism found in a good novel can be found first-hand in travel.

Cons: Yeah, at 400 times the price of the novel. By the way, ever awakened while traveling and not known where you were? I once called a front desk and asked: “Essentially, where am I?” The clerk said Room 511. “Thank you,” I said and hung up.

Why go anyway? Because you can go home again. Returning to your own bed, your own easy chair is a pretty good feeling all by itself. Just make sure you’re in the right house. In my ‘hood, they all look the same. At least that’s what I tell the cops.

Family bonding
Pros: Is there a better icon of family life than an SUV loaded with tents, beach balls and canoe paddles? Many of our fondest memories are made while on vacation, as children or as parents.

Cons: Happy Meals. Potty breaks. Car sickness. Vomit. Sartre got it wrong: Sometimes, hell is your own family.

Why go anyway? Your kids are going to wipe you out no matter what, physically and fiscally. May as well be some place where a waiter will bring you a margarita big enough to launch a cruise ship. Salud!

The memories
Pros: Travel is incandescent. It’s the clink of a cocktail glass in a romantic restaurant, the chirp of a calliope atop a riverboat, the sound of your footsteps in Westminster Abbey.

Cons: Travel can be exhausting. As they say, nobody needs a vacation as much as the person who just returned from one.

Why go anyway? On your deathbed, do you really expect to say: “You know, I really wish I’d stayed home more”?

This cruise tour is designed for the angler in all of us, from the novice to the experienced. The fishing experience in Alaska is one that should not be missed by anyone, the vista’s from the stern deck of a 30 foot fishing boat are indescribable, the exhilaration of landing a 35 pound salmon in 300 feet of ice cold, clear ocean water can not truly be put into words. I have been to Alaska twice, have fished in three of her ports, but still have not experienced the solitude and pleasures of fishing her rivers and streams.

For more information on this cruise tour or other tours in Alaska call our office today 978 897 0101, have a few minutes view my Alaska video now.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XMWWloOlQdo