Bye Bye Birdees Travel Blog

There is always the what ifs  when you are booking travel.  We would like to imagine that all trips are risk free.   Unexpected occurrences include weather conditions, health, death, employment and during trip events. Not all things go smoothly.  Cruise ships experience  loss of power, interrupted sailing schedules, and forces of hurricane season.  Airlines experience flight delays due to Winter storms, weather conditions,  and equipment management.  Family emergencies,  job limitations,  illness  may cut a vacation short or delay a trip. Some form of travel insurance is always recommended.   No trip is guaranteed  to be trouble free, but travel insurance will help ease when the travel is impacted. As we approach 2014, which Travel Insurance play a big role to protect you and your traveling members? Most popular brands: Allianz Global Assistance USA-  Offers creative and inexpensive Options. Classic Plan-...

The year 2014 marks a year of big changes for the way we travel.  Virgin Atlantic and Space Expedition Corporation race for the first real Space Tourism Flights open to the public for commercial flights.  Rates starting at $95,000 to $250,000, the dream of being one of the first commercial astronauts runs financially steep. In 2012, the Kennedy Space Center marked it's 50th year anniversary celebrating a palette of rare-access tours, including the chance to tour a launch platform from which all 152 launches were supervised by the Space Shuttle programs and Apollo. On July 1, 2013, the  Kennedy Space Center opened its door to the public. Exploring the Space Center Space Shuttle Atlantis Designed to give true life experiences, the Space Shuttle Atlantis celebrates the astronauts, the people and it's accomplishments over a 30 year span. Angry Birds Space Encounter- NEW! For all ages, subtle way to teach science, technology, engineering and mathematics Ast...

New Tour Zealand is a private company offering personal photography service. It is the only  company of it's kind  in New Zealand.  Csaba Shepherd, proprietor  offers  TRAVEL WITH YOUR PERSONAL PHOTOGRAPHER! Enjoy all the benefits of a private tour across the country and personal photographer to take quality pictures of your dream vacation. He promises an unforgettable time in New Zealand with friendly hosting, safe driving and great photography where ever we go.  More info:   http://www.newtourzealand.com/ TRAVEL WITH YOUR PERSONAL PHOTOGRAPHER to New Zealand - Cook Islands! 12 day tour Full professional tour photography. You not only enjoy all the bene ts of a private tour across the country but you get your best travel photos ever on this holiday! Tour New Zealand is a customized holiday solution. This package is changeable and can be tted on personal requests. North Island: Auckland - Breathtaking scenery, world-class...

T his  evening I found an old  recipe for a "Mango Margarita".   One of my favorite Wedding Site Familiarization trips was hosted by  the Karisma Properties in "Riviera Maya."  A few years ago, "The Gourmet All-inclusive: concept was just introduced.  Karisma hired a new chef, and travel agents were treated to a tasting festivity.  I'm not big drinker, but this particular trip we must have experienced every "new cocktail" under the sun.  A sip here, a sip there, a tequila tasting here.    One drink that comes to mind is the "MOSQUITO" .  It's a "Tamarind" liqueur.  The rim of the glass is garnished with chili.  The initial effect is a slight tingle on the lips that catches the victim off guard  before savoring the effects of a semi-sour elixir. Thus, rightly named the "MOSQUITO". The Mexican Nation is known for it's tequila. In tequila tasting, you should swirl the tequila first before swallowing.  Th...

I think of the days when good manners were a priority in the U.S.  Old flicks of Andy Griffith, Aunt Bea and Mayberry where everyone is nice.  The shows were in black and white and we used to see parents stick a soap bar in their children's mouths.  The truth was that all parents pretty much did that.  Spankings were okay and the kids learned discipline through the old saying " Spare the rod, spoil the kid." Those days are long gone.   Child protection limits how we train our children, and communication plays the major role in how we raise our kids.  Manners extend much more than how we were raised and how our children grow up.  Every country has their standards.   Excuse me, or pardon me sometimes is just not enough.  Over a series of torn magazine parts, and books I make a note of which culture is accepting of what?  Sometimes it's to say or not to say.  Many times, I  offend someone because the American culture is just s...

All Sandals & Beaches Resorts participate in the Sandals Earth Guard benchmarking and certification program. From recycling to conserving, ecological responsiveness is a Sandals commitment. Because our "green" resorts are made for love, loving the environment has become second nature Sound Environmental Practices - Our Commitment to our Natural Resources Staff Awareness Team members, participation in workshops and seminars conducted by the environmental committee, local government organizations, and also by non-governmental environmental organizations. Water Conservation Program Monitoring of total water use on property (pools, guestrooms, kitchen, dining room and garden areas). Energy Management Program Use of timers on electrical equipment such as; Jacuzzi blowers, steam rooms at the Spa, outdoor lighting for walkways, refrigeration equipment in the kitchens, etc. Waste Management Program Waste disposal practi...

In practicing Sustainable Travel, the questions arises: "What is Sustainable Travel?" & " How can you travel more responsibly?" The answer is on balancing ones own needs and desires with the needs and desires of the local residents and future generations.  Consider the tourist as they enter the destinations.  In many ways we have already seen the impact in places domestically. A theme park is filled with 1000's of visitors in one visit.  A Fourth of July celebration attracts the attendees for the firework display.  Translate how we appear to a foreign country.  Place yourself in the locals eyesight: Tourists comes in droves, and points cameras at your children.  As you set out your services and products, they will haggle you for the lowest price.  Perhaps in ignorance of your local customs and traditions dress inappropriately. Sustainable Travel demonstrates: Understanding Asks Permission Pays a fair price Speaks a few words of th...