1. This is not a regular vacation: Travelers who envision days full of sunbathing and sipping mojitos should be forewarned: the new regulations mean traveling with U.S. and Cuban government-authorized operators, and busy schedules of educational and cultural activities. The U.S.’s new regulations allow for “person-to-person” travel that facilitates interaction with locals and an understanding of Cuba’s culture. Itineraries can vary, but activities can include visits to local medical facilities, orphanages, recording studios, tobacco farms, and community arts projects. Organized activities are intended for the whole group (which can be as small as 10 or as large as 30), and free time can be limited to just a few hours a day.

2. Choosing the right operator: Only a handful of authorized vendors are currently providing travel to Cuba, and most offer almost all-inclusive pricing—ranging from $1,800 to $4,000—that covers accommodations, most meals, and airport transfers in Cuba. Prices almost always include three- to five-star hotels, but be aware that the levels of quality and service are lower than standards in the US. Itineraries are always being tweaked to make the government (and clients) happy. New York-based Insight Cuba currently has more than 130 departures scheduled through 2012, with excellent, English-speaking guides; some feature specific themes like jazz, art, or the Bay of Pigs. Distant Horizons is currently developing more than 45 trips with organizations including Harvard University, the Carnegie Museum of Art, The Santa Barbara Museum of Art, the Art Institute of Chicago, and UCLA. Dates are scheduled from now through 2012 (some licenses are still pending), and some trips require participants to join a particular organization.

3. All airfare is not necessarily included: All of these companies must use government-approved air-charter operators for their flights, but you must get yourself to the charter flight which typically leaves from Miami. Be sure to ask your operator if the cost of the charter is included in the price you are quoted; if not, it’s approximately $450 with taxes. And allow 3 hours to transfer and check-in for all your charter flights; you can’t check in online.

4. More money matters: You’ll need to bring some spending money for souvenirs, snacks, and other extras. Most U.S. credit and debit cards do not work in Cuba, so make sure you bring $50–75 cash per day. If you have euros or Canadian dollars, bring them along, since it’s cheaper to change them into Cuban Convertible Pesos (CUCs) than to change U.S. dollars (expect to lose about 10% on every transaction with U.S. dollars). But you probably won’t save anything by changing your dollars to euros in advance of the trip. Finally, don’t forget to tuck away $25 CUC for your departure tax, which is not payable in U.S. dollars.

5. A heads-up for timid travelers: Cuba’s lack of infrastructure may come as a surprise to some first-time travelers. Drink bottled water, even in higher-end hotels. Expect public restrooms to be sketchy (bring toilet paper, and don’t flush it; that’s what the small trash cans in stalls are for). Though Cuba is generally a very safe country for travelers, restaurant promoters and vendors can be aggressive, and pickpocketing can happen. Expect domestic flights to be unreliable and open hours to differ from what’s listed; service is almost universally less than attentive.

6. Proper packing: Pharmacies and convenience stores are few and far between, so make sure to bring in necessary toiletries, sunscreen, and medicines. Snacks like granola bars can also come in handy.

7. Keeping in touch: When available, Internet is achingly slow (and expensive). Avoid the approximately $3 per minute calls to the US in hotels and purchase a prepaid phone card to use on a public phone (or borrow a cell phone).

8. ¿Hablas español? Most hotel staff and a few taxi drivers speak some English, but you’ll have a much richer experience in Cuba with a basic grasp of Spanish. Knowing some key phrases will help reduce your chances of being taken advantage of as a tourist, like asking ¿Cuanto cuesta . . . ? or How much is . . . ? beforehand, especially in cabs that don’t have meters.

9. Cuban History 101: One of the most interesting aspects of travel to Cuba is getting a local perspective on the country’s tumultuous history, as well as the tenuous relations between its government and that of the United States. Reading up beforehand on these topics will only enhance your experience.

10. No cigar(s): U.S. travelers can bring back CDs, books, posters and artwork, but, alas, those coveted Cohibas and Montecristos, as well as rum, are not allowed.

By Blane Bachelor

By Joe Yogerst 

Honolulu
Given its distance from the mainland and high-priced island economy, the 50th state has always been one of the pricier domestic destinations. But that doesn’t mean you can’t find good value. Couples dreaming about a Hawaiian honeymoon should consider Honolulu and the island of Oahu, home to icons like Waikiki Beach, Diamond Head crater and the Banzai Pipeline surf break.  Honolulu’s hefty hotel stock means rates are available that fit every budget. Dining can be affordable too, especially when you join the locals at the low-priced lunch joints and bakeries of Honolulu’s Kapahulu neighborhood and the city’s Saturday farmers’ market. The city and its lush tropical surroundings also boast many free festivals and special events that highlight the island’s multicultural heritage.

Brazil
Brazil has finally embraced the all-inclusive with the same passion it puts toward soccer. Brazilian backers have hooked up with SuperClubs to launch Breezes properties at prime honeymoons locations, including the musical city of Bahia on the north coast and the super-chic Buzios beach-resort area near Rio de Janeiro. Despite its reputation as a high-priced city, Rio can actually be very reasonable. After all, the most popular activities are absolutely free: people-watching and parading up and down Copacabana and Ipanema beaches. And you don’t have to stay right on the beach: Hotels a block or two behind the strand are often hundreds of dollars per night cheaper than the sandside ones while offering the same level of room and service.

Ireland
With the average price of a hotel night falling over the past two years, Dublin has gone from being one of the most expensive capitals in Western Europe to one of the best values. Even so, the Irish metropolis remains relatively expensive compared to the rest of the Emerald Isle — especially the breathtaking west coast, with its quaint villages, wind-swept scenery and green that seems to stretch forever. Our advice: Skip Dublin and fly straight into Shannon Airport, and you’ll save both money and time (it’s an hour closer to the United States than Dublin), without sacrificing the attractions for which Ireland is known — welcoming locals, thriving musical culture and rugged natural beauty.

Jamaica
The Spanish colonized Jamaica shortly after Christopher Columbus discovered the exotic tropical isle in 1494. The British later snatched it away, laying the groundwork for the cultural melting pot that eventually gave the world Rasta, reggae and Red Stripe. But the Spanish are invading again, this time with huge all-inclusive resorts that lure couples craving bargains. You don’t even have to stay at one of the new Riu, Iberostar or Gran Bahia Principe resorts, strung along the north shore between Negril and Ocho Rios — their mere appearance has brought down hotel rates across the island. Sandals resorts were founded in Jamaica, and their seven on-island oases are offering all sorts of incentives, including spa credits, free nights and rates up to 65 percent less than before the Spanish invasion. And with budget airlines like JetBlue, AirTran and Air Transat now flying between North American cities and Montego Bay, as well as expanded service by other air carriers, Jamaica is now among the cheapest places to reach in the Caribbean.

Balkans
Europe’s long-lost corner may not seem like the most obvious spot for a honeymoon, but the Balkans have really come into their own in recent years as a low-cost alternative to pricier Mediterranean destinations. In particular, Bulgaria and Croatia have emerged as standout locales where money goes further than elsewhere on the continent — and they have as much culture to offer as their better-known neighbors in Western Europe.
Bulgaria blends Roman ruins, ancient Orthodox churches, Greek-like cuisine and Black Sea beaches with incredibly low prices on just about everything. While Croatia is just as eclectic, with a gorgeous mix of Adriatic islands and beaches, fortified Renaissance towns and inland national parks with white-water rafting, hiking and boating on jade-colored lakes.

Australia
The Aussies have long believed everyone deserves a great holiday, and they respond with dining, sleeping and travel options for every budget. In fact, the Australian Automobile Association offers an awesome Web tool for figuring out the prices of hotels, B&Bs, hostels and even houseboats and campgrounds. AAA’s star system is primarily based on amenities but roughly corresponds to overnight rates. And with trans-Pacific tickets down from their pre-recession peak, you can easily reach Australia for less. Qantas and other Aussie carriers also offer value air passes that allow flexible flights within Australia — ideal for first-time visitors who want to see it all, from the sophisticated restaurants and shops of Sydney and Melbourne to dive sites along the Great Barrier Reef to desert landscapes in the Red Centre.

Yucatan Peninsula
Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula encompasses a huge area — Cancun and Cozumel islands, the mainland Riviera Maya (Playa del Carmen and Tulum) and inland spots like Chichen Itza and Merida — which means there’s plenty of choice in terms of where you stay, eat and play. Each destination has its own distinct vibe. Cancun is all about beaching, bargain shopping and crazy nightlife. Fronting the longest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere, Cozumel is a holy grail for the diving crowd. Playa del Carmen is smooth and sophisticated, while Tulum and Isla Mujeres offer two takes on beach-bum paradise — the former, eco-minded; the latter, isolated (in a good way).
The average price of a hotel room has plunged across the Yucatan during spring and summer. Five-star hotels generally offer the deepest discounts. Or you can make like Indiana Jones in a thatch-roof jungle bungalow at the Mayaland Hotel, near Chichen Itza. Down in laid-back Tulum, there are good beachfront rooms for less, and even the high-end places, like the rustically romantic Posada Luna del Sur, can fit you in for an affordable price, depending on the season.

Montreal, Canada
If you crave a honeymoon with a French joie de vivre but Paris seems too pricey, why not consider Montreal? In Montreal, a compact city with top-grade public transit, you won’t have to rent a car to wander. Base yourselves in Vieux Montreal (Old Montreal), and you can walk to Notre-Dame Basilica, the St. Lawrence riverfront and the renovated Marche Bonsecours market, with its bars, restaurants and boutiques. Or purchase a three-day occasional card for unlimited travel on the city’s extensive metro and bus networks. Many of the coolest attractions and events in the city are actually free. The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts and the Redpath Museum won’t cost you a dime. Neither will many of the events staged during the city’s famous comedy festival. Likewise, the annual Montreal International Jazz Festival includes more than 350 free concerts.

Thailand
Southeast Asia’s favorite destination is the kind of place where it almost doesn’t matter how much money you spend — even slumming it can seem like luxury in tropical paradises like Phuket and Ko Samui. Thailand’s biggest bargain is accommodations, especially at the more popular destinations, where the choice in hotels can sometimes overwhelm. Fierce competition has brought room prices down to levels that seem too good to be true. Flying around Thailand is fairly inexpensive too and never takes very long. Flights between Bangkok and the northern city of Chiang Mai take about an hour and can cost less one-way than most comparable flights in the U.S..

Portugal
Portugal tops nearly everyone’s list of the most affordable holiday destinations inside the Euro zone, beating out neighboring Spain and equally sun-splashed Greece. But it’s not just the value that’s been giving this coastal country such attention of late: One of the last Western European nations to modernize, Portugal retains much of its bygone charm — this land of ancient castles and endless olive groves, chromatic fishing villages and funky urban neighborhoods is just now being complemented by chic beach retreats and some of the best golf courses in the world.
The European Consumers’ Organisation recently selected Lisbon as Europe’s Best Vacation Destination, just ahead of Barcelona, Spain. One of the reasons is that a full week at a five-star hotel in Lisbon can run about the same price as just one or two nights at a luxury hotel in other European capitals. In addition to reasonable hotel rates, Portugal is known for relatively low rental-car rates, restaurant prices and greens fees.

Turkey
With more than 3,400 miles of shoreline, Turkey has a lot of coast to choose from. And it’s on three different seas: the Mediterranean, Black and Aegean. Much like neighboring Greece, the coast is sprinkled with ancient ruins and picturesque villages, chic waterfront resorts and white-sand strands framed by pine forests and turquoise bays. The main difference is price. Plan right, and you could end up paying half as much for a Turkish honeymoon as an equivalent Greek getaway. Turkey’s seaside resorts are an especially good bargain. The Greek isle of Santorini may be breathtaking, but over on the Turkish shore, you can snag a great room in places like Antalya, Bodrum or the new hipster hangout of Cesme, for much less.
A beach honeymoon in Turkey easily combines with a stopover in one of Europe’s iconic capital cites (London, Paris, Rome). Or you can fly straight to Istanbul and while away a couple of days beside the Bosporus in a city that has become increasingly sophisticated in recent years.

Puerto Rico
This island remains one of the Caribbean’s best value getaways, not the least because U.S. citizens don’t have to invest in a passport to get there. Flights from the States haven’t dropped that much in price over the past few years, but accommodations in Puerto Rico definitely have.
You’ll also save bucks on many of Puerto Rico’s popular outdoor activities. Surf schools at world-renowned Playa Rincon range are considerably less than other surf spots like Hawaii. Top-ranked scuba outfitters offer one and two-tank dives for extremely competitive prices out of San Juan.
Rental cars are another great value. Because Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, not only are roads and driving conditions very similar to back home, so are rental rates.

Sri Lanka
This teardrop-shaped island in the Indian Ocean is on the opposite side of the globe from North America, so airfare isn’t cheap. But once you reach the ancient land of Serendib, the island is very affordable. Imagine all of the exotic delights India has to offer — palaces and ancient temples, coconut-palm-shaded beaches, game reserves with wild elephants and leopards, incredible cuisine and exotic shopping — in a smaller, more manageable space, and you’ll have some idea of why Sri Lanka is such a cool honeymoon destination.
As for safety concerns, the U.S. Department of State lifted its long-standing travel warning on Sri Lanka in May 2010. Diplomats still advise not traveling to the island’s far north, where most of the 26-year civil war took place — but that’s not where you’d likely go as a tourist anyway.

 Contact us to book any of these beautiful destinations.  solsticetravel@yahoo.com

Maybe you’re in charge of planning a killer bachelor party, or perhaps you’re just looking for a relaxing escape with a few of your guy friends — regardless, New Orleans has plenty of options for entertainment and recreation. Read our guide to get some ideas and learn where you can find New Orleans’ best golf courses, jazz clubs and nightlife spots.

Golf
Golf pros know that New Orleans is a prime golfing destination due to its warm climate and proximity to well-designed private and public courses. Round up the guys and schedule a tee-time at a nearby golf facility, such as the TPC Louisiana, which is the official host of the Zurich Classic. Offering 18 professional-level holes, this upscale public golf course is located only 15 minutes from downtown New Orleans and touts challenging aspects like water elements and more than 100 bunkers. For a more leisurely game, hop on a historic streetcar and ride to the Audubon Park Golf Course. This par-62 course designed by Dennis Griffiths includes Bermuda fairways, Tif-Eagle greens, calm lagoons and mature oak trees.

Fishing
If you’re looking to score that big catch, you’ll want to take advantage of New Orleans’ wildlife-laden waterways and oceanfront location. Arrange for a guided fishing tour on a charter boat so you can reel in anything from redfish to speckled trout. Of course, with Louisiana’s murky bayous and swamplands, you might want to take your sport to the next level by opting for a private tour with Airboat Adventures, which can arrange a thrilling alligator hunt.

Jazz Clubs
A trip to New Orleans just wouldn’t be complete without listening to live music. Sure, you can catch snippets of performances by street musicians throughout the city, but for an authentic experience, grab a table at one of New Orleans’ many jazz clubs and music halls, like Tipitina’s or The Spotted Cat Music Club. These intimate music venues feature up-and-coming musicians and established resident performers.

Whiskey and Cigars
When some relaxation is in order, it’s time to break out the cigars and kick back with a glass of whiskey. Get the night started with dinner at Bourbon House, an upscale restaurant with an extensive selection of — you guessed it — bourbon, including premium and hard-to-find bottles. After filling up on steak and American whiskey, take a trip to The Cigar Factory, where you can watch master rollers at work and smoke one of their hand-rolled cigars, including the hearty Vieux Carre or a mild Plantation Reserve.

Casinos
Everyone likes to get lucky, and you’ll have plenty of chances to hit it big at New Orleans’ casinos. Harrah’s New Orleans offers gamers more than 2,000 slot machines and 200 table games, as well as high-end lounges and restaurants. For a more laid-back gaming experience, head to Treasure Chest Casino in nearby Kenner, where you can choose from nearly 1,000 slots and 30 table games.

Sports
With numerous professional and college sports teams, New Orleans is a great place to catch a game and root for your favorite team. Reserve tickets to a New Orleans Saints or New Orleans Hornets game, or head to a nearby sports bar to watch the action on the big screen.

Planning the perfect escape with friends is easy in the Crescent City. You could be celebrating a bachelorette party or just looking for a quick getaway with the girls, but either way, this city has plenty of activities to suit everyone, from luxurious spa treatments to exciting nightlife. And, of course, let’s not forget a little retail therapy. Here are a few ideas for a vacation with your girlfriends, whether you’re planning a trip for two or for 20.

Shopping
A girls’ getaway just wouldn’t be the same without a little — okay, a lot of — shopping. Thankfully, New Orleans is well prepared when it comes to retail therapy. Start out at Riverwalk Marketplace, where you can browse more than 100 retailers such as Gap and Nine West. If you’re looking to score some unique antiques, make sure to stroll down Royal Street to find vintage furniture and décor. And of course, don’t forget Magazine Street. Locals call it the “Street of Dreams,” but pretty soon, you’ll be calling it that too. This six-mile stretch is home to trendy boutiques, art galleries, eclectic storefronts and delicious restaurants, and it’s a must-visit destination for shoppers.

Dancing
Ah, the nightlife. Many people come to New Orleans to party, and it’s easy to see why. When you’re looking to unleash some serious dance moves, just head to the French Quarter, where most of New Orleans’ nightclubs are located. Dress to impress at upscale spots like Whiskey Blue and LePhare, or come as you are and let loose at bars like the Cats Meow and Bourbon Cowboy. Either way, you’re sure to run into a good time.

Wine Bars
Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or don’t know the difference between pinot noir and pinot grigio, New Orleans has just the place sip a glass of wine among girlfriends. Head to Bouche, a sophisticated wine bar and restaurant, whose weekly Flight Night allows you to sample and learn about new wines. Or make a dinner reservation at Coquette Bistro Wine Bar, where you can navigate the extensive wine list while noshing on gourmet dishes like an arugula and peach salad or sea scallops with duck confit.

Spas
Once all the late-night dancing, all-day shopping and non-stop sightseeing has taken its toll, it’s time to get a little R and R — and what better place than at the spa? Make a reservation at Kinetix Spa-Salon, where you can indulge in soothing massages, body treatments and facials, as well as beautifying salon services like pedicures and hair styling. In the mean time, spend a little time lounging by the pool. When you stay at upscale hotels like W New Orleans or Hotel Monteleone, it’s easy to spend an afternoon catching some sun and being pampered in a poolside cabana or lounge chair.

Arts and Culture
In New Orleans, the arts and culture scene is a lot livelier than a trip to some stuffy museum. Take advantage of the weekly party at New Orleans Museum of Art, where every Friday evening is packed with live entertainment, dancing, guest speakers, food and exhibition walkthroughs, all free with museum admission. If performance art sounds more interesting, plan a visit to the Mahalia Jackson Theater, where you can watch live-music shows, stand-up comedians and renowned Broadway productions.

FestiGals® Women’s Weekend Getaway 2011
Of course, you always have the option to leave the planning up to someone else by registering for FestiGals, a weekend festival tailored specifically for girlfriend getaways. From Thursday, October 6 through Sunday, October 9, the FestiGals itinerary is packed with shopping events, spa experiences, chocolate and wine pairings, cocktail parties and inspiring seminars. Attendees also can register for NOLA Escapades, a series of special tours and experiences designed to immerse you and your friends in the history and culture of New Orleans.

Each of these resorts includes all meals, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, and many sports and activities in one price that you pay upfront.

Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort Montego Bay, a 3-star resort in Montego Bay, Jamaica – This property is about seven miles from Sangster International Airport and was renovated this year. It’s a family-friendly option, with the KidSpree activity center for ages 6 months to 12 years and the Teen Scene video gaming room. Dining options range from barefoot beachside meals to a reservations-required Italian restaurant. There is a buffet-style restaurant with pizza bar as well. A fitness facility, spa, miniature golf and a kids-free pool (in addition to the main pool) round out the perks here.

Barcelo Punta Cana, a 3.5-star resort in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic — White-washed buildings capped by red-tile roofs give this resort a Mediterranean feel. Play on one of the three tennis courts, try out the climbing wall or go kayaking or windsurfing. A recently added second pool has doubled the resort’s pool capacity and deck area. On-site restaurants specialize in French, Italian, Japanese, Tex-Mex and Dominican cuisine. For young guests, there’s an activities club for ages 4 to 12 and a teen disco.

Punta Cana Princess All Suites Resort & Spa, a 4-star resort in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic — This is a kids-free retreat, where guests are pampered with all-suite accommodations and butler service on the beach. Other attractions include a freshwater pool (one of four pools on-site), evening shows, five restaurants, three bars and a “mini spa” at the beach with Jacuzzi and sauna. In addition to on-site amenities, guests have full access to two nearby sister properties.

IBEROSTAR Costa Dorada, a 4-star resort in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic — Vacationers can enjoy snorkeling, kayaking, windsurfing and sailing in crystal-clear waters in front of this resort. Other diversions like tennis, yoga and archery also are available. Children ages 4 to 12 can participate in activities at their own “mini club.”

Sandos Caracol Eco Resort & Spa, a 3.5-star resort in Playa del Carmen, Mexico – This resort edges a natural area of jungles, lagoons and deep, freshwater sinkholes called cenotes; guests receive a complimentary snorkeling tour in the largest cenote. There are Italian- and Mexican-themed dinner buffets, as well as Asian, Mediterranean and Brazilian a la carte restaurants. The kid’s club is divided into three tiers — ages 2 to 3, 4 to 7 and 8 to 12 — and the entertainment staff organizes games and activities for teens. Younger children who are enrolled in the youth program enjoy a daily trip to the resort’s water park. A kids-free section of accommodations is scheduled to open in late December.

Occidental Grand Xcaret, a 4.5-star resort in Playa del Carmen, Mexico – This retreat is next door to Xcaret, an eco-archaeological preserve. Guests receive discounted passes to the park, where they can snorkel through caves, explore Mayan ruins or see jaguars, tropical birds and butterflies. Back at the resort, 11 restaurants, five pools, 10 whirlpools and a private beach hugging a tranquil cove await.

Flamingo Cancun Resort, a 3-star property in Cancun, Mexico — This resort is in the middle of Cancun’s hotel zone, putting guests within walking distance of shops, restaurants and clubs. Amenities include complimentary Internet, room service, a fitness center and a beachfront restaurant and bar.

Hotel Riu Vallarta, a 4.5-star hotel in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – This resort is housed in a palatial structure on Bandera Bay, with the Sierra Madre range in the distance. Diversions for guests include two beachfront swimming pools, kayaking and catamaran rides, a day-to-night entertainment program and the Pacha nightclub. Introductory scuba lessons are offered in one of the pools. A main restaurant with buffets and cooking stations is supplemented by three specialty restaurants.

Marival Resort & Suites, a 3.5-star resort in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – The accommodations here include two- and three-bedroom suites, making this a good choice for family vacations. A club for children ages 4 to 12 offers miniature golf, movies and camping nights, while older kids 13 to 17 are entertained with archery, soccer, pool and Xbox video games. Dinnertime brings a range of choices at six restaurants, including themed buffet nights at Casabella, brick-oven pizzas at Piazzetta dei Forni and Mediterranean dishes by candlelight at La Pergola.

Royal Solaris Los Cabos, a 4-star resort in Los Cabos, Mexico – This resort provides several pools, including a large main pool with swim-up bar and shallow area for tykes, a relaxation pool with adjoining hot tub overlooking the Sea of Cortes, and an animal-themed water park with slides and fountains. Arts and crafts and story time sessions are organized for little ones, and teens have their own space, with arcade games and pool tables, that’s open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Parents, meanwhile, can indulge in a spa treatment, hit the gym or unwind at the sports bar or under a beachfront palapa.

For more information or to make a reservation at any of the resorts listed above,  Feel free to contact us at solsticetravel@yahoo.com.

Package Includes:

• Roundtrip airfare from the West coast on Hawaiian Airlines
• 5 days Alamo Mid Size rental car
• 5 Nights Ocean View room at special nightly rates

http://www.mailpound.com/DisplayconsumerOffer.aspx?mail=75041&agent=226517.

Contact us for reservations solsticetravel@yahoo.com