If you’ve already done the requisite cities of Europe such as London, Paris and Rome you might think of expanding your horizons and plan a visit to Budapest in Hungary. Not as well know as some of the other European Capitals but definitely worth a visit.
Budapest is actually 3 cities with the legendary Danube running between them, you have Buda on the hilly side and north of that is Obuda and on the other side of the river is Pest which is as flat as Buda is hilly, but back in the late 1800’s Budapest became the city it is today.

Probably the most well known is Castle Hill and the Castle District, however you’ll need the funicular to transport you up the hill as there are really no roads. At the top is where you’ll find the Royal Palace, Fisherman’s Bastion, Matthias Church, Holy Trinity Square, National Hungarian  Gallery, Budapest History Museum and the Vienna Gate among others.

Between Castle Hill and the river is what’s known as Watertown with its aged peaceful lanes, and many churches such as Taban Parish Church, St. Elizabeth Church, St. Anne’s church, Chapel of St. Florian and Capuchin Church.

Crossing either the Chain Bridge or Margaret’s Bridge will lead you to the Pest side where you can visit a myriad of old neighborhoods such as the Jewish District, Pest Inner City, Theresa Town and Leopold where you’ll find the Houses of Parliament, Freedom Square, Inner City Market Hall and the State Opera House.

If you’d like a day out of the city, a visit to Szentendre is a great place, especially during the summer where it becomes a huge handcraft and souvenir market. You can stroll along the Danube, have café in a small coffee house and shop till you drop for all kinds of fun items from Hungary such as antiques, coins, folk craft, porcelain and pottery and don’t forget to bring back the Hungarian Paprika.

If you’d like help planning your travel to Budapest, please call Totem Travel and ask for Jennefer, the Europe Expert at 800-321-7907 or jennefer@totemtravel.com

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Maui is an island that has it all.  Beautiful beaches, lots of great snorkeling, beautiful waterfalls, sunsets to take your breath away, and wonderful hiking and biking trails.  I have been to Hawaii many times, but was really blown away by Maui.

When we arrived in Maui it was raining but that’s pretty normal for Hawaii.  It rains everyday just a little bit…..that’s how it stays so lush.  Soon, the rain stopped and the rainbows appeared.  It’s not unusual to see double rainbows after an afternoon shower.  Our first 2 nights were spent in the ResortQuest Maui Hill condominium property in the little town of Kihei, about 30 minutes south of the airport.  We had a beautiful 2 bedroom unit, with an oceanview.  This property is not on the beach, but it is a very good option for those who are more interested in exploring the island, and experiencing Maui. Kihei   is a good jumping off point for a visit to the Haleakala National Park, where you can hike the two-mile trail through a rain forest to the 400 foot Waimoku Falls!   Another trail leads to ‘Ohe’o Gulch with many pools, where the swimming is fantastic.  Just make sure you follow the posted signs for your safety while hiking into “interior”.

On the west side of the island, is Old Lahaina Town.  This little town is both historic and fun.  There are so many little shops, great restaurants, and charm.  Lahaina was once the royal capital, a rowdy whaling port and missionary headquarters!  Quite a mix!  There are several museums which boast period-piece displays, as well as attractions like the Lahaina Kaanapali Railroad, which is a reminder of plantation days in Maui.

Lahaina Town comes alive in the evening with luaus, piano bars &, dancing to live music.  We had so much fun shopping and trying a new restaurant every day.  I loved the atmosphere & Oceanside dining of the “Cheeseburgers in Paradise”.

Staying in Kaanapali the next 4 nights was a real treat.  The Hyatt Regency, on Kaanapali Beach, is a resort in itself.  From penguins in the lobby pool, to the coconut crème’ brule in the dining room, to the rooms overlooking the golf course and ocean—a view of both at the same time!  Kaanapali Beach is home to Black Rock with the best snorkeling on the island, maybe in Hawaii; the Golf Courses offer a real challenge, and the wind surfers and kite surfers are fun to watch.  Sorry, I didn’t try that, but it sure looks like fun.  Maybe next time!

If you are looking for something a bit quieter and maybe a bit less expensive than the Kaanapali Beach area, Napili and Kahana, just a short drive north, may be the place for you.  The beaches are in sheltered coves, which is very good for small children.  There are many moderately priced hotels and condos in this area, as well as shopping and lots of restaurants.

Kapalua is at the very north point on the west side of Maui.  This area is home to many luxury hotels, such as the Ritz Carlton.  But the real draw is the Plantation Golf Course, which is home to the PGA Tour Mercedes Benz Championship.  One of my traveling companions, an avid golfer, was coveting a chance to play this course, but decided the green fees were outside her budget.  Didn’t stop us from admiring the course and the beautiful views from the cliffs.

If you think that Maui is the place for you, please give me a call!  I would love to help you plan the perfect honeymoon, second honeymoon, or family vacation to the Valley Isle of Maui.  Aloha, Sandi@totemtravel.com

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 Austria- Europe’s home to Strauss, the waltz and world famous Vienna Boy’s Choir-

Vienna is one of Europe’s easiest cities to explore, with a compact city center that is surrounded by the Ringstrasse (ring road), and like Paris it has boroughs or districts that circle out from there.

In the city center proper you’ll find such treasures as St. Stephens Cathedral, it’s one of the city’s landmarks and one of Europe’s supreme examples of Gothic building from the 14th century. Entering through the Giant’s Doorway you could spend hours inside seeing the tombs and sarcophagus’ of kings and emperors as well as towers, monuments, chapels and altars all dating from different times and added as each leader or king deemed important. I’ve found that one of the best views of the interior is from beneath the organ loft and if you can visit on a sunny day the stained glass is phenomenal.

Vienna is known for its music and no visit to Vienna would be complete without a visit to the Opera House. Opened in the 1860’s then almost destroyed in 1945 from a direct hit during a bombing raid, it was rebuilt and re-opened in 1955. The main entrance opens onto the Ringstrasse and is decorated with beautiful frescos of life at the opera.

Moving along with the musical theme, we’ve all heard of the Vienna Boy’s Choir or the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, not to mention Strauss and Mozart, Vienna’s favorite composers. Those are just a couple examples of Vienna’s love of music and don’t forget that those who don’t play can still be a part of the music by dancing the Viennese Waltz.

Vienna is also known for the Spanish Riding School, it takes place in Hofburg Palace from March to June and again September to December. Throughout Europe and the world, admirers of classical riding will go to great lengths for the sought after tickets which must be reserved in advance. During the off times, tickets are available to watch morning the training sessions.

Vienna is home to many coffee houses and cafés that could put Starbucks to shame. A great place to try some Viennese coffee is at the Sacher Hotel where you can try the renowned Sachertorte invented in 1832 and still made and served the same today as well as shipped worldwide.

Just outside Vienna you’ll find Schönbrunn Palace and its beautiful park. Schönbrunn was intended to outshine Versailles and it comes close so you’ll want to spend at least a half day there exploring the palace and grounds.

This is just a taste of what is offered in and around Vienna, you can see it on your own or maybe as part of an escorted tour. Either way you decide to travel, if you’re thinking of exploring Austria and Vienna contact Jennefer, the Europe Specialist at Totem Travel - jennefer@totemtravel.com.

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I just completed Princess Cruise Lines’ travel agent training program and I am now certified as a Commodore, the highest rank!  The training took several months and covered the entire fleet of Princess cruise ships, all their destinations, cruise tour itineraries and special features and services.

Although I’ve been a travel agent for 13 years and have cruised many times, I still learned a lot.  For example, did you know that you can cruise to Antarctica or up the Amazon River on a Princess Cruise? 

I have sailed with many other cruise lines but Princess is still a favorite.  Their entertainment is simply outstanding and the “Personal Choice” dining option is wonderful.  You can choose where, when and with whom you dine each evening and there are always great restaurant choices like a steak house, Asian cuisine and an Italian restaurant with 16 course dinner… amazing!

In my opinion, Princess Cruises is also the best choice for an Alaska cruise tour with wonderful lodges and a glass dome train to Denali National park where you’ll (hopefully) see the tallest mountain in the U.S., Mt McKinley.  There are also special extras on the cruise like naturalist lectures and guest appearances by well know Alaska adventurers, such as Libby Riddle, the first women to win the Iditarod. 

Another cool feature offered by Princess is the opportunity to be married at sea.  Most cruise lines will arrange a wedding ceremony prior to sailing, but on select Princess ships you can actually be married by the ship’s captain during your cruise! 

Onboard wedding coordinators help with everything from tuxedos to flowers to legal documents and family and friends can even observe your “Love Boat” ceremony live via Wedding Cam.  Pictures are beamed directly from the ship’s wedding chapel to a website where your guests can access them on a private link.  I told you this was cool!

Call or email if you need more information on weddings at sea, Alaska Cruise Tours or any other Princess Cruise destination.  In the interim I’m off to the Caribbean for a future report on Carnival Cruise LInes. 

TTFN!  Sandi  - Princess Cruises Commodore

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Prague- The Golden City, also known as the City of a Hundred Towers. It was virtually untouched by WWII and made it through the communist era without many changes so the historic center remains much as it was in the beginning.

Prague is broken into areas- the Castle District, Little Quarter (Mala Strana), the Old Town and the New Town.The Castle District of course brings you Prague Castle and within the walls the Holy Cross Chapel, Castle Gallery, Spanish Hall, the Convent of St. George and St. Vitus’s Cathedral. Around the castle there is plenty to explore as well. The Baroque Gardens, Schwarzenberg Palace and Hradcany Square are just a few options.

Leaving the Castle District and heading towards the river you enter the Little Quarter where you can visit the Strahov Monastery, Lobkowicz Palace the Mala Strana Square and the Church of St. Nicholas among others.

As you hit the river you come to Charles Bridge, Europe’s most famous medieval bridge. It has massive towers on both sides and is adorned with 30 statues, mostly saints and religious figures. Gathered on the bridge you’ll find locals and artisans selling their wares, street musicians and some of the usual touristy stuff. The tower on the Old Town side of the bridge was the workshop of Peter Parler who produced much of the statuary on the bridge.

As you walk off the bridge you are entering the Old Town that dates back to the 11th and 12th centuries. Wander the little cobbled lanes for shopping and find your way to the Old Town Square where the big draw is the Town Hall’s medieval Astronomical Clock, constructed in 1410. When the clock strikes the hour, figures parade across the clock face, it’s very cool.Other sites not to be missed in the Old Town are the Baroque Hall Library, the Church of St. James and of course Celetna for the shoppers.

With all of the above some don’t even take time to explore the New Town but it’s definitely worth a visit. You can start in Wenceslas Square and check out the monument to Prague’s patron saint, other options include the National Museum, Charles Square, Church of St. Wenceslas and the Botanical Gardens.

And lastly I can’t mention Prague with out a word about the pubs. You won’t find comfortable chairs and TV’s broadcasting sports like you do at home, but I have it on the best sources that with the quality of the beer brewed there you’re sure of a more than decent drink no matter where you stop in. Try the Staropramen, I’ve heard it’s fantastic.

There is so much more to see and do in Prague, it’s hard to say it all here, so if you’d like help with your travel plans to the Czech Republic, contact me and I’d be happy to help you. -Jennefer

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Where can you rub noses with a Maori tribesman, enjoy spectacular scenery from an alpine train, cruise through scenes from Lord of the Rings, bungee jump from a bridge (or a tower) and hike on a glacier?  Why New Zealand of course!  Add to that bubbling geysers, world class sailing, four wheel drive excursions, hot air ballooning, kayaking in Abel Tasman and The Milford Trek and you’ll have an idea of some of the adventures available in this part of the world.

But it’s not just adventure travelers that are happy in New Zealand.  You’ll also find luxury lodges with glorious views, miles of pristine beach, wineries, open countryside with more sheep than people, charming villages and modern cities.  Accommodations are equally diverse with everything from camper vans to farmhouse stays and simple motels to elegant lodges and hotels.  Plus you can explore by car, train, helicopter, boat or bus and be free as the wind or TLC’d by a guide… There is truly something for everyone in New Zealand!

On one recent trip, we spent most of our vacation time on the South Island starting in Christchurch with a visit to the Antarctic Center and punting on the Avon River.  The next day was the TranzAlpine train through the Canterbury Plains and over spectacular Arthurs Pass and the mountains known as the Southern Alps.  This is a train trip everyone should include in their itinerary.

In Greymouth, we picked up a car and made the scenic drive to Franz Josef where we spent the night.  In the morning, after discussions of strenuous climbs and leaps over crevasses, we chose to hike the slighlty less daunting Fox Glacier.  This proved just the right challenge for our mixed age group.  No specialized gear was required and climbing boots were provided along with a personable and knowledgeble guide.  There were a few tricky spots but overall it was a great experience and the views at the top, with pictures to commemorate the accomplishment, were well worthwhile! 

The next day’s drive took us along the coastline and over the mountains to Wanaka, which is a lovely little town.  We would have enjoyed a day to simply relax, but we had a date with a Queen… or Queenstown that is… The highlight of our New Zealand vacation! 

Queenstown is surrounded by dramatic mountains and sits on the shores of beautiful Lake Wakatipu.  The town itself is charming with lots of shops and open air restaurants, a Kiwi Museum, bicycle and walking paths around the lake and a gondola ride to the top of the mountain.  There you can visit the museum, snap some gorgeous pictures or be a bit more adventurous and literally jump off the edge of the mountain top in a tandem paraglider!  Those that prefer to remain earthbound can head for the luge track, with wheeled cars for fair weather fun, or the view restaurant where you can sip and sup.

Near Queenstown you’ll find many other adventures including a 4 wheel drive excursion into Skippers Canyon where early New Zealanders mined for gold, the Dart River Safari which takes you up river into spectacular Lord of the Rings scenery, a working sheep station at the far end of the lake, and for thrill seekers, bungee jumping and the shotover jet.  Yet another “must do” near Queenstown is Milford Sound with its dramatic fjords and waterfalls.  A day excursion by bus or plane is easily arranged or you can consider a night on the lake or in Te Anau for a more leisurely experience.

Depending on vacation time and budget, you can complete your South Island vacation with a side trip to Dunedin, known as the most Scottiish city outside of Scotland or a stop near Mt Cook and Lake Tekapo before heading on to the North Island of New Zealand or, sadly, home.  More to see another day!

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Last week, the Travel Channel was in Hawaii conducting “Man on the Street” interviews with a grand prize of 24 hours at the Bungalows at Mauna Lani Bay .  Since I toured the Bungalows in December, and know the going rate is $6000 per night with a 10 night minimum stay, I was especially interested… that was quite a prize!

The smallest bungalow at Mauna Lani is 2500 square feet and has a pool, hot tub, and private butler.  The whole experience begins when guests are met at the airport by their butler and transported to the Bungalows by limousine.  And that’s just the beginning!  Perhaps you’d like your butler to arrange a 1/2 day private hike near the volcanoes with catered luncheon for a mere $1500.  Or, after a strenuous day of hiking, ask him to draw a bubble bath, complete with candles and champagne.  Your wish is his command and a stay at the Mauna Lani Bungalows is all about pampering, privacy and luxury!

If $6K per night would stretch your budget a bit, perhaps the Hilton Waikoloa Village is more to your taste.  The Hilton is considered the “Disneyland of Hawaii” with fabulous pools, 3 story waterfall and swim with the dolphin program.  The lazy river and waterslides are something both kids and adults love, you can snorkel in a huge saltwater lagoon and you’ll feel like “Indiana Jones’ while trying to keep your balance on the swinging rope bridge…the kids love to make it swing!

The Big Island has lots to offer in the way of activities such as the Volcanoes National Park.  The black lava fields look like Highway 405 has been hit by an earthquake.  If you can imagine black top erupting, that’s how the lava fields look.  On each side of the road through the fields are steam vents with steam rising from the volcano.  Hiking in Volcanoes National Park is not your garden variety wilderness trek, but the rewards are worth the challenge.  Where else can you see lava, cinders, steam vents rifts, craters, tree molds, a lava tube (where the lava has tunneled underground) and views of new life struggling through the past devastation. Since most of the hikes in the Volcanoes National Park are quite long, and some are arduous, it is advisable to not try and see the entire park in one day.  Volcano House is the only hotel in the park, and offers rooms with a view of the crater.  Hawaiiana is alive and well at the Volcano House.  Koa wood furniture & Hawaiian quilts are featured in each room.The summit of Mauna Kea, another of the Big Islands many volcanoes, also boasts 13 active telescopes, including the world’s largest optical/infrared telescope.  Yes, you can visit and have your very own “tour of the stars”. In Hilo, visit the new ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center.  The planetarium offers several shows per day, and the center has many interactive exhibits, which are popular with the keikis (children). So if you are thinking the Big Island or any Hawaiian destination, please give me a call.  Mahalo!  Sandi

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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.

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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!

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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.

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