Flight to the North Pole

Well, Sun Country has done it again. Our hometown airline continues to impress!!!!

SUN COUNTRY AIRLINES ANNOUNCES ANNUAL“FLIGHT TO THE NORTH POLE”
Airline Partners with Greater Twin Cities United Way & Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Greater Twin Cities

http://www.suncountry.com/hometools/releases/FlightNorthPoleService.shtml

St. Paul, MN—December 15, 2009
Sun Country Airlines will welcome 80 children, ages 5-12, to the Humphrey terminal on Tuesday, December 15, 2009, where they will board a Sun Country Boeing 737, and take a “Flight to the North Pole.”

Sun Country, the Hometown Airline, has partnered with United Way and Big Brothers Big Sisters to give 80 kids a unique holiday experience. The children will board the “Flight to the North Pole” where employees of Sun Country including Pilots, Flight Attendants and agents will greet with holiday cheer. The plane will be decorated for this special event.

While the plane taxis for approximately 30 minutes on the ground, children will enjoy a detailed description of their “flight” to the North Pole. On-board activities will include singing holiday carols, writing letters to Santa, keeping watch for Santa and his reindeer and touring the cockpit. Also, a meal will be provided by Sky Food Catering. Following the “flight” the children will be greeted by Santa who will give them gifts donated by Sun Country employees.

"United Way continues to value and appreciate the wonderful partnership of Sun Country Airlines. This is a great example of how our local companies are stepping up to the plate this year to support our community. It is especially important during the holiday season and these economic times to provide some extra holiday cheer,” says Andy Goldman-Gray, senior vice president of Strategic Marketing, United Way.

"We are thankful to Sun Country for this unique opportunity to expand our young people’s horizons with an unforgettable ‘flight’ to the North Pole,” said Kimberlee Sinclair, Vice President of External Affairs for BBBS. “Generous supporters, such as Sun Country, and our volunteers are the sources of genuine magic in the lives of our children.”

Sun Country’s “Flight to the North Pole” will depart at 5:45p.m. from gate H3 at the Humphrey Airport and return by 6:30p.m. The Metropolitan Airport Commission has donated the funding to cover all airport fees.

"This annual event is very special to us at Sun Country,” said Wendy Blackshaw, Vice President of Marketing and Sales. “We are delighted to partner with United Way and Big Brothers Big Sisters because of the impact and active roles they play in this community.”

Please click HERE for the full article.

Holiday Travel

Here is a great little article with some helpful travel tips for traveling around the holidays!
I've even been quoted in this one! Yay!
Check out these suggestions:
http://www.travelleaders.com/travelleaders/AboutUs/269625?ssSourceNodeId=5050

Before Leaving Home
The watch words from Travel Leaders experts are simple: "Be Prepared."

•Protecting the Home Front
•Keep Copies of Important Items
•Confirm Departures
•Checking-In Online
•Travel Fully Charged
•Dress Comfortably

Airport Arrival
While Travel Leaders experts agree on many of the strategies outlined, one piece of advice was voiced more than any other: "Get to the airport early."
•Increase Minimum Advance Time -- "No matter what the guidelines tell you, make sure you're at the airport well in advance," advises Melissa Gutting (Travel Leaders, River Falls, WI). "The normal recommended time is 90 minutes for domestic travel and 2 hours for international travel. When traveling around the holidays, plan on 2 hours for domestic and 3 hours for international. It's not worth it to add the stress of running late into the mix of all the other added stress building at the airports
•Airport Check-In

Airport Security
Over the past year, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has implemented its new Secure Flight Rule, which theoretically should not impact the airport security screening process. However, Travel Leaders experts have practical advice for further speeding up the process.
•Know TSA's Rules Before You Go
•Match Your ID with Reservation
•Know Your Carry-On Restrictions
•Minimize Security Procedures

Beyond Security
•Remain Alert
•Food
•Staying Healthy
•Keeping Kids Happy – "If you're traveling with children, bring snacks, bring games – anything to help keep them entertained so they don't feel the stress of holiday travel," explains Gutting, who adds, "Happy kids bring happy parents."Patel also suggests, "Hand-held games, books, coloring books and crayons are good ideas and easy to carry. Be sure you have extra batteries for electronics. Don't forget about you. Bring along that book or magazine you've been meaning to read, load up your iPod with holiday tunes or some of your favorite songs."
•Boarding Your Flight – "Expect to 'gate check' carry-on bags on the jet way," cautions Gray, who adds, "The airlines do not charge these bags as a checked luggage.""Are you flexible on your travel times or dates?" asks Gutting. "If so, tell the airlines that. Most of the flights around the holidays are flying in a sold-out situation, or perhaps an oversold situation where they will be looking for people to give up their seats. When you arrive at the counter for check-in, you can put yourself on this list, and be eligible for any vouchers or bumps or first class upgrades that become available, just for being flexible." But beware – always be sure to ask when the next flight they can confirm you for departs.
•Once On Board

Patience Is a Virtue
"Expect the unexpected," urges Anderson. Janowski is quick to add, "If a situation arises where you need airport personnel assistance, be pleasant."

"One of the first things I advise my clients to do when travelling during the holiday season is to remember the reason that they are running this 'Gauntlet of Holiday Travel' – to spend time with family and friends to create new memories," reminds Lederle."Remember, no matter how hard you try, there are going to be things you cannot control, like the weather, traffic and long lines," cautions Patel. "Recognize this now and remember that patience is truly a 'virtue.' Remember, patience is the key."

"Be flexible and be prepared," advises Elaine C. Goad, CTC, ACC (Travel Leaders, Tyler, TX)."Flights can be full and people can be cranky. Just don't join in the cranky crowd – it is the holidays. Be happy!"

"Keep your sense of humor and when all else fails, remember to give thanks for even having the opportunity to travel and visit family and friends," offers Lederle. "There are many who are not as fortunate."

Family Reunion in Serbia

http://www.riverfallsjournal.com/event/article/id/92909/

I'm not sure if this link will work, but I had the pleasure of assisting Vera with a visit to her family back in Serbia that she had not seen in decades!!! Some of which she had never met!!!

In the photo above, she had T-shirts made up for her family members, that say "Someone in River Falls, Wisconsin Loves Me."

I was truly moved by her story. Thank you Vera for sharing this with us here at Travel Leaders Suntime Travel.

More iPhone Apps

http://www.travelsavvymom.com/blog/family-travel/top-iphone-apps-for-kids/

I found this great little website, for us Travel Savvy Moms out there!!!!

The list at the Apple iPhone Apps Store can be overwhelming. Here are the 10 applications this author's children like best. Many are free, and all work in airplane mode.

Totally fun!!!!

Twitter with Travel Leaders!

For those fellow tweet friends out there, check out the Travel Leaders Twitter page!!
http://twitter.com/TravelLeaders

Currently, you can see my fellow co-worker Jody talking about destination weddings, and the owner of Suntime Travel Debbie talking about eating ants with her family!!
WILD!!

http://bit.ly/DZHeV for Debbie

http://bit.ly/j4HGV for Jody (and others)...scroll down to Jody Meyer...

Thank you to Travel Leaders for posting these great videos, it's great to get first hand info from agents who have seen and done quite a bit in this business!!!!!

Cruise with your favorite Disney Channel stars!! Disney Cruise Line

How much fun would that be to rub elbows with some of the Disney Channel's stars and rising stars?!?!? Contact us to book your Disney Cruise today!!!!!!
Or how about adding a Disney World package on to one of these great cruises!!!!

Disney Channel Summer at Sea Cruises!!

Here's your chance to see and meet sensational stars from big shows and original movies on Disney Channel! More stars are scheduled to appear, so check back soon to find out who!

3-Night Disney Channel Summer At Sea Cruise
Sail Dates and Appearance Schedule*
July 9 to 12, 2009—Tiffany Thornton (Sonny with a Chance) and Nicole Anderson (JONAS)
July 16 to 19, 2009—Jason Earles (Hannah Montana)
July 23 to 26, 2009—Jason Dolley (Hatching Pete)
July 30 to August 2, 2009—Debby Ryan (The Suite Life on Deck)

4-Night Disney Channel Summer At Sea Cruise
Sail Dates and Appearance Schedule*
July 12 to 16, 2009—Tiffany Thornton (Sonny with a Chance) and Nicole Anderson (JONAS)
July 19 to 23, 2009—Musical Act Mitchel Musso and Jason Earles (Hannah Montana)
July 26 to 30, 2009—Jason Dolley (Hatching Pete)
August 2 to 6, 2009—Alyson Stoner (Camp Rock)

*Schedule and talent subject to change without notice. Not all stars available for each sailing.

Call us to help you book one of these great cruises!!!

Disneyland Sept 2008

I had an amazing time in California, visiting Disneyland and California Adventure Park. I attended a conference here, and they treated us like royalty. We had fabulous motivational speakers!! It really pumps you up!

The slideshow you see here includes lots of pictures.
Pictures of:
-- My hotel room at the Disneyland Hotel
-- Susan Egan (who played Belle on Broadway) absolutely amazing!!
-- Richard Sherman, one of the Sherman Brothers. He and his brother Robert were Walt's right hand men for songs!! His playlist includes: Mary Poppins, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, It's a Small World, Parent Trap, The Jungle Book, Winnie the Pooh, and so much more!!!
-- Out and about around the parks



Here is another picture of the Sherman Brothers

(copyright release wikimedia)

Disney World Sept 2007

Anyone who's ever met me, KNOWS that I absolutely LOVE Disney, and all things Disney.
I have visited Disney World several times. I've stayed on site at Disney Resorts, and also have stayed off site at different hotels.

I get excited helping to plan your vacation to Disney. I have many suggestions and tips that have proven useful for most people.

Please contact me to help you plan your Disney Vacation today!!!!

Here is what we did in Sept 07:
Day 1: Flight to Orlando, checked into our hotel "Disney's Pop Century". Pop Century was a great value resort, the food court was large with many selections, and a lot of places to sit. The refillable cup was a good deal. We then headed off to Downtown Disney. Visited the toy store, and ate at the counter service 'Earl of Sandwich', awesome sandwiches!!!!!!! I was quite impressed.
Day 2: Played at the 'bowling pin' pool, which was heated, so that was nice. Basically hung out at the resort most of the day. Took naps, and headed over to the Magic Kingdom for the Halloween Party. We ate dinner at the Crystal Palace with all the Pooh characters. The buffet was good, nothing extra special, pretty much exactly what we had expected. We all dressed up in costume for the Halloween party, so that was fun. The halloween party started at 7pm, and we made it until about 8:15pm before it started to rain. The first parade was rained out, but we did watch the 2nd parade, which was amazing, and nothing like any other parade Disney does. We also seen Cinderella's carriage, and the villian show before heading back to the hotel.
Day 3: Ate breakfast at Boma's at the Animal Kingdom Lodge. Always our favorite. They have a wonderful breakfast buffet, with made to order omelets, fresh fruit, bread, etc. Spent the day at Animal Kingdom. Watched the Nemo show there, excellent!!! Ate dinner at Ohana's at the Polynesian Resort
Day 4: We started at Epcot to do the Nemo ride there, then headed over to the Magic Kingdom. Watched the afternoon parade, and then ate dinner at Liberty Tree Tavern. Great food, served family style, and character interaction that we love! We also visited the Baby Care Center. This impressed me, it felt like home with the high chairs, changing tables, tv set up, etc. It was perfect for those few minutes to feed the baby, and wind down a little bit.
Day 5: Ate breakfast at Chef Mickey's, good food, good character interaction, very upbeat and fun. Went over to the Magic Kingdom to visit the princesses. Ate lunch at Cosmic Rays. Ate dinner at Cinderella's Gala Feast at the Grand Floridian with Cinderella, Prince Charming, the stepsisters and stepmother.

If you need more info on any of these things, please feel free to contact me!!