EZTravelpad

5 Days of Fun on Carnival Destiny

Carnival Destiny Offers Maximum Fun at Modest Prices

 

 

You are never far away from The Drink of The Day on a Carnival cruise- after all, that's where much of their profit comes from, so you know that you won't go long without someone offering you a refreshment!

If you've been on a cruise before then you know that the food (generally) is included in the modest price. I say generally because many cruise lines have recently begun offering premium dining options- fine Italian, Steakhouse, Teppanyaki grill and more - but I digress...

 One of te things that amazes me is how many people never even make it to the dining room once - even for dinner - but ESPECIALLY for lunch. Most people are content to stand in long lines at the buffet waiting for a mediocre burger or taco bar, a crime, escpecially when there is a perfectly good dining room just waiting for you to stop by and be served something interesting....like maybe a California Roll

 

 Entertainment abounds- for a sense of some of the things that you can do to have fun see What is there to do on a Cruise Ship this, of course does not even consider the poolside games and contests - or movies on the big screen...

 

 When activities and entertainment give way to quiet and relaxation, the adults only area at the rear of the Lido deck may be just the ticket- get some sun and read a book- catch a hot tub or take a nap....(note, the roof is retractable so even during inclement weather it's a nice escape)

 

 But when nap time is over the sports deck is waiting (and the casino probably is too)...

 

On our most recent cruise we occupied an Oceanview stateroom that looked EXACTLY like this- very spacious- surprisingly spacioos...

Earlier we noted how economical crusing can be- check this out.

Carnival Destiny is currently sailing 4 and 5 night itineraries to various Caribbean destinations starting from $249 per person (plus tax). That's probably less money than you would spend driving to the enge of town to stay in the Ramada and eat fast food for the entire time - but here you have a comfortable cabin, and good dining choices (steak, lobster, molten cake!!) plus there's the entertainment - the duty free shopping - the new friends you'll make singing Karaoke or catching the game in the sports lounge....and the adventures you can have in the ports you will visit!!

So yes, there is fun to be had on a cruise ship, Carnival is 1 option - but there are more.

For trusted advice at a fair price (often free) turn to EZTravelpad. No matter where you want to go, if we haven't bee there we know someone who has, and can give you the facts you need to know- and the expertise to help you go.

Adventures by Disney- Outside the Theme Parks and into National Parks & More

Adventures by Disney Offers Highest Quality Tours

• Not interested in a "tour", but want to take the kids to see the Western US?
• Thought of taking the family on a European vacation but afraid the kids would be bored?
• Interested in the highest quality family trip available right now?

Think Adventures by Disney - here, take a peek...

 

 

 

Adventures by Disney marries the Disney level of exceptional quality with destination tours across the globe - a great Marriage!

Adventures await from close to home-

• Washington, DC
• Grand Canyon
• Yellowstone
• Alaska

to far, far away places such as-

• Italy
• Ireland
• China
• Costa Rica
• South Africa
• Egypt
• Galapagos Islands

A sample itinerary to the Western US looks like this (just the highlights- the whole itinerary looks really amazing!)

Trip Highlights

• Monument Valley Off-Road Excursion

  Climb aboard a 4x4 jeep for your very own Navajo-guided, off-road excursion to the beautiful buttes and magical mesas of Monument Valley. See the secret corners of the Valley and marvel at the geological wonders!

• Grand Canyon Hike

  Discover one of the seven wonders of the natural world as a naturalist guide takes you off the beaten path for a stunning Grand Canyon hike and drive along the South Rim.

• Colorado River Rafting

  Soak up the sights of the spectacular landscape on an exciting yet leisurely Colorado River rafting (Class I-II) adventure for the whole family.

• Cowboy Cookout and Entertainment

  Kick up your heels at a fun-filled cookout on the banks of the Colorado River! Meet a real cowboy and chow down on some down-home cookin'!

• Arches National Park

  Step into a surreal landscape dotted with sky-scraping sandstone land arches and hike to its crown jewel, the Delicate Arch. Learn the living geological history of a million years and marvel at mother nature's wild side.

 

Interested in what you can do? Where you can go? How many memories you can make?

EZTravelpad is a great place to start- you are guaranteed the best pricing and help all along the way! After all, you can trust "Your friends....in the travel business"

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!

Volunteer Tourism with i-to-i .... Meaningful Travel

What is Volunteer Tourism all about ?

Check out this video - it could change your life

Giving Back Can Mean Getting More

It's a basic philosophy - the more you give, the more you receive
Giving of yourself repays you in dividends throughout your life
Givers Gain
You may have already read a bit about i-to-i volunteer tourism.
Clicking this link allows you to search their website for a wide variety of life changing tours starting at only around $450 per week. Costa Rica is not the only destination, but it is one of the easiest and most economical to reach.

Volunteer in Costa Rica

When you volunteer in Costa Rica with i-to-i your time and effort will make a huge difference. You will also gain a deeper understanding of the country by working alongside local people or teaching English. We have a wide range of volunteering in Costa Rica projects including building homes, community development, conservation, sports coaching and teaching English in Costa Rica.

Can you imagine helping this little guy hatch from his egg, then turning him loose into the Caribbean surf?

Do you think that is something you could ever forget?

Ranges of Tours Available

• Wildlife Conservation
• Building Projects
• Environmental conservation
• Community Involvement
• Teach Sports
• Teach English
• Work with Children

Ask yourself, do you want another couple of weeks laying on the beach drinking beer (not that there's anything wrong with that) then dancing 'til dawn
or
Do you want to create a unique memory that will last a lifetime & make a difference is YOUR world ?

Discounts Available

i-to-i has made special arrangements for me to offer an additional discount thru 8-31-09 on any tour they offer. In other words, use your travel agent for better pricing than what is otherwise available!

Eco-Paradise Awaits Costa Rica offers the complete package

Costa Rica - Pura Vida - Pure Life

If you haven't yet been to the Eco-paradise of Costa Rica, there may never be a better time than now to plan your trip.
There are so many different ways to experience the natural wonders of this Central American wonder.

• Surfing in Jaco
• All-inclusive in Guanacaste
• Volcano watching in the interior
• Helping restore Sea Turtle populations on a Voluntourism vacation
• Shopping for a retirement home in San Jose
• Investing in a vacation home at Jade in Manuel Antonio
• Hiking National Parks across the country
• White Water Rafting
• Canopy Tours (Zip Lines)
• Private home rentals in out of the way areas

There may not be a more friendly population than the Ticos. There may not be a more safe destination south of the border.
Costa Rica, literally, has it all!

Here is a sample of what is available on a 9 day / 8 night tour from Latour
TOUR INCLUDES:

• 1 night at the Grano de Oro Hotel, in San Jose
• 2 nights at the Pachira Lodge, in Tortuguero
• 3 nights at the brand new Arenal Springs Resort, in Arenal
• 2 nights at the Parador Hotel, in Manuel Antonio
• Buffet Breakfast Daily and all hotel taxes
• All transfers within Costa Rica – mostly by Private Car!
• Rainforest Exploration Program in Tortuguero (all meals and excursions)
• Half day Arenal Volcano & Fortuna Hot Springs Tour
• Half Day Sky Tram & Sky Trek Adventure (Zip Lines) in Arenal
• Half Day Manuel Antonio National Park Tour
• All Hotel Taxes & Service Charges
  

For the best in advice on how to best experience Costa Rica, consult with someone who has been there. Someone who has people there - [email protected]

Make a difference in YOUR OWN life while on vacation helping others

Want to be more than a tourist?

Have you got a taste for adventure? Do you want to make a real difference to the places you visit rather than just passing by? If so, why not combine adventure travel with important volunteer projects. Imagine… spotting a herd of wild Elephants in South Africa before teaching some English lessons to local children… or hurtling through the Costa Rican jungle on a zip wire after helping save endangered leatherback turtles. Your adventure starts here

Ever want to make a difference in someone else's life?
Ever want to make a difference in the survival of a species? of your environment?
Ever want to go somewhere that NOBODY you know has ever been?
Ever want to just take an exotic adventure that didn't cost an arm and a leg?
Most importantly - ever want to make a difference in YOUR LIFE?
Are you ready to find out how?

Voluntourism

Ok, what is Voluntourism?
Combine Volunteer and Tourism - there, you have it....Voluntourism

I just finished a webinar from a company called i-to-i
They specialize in Life Changing Travel
Who's lives are they changing? Everyone's!
Their presentation was fascinating, and I just have to share-

So what do they do? To fully answer that question would require much more space than I have today, but let me just say that they offer experiences to places you have only dreamed of, at prices you won't believe. Affordable - VERY affordable
Sure, I've often thought about volunteering but didn't know how to or where to go. now I do.

Consider travel - click here for an interesting perspective
Consider caring for a Panda - click here to learn how
Consider building a house in Honduras - click here to experience
Consider helping a move turtle eggs to safety in Costa Rica, or caring for Lion cubs in South Africa

Where to you want to go?

• Kenya
• South Africa
• Tanzania
• Uganda
• Zambia
• Cambodia
• India
• Vietnam
• Nepal
• Sri Lanka
• Argentina
• Brazil
• Ecuador
• Costa Rica
• Peru
• Australia

What do you want to do?

• Build
• Work with Communities
• Teach Sports
• Work with Wildlife
• Work with Children

There are so many fascinating and rewarding adventures available for as little as a week, or as long as a year - you make the choice.
You're not too old.
You're not too young.
You can afford it today.
You will remember it for a lifetime.

for detailed information please contact [email protected]

Costa Rica on a Dime!

If the eco-tourism paradise is in your future, here is a great value - from $995 (plus air). This tour takes you across the entire landscape of Costa Rica - coast to coast, and gives you memories to last a lifetime

Begins and Ends: San Jose, Costa Rica

Note: Itinerary applies to 2009 departures. The 2008 itinerary is available in our 2008 brochure.

Day 1 – San José, 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 José 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 8:00 p.m. welcome briefing. D

Day 2 – Poás Volcano, Cloud Forest Hike

After breakfast, see the statue of the drummer boy, Costa Rica’s hero. Next, weather permitting, visit Poás Volcano. You can safely view this dramatic mile-wide 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. Enjoy lunch. Then, see San José’s Plaza de la Cultura, Central Park and the National Theatre. Visit the National Museum (on Mondays, visit the Gold Museum instead). Enjoy dinner. BLD

Day 3 – Rainforest Aerial Tram

Scenic morning drive through Braulio Carrillo Park. Look for cascading waterfalls. Then, a thrilling adventure into the heart of the rainforest. Glide through the jungle canopy on the world famous rainforest aerial tram, rated one of Costa Rica’s top tourist attractions. Next, with a naturalist guide, enjoy a short rainforest hike on level terrain. Enjoy lunch. 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 a two night stay at your lodge. After dinner in Tortuguero, a naturalist talks about the rainforest. 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 Caño 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 your lodge’s swimming pool and tropical flower gardens. Enjoy an afternoon boat excursion into Tortuguero Park. Look for otters, turtles and manatees. Dinner. BLD

Day 5 – San Carlos Valley, Fortuna

Morning cruise on Tortuguero River. Enjoy lunch. Visit a pineapple plantation. Next, through scenic countryside to the San Carlos Valley for a two night stay in Fortuna. Dinner. BLD

Day 6 – Caño 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 Caño 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 at the Hanging Bridges. Here you can hike on six suspension bridges, through lush tropical rainforest canopy. Enjoy views of a waterfall and look for tropical birds. Later, a spectacular drive around Lake Arenal. Enjoy lunch. Next, enter the Guanacaste province. Drive through the only tropical dry forest in Costa Rica. Then, to Costa Rica’s Central Pacific Coast for a two night stay. Dinner is at your resort. BLD

Day 8 – Central Pacific Coast, Manuel Antonio

This morning drive by the Carara Biological Reserve. This tropical bird and wildlife sanctuary is one of the world’s few nesting places for the scarlet macaw. Then, visit Manuel Antonio National Park, home to the playful rare squirrel monkey. Time to beachcomb or swim at the pristine beaches (on Mondays, visit Manuel Antonio’s beautiful public beaches instead). Lunch. Return to your resort to enjoy leisure time. Dinner. BLD

Day 9 – Handicrafts, Coffee Plantation

Morning drive to the Central Valley. Time to shop for colorful handicrafts, including painted oxcarts. Enjoy lunch. Then, visit a coffee plantation. Pick a few beans when in season. Sample fresh Costa Rican coffee and learn about the history of the coffee bean. Return to San José. Farewell dinner. BLD

Day 10 – San José

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

for more info contact [email protected]