Totem Travel Blog

If you're new here, you may want to subscribe to my RSS feed. Thanks for visiting!

Click here for Slideshow

Italy is one of the most romantic countries anywhere and Rome has to be one of the most exciting cities in the world.  What a combination!

When asked to describe Rome I’d respond by saying its loud, fast paced, disorganized, somewhat dirty and has a real traffic problem.  Yet, in the same breath I’ll say it’s spectacular, animated, full of stunning architectural and artistic feats and a place I’d return to again and again. That’s Rome, a bit of everything and who can beat that?

Known as the Eternal City because it has survived for nearly 3000 years, even when it was founded in the 700’s it was a place that drew travelers. As noted the architecture is on a grand scale; starting with the Colosseum and Pantheon and onto St. Peter’s Basilica, places like that just aren’t built these days. There are so many ruins to explore; The Colosseum, Roman Forum, Circus Maximus and Trajan’s Market, all mingled in with 21st century life that it seems surreal.

A visit to Rome brings to mind the Vatican and St Peters Basilica, the Pope, Sistine Chapel and certainly the Vatican museums, not to be missed.

When you are tired of the big you can stroll through Piazza Navona, on past Trevi Fountain to the Spanish Steps and maybe up to Via Veneto for world class shopping or a walk in the Borghese Gardens.

Rome has something for everyone and a lot for most of us. History, art and architecture, churches, cathedrals and basilicas, museums, night life, great food, and lots of other options you can choose. If you’d like more info on travel to Rome, please call Jennefer at Totem Travel and I’ll tell you more.

Click here for slide show

When only the best will do, think Jade Mountian in St Lucia for an unforgettable honeymoon or vacation!  You’ll be treated to every luxury imaginable from a breathtaking view, to menus that change daily and accommodations so unique and luxurious they are called “sanctuaries” rather than rooms.

According to management, one happy bride burst into tears when she saw her honeymoon destination and many a couple has checked in never to be seen again…   Take a look at the slide show and you’ll see why!

This resort starts with one of the most beautiful locations in all of the Caribbean overlooking the glorious Pitons and Anse Chastenet beach.  Seen from below, Jade Mountain appears (and is) an engineering marvel. 

Individual walkways or sky bridges are the only access to the open air rooms, so each sanctuary is truly private despite the open air design.  There are three levels of accommodation appropriately named Sun, Moon and Star all featuring a private in room pool, custom designed furnishings, decadent and sensual bathrooms and that billion dollar view.  Also in the room is a bar stocked to your specifications and room service is available 24 hours a day. 

If you do decide to leave your sanctuary you’ll find a gourmet restaurant with a menu that changes daily, a rooftop terrace and lounge, fitness center and health club. 

Anse Chastenet beach lies below Jade Mountain with golden sand, hammocks and some of the best snorkeling on St Lucia.  Nearby are the Pitons and tropical rainforest for hiking and adventure and a water taxi provides easy access to Soufriere or Marigot Bay for other restaurants and day activities.

All in all Jade Mountain is one of my favorite Caribbean destinations when it’s time to splurge on a once in a lifetime honeymoon or vacation.  I hope you’ll call me if this is your idea of paradise!

If you’ve been waiting to treat the family to a Disneyland trip now is the time because ”Kids Fly Free” is back and that really helps stretch your budget.  As an example, a family of four can stay 4 nights at Disneyland Hotel with park passes, airport transfers & roundtrip air from Seattle for less than $2800 and you get extra goodies like a $150 gift card!

You can reduce that cost hundreds more by staying outside the park and there are many hotels within walking distance of Disneyland.  If you’re not a walker, or choose to stay farther away, you can easily hop a ride on the Anaheim Resort Transport system.  ART will transfer you from your hotel to Disneyland and back for a very nominal fee and there are many scheduled departures throughout the day. 

Weather in Southern California is generally good and April through June has temperatures in the mid to high 70’s with very little rain so that’s about perfect.

If you haven’t been to California Adventure yet, it’s located across the main walkway from Magic Kingdom and a “hopper pass” allows you to enjoy both parks as often as you’d like.  California Adventure has an awesome roller coaster called “California Screamin’”, and screamin’ is what you will be doing when this coaster speeds from zero to 55 mph is less than 5 seconds! 

Another popular ride is white water rafting at ”Grizzly River Run” (prepare to get wet) and the little ones will enjoy the 3D animation from “A Bugs Life”. 

My personal favorite at California Adventure is “Soarin’ Over California”.  This ride simulates a glider flight over California and once you’re buckled in to your “airplane” seat you are off!  It’s amazing how authentic everything looks and feels…  if you’re like me, you’ll pick up your feet so they don’t get wet from the river water and duck your head to avoid a golf ball hit from Pebble Beach! 

Outside the parks, Downtown Disney is a colorful, fun little town with shops and restaurants for everyone.  You’ll find every kind of Disney souvenir imaginable: luggage, clothing, movies, jewelry, etc.  Beyond the shops selling Disney merchandise, you’ll find Build-a-Bear Workshop, Department 56, Sephora and more.  And when you get hungry, two of the most popular restaurants would be Rainforest Café and House of Blues.

Disneyland and California Adventure are truly destinations for all ages and on every visit I discover something new! I hope you’ll call me when it’s time to plan your next family vacation.

How cool is this?  Totem Travel’s blog has been named Best Honeymoon Blog.  We were recogized for our destination reviews, pictures, and extensive information and photos of exotic locations.  Read all about it at WeddingBlogAwards.com/TotemTravel

Also let us know if there is a particular destination you’d like is to review.  Our staff has traveled over five continents, visited all the popular honeymoon destinations. and taken a zillion pictures.  It’s just that we earn our living helping our clients travel and that cuts into the time we have for for blogging and Picasa. 

Ah well, the travails of a well traveled travel agent!