with the bold text in the example below: The Skychi Travel Guide : January 2011

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Cruise or All-inclusive?




Bahamas
Bahamas

On a flight from Miami to Indianapolis one of my passengers shared with me her cruise experience. She and her husband had just returned from a seven day cruise on Royal Caribbean to the Bahamas, St. Maarten, and the Labadee, Haiti.


Her favorite part of the cruise was her visit to St. Maarten. She said the people were very friendly and it was also very clean.



She did not enjoy her visit to Labadee, Haiti because the local vendors she felt were too pushy. She said one vendor asked her if she had a child. She said told him a daughter. The vendor asked her for the name of her child. When she told him, he started to make a bracelet with her daughter's name on it. She felt compelled to buy it. When she tried to pay him for it, he did not have change. Then he tried to stuff more merchandise in the bag for her to purchase. She told him she did not want the extra souvenirs. She demanded her change. She said several others on the cruise experienced the same thing with pushy vendors.


I tried to explain to her that they Haitians were probably pushy due to earthquake and their dire economic conditions.  I am sure they are trying to support many family members with the tourist income.



The woman shared with me that onboard the cruise ship only water and juice are complimentary. Soft drinks and alcohol are extra. She said you can purchase a unlimited soft drink package or  charge them individually.



Bahamas' Beer Kalin
Bahamas' Beer Kalin

Now I understand the tip from a travel agent warning about the bar tab at the end of a cruise can be big surprise for cruisers. All those drinks can add up to a hefty bar tab. The travel agent says that all-inclusive are a better deal because drinks are included in the package.




Bahama Mama
Bahama Mama



Sandals Bahamas
Sandals Bahamas


Which has been a better experience for you:  a cruise vacation or an all-inclusive vacation?

Monday, January 17, 2011

Happy MLK Day! Peace!


Today in honor of Dr. King's Birthday we all reflect on the legacy of Peace. Enjoy the photos from the Dr. King National Historic Site.



Dr. King Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize
Dr. King Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize

Dr. King Preaching at Ebenezer Baptist Church
Dr. King Preaching at Ebenezer Baptist Church

Dr. King Marching for Jobs & Peace
Dr. King Marching for Jobs & Peace



Martin Luther King Jr. "I Have A Dream" World Peace Rose Garden
Martin Luther King Jr. "I Have A Dream" World Peace Rose Garden



Poems by Children


"We Can Change the World"
"We Can Change the World"


"Peace And Harmony"
"Peace And Harmony"


"Flying Without Wings"
"Flying Without Wings"




Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site (US National Park Service)

450 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30312

(404) 331-5190

www.nps.gov/malu/

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Searching for Cheap Travel Deals


My wanderlust for warm weather is really kicking in right now.

The snow and cold have taken over the U.S. Many of us are dreaming of the warm weather and beaches.
So where should you go? Where are the travel deals?

I talked with a travel agent on one of my flights to Miami who had won a cruise from her travel agency. So that mean she is one of the top producing travel agents at American Express. She shared some travel tips with me.


Great deals are in Cancun, Mexico because of the travel advisories. She went to Cancun last October. She said it is safe. She said it has to be safe. Tourism is their business. That is what tells her clients.



If you are still feeling uneasy about traveling to Mexico then try Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. This destination is primarily for Europeans. However, cheap travel deals are abundant. There are many cheap all-inclusive deals. There are several airlines that fly there so competition exists for your travel dollars.





This travel agent suggested reading the travel reviews on Trip Advisor before booking your next vacation or getaway. The advice on Trip Advisor is pretty accurate according to her.


I recommend signing up for the web fare saver alerts. That is the one of the best way to watch the  cheap fares to the Caribbean. American Airlines serves many of the Caribbean Islands. If you want to fly to the Caribbean on American Airlines, book your land package first then your flight on www.aa.com.



Enjoy your next getaway from the cold.



Mmm! I am dreaming of the British Virgin Islands about now. Tortola would be awesome right. Warm sun, crystal blue waters, sugary sandy beaches, swimming, snorkeling, bicycling, magnificent sunrises and sunsets. I am so there right now.

Saturday, January 8, 2011

King Center For Nonviolent Social Change Video

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Tomb
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Tomb
Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change Inc.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change Inc.







King Center for Nonviolent Social Change
449 Auburn Avenue, NE
Atlanta, Georgia 30312
404.526.8900
www.thekingcenter.org

Atlanta MLK Video