The French Quarter should be one of the first stops on any trip to New Orleans, says the team at Pierre Bennett Global Vacations, and it’s the land of Creoles – the descendants of the first French and Spanish settlers. Pierre Bennett Global Vacations notes that the European legacy is everywhere with wrought-iron balconies, shutters, and etoffee perfuming the air. Pierre Bennett Global Vacations tells members that the French Quarter is unique and will be a dream vacation for anyone who visits there. Also, with the variety of Pierre Bennett Global Vacations club resorts available, members don’t need to worry about finding accommodations.

The team at Pierre Bennett Global Vacations also advises visitors to explore other places in New Orleans, and one of the best ways to do that is to hop on the St. Charles Streetcar. Pierre Bennett Global Vacations says that it’s worth spending a dollar for the ride – even if you have nowhere in particular to visit. The traveling National Historic Landmark runs from Canal Street, through the university district and ends up at Palmer Park. Pierre Bennett Global Vacations suggests that visitors stay on the streetcar to the end of the line – because the driver simply flips the seats in the opposite direction and heads to the other end of the car where the second set of controls are. It’s an ingenious maneuver.

Another popular New Orleans destination is the Garden District. Pierre Bennett Global Vacations suggests that members visit this historical part of town, noting that it has absolutely no French influence. The reason? When Americans arrived in New Orleans after the Louisiana Purchase, the local Creole population was not enthusiastic. Pierre Bennett Global Vacations says that the new residents set up their own encampment, which they called the “City of Lafayette.” Now known as the Garden District, it is named for the lush gardens the new residents planted. Pierre Bennett Global Vacations reports that Anne Rice owns two houses in the area – one with a dog statue on a balcony.

Pierre Bennett Global Vacations members receive the lowest price available at time of booking a trip. For more information, call (703) 395-1430.

The Churchill War Rooms

Located on King Charles Street, Douglas Battista reports that the Churchill War Rooms are not only an amazing historical find, honoring one of England’s most famous soldiers, but that this site’s proximity to St. James Park and other museums and parliamentary buildings makes it a great stop on an all-day London tour.

Hampton Court Palace

Want to step back in time? Douglas Battista notes that visitors can do just that at the Hampton Court Palace. This former home of King Henry XIII still hosts court where tourists can participate in a living anachronism, and may even have a chance to glimpse the King picking a midday snack off the world’s largest grapevine, which is located in the Gardens.

London Bridge Exhibition

According to Douglas Battista, a holiday in the nation’s capital is enhanced with a visit to the London Bridge Exhibition.  The landmark, which originated as a Roman pontoon military bridge in 50 AD, has been rebuilt at or near the same spot over the Thames numerous times in its 2000 year history. Douglas Battista also remarks that a unique and memorable restaurant, the Medieval Banquet, is close to the bridge, and is a must for hungry vacationers.

Thames River Cruise

The Tower Bridge may also be viewed from a cruise on the Thames, reports Douglas Battista. This cruise covers London in depth like no other tour in the area. Douglas Battista highlights the beauty of the River Boat itself with its large windows and open-air upper deck.

St. Paul’s Cathedral

According to Douglas Battista, this iconic figure of London’s skyline took 35 years to complete. It’s no wonder, when the amount of detail and quality of craftsmanship is considered. Douglas Battista claims that this attraction, in addition to its status as a mecca for Christians, is also a prime spot for those looking for a bit of a challenge. Five hundred and thirty steps lead to the top of the Golden Gallery, which boasts some of the best panoramic views of London’s core.

Windsor Castle

The home of a current British Royal, Her Majesty the Queen, Windsor Castle’s claim to fame is its continuous occupation for the last 900 years. The castle is purported as haunted by visitors, who claim the sound of Queen Elizabeth I’s heels are still heart wafting through this Gothic structure’s halls and passages, says Douglas Battista.

Douglas Battista is a travel enthusiast who says that London is among his favorite vacation destinations for its never-ending list of attractions and historical landmarks. He is the Vice President of the Jenny Craig Company, and resides in sunny California.

A cruise is a preferred way to travel for many reasons, Ian Woodman explains. First, he says, is that it gives you a small taste of several destinations in one trip. According to Ian Woodman, most ships stop in several ports during a one-week or two-week trip, with tours available at each stop. And as Ian Woodman found, you may often discover destinations for future vacations during these stops, returning to spend more time in the future.

During Ian Woodman’s honeymoon cruise, he and his wife were treated to a taste of Jamaica, Cozumel, and the Bahamas. While in Jamaica, Mr. and Mrs. Ian Woodman were treated to a view of Dunn’s Falls, a popular destination for tourists. Visitors of Dunn’s Falls can climb up to six hundred feet while enjoying breathtaking views while led by a guide. As Ian Woodman explains, climbing is, of course, optional and some simply choose to stand on the sidelines, taking pictures. At the base of the waterfall is a beach where visitors can relax, while those who make it all the way to the top will find souvenir shops. Ian Woodman calls Dunn’s Falls a must-see destination for anyone visiting Jamaica, adding that it is one of the most amazing things he’s ever done.

In Cozumel, Ian Woodman and his wife were able to swim with the dolphins for the first time. It proved to be such an incredible experience that he swam with dolphins five times within the next seven years. According to Ian Woodman, Dolphin Discovery provides a variety of packages for visitors. Ian Woodman notes the Dolphin Royal Swim, which allows you and your family to swim with the dolphins. This swim includes the famous foot push, where two dolphins pull you along as you stand on them. The Dolphin Swim Adventure allows you to watch the dolphins with a snorkeling mask, Ian Woodman describes, and the Dolphin Encounter is specifically designed for children.

In addition to being able to visit a variety of locations, Ian Woodman and his wife were impressed by all the offerings on the cruise ship itself. There seemed to always be something to do, Ian Woodman explains, with delicious meals and fun activities making every minute of the trip as excitement-filled as possible.

Another fascinating thing to know about Ko Samet is its mythology. Inga Freise Stahle elaborates on some of the mystery of the island. “According to legend, Ko Samet was once home to pirates. There have been many treasure hunters who have come to look for the ill-gotten pirate’s treasure, but none have ever been found,” Inga Freise Stahle says. “On the peak of the island there is a mysterious hole named “Bor Thone” or the “Gold Pit” that is several meters deep, near the ruin of a brick wall and people have speculated that the pirates used that hole to hide their treasures,” Ms. Stahle states. “Although geologists have studied Bor Thone and found it to be nothing more than a well, the myths still persist,” adds Inga Freise Stahle.

“Another interesting thing about Ko Samet is that until the early 1980′s visitors were banned from spending the night there,” Inga Freise Stahle explains. “But, then the Forestry Department made Ko Samet a national park with a charge of 200 Baht ($7) for foreigners,” Ms. Stahle cites.

However, Inga Freise Stahle reports that although Ko Samet is technically a national park, don’t expect that you will have to camp out with no amenities. “There are many hotels, delicious restaurants and plenty nightlife options,” reports Inga Freise Stahle.

Inga Freise Stahle elaborates on what makes Ko Samet so special. “Because Ko Samet is spared from the monsoons that affect other islands, the weather is nearly guaranteed to be gorgeous any time of the year,” she says. Inga Freise Stahle also tells us about the visual appeal of the islands. “The water is cerulean and the beaches are covered with pure white sand and they are dotted with coconut trees. Ko Samet is paradise,” states Inga Freise Stahle.

About Inga Freise Stahle

Inga Freise Stahle speaks five languages, with fluency in French, German, English and Swedish. It’s a talent that has proven to be valuable for Inga Freise Stahle, vocationally speaking. As administrative assistant to the director at Haut-Lac International School, Inga Freise Stahle is often appointed to greet new students and their parents, a responsibility that requires the ability to communicate in a variety of languages.

A graduate of Pully High School, Inga Freise Stahle currently lives in Switzerland with her two children, Petter and Emilie. Her hobbies include skiing, swimming, tennis, and travel.

True all-inclusive resorts and cruises are very popular for thefamily, individual, or group that is watching their dollars. However, thebudget-minded traveler shouldn’t discard hotels and resorts that offer aEuropean plan. There are a lot of deals to be had in that category as well. Oneimportant thing to keep in mind, points out Carlotta Luis, is that visiting anew destination is all about experiencing the culture and exploring. Accordingto Carlotta Luis, that means enjoying the natural splendor, local cuisine, music& entertainment, art & crafts, and learning about the history of the peopleand places you’re visiting.

Carlotta Luis loves to help her clients find a satisfying vacationin the right price range. Most travelers these days, notes Carlotta Luis, aretraveling on a budget but they must keep in mind that cheaper doesn’t necessarilymean better. Carlotta Luis says that spending a little more could mean betterquality accommodations, transportation, activities, or meals. Carlotta Luis explainsthat if your goal is to stay at a beautiful resort with good customer servicethen that’s what you should aim for. Always consult review sites to learn whattravelers and industry professionals are saying before you make a decision.Carlotta Luis reminds vacationers that the ultimate vacation goal is to behappy, stress-free and delighted.

Carlotta Luis notes that when it comes to activities such as waterand resort sports, spa treatments, dancing events and guided tours, theseactivities often require additional spending, and the shrewd traveler knows howto minimize this extra expenditure. An excellent way to save money, saysCarlotta Luis, is to decide upon a limited number of activities on your trip.If planning more than one or two activities, Carlotta Luis suggests that if it’spossible, travelers should try to join in with group activities, like scubadiving lessons or a group tour. Group tours and activities includetransportation to and from the fun, adds Carlotta Luis, as well as a lower costto participate.

Carlotta Luis also points out that most expenses related to travelcost more for a single traveler. Buying bulk travel is often cheaper, notesCarlotta Luis, just as in other areas of the marketplace. In other words,having a “travel buddy” will often qualify you for cheaper lodging or fares,explains Carlotta Luis. At many Caribbean resorts and island cruises, thesingle occupancy rate is often higher per person than the double or groupoccupancy rate. These are just a few of Carlotta Luis’ tips and techniques onkeeping travel to the Caribbean, US Virgin Islands and beyond fun andaffordable. If you are planning vacation travel, contact Carlotta Luis at (305)741-2013 and take advantage of her travel expertise.

About Carlotta Luis

Fast forwarding to the present, Carlotta Luis’ career track now places her as a sales professional promoting the U.S. Virgin Islands throughout the southeastern regions of the United States. She is employed by the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism and resides in south Florida. Carlotta Luis serves as a board member of the Caribbean Tourism Organization through its South Florida Chapter. She pursues excellence in her vocation, passion for her profession and vision for tourism throughout the Caribbean basin. These days, Carlotta Luis embraces the age old wisdom given by many in her line of work: Don’t worry, be happy!

Bruce Bommarito reminds travelers making it through airport security is just the beginning. When using an airport, whether passing through security, boarding or disembarking at the destination, it is essential to maintain a calm and attentive attitude. Bruce Bommarito says that the old saying, “Attitude is everything,” holds true in airports, too.

Follow the instructions given by airport and airline employees, recommends Bruce Bommarito, both off the plane and on. If a traveler refuses to cooperate with airline personnel, explains Bruce Bommarito, that person will undue attention to him or herself. In this age of terrorist scares, security staff is constantly looking for anyone who may be a threat to safety. Though you know you are not a threat, the security guards do not know that.

For example, says Bruce Bommarito, if a traveler refuses to stay in their seat on the plane, or if they argue vehemently with airline staff, security personnel will deal with that traveler as a terror suspect. Bruce Bommarito knows this sounds extreme and even a little bit ridiculous, but it is a by product of the social climate we live in since 9/11.

Bruce Bommarito adds that if airport security has their eye on a traveler, that traveler is most likely to be stopped for screening at some point in their travels, wasting even more of the traveler’s valuable time. Bruce Bommarito explains that once security staff marks a traveler as a potential security threat, it is difficult to return to normal in their eyes. The sooner travelers get used to this idea, notes Bruce Bommarito, the smoother their travels will go. One of the best ways to avoid these potential situations is to give yourself extra time at the airport and maintain a calm, pleasant attitude.