Queen Elizabeth Press Information

23 September 2011 – Continuing on her maiden New England & Canadian Adventure voyage, Cunard Line’s newest ship,

Queen Elizabeth, made her first visit to Boston, Massachusetts yesterday. Welcoming Queen Elizabeth to the historic port were David Mackey, Interim CEO of the Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport), along with local dignitaries, and port and local tourism officials. As part of the traditional maiden call plaque ceremony, Mackey and Captain Christopher Wells, Master of Queen Elizabeth, presented plaques to each other to commemorate the special day.

“The Port of Boston is honored to welcome Queen Elizabeth. The cruising industry continues to generate significant economic impact for our region, with more than 7,000 jobs and $429 million in income for Massachusetts in 2010,” said David Mackey. “Cunard Line’s historic ties with the Port of Boston have certainly contributed to these activities, and we look forward to welcoming Queen Elizabeth again on her future voyages.”

The city of Boston also holds great historical significance for Cunard Line, being the first U.S. city that the company’s first passenger ship, Britannia, called on at the conclusion of her maiden voyage from Liverpool, England in 1840.

Joining the celebration to welcome Cunard’s newest ocean liner was Nancy Haas of Shreve, Crump & Low, America’s oldest and finest jeweler, who presented an exclusive Boston Harbor Bowl to Captain Wells in honour of Queen Elizabeth’s maiden visit. The jeweler’s historic ties with Cunard date back to 1840 when Shreve, Crump & Low created a 2.5 foot silver cup that was to be presented to Sir Samuel Cunard. The “Boston Cup” went missing and was found in 1967 in an antique store in Maryland. Cunard purchased the cup and later displayed it on board Queen Elizabeth 2, and it now resides on board the line’s flagship Queen Mary 2.

“We are pleased to celebrate our relationship and strong longtime Boston ties with valued port officials, the Coast Guard, the British Consulate and Shreve, Crump & Low, as well as other Bostonians here today. We appreciate their passion about our history and also our future as the youngest fleet at sea,” said Captain Christopher Wells, Master of Queen Elizabeth.

Bostonians share an affinity for Cunard’s hallmark of dressing up. A recent online survey commissioned by Cunard measuring the attitudes of 1,500 U.S. residents revealed that more than half of them enjoy dressing up five times or more each year. Bostonians enjoy the elegance and glamour of getting decked out more than residents of Washington, DC and San Francisco. In addition, respondents said they preferred to dress up on a cruise vacation, rather than during a land-based holiday.

Prior to her maiden call to Boston, Queen Elizabeth visited New York for a rare overnight call to Manhattan. She continues her maiden New England & Canadian Adventure voyage up the eastern seaboard through Maine to the Canadian ports of Halifax, Nova Scotia and Québec City, Québec.

Debuting in October 2010, Queen Elizabeth captured the world’s stage with her Royal Naming Ceremony by Her Majesty The Queen, in Southampton, England. Art Deco features throughout the ship pay homage to the original Queen Elizabeth, reflecting The New Golden Age of Ocean Travel. On board, guests savor the sense of occasion by dressing up for glamorous evenings at Royal Nights themed balls, and enjoy countless offerings and amenities from Champagne Afternoon Tea in the Garden Lounge to an extraordinary dining experience in The Verandah, a French restaurant that pays tribute to the legendary Verandah Grills aboard the original Queen Elizabeth and Queen Mary.

For more information about Queen Elizabeth or to book a voyage, consult your travel consultant

International Accents Travel        865-577-3137

No Passport Required!

Want to take a trip to the Caribbean but don’t have a passport? Well take off to Puerto Rico. This beautiful green island is a commonwealth of the United States so no passport is required. With its Spanish heritage, this island has more to offer than one can see in just one vacation, so don’t make the mistake of thinking you’ve seen this varied country until you have seen it from east, west, north and south. With both Spanish and English being primary languages, you will have no problem getting around. It’s easy to drive here if you are the adventurous type and want to get out and explore on your own. If you prefer guided tours, there are plenty of those available too.

First you will want to see Old San Juan and El Moro fort. This area is also chocked full of handsome old colonial buildings, some painted in bright Caribbean colors. There is an endless array of shops and fabulous restaurants. Stop by one of the shops that make and sell local Cuban-type cigars. Even if you don’t smoke them, it is really interesting to learn the history and see how meticulously they are hand rolled. You may want to ship some home to your favorite cigar aficionado. While in this area you can also take a ferry across the bay to visit the Bacardi rum factory. Following the guided tour and learning how this delectable drink is distilled, enjoy complimentary Bacardi drinks before hopping the ferry back to Old San Juan. If you arrive in San Juan via cruise-liner, this is the area where the docks are located so be sure to leave enough time before or after your cruise to enjoy San Juan. You may even want to take a tour via Segway. You will find a tourist information center just outside the dock area.

If you want to stay in this area, there are several hotels located right in the old town. Your next option would be to stay in the Condado area. Here you will be within walking distance of the old historic center but you can stay right on the beautiful tropical beach located in this area. Another option is the area of Isla Verde and Carolinas Beach. About 10 minutes via taxi from the docks and old city and 5 minutes to the airport, this is the beach that made San Juan famous as a beach destination in the 1950′s. You will find older remodeled hotels reminiscent of the old Miami hotels, as well as new hotels. There are both chain hotels and smaller boutique style hotels both right on the beach and a couple of blocks off the beach. The main street, Isla Verde, is a great place to stroll and enjoy many restaurants and local shops. You can even get a bicycle taxi to transport you to the beach if you prefer not to walk.This area makes a great pre or post cruise stop too.

There is so much more to see outside the city, but too much to include here, so stay tuned to my follow up blog about the fabulous tropical paradise of Puerto Rico.

Most people think that their trip will cost more if they use a professional so they do it themselves by looking at a few brochures, reading an article in a magazine or seeing someplace really cool on television and then going online. Do they save money? Maybe a little bit. Do they get the most for their money? Probably not. Travel agents usually do not charge any fees for their services. They work on commission from hotels, car rental agencies, tour operators, etc. They also can sometimes get perks for you that are not available to the general public, like upgrades, cruise or resort credits and such. Think of the travel agent as an outside reservation agent.

Is it better to use a larger company than an independent travel agent?

No. In some instances it might be better to go with an independent. Most larger companies have preferred vendors and only use them, so they may not actually get the best offer for you while the independent has no obligations to use specific vendors so they can research more options for you. On the other hand, sometimes the larger company may have more leeway since they sell volume travel, unlike the smaller agencies. This does not always represent the best value for your money, but if lower cost is more important than quality, then that would be best for you.

Can you get a better deal on the internet?

Maybe a lower price, but again, take a good look at what you’re getting. Is your cruise stateroom the smallest darkest lowest cabin on the entire ship? Are transfers included? Is your lovely resort suite overlooking the parking lot or delivery area at the back of the hotel? Did they tell you about the extra per person daily resort fee and taxes that are not included? Your all-inclusive resort was a bargain until you learned that you are limited to local liquor only and all meals are at the one buffet and do not include any of the sit down restaurants. Those cost extra as do the steak and seafood dinners. They specified free wi-fi in the room, but when you arrive you discover that it is DSL and you don’t have a cable but can rent one for a mere $10 per day or use the computer in their business center for $25 dollars a day. If there is a problem, will this online company be there to help rectify the problem for you? Well if you used a travel agent, all it takes is a phone call and your agent will handle any of these problems while you enjoy your vacation.

When you talk or “chat” online with a discount internet travel company, do you ask the agent your working with where they have traveled?

Perhaps they have seen several of the resorts you’re interested in and can give you recommendations based on personal experience or tell you some neat places to visit on your European vacation or a great tour to take while on your cruise. What?! they haven’t been anywhere outside the windowless office where they answer calls and take orders? Where is their office located anyway? These are good questions to ask any travel agent. Nothing is better than having a professional with personal experience who knows the right questions to ask you before you take out the old credit card and put a big chunk of money down on a non-refundable vacation that turns out to be the worst vacation ever. Find a travel agent that is interested in you and not what they want to sell to you. Tell them what you like to do and what you expect on a wonderful vacation. Let the professional suggest some things that you may not even know about. If the travel agent asks for a small deposit up front that goes toward your final payment, then you know they are truly going to spend quality time searching for just the right trip for you and your budget. This is a sign of a true professional. After all, you don’t see other professional doing intense research without at least a small amount of “earnest” money upfront to assure that you are truly interested as well.

How can you not feel more secure in planning something as special as your vacation, honeymoon, family reunion, etc. etc. by going to an experienced travel professional? Going online is for amateurs who don’t know the difference in quality and quantity and that you can have both. So do yourself a big favor and call a travel professional the next time your have travel plans. Save time, headaches and money and just enjoy the trip. You deserve it!

HAWAIIAN ISLANDS

It seems that almost everyone dreams of at least one trip to Hawaii. We are so lucky that these wonderful islands sitting out in the middle of the Pacific Ocean became our 50th state.

The people of Hawai‘i are known throughout the world for their spirit of Aloha. This spirit can only be described as an inner warmth; a feeling of love, respect and hospitality. This spirit is in the very soul of its ancient people. Today, the people of Hawaii work to preserve not only the language, food, music and dance that the ancient Hawaiians brought to the islands but the traditions of Aloha, a culture of generosity; a culture of family. The culture of the Hawaiian Islands is a varied mixture of people from China, Japan, Russia, Korea, Puerto Rico, Portugal, and the Philippines. This is a true melting pot of diverse cultures that have blended and transformed its traditions, festivals and foods.

It is believed that these islands were found many centuries ago by people from Polynesia. Built by millions of years of volcanic activity the topography is as varied as the culture. Yes, it’s a long way from us here in the Southeast where I am located, but well worth the trip and surprisingly not as expensive as you might think. There are 4 islands that attract the most tourist. So let’s take a look at them beginning with Kauai located at the northern end of the chain.

KAUAI

Kauai is known as the Garden Island or Island of Discovery. This is the oldest in the chain of islands and one of the least developed other than the world famous golfing resorts located on the northern end of the island in Princeville. Here you find fabulous golf courses and resorts sitting high atop cliffs overlooking the turquoise water. The town of Hanalei is down on the beach and is one of the wettest places on earth. On the southern side you will find Poipu Beach and a little further on the Grand Canyon of the Pacific is a total surprise. This area is so arid you see cactus growing along the road side and in the higher elevations there are forests of large evergreens just like our Northwest region on the continent. From here you are at the top of the 4000 foot high Napali cliffs while you would be at the bottom of them if you were visiting Hanalei. The road does not go completely around the island because of the Napali Cliffs. They can be seen only from the water or by air. If you truly enjoy eco tourism and exploring a lush green island, this is the place for you. There are nice beaches here as well as mountains, rivers and waterfalls. Once you see Kauai you’ll know why they film so many movies here!

OAHU

Oahu is the second oldest island in the Hawaiian chain of visitable islands. She lies between her sister islands Kauai and Maui. Oahu is the island where the capital city of Honolulu is located. Here is where you find a city of skyscrapers and the world famous beach of Waikiki with Diamondhead at the eastern end. This is also the only city in the United States that has a royal Palace. Some of the best dining to be found in the U.S. is located in Honolulu as well. And if snorkeling is your favorite sport, you have to go to Haunama Bay. This is a nature preserve actually located in a collapsed crater.

A cultural experience of Oahu is incomplete without a step back into the history of the islands. From ancient Hawaiians who canoed across the Pacific, to Christian missionaries and plantation workers who immigrated to Hawaii, to Hawaii’s royal traditions, to the role of Hawaii in World War II to Statehood, Oahu offers a fascinating journey into influences that have impacted Hawaii, the Pacific and the US.

From the South Shore with picturesque Diamond Head, Beautiful Waikiki and Historic Pearl Harbor, to the world famous North Shore, home of Waimea Bay and the Banzai Pipeline and rustic surfer towns where you’ll find great art shops and little cafes with shave ice and pineapple ice cream. You can come to relax or come ready to wear yourself out, either way Oahu has countless things to do. Getting around Oahu is easy. There is a great public bus system that actually goes all around the island so forget the rental car, especially if you’re planning to stay in Waikiki. Just rent a car for the day and go explore the other parts of the island at your own pace.

Oahu is for Lovers. Plan the perfect romantic escape to this beautiful and exciting island. Hike to hidden waterfalls hand in hand, share a beautiful sunset while walking along a white sandy beach, or discover the tastes of Hawaiian Regional cuisine while listening to the sounds of strumming ukulele under the Hawaiian moon. With all the excitement of a metropolitan city and the natural beauty of splendor of a true island paradise, it’s all waiting for you here, on the Island of Oahu, the Heart of Hawaii.

MAUI

Maui is the most visited of the Hawaiian Islands. From the golden sunrise at Haleakala to the famous sunsets of Kaanapali, Maui is home to more things to see than you could possible achieve in a single vacation. Maui is everything you have dreamed Hawaii to be, and almost certainly more than you imagined. Palm-shaded, powdery beaches and lush rainforests… Eclectic small towns and world-famous enclaves… Exclusive, world-class resorts and gem-like B&B’s. It’s all here. Maui’s natural wonders are the stuff of legend… the white-sand beaches, the volcanic craters, and the dense green of the rainforests. A great place for Christmas gifts. But you’ll also find plenty of man-made wonders too – from the pleasures of a hillside winery to the joys of shopping and dinning to the relaxing embrace of a world-famous spa.

Standing at over 10,000 feet, magnificent Haleakala (House of the Sun”), is not only Maui’s most impressive natural landmark; it’s the largest dormant volcano on Earth.

You can take a tour to the top to watch the sunrise (if you’re lucky enough that you’re out of the clouds!) and then ride a bike down to the coast village of Paia. Most visitors head to the summit of Haleakala to enjoy the views down into the crater. The drive itself is fascinating, through diverse landscapes dotted with native Hawaiian plants and wildlife.

Not for the lead-footed or light headed, the Road to Hana is a commitment. With dozens of bridges and hairpin turns, many high above plunging ravines and sea coasts, driving the road is nothing short of a genuine adventure. Taking at least three hours each way, not counting time spent at roadside fruit stands or gazing at waterfalls. And as wonderful as the drive is – this is one journey with an equally enchanting destination. A magical little hamlet of simple homes and quiet gardens, Hana’s isolation is the source of its charm visited mostly by daytrippers. There is a wonderful black sand state park here as well as the Queen’s 7 Sacred Pools and a little further down the road is the burial place of Charles Lindbergh. It’s worth staying 1 or 2 nights.

Kaanapali, was once the exclusive retreat of Hawaiian royalty and the training grounds for Hawaiian warriors. Today Kaanapali is an oceanfront playground home to a variety of resorts and hotels, as well as fantastic shopping and dining at popular destinations such as Whaler’s Village. Separating Kaanapali and Kahekili Beaches is the majestic Black Rock. The ancient Hawaiians believed the Black Rock to be the departure point for spirits leaving this world, “jumping off” to join their ancestors. In commemoration of this legend, a not-to-be-missed cliff diving ceremony is performed nightly. Should you be visiting from December to May, Kaanapali also happens to be Maui’s premier whale watching spot.

Set along the glittering shore of Kaanapali Beach, Lahaina is Maui’s largest town, and undoubtedly one of the island’s most popular destinations. Lahaina holds an enviable position on Maui’s warm southern shore, providing stunning vistas of the Pacific and the neighboring island of Lanai, great seasonal whale watching, and front row seats to Maui’s famous sunsets. Lahaina’s streets are lined with boutiques, galleries, shops and restaurants catering to all tastes and budgets. There are enough sites and activities here to keep anyone busy.

Whether it’s a breathtaking Zipline tour, a mountain bike excursion, a scuba diving expedition, or a once-in-a-lifetime helicopter tour, you’ll find unlimited opportunities to stir your passions.

Maui means romance. Whether it’s a dream wedding, an exhilarating honeymoon, or simply a romantic escape from the everyday. Not only are the settings sensational, the marriage and honeymoon service providers are second to none. With an array of spectacular dining and entertainment choices, as well as some of Hawaii’s finest accommodations, and you begin to see why so many couples return for a second, third, or 20th honeymoon celebration!

Maui truly offers something for everyone… from the quiet majesty of a Haleakala sunrise, to a stimulating stroll through historic Lahaina… an historic afternoon in the paniolo town of Makawao, or a thrilling drive to “Heavenly Hana.” So go ahead, explore. Engage. Indulge. Whatever you do, Maui will change you.

HAWAII

Known to most as the Big Island or Orchid Island, this island is also full of contrasts. Hawaii is the youngest and still growing with the activity of Kilaua as the goddess, Pele, is still spewing forth plenty of red hot lava. You can spend days just exploring the Volcano National Park where you can see hundreds of acres of lava fields and hike trails through craters and rainforests. The capitol city is Hilo on the eastern shore. Hilo is no longer the major tourist destination, but still not to be missed. North of Hilo along the eastern coast is where you find plenty of waterfalls and the Royal Valley of Waipio which can only be entered by 4-wheel drive or you can go horseback riding or take an ATV trip. Don’t forget to take a raincoat! Like Kauai, the road ends here because of the high Pali, or cliffs. The northern center section of the island is cowboy country. This area has large cattle farms and raises some of the best grassfed beef you’ll ever taste. The Parker Ranch located in Waimea was, until recently, the largest cattle ranch in the Unites States. On the Western side or Kona coast is the town of Kaihalua Kona and the major airport. This village still holds it small town charm located right on the water. The famous Waikoloa resort area is just up the road to the north where you see lush green resorts carved out of lava fields. There are also some great golf courses here and like most of the islands, water sports are just awesome. The slopes of the mountains is where you find the world famous Kona Coffee. Don’t miss a trip to a coffee plantation. This island has 11 of the 13 climatic zones found on our planet and that is another reason for the diversity of plant life. Hawaii is where you find black sand beaches as well as white, green and pink sand beaches, however, don’t think you will see a lot of beaches here because the coast is still mainly lava. With so much to see, it’s best to experience the island in small pieces. There’s plenty of room on Hawaii’s Big Island for your return.

Lanai and Molokai

There are 2 smaller islands that don’t even have traffic lights. Until a very few years ago. Lanai was a privately owned island. Lanai was known as the Pineapple Island because Dole grew most of their pineapples here. Most of the pineapple business has moved overseas, so Dole no longer owns the island. There are two luxury resorts here and one other small hotel, but no traffic lights. Lanai is a small island and not very developed, but you can find great beaches and there is a daily ferry between Lanai and Maui if you need some entertainment.

The other is Molokai. This island is mostly tall lush mountains with many secluded deserted beaches. Molokai lies just to the west of Maui. Known as the most Hawaiian of all the islands, Molokai has a lot of nothing but true “aloha”. Molokai is where the famous leper colony run by Father Damien is located. Although leprosy is controlled today, the colony is located there with fewer than 100 people still living there. Like Lanai, Molokai is not very developed so if you really want to get away from it all on an island with plenty of deserted beaches and towering mountains. Take the 3 mile mule ride that descends 1600 feet with 25 switchbacks in to valley to visit Kalaupapa. This is your place if you’re looking for the true old Hawaii.

Each of these islands have only 3 hotels.

Why would you choose the Hawaiian Islands for your vacation, destination wedding or honeymoon?

Well, close you eyes and imagine:

Tropical flowers of every color surrounding you.

Sea turtles swim in surrounding ponds while birds sing in the trees.

Warm breezes scented with flowers and the sea.

Turquoise seas, lush rainforest and tall mountains.

I could go on and on but suffice it to say that the Hawaiian Islands are truly the tropical paradise that have earned them this name.

Far more trips are canceled because of accident or illness, and you don’t get any refunds for those. Any time you face a penalty or loss that’s more than you can comfortably afford, consider Trip Cancellation insurance. If you decide you can get the cheapest insurance directly from your travel supplier, check the small print again. Many suppliers’ policies, especially those that offer “cancel for any reason,” only offer you a credit to rebook a trip with the same company. You do not usually get a cash refund.

What about that credit card insurance? Many cards’ plans are limited to accident insurance on a common carrier and baggage loss coverage. No trip cancellation, medical protection or emergency evacuation coverage is normally included.

There is also Trip Interruption, in case you have to cut the trip short for a covered reason, reimbursing up to 150% of the prepaid trip cost and should include emergency medical protection and evacuation, missed connection, trip delay coverage, baggage loss and baggage delay. When you get to your vacation spot, your one wish is that your bags arrive with you. Unfortunately, the airlines don’t always make your wish come true.

Finally, if an emergency illness or accident happens far from home, nothing will be more welcome than a helpful voice on the phone working to get you assistance on the spot. Our policy has a global emergency travel assistance service, which goes with you 24/7 with every insurance plan. You will be able to contact the service toll-free from wherever you travel, even when your family or loved ones are not immediately in reach. It’s also important to know if your insurance plan covers accidents or illness outside the USA.

You can say that having a comprehensive travel policy is much like having a knowledgeable, professional travel agent to arrange your trip. You will most appreciate both when they come to your assistance in a travel emergency. That’s when you’ll know you made the right choice to plan ahead.

 I have recently returned form a wonderful trip to Sandals Whitehouse on the southern coast of Jamaica. What a fabulous resort!

One of my very best friends and I needed some “girl” time since we hadn’t seen each other in about 1 1/2 years, so we decided that a tropical beach vacation at an all-inclusive resort was just what was in order. I needed to get back down to Jamaica and check out the renovations at Sandals Whitehouse made last winter, so we decided that, even though this is a couples resort, we would go down anyway. We really wanted an adults only resort, but like most adults only, it is usually couples. We decided we are a couple, even if we are just female friends, so off we went.We arrived around 9PM for a ride not unlike Mr. Toad’s wild ride across the mountains from Montego Bay to Whitehouse. Arriving at the resort around 11 PM we were greeted with refreshing cold towels and champagne. We were promply checked in while seated on a plush sofa in the newly remodeled lobby and then shown to our beachfront suite. Of course every room is beachfront at Sandals Whitehouse, so this was not unexpected. The huge room with a split bath was wonderful, especially for 2 women and all our “stuff” . We had premium brand liquors, red wine, white wine, sparkling wine and a fully stocked mini-fridge as well as a coffee maker with wonderful Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee to make fresh every morning and enjoy on our oversized balcony overlooking a turquoise blue bay and white sand beach. There was no need to make coffe because there was plenty at the delicious breakfast buffet or the sit down ala carte restaurant, but it was nice to wake up slowly before heading out for breakfast and then hanging at the pool until the afternoon showers came along around 3:00. Sometimes we didn’t even go in for lunch, just got something at the pool. They have alot of activities and games around the three pools at different times during the day. I actually won a print by a German artist playing bingo and the next day I won another print and a very pretty jade necklace by being the first to answer the winning question. We did go snorkeling one morning , this wa included in the luxry included amentities as all water sports are. We had a spa service one afternoon at the wonderful Red Lane Spa, but otherwise we just relaxed and caught up on everything and laughed a lot. The most difficult thing we did was decide where to have dinner and which wine to drink! One night they had a great buffet on the beach with typical Jamaican foods. I couldn’t get enough shrimp. This is one of the things I like best at Sandals, there is never a fee for seafood, steaks or any of the more upscale restaurants or fancy drinks in coconuts. After the dinner, they had entertainment by some Jamaican musicians and a fire dancer and then some hilarious fun games with guest participation. Since the majority of the guests were honeymooners or couples there to celebrate an aniversary or birthday, you can imagine the merriment. Another night they had music and and then a chocalate and wine party on the Piazza. Now that was really good! We had every intention of taking some tours, but there was so much going on at Sandals, we never left the property. I think if time permitted, we could have stayed at least another week, however, after watching all the romantic honeymooners, I was more than ready to get home to see my honey. Being with your best friend while being pampered at a luxury included resort is wonderful and I would highly recommend this for every woman. If you don’t like to share a King size bed, as all the beds are at all Sandals Resorts, or can’t handle having people looking at you questioningly as if guessing your sexal preference, then you might want to consider Beaches, which offers rooms with different bedding arrangements and is also great if you have a group that want a special getaway.

                              

Jamaica is the largest English-speaking island in the Caribbean. The terrain is very mountainous with the highest point being Blue Mountain Peak reaching 7,402 feet above sea level. Over 120 natural rivers and springs flow through Jamaica.  

The major airport is located in Montego Bay, affectionately called MoBay. There are plenty of hotels and resorts located right here within 10 minutes of the airport. If you like to shop, this is the place for you.  

The nearest resort destination is the Rose Hall area with beautiful beaches and plenty of activities to enjoy in this region. If you’re a golfer, you’ll love it here. And don’t forget to visit the Rose Hall Plantation, home of the “White Witch”. 

About an hour and a half to the east of Mo Bay is the Parish of St. Ann , known as the “garden parish” because of it’s great beauty. The resort development of this delightful parish has centered around the town of Ocho Rios, meaning 8 rivers in Spanish. This thriving little town is a very popular destination with plenty of accommodations ranging from small hotels to large all-inclusive resorts. Nearby there are world-class reefs for diving including those at Runaway Bay and Ocho Rios and great stretches of palm-fringed sand at Treasure Beach or Frenchman’s Cove near Port Antonio. One of the most popular activities is to climb Dunn’s River falls. There is also great zip lining in the nearby mountains and horseback riding on the beach here. Just a short drive away are the beautiful lush Blue Mountains where some of the best coffee in the world is grown. You can go on ATV or 4-wheel safari trips here and end up swimming in waterfalls. The north shore is definitely for you if just lying around on the beach is not enough.  

On the western end of the island is the community of Negril. To introduce Negril, we have to quote Richard Hershman, the original owner of Rick’s Cafe: ” Your body has suddenly arrived where your mind has always been”. Nature blessed Negril and ensured her place in the tourist world with two shimmering beaches, stretching seven crystal white sand miles. Paradise comes in another guise as you leave this seven-mile strip. From here the road meanders along to the West End, where hotels and restaurants cling to the cliff’s edge. There is no beach, but the white sand gleams from the seabed. Here there are caves to explore, and rocky bluffs, cliff diving anyone? The first to discover Negril’s charms were the “Hippies and Flower Children” of the early seventies and this laidback atmosphere remains today. If you’re looking for relaxation and romance in paradise, you’ll find it in Negril and you won’t find a better place to watch spectacular sunsets.  

With a destination wedding you have a choice of using the resort wedding coordinator or an outside wedding coordinator if you would like to plan a wedding at a location other than a hotel or resort.

Now, why use a travel agent? You sure don’t want to get to your wedding day and find out that all the documents aren’t in order. They all include your documentation, but not all the additional fees for the documents. We make sure that you have the total amount right from the beginning and ensure that everything is in order. Each location has different requirements and we have a list for each of these countries so all you have to do is ask us.  As travel agents, we have sources that can assist you at any destination you should choose.

International Accents Travel also offers a FREE Honeymoon Dreams registration. There is no cost to either you or your friends and family. Just send me a picture and a list of tours, activities and spa treatments that you would like for your honeymoon and get your very own webpage on our website!

It’s just as  important to us as it is to you that you start out your new life as Mr.& Mrs. in the location that best suits you. We’ve traveled to many of the most popular destinations, and to all the ones we are presenting here tonight. We make tours of as many of the resorts and locations as we can. That way we know exactly what they have to offer and don’t have to rely on some pictures on the internet. Whether you are planning a destination wedding or honeymoon, you have a lot of other things to take care of and we are here to help make all this go easier and smoother for you. You get all this at no additional cost to you!!

Don’t leave this important occassion to chance by booking on the internet. Make sure everything goes smoothly by using a travel agent. After all, they are the professional experts in travel.

Costa Rica has it all, culture, eco-tourism, soft and hard adventure, gorgeous beaches, rainforests, volcanoes, and some of the most diverse flora and fauna to be found in one small geographical area anywhere. Even though the language is Spanish, don’t worry, there are plenty of people who speak English and the local people, “Ticos,” are the friendliest most hospitable people you will meet. They are extremely proud of what their country has to offer and rightly so because Costa Rica has it all “naturally”.

PURA VIDA!