Linda’s Travel Notes

Give the Gift of Travel

2009-07-08 By Linda Tatten

This was not just a cruise… it was a family memory.

I took my two nephews on a Carnival Cruise as a graduation gift. It started with giving them
Passports for their birthdays, truly the gift of travel, in preparation for our cruise. I
have been very fortunate to have traveled to over 50 countries and islands, and wanted to
share the adventure of meeting new people and experiencing different places with my nephews.

We flew to Miami to board the 110,000 ton Carnival Freedom, for our Western Caribbean
cruise. For dinner we had our own table, it was good to have the time to get caught up on
what was happening in their lifes. When they were little guys I often spent time with them,
as one said “when we were little you always took us on little adventures”, then they went
off to college and I only saw them on holidays, so I enjoyed our time together.

One night we dressed up and went to the Sun King Supper Club, there is an additional charge but it was worth it – for another little adventure. There were beautiful tapestries and antique mirrors and we sat by the window watching the sun set, as we were pampered with great service and a wonderful meal.

A cruise is a good choice for a family trip, there are activities for everyone. I’m
realistic enough to know that my nephews wouldn’t want to spend all their time with their
aunt, so a cruise worked well for us. On days that we went in different directions, we
always met at dinner and talked about the day. Nights, did I tell you there were 22 bars and
lounges aboard, there were shows, an outdoor poolside 12-foot wide LED screen for movies,
sporting events and concerts; and music for every taste. I’m not sure what time the boys got
in…maybe just as well.

This was not just a cruise…it was a family memory, another little adventure to talk about
for years to come.

The Coolest Place

2009-06-14 By Linda Tatten

Minus 5 Ice Lounge – Las Vegas

Imagine ice walls, tables, chairs, sculptures and even the glasses are ice…what better way to enjoy a special vodka drink! The Minus 5 Ice Lounge is the only one in the USA, there are 14 total in the world. I stoped to see this Cool place on my last visit to Las Vegas, it’s located at Mandalay Place. They supply sheepskin-lined parkas, gloves and booties before entering this special ice room. It was fun to see, especially all the ice carvings, so if you want to get out of the desert heat keep Minus 5 in mind.

The Burger Bar

Also at Mandalay Place and a favorite of mine, it’s located right near the ice lounge. When I’m in town, I try to make it over for a great burger. They have a good menu, you build your own burger – several kinds of burgers including, Angus, Kobe, buffalo, turkey and vegetarian. You can be creative or just go for the classic burger. I have gone with friends and on my own, I always feel comfortable and always have a great meal.

New York City, American Girl Place and a Limo

2009-04-02 By Linda Tatten

A DAY IN NEW YORK CITY – WITH A SPECIAL GROUP OF YOUNG WOMEN
Travel should create special memories – I will never forget this group.

I spent a wonderful day in New York City with a special group of young women – Alycia, Ashley, Emily, Grace, Sara and Sophia. We met early on a Saturday morning to start our adventure. This was a special trip to the American Girl Place, so what better way to travel then in our own stretch limo! Beside the six young women, we had four mothers, one aunt and a grandmother – and six American Girl Dolls! After time to shop, a visit to the beauty salon (for dolls only), we met for a group lunch. When we arrived for lunch we were asked, not how many people but how many dolls. Each doll had a special doll seat and their own tea cup. We had a nice lunch with lots of choices before going to the American Girl Theater for the show. After the show we had time to explore the city before being picked up – in our limo – for the trip back home. Emily said “it was the best day of her life” (all 11 years) and I have to say it was one of my favorite groups. I could not have traveled with a nicer group of young women and their beautiful dolls. This was one of those special trips – that make you want to just keep smiling.

MY RECENT COSTA RICA TRIP

2007-09-23 By Linda Tatten

COSTA RICA
No Artificial Ingredients

Don’t Worry, Travel Happy

Victor C.
My Costa Rica Guide

Victor was my expert guide on all aspects of Costa Rica, his knowledge and charm added much to my adventure. He went into great detail describing what I was seeing as we walked through the rainforest or drove through the country side; he also gave insight into the history, culture and the people of Costa Rica. A good guide can enrich a travel experience.

I flew 3 hours from Boston to Miami and then connected to a Martinair flight, 2 hours to Costa Rica. It was a good flight, they serve food with wine – memories of how travel use to be! After arriving at the San Jose airport I headed out to the Los Suenos Marriott in Jaco, a beach resort on the pacific side, for my first night in Costa Rica. A beautiful hotel, Spanish style with stone and tile floors; rod iron hanging lanterns and lots of candles- warm and inviting. My room had a view of the Pacific Ocean and offered the very comfortable Revive Bedding by Marriott. The 25,000 square foot pool, with blue tiles making the water seem even bluer, was a wonderful way to relax after a day of sight seeing. They also have a Spa and 18-hole, par 72 championship golf course to enjoy.

First day of sightseeing, I boarded a small boat for a Crocodile Tour on the Tarcoles River, one of the most crocodile populated rivers in the world. At one point the river guide got out of the boat to feed a crocodile…yes got out of the boat! These crocodiles were up to 15 feet long and seemed every bit that big as they came by the boat. The guide stands in the water and holds up a piece of fish for the crocodile to come and eat. The guide kept looking behind him to make sure there were not other crocodiles coming. We are in the middle of the river not in a controlled area. The crocodile came right out of the water and took the fish – an interesting way to make a living, he did get good tips. This was a bird watching as well as crocodile tour, with over 50 different types of birds including the rare scarlet macaw, there was lots to see on my first adventure since arriving.

Later in the day, during the Carara Biological Reserve walking tour, my guide pointed out a bright colored Dart Frog and Leafcutter Ants. Coming down a tree and across the trail was a parade of ants carrying parts of leaves they cut with their scissor like jaws, they can carry up to 50 times their weight. This is also the home of 150 scarlet macaws, great egrets, boat-billed herons and trogons; this 11,600 acre reserve is popular with bird watches. The reserve is located in the northernmost region of the Pacific rainforest and is the beginning of the transition zone between the tropical dry forest of the northwest and the more humid southwest.

Driving through the country side, passing coffee plantations, we arrive in Sarchi where we had a typical Costa Rican lunch of beans, rice, potato and a choice of chicken, beef or fish. After lunch it was time to explore, this area is know as the Cradle of Costa Rican Artisans with wood working and craft shops, a good place to purchase local crafts for that special gift. Also this is where you can find the shop that builds the bright colored oxcarts, a national folkloric symbol of Costa Rica. I visited the Joaquin Chaverri Oxcart Factory, built in 1902, and still making the brightly colored carts.

I went from the ocean to the mountains to see the famous Arenal Volcano (5,328 ft.). My room at the Hotel Arenal Springs had a great view, from my bed, of the active volcano. In the morning I heard what I thought was thunder, then realized it was the volcano right before a puff of smoke came out of the top…a little entertainment during breakfast. After breakfast it was off to La Fortuna Waterfall for a hike…I need to get in better condition! I hiked down to the swimming hole, at the bottom of the water fall, and slowly hiked back up using muscles not often used. Then it was off to the Tabacon Hot Springs, a series of natural thermal springs, lagoons, waterfalls, and trails winding through exotic gardens with a view of the volcano. They have an area to rent a locker with showers, towels and changing rooms. Imagine sitting in a hot spring pool as the sun sets…a lovely end to the day. The temperature in the pools decreased as you move down the line of pools. The hot natural springs felt good after the waterfall hike.

It was an enjoyable trip, the beautiful surroundings, lush and green, from the ocean to the mountains. The people were friendly and helpful and prices reasonable – all and all a good vacation choice. If you love nature, you will love Costa Rica.

Costa Rica’s population is 4,248.508; literacy rate is 95% and is the size of West Virginia. Travel areas are divided into 6 regions – San Jose, The Central Valley, The Northern Plains, North Pacific, Central Pacific, South Pacific and the Caribbean with the Pacific Ocean on one side and the Caribbean Sea on the other. Costa Rica is known as an ecotourism destination, where the environment is protected and preserved. Approximately 25% of the country’s land has been set aside as protected area and the hotel industry keeps improving on ways to be nature friendly.

Entry Requirements: U.S. Citizens need a valid passport for stays up to 90 days.

Departure Tax: $26.00, can be paid in US Dollars, Colones or with a credit card. This is paid at the airport before check-in.

What is the Currency: The Costa Rican currency is called Colon. U.S. dollars and major credit cards are widely accepted.

When to Go: Costa Rica has many microclimates, weather can vary dramatically from one area to another. For example the Central Valley lacks he oppressive seasonal heat and rain and is almost always suitable for travel; where the Northern Plains has a rainy season July – December. It depends on what area you plan to travel as to when is the best time to go.

This is just a few of the things to enjoy in Costa Rica:

Butterflies – 2,000 species

Orchids – 1,200 species

Ferns – 800 species

Bird Watching – 875 species.

Rain Forests – can have 100 species of trees.

Surfing – year round waves and warm water.

Beaches – 799 miles of cost

Volcanoes – 5 active

White Water Rafting – all levels

Kayaking – all levels

Fishing – world class sport fishing

Hiking – rainforests, trails and reserves

Horseback Riding – popular everywhere

Canopy Tours – Zip lining – Rappelling

Mountain biking and scuba diving.

Imagine the Possibilities…

Lasting Memories – A Women’s Getaway

2007-07-29 By Linda Tatten

Moab Utah – Women’s Group
In May I returned to the Sorrel River Ranch Resort and Spa, with one of my Women’s Getaway groups. It’s such a beautiful place, Imagine…waking in the morning and looking out at beautiful red mountains. The window shades opened from the top down, so you can wake and see the mountains, without people looking into your room…it was a great way to start the day! Our very spacious rooms had large picture windows and porches – a perfect place to sit at the end of the day, looking out on the Colorado River and take in the beauty of the area.

Days were spent sightseeing with Deb, our O.A.R.S. guide, her knowledge and experience added so much to our excursions. The first day we went to Arches National Park, Deb took us to places that most tourist never get to…when was the last time you saw dinosaur tracks? Later in the day, some of the group did a sunset hike to Fisher Towers – beautiful views. Day two and we were kayaking down the Colorado River. It was early in the season, the river was faster and the rapids a bit more challenging, then my last visit – so I was impressed and very proud of the first time kayakers who took on the challenge. We arrived back at the ranch wet but successful…everyone stayed in the kayaks. Again thanks to Deb who was there to pull any of us in, if needed. On the last day we were off to Canyonlands at an elevation of 6,500 feet. We made a stop where they filmed the last scene of Thelma and Louise – remember this was a women’s group!

We had great dinners at the River Grill Restaurant, located at the ranch, where we laughed about the events of the day and yes we talked about the cowboys! There was time for walks around the grounds, a visit to the pool, horseback riding and an excursion into Moab. One of the highlights, for many of the women, was a visit or two, to the spa. There is a high level of service at Sorrell River Ranch and the staff couldn’t be nicer. I look forward to visiting again…this is a very special place.

LINDA’S UTAH ADVENTURE

2006-07-12 By Linda Tatten

MY UTAH AVENTURE

I thought of the saying “you regret the things you didn’t do in life, more then the things you did do”… so I said yes.

June has been a busy month, with lots of traveling. I went to Utah to look at a place for one of my Women Only Trips, and it was wonderful!

As I was driving to the Sorrel River Ranch, I kept thinking, there is no way to describe this to people – the vastness of the area, where you can see forever in any direction and the most beautiful red mountains.

Sorrel River Ranch is located in Moab, Utah. To get to the ranch, I turned off the main highway – a two lane road – on to an access road and drove for 17 miles along the Colorado River. I kept thinking this can not be as beautiful as their brochure looks – but it was. There was the Sorrel River Ranch, on 160 acres, sitting by the Colorado River and surrounded by 2,000 ft red cliffs and buttes. Sorrel River Ranch is the only member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World group located in Utah and has received 3 World Travel Awards.

The friendly staff took me to my room, which had a deck looking out over the Colorado River, and the large windows overlooked red mountains. The room had a sitting area, kitchenette, and a bathroom with a window over looking the river. Individually designed log and rustic wood furniture gave the room a southwestern feel. After seeing the room, my friend and I decided to order room service and sit out on our deck. The sunset against the red mountains, beautiful! The staff was friendly and helpful making our stay even more pleasurable. www.sorrelriver.com

On the way to breakfast, I noticed that O.A.R.S., an adventure travel company doing rafting, kayaking and multi-sport adventures, had an office at the ranch. I had worked with them as part of an Adventure Travel Program and was impressed by their staff and the quality of their equipment. I said to my friend, I know the owner of this company; I need to call him to put together a program for my group. As I was seated for breakfast, I looked over at the other table and there was George, President of O.A.R.S, who was also visiting the ranch. After breakfast I met with George and James, who was at the ranch office, to talk about my group. Such a small world.

I kayaked for the first time and on the Colorado River with rapids (ok little rapids)…with the help of the wonderful staff of O.A.R.S., Zack and Mary, off we went down the river. How it all started, there were six of us picked-up at the ranch and taken up river, for what I thought was a Dory Ride (a wooden boat with a guide), but on arrival Zack said you are the ones that reserved the kayak (thanks George) – that follow the dory? I thought this must be a mistake, I thought we were just going to try it, not be kayaking for two hours down the river! At this point, Zack said “you don’t have to, if you don’t want to, you can ride in the boat” well, I thought of the saying, “you regret the things you didn’t do in life more then the things you did do”… so I said yes. Now what I didn’t tell you, I was traveling with a friend and didn’t have time to ask her what she thought (this was a two person kayak) so I just took her down the river with me – and yes, she is still my friend.

We laughed for two hours and provided entertainment for those in the dory, as we learnt how to kayak. My friend was calling the instructions, as we tried to paddle together – “right, left, right, no your other right, left, no I mean right.”

I have a confession, as the oldest person of the six, it was fun to be in the kayak watching the much younger ones in the dory, knowing they wish they were having the fun we were having, and how they shouldn’t judge people by their age! I think Zack was pleasantly surprised that he didn’t have to pull us out of the river – we made it down on our own! We are still laughing over it all. And a very special thank you to Mike…a nice man who took pictures of my kayaking adventure – I now have proof that I did it!

The next day, Mary (O.A.R.S.) was back to take us on a 4 x 4 Tour of Canyonlands National Park. I was very impressed by her knowledge of the geology and national history of the area…and her driving! You need to have a guide and driver for this tour, as most cars couldn’t navigate the roads, on the edge of the mountains. www.oars.com

Back at the Ranch, you can visit the Fitness Center and full service Spa., or sit by the pool, with a good book. If you want to be more active, Sorrel River Ranch is renowned for its horseback riding and has lessons and trail rides. Or, there is hiking, biking, rafting and touring the National Parks. So much to do…imagine the possibilities!

Note: Look for my Women Only Trip, for next spring. I’m working on the arrangements now.

All Spa’s Are Not The Same

2006-05-02 By Linda Tatten

As part of my Spa Certificate Course, I went to Utah and experienced two very different Spas…someone had to do it!

RED MOUNTAIN SPA – FIRST STOP www.redmountainspa.com

I went with a friend; we drove from Las Vegas Airport, about 2 hours, to the Red Mountain Spa, arriving at dinner time. After only having airplane food – no more need be said – we were hungry and wondered what a Spa dinner would be like! The food was wonderful and the Canyon Breeze Restaurant became a favorite place for meeting new friends and hearing about their adventures of the day. The Dinner Menu lists 12 entrees and there were daily specials. The salad bar (lunch and dinner) was very good and two soups – hot or cold. The friendly wait staff even asked if we wanted bread, with butter or oil. They also had a bar, if you wanted wine with dinner.

I will always remember the view from our (basic but nice) room, as we went out in the morning – the wall of red mountain stretching out in front of us, what a way to start the day! The view here is special, wherever you go, there are the beautiful Red Mountains surrounding you. .

They have a Hiking Program, with three different levels. I did Trekker 1, with some paved road walking and some trails. My friend did Trekker 2, with a variety of trails including some rock and uneven terrain. They have a Trekker 3; my guide said it was for people who run 5 miles before breakfast! I liked my Trekker 1.

Some of the other Adventure Programs are Rock Climbing, Kayaking, Geo-caching, Orienteering and Biking. Adventure Racing is one of the fastest growing sports, it combines trekking, land navigation, mountain biking, kayaking, and rappelling. Red Mountain is having their first Adventure Racing Camp in November.

While my friend was Rock Climbing, I was at the Spa, doing research on their services…always thinking of my clients! After a busy day of Trekking, Stretching and Pampering, it was time for an evening swim, under the stars. Life as it should be!

In addition to the Adventure Program and Spa Treatments, they offer many different kinds of classes – Cardiovascular Workouts, Muscle Strengthening, Flexibility Classes, Fitness Workshops, Wellness & Relaxation and they have a gym with all new equipment. They also offer excursion to Bryce Canyon National Park and Zion National Park. We had a car and went on our own to Zion National Park; it was an easy drive and beautiful scenery.

Who goes to the Red Mountain Spa? This spa was voted Best Spa for Men, because it’s considered an Adventure Spa. About 1/3 were men, there were families, friends traveling together and a large group of singles. Size of the Spa 174 guests, 210 employees.

The Red Mountain Spa was a wonderful experience…please give me a call with any questions. 1-800-710-8041 or 508-460-1816

GREEN VALLEY RESORT & SPA – SECOND STOP
www.greenvalleyspa.com

We packed the car and took one last look at the incredible view, then off to the Green Valley Resort & Spa. It’s only 4 miles away, but had a totally different look. The Red Mountains were replaced with green landscape and 10,000 Roses. We drove up to a Spanish style building and check-in. We were taken to our beautiful room, called a suite. Our suite included a private patio across from the pool, an enormous bath with oversized tub, a sitting area, Starbucks coffee, CD Player, VCR, fax machine and popcorn w/popper. – which we tried. We had a fireplace between the two four poster beds, and each bed had its own TV and remote. The beds had special mattresses and bedding – and lots of pillows, the kind of bed you have to climb up into…this is so popular you can buy the bedding and have it shipped home. We would return at night to find the beds turned down and a gift and poem/story on our pillows… a nice touch. One night it was a Teddy Bear..

There dinning room has a more formal feel then at Red Mountain, the menu is limited, more conducive to wait loss…and no wine. They have the Color of the Day, if the color is red, then the plates and rims of the glasses in the dinning room are red, as well as the floral arrangements on the tables. In the Spa treatment area, the special baths are colored with the Color of the Day. (Red: for physical strength, Blue: A heart remedy, Green: Energizer and Indigo: A sleeping potion for peaceful dreams and visions). They have wonderful treatment names – Cleopatra’s Rejuvenating Bath, Rapunzel’s Secret Hot Oil Treatment and Seven Heavens Aromatherapy. They have a Relaxation Room, with flowers and ferns; music and books; interesting art and mirrors. Visually there is a lot to see, yet it’s very calming. This is where you wait for your spa treatments.

They offer meditation classes and have a labyrinth, based on a labyrinth found in the 13th century cathedral in Chartres, France.

Most of the people I spoke with, seemed to be there for spa treatments and relaxation, not as much for the out door activities. There was more of a feeling of pampering and quite time. There was a group of young women celebrating a birthday, one of those big birthdays, rather then doing a party, her husband paid for her and her friends to have a Spa weekend!. Spa size: 45 guests, 100 employees

They do have two special programs:

Tennis – The Vic Braden Tennis College is located here, with 14 outdoor courts and 4 climate controlled indoor courts. 13 Automated ball machine lanes, Video Analysis Center and Color Coded Strategy Court. Award Winning Tennis – Top 5 Best Tennis Programs in the U.S., Top 50 Greatest Tennis Resorts in the U.S. and the Top 25 Best Tennis Camps in the U.S. – Tennis Magazine.

Golf – Green Valley Golf Learning Center, America’s newest and largest indoor golf facility complete with hitting stations, indoor chipping, putting green, private video and analysis room

After a memorable week of Spa Research, it was back to Boston…so little time, so many spas! Please call with any questions 1-800-710-8041 or 508-485-5723.

Women’s Weekend -Report

2006-04-29 By Linda Tatten

I tell women, this is your time, you can be as active as you want; or you can stay in bed, read and eat chocolate – just be ready when we check-out

Just wanted to share a little update from our The Third Annual Women’s Getaway Weekend, with Kathy Ekdahl, BA, ACE, AFAA. This year we went to the Viking Hotel in Newport, RI, a warm and inviting hotel, and walking distance to the many attractions. It was a great group, I enjoyed seeing old friends again and meeting new ones.

Kathy offered a daily yoga class, to get everyone going, and was there to answer any personal questions about health and exercise. Besides being a certified yoga instructor, Kathy is a certified personal trainer and fitness instructor – and fun to travel with!
For information about her yoga classes or personal training: www.personalbestpersonaltraining.com

We had a Welcome Reception the first night, and then on to dinner at the One Bellevue Restaurant, located in our hotel. The popular choices for dinner seemed to be the Filet Mignon or the Shelled Lobster; as for dessert, the tiramisu was good, but the winner was the Ultimate Chocolate Layer Cake: Chocolate Mousse in between layers of chocolate decadence and chocolate cake. The chocolate cake, and maybe a little of the wine, brought the group together!

There was shopping, walks on Newport’s famous Cliff Walk -passing in front of the beautiful mansions, and spa treatments. The Spa Terre, the signature spa of Noble House Hotels and Resorts, is located right at the Viking Hotel. They offer treatments from Java and Bali to Thailand, many of group signed up for treatments, and then went back for more!

Saturday night was a free night for dinner, this gave the women, who were traveling with old friends or family, time to be alone and get caught up. On nights like this, I organize an Optional Dinner, for those who want to stay with the group, so no one has to eat alone…unless they want to.

I tell women, this is your time, you can be as active as you want; or you can stay in bed, read and eat chocolate – just be ready when we check-out.

I love doing Women Only Trips, and being able to get to know so many interesting women. On my trips I have had business owners, writers, police women and stay at home moms. A wide age range, with multi generational families. And about 50% are married women. If you are married with a family, when you travel you are still the mom. On my trips I’m the mom, I take care of the arrangements and details.

New Women Only Trips: Will be announced soon, the final arrangements are being made now. Look for trips to New York City, Utah, Las Vegas, Ireland and more.

Hope you can join one of my trips in the future. Imagine the possibilities….

Note: Please send me any suggestions for trips- day trips, weekends or longer.

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