A Travel Guru

New Zealand Adrenaline Rush Tour!

2009-12-30T10:56:00.005-07:00

Run a Marathon, Sky Dive, Bungy Jump, get an Adrenaline Rush!

I will be hosting a 12 Day/9 Night tour of New Zealand departing on March 5, 2011. We will visit the South Island and have the most amazing adventure of a lifetime. You DO NOT want to miss this. Click Here for details. Register by 6/1/2010 and save $250 per person. Space is limited to 49, so don't wait!

Contiki offering 2 for 1 Airfare to Europe

2009-12-01T14:01:00.005-07:00

As you can tell from my recent post to New Zealand with Contiki, I LOVE Contiki and want everyone to experience what I did. If you have any interest in Europe and you're between the ages of 18 and 35, you need to check out their current 2 for 1 Airfare OFFER. Click Here for the details and then call to get a quote.

800-444-4757

**PS. This is also the perfect gift for the 18-35 yr old in your life. :)

New Zealand - 11-Day South Island Contiki Tour

2009-11-12T19:42:00.038-07:00

I just returned from the most amazing trip of my life. I visited the South Island of New Zealand for 11 days on a Contiki All-Ages Travel Agent FAM Trip. It was life changing and the most beautiful country I've ever been to. New Zealand is the Worlds Adventure Capital of the World. The scenery is breathtaking. The excursions are heart-stopping excitement. The people are unbelievably friendly and the accents are adorable. I kept asking the locals to read the menu for me just so I could hear them speak. :) (Thanks Kev)

I went on the Contiki Scenic Southern (Anti-clockwise) 11-Day Tour. You can CLICK HERE to see the exact itinerary. My photos are not in order. I had to start with the most exciting!

I took over 1100 pictures, and here are just a few of my favorites.

Only 29 hours in the airport.

At the time I didn't realize it would be worth every minute.
(Salt Lake to LA to Auckland to Christchurch)

Can't believe I am actually going to sky dive in New Zealand
Here I am with my tandem master Chris from NZone in Queenstown

Holy ......

YA!!!!!!!!

Landing is the hard part! :)

Okay...let's do that again!

Diana and I about to jump at AJ Hackets Kaurau Bridge near Queenstown
First commercial bungy jump in the world
43 Meters (151 ft I think)

I don't even look nervous!
However, I'm completely shaking and can't breathe.

Super Woman!

Okay...I think I'm going to hang here for a while.

That was awesome!!!!!

Let's see it live! :)

Hanging out at Minus 5
Ice Bar in Queenstown where its -8 degrees Celsius
$27 to get in
Holds about 20 people
$12 per drink

Even the cups are made of ice and are broken when you exit.

Gotta see at least one Haka Dance
This is the Haka Kiwi at the Skyline Restaurant
Top of the TRAM in Queenstown

We even got a chance to learn a little of the Maori dancing.

View from the top of the Skyline TRAM in Queenstown

We spent the night on the Milford Wanderer

Middle of the Milford Sound

63 Passenger ships

The Gang
JT's face makes me smile in this shot!

Melissa and I going kayaking in the Milford Sound
Yeah, we're nuts.

Yeah, I'm surrounded by snow capped mountains. So??

I'm wearing a cap.

Okay....we thought kayaking was crazy!
Casey taking a dip...

Hanging out on the boat playing Rummy with back-packers from around the world.

Sitting next to Nick from the U.K.
Can you tell I've had a long day? :)

Quad Occupancy Never Looked so GOOD!

8 AM Rise and Shine
The hunt for Penguins, Dolphins, and Seals begins.

Fjordland Crested Penguins

Milford Sound is amazing!! Very memorable and a MUST DO!

Selecting Jade, and avoiding the Jade Carvers
Jade needs to be gifted. Thanks Melissa!

My roomie Jen and I wearing our Jade. :)

New Zealand Traffic Jam

Rainforest Retreat near Fox Glacier

Glacier Pool at the base of Fox Glacier

800 Steps leading up to Fox Glacier

1/2 Day Hike
Matt our Fox Glacier Guide

1/2 Way Point to Fox Glacier

Queen of Fox Glacier

The gang on top of Fox Glacier

Lake Hawea Lookout

Santino and I at Lake Hawea Lookout

Our only view of the New Zealand Coastline in 11-days
Who needs the ocean when you've got crystal blue lakes?

Thunder Creek Falls

Queenstown

View of the Remarkable Mountains from the Aspen Hotel.

Lake Wakatipu in Queenstown

Skippers Canyon Adventure 1/2 Day Tour

Remarkable Mountain Range

Entrance to Skipper's Pass
Site of scenes from Lord of the Rings Films

View from the Aspen Hotel

Shotover River Bridge

Shotover Jet Boat

YA!! We are in New Zealand!

Waterfall along the side of the road.
The scenery just driving from point to point was breathtaking!

Lake Ohau Lodge

Lake Tekapo

Air Safari's of New Zealand

Franz Josef Glacier

Mount Cook

Mount Cook and Lake Tekapo

Church of the Good Shepherd

Most photographed church in New Zealand

Lake Tekapo

Christchurch Chalice

Bridge of Remembrance for those New Zealanders that died on 9/11

Christchurch Cathedral in Christchurch

Okay....who is joining me on my next trip to New Zealand? Email me at aochoa@morrismurdock.com if you are interested in New Zealand in November of 2010.

Looking for my next adventure.

Safe Travels!
Amy

Worlds Largest Cruise Sale: October 14th, 2009

2009-10-09T21:58:00.005-06:00

For all you cruise lovers out there! This Wednesday, October 14th, 2009 will be the annual Worlds Largest Cruise Night event across the country. Every cruise line participates and offers great added amenities to almost every single cruise. They provide things like, reduced deposits, onboard credit, $ OFF, and more.

Click Here for a list of participating cruise lines. The sale begins for some cruise lines on October 12th, but most will only be valid the day of the event.

Call 800-444-4757 if you are interested in more details or email me at atravelguru@hotmail.com.

If you are considering a cruise, don't miss this event!!

Safe Travels,
Amy

Fall Getaway to Philadelphia

2009-10-09T21:19:00.004-06:00

I had the chance to spend 2 nights in Philly over the weekend, and what a beautiful weekend it was! A friend called me from Philly the day before I arrived and told me to dress warm because it was raining and cold. Well, 24 hours later and by the time I arrived, there was nothing but sunshine and more sunshine. Philly in October is the perfect time to visit. The trees were changing colors, and the weather was a perfect 70 degrees.

I was in town for a conference, so I was limited to only a few hours for site seeing, but I hit some highlights, and now I'm ready to go back for more next year.

I stayed at the Lowes Philadelphia, which was on 1200 Market Street in downtown Philly. It was a great location for site seeing to Independence National Historical Park, which was only about 4 blocks away. I was also able to eat the perfect Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich at Jim's Steak on 4th and South Street. ($8)

Standard Room at the Lowes Philadelphia

View from my room (1012)

Buggy Ride in front of Independence Hall

Liberty Bell Tower
Located behind Independence Hall
(Free Tours Available)

The Declaration of Independence was signed in the building at the far left. (white door)

"Barry"
Statue of Commodore John Barry, the man who created the US Navy.

Liberty Bell
Much smaller than I imagined.
(Free Tours)

Jim's Steak
4th and South Street
Make sure to order it with provolone instead of cheese whiz. Yummy!!!!
They are about $8 ea, and they do NOT accept credit cards.

Yes, that's me sitting on the 2nd floor and over looking the 4th street shopping area.

Safe Travels,
Amy
PS. Next up is New Zealand...check back soon!

Headed to Philly

2009-10-03T17:09:00.002-06:00

I'm headed to Philly tomorrow. I've never been, so I'm excited to visit a new city and check-out all the sites. So, far I've been told to run the stairs like Rocky, try a Philly Cheese Steak Sandwich, and visit the Liberty Bell. I'll upload pics as soon as I get back.

Safe Travels!

The Canyons

2009-07-26T16:23:00.006-06:00

My family has a condo at the Canyons Resort in Park City, UT. Though Park City is only a 30 minute drive from home, its the perfect family staycation!!

My favorite pics...

Bermuda

2009-07-15T08:44:00.004-06:00

A friend of mine just sent me this great info on Bermuda that I wanted to share with everyone.

TRIP TO BERMUDA

I just returned from a fabulous trip to Bermuda and was there for two days to attend a wedding. It was a thrill to experience this very unique destination and even more thrilling to have this as a brand new destination to talk about! I boarded the plane thinking this would be similar to a Bahamian island trip…not so! This very UPSCALE destination and has lots to offer. It will be very important to sell this as a HUGE value for guests as this is a wildly expensive island to holiday on. The largest selling point – VALUE VALUE VALUE! The option to use our ship as a hotel will be amazing for clients as they can stroll off the ship and be in downtown Hamilton or St George to shop and enjoy the nightlife if they choose. Scooter rentals are available right at the pier (would only recommend to the brave hearts of the group…this is a VERY hazardous activity…sounds romantic and fun, but the roads are treacherously winding and BUSY!) and deep sea fishing, golf excursions and city tours are easy to arrange. St. George is the seat of Bermuda history – this island is 400 years old this year with lots of great celebrations going on … a wonderful historic and architecturally great old city. Great site seeing with the old forts and churches steeped in history!

A few things to know….

CURRENCY / MONEY

Bermudian $$ is on par with the USD – if you leave the island with Bermudian money, it is not accepted anywhere and will not be exchanged at most banks – you can use USD anywhere and it is a better bargaining tool for shopping.

Leave half your clothes and bring lots more money with you – breakfast at our hotel was an average of $50 – 60 USD, dinner was easily $150.00 without going crazy on wine.

Our passengers will be in a great position to be able to eat on board and avoid the high cost of imported EVERYTHING.

THINGS TO DO

Golf

MUST be pre arranged – courses are absolutely the most scenic and pristine I have seen! All of them run along the ocean and are beautiful…any golf groups will be amazed at the quality and consistency of these courses. Golf groups will know to pre book and having the 3 days in Bermuda gives ample opportunity for tournaments.

Water sports

Should also be booked early – Jet skiing is very popular, but you are on a guided tour with an escort and are not free to Jet Ski on your own in the ocean!

Deep Sea fishing and Diving

Amazing here – water is crystal clear and clean – again, bring your money belt….

BEACHES

Best part of the island!!! CLEAN and powdery soft sand – pink sand is not everywhere – only a few beaches have the pink overtone from the coral, but they are all magnificent sunning and swimming…the undertow is strong – not good for little ones on all beaches.

FOOD AND DRINK

Excellent food – very British in style with the Moroccan/East Med overtones - great seafood and better pub food! Spotlessly clean everywhere – no vendors on land or even beach to sell you anything! Drinks are expensive – local fun drink is DARK AND STORMY….spiced rum with ginger beer!

*Reservations MUST be made at any good restaurant – they are all small and not easy to get into for evenings.

I found the entire Colonial atmosphere of Bermuda lovely and it was like stepping back in time with the locals in their pink shorts and formal attire for business! This is a fairly “serious” island – lots of banking/insurance types walking around due to the t ax havens here. There is no gambling anywhere and it is very traditional in all respects. Very British “colony” feeling with a touch of stuffiness…just perfect for our guests! They will be safe as there is very little crime here, especially towards tourists. IT is almost a corporate feel to the island and tourism is a necessity….not their first thought!

The locals are very happy that HAL is returning – they are all very aware of who is “from the outside” and who is staying….the protectionism of their island is very apparent and has done very well for them. There are very proud of being BERMUDIAN…an elite group for certain!

For many years I have had agents and consumers ask me if they can cruise to an island, stay for a day or two and then sail again…we are finally offering this and I will be telling agents the great opportunity for them to have our product to sell this way! The other cruise lines are docked SO far away and their clients have to deal with water taxis (huge waste of time on VERY choppy waters). They will absolutely NOT have the same experience as we will offer them!

Weirdest Travel Agent Requests

2009-04-06T12:44:00.003-06:00

I just found this article in Travel+Leisure. It made me laugh because these requests are a little far fetched, but similar things have happened to me. :)

"From finding rabbi-impersonating Elvis impersonators to arranging air-conditioned camping in the Sahara—here are some of the crazy things travelers ask of travel agents."

From Travel+Leisure April 2009

By Joshua Pramis

See our slideshow of Weirdest Travel Agent Requests.

Traveling to Chihuahua, Mexico is a perfectly common request for a travel agent. Traveling with one’s Chihuahua? That’s easy, too. But taking the Chihuahua to Chihuahua, Mexico so he can “discover his roots”?

More...

Carnival's Splendor of the Seas Inaugural

2009-04-02T18:43:00.023-06:00

I just got off of the 2-night cruise to no where on the Carnival Splendor Inaugural. It was so much fun and an amazing ship!! This was my first time on Carnival and I was pleasantly surprised. The balcony cabin was large, and very nice. The entertainment was AWESOME (my karaoke not included.) The food was excellent.

This ship will sail the Mexican Riviera out of the Long Beach California pier. My flight was only $119 from Salt Lake on Jetblue, and the pier was 10 minutes from the Long Beach airport. (Taxi: $11 p/p taxi ride each way)

Here are some of my favorite pics...

Lido Deck Pool and Big Screen Area

Balcony Cabin

Back deck pool

Water slide near Lido Deck

The ship has mini golf.
Plus, Elite Golf with private instructors.

Camp Carnival for kids 2-17
The kids areas were some of the best I've seen.
This was the dance floor for the 6-8 yr olds.
Even better was the club for the 13-15 yr olds.

Little Kid Pool Area

Dinner was fabulous each night,
and the dinner entertainment was awesome!
(Pictured: Willy my Carnival Sales Rep and
the famous singing Carnival Maitre'D)

Here is a video of the Maitre'D singing Apple Bottom.

Jai Ho

Even better than the singing waiters,
was Marcus Anthony. Here's a clip...

Quite the entertainer!

Here is Marcus again on the Lido Deck during the day.

Even more to do at night...
Casino
Karaoke
Dance Club
Piano Bar
Plus, 4am Pizza

SO MUCH FUN!!!

Mariner of the Seas - RCCL

2009-02-28T16:09:00.007-07:00

I just got back from a 2-day cruise to no where. The ship was Royal Caribbean's Mariner of the Seas. This was my first time on Royal Caribbean and I was very pleased with the ship. Perfect for the 29-54 age group. The goal was to show 7-days worth of entertainment in 2 days. I saw the Ice Show, which was full of very talented skaters. I also enjoyed watching other people climb the Rock Wall, while I played hoops below. My favorite part was sitting with friends on the Promenade in bars like Wigs and Gavels where we had great live entertainment throughout the night. The best food I've ever had on a cruise ship was in the specialty restaurant "Chops." It was just like Ruth Chris Steakhouse. Yum!

Main Pool

Leaving the San Pedro Pier

Balcony view of the side of the ship.

Ice Skating Rink
The skaters were VERY impressive!

My co-worker Ray and I in the main dining room.
I'm covering a stain on his shoulder.

The adult pool

Irish Pub on the promenade

70's Dance Party on the promenade

Poolside entertainment

Mini-Golf

Rock-Climbing Wall

Cruise to nowhere

2009-02-19T21:44:00.003-07:00

Tomorrow morning I will depart on my first ever cruise to nowhere. Royal Caribbean has invited me to attend their 2-day cruise to nowhere on the Mariner of the Seas. The ship has been newly refurbished, and they are ready to show it off. We just go out to sea for two days. Fun little weekend getaway. :)I'll be back to tell you all about it on Sunday.

Luxury Advisor Magazine

2009-02-15T21:43:00.004-07:00

I've hit the big time of the "Travel World." I was just in the "Sightings" section of Luxury Advisor's February 2009 issue.

Click Here to check-out the full issue. My mug is on page 68. :)

Its Time to Travel (My Boss)

2009-02-15T21:20:00.002-07:00

Video Courtesy of KSL.com

13th Annual Morris Murdock Travel Show

2009-02-01T12:32:00.007-07:00

This weekend was the 13th Annual Morris Murdock Travel Show. We had over 65 vendors from around the world participate. We had 1000 more attendees than 2008. We had an amazing turn-out and an awesome show. Here are some of my favorite pictures.

With Doug Wren on KSL Radio promoting the show.

With the gals of Good Things Utah on ABC4, promoting the show.

The reservation center was full the entire show.

Xtreme Tourists Ernie Harker and Bret from Princess Cruises.

Lynn from Disney and Judy Beck.

Willy from Carnival Cruise Line

ME and the Utah Jazz Bear

The Utah Jazz Bear carrying my assistant Vanessa
(The woman behind everything)

Bob Nelson from FM100 Radio

Paul from Classic Vacations

ME and KSL's Dick Nourse

Dick Nourse hosted Deal or No Deal

ME and the Mariachi Band

Xtreme Tourists, Ernie Harker

My Team and the people that put everything together!

Sundance 2009

2009-01-28T21:28:00.001-07:00

My best friend hooked me up with the best ticket of the festival. I attended the Ray Ban party opening weekend. I had a great time hanging with friends and mingling "near" celebrities. :)

Walking the Sundance Blue Carpet

Waiting in the cold to get into the party.

Yes, we were on the list, but that doesn't mean you'll get in. :)

Eliza Dushku - Buffy

Pretending to walk the red carpet! :)

Me and my BFF

Marc Malkin - E-Online Celebrity Gossip Columnist

Paul Mitchell - Hair Care

Jay Lyon - The City on MTV
(He was with another hot blonde and it wasn't Whitney)

Brent Bolthouse - The Hills on MTV
(Heidi's Boss)

Star Sightings Not Photographed:
Ewen McGregor - Star Wars
Matthew Gray Gubler - Criminal Minds
Joe Francis - Girls Gone Wild

Epcot, and final day at Disney World

2009-01-27T21:02:00.000-07:00

My final day at Disney World was spent at Epcot. Being an avid traveler I had always been interested in this theme park. I think it is brilliant to bring many of the worlds most popular cultures together. My son loves dinosaurs and cars, so Futureland was fabulous. The countries were amazing! We were only in the park for 4 hours, so I need to do this one again. However, it was great to walk over to the park from the Beach Club. I was done taking shuttles!

Futureland

England

Mission to Space

The closest I will get to zero gravity!

Test Track

The longest and fastest ride in the world.

Where to next?

Mexico

China

Dopey

My boy said "Look mom, its Wheezy from the 10 Dwarfs."

France

Japan

Chocolate Carousel made of sugar!
Recipe Included

Back at the Beach Club we said one last goodbye to Disney World.

The front desk gave us a stuffed tiger to take home.

The first FREE toy given away at Disney World, I'm sure!

Then it was off to the 5 hour flight home.

Abominable Snowman attacks Toy Soldiers, ahhhh!

The End!

Beach Club Resort and Hollywood Studios

2009-01-26T09:00:00.000-07:00

Night six was spent at the Beach Club Resort, which is an onsite Disney property. The resort is located next door to the Epcot Park, and a water taxi away from the Hollywood Studios Park. We spent day six at the Hollywood Studios, which is where I rode the best roller coaster of my life. It was called the Rock n' Roller Coaster. The ride is in the dark, and VERY fast. You speed along while listening to Aerosmith. The hotel was in a perfect location!

Beach Club Resort

View of the pirate ship pool and playground at the Beach Club.

Water Taxi to the Hollywood Studios

Hollywood Studios Main Street

Mickey Breakfast Cookie

Indiana Jones Live Action

Star Wars Soldiers

I scored

Lights, Motors, Action is amazing!!

Sunset at the Hollywood Studios

Lighthouse at the Beach Club

with the Boardwalk Resort in the background.

We ended the night at Planet Hollywood.

Castaway Cay, Disney's Private Island

2009-01-25T19:11:00.005-07:00

Disney owns its own private island in the Bahamas called Castaway Cay. The cruise ship is able to pull right up along the dock. Other cruise lines require smaller boats to take passengers to their own island. Plus, those other ships don't have Disney Cast Members throughout the island like Donald Duck. The island has a great beach, and all of the island activities you can think of. (jet skis, paddle boats, snorkel gear, kayaks, and glass bottom boat rides) You will also find a family beach and an 'adults only' beach. The kids club is located on the island, so parents can continue to enjoy the cruise childless if they so wish.

Disney's Mt. Rushmore

Disney's own Black Pearl

One of the three restaurants is called Animator's Palate
This restaurant goes from black and white to full color throughout the meal.
Cost to Disney was 3 million dollars.
Even the waiters change colors.

My little guy took this shot.

It looks fake, but it was a real sunset on the deck of the ship.

And its back to Disney World

We headed to the Beach Club Resort while we visited Epcot and Hollywood Studios Theme Parks. Check back soon...

Disney Wonder to the Bahamas

2009-01-18T14:44:00.010-07:00

The Disney Wonder was fabulous! The Disney Shuttle picked us up at the Animal Kingdom Lodge and drove us the hour and a half in style. I had heard such great things about the ship. We were excited to get there and see what all the talk was about.

We arrived at the Disney Terminal in Port Canaveral, and quickly boarded the ship. I think the entire check-in process took 30 minutes.

Once on board we went straight to the buffet, and then to our cabin to check things out. The cabins were larger than any of the other cruise lines I had been on. They say they are 25% larger. I loved that there were two bathrooms. One with a toilet and sink and one with a shower/tub and sink. Perfect for the family of 4.

My little guy is checking things out.

Prior to taking off the ship has a safety demo on deck.
Can you tell how happy my little one was? He just wants to take off.

The ship was amazing. The kids pool included a water slide.

Movie screen and stage at the teen pool.

The kids club was the best part.
The club hours were 9am to 1am
Parents are given a pager and can be reached at any time.
My hubby and I went to Palo for the first nights dinner.
This adults only restaurant was AMAZING.
Our little guy paged us about 30 minutes into our 6 course meal. :)

He just wanted to be with mom and dad.
Nightly we would hang out in the movie theater watching new movies like Bolt.

The next morning we find ourselves in the Bahamas
with a view of The Atlantis Resort.

The Bahamas

We did not plan any excursions.

Instead we just took a taxi to the Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island.
($3 per person each way)

The Atlantis Resort has a private aquarium.

The fish we could see for free were amazing.
You can pay about $30 per person and spend the day on the private beach.

The 6 Stingrays were HUGE!!!

We headed back to the ship to spend the day at the pool.
The Mickey pool and water slide are protected by 4 lifeguards.
Parents can relax and know their kids are safe and having fun!

Our little guy had fun on his first water slide.

Night two was at Titans
with a pirate theme.

Captain Jack Sparrow and my own little pirate.

Grrrrrrrr....

After an AMAZING Broadway style play "Toy Story"
We made it to the top deck for the pirate party and fireworks.

Even the parents are dressed-up like pirates.

At the end of the night we made it back to the cabin

and found a hanging monkey.
It was adorable and the perfect end to a fabulous day.

I'll be back with our day at Castaway Cay, Disney's own private island in the Bahamas.

Disney World is "The Happiest Place on Earth."

2009-01-15T21:49:00.009-07:00

Disney World over the holidays was the "Happiest Place on Earth." I'd been once before for work, but this was my first time on a vacation with my family. It was a long flight from Salt Lake to Orlando. (Tip 1: No matter what the cost, you need to fly non-stop when traveling with a child.) Disney World is seven theme parks in 50 square miles. It could easily take 7-10 days to experience all of it. I did not have this luxury, so I was forced to cram 50 square miles into 3 days. I was on a very tight schedule. Our real purpose for going was the Disney Wonder Cruise. However, I was not going to fly across the country and skip Disney World.

It's 6am and he's still smiling.

The first night there we stayed at the Animal Kingdom Lodge. My little guy is a ZOO freak, and the lodge has zoo animals on property. (Tip 2: A Sahara View room is worth the cost.) The Animal Kingdom Lodge is located near the Animal Kingdom Theme Park. Throughout the grounds you can find places to view the animals such as giraffes. It also has a fabulous pool area, with 4-6 lifeguards on duty so that parents can relax. :) If, you are going to pay to stay at the lodge you need to dedicate at least a day to enjoying the pool and grounds.

One of many animal viewing areas.

Pool with "Lifeguards on Duty"
I went down the water slide 23 times.

Park One: Animal Kingdom

The day starts with a grin. :)

Re-enacting the T-Rex pose.

Viewing bats close-up

Yes, actual hanging bats. GROSS...

4 tigers, sleeping while we sat close-by

View of Mt. Everest ride

Tarzan cast member, and only character pic.

Best ride in the park!

The Animal Safari

Lions

Hippos

Alligators

Elephants

"See mom, I'm still smaller than a 6 year old male." (Ape)

No more walking for this guy.

Dinner at the T-Rex restaurant at Pleasure Island
COOLEST restaurant in the world for a 5 yr old boy.

He needed his own "Build-a-Dino" to
mark the best Dino day of his life.

And....good night....

I still have the Disney Wonder, Hollywood Studios and Epcot. I'll be back soon...

Puerto Vallarta, Award Trip

2009-01-11T13:34:00.016-07:00

I was lucky enough to spend the first week of December out of the snow and into the sand at the Riu Palace Pacifico in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico. Our top agents were given an exclusive tour of the top highlights of Puerto Vallarta. Starting with the AMAZING Riu Palace. The hotel is gorgeous and the food is the best I've eaten at an all-inclusive resort. (They even served SUSHI...GOOD Sushi.) Our friends from Funjet Vacations and TraficTours also took us to Las Caletas for a day of kyaking and snorkeling. The next day I drove an ATV 45 minutes into the mountains of Puerto Vallarta and ended at a 15 line canopy with 2000 ft zip lines across the canyons. It was one of the most thrilling adventures of my life! We ended with a beach day and karaoke night. The trip was amazing! I can't wait to go back.

Our guide, Salvidor, from TraficTours.
(Riu Palace Lobby)

Starting with a sunset cruise to La Cruz Yacht Club.

Lynne and Jane starting it off right.

My own personal salsa lesson on board the sunset cruise

Rosa and Tammy, my friends from Funjet Vacations.

Riu Palace pool at 8am

Rosa and Linda relaxing on board
the Vallarta Adventure yacht to Las Caletas

Viewing the Los Archos in the Puerto Vallarta Bay

Los Archos

Las Caletas with Vanessa

Las Caletas beach
Looks like we had the private beach to ourselves.
Just me and my closest 300 friends. :)

Las Caletas

The crew performing for us while sailing.

Linda holding an actual scorpion at
La Vista Adventures office.

Las Bandita's
Riding ATV's to the zip lines.

Our very own Orlando Bloom Look-a-like guide.

Re-enacting the zip lines.
15 zip lines including a 2000 ft zip line
across a canyon.

Yes, I made it back alive.

The largest sand castle I've ever seen.
On the beach in downtown Puerto Vallarta.

Yes, that is me on the bottom rung.
Artwork on the downtown boardwalk.

Religious parade down the streets of Puerto Vallarta.

Modeling the latest in boogie board's.

We rented a conference room
for some late night Karaoke.
(Bev, ME, Suz, Becky)

Celina and Lisa selecting my next number.

The Karaoke Queen (NOT!)

The Gang

One of many amazing sunsets!

Catching up after the Holidays

2009-01-02T10:02:00.002-07:00

I've spent the month of December traveling. I spent 10 days in Hawaii, 5 days in Puerto Vallarta and then 7 days in Disneyworld/Disney Cruise with my family. I got back home right in time for the Holidays. I don't think I could ever be anywhere else, but home on Christmas morning.

I promise to update my blog starting this weekend. I had a FABULOUS time in Puerto Vallarta and was able to experience a THRILL of a lifetime on a canopy 2000 feet long and over a canyon. AHHH! It was so exciting! I can't wait to show pics.

I hope you all had a fabulous New Year! Check back soon.

"Kona Resorts" - Hawaii Day 8

2008-12-05T20:37:00.011-07:00

Suz and I spent Day 8 touring hotels and shopping. We headed from the Fairmont Orchid to the Kona Village Resort. The Kona Village Resort is one of the most interesting resorts I've been to. The resort has been around since the 1960's. The rooms are actual bungalows located on top of the hardened lava over looking the ocean. The bungalows do not have air conditioning, phones or television. Meals are included, which is unheard of in Hawaii. (drinks additional) Plus, they have a great family friendly feel. I thought it was awesome!!

Just remember "no life guard on duty"

Great bay area for kayak's

No, lifeguards, but you still have protection.

The bungalows at the Kona Village Resort

No fishing!

Our next hotel was the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai at Historic Ka'upulehu. This resort is AMAZING! I had been told from many of my co-workers that this is the # 1 resort on all of the Hawaiian islands. It is true!!! No wonder the movie stars flock to this resort. From the lobby to the pool, to the restaurants, and the beautiful beach, this resort is HIGH CLASS and breathtaking. Here is a quote from the resort website: "Opulent luxury, no pretension. The Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf course, full-service spa, incomparable dining and six pools will keep you there. The friendly, attentive service will make you never want to leave." OC Metro, February 2008...... I totally agree!

Quiet Pool at the Four Seasons

Random shot of a flower pot on the grounds of the Four Seasons

Pool # 2 at the Four Seasons
This shot makes me want to be there right this minute!

Loved this. Shhhh...the Turtles are resting!

Perfect for the generational family getaway!
There is a chair for everyone!

Old School Classic Beach Car!

Once I could tear myself away from the Four Seasons, Suz and I headed to our resort for the night, which was the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort and Spa. Along the way we stopped at the Kings and Queens outdoor mall's. This is one of the best places in Kona for dining and shopping, however I discovered the stores were mainly stores found at home. However, King's did have some very high end shops such as Couch, Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co. and Tommy Bahama's.

The Marriott was another beautiful resort and the perfect resort to end my stay in Hawaii. We arrived near sunset and here are a few of my favorite sunset shots.

The cabana on the beach.

Sunset Surfing

A mom and her naked toddler walking the beach at sunset.

A couple strolling along the beach at sunset.

This was my final night on the islands. My heart is never far from home, but it was hard to leave such a beautiful place. I spent my final day lounging at the pool. I think after 8 days, it was time to relax at the pool. :) Around 7PM, I started my journey home, which took 3 planes and 12 hours. Was it worth it? YES!!!

Top 5 things I learned...

1) Waikiki is full of entertainment, resorts, nightlife, and restaurants. You also have Pearl Harbor, China Town, rain forest's, high-end shopping and beautiful beaches. I suggest 3-4 nights in Waikiki.
2) You need to make it to the North Shore, which is an amazing drive through lush green landscapes and breathtaking beaches. Plus, don't forget Ted's Bakery and Giovanni's Shrimp Truck along the way.
3) The Turtle Bay Resort is the perfect escape from the city life of Waikiki. It is also located near the Polynesian Cultural Center. Which is another must see!
4) Landing in Kona, on the big island, is like landing on Mars, because of the dried black lava as far as the eye can see. However, the resorts are gorgeous, and 20 minutes away is the green lush mountains and valley's that bring the island to life. The volcano is a helicopter ride or 4-5 hour drive from the Kona area.
5) The top resort in Waikiki is the Kahala Resort. The top resort in Kona is the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai

I'm headed to Mexico, so check back in a week for updates. Adios!

"Kona Safari" - Hawaii Day 7

2008-12-04T20:08:00.009-07:00

I knew that Kona had to be green and lush somewhere. I mean, its an island! So, on Day 7 we took off with Hawaii Forest and Trail to North Kohala. The drive was about 25 minutes from the Fairmont to the historic Kohala Mule Station overlooking Pololu Valley. We spent about 6 hours on a 6 wheel PinzTrek. Our guides were fabulous!! Here are some of my favorite pics!

Our Departure

Our Gang

Our Trail

Our View

Our Adventure
(Risking my life for a great shot)

Our Guides
(Showing us the tarot plant fields)

Our Ride

Our Island

Later that night I enjoyed the music of "Full Circle"

Plus hanging with friends, Lily and Suz

Oh...and my friend Elvis

I guess I'm not his only fan

I'll be back tomorrow with the #1 resort in all of Hawaii!! Make sure to check it out. :)