EZTravelpad

Carnival Cruise to South America - see Machu Picchu, Galapagos, Rio & More

See America del Sur (South America) on a "Fun Ship" with  Carnival Cruises

Yes, there is an entire continent to explore just south of - well, Panama - but still pretty close as continents go, I mean heck, it's close enough to share our last name (if you live in the US of A or North America that is)

So what, you ask is there to see there? A LOT, read on....

Carnival Splendor will offer three South America voyages in February and March 2013. A 17-day “South America Explorer” cruise will depart Long Beach Feb. 3 and arrive Santiago (Valparaiso), Chile, Feb. 20, 2013, visiting Cabo San Lucas and Huatulco, Mexico; Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala; Quito (Manta),

Ecuador, where guests can embark on an excursion to the Galapagos; Lima (Callao), Peru, offering an opportunity to visit Machu Picchu; and Arica, Chile.

A 13-day “Fjords, Glaciers & Patagonia” voyage will operate from Santiago (Valparaiso) to Buenos Aires, Argentina, Feb. 20 to March 5, 2013, calling at Puerto Montt, Chile, before cruising the Chilean Fjords and Darwin Channel. This breathtaking itinerary is followed by calls at Punta Arenas, Chile; Ushuaia and Puerto Madryn, Argentina; and Montevideo, Uruguay.

An 18-day “Brazilian & Caribbean Splendor” voyage sailing from Buenos Aires to New York March 5-23, 2013, will feature ports that include Rio de Janeiro, Salvador, Recife, and Fortaleza, Brazil; Bridgetown, Barbados; and Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos Islands.

If you have some time to spare and a willingness to experience a huge part of the world that shares so much with the US (after all, South America is part of the "New World" also) then get with EZTravelPad for ideas. There are many, many ways to see the world, and a Carnival cruise is one affordable way

Best Cruise of Your Life? If Beauty and Luxury and Whales Appeal....

Paul Gauguin Cruises - and Whales - and South Pacific

A Truly Once-In-A-Lifetime Experience Awaits

I receive hundreds of emails on a typical day - most from someone or some company pitching something - a deal, a special, a promo code. The vast majority never even get opened because for the most part they are a dime-a-dozen..... but some are special - some desrve a closer look - some even deserve to be shared - here is one of them that deserves a much closer look and to be shared....

 

 

Australs & Society Islands Save 50% off standard cruise fares plus enjoy FREE airfare from Los Angeles

From July to October humpback whales teem in the waters off the Australs island of Rurutu, delighting divers with their graceful antics and haunting songs. The deluxe m/s Paul Gauguin pays a visit to this special sanctuary on a unique itinerary that also features the idyllic Society Islands. Special Guest Hosts Enhance Your Clients' Experience Your clients will also have an opportunity to mingle with two very special guest hosts. We're pleased to welcome marine biologist Dr. Bruce Mate aboard for this one-departure-only sailing. His expertise of more than 40 years with marine mammals will enrich your clients' understanding during our visit to Rurutu. Paul Gauguin Cruises' own CEO, Richard Bailey, will also join us aboard. With more than 25 years of experience in the French Polynesian tourism market, Mr. Bailey (who also serves as President and CEO of Pacific Beachcomber - French Polynesia's largest luxury hotel and cruise operator) is renowned as a leader in the field of sustainable tourism and environmental responsibility. He will host a special cocktail party and "town hall" meeting during the cruise. Special Savings Available Reserve now, and your clients will also enjoy: Savings of 50% off standard cruise fares plus FREE airfare from Los Angeles -- an additional value of up to $3,200 per couple. Don't miss this unique opportunity for your clients to pay a rare visit to one of the world's prime locations for viewing humpback whales.

One departure only -- reserve today!

Australs & Society Islands 11 nights from only $5,297 September 1, 2012

When it's time for your next adventure contact EZTravelPad - for more information on..... The World!

Paul Gauguin Cruise Ship - Subtle Luxury

Paul Gauguin Cruises in South Pacific

If you read this blog frequently - even occasionally - you will see that I have posted much about my trip to French Polynesia (Tahiti) earlier this year and have several videos on EZTravelPad's YouTube Channel. Why? - simple - it was amazing. The beauty, the people, the food, the other travelers, it is simply one of the most romantic destinations on the planet. It interested me, and I needed to learn more - and sell it more, so recently I completed a specialist course pertaining to Paul Gauguin Cruises. Now I know what I need to know to more fully represent all of the amazing choices that are available on a vacation to French Polynesia.

 

Why Paul Gauguin Cruises? Here are a few of the reasons

Best Dining– 1st Place Small Ship"
Cruise Critic - Cruisers' Choice Award (2011)

That's right - of all the small ships cruising the planet, this ship was named best in dining, and to me that is so important!

Paul Gauguin cruises is owned by a parent company that offers a wide range of options throughout French Polynesia (without going into detail, their land based resorts were among my favorites) and their newest project is building The Brando

The Brando, a luxury eco-resort featuring 47 deluxe bungalow villas on the late actor's remote private island, 100% fully self-sustaining by renewable energy.

When it opens, this place won't just be on my Bucket List - it will be on top of my Bucket List....but back to Paul Gauguin

Paul Gauguin Cruises French Polynesia and The Cook Islands

French Polynesia

Comprised of 118 islands and atolls scattered over 1.5 million square miles in the South Pacific, the islands are divided into five island groups or archipelagos: the Marquesas Islands (North-East), the Tuamotu Islands (East), the Society Islands(West), the Austral Islands(South-West) and the Gambier Islands (South-East).
Of these, the Paul Gauguin visits the Society Islands, the Tuamotu, the Marquesas as well as the Cook Islands which are owned by New Zealand and in 2012 we will be visiting the Australs.
Each of the islands has its own particular charms and character, and warm, friendly people who have adapted the ancient rhythms of the ocean and the sun to the modern day. Consisting of either "high" volcanic islands or low lying coral atolls, aside from Tahiti itself and Bora Bora, the islands are still sparsely populated and remain mysterious and intriguing even in this modern day.

You will discover ports as varied and spectacular as a South Pacific sunset. Plus, thanks to the ship’s small size, you’ll visit spots that larger cruise ships just can’t reach - all in style and luxury aboard the award-winning m/s Paul Gauguin.

Tahiti is a year-round destination! It enjoys pleasant tropical weather that averages 80 degrees Fahrenheit, year-round. Situated south of the equator, the seasons in Tahiti are reversed:
-November to March is summer in Tahiti…warm, humid and often sunny.
-April to October is winter in Tahiti…typically warm and sunny.
The French Polynesian Islands enjoy a tropical climate with one of the highest numbers of hours of sunshine per year in the world at nearly 3000! Average air temperature is 79°F; average water temperature in the lagoons is a fairly constant 80°F.

What About Beyond Tahiti?

Moorea- (moh-oh-ray-ah), is only 11 miles from Tahiti and many visitors say it is worth the visit just to see the islands spectacular bays. The volcanic peaks, reflected in the waters of Cook's Bay and Opunohu Bay, rise like a shark's jaw from the island's base. The bustle of Papeete is behind you as we spot the sharp volcanic peaks on the horizon, crowned by a few pearly clouds. Shark sighting on nearly every dive makes this island a popular diving destination. At times a tuna will come by or dolphins will be heard clicking just out of sight.
A wide, shallow lagoon surrounds the island's vertical mountains where poetic threads of waterfalls tumble down fern-softened cliffs. Peaceful meadows flanked by pinnacles of green will fill your senses and renew your belief in the majesty of nature. Pastel-painted houses surrounded by gardens of hibiscus and birds of paradise, circle the island in a fantasy of happy, yet simple villages.
Polynesian legend describes the panorama of volcanic ridges as the second dorsal fin of the fish that became the island of Tahiti. These pinnacles later inspired the mythical "Bali Hai" that was based on James Michener's book, Tales of the South Pacific.

What's Included?

Depending on the category of your suite, you can select up to 2 bottles of spirits from m/s Paul Gauguin's extensive standard list; selections are available from the premium list at an additional charge. Soft drinks, bottled water and mixers are all available complimentary.
Additionally, guests can select blankets or duvets and the number and type of bed pillows, and even the types of fruits to be included in their basket!

This, of course, is in addition to excellent Polynesian entertainers on-board

 Ship Features

• Most luxurious ship to sail in Tahiti on a year-round basis
• Only 332 guests
• Crew to guest ratio of 1 to 1.5
• All oceanview accommodations, nearly 70% with balconies
• Space to guest ratio of nearly 58 to 1, one of the highest of any ship serving the North American market
• All onboard gratuities included
• Complimentary beverages including fine wines and premium spirits, soft drinks, bottled water, coffee and tea served throughout the ship
• Butler service in categories B and above, including in-suite bar setup and SoundDock® for iPod®
• In-suite mini-bar replenished daily with soft drinks, beer and bottled water
• State-of-the-art retractable Watersports Marina
• Onboard optional dive program
• Onboard lecture program
• Two elegant restaurants and one pool-side, all with single open-seating dining
• Well-being and vegetarian selections and special dietetic menus upon request
• WiFi hotspots throughout the ship
• Complimentary 24-hour room service
• Complimentary in-room dining
• Complimentary in-room movie channels and movies available

Accessing the tranquil waters of the South Pacific couldn't be easier due to the convenient watersports marina at the rear of the ship

 

More Regarding On-Board Lecture Program & Demonstrations

+ Jean-Michel Cousteau Oceanography Sailings-World-famous oceanographer and environmentalist Jean-Michel Cousteau joins us at some of the world’s premier diving locations. In addition to lectures with videos of his work, he will accompany several dives from the ship.
+Parisian Celebrity Chef Jean-Pierre Vigato Culinary Sailing -The Chef Proprietaire of the two-star Michelin-rated Restaurant Apicius in Paris, Chef Vigato will personally prepare gourmet dishes and also offer demonstrations of his culinary techniques.
+ Photography Workshop Sailings Jesse Kalisher & Roger Paperno - accomplished professional artists share their expertise during onboard lectures and hands-on photo-expeditions.

Thinking of Taking Young Ones?

Jean-Michel Cousteau's Ocean Futures Society -
Ambassadors of the Environment Youth Program
Explorer and environmentalist Jean-Michel Cousteau is committed to the belief that the survival of the world’s oceans depends on capturing the imagination at a young age. In order to ensure that conservation remains a priority among future generations, he created the Ambassadors of the Environment Youth Program under the auspices of the Ocean Futures Society.
This unique, groundbreaking program introduces young travelers (ages 9 to 17) to the extraordinary natural wonders of French Polynesia through direct, hands-on, interactive experiences with marine and island ecosystems. Young Ambassadors explore coral reefs, hike rainforest trails, and visit marae (ancient Polynesian temples). They also learn how black pearls and vanilla are cultivated, how volcanic islands become coral atolls, and how to paddle an outrigger canoe. Parents are encouraged to join children on some of the eco-excursions and other activities aboard and ashore. The Ambassadors of the Environment Youth Program is available on cruises during the summer months, as well as select holiday sailings for a nominal fee. Mr. Cousteau is also occasionally a guest on board.

Tip of the Iceberg

While there are no icebergs in French Polynesia, what I have just describes is just the tip of the iceberg in terms of what you can expect cruising French Polynesia with m/s Paul Gauguin. Here is an example for 10 mights-

The possibilities are endless, but you might

Snorkel with whales, swim with sharks, dive the "wall of sharks", hike, picnic on a private island, learn, experience and fall in love with a place so beautiful it will make you want to cry.

Hey, it's a short life and you better experience all that you can - while you can - and this is one experience that you would never regret splurging on.

For more info, and some unbelievable deals that are currently available, contact "Your friends....in the travel business" EZTravelPad

European River Cruises On Sale Now For Singles

Want to avoid the "Single Supplement" on your European River Cruise?

Uniworld, a leader in European River Cruising has recently announced that they are waiving the dreaded "Single Supplement" on many European River Cruises for departures in 2011. What does this mean?

What it means is tremendous savings for single travelers- Read on.

 

Traditionally cruise ships price their cabins for double occupancy. For example, if a departure is priced for $3000 per person, a single traveler can frequently pay 150-200% of that amount to travel alone! Yet, for many departures in 2011 Uniworld has waived the single supplement, meaning that single travelers can cruise many of the rivers of Europe at tremendous savings.

Some of the departures available this year are:

 

Enchanting Danube

7 nts Budapest-Passau

June 26, July 10 & 31,Aug 7, Oct 23, Nov 06

 

Castles Along the Rhine

7 nts Amsterdam-Basel 

Nov 6 & 13

 

Imperial Capitals of Europe

14 nts Istanbul- Vienna

April 16, July 17 & 25, Oct 10

 

Danube Holiday Market

7 nts Budapest- Passau

Dec 12 & 19

and there are many more from which to choose!

Do you love history, food, wine, architecture, and music?

A European River Cruise is something on the bucket list of most baby boomers seeking travel experiences that they can cherish for a lifetime. There is nothing quite like meandering along the rivers of Europe as castles and vineyards pass by just a few hundred yards in the distance. Essentially you experience a guided tour in a 4 star hotel at your own pace, and best of all, you see much of Europe but only need unpack once!

There is nothing quite like the enrichment and educational programs offered by the cruise lines that specialize in bringing The Old Country to life as you pass through the heart of Europe and see it from a perspective like those that navigated these waters centuries earlier.

So if you would love to see Europe from a unique perspective but don't have a travel partner, this is your opportunity.

You can do it yourself, or you can enlist the help of "Your friends....in the travel business" - EZTravelpad

We're here to help you enjoy your life to the fullest!

One for the Ladies - Sexy Polynesian Men in Tahiti

A Couple of Gifts for the Ladies- Polynesian Men Dancing in Tahiti and More

 

Recently I was fortunate to be able to travel to French Polynesia (Tahiti) to take part in a travel agent conference and tour of French Polynesia. We visited Tahiti, Bora Bora, Moorea, Raiatea & Huahine, and took in 3 Polynesian shows in all.

I can tell you that there are some very sexy Tahitian men running around! how do i know this? The ladies on the trip made it PERFECTLY clear that these men were Hot! Guys like this....

 

well, he's ok I guess....if you like your men fit and tan.

 

Here's a little clip from one of the Polynesian shows - one that I'm sure the ladies will love!

   

So short and sweet, that's just a little taste of what is in store for you if you make your way to Tahiti, which is just one of the Society Islands- The Society islands are one of 5 island chains that make up French Polynesia- known the world over for their incredible natural beauty and unbelievably friendly people.

Much more later on Tahiti, The Society island & French Polynesia- from EZTravelpad "Your firiends....in the travel business"

What Travel and Tourism Will Be Like in 2050

What WILL Travel and Tourism Be in 2050?

I just read an interesting article by Bruce Hodge of Goway Travel about some predictions for what travel and tourism will be like 40 years from now- quite different, no doubt. Think back 40 years ago- no Disney World....Cruise ships were rare, and strictly for the well-heeled - as was going on Safari. Flying overseas was also for the wealthy. All-inclusive resorts were very, very rare. Touring meant spending endless hours on buses with rigid schedules and limited photo opps. Sailing to Antarctica was strictly for the most adventurous scientist - now it is widely available for the leisure traveler!

So what predictions were made? here are a few beauties which may, or may not become a reality

• High-Tech Ceramic Fuselage on planes could make plane transparent for better passenger viewing
• Space Tourism offering both orbital and sub-orbital flights
• High Speed Rail (I think this guy isn't from the U.S.) becomes mainstream
• Airship Hotels will become the new cruise ship offering flights low and slow with breathtaking views
• Space Hotels (ok, thinking probably not the Super 8 chain)
• Beaches and Resorts you know today may need to relocate to higher ground due to rising sea levels
• China will be #1 destination & there will be more Chinese tourists worldwide than any other nationality
• Book Years in Advance for Top Tourism Sites and Monuments (due to increased population growth - very likely)
• Wilderness and Wildlife areas of today largely gone - several huge managed areas available to get back to nature
• Small Ship and Boutique Cruises to Exotic locations much more common
• Virtual Tourism has arrived and you can simulate most any experience

Do I believe that all of these predictions will materialize? Probably not, but many most likely will due to factors such as global climate change and global population growth. Many are inevitable, and as the global economy expands, once poor and remote countries will no longer remain so. Spreading Democracy will mean fewer wars and fewer countries that are inaccessible. Could you have imagined vacationing in Russia or China or Vietnam in 1970? Oh, you will be vacationing in Cuba and Iraq in 2050 - most likely LONG before that!

What does this mean to you? Hang on for the ride! If you want to see The Great Migration in East Africa

 

or experience certain glaciers you better plan to go soon because 40 years from now they may be a fading memory...

Oh, and the last prediction was for travel agents. They WILL still be around, but may be referred to as "Lifestyle Managers" - I like that.... see you in 2050, when EZTravelpad will still be "Your friends....in the travel business"

Checking in from Paradise aka French Polynesia- specifically.... Tahiti

Visiting French Polynesia to help YOU on your next trip

In looking back I have been really quiet recently and have not posted much. There's good reason though- I was getting ready to go - then in - then recovering from (translation- catching up on work) a recent trip to French Polynesia (Tahiti).

 

 

I went to French Polynesia as part of a travel agent study group- experts on the destination met to learn more. Certainly there were agents more experienced than I (having never been to Tahiti before), but it doesn't take long to get a feel for a destination, and 9 days on the ground makes a HUGE difference- particularly since we crammed about 3 weeks worth of work into 9 days- the pace was fast!

What did I learn? I learned why French Polynesia is the most romantic destination on the planet. I learned what makes each island unique. I learned the subtle differences between islands, and between various resorts on the same island - and I learned that this is NOT an inexpensive destination - but, as in most things in this life- you get what you pay for.

Check out the video attached and stay tuned to EZTravelpad over the course of the next several weeks for more videos, tons of photos, reviews, suggestions & ideas to help make your dream trip to the South Pacific the best trip ever.

Space Tourism- The Final Frontier.....is HERE

Space Tourism is Here, and "Affordable" with Rocketship Tours

A decade ago I never would have considered that I would be writing a blog post that would feed my Facebook page and also my Twitter stream, and I certainly never thought that the post would be about the affordability of space travel. Seriously.

Yet, here I am- at 5:30AM no less, writing about the affordability of space travel, writing about the possibility of YOU taking a rocket ride into space - NOW. Check it out here

Admittedly, it's not a budget trip. $95,000 is a healthy sum for an hour's trip up- but when you put it into context, if you are a successful physician or Wall Street broker or small business person with a half dozen McDonalds restaurants then that amount is about equivalent to a few days at Disney for a typical factory worker (as a percentage of income) - so yes, Space Travel is HERE.

So who do you call? Why, you call your space travel agent of course....

Ferrari Factory Tour & Driving a Ferrari on vacation- Y not?

Ferrari Driving Experience in San Marino

What European vacation would be complete without touring the Ferrari museum in San Marino or a factory and having a room overlooking the Ferrari factory in Maranello?

A room overlooking the Ferrari Factory....ok, thinking that the wife might have a problem with that part of it :)

 

Highlights of the Ferrari Vacation:
Test drive a Ferrari with the exclusive "Prova Ferrari" A guided visit to the Ferrari Gallery in the Maranello Ferrari Factory A guided visit to the Maranello Rosso Museum in San Marino featuring 25 of the most renowned Ferrari models followed by champagne refreshments One week car rental with unlimited mileage and all insurance and taxes	3 nights at the Grand Hotel di San Marino in a luxurious deluxe room 2 nights at the Planet Hotel in Maranello in a Junior Suite overlooking the Fiorano Race Track or Ferrari Factory One welcome dinner at the Grand Hotel Daily buffet breakfast and complimentary access to the Grand Hotel's wellness center 20% discount at Messegue Beauty Spa and on any a-la-carte menu at the Grand Hotel

 

Here's another experience that is available- and this would be Sooooo cool- driving a Ferrari around Monaco - on the F-1 circuit through the streets of Monte Carlo - HOW COOL is THAT? We can actually set that up while you are in port on your Mediterranean cruise this summer....

These are some of the experiences that your travel agent can help you put together.

OR

You can do it yourself - for the same money - and stay on hold internationally - and get cut off while holding - and misunderstand the res agent - and be on your own in case anything goes wrong.....

Ultimately- the choice is yours. Might want to check out EZTravelpad when you start making your plans to enjoy what this Big Old Word has to offer.....

 

Honeymoon and Destination Wedding Options

Specializing in Honeymoons and Destination Wedding Travel Arrangements

Just because I am a travel agent (or a travel adviser/consultant as I see it) does not mean that I know everything there is to know about every destination that people consider for their Honeymoon. The world is just too big - there are too many options and possibilities. That's why it is so important to choose a travel consultant who has a vast network of contacts that can help.

At EZTravelpad we network widely with the vast community of travel agents worldwide. One way is by constantly reading other agents' blogs - below you will see some ideas of Honeymoon options, and a link to a blog by another agent that specializes in that field - or niche. Obviously this is only a few of the most popular -

Making Memories to Last a Lifetime

When thinking about your Honeymoon, you may be thinking that you want to go somewhere to celebrate, yet save some money for new things to start your marriage. Sometimes it's not about what you have, but about the memories that you make, and a Honeymoon is all about creating memories that will last a lifetime- so don't cut yourself short. Do something fantastic with the budget you have available.

There are so many options-

Carolina Beaches

Perhaps you would prefer somewhere in the continental U.S. - like maybe Myrtle Beach for your Honeymoon might be a good choice. The Grand Strand is affordable, offers great beaches, plenty of entertainment options, shows, so much to enjoy. If you want to be in the heart of the action - or away from it all, there are choices accommodating everyone.

Disney

More people than you might think choose Disney for their Honeymoon. It really surprises me, yet at the same time it doesn't. A Honeymoon is all about selecting a quality product in a destination that is comfortable and interesting - plus entertaining, and these days a Disney vacation doesn't have to mean going to Florida or California, there are parks across the globe and also Disney Adventures can literally take you to Grand Canyon, Alaska, Egypt, Europe, Africa - it's amazing!

Mexico

Some people think that Mexico is unsafe, but so often the news reports we see and read more here are describing violence between rival gangs - violence that is occurring in ganglands and near the U.S. border - far away from the pristine beaches of the tourist areas of Riviera Maya or Los Cabos. For the couple that wants to Honeymoon in a tropical destination that offers affordable luxury Mexico may very well be the answer!

St Lucia

St Lucia offers perhaps the best and most romantic view in the world according to Oprah Winfrey. Now I may not be the world's biggest Oprah fan, but I know enough to know that if she says that something is the best, there's a pretty good chance that it is. For many couples a St Lucia Honeymoon or Destination wedding is the ultimate - and with good reason!

Adventure

Maybe you are thinking about a true adventure to somewhere that most people only ever dream about - say maybe an adventure like an African Safari? There once was a time when this type of adventure was ONLY for the wealthy, but not anymore. African travel is going mainstream and there are more options that are more affordable than ever. Your biggest investment will be the time, but isn't that what a Honeymoon is all about - spending quality TIME together sharing an experience that neither of you will ever forget?

The Final Frontier

We are probably still several years away from the average couple being able to Honeymoon by traveling to a space station but there are still many adventures that await here on this planet and EZTravelpad is here to help you discover the best Honeymoon for you and your fiance - a Honeymoon that will include memories to last a lifetime!