History of Thalassotherapy
I am well familiar with the term 'Thalassotherapy' but really couldn't describe what it was so this is what I found out...
Thalassotherapy has been around for centuries. Also known as Seaweed therapy or Algae therapy. The amazing properties of seaweed have been used around the globe by humans for thousands of years. For some reason although big in Europe and Asia Thalassotherapy really hasn't caught on in Ameica.
Air Transat has rolled out their new interior for the Airbus A330 and are (rightly so) lauding its updated and upgraded features. Their words - "Say farewell to Air Sardine !"
The fully redisigned interior is roomier and boasts the latest in style and design, including most significantly more legroom. For those of you who are firm believers in Transat's Club cabin you have to know that the new aircraft has a seat number reduction in the Club cabin down to 12 seats from 31. This allows for more room in both the Club cabin and in the regular seating section.
On the topic of cruising which has always been popular, I am reminded of Newton’s Law ‘For every action there is an opposite and equal reaction.'
Two years ago I took advantage of an invitation to sail on Royal Caribbean’s ‘Oasis of the Seas’. Many of you know about the Oasis, and now her twin the Allure and are aware of the fact that she carries a staggering 6000 plus passenger load. I must say she is a gorgeous ship and is truly built to handle 6000 plus passengers. Both ships are so popular that in fact we have clients already booked for September 2013 just to make sure they can get the same staterooms they had last year which illustrates how much in demand she is with new and repeat passengers.
Ever thought of a 'Spa' Holiday?
For those of us who wish to get away at the end of winter and have no wish to lay on a beach or spend time in a casino a Spa Holiday can be just the thing to enjoy and to rejuvenate. Along with our stay in a beautiful, historic spa town we will have daytrips to Venice, Verona, Padua, a castle for a wine tasting and an amazing shopping outlet. Now this is a Break !
I had an interesting conversation a few days ago with a lady looking to join one of our tours. She asked me why we didn't include more meals? I have been asked this question many times and as usual I mentioned that we always include breakfast but do not include lunches and dinners (other than frequently a welcome dinner). Large tour groups frequently do include meals but in fact it is more a matter of logistics for the tour company to efficiently accommodate groups of 35 to 45 participants in one place at one time.
I have been having a great time reconnecting with Havana.
Along with seeing the current work on all the restoration of HABANA VIEJA (Old Havana) I have been to see Beunavista social Club and great Jazz Clubs playing both Bolero and 'young jazz'. The musicians are amazing.
In November 2014, I set out with 13 wonderful women on a tour through Vietnam and Cambodia. We started in Hanoi, one of Asia's most fascinating cities, then continued with a Halong Bay cruise aboard a deluxe 'junk', a traditional Vietnamese sailing vessel then onto the delightful cities of Hue and Hoi An and through to Saigon. We also included Cambodia. During this wonderful tour, we visited not one but four UNESCO World Heritage sites!
It seems like a new travel trend that's catching on. Small women's tours that balance time for yourself with time to see local sights in historic towns.
In the past, there have been three types of women's specialty trips:
But we believe a new travel trend is out there and catching on FAST. The combination retreat/organized activity trip. This trip seems to be a perfect balance – travel to an amazing location, relax and have some personal time during part of each day then go out with others to explore and soak up local culture for the rest of the day.
The 436 passenger American Queen was re-christened at the Beale Street Landing in Memphis on April 27 by her godmother, Priscilla Presley. The American Queen is now travelling out of her home port of Memphis, along the great Mississippi and its tributaries to cities such as Vicksburg, Louisville, St. Louis, New Orleans and Pittsburgh.Riverboats on the Mississippi represent a storied chapter in American history and folklore, harking back to the 19th century and the writings of Mark Twain. Great American purchased the vessel from the government last year and then completely refurbished it.
I've just happened upon the most delicious list – The Best Afternoon Teas in London. They all look spectacular! I'm struggling to figure out how we'll choose next time in London.
There are the traditional ones at Harrods, The Dorchester and The Savoy. If we're already shopping at Harrods, their time-honoured tea would be a sure winner.
Or, the Dorchester Hotel boasts a scone recipe that's been served for over 50 years. AND the Dorchester being one of the higher end hotels in London - wouldn't it be grand to have tea and find myself sitting next to Maggie Smith? Or perhaps Maggie will be at The Savoy, imbibing in their Royal Treatment tea.
Well, here it is – the depths of winter. So far, it's been a rough winter in northern America and warm climates are on your mind. You have the time. You have the money. So now, the travel dilemma ...go solo or find a friend to go with?
If you travel solo:
You can decide where you want to go with no ties to someone else.
You need only consider your own financial means.
You don't need to worry about someone else's schedule.
Once at your destination, you decide what activities you want to do.
You'd feel a sense of pride and accomplishment to do it on your own.
BUT, travelling alone is:
Lonely. it's not easy eating alone in a restaurant.
