Three Generations Worth Of Fun

Yesterday I had the joy of talking to a father who is in the midst of experiencing a great time in his children's lives.  His sons are about to turn 13 and as he stated, are beginning to appreciate the finer things in life.  Ahem.   He says to me "They've been to Hawaii, they've been to California, and several places throughout Europe, but now I want them to experience the icy blue waters of the Caribbean, and I think they'd just Love seeing it".  Uh, yeah Dad I'm sure they would, I mean who wouldn't?  Oh, and are you perhaps lookin' to adopt a little brunette? I swear I'll waive the ticketing fees for you, Dad. Nice try.  Anyways...He isn't going till next June so I told him I'd do some research to help him find the perfect destination. He's also taking his parents so we need something to occupy him and his wife, two 13 year old boys, and grandparents.  Awesome.  Here are some of my top choices for traveling with several generations, that are sure to leave everybody a happy camper.  Except the 13 year old kids, cause we all know at that age, nothing you do will be right anyway.  I kid, I kid!


The Ritz Carlton, Grand Cayman:

This hotel is perfect for families of all generations due to the amenities offered through the hotel.  Another wonderful thing is that Grand Cayman offers so many attractions that cater to people of all ages as well.  The Ritz Carlton offers golf, tennis, snorkeling, kayaking, and also boasts a fabulous spa.  Grand Cayman is a great family friendly destination due to the islands safety and security.  Several attractions that cater to a broad group of people on the island include taking a day trip to Hell(you can read my post about Hell right here), checking out the Butterfly Farm, go shopping in George Town, explore Rum Point, and have a fun day at the Black Pearl skate park and wave pool.  Also, you get to look at this:

Hyatt Regency Resort, Aruba:

I love the idea of checking in to the only open air lobby on the island, allowing you to take in the views of the Caribbean while doing so.  This hotel is great for all ages due to the variety it offers from outdoor activities, to the food.  The Hyatt has five restaurants that offer a wide range of cuisine and styles, sure to satisfy everyone.  With an on site casino, kids camp, intimate spa, tri-level pool, water slide, and private cabanas, I'm sure that nobody will get bored.  Some of the great attractions Aruba has to offer are its many casinos, horseback riding, museums, natural pools, a donkey sanctuary, and of course, some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean.  Also, you get to look at this:

Breezes, Curacao:

Who doesn't love an all inclusive family friendly resort?  This hotel is perfect for families, as it opens up onto one of Curacao's longest beaches, and also sits right next to the Undersea National Park, and the Sea Aquarium.  Breezes offers kid programs through Camp Breeze as well.  The island also offers a wide array of fun things to do such as taking a windsurfing class, going on a Jeep tour, horseback riding, canoe safaris, and shopping!  Shopping in Curacao is not duty-free, but is duty-relaxed, meaning the shopkeepers pay low duty. Also, there is no sales tax on Curacao, you should be able to get some really great deals. Also, you get to look at this:

Sandy Lane Hotel Co. Ltd, Barbados:

Sandy Lane takes Caribbean family holidays very seriously, and they have a wealth of activities for every age. The Treehouse Club is dedicated to kids and is a wonderful place for them to relax and have fun and ensures that they are constantly entertained. At this family resort, everyone can enjoy the superb golf, tennis, water sports and of course, the beautiful beach. If you are able to tear yourself away from this great resort, the island of Barbados offers so many other adventures from segway tours, 4x4, ATVs, hiking, snorkeling, scuba diving, and snuba.  Also, don't forget to ride the zip line, and if you're there during the summer months, check out the "Crop Over Festival" which showcases Barbadian culture through folk, art & craft, music & dance, masquerading & revelry. Also, you get to look at this:



Where in Air France acts the fool

Me: Hi, I'm trying to change my clients itinerary, however the fare rules are a bit complicated, think you could give me a hand exchanging his return?

AF: Sure, let me take a look.  Hmmm, It wont price out, let me transfer you to somebody in another department who can price this ticket manually.

Me: Okay?

New AF rep: Thanks for calling Air France how can I help you, blah blah blah.

Me: Really? (I hate when whoever your speaking with, transfers you without telling the new rep why you called).

Me: Hi, I'm trying to change my clients itinerary, however the fare rules are a bit complicated, think you could give me a hand exchanging his return? The guy who just transferred me to you said you could help me. 

New AF rep: Sure let me take a look....Ummm what kind of ticket is this? Uh I've never seen this before, hmm hold on a minute....Okay I'm back, hmmm, uh I don't know what to tell ya, hmm, ya nobody here really knows what to do.  (Seriously guys, I'm not even kidding. This is what he said)

Me: Well the last guy said he was transferring me to you since he couldn't manually price the ticket, and he was pretty sure you'd be able to.

New AF rep: That last guy didn't know what he was doing.  That's why you're talking to me.

Me: I have no words.  Literally. 

Happy Labor Day everybody!  Hope you're at a Barbecue having a great day, rather than being stuck at work like me.  

Day Dream With Me

While I seat here at my desk on this Sunday afternoon taking an occasional glance out the window near me, my mind can't help wandering off to a location that is often frequented by my clients, the Viceroy Anguilla.  Although I will never in this lifetime be able to afford the luxury of bringing my closest friends and family for a stay in their 5 bedroom Ocean Front Villa(or any of their other rooms, for that matter), I can't help but day dream about what a glamorous vacation it would be.  In my day dream, I would sport a bronzed bikini ready body, and lay by the pool all day long.  Or perhaps the beach, but who knows people, this day dream is about having options, options I tell ya.  When you're paying $10,000 a night for this villa, depending on what time of year you're there, the options better be aplenty.  Juss sayin'.  Did I mention the butler service?  Yes please.  So that's where I'm at today, staring off into the mirage that's formed in our parking lot due to these 100+ temps outside.  When I look hard enough into it, I can almost see myself at the Viceroy. Sweet, sweet bliss.

Hurry up and make your reservations here

Going to Anguilla? Here are some things to consider:

1.  The serving airport on the island is Wallblake Airport, however you can not fly into Anguilla from North American, Europe, Asia, or Australia.  You will need to fly to St. Marten, Antigua, or Puerto Rico, then take a charter flight directly to Blowing Point in Anguilla.

2.  Anguilla is a very modest location, and nude or topless bathing is not allowed. Except when you are on the beach, revealing clothing is strongly frowned upon.

3.  There are about 30 beaches on the island, but many people will tell you that the Cap Juluca beach in beautiful Maunday's bay is by far the best on the island.

4.  Driving is on the left. A local driver's license is required to drive. A local driver's license costs $20 US.

5.  The best time for scuba diving is: May through November when the waters are their most calm.

Opposite House - Beijing

Nearly everyday it seems as if I'm booking people flights to and from Beijing.  A lot of my clients are traveling on business, while some are just globe-trotters exploring new parts of the world.  Along with booking flights to Beijing, comes booking my clients a place to stay while they're there.  One of my top recommendations, and a luxury boutique hotel that my company has a fond relationship with, is The Opposite House.  This hotel is located in the heart of exploding Beijing, right in the center of the entertainment district.  It offers large and cozy rooms, and a modern, hip, minimalist, and very natural almost personal space, rather than just an ordinary hotel room.  In such a bustling city, it's so nice to step into the "Living Room", aka the lobby at The Opposite House.  The hotel doesn't have a reception desk, instead you just take a seat on one of the couches, and a gracious employee with bring the check-in experience to you.  They will walk you to your room, and if you need assistance figuring out the high tech features, they will give you a tutorial before they leave.  It's definitely a 5-Star experience.  This is a true oasis of relaxation and style. 

The Opposite House

The "Living Room"

Guest Room

Bathroom with "Teak" tub

Guest Room

Book your stay Here

Going to Beijing on business? Here's some things you should know:

1. Alert your bank or credit card company in advance.  Otherwise you may very well experience a few declines when your bank notices the swipes originating in China.

2. In theory, travelers checks should provide you no hassle, however be prepared to encounter hassle, if this is your method of payment.  Checks are not accepted in China, and Chinese banks will not accept a U.S. check, nor do Chinese banks issue personal checks.  If you're staying for a long time, either pay cash for bills, or pay via your banks Internet web page account.

3.  When you receive your restaurant bill or are paying your taxi fare, the amount on the printed receipt is the amount you pay. There is no tipping and no sales tax.

4.  When you are trying to find your way around Beijing, or more importantly, trying to figure out street names from street signs, be aware of a major difference from the United States. That blue street sign that hangs above an intersection, parallel to a cross street does not tell you the name of that cross-street, as it would in the United States. Rather, it tells you the name of the street you’re on at that moment.

5. When you hop in a taxi, it's very important to know the Chinese name of your destination, not just the English name.  Most taxi drivers do not speak English.  If your going to a hotel, restaurant, or store, a popular strategy is to call the place you are heading to, explain to the employee that you are coming by taxi, and ask them to tell the driver where you need to go, then hand the phone to the driver to ensure you end up at your desired location.