Linda Tatten – Page 3

Travel by Tatten Update

2013-06-01 By Linda Tatten

I will be doing a trip to Italy and the Greek Isles in May 2014 – full details will be posted the beginning of next week.

My blog is a work in progress. I had started Tuesday Travel News and Wednesday Hawaii News to update you on new opportunities in the world of travel, to help you Imagine the Possibilities… Well I would put information aside until Tuesday and then it was Thursday and I had not gotten to it, so I’m going to do Travel News and Hawaii News and post when I have information that I think you will find interesting or funny.

I’m getting excited, I’m putting the final touches on, and will soon unveil…are you ready? The Travel by Tatten Face Book Page! I will be including what had in the past been on my Fun Friday mailings – including recipes and special drinks.

Royal Caribbean’s Brilliance of the Seas – New England & Canada (passport NOT required for US Ciizens)Still space on my Travel by Tatten’s Women’s Getaway; departing from Boston on October 6, 2013. You do not need to be part of the Women’s Getaway to join this sailing.

Day Trips – I’m going to be doing a few day trips for those in the area, I will post the full details on Monday.

Newport RI Mansions and Lunch at Castle Hill Inn – December 14, 2013.

Have a Great Weekend!

Women’s Getaway Returns

2013-03-04 By Linda Tatten

Travel by Tatten Women’s Getaways – has returned from their Caribbean adventure after a week sailing the Windward Islands.

Our adventure started in Barbados where we boarded the beautiful 42-sail Royal Clipper – the largest full-rigged sailing ship in the world! We sailed in casual luxury on this spacious ship accommodating only 227 guests, with stops at some of the smaller ports and secluded beaches for a swim.

You really need to experience first hand the unfurling of the sails – I found it emotional and heard one passenger say “what a magical moment” and another “this is magic” as the on-deck speakers play Vangelis’s Conquest of Paradise the 42 sails are unfurled – we were a striking sight!

A fun day was when we sailed beside and raced the Star Clipper, they were doing the Grenadine Islands itinerary. There are three ships owned by Star Clippers sailing the world.

Did I like the cruise – I have days when I sit at my desk and dream of my deck chair on a quite uncrowded deck surrounded by beautiful blue water and wonderful islands as the trade winds blow and the sun sets.

Did the group like the cruise – on the second day they were asking me what was the date of next years cruise.

And yes…there was chocolate!

Star Clipper 013 — Royal ClipperRoyal Clipper

Wednesday Hawaii News

2013-01-09 By Linda Tatten

Hawaiian News and Updates:

Kauai –

Koloa Zipline Tour, eight-lines, zip over Kauai’s Waita Reservoir, the largest body of water on the islands.

Kaua’i Museum will host a Hawaiian pa’ina (feast) with dishes by chef Mark Oyama and including live Hawaiian music. Taking place in the newly renovated courtyard from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm; the cost is $15 for adults and $8 for ages 5 to 10.

Merriman’s Downstairs Cafe is now Merriman’s Gourmet Pizzas and Burgers offering gluten-free crusts – standard organic wheat version. Unique combinations such as Brussels sprouts, bacon and manchego.

Oahu –

Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort – just unveiled a $45 million renovation of its Rainbow Tower. The resort has a children’s program called Club Penguin – their are eight African black-footed penguins that live at the resort. The club has 1,200 square feet and a team of camp counselors. They also offer off-property excursions to local cultural attractions

Peter Merriman’s two-story Monkeypod Ko Olina is open, featuring 36 craft beers on tap, a wood-fired pizza oven and local ingredients.

Taste, expect the unexpected at this permanent pop-up in Kaka’ako. A group of innovative restaurateurs, including Mark Noguchi (formerly of He’eia Pier General Store and Deli) and Andrew Le of Pig & The Lady, and food trucks such as Zaratez Taqueria and Wow Wow Waffles offer breakfast, lunch and dinner – check the online calendar to know who is ‘serving what and when,

Lanai –

Four Seasons Manele Bay how has Nobu…your sushi is waiting!

Four Seasons Lodge at Koele has been focusing on fine wines with special dinners, tasting and festivals.

Maui –

Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto will open his second restaurant in Hawaii when the Andaz Maui at Wailea (former Renaissance) opens this summer.

Gluten-free diners, at the end of the road to Hana – a four-course chefs tasting menu at Travaasa Hana ($65) with items such as grass fed beef with Kula asparagus and a chocolate decadence dessert.

Harvest Cafe at Lumeria, between Pa’ia and Makawao, offers organic, healthful fare. Master cleanse chef Craig King has a special menu for detoxifying guests.

Hawaii –

Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa at Keauhou Bay (The Big Island)– After nine-month and $20 million the renovation of the 22-acre resort is complete. In addition to replacing everything you touch in the rooms there are changes in the style to restore the resorts connection with Keauhou’s cultural heritage. A local artist, Sig Zane, supplied the Hawaiian design themes. The resort offers Hawaiian craft classes, hula lessons and cultural tours for guests

Rays on the Bay (Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa) has a new menu and ocean-view fire pits.

Four Seasons Resort Hualalai (The Big Island) – was on TripAdvisor’s List of the Top 10 U.S. Hotel Spas. I stayed at this beautiful resort, a great place to watch the sun set!

Ho’oulu Community Farmers Market, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesdays; 40 vendors offering island-grown or locally sourced food including 100 percent Kona coffee, arts and crafts

Hilo’s Manono Marketplace features Kamuela’s Hawaiian Style Cafe, know for its enormous pancakes, also serves dinner.

From Travel Agent Central

Tuesday Travel News

2013-01-08 By Linda Tatten

A little of this and a little of that from the world of travel!

Ritz-Carlton, South Beach, FL…. Diamonds and more diamonds! For a very special getaway the Ritz-Carlton has a package called “To Di For” including the Precious Ceremony Diamond Facial – yes a diamond infused facial treatment. You will also receive a 18 k white gold and diamond “Love Knot” ring by Miami-based Duchap Jewelers. So if you want to sparkle, the starting cost is $4,954 a night! There are people living a different life style them I am.

Louvre-Lens – sister museum of the world famous Louvre – located in Lens France, just over an hour from Paris by train. this former coal-mining town of 36,000 has received UNESCO World Heritage status. Calling all art lovers!

Sandals La Source Grenada Resort & Spa – the former La Source Resort was bought in November by Sandals Resorts making it their first resort in Grenada. Imagine stunning beaches and waterfalls, lush rain forests and pristine mountain lakes. Opening November 20, 2013.

Cruise ship Internet provider MTN Satellite Communications – will introduce changes that will dramatically improve the speed of Internet service at sea in the second quarter of 2013. This is good news for all the cruisers that want to stay connected while away from home. The cost of Internet service has been high and with slow service it could be costly.

Walt Disney World’s – New Fantasyland, the biggest expansion in Magic Kingdom Park history, doubling it’s size. Be immersed in the story of Beauty and the Beast and dine in the middle of Beast’s Castle at the new Be Our Guest Restaurant – reservations are 6 months out. The second new castle Prince Eric’s Castle brings you into Ariel’s world…you get to board a giant clam shell. The Disney Imagineers have used the newest high tech to up date Fantasyland making it a special experience for all the family!

Did you Know…Puerto Rico

is listed as one of the Hottest Travel Destinations by Travel and Leisure Magazine

Puerto Rico’s East Course,Dorado Beach was one of 7 Golf Courses to Play in 2013 by Forbes Magazine. Originally designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr, just underwent an extensive 18-month renovation by Robert Trent Jones Jr. Renovation of the West Course is coming. After a round of golf relax at the Ritz-Carlton.

Passport – not needed by U.S. Citizens for direct travel to U.S. territories, including Puerto Rico and the US. Virgin Islands – just pack your bags.

Caribbean & Bermuda Wreck Diving –

Cayman Island – the U.S.S. Kittiwake, a 251-foot, 2,220-ton, five deck navel vessel was deliberately sunk off the northern end of Grand Cayman’s Seven Mile Beach. In water 64-feet deep and only 15 feet from the surface. Off Cayman Brac’s West End divers will find the Russian frigate, MV Captain Keith Tibbetts.

Grenada – home to the largest drivable wreck in the Caribbean, the Bianca C – Titanic of the Caribbean. The 600-foot long Italian liner sits upright in 165 feet of water. Often called one of the top 10 wreck sites in the world. There are dozens of wrecks to explore.

Barbados-the five wrecks in Carlisle Bay are some of the most accessible wrecks, the shallowest only seven feet from the surface. Being so near the surface it has lots of growth and fish life.

Curacao – has the Superior Producer which is upright. There are two other areas to check out Airplane Wreck and Car Wrecks.

Bermuda – has more shipwrecks per square mile than anywhere else in the world. See wrecks dating from the 1600s.

Imagine the Possibilities…

A New Year Cocktail

2012-12-29 By Linda Tatten

Enjoy this special libation from Holland America Line.

If you would like to be on my email list to receive Friday Fun – including recipes, drinks and travel trivia as well as Travel by Tatten updates and Tour – please email me with List in the subject line.

lindat@travelbytatten.com

Chocolate Raspberry Martini

Ingredients:

1.5 oz Vodka

0.5 oz Chambord

0.75 oz Creme de Cacao White

Glass: Martini Garnish: Fresh raspberry on the rim

Instructions: Mix vodka, Chambord and creme de cacao in a cocktail shaker. Shake and strain. Garnish with a fresh raspberry on glass rim.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

And don’t forget to Imagine the Possibilities…

A New Year Travel Wish

2012-12-29 By Linda Tatten

Many years ago, I left my job, my home and my friends to live in Hawaii for a year. My aunt Catherine gave me a card with this poem as I started my adventure…one of many to come. I would like to share this with you as a New Year Wish for the year ahead!

THE ART OF TRAVELING

Travel expectantly. Every place you visit is like a surprise package to be opened. Untie the strings with an expectation of high adventure. Travel with curiosity. It is not how far you go, but how deeply you go that mines the gold of experience.

Travel with imagination. As the Old Spanish proverb puts it: “He who would bring home the wealth of the Indies must carry the wealth of the indies with him.”

Travel relaxed. Make up your mind to have a good time.

Travel with the spirit of a world citizen. You’ll discover that people are basically much the same the world around. Be an ambassador of good will to all people.

By Wilfred A. Peterson

Tuesday Travel News

2012-12-18 By Linda Tatten

Dancing with the Stars – aboard Holland America Line – Guests aboard one of these theme cruises can enjoy dance lessons and meeting the dancers. There are six theme cruises starting February 16, 2013. If you are not on one of the special theme sailings you can still participate in the Holand America exclusive ship board dance program including dance lessons and an opportunity for a lucky guest to dance on stage in a dance-off performance. These activities will feature the ships’ professional dancers – do you want to be a star!

New York City Winter Sale – January 2 to February 28 – this is a great time for a NYC getaway. The average hotel room rate is approximately $216.00 ( 24 percent lower then the rest of the year) and there are 1.3 million fewer visitors during this time. Some hotels are offering 3rd night free and family specials with the Muppet Family Fun Hotel Promotion.

New York Restaurant Week – January 14 to February 8. with special three-course prix-fixe meals

Broadway Week – Jannuary 22 to February 7. Two for one tieckst to theatrical productions.

Off Broadway Week – January 28 to February 10.

NOTE: Tickets and restaurant reservations go on sale on January 7th!

Boucan by Hotel Chocolat, St. Lucia – This luxury boutique hotel and restaurant is a great place for chocolate lovers! The resort is set at The Rabot Estate, a working cocoa estate. The Boucan Restaurant’s menu is inspired by the setting using cocoa in many of their dishes and don’t forget to try the Cacao Bellini in the bar.

EL AL Israel Airlines offers chance to win Free Flight to Israel – check out their new Facebook based contest offering a chance to win two round trip Economy Class Plus tickets. Ends December 27th www.facebook.com/ELASIsraelAirlinesUSA. Good luck!

Japan National Tourism Organization – has a new Tourism Website with Japan travel information,news, monthly features, event calendar, updates and more… www.JapanTravelInfo.com

Walt Disney World – The Test Track is now open, this is a multisensor experience; create your own virtual concept vehicle to race – how will your car perform? Development of AVATAR Themed Land at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park, to bring the epic fantasy world of AVATAR to life is underway. Just a few of the additions and upgrades the creative people at Disney are working on.

Imagine the Possibilities….

See you next Tuseday! If you are not on my Email List and are not receiving Travel by Tatten’s Fun Friday see Linda Tatten on Linkedin. My Email List is only used by Travel by Tatten, I do not sell my lists – ever!

Survey Results

2012-12-14 By Linda Tatten

Reults are in from Travel by Tatten’s Survey take at the MA Conference for Women

Thank you all that stopped by the Travel by Tatten booth, it was nice talk to so many of you…and share chocolate! In planning for the coming year I found the survey results helpful in knowing where you would like to travel.

SURVEY RESULTS

Areas of Interest

Eruope 65%

U.S. & Canada 53%

Costa Rica 32%

South Pacific 26%

Asia 19%

Types of Travel

Cruises 53%

River Boats 23%

Train 18%

Interests

Cooking & Wine 53%

Sightseeing 44%

Art & Music 35%

Walking 24%

History 24%

Educational 18%

Sports 14%

Most Suggested Destinations

1. Italy (3 times more then No 2)

2. Ireland

3. Caribbean

4. France & Spain

5. Galapagos

What are your thoughts? Please share any new ideas you might have.

Thank you for your time and help.

Have agreat weekend!

Linda

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