Vacations are good for your health.  A study published in 2000 in the medical journal Psychosomatic Medicine has shown that taking regular vacations is associated with a longer, healthier life.  Vacations, a long with sleep, exercise, and other leisure time activities appear to be restorative and protect against the ill effects of psychological stress.  Here are some good “excuses” to take a vacation.

·        Vacations reduce stress by removing us from stress at home and work.  On vacation we are more likely to unwind and relax.

·        Vacations may be a personal, internal adventure, for many of us.  Some self-seakers want to be alone to solve personal problems or simply enjoy themselves.  Solitude is not a luxury, it is a periodic necessity.

·        For me one of the biggest reason to take a vacation is to pamper myself.  Most of us work quite hard and are generally frugal.  Everyone deserves to taste the fruit of their labors.

·        Doing what you want, when you want.  Vacations can offer the freedom to explore our wishes and fantasies.  For a brief moment, escape the pressures of day to day life and rediscover the joy of a less regulated lifestyle.

 One great way to do this is for the weeding couple to have a Honeymoon Registry.  There are many on the market, I suggest contacting a Travel Agent to help with the process of planning the Honeymoon of your dreams.  An agent can provide many services that an on-line booking engine can not, including a Honeymoon Registry. 

 Most Honeymoon Registries work like this… The couple works with an agent to plan all the details of there Honeymoon.  All the details are placed into a registry.  Honeymoon Registry information are sent along with the wedding invitations, like any other registry.  Those that wish to contribute to the couples honeymoon go to the website indicated and can choose to pay for an aspect of the honeymoon like a couple message, a special dinner, or a canopy tour.  The gift giver can leave a personal message with the gift. 

 This is a great benefit to both the gift giver and the couple.  The gift giver can give a personal gift that the couple will never forget.  The couple is able to have the honeymoon of a life time!

1. Pack light.  Less is more!  There are always places to wash or buy cloths.
2. Pack a change of underclothes in you carry on in case your luggage is lost or delayed.
3. Pack anything metal or liquid in your checked luggage.
4. Don’t start with change in you pocket- It takes time to take it your of y our pocket at security.
5. Pack fishing poles in a PVC tube instead of the “fancy” rod holders that don’t bend.

For more travel tips or assistednts with your travel plans contact:

 Steph Homann
Travel Consultant Dream Vacations LLC
3467 State Hwy 40
Colfax, WI 54730
(715) 568-5927

dreamvacations@bloomer.net

www.dreamvacations.vacationport.net

Price:  Many individuals have the belief that they will save themselves lots of money by doing the research and booking themselves.  That is a true statement.  It is possible to find cheaper prices, but it is important to make sure you are looking at the final price after all taxes and fees.  Often times the price found on internet travel sights have “hidden” cost you may not be informed of until the final booking steps.  I always give the full price so my clients are not surprised.   

Even as a home-based agent operating independently I have been able to beet the discount web sites and local large agencies a number of times.  So being small does not make my prices higher. 

Service:  No one will ever convince me that the service that you are given from a large web booking site will ever come close to the personal service and added touches I give to my customer.  I believe this is true with any home town agent.  My reputation in on line with every client I work with.  If I provide bad service everyone in town will hear about it and will have a huge impact on my business.  I go above and beyond to make my clients vacation dreams come true.  How many big travel outlets will drop of Passport forms at your office, or meet you for lunch at your cafe to discus cruise choices, or deliver your travel document to your house in person to go over all your questions.  I even have taken a phone call at 7:30 AM on a Sunday as they were on their way to the airport and were lost.  I stayed on the phone with them until they parked their car.   

The above are reasons I encourage you to contact me or a Travel Agent when planning your vacation.  We all work have and when it comes time to take that well deserved vacation, trust in a professional to make it the most enjoyable time of your like.  I consider myself a Dream Merchant, I sell drams.  My goal is to make my clients dream vacations happen, within their budget and with out frustration. 

 Thank you, to all my clients that have put their trust in me to                                                                                                               assist in making their vacations dreams come true! 

I may be contacted by calling (715) 568-5927, by email at DreamVacations@bloomer.net, or by visiting my web site www.DreamVacationsTravel.net.

 Stephanie Homann

Dream Vacations LLC

3467 State Hwy 40

Colfax, WI 54730

(715) 568-5927

Why (and where) would women travel together? Just women – no men. A trip could be as simple as a weekend getaway with girlfriends to pick up a new handbag in the city. Or the desire could come from a deeper motivation… to learn, explore, experience, eat, share, exercise, anything, without having to take care of anyone but yourself, joined by women who would never question why that’s important to you.

Travel companies that specialize in women-only travel understand. Many have developed programs that appeal to everyone, regardless of age or physical fitness, bringing together women who choose to spend a few days of their life living and traveling against the grain – stress-free.

Women-only vacations tend to be unique, thoughtful, and purposeful. Most women would have to compromise at best if they tried to drag a husband or son or any other man on a week’s vacation filled with yoga, healthy food, afternoon tea, and moments for meditation.

While this kind of travel may sound contrived at first, it really can offer an experience you may never have otherwise. Bring your mother, sister, friend, or go by yourself and enjoy a small group setting, without the all-too-real safety risks of being a woman traveling alone. Women of all ages and interests travel together – and for all reasons. Recent college grads looking for a quick trip before entering the real world (file this one away – a women-only package tour also makes a great graduation gift), photography buffs, women who are trying to get in shape, women who want to learn to whitewater raft, women who are trying to lose weight, or renew their faith.

While some tours are centered on specific themes, others simply allow travelers to experience whatever comes their way, in a setting and with a group designed to support vitality and relaxation. Even an introvert can enjoy a group itinerary, given adequate time and space to wander and roam. More independent and adventurous types can easily find trips packed with activities that match their personalities, and less adventurous types who want to take on a new challenge can relax in a group that helps you build confidence through accomplishment, sans the competition.

Because of this, traditional “guy” activities are also common trip themes. You can finally learn, through professional instruction (usually by women), how to ride a horse, deep sea fish, kayak, or mountain bike. When you get back, you can practice your new skills… when you finally, officially know what you are doing. Tour operators are typically prepared for all skill levels from novice to adept, and the all-female environment provides a comfortable ambience to learn or enhance a new activity.

Shopping, yoga, hiking, rafting, horseback riding, culinary training, humanitarian work – you can do practically anything with a group of women and a reputable tour operator who takes care of all the details. The hardest part of a trip might be simply figuring out what you want to do – what would light you up and make every dollar you spend and every day away from work or family or home… worth it.

Talk to a good travel consultant about your budget, all the places you want to see and the experiences you want to have, and together you can narrow down the choices to find the perfect trip. Luckily, travel agents are familiar with tour operators and can make this process quick and painless, pointing you to an appropriate company with a good reputation for quality and value. If you want to take a daughter or niece along, check with your travel consultant early on to find a tour company that allows minors.

As a relevant aside, a “tour” may provoke an image of a big slow bus, but these days a tour, and using a tour operator, is a very different experience. In addition to planning the entire trip and providing you with a network of other women, a good tour company will also hand-pick hotels, restaurants, and activities perfect for this kind of intimate travel. Because of their relationships with destinations and guides, you often pay far less for a package than you would booking the components separately.

If you want a group of women to join you, remember that even adventure tours often have reduced rates for companions who would be just as happy relaxing and roaming the wilderness independently – just ask. On that note, if you have enough women committed to a trip, or if you are willing to break from a time-tested itinerary, you can ask the tour company to customize any aspect of the trip, from the type of food you eat to where you visit and how you get there, and they can usually accommodate.

For those who book the trip solo, you can waive a standard single supplement if you agree to share a room. Since it’s an all-women trip, your odds for being matched, and matched to someone with fairly predictable tastes, are better than ever.

One thing to note about many women’s tours is that because of their specialized itineraries and traveler grouping, they often require you to book and give a cancellation notice far in advance.

Before you go, your travel consultant will make sure to assist you with any passport or visa documentation that’s needed, in addition to passing along packing lists if your trip requires special clothing or equipment. Your agent will also cover travel and health insurance with you, and other costs that may not seem obvious, like tips (drivers, guides, porters, and maids all have varying tip rates, based on where you travel) and taxes. You should have a good idea of exactly how much the trip will cost, leaving you to determine how much spending money you can budget.

Finally, if your trip includes a long flight, start your pampering early by packing appropriately. Create a little kit for the plane that includes lip balm, a dry washcloth in a baggie (you can pour hot water into the bag at the end of the flight and take the cloth out for a warm refresher), a small toothbrush and toothpaste, a travel size bottle of your favorite hand lotion, a sleep mask, earplugs, a pair of socks, eyedrops, and water. If you are traveling with friends, consider making extra kits as a thoughtful gift.

Also remember candles and essential oils for your hotel room and bath, and don’t forget a journal, if you want to use one. Journal or not, you may want to purchase disposable cameras and video cameras from a drugstore, so you won’t have to worry about keeping track of expensive equipment. When you return, you can request a DVD and CD of the video and images that you can transfer to your computer.

Many cruise lines and vacation package suppliers combine the two for the best of both.  You can easily combine a 4+ day sailing with a wonderful tour.  For example, Royal Caribbean offers a 4 to 7 night sailing from Vancouver, BC to Skagway, AK with the option of adding great tour taking you into Denali National Park and beyond for an added 3 to 7 days.  Most of the options are available in reverse as well.  The tour followed by the cruise.  Princess, Celebrity, and many other cruise lines offer this type of package as well.  This type of travel and adventure are available in the New England and Eastern Canada aria as well and Europe and Exotic destinations around the world. 

I would be happy to pass on more information about cruisetours or any other vacation and adventure opportunities.  To contact me call 715-568-5927, e-mail dreamvacations@bloomer.net, or checkout www.DreamVacationsTravel.net.

Stephanie Homann

Travel Consultant

The rivers and canals of Europe are open for travel. As many as 20,000 total miles of inland waterways let travelers absorb European culture at a relaxed, leisurely and up-close pace. The waterways of Austria, The Czech Republic, England, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, The Netherlands, Portugal, Russia and others now have many options to meet the growing demand for river cruising.

No longer an obscure way to see old Europe, travel by river is one of the best ways to venture out and take in the heart of the continent. This guide looks at the options available to travelers wishing to take a trip through Europe from a river’s perspective, easing through the countryside at a pace that permits all of the culture’s best possibilities to unfold. Travelers who return from river cruises carry memories of very intimate encounters with the countryside, local people, and fellow passengers. River cruise and barging travelers inevitably become true enthusiasts for the experience.

A traveler can journey Europe’s waterways in a variety of ways. River cruising most often refers to river going cruise ships typically carrying fewer than 250 passengers. As such, river cruising ships are much smaller than mass-market, ocean-going vessels, but as river boats go, are on the larger end of the scale. Western and Central Europe have many river routes to offer the larger cruise boats. Popular itineraries include the Danube visiting Hungary, Austria and Germany and the Elbe River through Germany and the Czech Republic. In France, the Rhone and the Soane meander through Provence and Burgundy, while the Seine takes passengers through Paris and Giverny. In Northern Italy, the Po offers exciting opportunities with a variety of river cruise companies. Finally, the Volga, connecting St. Petersburg and Moscow provides a decidedly different way to port between these two magnificent cities. River cruises tend to be affairs of luxury, with an emphasis on informal, but upscale travel. Relaxation and intensive sightseeing are the main activities, as organized entertainment is somewhat limited on most river cruises, except for the occasional lecture or sing-along. Mostly, the crew allows passengers to enjoy their time as they see fit.

Cabins on larger river vessels vary in size from 90 square feet on older ships to over 200 square feet on newer. Most rooms are outside cabins, meaning they have windows for optimal sightseeing. The least expensive cabins are lower in the boat, while passengers pay more for higher rooms with better views. Cabins come with basic amenities, such as hair dryers and televisions, and are often very nicely furnished.

Many first time river cruisers are delighted to discover that, unlike ocean cruising, there is very little boat motion. The mandated slow speeds and flat waters of the rivers ensure a quiet, placid voyage. It is often difficult when not on deck to even know the vessel is underway!

On longer trips, 10 days or more, the typical river cruise passenger is a well-traveled individual often over the age of 60. Shorter cruises typically attract a younger crowd. River cruises on the larger vessels do not always allow children under 12 as passengers, so make sure to check on any restrictions for families. The passenger manifest will be a mix of European and North American travelers, but most crews speak at least some English, and many are fluent. Individuals who require physical assistance when traveling should check with their travel consultant to determine the accessibility of any particular vessel for disabled passengers.

Meals have always been a special part of cruising, and river cruises have maintained that tradition. On river cruise vessels, food is a key part of the experience, prepared by a dedicated chef, the ship’s captain, or a restaurateur in a small village. Europeans take great pride in their culinary skills, and practically everyone who has ever cruised along the rivers and canals of Europe has at least one story about an unforgettable meal or food experience.

Crewed barges with meal service and more amenities are sometimes referred to as “Hotel Barges”: smaller vessels with a passenger capacity of as few as six to as many as 50. Hotel barges tend to be much slower than river cruisers, and due to their smaller size, can enter more narrow waterways like canals, in addition to the larger rivers. Hotel barges range from Spartan accommodations to luxurious rooms with gourmet meals, fine wines, and bicycles for self-guided shore excursions. Cabins vary in size and most often have private baths with showers. Many barges have saunas and hot tubs on deck. Most are without telephones or Internet service, though, as such modernity is typically absent in the barge market.

Travelers can also book a “self-drive” barge and be their own crew. The smallest of the vessels, the “narrow boats” are often seen on the small canals of the United Kingdom and Ireland as well as Holland. These boats are very easy to handle and seldom are capable of exceeding 5 miles per hour. Without a crew, passengers are required to work with the canal lock systems on their own, a simple but time consuming task that consists of turning a crank manually or waiting while a lock attendant, if available, takes care of it. If self-drive is your choice, it’s worthwhile to discuss the number of locks along your itinerary with the boat owner/operator to ensure you are comfortable with the physical labor and time required to negotiate the lock systems.  

Passengers on self-drive barges provision the galleys themselves and travel their own itinerary. Bathroom facilities are similar to those found on bareboat charters with chemical toilets and potable water. No special licensing is required to pilot a barge, and while it is a very simple exercise, most wise self-drive veterans purchase optional boat insurance to cover any accidental damage to the vessel.

The differences between a river cruise experience on the one hand and a self-drive barge on the other are matters of personal taste and preference. The larger river cruise vessels and the luxury barges are akin to the best cruising experiences anywhere. Smaller crewed or self-drive barging is an outing, something more like a bareboat charter or renting a recreational vehicle on land – an adventurer’s way of crossing the terrain. In either instance, however, it is the close connectedness of the traveler to the landscape that’s key to the experience. The often ancient cities and villages that have grown up on the banks of the old rivers are artifacts in their own right. River travel affords the opportunity to savor history and culture as it was meant to be experienced: not as an observer, but as a participant.

The peak season for river cruising is much the same as European travel in general, late spring through mid-fall and early November. The shoulder season, a real value, ranges from early March through mid-May. The autumn months coincide with grape season, and several cruise lines are fully booked during this time by wine connoisseurs. Finally, April is tulip season and cruises in and around the Netherlands are particularly popular then.

Regarding travel budgets… amenities offered by the cruise and barge operators and the travel season determine costs. For high-end river cruises and hotel barges, $2,100 per person, double occupancy and cruise only, is a common brochure cost for a seven day cruise. 12 day cruises often range from $2,800 upwards, but discounts are usually available for most itineraries through your travel agent. Other cruises may be had for as little as $800.00 for a seven day itinerary. Costs typically include all meals, tour excursions, and accommodations. Tips and gratuities are expected, ranging from $10 – $35 dollars per day. Self-drive options cost approximately $700 – $1000 per week for the barge alone, with all provisioning, fuel and other charges as additional costs. Your travel consultant will have many resources on hand for finding the best possible values.

             Europe and its waterways await you!

                For more infomatin on River Cruising contact Stephanie at (715) 568-5927 or vist www.DreamVacationsTravel.net.

When you think of a place to relax on sugar white sand beaches, swim in refreshing waters, or a place to enjoy culture and nightlife, many of us think of Mexico.  However, Mexico has so much more to offer than just that!  One such area is the north west part of Mexico, the county’s ‘wild west’.  This region, the Copper Canyon, or more accurately, la Sierra Terahumara, is full of splendid scenery and rich in indigenous culture.  The Copper Canyon is a collection of six canyons, four of which are deeper than the Grand Canyon in Arizona.  In addition to their beauty, they are dotted with Jesuit missions, abandoned mines, early 20^th century mansions, and indigenous cave dwellings. 

The Chihuahua al Pacifico (Chihuahua to the Pacific), also known as the Copper Canyon Railway, is one of the most remarkable train trips in the world and stretches 415 miles from Los Mochis to Chihuahua through the canyons.  Visitors first gained access to this area in 1961 with the completion of the railway.  The first-class train winds through some of the country’s most magnificent scenery between towering canyon walls while hugging the cliff face with intermittent views of the river far below.  Along the way you will pass through 86 tunnels and cross 37 bridges.  The longest stretches over one third mile over a dizzying gorge.  To get the best daytime canyon views, travel from west to east.  Sixty miles into the journey from Los Mochis, the train begins an impressive assent climbing more than 7,500 feet in just 150 miles. 

The Copper Canyon Railway makes several stops along the way to admire the view and to buy food and crafts from the Tarahumara Indians.  Many small towns or villages break up the trip and make great stop-over locations for a day or two.  Creel, a great frontier-spirited lumber town and is an ideal location to base additional exploration of the canyon.  From Creel, you can arrange a variety of guided tours or adventure off on your own.  Visits to Tarahumara caves, lakes, waterfalls, and strange rock formations are just a few of the many sightseeing opportunities.  Another great place to stop along the way include El Fuerte, which was built as a fort and later used as a major trading post for the gold and silver miners.  This area’s lakes are well known for their large mouth bass.  Tucked inside a 5,000 foot gorge, lovely Cerocahui is surrounded by apple orchards.  The gateway to the Urique Canyon, this small town was founded by the Jesuit priest in 1680.  There are many more villages and towns that can make this train trip an adventure by way of escorted tour, independent travel or a combination of the two.  You can spend just a few days or entire weeks in the Copper Canyon exploring the people, culture and never ending beauty. 

For more information on this destination and may others visit www.DreamVacationsTravel.net or contact Stephanie Homann at (715) 568-5927 e-mail dramvacations@bloomer.net.