Boarding Pets

http://www.nowboardingpets.com/

What a fun company!

Wedding Show at Treasure Island, Red Wing, MN Nov 7, 2010

ISLAND DREAMS WEDDING SHOW
TREASURE ISLAND RESORT & CASINO

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2010

from 11:00am - 3:00pm

BRIDES STOP IN OUR OFFICE – FOR A FREE TICKET!

Stop by our Travel Leaders/Suntime Travel Booth
at the Island Dreams Wedding Show.
We look forward to seeing you!
Island Dreams offers you an elegant and fun opportunity to plan your wedding and to connect with the area's leading wedding professionals all in one day and one place! Discover the perfect menu, wedding accessories, flowers and more - everything you need to make your dream wedding as perfect as you've imagined. Make the most of your most precious resource, time and bring the fun back to wedding planning!

What? No more dirty cruise ships? Congrats!

Found this article:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/39800327/ns/travel-cruise_travel/

So happy to hear that the cruise lines are shaping up!!!!

Embarrasing Travel Gear

Too funny! These items could be very embarrasing!

http://www.independenttraveler.com/blog/?p=522

I think I'm going to have to snag a TUGO, for sure!!!

What NOT to pack (in your checked luggage)?

I find myself reading articles like this, and really want to share this with everyone!!!
Most of it seems like common sense, but sometimes we forget....
Here is the article:

http://www.consumertraveler.com/today/what-not-to-pack-in-checked-luggage-when-flying/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+tripso+%28Consumertraveler.com%29


There’s a general consensus about what travelers should definitely not check:

Electronic equipment:

- computers
- phones
- cameras
- I-pads

Valuable items:
- jewelry
- silver

Essential documents:
- travel papers including confirmation slips
- prescriptions and medications
- insurance papers
- passports
- sensitive work-related materials
……….and the list goes on.

Travel Leaders Pursuit of Paradise Sept 7-25, 2010

Who doesn't want to win a FREE trip!

Click here for details on this pursuit, and to download your puzzle game piece!!!

I visited Jamaica for the first time!

We had a wonderful trip to Jamaica....

Traveled August 2010

. . .

Overall impression was great!

We could not have asked for a better trip for our anniversary!!

Sandals Negril was wonderful!

Jeffrey the manager made sure we had a great time.

We were upgraded at check in to a

One Bedroom Penthouse Suite with Butler.

Boy, were we spoiled!

. . .

Here are my notes on Sandals Negril:

. . .

THE ROOM: At Sandals Negril, we had the pleasure of staying in a One Bedroom Penthouse Suite with butler. We had 2 butlers. The four poster bed, with white duvet cover, and pillows you could sink your head into for the night, was awesome. There was a plasma flat screen tv facing the bed, and another plasma slat screen tv in the living room area. The living room area had a couch and chair, coffee table and a table with chairs in the corner. The bathroom had a double sink, jacuzzi tub, walk in shower, and small separate toilet area. Huge bathroom area, plenty of room to move about. Our balcony was also very large, another couch out there, and table and chairs, and a nice drying rack for our wet clothes. Another drying rack inside. The view from our balcony was picture perfect.

I also had the opportunity to see two other room types at Sandals, the Millionaire Honeymoon Penthouse One Bedroom Suite with Whirlpool, and the Honeymoon Concierge Beachfront Walk-out room.

The Millionaire suite was almost identical to our room. It overlooked the gardens area, and was not as quiet as our room. The main road was not that far away, so I'm guessing at times, this room could be a bit noisy from the traffic.

The Honeymoon walk out was exactly what I would expect from a Sandals. Furnishings very nice, direct access to the beach from the little patio, fridge in room, and flat screen tv.

FOOD: We tried most of the restaurants. They all had very good food. Our first night was the main buffet area, and we watched the entertainment, and ate dinner. On your first night in a new resort, it's always hard to know what to do, and what to eat first. But the buffet was good.

We ate at the Beach Grill the next day, ordered some of the more casual food, quesadillas, fish, fries, burgers, etc. All of this was good, hard to mess that up.

We dined at Barefoot by the Sea the next night. The service was S-L-O-W, the food was good, fancy, but really good. But it took a long time to dine.... And although the service was great, it was just slow....this took some getting used to, to vacation on Jamaican time...

The next night we ate at Sundowners. Again, very good food. Service was much quicker here, so we enjoyed that.

The next night we ate at Kimono's, this was our favorite. It's dining teppanyaki style, where they cook the food in front of you. It was nice, because everything they cooked, we all got to eat, we didn't have to choose which meat we wanted. Food was great, service was perfect.

The last night we dined at the regular buffet, we didn't want to race to a dinner reservation or anything, and even the buffet was great. Some of the food was cooked to order, and we had tons of choices.

We did not try the 4C's italian restaurant, heard good things, but it just didn't fit into our schedule.

BUTLER SERVICE: For those that have never had a butler before (myself included) this service was so much more than I had anticipated. Our butlers made it clear that if there was anything at all that we wanted or needed, to just call them, and they could make it happen. They gave us our own cell phone to ring them anytime. We had breakfast out on the beach, lots of room service, they helped us order up a cab, and take a little shopping trip. They even went as far as let us use their own personal cell phones to call home, that is amazing!!!

Every time they made a dinner reservation for us, we had our own reserved table, always decorated with flower petals, and our name on it. And always the best table in the room. Even when we went to the buffet and no reservations could be made, our butler told us to call him, and he made sure we got a sunset view table.

OVERALL IMPRESSION OF JAMAICA: OK, so we didn't leave the resort too much. Why would you, when you are staying at a Sandals and have butlers waiting on your every need? No big reasons, in my mind....ha ha ha. We went down to Beaches Negril, and walked down to the Grand Pineapple. This area of the Negril beach has a much wider beach, and much busier than our little area of Negril. More beach vendors, more people, more action.

This area of Negril reminded me a lot of Cancun actually. Busy, lots and lots of resorts, and not a ton of security. I was able to walk by and in any of these resorts I wanted. The all inclusive resorts had wristbands, but the little mom and pop type resorts didn't. I am sure that some of the resorts in this area of Negril attract people that want the smaller-feel resorts, but it was not what we liked.

We did go down to Rick's Cafe. It's pretty fun to watch the cliff divers jumping. We did not jump. I can see that this would be a lively place to party when the sun went down. There is even a pool you can swim here. Music is great, crowd is fun!

Beaches Negril

I also had the opportunity to see the two Beaches properties in Negril. Beaches Sandy Bay was right next door, and Beaches Negril was a short 5 minute cab ride away.

Beaches Negril was impressive, the beach was wide, and there were lots of activities going on around the resort. The water park and pool are very nice here.

Beaches Sandy Bay was very family friendly, I felt the beach was much smaller and more secure than that of Beaches Negril. The resort itself was quite small, no water park, and the pool was small too. The nice part though, you could take a free shuttle over to Beaches Negril if you wanted to use the water slides, and join more activities during the day. Full exchange privileges.

Beaches Sandy Bay

Travel Tips

TRAVEL TIPS

Here are a few tips to keep in mind for your next travel adventure:

Before you leave, use a printable checklist of items you need to pack, and where you'll be packing them (carry-on or checked luggage.) Include all your frequently-forgotten or last minute items: batteries, cell-phone charger, toiletries, etc, and leave blanks for the specifics about clothes, shoes, and other valuable items. Keep a copy of the list with you. If your checked baggage gets lost, you won't have to try to remember what it contained, and you can share the list with the airline.


Before traveling, always get an extra ATM card. A spare card can save the day if the ATM machine eats your card unexpectedly, or if you damage your card along the way.


Flight delays are more common these days with unpredictable weather and tighter security. It only takes a single episode of almost not making it to the port on time - or missing the ship altogether! - to make getting in town the day before... very much worth it! Plan to arrive a day early, and choose a hotel that offers transfers from the airport and to the pier.


It's easy to forget your cell phone, laptop, and other power cords when checking out of a hotel. Increase your chances of recovery by writing your name and contact information on a piece of masking tape and securing the tape to your power cord.


After checking into your hotel room, go back out and count the doors from your room to the nearest stairway. In case of fire, the stairway may be the only way out. If you had to crawl under a blanket of smoke, you could just feel the doors and count down until you know you have reached the safety of the stairway. Don't forget to pack your trusty flashlight, in case you need to exit during a blackout.


On cruise ships, most hallways and doors look alike. To help identify your room, bring along a picture of something familiar and tape it to your door. No personal pictures, for safety reasons.


Bring an insulated travel mug on your next cruise. Coffee and tea are abundantly available on board, but cruise cups are notoriously small, so you'll need refills for a proper morning jolt. If coffee's not your thing, the mug comes in handy for preventing spills in buffet lines. Poolside, the insulation keeps drinks frosty. Save luggage space by stuffing your mug with small items- scarves, ties, or even jewelry.

Do you have a favorite Travel Tip you'd like to share with others? Please send it to travelleaders@suntimetravel.com. We'll include it in a future Suntime Travel Newsletter.

For current Transportation Security Administration information for your upcoming travels,
contact your Travel Expert at Travel Leaders/Suntime Travel

Sandals Negril

Has anyone ever been to Sandals Negril?
Would love to hear your comments or feedback, I will be traveling there this fall, and would love YOUR tips and tricks!!!

Tips for Healthier Travel

http://shine.yahoo.com/event/travel/10-tips-for-healthier-travel-1411724/

Read this article, thought it was worth passing along. Great tips!

Also, if you haven't read the Travel Leaders tip site, this one is worth the reminder!!!

May is Disney Month

May is Disney month here at Travel Leaders Suntime Travel.
I've been posting some fun facts about Disney on our Facebook Page
Are you on Facebook? I've been on Facebook more lately than my blog, so please visit me there, and become a fan!!!

What is your favorite Disney memory?
I have lots! One of my first memories of Disney was (of course) from when I was a child, and visiting Disneyland in California for the first time. We were walking in the park, and Goofy, who was dressed up for Christmas with his white beard on and Santa hat, came skipping by, and patted my Dad on the head. Now, as a child mind you, my Dad was the tallest man alive!! And to see this big ole character skip by and pat him on the head was the funniest thing for me!!! I still remember it to this day!

Become our FAN on Facebook!!!!

CLICK HERE to become a FAN of Travel Leaders Suntime Travel River Falls, WI.

Please visit us on Facebook! We post many updates there as well as this blog, and we've got some great pictures there as well. Can't wait to see you there!

Barbados exclusive discount!

I don't normally post about sales/discounts too much on this blog, but Barbados is one of my favorite spots, so I just HAD to!!!

Barbados —
Up to $300 savings, complimentary breakfast, free day car rental, and gourmet dining card
When you explore the beautiful island of Barbados you will save like never before. You will receive a discount up to $300, complimentary daily breakfast plus additional savings on dining, car rentals and tours with your air and hotel vacation to Barbados.

Please contact me for more details, and to book your next trip to paradise!!!

Airlines charging for CARRY ON luggage!

http://travel.yahoo.com/p-interests-33623430

Well, here it is folks! We all knew this was coming....the airlines yet again nickel and diming the traveling public. Pretty soon they'll start charging for use of the restroom onboard, seatbelts, oxygen....oh you name it, you will eventually be charged!!!!

I think this is ridiculous!
Spirit Airlines started this one, and hopefully it will be a while before the rest of the airlines follow suit.......hopefully.......

Flight Attendants battle the Carry Ons!!

http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Travel/flight-attendants-battle-carry-crunch/story?id=10195036

The AFA is lobbying the government to pass a bill before Congress that would make a universal maximum size for all carry-on bags.

Flight attendants and passengers are being injured by excess amounts of oversized carry-on items.

Sun Country flies to London from $399 one way

I thought this one was worth writing about.....
Sun Country (the hometown carrier) is starting service to London from Minneapolis June 11, 2010.

Here is the quote from their website:
Tally ho! It’s off to London we go!
Sun Country Airlines is proud to announce seasonal service from Minneapolis/St. Paul to London-Stansted, starting June 11th*. Everyone wants to visit London - one of the most intriguing cities in the world. Whether you are hoping to catch a glimpse of the Queen, Big Ben, or even take a ride on one of the historic double-decker buses, London has it all - and Sun Country is excited to take you there. Or maybe you want to explore the many other wonders Europe has to offer. The Stansted Airport - only 45 minutes away from the heart of London - is Britain's third-busiest airport and offers many flights on other low-fare airlines to more than 160 destinations in over 30 countries - you’re sure to find everything you need here to enjoy a pleasant journey! The intriguing history of London is waiting to be explored around every corner - book today!

Seats are limited, and restrictions apply.
Contact us today to get your flight to London booked this summer!!!!!

Mexico and it's issues

Once again we find that Mexico is back in the news, this time tagged with a Travel Warning

Click here to read the current warning:
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_mexico.html

The Department of State has issued this Travel Warning to inform U.S. citizens traveling to and living in Mexico of concerns about the security situation in Mexico, and that it has authorized the departure of the dependents of U.S. government personnel from U.S. consulates in the Northern Mexican border cities of Tijuana, Nogales, Ciudad Juarez, Nuevo Laredo, Monterrey and Matamoros until April 12.

We encourage people to use common sense when traveling anywhere, not just Mexico.

If you have any questions or concerns about your upcoming trip, please contact us!

2010 Survey!

The link to our second-ever consumer survey is here.

Please take a few minutes and help us out with filling out this survey!!!

Best Beaches on a Budget

I haven't blogged in a while, but saw this article, and loved it!

Best Affordable Beach Resorts
http://travel.yahoo.com/p-interests-32625888

Aruba, Costa Rica, Hawaii, Antigua, Italy, and the list goes on and on.
Check it out!

World's Worst Airline!!

This is an oldie, but a goodie!!!!

It's cruising time!!!! Welcome to the Wave Season!

We at Travel Leaders Suntime Travel are happy to assist you with all of your travel needs. Now, it's time to talk cruising, and WHY you NEED us to assist you with all your travel plans!!

Please check out this article from The Today Show: CLICK HERE

7 Trips you should never book online
(According to Chris Elliott.....he's great!!)
Those seven trips Elliott says you should never book online include:
Cruising
Traveling around the world
When you don’t have the time
If you’re uncomfortable with the inter-Web
Traveling internationally
Doing something exotic
Special events

Please ask us for details on all of our cruise specials!!! NOW is the time!

Cruise stopping in Haiti?

There has been some backlash for Royal Caribbean....including their stop in Labadee, Haiti so soon....
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ynews/20100119/ts_ynews/ynews_ts1063

They've been assisting in supplies and personnel, but there are still quite a few questions as to if it's right or not. What do you think?

Cougar Cruise?!?!?!

http://www.usatoday.com/travel/cruises/item.aspx?type=blog&ak=14737.blog

May 16-23, 2010
The world's second Cougar Cruise onboard Royal Caribbean Cruise Line.

The first one was with Carnival in December 2009
It was a smashing success, with sell out crowds and a waiting list!!!

They say that Royal Caribbean is only hosting the event, not marketing it or organizing it.

I guess 2009 was the year of the Cougar, so we will see what 2010 will bring!!!!

Puerto Rico off the beaten path

Thanks Bill for this great review!!! If you're looking for a resort off the beaten path in Puerto Rico, or any destination in the world, please contact me today for assistance!

Review. If you want to get away from the big crowds, Playa de Parguera in the southwest corner of the island
Is a delight. This hotel is the best I’ve ever been to for sun and fun relaxation.
Great for older adults (like me) who just want to sit and enjoy the sea and pool and drinks and etc.
Also great for parents with young children because of the great pool and everything (restaurant, vending machines, no place for kids to run off and get hurt)
Within an hour of several beaches, tourist villages, towns, and other “to do” stuff.
Parador de Parguera was $85 a night for double from Sun-Thurs., and $195 a night for Fri and Sat (but that included dinner and breakfast for two!).

Our room was literally 30 feet from the sea. Here’s my photo from our room:

Hastings, MN Wedding Gala

Do you know a Bride or Groom planning a Wedding or Honeymoon?

COME VISIT US AT:
2010 Hastings Wedding Gala!
Sunday, January 24, 2010

Hastings Country Club
2015 Westview Drive, Hastings, MN
Noon - 4:00pm
Brides may REGISTER TO WIN one of three
$200 Bridal Bucksto be used at participating businesses

Come visit our booth!!! Tell the agent that you seen THIS notice on our BLOG, and receive a special small gift from Travel Leaders Suntime Travel.

Joan Rivers has problems at airport in Costa Rica

I'm not sure you have heard this story or not, but in the travel world it's always amazing to me when things like this happen.
We have been telling our passengers for MONTHS now that their name needs to match exactly as it appears on their government issued photo ID, or they run the risk of being denied boarding. This rule is starting to be strictly enforced, as of August 2009.
So, in an attempt to heed to these warnings, we have been extremely careful in how we type the passengers name. I always tell people, when speaking over the phone, to grab their drivers license, and read it to me exactly. So if it's a middle initial, then we run the ticket with a middle initial. If their full middle name is spelled out, then we spell it out completely on their ticket.

In the case of Joan Rivers, the person that issues her ticket, apparently issued her ticket in the name of Joseph Rivers???? Not even close. So, we're thinking that the counter agent probably recognized her, and the security member probably recognized her as well, but when she got down to the gate, she was stopped. And what an ordeal it was.
Here is a You Tube link to the interview on the Larry King Live show.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZvDgCT7JlDQ

So from your friends here at Travel Leaders Suntime Travel, please make sure you are flying as the same name as your government issued photo ID, or risk being denied boarding.
Thanks!

Harry Potter in Florida!!!

I'm not sure if you all knew about this newest 'island' in Universal's Islands of Adventure, but it's coming soon, and I'm VERY excited about it!!!

It's the Wizarding World of Harry Potter!!!

http://www.universalorlandoresort.com/harrypotter/

Check out this site, it gives you some early conceptual rendering pictures of rides, giftshops, Hogwarts, etc. What fun!!

I can't wait!!!

Discounted Walt Disney World tickets exclusively for Travel Leaders Suntime Travel friends and family

Are you traveling between March 8 and March 20, 2010?
We have exclusive "Suntime friends and family" discounted Walt Disney Park Hopper tickets just for you!!

Adult tickets age 10+
3 day
4 day
5 day
and 6 day park tickets

We have these tickets with the basic, with the park hopper, and with the water park fun and more. You choose which ticket is best for you and your family.

Here are some sample prices:
Check this out-

The cost at the Disney gate for a 4 day premium park hopper pass (including water parks and Disney Quest admission) is $339.75.
The discounted pass cost for this same 4 day premium park hopper pass that I can get you is $250.00.

The cost at the Disney gate for a 3 day premium park hopper pass (including water parks and Disney Quest admission) is $ 332.30.
The discounted pass cost for this same 3 day premium park hopper pass that I can get you is $238.56.

We have a limited supply of these exclusive tickets, so please contact me today to purchase yours!!!!!

Terms and conditions: As always there are rules. Terms and conditions do apply, please contact us for more details. Limited number of tickets available. Prices subject to change, and availability is limited.

This is a valid offer, we are a travel agency that has been in business since 1984. When we see a good deal, we want to offer it to all of our clients, and hopefully obtain new clients. Please contact us today to get your discounted tickets

If you have not yet booked your flights and hotel arrangements, please let us help you with this as well. We also sell travel insurance, even if you did not book your trip with us! Let us help you protect your travel investment!!!!

In addition to this amazing deal for Disney tickets, we also have exclusively discounted flights for March 13-20, 2010. Flights originate from Minneapolis and are nonstop!!!! Pricing from $349 per person!! That's a heck of a deal right now, with the flights filling up!!!

CONTACT ME TODAY!!!