When Keith Wright boards a plane later this year he will be embarking on his eighth trip to Europe – a fact that is made all the more extraordinary because of his age.  Keith was born at a time when Zeppelin and Sopwith aircraft battled it out  for victory over the Western Front and the famous Wright brothers (no relation to Keith) had only just finished conducting their flying experiments.

In 2012 Keith celebrates his 95^th birthday and as such is possibly Australia’s oldest backpacker – who prefers to travel independently.

Keith Wright and his Airline Tickets to Europe

“My belief is that if you are fit and able to travel independently, it is the best way to see as much as of the world as you want,” said the spritely nonagenarian.

Keith took his first solo trip when he was 85, after his wife Barbara passed away. This sojourn was a four-day bus trip through Turkey, which inspired Keith to continue exploring other countries. He prefers to travel in economy class on a round-the-world ticket and regularly checks in to hostels, where he enjoys the comfort of a single room but occasionally has no qualms sharing a dorm room with Gen Y backpackers.

“Most people I meet are surprised when I tell them my age and amazed that I have come all the way from Australia,” he said.

“Wherever I go, I wear my Australia cap, which gets me a lot of attention from the locals.”

On one occasion, Keith was sitting on a park bench and a stranger saw that he was wearing his iconic Australia cap. The curious local said “Ahh, Australia is so far away. I have never been because I don’t like flying for that long.”

Keith responded, “Oh, it’s not that bad if you break it up by doing stopover in Singapore or Dubai.”

One of Keith’s favorite destinations is San Sebastian in northern Spain because he loves dining in the Pintxo Bars and looks forward to returning there on this vacation.

“I have hitched a ride on the back of a scooter in San Sebastian and seen things that most tourists haven’t seen, because I have walked the back streets and taken the train or bus to a nearby town for the day,” Keith said.

Since 2002, Keith has booked his travel at the Flight Centre (parent company to Liberty Travel) and Escape Travel in Burleigh Heads, Australia. The team in the store have decided to make his next trip even more memorable, by paying his upgrade to business class on his Emirates flight. It’s important that he can stretch out in style as he travels to Europe.

Flight Centre’s travel consultant, Christina Kerr, has booked many of Keith’s vacations.

“Every booking I have made for him has been an inspiration to me,” Christina said.

This original post was shared on the Flight Centre Australia Travel Blog. It was written by Lyndon Barnett - Guided by curiosity and a sense of adventure, Lyndon travelled independently to 68 countries on six continents. As such, travel is Lyndon’s only addiction. He enjoys with equal measure – scaling the peaks of a South American mountain at altitude, attending opera in a European Opera House or hunting for a bargain in an Asian market.

Being able to give the gift of travel is a truly incredible thing. The trip becomes not only the experience, but also the memories that are associated with it. If I were able to send my mom away on a vacation…just to show her how much I care…these would be my top picks!

1. Sandals Whitehouse European Village & Spa: Amidst 500 acres of a nature reserve, sits 50 acres of pristine and gorgeous landscape, complete with two private beaches spanning over two miles! All 360 rooms and suites feature direct ocean views while some feature the ultimate in personal pampering: Butler service and 24-hour room service. With seven gourmet restaurants to choose from, guests may dine in a different corner of the globe each night without leaving the resort. Enjoy unlimited premium-brand drinks including Beringer house wines at six bars and indulge in a Caribbean-inspired treatment at the full service Red Lane® Spa.

I chose this resort because I know how amazing the Sandals Red Lane^® Spas are. Every woman deserves some pampering. Plus, my mom LOVES the beach. Seriously, if she could retire and officially become a ‘beach bum,’ she would do it in a heartbeat. A beach-side massage in Jamaica would be paradise!

Massages at Sandals Whitehouse European Village & Spa

2. Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn: Located in the heart of the California Wine Country, this breathtaking resort offers one of California’s most relaxing guest experiences. The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn is just a short drive from downtown Sonoma, a charming small town offering year round outdoor activities, events, festivals, dining and shopping.

My mom enjoys a good red with dinner and visiting our local wineries in New Jersey, but I’d love to actually send her to California! She could be in the middle of it all – not just fine wines, but awesome cuisine, local artists, and shopping. Spending a couple days touring Napa & Sonoma Valley wineries would be an unforgettable retreat for my mom (and I’d probably invite myself along).

The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn

3. Celebrity Cruise: Celebrity Cruises sets sail to numerous destinations from the comforts of spacious ocean liners. Modern design, top-notch amenities, and the professional and courteous staff make way for a flawless cruising experience. Several categories of staterooms are thoughtfully laid-out to give guests the best design plan the space allows. On-board entertainment and fun features live entertainment, shopping, casinos, guest lectures, art auctions, acupuncture sessions, themed evenings, sports, and fitness activities.

 I had to choose a cruise as one of the Top 3 Trips because my mother loves them! And what’s not to love? You only unpack your suitcase once and you get to see several destinations! She and my dad have done a fair bit of cruising, mainly in the Caribbean. However, I think she would really enjoy exploring more of Europe. I’d send my mom on a 12-day Mediterranean Celebrity cruise. With ports like Barcelona, Dubrovnik, Venice, Split, Naples, Civitavecchia, Florence, Toulon, and Barcelona – it would be a trip of a lifetime.

The Celebrity Solstice

Where would you like to send that special mom in your life? Or, if you’re a mom, what would be your ideal vacation? And remember, a trip certainly doesn’t have to be the grand gesture to tell your mom that you love her (although, it wouldn’t hurt ;)). Sometimes all they’d like is a simple phone call, a card in the mail, or maybe even a blog post! So, here’s to all the moms – we thank you for everything you’ve done for us! #whatmomdeserves

 Love you mom!

xoxo Lara Beth

Road trip, here we come!

From exploring your own home state, to hopping on a flight across the globe, taking a trip together will create memories that last long after the last bags are unpacked. Regardless of what destination you chose, travel is a great way to explore exciting new places, experience different cultures, and – most importantly – spend quality time with the ones you love!

Pack the trunk & hit the road

Where “children’s amenities” used to mean concrete swimming pools and chicken nuggets, today’s resorts boast plenty of deluxe facilities sure to WOW even the pickiest kids. Special welcome gifts and turn-down service, cutting-edge game rooms, colorful playgrounds, and dazzling pool complexes with waterslides and lazy rivers are just a few of the ways hotels are vying to draw families to their doorsteps.

For mom and dad, childrens’ programs with daily activities make setting aside time for a romantic dinner or spa treatment a breeze. Many hotels offer dedicated kids’ clubs with fun and educational activities for all ages, with everything from swimming and nature walks to local crafts and language lessons. Teen dance clubs, video arcades, and water parks keep older kids entertained, while baby-sitting services allow parents to sneak away for some alone time to take in a round of golf, enjoy an afternoon shopping, or simply relax by the pool.

Sightseeing with the fam

At the end of the day, specially designed accommodations make bedtime as easy as, say, ringing your personal family concierge for milk and cookies. Little ones will love special touches like themed bunk beds, colorful linens, and personal bath toys, while parents will enjoy spacious suites with separate bedrooms for mom and dad.

With resorts from Canada to Curacao rolling out the red carpet for families like never before, the only limit to where you can go is your imagination! Visit the Big Island to catch an authentic Hawaiian luau, share the wonder of Mexico‘s ancient Mayan ruins, or board a catamaran in Costa Rica for adventure on the high seas – with a world of options to explore, the possibilities are nearly endless. All you need is your passport, and your sense of adventure.

Your kids won’t be kids forever! Planning that memorable trip is what our Vacation Experts excel at!  You can browse through our Family Vacations section of the website to get some ideas. And make sure you check out our current Exclusive Florida Sale happening right now!

Meet you at the beach!

You can enter NOW until May 18th. The lucky winner’s prize is a 3 night stay for 2 adults and 2 children (ages 16 & under) at Beaches Boscobel Resort & Golf Club in Jamaica with airfare provided by American Airlines!

What do you have to lose (besides about 60 seconds of your time)? Click the image below to get started. Best of luck! Winner will be chosen at random and announced on Friday, May 25th!

The prize up for grabs:

• 3 Nights at Atlantis Royal Towers  for two with round-trip airfare provided by American Airlines!

Liz Cuccaro, Liberty Travel Plainview

Meet Liz Cuccaro – she’s one of our Vacation Experts from the Liberty Travel Plainview, NY store. Liz has traveled quite a bit throughout Europe and is here to share her favorite memories. For today’s post, Liz rewinds time and takes us to Italy. She tells us about her travels to Rome and why it’s her favorite trip! 

In the years following my graduation from college, I was determined to see the great cities and sights of the world. I made my part-time job of waiting tables while I was in school a full-time job after graduation instead of using the degree I took out all those precious loans for. My great life plan was to serve beer and wings, saving that hard earned cash to see and experience the world. I got a few “concerned” looks from my family and friends but I had made up mind and there was no other time, besides I was bit by that infamous bug.  It was my motivation every slow shift, every rude customer, or bad tip. Every few months, my best friend and travel partner picked a new destination and to this day we both agree that our best trip was to Italy. Our accommodations weren’t lavish and our budgets were tight but we were there to see the sights, get lost in the streets, and of course taste the food. There is no doubt that there is something really special about Rome, the millions upon millions of visitors each year prove that.

I traveled to Rome in March 2009, but I believe it would take much longer than 3 years to forget my (short) stay in the Eternal city. The thing that struck me most about Rome is how small I felt while I was there. That feeling may seem like a no brainer with a city population of over 2.7 million people, but I was more overwhelmed with the people of the past. It’s pretty extraordinary to stand at the base of the Coliseum and stare up at thousands of years of history. Of all the major happenings and power changes in the last two thousand years, this monstrous landmark and wonder of the world is still standing. After that initial moment of awe, you begin to realize that people considered a sport to watch other people get mauled by animals or kill each other. I suppose there is no accounting for taste.

However, the thing that I loved the most about Rome is how it feels like it is several amazing cities packed into one. I mean, how many other cities of the world have a whole other country (the Vatican) within its borders. In one day you can wander from the ancient Roman ruins in to the holiness of Vatican city at St. Peter’s Basilica and by the afternoon find yourself eating gelato on the Spanish Steps (yes, I needed to include a Roman Holiday reference).   I am, by no means, an expert. I didn’t have weeks to explore the city, just a few days to get acclimated and make the most of my time.  I probably missed a fair bit of what this city has to offer (but luckily I have an excuse to go back!).  The best advice I can give as a travel consultant, as well as, a fellow traveler to anyone making the trip to Rome is to take your time. Don’t worry about seeing “everything” (it would take a lifetime), and eat as much pizza, pasta and gelato as you can!

Feeling inspired by Liz’s Italian escape? Learn more about Italy and more by speaking with Liz at our Plainview, NY location. You can send her an email or give her a call at 516-935-2735.  To be put in touch with the Liberty Travel location closest to you, call our toll-free number at 1-888-370-6818.  And hurry! We’re in the middle of our Globus Exclusive Escorted Tour Sale – with unforgettable trips to Europe, Canada, and the United States – you’ll be booking a trip of a lifetime! 

Who: You & our Vacation Experts!

What: A day of giveaways, travel, and fun as we celebrate the GRAND OPENING of our new location in Howard Beach!

Where: Liberty Travel Howard Beach
156-40D Cross Bay Blvd
Howard Beach, NY 11414

When: Saturday, April 28th, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Why: To welcome one of our newest additions to Liberty Travel! Meet the Vacation Experts, learn about our current sales, plan a getaway, and have fun!

This event will feature the chance to take home some incredible prizes* including:

• A 7-day cruise out of New York City on Norwegian Cruise Line
• Remarkable free hotel stays
• A $150 Liberty Travel gift card

PLUS here’s a look at what else is happening:

• An incredible doorbuster deal for the first 50 attendees and goodie bags for the first 100!

Call us for more details at 718-738-3102

The team at Liberty Travel Howard Beach look forward to seeing you there!

*Conditions Apply: Official terms and conditions are available at Liberty Travel Howard Beach.

The coastal plains and lofty jungles of Jamaica are dotted with mansions and thriving plantations from the island’s days as the crown jewel of the British sugar empire. Many of the remaining mansions are now opulent inns flanked not only by sugar fields, but also by golf courses, while beaches that once harbored notorious pirates now harbor vacationers seeking the perfect tan! And you’ll note that music is the heartbeat of Jamaica, its reggae rhythms pulsing through the air nearly everywhere you go.

The lovely beaches in Montego Bay | Photo Courtesy Sandals Montego Bay

Jamaica resorts center on three of the world’s most famous beaches. Montego Bay has busy international air and cruise ports and the greatest concentration of resorts on the island, as well as many beaches and golf courses. Set along Seven Mile Beach, Negril is one of Jamaica’s best strands of sandy beach, and is known for its carefree atmosphere. And Ocho Rios’ beaches, nightlife, diving, shopping, and spas offer visitors the full range of luxury resort activities.

For vacationers with a free and festive spirit, Jamaica is your place to shine! Jamaica vacation packages are available whether you are planning a family vacation or a romantic getaway.

Island Stats

• Average temperature of 77°F in the winter and 82°F in the summer
• Valid US passport is needed for entry
• The departure tax for Jamaica is $27
• English is the official language (so “beach” and “cocktail” will still be top in your vocabulary)
• Cash flow: Jamaican Dollar, but no worries – the US dollar is widely accepted
• Electricity is the same as the US

Dunns Falls in Ochos Rios | Photo Courtesy Jamaica Tourist Board

Hikers are drawn to the Blue Mountains where you can experience jungles and waterfalls. And the beaches play host to lots of water and beach sports. There are several shores to choose from…

Beach Scene

Seven Mile Beach
This long stretch of beach, also known as Negril Beach, offers sugary white sand, swaying palms, and some of the clearest waters in the Caribbean. This stretch of beach is a vacation hot spot lined with resorts. Eat, drink, shop or take part in some water activities.

Doctor’s Cave Beach
The crystal clear waters of Doctor’s Cave attract people from all over the world to Montego Bay. It has become a preferred location for swimmers and snorkelers because of the calm waters. Enjoy a cocktail at the beach bar and pop into the cyber-café to check email.

Boston Bay Beach
For all you surf bums, this small, rocky cove located near Port Antonio, offers some of the best surfing on the island during high-tide. Boston Bay is also home to the world’s most authentic jerk cuisine!

Treasure Beach
This six mile stretch of sandy beaches is known for its fishing and farming. As with the rest of the island, swimming, surfing, and snorkeling are popular here. This south coast community boasts uncrowded beaches, private coves, rocky shorelines, laid-back resorts, dining, and nightclubs.

A Negril beach view from Beaches Negril | Photo Courtesy Beaches Negril

If the nickname “land of reggae and rum” doesn’t entice you enough, make sure you visit Jamaica for the spectacular shorelines and beautiful mountains. We’re in the middle of our big Caribbean Super Sale! We have lots of Jamaican destinations & airfare packages available for very enticing prices. Have a look at our Caribbean Super Sale or give a Vacation Expert a call at 1-888-370-6818.