EZTravelpad

Fiji - It's Much More Than Home to Vijay Singh and a Great Place to Honeymoon

I Hate to Admit - I Don't Know Everything - It's a Big World You Know...

I am a travel agent. I do travel agent things, like talking to couples about honeymoon plans. I have to admit though, upon going to a bridal show recently, that my Midwest friends here surprised me with the demand for the South Pacific - Tahiti, Bora Bora, Fiji and more!

I know that the South Pacific is a popular honeymoon destination - but really thought that given our proximity to The Caribbean, The South Pacific would be about 4th on the list - but boy was I wrong! Turns out that the biggest demand WAS South Pacific, so I decided to learn a bit more.

Having not been past Hawaii yet, a webinar is the place to start... so Why Fiji?

The Obvious- 

• Romance
• Beauty
• Honeymoon
• Sailing
• Scuba

The Not so obvious-

• Golf
• Hot Air Balloon
• Paintball
• Round-trip flights from $530 (special might expire soon) - 
• Forbes Top 10 Value Destination

Fiji is English Speaking - which makes it really easy if you prefer to speak English...

I knew, but had forgotten that Vijay Singh is Fijian. He has a large hand in the Natadola Golf Club- so you know the quality of golf is going to be stellar!

I did not realize that there are over 300 islands - obviously many are either deserted or VERY secluded- perfect for romantic getaways.....

Fijians are the friendliest people in the world - many peoples make that claim, but the French don't...

The diving is superb- among the best anywhere....

 

Board a ship - large or small for a sunset cruise, a diving expedition, overnights, a 3-4 night cruise to remote islands, or 7 day all around....

Bures

One of the most popular lodgings that you will find in various locations throughout the South Pacific- bures over the water....how relaxing is that? - surf lapping under you sleeping sound as the breeze wafts through...

There are all types of lodgings - ranging for the most simple, to the most luxurious accommodations (one reason so many Hollywood & Entertainment Stars choose resorts here) 

Stay somewhere like The Nukubati Resort 

where a maximum of seven couples are pampered by a staff of over 40  

Luxury and Remote accommodations are scattered everywhere- others to consider are...

• Castaway Island
• Hideaway Resort 
• Navini Island Resort Ltd
• Radisson Resort Fiji Denarau Island
• Shangri-La's Fijian Resort and Spa
• Sonaisali Island Resort
• Tokoriki Island Resort
• Amunuca Island Resort

Sport fishing opportunities exist, but they still haven't forgotten the old ways either! I just don't know if the thought of him bringing in a catch, or the vivid sunset is what makes this shot amazing!

So if you want to DO something, here's a quick recap of some things offered - 

Diving

Surfing

Biking

Trekking

Kayaking

River Rafting

Jet Skiing

Hot Air Ballooning

Ziplining

Sky Diving

Game Fishing

Snorkeling

Golfing

Sailing

oh, yes - relaxing.... and eating!

more details are available by contacting EZTravelpad directly

Disney Dream- Disney Continues to Amaze

Disney All Over News Lately- From Euro to Shanghai to High Seas....

Disney is in the heat of the competition of who can build the world’s most exciting cruise ship: Recently Disney Cruise Line execs announced that its newest ship, the 2500-passenger Disney Dream, will boast a 765-foot water coaster, “AquaDuck!,” a ride spanning four decks of the ship. AquaDuck (Donald's cousin I guess...) will propel guests out beyond the ship in a plexiglass tube perched 150 feet over the open ocean...OH BOY!

When the ship enters service in December, 2011, Disney Dream will feature additional innovative features such as inside staterooms with “virtual portholes” (images from cameras outside the ship are broadcast on the “window”) plus “Enchanted Art” that comes alive when passengers admire pieces and life-like interaction of Disney characters on a 103-inch plasma screen.

Save your money now- have some kids quickly if you'll need an excuse to get onboard- it looks like it's going to be fun!

Disney Dream’s inaugural voyage is scheduled January 26, 2011 

All itineraries will include a day at Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island in the Bahamas, which is being enlarged (ok, leave it to Disney to enlarge AN ISLAND!) with expanded family beach, water platform and beach cabanas.

Short & Sweet- Volunteering in South Africa could be the Trip of Your Life

Lion Park in South Africa Needs Volunteers- will you go and help?

Here's what you can expect....

http://www.youtube.com/user/myitoi#p/f/8/6lqKwcQVKNE

EZTravelpad can save you money vs. booking direct, so let us know when you want to go!

Beach, Volcano, Banana Plantation, Hot Springs, as seen on Wheel of Fortune!

Wheel of Fortune Prize Available at less than Half Price thru EZTravelpad (plus no taxes to pay!) 

Sometimes while having dinner, my wife and I are prone to watching Wheel of Fortune- 

I really don't know why- 

Anyway, if you have seen Wheel of Fortune before you will know that they have many trips and vacations as prizes

The other night They offered this very trip as a gift, and while I cannot confirm the exact value they indicated, it was definitely over $6000.

I just pulled a typical flight from Chicago to San Jose, Costa Rica. Based on what I found, EZTravelpad could put this itinerary together - including air, for under $3000 ($1500 per person). 

Based on this, I would suggest it is a good idea to let EZTravelpad help with your vacation planning needs!

Dear Traveler, Welcome to a great vacation at an affordable price. Your Caravan Latin America tour includes all meals in Latin America, all activities, all hotels, a great itinerary, all airport transfers, all transportation and excursions. A professional tour director accompanies you for the entire tour. Purified water at meals. Free bottled water on motor coach. Join the smart shoppers and experienced travelers who have chosen Caravan for more than 50 years.

Happy Travels! Caravan Tours

Begins and Ends: San Jose, Costa Rica

Day 1 - San Jose, Costa Rica

Welcome to the "rich coast," friendly land of democracy and rare natural beauty. With naturalist guides, see exotic birds and wildlife, hike in jungle rainforests, view volcanoes, soak in hot springs and cruise through biological reserves. Relax on both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts. Caravan provides transfers from the San Jose airport to your hotel for a two night stay. Rooms are available for check in after 3:00 p.m. Dine at your hotel, then join Caravan for an 6:00 p.m. welcome briefing.D

Day 2 - Poas Volcano, Cloud Forest Hike

This morning enjoy a drive through Costa Rica's famous coffee growing region. Next, weather permitting, visit Poas Volcano. You can safely view inside the dramatic crater from an overlook. Next, hike the Escalonia Cloud Forest Trail, home to epiphytes, orchids, ferns and tropical hummingbirds. Cloud forests are like rainforests, but with less rain and more humidity. Lunch. Visit the National Museum. See ancient mysterious stone spheres. Then, see San Jose's Plaza de la Cultura, Central Park and the National Theatre. Visit the Gold Museum. Enjoy dinner.BLD

Day 3 - Butterfly Garden, Tortuguero Park

Scenic morning drive through Braulio Carrillo Park. Look for cascading waterfalls. Visit a butterfly garden. See a banana plantation. Then, cruise through rivers and canals to the 47,000 acre Tortuguero National Park. Tortuguero is home to more than 300 species of birds. Look for toucans, parrots, kingfishers and the rare green macaw. Enjoy lunch. Next, an afternoon boat excursion into Tortuguero Park. Look for otters, turtles and manatees. Listen to the joyful sounds of the jungle. Enjoy a two night stay at your lodge. Dinner.BLD

Day 4 - Tortuguero Park, Canal Cruise

Cruise this morning with naturalist guides along canals lined by raffia palm, habitat of howler and white-faced monkeys, green iguanas and tropical birds. Look for white and snowy egrets and the amazing nests of the montezuma oropendola. Then, enter the mysterious reflecting waters of Cano Palma wildlife reserve. Next, visit the Green Turtle Research Station. Learn about efforts to protect the turtle's nesting habitat, eggs and young hatchlings. Walk along the Atlantic turtle nesting beaches with a naturalist guide. Next, to Tortuguero village. Meet Costa Rican school children on your visit to a local school (when in session). Return to your lodge for lunch. Free time to enjoy the swimming pool and tropical flower gardens at your lodge. Dinner.BLD

Day 5 - Pineapple Tour, Fortuna

Morning cruise on Tortuguero River. Enjoy lunch. Visit a pineapple plantation. Sample Costa Rica's famous sweet organic pineapples. Next, through scenic countryside to the San Carlos Valley for a two night stay in Fortuna. Dinner.BLD

Day 6 - Cano Negro, Hot Springs, Arenal

Head north this morning, passing through sugar cane, teak and orange plantations. Then, cruise on the Rio Frio which runs through the world famous Cano Negro wildlife refuge, home to many migratory birds found nowhere else in Costa Rica. Look for whistling ducks, roseate spoonbills, cormorants, anhingas, blue heron, and northern jacanas. Watch for caimans, crocodiles, spider monkeys and web-footed, water-walking lizards. Lunch. Return to Fortuna. Free time to explore this charming village. Then, enjoy a relaxing soak in the volcanic hot springs. Weather permitting, see nearby Arenal Volcano's softly glowing lava flow. Enjoy dinner. BLD

Day 7 - Hanging Bridges, Guanacaste

This morning enjoy an unforgettable adventure in the heart of the rainforest at the Hanging Bridges, rated one of Costa Rica's top tourist attractions. Hike on six suspension bridges, through lush tropical rainforest canopy. Enjoy views of a waterfall and look for tropical birds. Later, a scenic drive around Lake Arenal. Enjoy lunch. Then, tour a coffee cooperative where thousands of small family farmers process their coffee. Enjoy fresh Costa Rican coffee. Next, enter the Guanacaste province. Drive through the only tropical dry forest in Costa Rica. Stop in Liberia. Then, to Costa Rica's beautiful Pacific Coast for a two night stay. Dinner is at your resort. BLD

Day 8 - Pacific Coast, Guanacaste

This morning drive to the nearby Natural Trail of Hacienda Pinilla. This tropical bird and wildlife sanctuary is home to the playful howler monkey. Lunch. Enjoy a carefree leisurely afternoon. Time to beachcomb or swim the pristine beaches of your resort. Dinner. BLD

Day 9 - Handicrafts, Coffee Plantation

Morning drive through the cattle ranches of Guanacaste. Stop at the Monteverde Cooperative. Sample delicious Monteverde Cheese. Continue en route to the Central Valley, time to shop for colorful handicrafts, including painted oxcarts. Enjoy lunch. Return to San Jose. Farewell dinner. BLD

Day 10 - San Jose

Your tour ends after breakfast this morning at your hotel. Caravan provides transfers throughout the day to the San Jose airport. Thanks for vacationing with Caravan. ¡Hasta la vista! B

Having been to Costa Rica- I can assure you that this will be one unforgettable trip!

Roasted Pepper Soup

EZTravelpad Recipe Month Holdover- Roasted Pepper Soup This soup is an excellent soup for a chilly fall day. You can use any type of peppers you have available - even jalapenos, depending on your palate. Use habaneros at your own risk if you wish. If you have some holderover garden harvest you're not sure how to use- here it is! The taste of roasted peppers - particularly off the grill, is a pleasure to look forward to all year- Enjoy-Fall is Here! Ingredients- Several Peppers (Approx 12- I like to use mix of Bell, Sweet & Poblano) Onions- 2 Medium Yellow- diced Potatoes- 2 diced should do it (for thickening) Milk or Cream- 1-2 Cups Vegetable Stock- 1-2 Cups Olive Oil - 2T Coat peppers with oil and roast on grill or in oven until skins are burnt- then remove from heat & let cool In the meantime heat oil in large stock pot. Add onions and saute until onions are translucent then add potatoes, milk & vegetable stock. Simmer until potatoes are softened, stirring occasionally. Remove all ingredients (including peppers) to a food processor (or blender) and blender until smooth. Return mixture to heat and add salt & pepper to taste. Serve with garnish of grated Romano or Parmesan - plus a tablespoon of cream to cut the heat if peppers are spicy This recipe can be adjusted depending on what is available- It's a great way to clear out the garden!

Volunteering While Traveling - What Does it Get YOU?

Volunteer Tourism is Gaining in Poplarity- Can You See Why?

They say a photo is worth a thousand words- one look at this photo, and I think "they" are right!

n 12 - Mar 31, 2010ok by Nov 23, 2009!

Is this volunteer saying goodbye to a friend she has grown to love over the past couple of weeks? 

What is she thinking? Her expression, and that of the baby cat- priceless!

Opportunities to volunteer helping with wildlife include

• Big Cats in S. Africa
  
• Sea Turtles in Costa Rica
  
• Orangutans in Indonesia
  
• Elephants in India
  
• Pandas in China
  

and more...

Do you know how to play sports? Did you play as a child? Would it be worth it to bring that joy to a group of children in a faraway land? 

i-to-i offers volunteer trip opportunities in Africa, South America, Europe, Africa & Asia - trips to volunteer to teach sports! It's really about community- and it's as much about you as it is them...

Just look at those faces! Making a difference can be fun- rewarding - individualized to your tastes - and best of all, inexpensive. 

So you have a choice. 

You can go to the beach again, sit under the palm trees sipping Pina Coladas - Shop - Play

or

You can do something you will never forget - help a child... Help a big cat or elephant... Help a Community

For more information on life-changing travel opportunities get in touch with EZTravelpad. 

Southwestern Beef & Pepper Soup

Durango - Santa Fe - Roswell - Sedona - El Paso - Memphis - even Peoria

Any town USA, or Mexico, or anywhere really could lay claim to this simple recipe- If you have a garden (or a produce section), a pot to cook in, access to ground beef, and the simplest ingredients you're in business!

Ever have so many garden peppers running out your ears that you wondered how in the world you could use them all? Then you tried making stuffed bell peppers, which is a pretty good and healthy use of them, but it's kind of a pain - and messy, and the peppers keep falling over in the oven! Plus, who wants to run the oven in the heat of the summer?

Here's a better solution- Better tasting - Easier - More energy efficient & Just as Healthy

The soup can be frozen for later use, and 1 cup of soup is only about 150 calories, so served with one cup of rice the total dish is about 350 calories.  Oh, and did I mention how easy it is to prepare?.

Ingredients-

• 1 - 1 1/2 lb ground beef
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2-3 stalks diced celery
• 3-4 large green bell peppers
• 3 cloves or 1 T minced garlic
• 5'6 dice fresh tomatoes, or 1 (14.5 oz) can diced or crushed tomatoes
• 16-24 oz beef broth
• 1 tbsp beef bouillon
• salt and pepper to taste                

1. In a large stock pot brown beef, onion, peppers, celery & garlic
2. Add tomatoes, beef broth, bouillon & simmer about 15 minutes longer
3. Taste and season with cayenne pepper, salt and fresh ground pepper.
4. Serve with fresh rice or Sour Cream or Grated Romano - YUM!!!

A New Year - A New You .... Be better in 2010

Start 2010 with a Plan - Start with Yoga in Ocho Rios

Everyone business person knows that adding value to your customer's experience is a key to being a successful business. Whether it's something as simple as remembering you as a valuable customer - or something as complicated as devising a new product or service - adding value is what it's al about these days. Royal Plantation In Ocho Rios, Jamaica has come up with a great value added proposition for lovers of self-help

A New Year, A New You Retreat at Royal Plantation in Ocho Rios from Jan. 7 to 11. 

The trip focuses on self-help strategies such as a daily, guided meditation; sunrise yoga on the beach; and a dance yoga program. There's also a "self-reflection in nature" hike plus introductory instruction in Ayurveda, the healing art and science that emerged alongside yoga in ancient India. 

A $200 spa credit comes with the package, as does a menu that includes vegan options. 

Kim Valeri, a yoga teacher, spiritual counselor and founder of YogaSpirit Studios, and Josh Immel, creator of Joyful Belly, the first online tool to manage an Ayurvedic diet, will lead the retreat. 

If you want to start the year off right, and begin investing in YOU this year (which is a better investment than something like Exxon-Mobil) this is a great place to start.

For more information, or to book your package today - you know who to call!

Why, because EZTravelpad understands Value-added and will deliver better pricing or extra add-ons over and above booking direct!

Mongolian Beef Tips over Steamed Rice

I don't know if this recipe is really from Mongolia, but I suspect it's inspired by Mongolian cooking. Try this for something easy - make it at lunchtime for dinner later - you won't regret it!

Ingredients-

• 2-3 Lb Flank Steak
• 2T Olive Oil
• 1 Large Onion
• 1 Bunch Green Onions
• 1/2 cup Corn Starch
• 1 cup Water
• 1 cup Brown Sugar
• 3/4 cup Soi Sauce
• 1 cup Hoisin Sauce
• 1T Minced Garlic
• 1t Minced Ginger

Cut steak into small bite size pieces & brown over medium heat for a few minutes. Toss with corn starch and set aside while preparing other ingredients

Slice onion (thinly) and green onions

Place all ingredients into slow cooker set on low. Cook for 5 hours. Serve over steamed rice

EZTravelpad Beats other Internet Pricing by $10 pp - Please Read

Reason #34 to use Travel Agent - Price Beat by $10 pp plus N/C Consultation

I see it all the time, people spending hours searching for the lowest fare, or the best deal- only to become frustrated or confused by all of the options available. Why? To save money? Thrill of the hunt? Boredom?

Do you know that EZTravelpad is not charging consulting fees? Do you realize what that can mean?

Imagine it's tax time. You have taxes to file. You have a box full of receipts. You have choices-

1. You can spend several hours sorting through your receipts doing it yourself
2. You can go buy Turbotax and do it with the computer's help
3. You can take the box of receipts to your tax professional

Option #1 is the cheapest - Doing it yourself is the least expensive way to go, right? - provided that you don't consider your time (time is money, remember?). -Or -Maybe it's just fun to do your own taxes 

- So how many people do you know that get a great deal of satisfaction doing their own taxes? Some, but is it your idea of fun? Do you know all the ins and outs? Sure- you have friends that can give you advice, but can you trust their advice more than your tax professional's advice?

Option #3 is the Safest -  After all, your tax pro TRAINS to know all there is to know, and has RESOURCES to help prevent errors - that's why they make money - they know what they're doing and you turn to them for their expertise! 

So What in the world does all this accounting have to do with TRAVEL?

What if you had the option of using an experienced accounting firm that PAID YOU to do your taxes?

Would it make sense to use the experienced firm, or do it yourself (and pay more)?

Your Travel Agency Can Be A Free Resource

Here's what it has to do with travel - EZTravelpad has business relationships with dozens of suppliers, and we have buying power of a top travel agency (because we are affiliated with a top travel agency). 

Many of our suppliers have price guarantees - for example... often we can beat the price you find elsewhere - usually by up to $10 per person. No one can offer the lowest price all the time, but with a price guarantee you can rest assured that you are getting the best value available.

Another reason many people choose the travel agent route - the thank you gift. Sometimes it might be a gift basket, arranged in conjunction with the local tourism bureau.....or maybe a bottle of wine or On-board credit welcoming you when you arrive at your cabin- other times it's something else. Whatever it is, it's more than you received from the online booking engine!

So you can have a free consultant, or you can do it yourself... it's your choice.