News from the Office... We are very excited about this issue and what we have to offer you this month! The biggest news is the official unveiling of the new website which we encourage you to explore. Our Preferred Partners lists snapshots of each partner along with links to their websites. Check out Exploration Ideas for suggestions and tips on where to go next. This quarter is all about Family travel. You will also find packing guides for Alaska and the Caribbean. Our Travel Library is still in the beginning stages of development but we encourage you to browse anyway. One of our favorite features is our very own Travel Channel where you can click a link to bring you to TravelTube.com our Channel's host. Watch our regular mini-show "Explore the World" or sip a coffee while reading the latest blog in the Ambiance Travel Cafe. Our Explorer's Forum is still under development so the Cafe will be taking it's place until completed. We encourage you to post your comments and thoughts! Learn all about Ambiance Travel and the owners under the About Us tab and to learn about our Ambiance Referral Club Program. We are proud parnters of CMA and we hope you will check out the page dedicated to this worth while organization. Enjoy the website and let us know your thoughts! - James & Nina Van Harn Owners/Travel Consultants
Featured Travel Special: Swain Tour's South Africa An individual experience. Swain Tours is a unique company in that offer an experience like you would find with a group tour only you're the only one on the tour. Each trip is customized with every detail taken care of from the moment you take your first step in Africa to when you leave. Swain recommends the following 1 week itinerary for first time travelers to Africa. Destinations : Cape Town, Sabi Sands, Johannesburg
Your Itinerary Includes: Internal coach class air in South Africa Round trip airport transfers and the following:
3 nights Cape Town
Arrive in spectacular Cape Town, also known as the “Mother City”. You will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. The afternoon is at leisure to soak up the atmosphere of Cape Town and the waterfront area. Cape Peninsula full day tour : Stroll through famous gardens, visit the heart of the local crayfish industry, enjoy the views at the Cape of Good Hope and sit among penguins at Boulders Beach.
Cape Winelands full day tour: Escape to the beauty and tranquility of the Paarl, Franschhoek and Stellenbosch Winelands and sample wines from well-known estates.
3 nights Sabi Sands Game Reserve Sabi Sands game viewing: The day will typically start with an early rise. Enjoy a light snack before departing on an activity, with a stop for a snack and tea/coffee en route. Upon return to camp (normally about three hours later) enjoy a sizeable brunch. Free time is them ample during the heat of the day to enjoy a siesta, or a dip in the pool. Mid-afternoon, tea, cakes and savories are served, before you depart on your afternoon activity, with a stop for cocktails en route. Return to camp and savor a sumptuous dinner.
| Travel Tip of the Month If traveling as a family group on a cruise try upgrading at least one stateroom to a larger suite. Such as Royal Caribbean's "Owner's Suite" featured here. These usually come with very large balconies and the extra space can be used as a private retreat for the whole family. Also makes a safe place for all the kids to hang out at night while the parents are out. When the cost of the upgrade it split between the family, the cost is minimal. Just make sure it's the "Life of the Party" who hosts the suite!
 Travel Idea of the Month: Picture Hunt Consider planning a trip around a picture you saw in a magazine or postcard. Example: When you travel to Rome can you find the cafe this picture of the Coloseum was taken from? These "mystery searches" can add a fun twist to your vacation and are a great activity for a families, singles or couples alike.
South Africa Cont... 1 night Johannesburg  Fly to Johannesburg and transfer to your hotel. They came from far and wide to strike it rich when gold was discovered here in 1886, and the “City of Gold” still pulsates with entrepreneurial energy.
7 breakfasts 3 lunches 3 dinners
The best time to travel to South Africa is in May. The beginning of their winter means cooler tempatures. It is a shoulder season which is a wonderful time to travel to secure lower rates and less crowds. For best available flights and itineraries start planning your vacation at least 6-8 months in advance. This also gives you plenty of time to apply for visas, vaccinations etc. For more information about Swain Tours Click Here 7 night Itinerary in Standard 4star accommodations pricing starting at $2225.00 per person. Airfare of approx. $1400.00 per person additional 
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| Experience Highlight: Dressing for Waikiki, Hawaii I love Waikiki, there's something about a glittering city cornered by the ocean and a volcano that speaks to me. Great restuartants, lots of shops and plenty of activities all over the island to keep you busy. Walk out of the center of the city right onto a beautiful beach  with swaying palms. For such a touristy destination it remains laid back and very much true to Hawaii. One thing that stands out to me is the dress code. If you arrive in a suit (like I tend to do) expect some stares and whispers. At first I wondered why everyone was looking at me walking down the street with a cellphone in my ear. "Haven't they ever seen a business person before?" Turns out, if you wear a suit in Hawaii they assume you are a high powered exec. from the Mainland. Even CEO's consider a Hawaiian shirt and shorts normal business wear. Although, you generally feel completely out of place, wearing a suit can have it's perks. When I walked into a coffee shop for a quick injection of caffiene the barista (who must have been a surfer of waves when not serving up lattes) nervously hopped to it quick. I have never had a grande, carmel mocha with extra shot of espresso and coconut sprinkles made so fast! While ringing me up he very curiously asked me where I was from and what I was doing in Hawaii. He seemed rather shocked when I told him I was a travel consultant there on business. When I asked him why he was shocked he explained the Hawaiian business dress code. Break through! With a new wardrobe I set out on business again. I was stared at less and welcomed more warmly which I liked much better. Although, I didn't receive my coffee on a silver platter anymore :) My advice, change the moment you get to your hotel into casual Hawaiian wear to better blend with the locals while you enjoy Shav' Ice a special Hawaiian treat.
Where to Stay: I have visited a couple hotels in Waikiki and I don't think you can beat the Marriott Waikiki Beach Hot el. Beautiful spacious lobby with cosy places to sit, right across the street from a world famous beach, great restaurants and the most comfortable beds I have ever slept in! A great launch point for the rest of the Island's many activities and sights. When to go: Plan to go Dec-Mar if you want good weather and great whale watching.
Looking forward to next month's issue: Experience Highlight in West Palm Beach Florida and a Christmas Travel Destination Guide takes the place of our Featured Special. |