How I Became A Travel Consultant

Okay, so a question I often get is "How did you become a travel agent?" I didn't go to school and I definitely didn't pay a travel company 100+ dollars to become part of their pyramid scheme of a business. So here is how I did it.

First, I think it is important to know a little bit of background of where I was in life when I first decided to take the plunge into the travel industry:
I was pregnant working full time at a children's fitness gym. My primary duties included running a Mothers Day Out program, instructing sport classes throughout the week, organizing our summer camps and doing 3- 6 themed birthday parties a weekend. I'm exhausted just reminiscing about it. While I LOVED my job and the people I worked with it was starting to take a toll on me physically, emotionally and mentally. I was going to school part time in the evenings to become a Dental Hygienist for that was my main goal.
One day after work I busted out the phone books to start calling travel agencies in the Dallas area. It is a job that I pictured myself doing since I was a little girl... but I hadn't traveled to too many places and wasn't an expert on geography either so I didn't think anyone would hire me. The job would be perfect for me so I kept on despise the doubts... I had probably called about 50 different agencies when finally one lady said that she would give me an interview to see if I would be a good fit. WOOHOOO!!!

I dressed to the nines for the interview and had the attitude like I had it in the bag. After a couple of nerve racking interviews with both of the owners they decided to hire me on. Now it's important to know that I was taking a HUGE pay cut and there was a lot more involved than I had anticipated but it was something I was passionate about so I was ecstatic to get to work. How big of a pay cut you ask? 7 bucks an hour. Yup, less than my first job at Blockbuster when I was 16 years old!! BUT after a year of hourly pay I would be strictly on commission base pay which was scary but also exciting because I have always been a go-getter.

I went through intense training online, with travel representatives and eventually training in the destinations as well. Even now, I learn something new almost every day. While I love being able to interact with people 8-11 hours a day there are some I have to work with who are just plain RUDE and IGNORANT. Since the customer is always right it's important that I keep my cool and stay professional. This is something that I get better at through the years. At first I would let people get to me too much... blood would boil to the point where I would have to walk outside... or sometimes a man would make me cry uncontrollably by some mean words directed at me. Luckily, I realized that there are people in this world that no matter what you say or do they are just going to be unhappy and direct their negative energy at you. My skin has become thicker and I'm now able to turn a negative conversation around to be more on the positive side.

I have my favorite types of trips to plan: destination weddings, Disney, family trips, couples travel, Hawaii and all-inclusive trips. It makes my heart happy to help someone get their trip of a lifetime planned and executed.

Growing up I truly wasn't great at anything... my brother had football, my cousin had gymnastics, best friend had ballet... so I'm at a point in my life where I finally have some things that I am good at: Travel Consulting and being a mommy.

If you missed the post about 9 Reasons To Use A Good Travel Agent you can see it HERE. ツ

So what about going to school to become a dental hygienist you ask? I slowly stopped going to school. I'm happy with it. Most of the time. ツ Would I be making more money to provide for my family as a Dental Hygienist? Absolutely. I chose happiness over money.


And since every post is better with a picture here is an oldie but goodie ~ smiles to you from our son, the Dylanmeister.

National Geographic's List of Best Family Trips

http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/family-trips/

Congrats to all of the resorts that made the 2010 Condé Naste Choice Awards

We were happy to see that some of our favorites made the list of Top Resorts by the Condé Nast Traveler 2010 Readers’ Choice Awards!!



Check out the full list: http://www.concierge.com/tools/travelawards/readerschoice/resorts#mexico

The perfect swimsuit cover up and clearance sale at Boden

Okay, I'll admit it... I have an obsession for beautifully made clothes. For about a year I have been admiring and drooling over the clothes of Boden on their website and in the catalogs they so graciously send me. Have you heard of them?? Aren't they fantabulous?! Now while I love beautiful clothes I love getting a good deal even more so I've had it in the back of my mind that the Boden clothes are only for fantasy wearing in my imagination because no way I could ever afford them for me and my family. Well... not anymore! Their clearance section is full of loveliness! Since I have been on the lookout for a perfect swimsuit cover-up I twisted my arm into buying one (or two!).

http://www.bodenusa.com/

Be sure and enter WPAF at checkout to receive 10% off and free shipping!














Until next time,

Nine Reasons to Use a Good Travel Agent

1) A Good travel agent provides prices from more than one source.
When you go it alone, if you want to get prices from more than one source you have to contact each source individually. That either means more hold time or more navigating through confusing websites. Also, the more you price things, the more chance that you’ll make a mistake somewhere along the way. Especially when you’re not familiar with each booking system (and, how could you be?).

2) A Good travel agent has either been where you’re going or knows someone who has.
Familiarization trips allow travel agents to personally experience resorts and destinations. Yes, it’s hard work..and someone has to do it. No, we’re not looking for someone to come with us.

3) A good travel agent will save you time.
Sitting on hold, pricing various versions of your trip, dealing with airlines for seat assignments and schedule changes, getting answers to questions…all of these things take time. Do you have extra time on your hands?

4) A good travel agent provides post travel assistance.
Something didn’t go quite right on your trip? Your room didn’t have the view you were expecting? Your transfer was late? What else? A good travel agent will help resolve post travel issues.

5) A good travel agent will help you avoid scams.
The whole travel industry seems rife with various scams. We know what is legitimate and what to avoid. Why learn a hard lesson on your own?

6) A good travel agent knows you.
Find a good travel agent and use them for all of your trips. They will grow to know you and what you like.

7) A good travel agent suggests alternate dates to save money.
Dates can have a big impact on price. Rather than spend untold hours pricing every single date for your vacation, let a professional suggest dates that may price lower.

8) A good travel agent has connections.
An actual, legitimate, full time, retail travel agent invests time and money in developing relationships with suppliers including hoteliers and other representatives in the destinations. A good travel agent can pull strings and make things happen that you never could.

9) A good travel agent suggests destinations you haven’t thought of.
So your buddy went somewhere and enjoyed it. Are you his clone? Do you enjoy the same things? There are destinations out there that your buddy hasn’t visited or even thought of. Consult a professional.

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Today's post was brought to you by Catherine Banks, the mastermind behind the brilliant company known as Legacy Travel. She also operates our travel agency's blog Ramblings which is full of helpful information so be sure and check it out!

A new fabulous family resort and The Mom Who Travels survey

Hello lovelies! There is a new resort opening soon that is just 10 minutes from Playa del Carmen that I am beyond stoked about. It is a 5 star luxury resort that offers up to 3 bedroom suites and a luxury experience right on a white powdered sand beach. It is part of the Gourmet Inclusive® concept and the hotel is called Azul Fives Hotel, by Karisma. I am excited to finally see it for myself next week and you can expect a full, honest report when I return.



As most of you know I work full time as a travel consultant and full-time as a fun-loving mommy to two beautiful (if I must say so myself) boys. Helping readers such as yourself with some insight on travel destinations through this blog is something that I am enjoying more and more as time goes on. I will love to continue but your feedback is important. Please take a quick minute and fill out the anonymous survey below to ensure that this blog fulfills what it needs to.

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Thank you so much!



Much love and until next time,

Wordless Wednesday

An African Safari in Texas?!

There is a place in the heart Texas where you can feel like you are on an adventuresome African safari. It is a place where you are able to get up close and feed endangered animals, learn all about these amazing creatures and have a bite to eat overlooking some of the best views of Texas. This place is called Fossil Rim Wildlife Center and it is an extraordinary experience for all ages.

Fossil Rim is located in Glen Rose, Texas which is about 75 miles from downtown Dallas. Once you get there you will first go inside the Admissions Gate where you can purchase tickets, feed and any drinks or snacks that you may want for the 9.5 mile scenic drive. They will also give you a resourceful guide to take onward with you. Now it's time to roll down the windows and get on with the show.

You will immediately notice that their 2,700 acres of countryside is nothing but unspoiled beauty. While driving along scenic wildlife drive, you will discover many exotic animals and endangered species. One of the first animals you will see are the ostriches. Their beaks are BIG and while their legs move slow, their heads move FAST so be careful to not let them stick their heads in and eat all of your food! Through the safari you will also have the privilege of seeing and feeding rhino, cheetah, herds of deer, antelope and about 60 other varieties of animals. Our personal favorites were the zebras and the giraffes! They were so fascinating and downright beautiful. Their colors, stripes and spots were so perfectly placed as if God were painting masterpieces when creating them. Cheesy I know. But, oh so true. ;-)

Since the tour may take up to 4 hours there is a stopping point halfway through called the Overlook. From up there you get a dominating view of the magnificent Giraffe Savannah. Once there you can have lunch at the OverLook Cafe, find some really cool things in the gift store, check out the children's petting zoo and/or go for a little hike on the walking trail.

Overall, Texas is genuinely fortunate to have such a smart and beautiful establishment such as the Fossil Rim Wildlife Center. Where else in the Southern U.S. can you see nature at it's best like this?

I have been excited to take my boys to Fossil Rim for years. Now that my youngest is four and we all had a day off from school and work on Monday for the Holiday, we decided to take the hour and half road trip to Glen Rose, Texas. There is so much to do in Glen Rose and the surrounding area so be sure an check out some of the other things to do while visiting Fossil Rim:

~ antique shopping in Rainbow, Texas
~ Dinosaur Valley State Park
~ Dinosaur World
~ Tube down the Brazos River





















I hope you all had a beautiful Labor Day weekend! ♥

Breaking news: United and Continental Airlines merge forces

Today the Justice Department approved the proposal for the Continental and United airlines merger.
The shareholders of these airlines are scheduled to vote on the merger on Sept. 17. It is expected to be completed by October 1st.
I'm eager to see what this means for the Continental fans like myself.

Question ~ Am I suppose to tip at an all-inclusive resort??

With apologies to Mr. Shakespeare, this is a question that we get quite a bit as people are making final preparations for their all inclusive vacation.

Technically speaking, tipping is included at all inclusive resorts. That said, there are several schools of thought on the subject.

Some people you’ll talk to say that you’ve saved all year for this all inclusive vacation and its ridiculous to think that you would give additional tips that are supposed to be included.

Then there are other people who say that you tip at home for good service and there isn’t any reason to think you shouldn’t do the same when you’re abroad at a resort.

As with many things, I think there are a range of right answers and you should decide what you are comfortable with.

If you’re asking my opinion (and I guess you are, since you’re still reading) I do think its both nice and useful to tip while you’re in a resort.

First, lets look at the useful aspects of tipping. When you’re spending the day by the pool or the beach, and there is waiter service going by periodically, think about who is going to get better more consistent attention? Would it be the person who is not tipping and all, or the person who tips a dollar or so every couple of drinks? Who is going to get the towel animals on their bed, or a couple of extra towels, or just more helpful enthusiastic service? Tippers, or non tippers? I’m not talking about a great deal of money here, just a dollar or two at a time.

Next, let’s look at the nice reasons to tip. The people who work at these resorts make very little money. One source I saw said that the minimum wage in Cancun is 51 pesos per day. These workers work very long days six days a week At today’s exchange rate that is just over $4.00 (not per hour…per day). While the cost of living in the resort areas is maybe slightly less than in major US metropolitan areas, you can see that $4.00 per day doesn’t go far no matter how you slice it. Tipping even a little helps these people make ends meet. What is a small amount for you can go a long way for the people who make your vacation special.

The mechanics of tipping: If you decide that you do want to tip, make sure you’re prepared. Before you leave, get a supply of small bills. The workers in Mexico seem especially amused by $2.00 bills. I try to get as many as I can from the bank before I leave. Regardless of what denomination you choose, make sure that the bills aren’t damaged or written on. If they are, they cannot be exchanged for pesos and will be worthless to the hard working recipient of your tip.

Either way you go, certainly don’t tip in situations where you don’t feel you’ve received good service. Tipping at all inclusive is truly optional and you should not feel obligated. Your tip should be a gift for great service, something you’re happy to give.

This post was brought to you today by the talented Cathi Banks, owner of Legacy Travel. Be sure and check out her travel blog HERE.

A Disney Resort in Hawaii? Sweetness!

Disney + Hawaii = A truly magical and tropical vacation!

I'm beyond excited that the Aulani Disney Resort is finally going to open next Fall. As most of you know, I am a huge Disney fan and an even bigger Hawaii fan so the combination of the two may be the next best pair since peanut butter met jelly.

Sure the beaches, weather and attractions are amazing in Hawaii but the most wonderful thing about the beautiful islands is the CULTURE and HISTORY. Disney worked hand in hand with Hawaiians to make sure that this resort is one that will celebrate and embrace the values and culture of the island. The name "Aulani" has more than one meaning, the place that speaks for the ancestors and the place that speaks with deep messages.

The resort is located on the West coast of Oahu in Ko Olina ("place of joy"). A few highlights include:

* 21 acres
* 460 Disney Vacation Club Villas, including 21 Grand Villas
* 359 hotel rooms, including 16 suites
* 4 restaurants
* 2 lounges
* 18,000-square-foot spa with 15 treatment rooms and fitness center
* 4 whirlpool spas
* 14,545-square-foot conference center
* 36,695 square feet of outdoor venues
* Storytelling fire pit

Features

* Spa & fitness center
* Kids club (Aunty's Beach House) LOVE this concept!
* Conference Center
* Restaurants
* Shopping
* Weddings

Recreation Facilities

* Waikolohe Stream
* Conservation Pool
* Menehune Adventure Trail
* Waikolohe Pool
* Wailana Pool (two thumbs up for having an infinity pool!)
* Menehune Bridge
* Rainbow Reef (snorkel lagoon)
* Aunty's Beach House
* Pau Hana Room
* Beach

Entertainment

* Pool parties
* Fire pit storytelling
* Resort tours
* Character meet 'n' greets
* Wellness activities
* Sunset ceremonies
* Lawn parties
* And more!

Opening Dates
Phase I is scheduled to open August 29, 2011.






You are able to book the Aulani for next Fall so feel free to call us for options!

Sunday Sampler

For those who are ready to put their party pants on, be sure and go check out Journeyetc.com's top 10 of the Best Party Hotels.

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My friend Debbie from Delicious Baby has created the ultimate travel app! It will help guide you on your next trip to make sure you hit the places that you don't wont to forget about. Click HERE to read more about it and to try out the free trial.

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It is the Christmas choir performance at my church. I am in the 1st grade and quite nervous. My tall, blonde friend Christie was the next step down and right in front of me. The music plays and before I know it, the performance is over. The first thing my grandmother said afterwards was "Why on Earth would they put that tall girl in front of you?! We couldn't even see you!" So every year after that she would ask the choir director to make sure we were all assigned spots according to our height. Christie made the top row after that year. LOL She is now happily married and just blogged about her recent Alaska cruise vacation on the Rhapsody of the Seas. Click HERE to read about it and to check out her fabulous photography skills!

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We all know that Hawaii can be pricey on their food. For instance, they don't even have a 99 cent menu at McDonalds! LOL Sheila from GoVisitHawaii.com has put together a brilliant list of affordable places to have breakfast in Hawaii.

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This week's before and after favorites go to Casa Cullen's dresser do-over:
Before
After


and Centsational Girl's dresser do-over:

Before
After
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Last but definitely not least, don't forget to get your weekly dose of the most recent and juicy celebrity gossip from Hot Pant's Talk of Tinseltown.


Have the most fabulous week ever my loves,

Best shoes to travel in

There is a certain section in my closet with items that I always travel with. The number one packing item that goes in the suitcase are my Truflex women's shoes. They are so incredibly comfy and I am able to walk in them for miles with no problem whatsoever. The souls have some kind of rubber material that make them have a perfect amount of bounce. You can grab a pair at Khols. Double Kudos from this lady to Truflex shoes!

Sunday Sampler

Love THIS post that Nomadic Matt wrote about the most amazing festivals from all over the world. Have you been to any of the ones he mentions yet?? I know a few of them have been added to my 'bucket list.'

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Jasmine Star is a photog whose blog I've been following for quite some time now. She is funny and incredibly talented. When I saw that they had her featured on Style Me Pretty's blog this week I was so excited and as always, her photos were a.m.a.z.i.n.g. Check it out HERE.

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Casa Cullen did a lovely post on her Top 10 Design and Accent books. There are some on there that I must add to my collection.

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Check out THIS stunning before and after of an antique settee chair.

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One day when I have my own house my garden will be very chill and will look something like THIS.

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How to strip furniture.

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Beautiful hotel in Barcelona with fine attention to detail: http://bellevivir.blogspot.com/2010/07/mandarin-oriental-barcelona.html

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And that's my Sunday Sampler of favorite posts from the last week. And because every post is better with a picture or two, I leave you with some shots of my stud muffin Hudson from this weekend:






Much luv!

Puerto Vallarta bound today!

About to head out to Puerto Vallarta for the next couple of days with my girl Nicki. Will be back with plenty of things to say along with pictures and video clips. The resorts that we will be inspecting:

The Marival Residences & World Spa

Grand Velas All Suites and Spa Resort

Dreams Villamagna Nuevo Vallarta



Adios for now my friends!

5 airlines commit to not add carry-on fees

Senator Charles Schumer said on Sunday that he has commitments from five airlines to not follow the lead of Spirit Airlines by charging passengers a fee for carry-on baggage. These airlines include American, Delta, JetBlue, United and US Air.

http://us.mobile.reuters.com/mobile/m/AnyArticle/p.rdt?URL=http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE63H2GJ20100418


Thank goodness for Schumer,

Spirit Air charging for carry ons

So, what do I think about Spirit Air charging for carry ons?

R.i.d.i.c.u.l.o.u.s.

Can you picture it? People are going to start wearing stuffed-to-the-max cargo pants and vests just so they won't have to pay these outrageous fees!



Was happy to read this article on how the government is trying to step in. Thank you Jesus!

We must fight back on this because if we don't, the airlines will start charging us to use the damn restrooms as well. ATM machines next to each toilet... I can picture it now. This has got to stop.

NCL Hawaii Cruise ~ Review

I recently came across my journal along with some pictures of my Norwegian Hawaii Cruise from Fall 2007 and thought I would share with you fabulous people.

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Overall, quick highlights of the actual cruise:
You can eat whenever, wherever and with whomever.
24 hour room service (for those who do not know, this is huge with me)
Blue Moon is open 24 hours as well.
They have a Garden Villa that is 5,700 square feet of absolute bliss! When you are booking 6-8 people be sure and check out this option because it doesn't come out to be much more at all.

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One of my most favorite things about Hawaii is the SMELL. There are millions of tropical flowers and they all seem to have rich, beautiful scents. As soon as I land on an island in Hawaii I take in a deep breath and appreciate the Lord's magic. :)

It's day 1 and I woke up at 5 AM. WOW! Bathed and tried that Nair stuff... ugh! Men have no idea how much BULL we go through as women. The hotel has a stereo in the room. Hawaii Prince Hotel Waikiki scored extra points for that. :) I've been dancing around my room waiting for my 11 AM appointment with Jean, the sales manager at the new Embassy Suites which I'm totally stoked about seeing.
The flight yesterday was LONG but I had an iPod and my book, Same Kind of Different As Me by Ron Hall, so it went by rather fast. My new favorite book by the way. Going down stairs to find some breakfast. Hopefully something under 5 bucks.

9:30 Am ~ walking around the new Waikiki Beach Walk ... looking good. It still has a long way to go until Donald Trump's $350-million-plus project is done. I was taking a picture when a young guy dressed in a Hawaiian uniform asked if I wanted to get in the picture. I politely replied 'no thanks.' He asked me my name with a smile. I answered and noticed his name tag had the Wyndham logo on it. "I'm James. Look, I'm not suppose to do this while on the job but.." he tore a piece of paper, wrote something on it and handed it to me. "If your not doing anything later, I have a group of us that go on my yacht every Friday? It's free."
Ha! And I thought he was going to try and sell me something. I nodded and walked away. The paper had his name, nick name (Komodo Dragon) and his phone number. Perhaps next time when I visit with my HUSBAND we will hit him up. After all, he did say it was FREE. A word I have yet to hear since my arrival. He also gave me a coupon for FREE nachos at the new Senor Frogs. Score! Free lunch.

Okay, so a quick review of the brand spankin' new Embassy Suites Waikiki:

~ The only all-suite resort in Waikiki
~ Free Internet
~ Free breakfast buffet
~ Free reception with music and open bar
~ every room has flat screen TVs and lovely decor

Negative: Once the Trump Hotel is finished there will be no ocean views. :(

About to grab a taxi and head to the cruise port. Cool side note ~ the limo taxis are the same price as the regular ones on the island of Oahu so I have been riding in style. Oh yeah.

The NCL Cruise check-in wasn't too bad. Luckily, I had another book to read in the hour long line.

Once I got on board, the ship is quite beautiful with bright colors and everything seems to be in authentic Hawaiian themes. 3 1/2 hours later I go to check my cabin for my luggage. STILL no luggage. Boo. There is a live band playing by the pool bar so I'm goin' to get jump started on my rum fetish while listening to some Hawaiian tunes.

7:30 PM ~ Just finished my second book, Kick Me by Paul Feig, and the cruise hasn't even left yet. I miss my hunkie hubbie. And my boys. Just wish they were here with me is all.

Tuesday ~ Woke up with a slight hangover but nothing a nice glass of OJ can't fix. We are now in Hilo and I am totally stoked about the helicopter ride today!!!!

1:08 PM ~ I came back to my room and it is clean and fantabulous. They even left me TWO Andes Mints on the pillows. Little do they know I have the room all to myself! Bwahahaha! Andes are my absolute fave.

Well, I had lunch with Scott and Kitty (NCL Sales Reps) and have grown to think quite highly of them. Good souls.
Okay, on my way to the helicopter! Chya!

Wednesday ~ 8:40 AM ~ I'm sitting by the ship awaiting the shuttle to take us to Kaanapali Beach! Yes, we are at my favorite island, MAUI!!! Clear skies and a nice breeze make the weather perfect for a beach bum day.

The helicopter yesterday was absolutely... i.n.c.r.e.d.i.b.l.e. There are so many interesting facts the the pilot announces during the tour that just may blow your mind. For one, they use the heat from the magnum to produce the island's electricity. Another thing ~ in 2002 a volcano erupted and destroyed an entire part of the island. There is just a small part that the lava went around and didn't hit. The only way to get there is by helicopter. He said that the little building there was Pete's Bed & Breakfast. The pilot's friend Pete decided to stay there. I can tell you one thing .. I will NOT be staying at Pete's Place.

1 PM ~ Hearing the waves barge in while my feet are in the sand is the best part of this trip so far. Hearing the kids laugh and seeing the mountains makes up for almost a complete vacation. If my boys were out there playing and my hubbie next to me... then it would be the complete vacation. ;)

Thursday ~ 9 AM ~ I am burnt... BAAAD! Ouch! I put sunscreen on my face, shoulders and neck. Well, when I got back to my cabin it looks HORRIBLE! I'm white in the places where I had sunscreen and red as a damn stop sign everywhere else! All I have left to wear are sleeveless outfits.

Lord help me.

Friday ~ Noonish ~ We are now in Kona (Big Island again) and this will be a day on the boat for me.
~ big lunch
~ Win, Lose or Draw at 1:30 PM in the Aloha Atrium
~ read book
~ Soul Rockin' Nights at 7:30 PM in the Stardust Lounge
~ Dinner at Jasmine's at 8:15 PM

Finished yet another book today, One for the Money by Janet Evanovich. Loved it and will probably read her other books as well. Started on Women and Money by Suze Orman which is also a good one.

Sunday ~ Kauai!!! Today was a blissfull day. Kauai is known for a couple of things ~ home of one of the most scenic canyons in the world, their lush mountains and their RANCHES. As a Texas girl who loves horses, this is what I chose to do while there. And boy, the tour did not dissapoint.

Saturday ~ Another day of training. Fun, fun, fun!

Interesting facts I learned today about Celebrity's Alaska Cruisetour. They have a lot to offer for those wanting to explore the beauty and excitement of Alaska.
Celebrity has there very own train and motorcoaches. Be sure to try and get the first car on the train so you will be able to see the most wildlife.
You will have the same driver and tour director for the ENTIRE trip. 12-16 people tops on the tours.

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The Norwegian Hawaii Cruise in a nutshell:

If you are wanting to see the main islands of Hawaii on a budget, the NCL cruise will probably be a good match for you. I personally would rather experience the islands by flying and staying at each one but it is a perfect option for those who are wanting to get it all done while on a budget. The cruise has food, drinks, entertainment and lodging so it is like a floating hotel!

A lot of the stops are OVERNIGHT which is very rare for cruises and also nice for those who would like to experience more time on a particular island.

They have a kids club and a program for teenagers. They are not comparable to Disney's or Carnival but they do have them and offer a lot of different activities throughout the sailing.

A big heads up I must give is the staff. If you are a frequent cruiser you are probably use to the international hospitality you receive while cruising. Most of the staff on the NCL Hawaii cruises are American so please keep this in mind if you plan on taking advantage of one of their fabulous itineraries.

Overall, it was okay food and service but the main attraction is definitely the DESTINATION. It is no secret that I have a big place in my heart for the islands of Hawaii. The somewhat-all-inclusive NCL Hawaii Cruises are a wonderful way to to experience them on a budget.

Double rainbow over Kauai.