EZTravelpad

Small Ship Cruising in Alaska

 

Cruise in Alaska on a Small Ship Offers Unparalleled Experiences

 

 

Size Matters

Many people have experienced the wonders of Alaska on a large cruise ship doing a 7 night itinerary either southbound, northbound or perhaps a round trip on the inside passage - large ships with entertainment and casinos can be a great way to see many of the wonders of of largest of these United States of America - but few have experienced the intimate nature that can only be realized from a small ship cruising Alaska

Itineraries that range from 7 nights to 21 night are available from April until September

There are several companies who offer amazing vacations of discovery that range from adventure to luxury - from wildlife discovery to nature hikes  - to interacting with locals who are completely off the beaten path in areas that simply are unattainable on a larger ship

One such option is Un-Cruise Adventures formerly known as Innersea Discoveries or American Safari Cruises
Un-Cruise adventures range in style from

• Active Adventures 
• Luxury Adventures 
• Heritage Adventures

you can even charter your own vessel on ships that range from as few as 22 guests to a maximum of 88 guests on the largest ship in the fleet

A Heritage Adventure is a completely unique experience aboard a Victorian style replica of a coastal steamer which is scheduled for a greater quantity of shore visits and port calls and where on-board presentations are delivered by knowledgeable historians and characters appear in period costume.

Fine wines, Premium spirits and micro brews are included as well as the freshest excellent cuisine

Active Adventures are defined by play - be it in the water, in the woods - or even in the mud. The outdoor activities include more outdoor guides on staff to help with kayaking and stand up paddle boarding - hiking and treking - glacier viewing, glacier hikes, whale watching, wildlife observation & Polar Bear Plunge....all this and more are experienced on a daily basis

Luxury Adventures are slightly different in that although the itinerary might be similar Premium wines, Premium liquors and Micro Brews enhance the gourmet cuisine and finer dining which is served over several courses. Cabins are larger and more luxuriously appointed, the full bathrooms often feature jacuzzis and heated tile floors, Temperpedic memory foam beds and more... Fitness equipment, Saunas, On-deck hot tubs and even complimentary massage enhance the Alaska experience in ways you never thought possible

Take the Kids on a an unforgettable adventure - let them kiss an iceberg up close and personal!

Take your spouse on that special trip that none of your neighbors, co-workers or Facebook friends has ever experienced

Have a 1-of-a-kind Honeymoon experience

Take yourself to new heights of discovery....experience!

For more info on this or other vacation options get with "Your friends....in the travel business" at EZTravelPad

 

Feel the Need for Therapy? - Try Vacation Therapy

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That's right - sometimes you just need to catch a little fresh air in a different place to clear your head - rejuvenate - recharge

There are dozens of offers ranging from 2 for 1 - to Frre air - to shipboard credits - to - Free hotel nights - to pre-paid gratuities and much more...

But the main thing is to get the help you deserve - the help that EZTravelPad can offer - help that is all complimentary!

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Vietnamese Coffee

 

by Becca Smith

I have an absurd coffee habit. Always have & always will. Growing up it seemed weird to most people that this tiny 12-year-old girl was addicted to coffee, but luckily now that I am in college it seems to be slightly more socially acceptable. However, it was a habit that I had to break during my 5 month stint living in Bangkok. Instant coffee was in abundance, and around every corner were street vendors selling the sweetest iced coffee known to man- thanks to the always reliable cans of condensed milk that rule Southeast Asia. But what I craved was a wonderful hot, strong mug of drip coffee. My trip to Vietnam brought so much more.

I fell deeply in love with Vietnam, as most of the visitors to country do (e.g. Anthony Bourdain). I loved everything about it — the food, the people, the culture, the Asian-meets-French architecture, but mostly I loved the coffee. I had at the very least 3 cups a day. (I had to make up for what I would be lacking when I returned to Bangkok.)

There was one cafe in Hue that I loved visiting. It faced what is known in English as the Perfume River. It looked to be fairly popular with the Vietnamese in the area and it was packed full. I found a seat at the very edge of the cafe at a bar-like structure looking out over the Perfume River. The waiter brought me out a small glass with a line of the ever-useful condensed milk filling the bottom and a small Phin filter on top. The coffee in Vietnam was a robusta-which is insanely dark and bitter coffee. It is the most available in Vietnam. 

This is why the condensed milk is so perfect 1)Vietnam is located in Southeast Asia where condensed milk can be used in anything and everything. Ice cream is even topped with condensed milk to make it that much sweeter. It is cheap and it is everywhere. 2)The intense sweetness of condensed milk is the perfect balance to the bitterness of the coffee. It is the perfect concealer to how strong the coffee you are enjoying is. 

But soon enough my body was always aware of just how much caffeine I had consumed. Between the sugar from the milk and the caffeine from the coffee, I had more than enough energy to explore all of Vietnam in one day. It was a great feeling. 

I purchased a few phin filters from tourist shops in Vietnam. I suspect that the quality was subpar, but nevertheless every once in awhile I attempt to make Vietnamese coffee at home. I drink it and pretend that I'm back exploring Southeast Asia instead of stuck in real life - working and getting ready for summer to end and another year of school to start.  

Next time that you are out at a Vietnamese restaurant, try some Vietnamese coffee after enjoying a bowl of Pho (oh what I wouldn't give for Pho right now.) 

ScottOr better yet talk to about planning your own trip to Southeast Asia to get the most authentic (and energizing) cup of Vietnamese coffee. 

 

We All Make Mistakes (Especially in Traveling)

By Becca Smith 

On my eight month journey to Spain and Southeast Asia, I spent time in six different countries, and went through customs 12 different times- so there were sure to be some bumps along the way. I feel like it is not a successful trip unless something a little cooky happens- like the time in Madrid when I dropped my full suitcase down an escalator, nearly taking out an entire family. Anyway - I made some mistakes when it came to getting through customs and continuing my journey in the smoothest way possible.

 

For instance, I switched airlines in Milan on my way to Madrid and I guess I did not get the memo that I was supposed to pick up my suitcase and recheck it in with my new airline. So of course, when I landed in Madrid - my suitcase was not there to greet me. Definitely talk with stewardesses if you have a short layover, especially if you have to go through customs. I thought that I knew what I was doing - and I was wrong. So a week later - I received my luggage. Always make sure that you pack a change of clothes, toothbrush, comb, soap or anything that you might need in the case of lost luggage.

I would always look up any information that I would need to cross a border before I left on my trip- like the exact requirements for obtaining a visa (documents, money, length of stay that was allowed.) And then I would always double check the requirements for getting back into the country to which I would be returning.  I found that embassy’s websites are usually the best sources. However, I once made a huge mistake.

It is important to pay attention to if visas can be issued upon arrival or if you need to apply for it beforehand.

There was one morning I woke up at 5 in the morning in Bangkok, gathered all my luggage, hailed a taxi, and took the long drive to the airport only to be told that I was not allowed on my flight to the city of Hanoi in Vietnam. I had applied for my visa too late and the paperwork had not gone through (I forgot to take into account that the weekends were not business days- rookie mistake.) So $200 to change my flight and two days later - I made my way to Vietnam with the proper paperwork in hand.
I made another silly mistake of overstaying my visa by just a couple of days. Well... it was a continuation of my first mistake of not buying a multiple entry visa. If you are going to one country for a long period of time, I would definitely buy a multiple entry visa because you are going to want to travel to other countries in the region. 

Anyway...  I’ll never forget handing my passport to the customs officer as I departed Thailand - feeling like my heart was going to pound out of my chest. Of course I knew that they were not going to throw me in jail for staying two days longer than I was supposed to, and all that I could expect was a fine. But still, it was scary. There’s a certain amount of corruption that occurs in Thailand so I use that to justify my fear. Luckily, for whatever reason, I did not even get fined (but I paid with years off of my life, let me tell you.)

So I guess my general advice to you is to

•Careful when carrying a heavy suitcase on an escalator

•Make sure you know what to do and where to go when your layover is only an hour

•Pack some essentials in your carryon

•Check with embassies about visa requirements and be prepared

•Make sure you purchase the proper visa for you & know its limitations

 Of course, you can always use a travel agency to help with some advice, advance planning, and to be there as a back up when things do go wrong.... EZTravelPad is here to help in advance planning and consultations - all without any fees!

Beauty in Ruins - Angkor Wat on a Glorious Morning

by Becca Smith

 

There is a very limited number of things that I have in common with Angelina Jolie, but a new, deep love for Cambodia is something that we could bond over with a bottle of wine. There are so many reasons why Cambodia is so special, but one thing that I am going to remember for the rest of my life is the sunrise at Angkor Wat.

 

We woke up at 5:30 in the Cambodian city of Siem Reap, climbed into the tuk tuk that we had rented for the day, drove through miles of rural Cambodian landscape in the darkness until we arrived at the ancient sandstone Buddhist temple that was built in the 12th century and has been abandoned since the 15th century. All of my research has come up with different dates, but all sources have stated that it was inhabited for 300-400 years, and that’s longer than United States has been in existence. That was a thought that kept chilling my bones - a place that was thriving for that long (longer than the United States thus far), is nothing more than a tourist destination now.

After finally getting there, I found a spot on one of the on-looking temples as the silhouette of Angkor Wat was illuminated into life by the most gorgeous sunrise I have ever witnessed. It was as if a higher-being was atoning to Cambodia for all the ugliness of war and horrific violence with breathtaking sunrises- a promise of hope for the future for these wonderful people. I remember the whole thing happening in slow motion and in silence. I’m sure that the hundreds of people that were with me were talking and marveling at the beauty as they snapped pictures - but I might as well have been completely alone in peaceful silence.

 

My entire experience at the ruins in Cambodia was amazing and indescribable, but nothing compared to the sunrise at Angkor Wat. To think of people over a thousand years ago seeing a sunrise over the exact structure that I was looking at was a life changing experience for me.

 Angkor Wat - UNESCO Site

 

Meet Becca - Butler University Student Intern

    A quick note from Scott @ EZTravelPad.... Meet Becca, one of the Butler University interns working with EZTravelPad this summer - Welcome Becca - what do you think?

 

    As you read through EZTravelPad's blog you might start to notice an odd obsession developing with Southeast Asia and everything to do with it. This can only be explained by the addition of one Becca Smith. I am now a senior at Butler University. 

    I spent the fall semester of my junior year studying in Bangkok, Thailand. To say that I fell in love with Southeast Asia is an understatement - the people, the culture, the food, the architecture. I had so many different experiences that I can't wait to share, and I spent a majority of my time plotting how I will return to Southeast Asia upon graduating Butler. 

    Before my time in Bangkok, I spent three months in a small village in Spain living with a family and teaching their young boy how to speak convesational English. I did not get to travel as much in Spain and learned mostly about Spanish culture in everyday life at home. I have lots of stories to share about Spain as well! 

    I'll try not to write too compulsively about the same regions all the time and want to explore all the different places that I am interested in going - Mexico, Central and South America, Africa, and Australia. 

    I love everything about traveling - from the planning to  actual transport to learning all about other cultures, as well as relaxing and just enjoying the scenery. Maybe writing about it will be enough of an outlet to get me through the rest of my time until graduation! 

 

 

 

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!