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ON THE GO: A MAGAZINE FOR TRAVELERS
ON GO THE
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A MAGAZINE FOR TRAVELERS
JULY - SEPTEMBER 2015
All Aboard the NapaValley Wine Train
Get transported back in time to early 20th century luxury as you ride historic rails to some of Napa Valley’s best vineyards.
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Top 10 Things to Do in Hawaii With so much to do, spread across six beautiful islands, we help you narrow down your Hawaii to-do list.
To Reserve Your GOGO Vacation, Please Contact:
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GOGO Vacations – going one better
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Editor’s Note Paradise Found Hawaii, the Paradise of the Pacific
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On the Move
The latest on property openings, flight routes, and cruise news.
A Flight Attendant’s 30,000-Foot View
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Get truths, tips, and thoughts about flying and the airline industry from a veteran flight attendant..
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City Switch
You don’t want to accidentally book a flight to the middle of the country instead of Europe.
All Aboard the Napa Valley Wine Train
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Chugging through one of the most famous wine regions in the world, the Napa Valley Wine Train is part restaurant, part museum, and all fun.
Top Travel Apps
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In case of last-minute travel snags, these apps are really good to have in your pocket.
Top 10 Things to Do In Hawaii: Coffee, Craters, and City Tours
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Hawaii is home to Kona coffee, the world’s largest dormant volcano, America’s only royal palace, and more!
Ladies’ Must-Have Travel Gear
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International TV Host Ashley Colburn dishes about her favorite gear to make your next trip less stressful and more enjoyable.
Oddest NFL Training Camp Locations A Trip to Rome: What to See & What to Skip
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The Sands of Summer— Sand Sculpting Competitors & Competitions
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Sandmasters Matthew Deibert and Sue McGrew discuss their sandsculpting adventures and favorite summer festivals.
Which Celebrity Destination Should You Visit? Expert Advice: Group Travel Trips & Tips
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Snow Bunny Shuns Skis, Embraces Zip-Lines and Snowmobiles in Whistler
Mr. Brochure Jed Hauck discovers there’s more than just world-class ski slopes in Whistler, Canada.
Spotlight On: Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta Erica’s Asian Adventure — Vietnam
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Associate Editor Meghan Brennan takes us on a magical journey through Universal Orlando® Resort’s newest addition.
Tuscan Treats and Cinque Terre
Spotlight On: Magic Castle Hotel
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Spotlight On: Wildcatter Ranch
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Q&A with Travel Blogger Lesley Carter
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From Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, discover the sights of Vietnam.
Wine & Food Festival, Cancun-Riviera Maya
Q: What sort of travelers would you recommend visit Mauritius?
A: Mauritius offers something for almost every traveler. With countless extreme adventures like skydiving, kiteboarding, windsurfing, and hiking, it’s an adventure seeker’s paradise. The numerous luxurious properties pamper you like royalty, and the family-friendly options are plentiful. The turquoise waters are a diver’s dream, and Mauritius is among the top five best places to get married and take a honeymoon. Even budget travelers can find cheap all-inclusive options or campsites in Mauritius. For solo travelers, I’d recommend a hotel like Club Med where group activities are planned and the nightlife is more active, but it’s still a great place to explore.
Writer & Editor Susie Reese Layout & Design Sharon Martin
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Cancun-Riviera Maya is more than a Spring Break paradise. It’s found a sophisticated palate for food lovers!
Save the Date
I also looked forward to the full-day catamaran tour. We both love snorkeling and being on the ocean. It’s a fantastic way to sightsee and spend quality time together.
Howdy, Partner! How about a true home-on-therange escape? Check out this unique resort in Texas
Editor Lesley Carter and her daughter, Athena!
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I was most looking forward to our spa day at Constance Le Prince Maurice. I’ve had many spa experiences around the world but none where Athena could join me. We were each given a massage at the same time, and then Athena had her finger and toenails painted while I finished my full-body massage. She is, undoubtedly, a princess, and she loves being pampered. Joining me at the spa made her feel valued and like a “big girl.” She talked about it for weeks after we returned home.
General Manager Darren Ross tells us what it takes to be the number one hotel rated on TripAdvisor in Los Angeles.
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A: I stayed half of the time at Constance Belle Mare Plage and the other half at Constance Le Prince Maurice. Transportation to each Constance property is included as part of the all-inclusive package. We planned one activity per day to avoid getting over-tired and hired a guide to drive us to each location and help us on our journey. Activities included Casela Nature & Leisure Park, Chamarel Colored Earth, Curious Corner, Crocodile Park, Blue Safari Submarine, and Easterlies Catamaran Cruise. We usually ate lunch at a new place each day. Since we had the all-inclusive package at Constance, we ate breakfast and dinner there. We scheduled a full day at each property for relaxation, resort activities, and beach time.
Experience all of Tuscany’s flavors and famous sights with traveler Peter Dias and Back-Roads Touring
Explore Mauritius with Bucket List Publications
Conspiracy Sites: Roswell, New Mexico
Q: Can you give a brief itinerary of your trip? What were you most looking forward to seeing/doing?
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For Generations: Travel Destinations
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Marketing Team Melissa Gusman, Adam Okimatsu & Sarah Afana Associate Editor Meghan Brennan
Follow Lesley’s globe-trotting adventures on Bucket List Publications at bucketlistpublications.org, and next magazine, look for more adventures from Lesley!
Group Editor Phil Gusman
Mark your calendars with these world-class events in the U.S. and beyond.
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Halloween in the Hollow
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What’s more Halloween than Sleepy Hollow? .
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Stuffed Gypsy Pepper Recipe
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The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Guide for Nerds
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See more blog.gogo-vacations.com
/GOGOVacations @GOGOWWV @gogovacations JULY - SEPTEMBER 2015 I GOGO VACATIONS
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EDITOR’S NOTE:
Welcome To Our Bucket List Issue! While completing the weekly cruise update for our blog, The Journey, I read a press release about Princess Cruises’ annual World Cruise, which departs for an unprecedented 111 days and visits six continents and 40 destinations. Obvious question aside (who has 111 days to sail the world?), the itinerary is comprehensive, starting in Los Angeles and ending in Fort Lauderdale, and along the way, cruise goers will no doubt scratch off half of their bucket list. After seeing this itinerary, I immediately thought of this issue of On the Go: A Magazine for Travelers and decided to dub this our “bucket list issue.” We start off in Hawaii, a must-see destination for many Americans and romantics, and then catapult to Vietnam where Erica Scannelli of Worldwide Traveler takes us on a cultural journey from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City. We need some sustenance after that long haul, so we head to Cancun-Rivera Maya with Social Media Manager Sarah John Afana, who taste-tests her way around the Food & Wine Festival. Then we head out to Mauritius with travel blogger Lesley Carter, who writes the aptly named Bucket List Publications. Ashley Colburn of Paradise Found shows us her travel tools of the trade, including her monster suitcase affectionately named Big Bertha. While we’re overseas, Associate Editor Meghan Brennan shows us what to see and what to skip in Rome before we get on board with Peter Dias and Back-Roads Touring for the Tuscan Treats & the Cinque Terre Tour. Of course, no American’s bucket list is complete without discovering more of our own country, so we head to the beach (and sometimes the pier) for the best sandsculpting competitions, complete with recommendations from sand legends Matthew Deibert and Sue McGrew. And there’s no way you’ve lived until you’ve taken a ride on the Napa Valley Wine Train or visited Roswell, New Mexico, the supposed sight of an actual alien encounter. Halloween’s coming up, so why not spend it in one of the spookiest destinations in America, Sleepy Hollow? We talk to master storyteller Jonathan Kruk about his rendition of the classic story in the Old Dutch Church, where parts of “Legend” actually took place. We also stop by some of the most unique accommodations in the U.S., including a working ranch in Texas and the Magic Castle Hotel, the number one hotel on TripAdvisor for L.A. Speaking of magic, Meghan also gives us the nerd tour of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ at Universal Orlando® Resort. Of course, we can’t leave out ski season as it rapidly approaches, so Jed Hauck, Mr. Brochure here at GOGO Vacations, heads up to Whistler to check out the slopes, snowmobiles, and even the zip-lines. And as we make our bucket list, we should also celebrate the start of the journey, so we’d like to welcome Rylie Jordan Stout, the newest addition to our graphic designer Stefani’s family. And special thanks to Sharon Martin for stepping in and designing the magazine you see here. Hopefully, we’ll help you make that bucket list so you can embark upon your own journey! But please excuse me as I speak to Group Editor Phil Gusman about the World Cruise. That’s practically working from home, right?
Susie Reese
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Norwegian Breakaway
Find the resort and destination that fits your unique vibe, taste, and personality with Paradise Found, GOGO Vacations’ Telly Award winning webseries that takes you to the most luxurious, exciting, and relaxing resorts and destinations in Mexico and the Caribbean. Hosted by Emmy Award winner and international travel guru Ashley Colburn, Paradise Found, has explored the restaurants, spas, and activities at Excellence Resorts, Melia Resorts, AMResorts, and more. Ashley showcases each resort’s distinctive service, feel, and experiences so you and your travel agent can choose the destination that best suits you.
Check out our newest Paradise Found episode featuring Atlantis
Ashley recently discovered paradise in the Bahamas at Atlantis, Paradise Island and on Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Breakaway. With signature dining, the largest casino in the Caribbean, and accommodations to fit every need and budget, Atlantis is the premier vacation destinations on the islands, and Norwegian Breakaway offers the quintessential cruise experience with spectacular Broadway shows, three new seafood venues, and The Waterfront, a quarter-mile oceanfront promenade with restaurants and bars, plus breathtaking vistas. Also, check-out Paradise Found: Hawaii as Ashley explores the tropical escape, featuring stops at Outrigger Resorts, Pearl Harbor, Paradise Cove Luau, and Waikiki.
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Hawaii,
Hawaii, the Paradise
the Paradise in the in the Pacific
Pacific
Hawaii offers something for every traveler to this tropical destination. From crystal clear waters and coffee plantations, to beachfront resorts and historic landmarks, the six distinct islands welcome surfers, adventurers, and relaxation seekers. Experience the natural phenomenon of an active volcano or the beloved culture of a traditional luau. Immerse yourself in the beauty of Waimea Canyon or watch the sunrise over the Haleakala Crater. Discover Hawaii’s most spectacular sights and experiences in the “Top 10 Things to Do in Hawaii: Coffee, Craters, and City Tours.” (Page 20)
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EVERYTHING you need to know about new flights, hotel & resort openings, and cruise experiences. Properties AMResorts® will bring its popular all-adult brand, Secrets® Resorts, to Costa Rica with Secrets® Papagayo Costa Rica. Originally the Papagayo Resort & Spa, the resort suspended operations to undergo renovations and rebranding, and will reopen on Nov. 11. Secrets® Resorts will also expand into Panama with Secrets® Playa Bonita Panama, scheduled to open in December. It will be AMResorts’® second venture in Panama. Also in December, Breathless Resorts will reach the Mexican Pacific with Breathless Cabo San Lucas Resort & Spa, offering stunning views of El Arco with a prime location near the marina. In Jamaica, AMResorts® will open the family-friendly Sunscape Montego Bay, located next to Secrets St. James Montego Bay and Secrets Wild Orchid Montego Bay. AMResorts will assume operation of the Sunset Beach Resorts, Spa and Water Park and the Oasis at Sunset Aug. 1, but the resort will not be rebranded until later this year.
Hilton announced the addition of two new properties to the Curio – A Collection by Hilton line: the Jewel Paradise Cove Beach Resort & Spa Runaway Beach, Curio – A Collection by Hilton, and Jewel Dunn’s River Beach Resort & Spa Ocho Rios, Curio – A Collection by Hilton. The properties will be the first Curio resorts in the Caribbean and are slated to join the line in 2015. Karisma Hotels and Viacom have agreed to a deal to bring Nickelodeon-branded hotels to the Caribbean and Mexico. Nickelodeon Punta Cana, the first hotel, is scheduled to open in the Dominican Republic in 2016. Nickelodeon Experiences, including character appearances, family activities, and themed dishes, will be available at Azul Resorts in the Caribbean, starting this summer.
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Omni Hotels & Resorts, in partnership with The Atlanta Braves, are developing The Omni Atlanta Hotel at SunTrust Park, which will feature 16 floors, 260 guestrooms rooms and suites, and an elevated pool deck and bar overlooking the plaza and ballpark. The hotel is slated to break ground later this year. Scheduled to open in spring 2016, Rush Creek Lodge will be the first new hotel accommodations in California’s Yosemite National Park area in over 25 years and will be a contemporary mountain resort with 143 lodge rooms, suites, and hillside villas. The resort will also boast a restaurant and tavern with a wood-fired oven and open kitchen, a fullservice onsite recreation department with more than 30 types of guided excursions, a general store, and more.
JetBlue will launch twice-daily service from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) to Baltimore/Washington Thurgood Marshall International Airport (BWI) on Nov. 12; and daily service from Albany International Airport (ALB) to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) and Orlando International Airport (MCO), starting Dec. 10.
Virgin American will fly from the new Terminal Two at San Francisco International (SFO) to Honolulu, Oahu (HNL), starting Nov. 2, and to Kahului, Maui (OGG), starting Dec. 3.
Airlines Alaska Airlines will add service between Los Angeles (LAX) and Costa Rica’s two major international airports, San Jose (SJO) and Liberia/ Guanacaste (LIR), beginning Oct. 31 and Nov. 1, respectively. Beginning Sept. 9, the airline will also have daily nonstop service between LAX and Baltimore (BWI), and later in the fall, it will begin nonstop service from its Seattle (SEA) hub to Charleston, South Carolina (CHS); Nashville, Tennessee (BNA); and Raleigh/Durham, North Carolina (RDU).
Southwest Airlines announced its seat choice for its new Boeing 737800 and 737 MAX aircrafts, and according to a company statement, the new seats will be the widest economy seats available in the single-aisle 737 market. They will also have increased legroom and personal stowage, and offer an adjustable headrest. The new seats which arrives on the new 737-800s in mid-2016, are part of Southwest’s fleet upgrades, which also include the introduction of the Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft and the projected launch of the 737 MAX aircraft in 2017. Southwest also announced it will provide daily, nonstop service between Denver International Airport (DEN) and Lic. Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR) in Puerto Vallarta, beginning in November, subject to governmental approval.
Emirates will begin nonstop, daily service between Orlando (MCO) and Dubai (DXB) starting Sept. 1. The flight will be approximately 14 hours and 10 minutes long.
Cruise Norwegian Cruise Line announced that guests sailing from Miami aboard Norwegian Sky will enjoy a more comprehensive, all-inclusive experience with dining, entertainment, and free unlimited beer, wine, and premium spirits, beginning January 2016. The premium spirits and innovative cocktails will be crafted by award-winning mixologists from Miami’s Bar Lab. Guests 20 and younger will enjoy unlimited sodas and juices.
Back-Roads Touring, a small-groups operator of European tours, launched new water-based products called Charming Waterways of Europe, which feature barging trips on French canals, the Adriatic Islands of Croatia, along the Turquoise Coast of Turkey, and the Greek Cycladic Islands. Launching in summer 2015 and 2016, the new tours also combine with land travel to create a unique, cultural immersion.
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It’s not all fun and games and glamour, though, as Murphy will be the first to tell you. She’s seen some things. “Some people just snap,” she says, which seems to encompass a range of sins from air rage to attempted stranglings to, well, attempts to “go into the bathroom with another person for… pleasure,” as Murphy delicately puts it. Her most frightening story is one of a passenger who “ PEOPLE USED TO attempted to open one of the plane’s doors while DRESS UP TO FLY, in flight (which, she is quick to point out, is AND NOW PEOPLE impossible).
If Anne Murphy (not her real name) could tell everyone boarding her plane just one thing, it would be that she and her fellow cabin crew are there, first and foremost, for passengers’ safety. Well, that and to please board a little more quickly. And maybe consider bringing your own food on board. And a pen for customs forms.
Flight attendants may not be the ones guiding the plane through the air, but they are the members of the crew that passengers see and interact with most. They’re also highly trained BARELY HAVE Air travel has changed a employees of any airline – lot in the decades that they know how to handle CLOTHES ON... Murphy’s been flying, every kind of situation, especially in terms of from the everyday to the IT’S LESS CIVIL ” security. “When I first most rare occurrences. started,” she says, “all Many speak more than you had to do was show your badge and one language, especially on international you could walk through security; you routes. Basically, serving soda and peanuts didn’t have to stop.” And of course, the is only the smallest part of what they do. sophistication of the Jet Age is long gone. Murphy wasn’t there for it, but she works with After over 30 years as a flight attendant for a some flight attendants who were. “People major U.S. airline, Murphy knows all the ins used to dress up to fly, and now people barely and outs of air travel. And since she does have clothes on...It’s less civil,” she adds, a international routes, she knows the world like slightly mournful tone in her voice. the back of her hand. The day before we spoke, she was flying home from Japan, and the day after she was off to the Chinese consulate to renew her visa – talk about an exciting life!
For whatever drawbacks there might be, though, Murphy keeps on going for one very good reason: “I’m in love with the world.”
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A FLIGHT ATTENDANT’S 30,000-FOOT VIEW by Meghan Brennan
Asked for a list of her favorite destinations, she can’t quite help herself from gushing. “I love going to Greece; I love Asia because it’s so different…I like places that have culture, that have history…Paris, England, Italy.
meals for flights, but acknowledges that some people rely on hot sauce to make things more palatable.
Still, there are a few things she says you should always bring on your flight, even if you’re OK with the airline’s food. “Planes “Wherever I go, I find something to like.” run cold,” she mentions, so even if you’re Sometimes it’s the always warm, it can’t food, like arancini hurt to have a sweater “ I LOVE GOING and gelato in Italy, or a jacket with you, bratwurst and beer in especially these days TO GREECE; I LOVE Germany, and a when there aren’t baguette with butter always blankets on ASIA BECAUSE IT IS in France. board. She also sugIn fact, Murphy SO DIFFERENT...I LIKE gests an eye cover and earplugs if you always tries to stop know you want to by a grocery store PLACES THAT sleep, plus something when she’s abroad. to keep yourself Sometimes it’s just so HAVE CULTURE” amused – because she has something to you never know if the eat on the flight in-flight entertainment system might have home. “There’s not much anyone can do” some problems. Her most surprising item for plane food, she says – remember, to bring along? An umbrella – because flight attendants eat the same meals there’s always a chance of rain when you passengers do, which have been frozen get where you’re going. and stored in a warehouse before being brought to the airport. She’s become a But really – don’t forget a pen. huge advocate of bringing her own
Find more travel tips, interviews, and vaction ideas on our blog, The Journey, at http://blog.gogo-vacations.com/
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CITY SWITCH So my editor laughed at me when I suggested a story called “Cities with the Same Name.” He asked me, “What will that entail?”
“An article about cities with the same name. What people do differently in each one.”
He laughed again (he does that frequently) and said he was interested in seeing what I came up with. So here it is!
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Springfield is the number one most common name for a city/town/municipality in the United States. In Massachusetts, Springfield is home to Basketball Hall of Fame, the Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden, and (less than three miles away) Six Flags New England. In Springfield, Missouri, travelers will find Six Flags St. Louis because…someone can’t name Six Flags theme parks properly. And Springfield, Illinois houses the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, Lincoln’s home, his law offices, and even his tomb.
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Bristol, Kentucky draws thousands of fans each year to the Bristol Motor Speedway, aka the Last Great Colosseum (Yeah...okay), and in August, the NASCAR Spring Cup Series will return with the Irwin Tools Night Race along with a week’s worth of festivities. Bristol, England is one of the UK’s most populous cities, with the breathtaking Clifton Suspension Bridge, a zoo with 13 animatronic moving bugs (yep, giant animatronic bugs…there are also live animals), and the largest restaurant in the UK, able to feed 1,000 people at one time.
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Lexington, Kentucky is known as the “Horse Capital of the World,” with the Kentucky Horse Park featuring as many as 50 breeds of horses, a museum, and art galleries. There’s also the African American Heritage Trail and Kentucky Kingdom theme park. Lexington, Massachusetts is best known for its role in the American Revolutionary War and offers the Liberty Ride, guided trolley tours of Lexington and nearby Concord, the Minute Man National Historical Park, and the Battle Green, where blood was first spilled against Great Britain.
Paris, France is known as one of the most romantic spots in the world, with world-class sites like the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower. But closer to home, you can visit Paris, Texas, with its Eiffel Tower topped by a giant red cowboy hat (it’s true). Paris, Tennessee also has an Eiffel Tower (without the cowboy hat); Paris, Ontario is the Cobblestone Capital of Canada (no Eiffel Tower). And there are other locations bearing the same name in New York, Virginia, Illinois, and Idaho, among others.
Of course, these aren’t the only cities that share names. You might be able to get gourmet Italian food in Rome, New York, but it’s not the same as if you’re eating it in the shadow of the Colosseum. Also, there is no Big Ben in London, Ohio, and I hear they don’t have a royal family. So this is just another reason to use a travel agent. After all, you don’t want to accidentally book a flight to the middle of the country instead of Europe.
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ALL ABOARD THE NAPA VALLEY
WINE TRAIN
CASTLE WINERY TRIP
Chugging through one of the most famous wine regions of the world, the Napa Valley Wine Train is part restaurant, part museum, and all fun. Housed in 1915 restored Pullman railcars, the train is a nostalgic journey in early 20th century style with a welcome two-ounce pour, a three-course meal, and a three-hour ride through the vineyards.
Ken Dolan, account director of the W Los Angeles, took a night ride on the Napa Valley Wine Train. “The whole thing was fantastic from start to end, and the views were nice at dusk. Later, even though we didn’t have much of a view, the wineries were lit up in the front, so you don’t just necessarily have that sprawling view, but you can see the entrances.”
“It was one of the most exclusive experiences of my life,” boasts Gosha Reese, destination coordinator, U.S. West for Flight Centre. “A beautiful old fashionable train, staff dressed in beautiful uniforms—you had a feeling of being transported to the 20’s.”
The most popular ride is the Vista Dome, a two-story train car built in 1952 that offers the Wine Train’s first-class, VIP experience.
“The Wine Train is a restaurant housed on an antique train,” explains Kira McManus Devitt, director of marketing and public relations for the Wine Train, and the granddaughter of Vincent DeDomencio, Wine Train founder. “We have options where guests can remain on the train for the three-hour trip, or guests can spend part of their time on the train and then part of their time touring one of our partner wineries.” On board is a full bar, stocked with wines from the local vineyards, and the exquisite meals of roasted beef tenderloin, almond encrusted salmon piccata, and stuffed gypsy peppers (see recipe on pg. 59), aren’t the only entertainment. “With the day tour, you have beautiful views because you’re riding through Napa Valley,” says Reese. “You have wineries on both sides.”
Notes Devitt, “It tends to sell out two to three weeks in advance, so guests really seem to like the VIP experience. It’s also a private car, so other guests can’t travel through that car unless they purchased seats in it.”
Wine Train Experiences The Napa Valley Wine Train offers themed, unique experiences you won’t find at most restaurants or even most theaters. Perfect for groups, birthdays, and bachelorette parties, The Murder Mystery Train is like Clue for the rails, where guests interact with actors to find out who committed the dastardly crime. The experience is interactive, and guests are urged to dress the part and join the hunt for the murderer. “The Murder Mystery Train is really, really fun,” says Devitt. “You are able to pick your own name if you want to participate in that way, or you can just sit back and enjoy it. It’s like an interactive dinner theater, and throughout
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the train ride, the actors come into your car and play out a scene.” At the end, guests try to figure out who committed the murder, but the murderer changes from train ride to train ride, so guests who enjoyed the experience can return for a new one. “A fair amount of people dress up,” explains Devitt. “You don’t get up and act with the characters, but you do interact with the actors. It might take a second because it puts you outside of your comfort zone, but a lot of times people end up participating.” Another experience on the wine train is the Santa Train, which runs in November and December. Families first arrive at the station to have their picture taken with Santa, and then Santa and other holiday characters board the train for the hour-and-a-half trip. Notes Devitt, “That’s half the duration of a regular trip. It’s downsized for children with short attention spans, but they have such a fun time.” Reflected in the discounted price, the experience does not include food, but certain items, like chicken fingers and even salmon and caviar, are available for purchase. “We wanted to be able to give families the option of ordering or not ordering food because some kids have to eat, and some kids won’t eat.” The train also offers cookies and hot chocolate, as well as a full bar onboard (this is the wine train after all.)
PHOTO CREDIT: KEITH ROSENTHAL
Holidays can also be spent on the wine train with special experiences for Easter, Mother’s Day, and New Year’s. And the Napa Valley Wine Train offers a special experience called The Big Gay Train. In conjunction with Out in the Vineyard, this special train is designed to be a fun, gayfriendly event featuring wines from LGBT makers. “Now it’s expanded to Washington and Oregon winemakers, too, but we just wanted to showcase these lesser known winemakers because there wasn’t an event like it in the valley at the time. It’s been fun and it’s been really successful for the last five years.”
Groups about the train The Napa Valley Wine Train offers wonderful group experiences, tailored to the clients’ desires. According to Devitt, groups can buy up a train car or even the whole train, which hosts up to 360 passengers. “We have our commissary, where our main prep kitchen is,” explains Devitt, “and guests have started upstairs on our commissary overlooking our rail yard before having a sparkling wine reception.” Then the party boards the train for a night on the rails. The wine train also celebrates weddings, but the experiences are more conducive to elopements, rehearsal dinners, and wedding receptions, Devitt notes. (See a Napa Valley Wine Train recipe on page 59)
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TRAVEL APPS
TOP
People have been traveling for ages, but now that our phones are mini-computers, it’s easier than ever before. In case of last-minute snags, these are some apps that are really good to have in your pocket.
City Maps 2Go Offline Maps You don’t want to carry around a giant paper map (who can fold those things anyway?), and the map on your phone needs pricey data to help you find your way. That’s where this app comes in – download a map of the city before you head out, and pull it up – offline – whenever you want.
Packing Pro
Sunscreen
Anyone who thinks packing is easy has never had to go 10 days with one carry-on bag. Luckily, this app is here to simplify things – just put in some basic information about your trip and it gives you a packing list separated into nifty categories like ‘Essentials,’ ‘Gadgets,’ and, oh yeah, ‘Clothes.’
Proving that there really is an app for everything is this deceptively simple little guy. When you input your location’s UV Index, the SPF of your sunscreen, and your skin type, it’ll tell you exactly when you need to reapply to avoid painful sunburn – a vacation ruiner if ever there was one.
Cost: Free, but offers in-app purchases.
Cost: Free
Cost: $2.99
FlightAware Flight Tracker
Postagram
LoungeBuddy
Track real-time flight status with this app and check out the tracking map that shows any commercial flight worldwide.
Tired of the same old postcards? This app lets you upload one of your own vacation photos along with a personalized greeting. Then you can send it over email, or mail a physical copy for just 99 cents in the U.S. and $1.99 worldwide.
Can't take waiting by the gate one more minute? Stuck with an unexpected layover or delay? LoungeBuddy helps you find airport lounges, along with all the amenities they offer, in more than 500 airports around the world. You can even buy your pass in the app and get to relaxing even faster.
Cost: Free, but offers in-app purchases.
Cost: Free, but offers in-app purchases.
Cost: Free
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Entrain
Foodspotting
Footprint
Imagine getting to your destination already accustomed to the new schedule, with no jet lag. That’s what this app, developed at the University of Michigan, does by helping you to adjust your circadian rhythm to the time zone you’re traveling to.
Avoid tourist traps and make sure you’re getting the real deal with this app. It uses crowd-sourced reviews, photos, and suggestions to help you find the perfect spot for dinner. You can even search by price, ranking, neighborhood, and more!
When you feel like getting nostalgic, you’ll be happy to have this app at hand. It lets you pin a digital map with all of the places you’ve been – you can even add photos and notes, so your memories are never far away.
Cost: Free
Cost: Free
Cost: $2.99
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TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN 1. Maui Whale Watching Experience
COFFEE, CRATERS, AND CITY TOURS by Susie Reese
Hawaii is home to Kona coffee, pineapples, the world’s largest dormant volcano, and the only royal palace in America, and year after year, the world’s most isolated population center draws millions of visitors. From history buffs and luxury seekers to nature lovers and beach bums, Hawaii offers unique experiences for every visitor, and we’ve compiled the top 10 to help you choose an itinerary that fits your interests and tastes!
Humpback whales are some of the most photogenic whales in the world because of their surface activity, including breaches, pec slaps, and tail up dives, and Maui’s warm waters make an inviting habitat for mating and giving birth. Take a leisurely cruise into the crystal clear waters of the Hawaiian Island Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary to see the migrating whales up close. From December to May, humpback whale sightings are almost a guarantee because of their mating season. Many voyages include live whale songs, played over hydrophones, and expert commentary, whether on a yacht, raft, or kayak.
Photo: Sarah John Afana
7. USS Arizona Memorial with City Tour
5. A Traditional Luau You haven’t experienced the Hawaiian culture unless you’ve enjoyed a traditional luau, a feast to celebrate special events, such as a battle victory or an important milestone. Luau food now blends with Hawaiian, Polynesian, or even American flavors, but many still include pork cooked in an imu (underground oven); poi, boiled taro roots; poke, raw fish marinated in lemon or lime juice and coconut cream; and various marinated chicken, salmon, and beef dishes. Some add in Chinese noodles, potato or macaroni salads, steamed rice, and, of course, pineapples. A fresh flower lei greeting, a Mai Tai, and the hula dance make this a must-attend attraction when in Hawaii.
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6. Active Volcano Adventure Experience the beauty of Hawaiian landscapes with a helicopter adventure. Seeing Kilauea, one of the most active volcanoes in the world, is a definite highlight with its molten oranges and reds. You’ll also marvel at the natural wonder and beauty of the islands, including the tropical rainforests, breathtaking waterfalls, and dramatic cliffs. Combine your tour with a zip-line course through the rainforest and a tour of Volcanoes National Park with a guide for a full-day adventure.
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The World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument is a storied memorial, which includes the events of Pearl Harbor, the internment of Japanese Americans, the battles in the Aleutians, and the occupation of Japan. The 184-foot-long structure spans the mid-portion of the sunken battleship and offers exhibits on the sights, sounds, and artifacts of the attack on Oahu and the aftermath. Following the memorial, explore historic Honolulu with visits to the Iolani Palace, the official residence of Hawaiian Kingdom’s last two monarchs; King Kamehameha Statue, one of Oahu’s most photographed landmarks; the State Capitol, and more.
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2. North Shore Tour with Waimea Bay and Diamond Head North Shore is a surfing mecca with gentle waves in the summer and big waves in the winter that attract beginners and veteran surfers, and the seven-mile stretch of beaches hosts the world’s premier surfing competitions. Waimea Bay was the legendary spot where big wave surfing originated in the 1950s, and is also a beautiful place to sunbathe and picnic. Hike Diamond Head, a dormant volcano in the shape of a tuna’s dorsal fin. It was once a military post and offers enchanting views of Waikiki and Oahu’s south shore, as well as underground tunnels and military bunkers.
4. “The Grand Canyon of the Pacific”
3. Napali Snorkel Tour This tour is more than just a water adventure. On a Napali Snorkel Tour, you’ll take a catamaran out to the sublime Napali Coast where you’ll explore sea caves, ancient lava tubes, majestic waterfalls, and swim among marine wildlife at Kauai’s best snorkeling area. Some tours venture to hidden beaches and explore ancient fishing villages. Couple yours with a whale-watching adventure.
Formed from erosion of the Wailua River and the collapse of a volcano, Waimea Canyon is known as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific.” It stretches more than 14 miles along the west side of Kauai, and is 3,600 feet deep with dramatic gorges and cliffs. The red rock among the lush, green valley offers an amazing spectacle of natural beauty. Experience it up close on a Wailua River cruise which stops at the famous Fern Grotto with a rainforest walk and Hanapepe Lookout with a great view of the canyon. From the latter, you can see where sections of the movie Jurassic Park were filmed.
Photo: Keith Levit/Shutterstock.com
10. Kona Coffee Tour
8. A Dole Planation Visit Hawaii produces a third of the world’s pineapple supply, so you won’t want to miss the opportunity to visit the Dole Plantation. Ride the Pineapple Express, a 22-minute train ride that takes visitors through the Dole Plantation field, providing the history of the pineapple industry in Hawaii. Wander the eight different gardens and hear stories about plantation life and the Hawaiian heritage with Plantation Garden Tour. Oh, and you won’t want to miss the world’s largest maze, a three-acre puzzle with almost two and a half miles of paths created by 14,000 colorful Hawaiian plants. Stop by the Plantation Grille for island favorites like teriyaki chicken, kalua pork, and loco moco.
9. Haleakala Sunrise Bike Ride See the sunrise over Haleakala Crater, the world’s largest dormant volcano. It’s so large that Manhattan could fit inside, and the views of Maui from its peak at sunrise are nothing short of majestic. Riders will first drive to the summit of Haleakala National Park (10,023 above sea level) with guides offering history and commentary about the island’s rare plants and animals. Then, you will be outfitted with your bike and ride down 6,500 feet on Mount Haleakala through the switchbacks, Haleakala Ranch, and Kula before zooming through the towns of Makawao and Paia and ending at Paia Bay Beach Park.
Hawaii is the only place in America that grows coffee, so you can’t skip a Kona Coffee Tour if you worship the glorious elixir of life. (I love coffee; can you tell?) Visit a mountain coffee plantation and taste the smooth, sweet blend of Kona beans that is usually expensive or even unavailable in the contiguous 48 states (do not mistake “Kona blend” for actual “Kona” coffee). Most coffee tours are blended with a crater experience. (See what I did there?) Ah! So that’s why so many people flock to the world’s most isolated population center! Paradise Found’s Ashley Colburn and GOGO Vacation’s Sarah Afana John just got back, so check out the latest episode of Paradise Found: Hawaii on The Journey now. And start planning your own journey to Hawaii with these 10 mustsee sights and tastes now!
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TRAVEL GEAR
Ladies’ Must-Have by Ashley Colburn
As an international TV producer, Ashley Colburn is away from her SoCal home approximately nine months out of the year. In order to look and feel her best, Ashley has learned how to live out of a suitcase, bringing just a handful of carefully chosen items, which can be difficult, especially for the lady travelers. So she gave us the rundown of her favorite gear to help make your next trip a little less stressful and little more enjoyable!
The Suitcase
W
hile some people might grab their cute hard-case luggage with pictures of the Eiffel Tower, this bag just won’t work for me. I need something much sturdier and more practical with lots of compartments, and if it happens to be a little stylish, this is just a bonus. While I have never enjoyed packing too much, at least I have a suitcase I can count on. My suitcase, a Dakine Split Roller dubbed “Big Bertha,” has traveled to more than 30 countries over the last five years, and while it has a few scratches and blemishes, overall it still looks brand spanking new! Some avid travelers insist that traveling only with a carry-on is logical, but this is something I cannot do as a TV host. Having to pack several outfits and shoes requires more than a carry-on, and I’ve never had my luggage lost.
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So why do I love Big Bertha?
1. There are four compartments inside, all with zippers. This allows me to feel somewhat organized and not have all of my stuff thrown into a black hole.
2. There are also two pockets on the outside, and since I do tend to over pack, I put some heavier items in these pockets (in case my bag is overweight, I can quickly access these items and move them into my carry-on).
3. It is very narrow. When I hop on trains or roll a bag through a hotel room, a wide suitcase can sometimes be a huge inconvenience. Big Bertha is the perfect size to fit in those tiny areas.
4. The Dakine brand is known for its durability in the wheels, plastic, and fabric. I know it is a trend to get the hard case luggage, but this fabric has never let me down.
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The Toiletries Bag Ladies, I like my creams, nail polish, shampoos, etc., and so I need a toiletries bag big enough to hold it all. Since I travel so much, I try to stay away from the hotel three-inone shampoo/condition/body washes that they provide. Sometimes I just want my own shampoo and soap from home, and it also gives me somewhat of a routine in this very-not-routine life that I live. Made by Jo & Jo Australia, this bag is the perfect bathroom kit since—
1. It hangs. European bathrooms are so small, and many have no counter space at all. The last thing I want is to knock my toiletries into the toilet or have my makeup fall on the ground and break. This is also great if you enjoy cruising because you can hang it up in the small ship bathrooms. 2. Everything can stand upright, and I don’t have to worry about too many leaks or bursts of my lotions, etc.
3. The compartments are great. I have makeup brushes in one; this prevents powders and blushes from getting all over my other toiletries.
4. It zips all the way around. There’s no way anything is going to fall out and explode in my suitcase.
5. Last but not least, it holds a lot! I don’t feel like I have to live without anything. One tip I have is to never pack and unpack this. If you travel a lot, just make sure you have two of everything. That way this kit is all set to go, and you don’t have to stress about the packing. I keep this in Big Bertha all the time.
The Carry-on I’m very excited to tell you about my newest travel purchase. Since I never travel with just a carry-on, it also took me a long time to find a carry-on I liked. I hated stressing about the size and if it would fit in the overhead bin, and wondering if it would protect my laptop
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and personal camera and still allow me to be organized. The Cruiser Backpack by Lululemon is the perfect fit for me.
1. First and foremost, there is a pocket for my laptop! It also has its own zipper, meaning I don’t have to shuffle through everything to access it. 2. I am a very organized person, so I love all the pockets on the front. I use them for headphones, sunglasses, hand sanitizer, pens, mophie®, business cards—the list goes on. 3. Inside the main pocket are several other pockets, including a dry bag. This can be great if you are traveling and have a wet bathing suit or are going on an adventure and want to protect certain items.
4. There are two pockets on the sides — one with a magnetic flap and the other which is perfect for a water bottle. It’s important to always stay hydrated when flying and traveling, so this is very convenient.
The Jewelry Case Most women love jewelry, especially me! However, I am known for losing an earring here and there or misplacing a necklace somewhere and never being able to find it. So I found this great travel jewelry case that has saved my life and my earrings. Just because someone is on the road doesn’t mean they shouldn’t accessorize. I don’t feel limited since my jewelry is safe in the Lori Leigh Travel Jewelry Box. 1. There’s a specific area for earrings and their backs, allowing you to return from your trip with the same number of pairs.
2. Rings won’t get scratched or discolored as there is a specific holder for each and every one of them. 3. The small protective envelope is perfect for small gold or silver delicate necklaces.
4. Underneath the flap is an area perfect for some small bracelets. I have a few favorite pieces of everything, so I usually just keep them in this case. This way I know where they are and can easily grab the box and go!
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It’s all about the shoes
1. Ashley at La Digue beach in the Seychelles
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The Jacket
The Shoes
Living in Southern California is a blessing and a curse. The blessing is we have 75-degree weather year-round, so I live the eternal summer when I am home. The curse is when I am traveling and experiencing anything under 60 degrees. Then, I am freezing! For the past few years, I have teamed up with Scottevest®, which has the ultimate travel gear. I always travel with a jacket because I am usually freezing on the airplane, and you never know what kind of weather you will encounter no matter where your travels take you. Scottevest® is the perfect brand to wear on the airplane because there are secret pockets everywhere! I roll up my purse and keep it in my backpack in case I want it sometime during my travels, but with my backpack and this jacket, I’m good to go!
Big Bertha (my suitcase) is, y’know, big, but I usually can’t travel with more than three pairs of shoes, which some still might consider to be a lot. For sure, the brand that has taken me across the globe is OTBT (Off the Beaten Track). Comfort is most important, but the fact that they are unique and adorable is another bonus for any traveler. I also love the color schemes they have — earthy, rustic colors that can go with my wardrobe. They are meant to be worn while exploring some of the world’s most beautiful, tropical, and mind-blowing locations. You can see why I like them and where they have taken me:
1. It’s stylish and so convenient. Nobody knows that under the cute buttons and belt I have my credit cards, cash, passport, etc.
2. Money belts are so outdated. There’s no need to buy the silly pouch or necklace to hold your passport under your clothes. With the trench coat, your personal documents are just as close to your body.
3. There are different colors to choose from, and I suggest looking at some of the other gear such as pants, men’s clothing, and even vests if you are traveling to warmer destinations.
1. I walked the beach in La Digue, which looks like my computer screen saver.
2. I discovered the lost world of Atlantis with these comfy platforms.
3. They took me to the marvelous Machu Picchu as I hiked around one of the most beautiful wonders of the world.
4. I rode an elephant and left my footprint in the sand of Bentota, Sri Lanka. The colors of these sandals matched the country perfectly.
The Neck Pillow Some travelers might hate me when I tell you I can sleep almost anywhere, whether it’s on a plane, train, or automobile (with no sleeping pills). However, I don’t even try to sleep if I don’t have my neck pillow. This might sound silly, but those plush colorful neck pillows at the airport kiosks just don’t cut it. Head to Brookstone for the neck pillow because: 1. I can wash this neck pillow after each trip. Imagine some of those plush ones that have no cover. I don’t want to think about the amount of germs they carry. 2. The material is soft and soothing, so I enjoy having something very comfortable to rely on.
3. When you buy this neck pillow at Brookstone, it comes in a plastic case, which keeps it safe and germ-free. It can easily be attached with a carabiner to your backpack.
Follow Ashley’s adventures, including her filming of Paradise Found, and get tips on gear and other travel must-haves on her Facebook fan page, Ashley Colburn Productions, or on Instagram, @Ashley_colburn. JULY - SEPTEMBER 2015 I GOGO VACATIONS
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ODDEST NFL by Susie Reese
NFL Training Camps are boring. There, I said it. The MLB forms two leagues in early spring, transports its teams down to Florida and Arizona, and then plays multiple games all within driving distance of one another. What does the NFL do? Many teams hold their training camps at their own stadiums, but a few actually go the distance to train in faraway, off-the-beaten-path destinations. Take the New York Jets, for example. Even though they are based in New Jersey (not New York, as their name indicates), they travel all the way to SUNY Cortland, in New York. That’s a whole eight-hour drive…north (wrong way, boys, it’s colder in that direction!). The team draws more than 41,000 spectators to the SUNY Cortland Stadium Complex, and the intimate atmosphere allows for autographs, fan activities, and merchandise from a Jets tent.
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TRAINING CAMP LOCATIONS Of course, the Jets don’t take the cake for “oddest NFL training camp location.” That might go to the Oakland Raiders who have been holding training camp at the Napa Valley Marriott since 1995 (and they wonder why they haven’t won a Super Bowl since 1983?). This unique setting offers meeting rooms named after types of wine and a middle school out back with two practice fields for the team to use. And after a long day on the field, who wouldn’t want to open a bottle of Napa’s finest and relax? The Raiders can do just that in the heart of California’s wine country. Hold on there, Napa Valley Marriott. We have another contender for the title! The Greenbrier®, America’s Resort in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, is a National Historic Landmark and has welcomed distinguished guests since 1778. Those guests include the New Orleans Saints and their fans. Practices are open to fans, and following each one, the players will sign autographs.
And if you want to stay in the same hotel as the team, the Greenbrier® does offer special rates for Saints’ fans (try to refrain from calling every room in hopes of talking to your favorite player). Okay, now we’re getting somewhere! The Dallas Cowboys hold their training camp at the City of Oxnard Fields in California, about 30 miles west of…Los Angeles!? (Does California have an unusually large number of Cowboys fans?) Training camp is free, and this year there will be a Kids Zone with live performances from the team mascot, Rowdy. Also, there will be live broadcasts from the players and coaches as well as team trucks, merchandise, and Hall of Fame trailers. Don’t miss out on fan events and other fun activities. And, of course, if you’re a fan of the International Series, you can alway head over to London in October and November to see your favorite team play in Europe during the real season!
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A TRIP TO:
WHAT TO SEE & WHAT TO SKIP by Meghan Brennan
Rome is the eternal city—for millennia, people have been walking its streets and building its wonders. While this makes it one of the world’s most important cities—historically, artistically, architecturally, take your pick—it also makes it difficult to see all that the city has to offer (unless you have weeks to explore, in which case we’d love to know if you’re looking for a travel companion). So we have painfully and thoughtfully put together a list of what you absolutely must see in Rome and what you can skip if time just won’t allow you to do it all. Let’s start with two of the city’s most recognizable houses of worship: the Vatican and the Pantheon. (OK, we’re cheating a little bit here, because the Vatican isn’t technically in Rome; it’s its own country. But going to Rome is how people get to the seat of the Catholic Church, so we’re allowing it.) A visit to Vatican City is generally comprised of three things: the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica. It can take up a whole day if you let it, but you can also get through it in about three hours with a good tour guide—and you really ought to have a tour guide. The Pantheon is smaller, but just as amazing—it’s one of Rome’s ancient buildings, originally a place to worship all the gods, but transformed into a Catholic Church later in time. Perhaps its most famous feature is its dome, with a central opening called the oculus. It is also home to the resting places of many famous individuals, including the artist Raphael and Queen Margherita, after whom, according to legend, margherita pizza was named.
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Fountain of the Four Rivers
St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican
So, which should you see and which should you skip? That depends on how much time you have. If you can allow the time, visit the Vatican, because the museums are home to one of the most astounding art collections in the world, including Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel. But, if you are short on time (or more interested in ancient architecture than art), head to the Pantheon and use the extra time to explore the area.
ANCIENT LANDMARKS The ancient Romans left an astounding amount of their culture behind, and a walk down the street in Rome quickly finds you face to face with a building that predates Christianity. But two of the most famous areas left by the ancients are certainly the Roman Forum and the Colosseum. The Forum can be wandered for free, whereas the Colosseum requires a ticket, but both are greatly improved by having a guide along for the ride. Whichever you visit, you’re sure to be amazed by the stories told by and among the ruins, from the temples of the Forum to the labyrinth once hidden under the Colosseum’s floor. Which to see? We’d have to go with the unorthodox choice and say the Forum. Hear us out! The Colosseum is magnificent, but there’s something remarkable about walking the same cobblestones as the Romans, from the mightiest of Senators to the lowest of commoners, once strode. So, sorry, Colosseum, but we’re going with the place where ordinary Romans lived their lives, not the ancient equivalent of Madison Square Garden.
FIT FOR FILM When it comes to Roman landmarks, there are two that fall just behind places like the Colosseum in terms of both recognizability and beauty – Piazza Navona and the Spanish Steps. Both have been prominently featured in films of the last century: the steps in the Audrey Hepburn film Roman Holiday and the piazza in Angels and Demons and Sophia Loren’s Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow. Both are great places to relax and enjoy a scoop of gelato (though, unlike Hepburn, you can’t eat it on the steps – that’s prohibited under Roman law) and take a picture to show all your friends that yes, you were in Rome and it was awesome, and aren’t they jealous? OK, maybe not that last part. So which should you visit? We’re going to have to give Piazza Navona the slight edge, because the Spanish Steps are often too packed with visitors to appreciate their real beauty— though a photo from the top at dusk is a great memento. Instead, head to the piazza and marvel at Benini’s Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi, The Fountain of Four Rivers. Its statues represent rivers in each of the four continents over which the Papacy held sway at the time—Africa’s Nile, Asia’s Ganges, Europe’s Danube, and Rio de la Plata in the Americas, and it’s all topped by an ancient Egyptian obelisk. Like Rome itself, the fountain is a blending of cultures and eras—maybe that’s why we love it so much.
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The Sands of Summer – SAND SCULPTING COMPETITORS AND COMPETITIONS by Susie Reese Summer is synonymous with the beach, and every year thousands migrate to warm sands and cool seas to enjoy life at the water’s edge. And while some people try to make sand castles, others sculpt works of art. Take Matthew Deibert and Sue McGrew, professional sandsculptors, also called “sand masters.” With more than 20 combined years of experience, Deibert and McGrew have showcased their talent across the globe on beaches, in museums, and even on piers.
TRAVELING SAND MASTERS Deibert has sculpted professionally for more than 15 years and runs the business, Sandcreation, which provides sand masterpieces for special events. When we originally caught up with Deibert, he was on a break from carving sand for the Atlantic City Beer and Music Fest. The sculpture included the festival’s logo with the city’s distinctive buildings on top of a sudsy beer glass. “People loved it,” says Deibert. “I actually added bubbles to it and dry ice. It was spectacular.” One of Deibert's most memorable adventures in sand sculpting took him to France for the 60th anniversary ceremony of D-Day. Recalls Deibert, “We were sponsored by The White House Commission on Remembrance, and they flew myself and the guy who I learned how to sculpt with, John Gowdy, over to France.” Deibert met up with artists from other countries involved in the D-Day invasion, and the sand sculpture itself included sands from the five different beaches of Normandy. Gathering the sand proved an entertaining challenge. “When we all showed up—the five artists—it was like, ‘OK, who’s going to run the back-hoe?’” Deibert laughed. “I jumped right in there. I have a little experience, but it was also on-thejob training.”
Photo: Denmark
“We put a pile of sand up above the high water mark,” explains Deibert, “and we sculpted the soldiers in the Higgins ships that are landing on the beach.” The ceremony was very emotional and attended by European leaders, then-President George W. Bush, and D-Day veterans. “It was really special to be there. They had a lot of vets that were telling their stories, and for some of them, it was their first time back since the invasion,” says Deibert. Likewise, McGrew’s sand sculpting has taken her all around the world, from Europe down to Central America, and over to Asia, including Japan, which was where she was when we reached out. McGrew worked at the Sand Museum in Tottori, Japan, which displays sand masterpieces from April through January the following year on a specific topic. This year’s topic was Germany, and McGrew carved “The Fall of the Berlin Wall.” McGrew also competes in competitions, and her most memorable win was in the solo division at the Virginia Beach Neptune Festival. Recounts McGrew, “The event was right on the beach, and we were hit with a giant storm with hurricane force winds. It was an epic battle against nature and time as we all struggled to finish our pieces.” McGrew’s sculpture was entitled "You Complete Me," which she explains as a “Romeo and Juliet-like scene between a mermaid and a ‘fish’ man, the opposite of a merman with the head of a fish and the body of a human.” The sculpture won the Judges’, Sculptors’, and People's Choice awards. “It was incredible euphoria to survive not only the weather but to feel like I could compete alongside the professionals.”
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Atlantic City Beer and Music Fest
SAND PROS ON TV SHOWS Both Deibert’s and McGrew’s work has led them to participating in different TV programs. Deibert’s work has been featured on the Travel Channel’s Sand Blasters in 2007 and 2008, and more recently, he was the winner of SandWars in 2012 with his son, Ian. They were “treated like royalty,” he adds. Not only does being invited mean a sculptor has reached a certain level of expertise, but the show also pays for the competitors’ travel, food, and lodging, and they have a chance to win prize money.
Matthew Deibert
“We were just happy to be there,” remembers Deibert, “but to make it even better, we actually won the contest and the prize money, which was really cool. But it was just special, just going, being a father-and-son team, and since then, we’ve carved together.” Ian Deibert helps his father with Sandcreation projects and was on hand for the Atlantic City Beer and Music Fest project.
Sue McGrew
McGrew was a part of The Travel Channel’s Sand Masters and Sandblaster III— the Extreme Sand Sculpting Competition. When filming Sand Masters, she happened to be in Thailand during Songkran, their traditional New Year’s celebration. “This holiday is celebrated by ‘blessing’ people with water, which means it's a countrywide water fight for three days,” recounts McGrew. “There is absolutely no way to stay dry! It’s just buckets of water flying from all directions. Even the police are ‘blessed’ on the streets, and I was ‘blessed’ on my way through airport security by a guard.”
FAVORITE COMPETITIONS As a member of the Atlantic City Fire Department for 23 years, and captain for more than 11, Deibert has to pick and choose which contests he can enter. “Sand is a hobby, a part-time thing,” he explains. “It’s grown. I have to turn down work sometimes because I can’t get off to carve, but the way my schedule works out, sometimes I can do quite a few of them, which is nice.” Deibert’s favorite competition is the International Sandsculpting Championship at The Virginia Beach Neptune Festival, which he has been attending for 12 years. The festival’s signature event hosts 32 sculptors under one tent. Notes Deibert, “Between the organizers, the way it’s set up, how they developed it, and how much time, effort, and money they put into the contest—it’s the best in the world.” Deibert enjoys going down year after year and seeing familiar faces and battling against international superstars in the sandsculpting world. “I’ve been very fortunate enough to place,” he says. “It’s a world-renowned competition. You’re competing against artists from all over the world. If you place, you get an automatic invite back.” Matthew Deibert International Sandsculpting Championship at the Virgina Beach Neptune Festival
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Sue McGrew U.S. Sand Sculpting Challenge in SANDiego™
Donna Tate, who has been chairing the sandsculpting event at Virginia for 26 years, says that each competition is better than the one before, so it’s hard to pinpoint a favorite sculpture. She says, “There have been so many! Some come with stories, some from simply being awestruck. No way to pinpoint ‘one.’ They are almost all my favorite.” The artistic value is what is truly captivating at the International Sandsculpting Competition. “Sand art, like other art, is very subjective, and each sculpture is special, as is each sculptor. I feel privileged to have worked with the artists over the years and continue to be amazed. I really look forward to this year as we will have many returning ‘winners’ and exciting new talent as well. Unbelievable how each year is the best yet!” Though the Neptune Festival spans the month of September, this year’s sand sculpting competition runs Sept. 25 through Oct. 4, and involves meet-and-greets with the sculptors, “QuickSand” competitions (speed sculpting contests), live music, and viewing areas of the sand sculpting process and artwork. “The downside, if there is one, is the temporary aspect of the art. Permanence is in memory only,” explains Tate. “Photos are a simple reminder, but it is difficult to capture all the details or do justice to them. You must ‘view’ them.” McGrew lists her current favorite competition as the U.S. Sand Sculpting Challenge in SANDiego™, and unlike the Neptune Festival, which takes place on the beach, this competition is held on the “B” Street cruise ship terminal pier. “It’s a really unique venue,” McGrew says. “It’s not on a beach, but they bring good quality sculpting sand to a pier, so you're sculpting on the water in the middle of a busy city! They invite some incredible international artists, and it’s always beautiful weather there.”
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SCULPTOR SURVEYS Last year, the competition drew more than 46,000 people, and according to Gordon Summer, the competition’s representative, they expect to see more than 50,000 this year. But what makes this festival a favorite of sculptors and attendees alike? “The sculptors absolutely love the location,” boasts Summer, “and this is San Diego. What’s not to like about San Diego?” Attendees enjoy the big bands, mostly from the San Diego area, a beer garden, kids’ rides and entertainment, and the festival’s second biggest feature: dimensional artists, who bring more than 1,000 works of art to sell. Notes Summer, “Sand sculpting is dimensional art, but people can’t take the sand sculptures home. They weigh 10 tons or more. If you could get it home, it would ruin your carpet, so in order to satisfy the need to buy souvenirs or buy some art mementos or décor, we have about 40 or 50 artists who work in metal, wood, glass, and fabric.” The festival donates a third of all net proceeds to charity. Some of their recipients are the San Diego School for Creative and Performing Arts, the Maritime Museum of San Diego’s kids educational program, Young Audiences of the San Diego, and It’s All About the Kids Foundation. The exposition takes place over Labor Day weekend, starting on Friday when all active police, military, firefighters, and EMTs receive free admission for three family members and themselves. Sculptors actually begin their works on Wednesday, so by the time viewers see the works of sand art, they are approximately halfway through the process. The competition ends at 2 p.m. on Saturday, but the judging results aren’t made public until Sunday morning.
Matthew Deibert Years Active: 15 years TV Shows: Sand Blasters 2007 and 2008; SandWars 2012 Favorite Thing to Sculpt: “I usually lean toward doing some sort of Biblical piece or some type of piece that has a meaning. My tagline is ‘send a message in sand.” Sue McGrew Years Active: Six years professionally; first sand sculpting gig in 2004 TV Shows: Sand Masters and Sandblaster III—the Extreme Sand Sculpting Competition Favorite Thing to Sculpt: “I really enjoy sculpting humans. It’s such a fun challenge to bring a figure to life. I like making pieces that bring out some emotion.”
FAVORITE FESTIVALS Virginia Beach Neptune Festival Dates: September; Sandsculpting Competition Sept. 25 - Oct. 4, 2015 Place: Virginia Beach, Virginia Activities: Sandsculpting, surf classic, arts & craft show, volleyball tournament, 8k and 5k runs, fireworks, and a grand parade Food: Fall Wine Festival (Sept. 12-13); Boardwalk Weekend with American favorites and beverage tents (Sept. 25-27); Hometown Heroes: Neptune’s Final Toast with a Sunday brunch to honor local heroes (Sept. 27) Admission: $5 for the sandsculpting tent for adults; children 12 and under free U.S. Sand Sculpting Challenge & Dimensional Art Exposition Dates: Sept. 4-7, 2015 Place: San Diego, California Activities: Sandsculpting competition, concerts, circus performances, three-dimensional art (for sale), big bands, sand sculpture classes, “bubble fun,” and more. Food: More than 100 menu items from gourmet food trucks Admission: Last year’s price was $7-$12, and Summer, representative for the festival, says this year’s will also be “reasonable.”
Sue McGrew Photo: USSC
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Which Celebrity Destination Should You Visit? Let’s start easy: how far do you want to go?
OK, now, what’s your favorite vacation drink?
What do you want to pack for this getaway?
by Meghan Brennan
A. A quick flight’ll do! B. I want to feel far away from all my cares. C. If they can track me down, I’m not far enough.
A. Mojitos, baby! B. I’ll take a glass of wine on the terrace, thanks. C. The local liquor of choice, neat or on the rocks.
A. Think something sparkly and sky-high heels. B. Light cottons, maybe some nice jeans. C. Bathing suits, sarongs – no one’s seeing me anyway.
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Aruba Tourism
Which is your favorite travel movie?
What do you want to do all day?
A. Dr. No B. Under the Tuscan Sun C. The African Queen
A. Shop ‘til I drop, make some new friends, check out a restaurant… B. Tour – there’s so much to see! C. Relax on the beach.
If you picked mostly A’s…
If you picked mostly B’s…
If you picked mostly C’s…
Pack your tiniest bikini and highest heels; you’re headed to South Beach! This getaway of Gisele Bündchen and Tom Brady is the perfect place for you to enjoy the high life. You’ll see and be seen, and don’t worry; everyone will know exactly how glamorous you are.
Congratulations, you have something in common with George Clooney – Lake Como is the place for you! Take a ride on the funiculare up into the mountains, go sailing, and relax with a glass of wine – or gelato. You’re on vacation, after all.
Are you going on vacation or dropping off the face of the earth? Either way, you can do it in the Seychelles. When you see how isolated this island nation is, you’ll understand why Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge chose it as their honeymoon escape – and when you see the beaches, you’ll wonder how they ever left.
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Expert Advice
Group Travel Trips & Tips by Diana Mazzeo
Sandals & Beaches Resorts
While group travel has been available to consumers for some time, it has evolved over the past decade, with exciting new destinations emerging for groups. And there's no end in sight. Where are group travelers spending their time and money? Mexico and the Caribbean continue to be popular group destinations, primarily due to proximity and price. The superstars of those regions include Cancun, Riviera Maya, Jamaica, and Punta Cana. These destinations offer terrific options for a variety of tastes and budgets. Equally attractive are the very reasonable airfares departing from many U.S. gateways. We are also seeing growing interest in group travel plans within the U.S., particularly to Hawaii, as well as destinations in Canada and Europe. We’re now seeing an enormous amount of interest among wedding groups. Currently, one in four couples choose to hold a destination wedding. Their focus is typically international over domestic, largely due to the fact that all-inclusive properties provide such great value. Additionally, wedding guests frequently
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choose to extend their own stays at the destination, which is a winning situation for everyone. Increasing interest in many group destinations is coming from corporate/incentive groups, church groups, and family and friends groups. The latter is comprised of several sub-groups: birthday celebrations, bachelor and bachelorette getaways, and special interest groups. Then we have the baby boomer generation approaching or already in retirement. Leisure travel is popular within this outsized demographic, including milestone events like graduations, birthdays, anniversaries, and weddings. Most group bookings include parties of 10 people or more with no maximums. One of the trends we’ve seen over the past several years is smaller groups traveling, many of them being of a social nature. Not so long ago, it was quite common for hotels to draw the line for groups at a minimum of 10 rooms, but now many hotels are enticing smaller groups by offering extra concessions and/or amenities with a minimum of five or six rooms. Travelers should provide their agents with
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basic information about their group: What kind of group is it? What experiences are they looking for? What about their budgets, both money and time? Armed with these basics, travel agents work their magic, promptly presenting the ideal proposal for every traveler. These are exciting times: exciting for those who dream of traveling, for the destinations that strive daily to create memories for their guests, and, most importantly, for those of us in our industry who make it all happen. It's a great day in group travel, and there are many more to come!
About Diana Mazzeo Diana Mazzeo joined GOGO in 2003 as a consultant in the Nashville office. In 2011, she transferred to the new GOGroups brand as Team Leader of the Groups South office. Previously, she was a retail travel agent for five years. Mazzeo has traveled extensively in the United States, Mexico and Caribbean. She is originally from upstate New York and also resided in the Boston area, San Antonio, and Phoenix before settling in Nashville, Tennessee.
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Snow Bunny Shuns Skis, Embraces Zip-Lines and by Jed Hauck
I love winter, I love snow, and I love speed. But somehow over the years I've just never gotten it together enough to strap into a pair of skis or a snowboard and learn to conquer the slopes. So a couple years ago, when I found myself at the breathtaking Winter Olympics venue of Whistler, British Columbia, amid bracingly crisp weather and two giant mountains packed with snow, what did I do? I went zip-lining and snowmobiling, of course! Super Fly
Maureen Provencal
After a mini “get acquainted� run on a 50-foot zip-line close to the ground near the Village, the Ziptrek Ecotours bus motored up the winding road between Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains to an elevation of a few thousand feet, where we set out along a series of boardwalks and suspension bridges to a platform built around a huge Douglas fir, some 200 feet in the air. This was the first of a series of five launching pads from which we would zip down the mountain, criss-crossing the glacial waters of Fitzsimmons Creek. I admit right here that I was a bit daunted -- after all, I usually fly with a Boeing 767 underneath my derriere, and I'm not the pilot. But when a gray-haired gentleman in my group eagerly stepped off the platform to begin his first zip, I felt I had no excuses left. The pros from Ziptrek -- who virtually invented modern zip-lining -attached my harness to the thick steel cable while I adjusted my provided helmet and gloves. After they gave me a thumbs-up, I cast my fate to the wind and stepped off. Within three or four heartbeats, I was hooked. OMG, I'M FLYING -- AND IT'S AWESOME!!
Horse Sleigh, Randy Lincks
S
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Snowmobiles in Whistler After I traversed the line, the automatic braking system kicked in, and I gently glided onto the landing platform while laughing hysterically. Now I could barely wait to get to the second zip. And with each successive run down the mountain, I was more able to enjoy the incredible views, to scream and wave at my fellow group members, to bask in the flying experience itself. The final zip is over 2,000 feet long, drops about a dozen stories or so, and gets your speed up to about 60 mph. Thoroughly in the moment, I wished it would never end! (As of this writing, Ziptrek has announced that it is constructing a zip that will run approximately two kilometers and span Blackcomb to Whistler Mountains. So now I'm trying to figure out a way to get back to Whistler‌) Going Mobile I've spent much time at Lake Placid as well as the European Alps, but I don't believe I've seen more awesome winter vistas than at Whistler. The brilliant white snow clings to the branches of Western red cedars, mountain hemlocks, spruces, Douglas firs, lodgepole pines, paper birches, and Pacific dogwoods, while the glacial streams run absolutely crystal-clear and sparkling under dappled sun. And you get to see all of it, up-close, from the saddle of a snowmobile.
Zip-line launch pads are way up in very tall trees.
I zipped into the supplied snowmobile suit (a breathable, waterproof, full-length zip-up suit) and gloves, pulled on my helmet, and made sure everything was tight-fitting and comfortable. I then joined up with my fellow group members at the staging area, where the crew had already fired up the sleek machines. Driving a snowmobile is a cross between riding a motorcycle, driving a car, and steering a sled with handlebars, except that you control the speed at all times. When you're riding on a groomed snowmobile trail, it's intense and thrilling. Beyond the fun of actually piloting the sled, we spent hours zooming through a canopy of snow-laden evergreen trees, witnessing winter scenery that everybody else misses. It was a back-country dream! Alpine, Whistler Style After this round of exhilarating adventures, I returned to my room at Delta Whistler Village Suites, an excellent value alpine style retreat that's one of the many superb resort hotels in the Village. All modern and sleek, my two-bedroom suite had a welcome fireplace that blazed away and made the evenings cozy, plus a balcony that was ideal for people-watching. I later stayed at Delta Suites Vancouver prior to my flight home from this amazingly civilized city. This downtown high-rise hotel is also very modern and offered unbeatable service, all just a few blocks from harborside. Photo credits: Jed Hauck
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Spotlight On: Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta
Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta officially opened earlier this year, and already it has created quite the buzz in the tourism industry. During the property’s official opening, the resort received the official announcement of its AAA Four Diamond status. “Achieving the Four Diamond Award was one of our primary goals and certainly an honor!” exclaims Alexandre de Brouwer, managing director of Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta. “It was truly an honor to receive this coveted rating so quickly.” A Four Diamond Award-winning hotel offers incredible service, hospitality, and attention to detail, along with upscale amenities and luxuries. de Brouwer attributes this high-level achievement to the quality of Hyatt Ziva’s service. Though impeccable service is the keystone of a Four Diamond Award winner, Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta provides scrumptious culinary delights, exquisite accommodations, and special touches that set the property’s all-inclusive experience as the new standard of luxury in Mexico. With a recent $20 million renovation and refurbishment, Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta truly welcomes guests to a luxurious escape. UPSCALE UPGRADES AND BEACHFRONT WONDERS The property has lured luxury seekers for more than 30 years as the Camino Real Puerto Vallarta and Dreams Puerto Vallarta, but with the reopening as Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta, it has received a new main building and lobby while providing a location for the new pools, spa, gym, restaurants, and lounges. The rooms and suites were also completely renovated. “What guests now enjoy is a village-style atmosphere that enables them to enjoy the beautiful beach and find the perfect atmosphere for their mood,” says de Brouwer.
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by Susie Reese
But what is truly unique about this resort is that the restaurants, the fitness center, the spa, and the wedding venues all enjoy an ocean view. La Estaces is the focal point of the resort, which sits on one of the only secluded beach alcoves in Puerto Vallarta. This allows Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta to offer a wide range of water sports and activities, including kayak lessons and kayak fishing lessons. “We also have the most beautiful spa with a spectacular ocean view that includes an indoor/outdoor lounge area overlooking the Pacific,” boasts de Brouwer. The beach is quite spectacular as dolphins swim right up to the cove, allowing guests to feed them, and during the winter, guests can whale watch from the golden sand. It is also a traditional spot for sea turtles to lay their eggs every year, and guests can even release a baby turtle to sea. GOING BEYOND LUXURY AT HYATT ZIVA Luxury has a different meaning at Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta than at most all-inclusive resorts. While every guest receives the usual three meals and snacks, unlimited domestic and international brand liquor, in-room mini-bar stocked daily, and Wi-Fi access, this property offers such refined inclusions as wine and tequila tastings, nightly turndown service, and complimentary use of the hydrotherapy circuit at the spa. Emphasizes de Brouwer, “Our philosophy is to not only offer all of the expected amenities and services, but also to go beyond what a guest would normally receive in an all-inclusive experience and add those little extra touches and surprises.” Among these extra touches: a welcome cocktail, marshmallow roasts over the property’s fire pits, and kayak fishing lessons. Food carts around the pool area offer local favorites like “street” style
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Adult only Infinity Pool
Culinary Delights One of the most important features of any all-inclusive resort is the food, so just what does Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta offer guests? de Brouwer says the exquisite culinary lineup includes four internationally infused a la carte restaurants and a sumptuous buffet restaurant.
Wedding Gazebo
BLAZE: This unique grill experience in Puerto Vallarta is next to the beach and offers a spectacular view of the Pacific. The menu includes Caribbean lobsters, steaks, and other meats,including lamb as well as regional favorites such as Puerto Vallarta style services. This scenic restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. In the mornings offers traditional Mexican breakfasts and specialty Mexican cinnamon infused coffee.
tortillas, homemade ceviche, and peeled papaya on a stick, because Hyatt Ziva also wants guests to enjoy Puerto Vallarta as a world-class destination.
PUREZA: Also a beachside restaurant, Pureza offers a dinner menu inspired by authentic Asian specialties created with the freshest ingredients of Mexico’s Pacific coast.
“We also like to incorporate the destination into our resort’s atmosphere, so guests not only experience the resort but have a sense of place,” explains de Brouwer. “The food carts provide genuine street-atmosphere for our guests, and activities such as our complimentary jungle tour actually allow our guests to experience the terrain of our destination.”
CASA GRANDE: Open for dinner, this restaurant offers authentic Mexican food with a Puerto Vallarta and Jalisco twist. It also features a Tequila Bar with the resort’s own Tequila Master, who is available to help guests understand the nuances of tequila sipping, tequila food matching, and even tequila “flights” for tastings.
LOVE IS IN THE FIREWORKS Puerto Vallarta is one of Mexico’s hot wedding destinations, and Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta hosted its first wedding in January. “The ceremony was at the beach directly in front of the ocean where the waves silenced to listen for the most awaited words, ‘I do,’” remembers de Brouwer. “Right after the ceremony, the wedding group enjoyed a cocktail hour and dinner at the beach with the sunset as our backdrop.” The menu included a preferred drink prepared with tequila, and the ceremony ended with a fireworks spectacular. The beach isn’t the only setting for weddings at Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta. Included in the renovations was the addition of a spectacular sky wedding suite. The resort also offers three different wedding packages that include the basic needs of the bride and groom, like serene venues for ceremony and reception, live entertainment, salon/spa, florist, unique menus, customize decorations, and more.
MELANZANE: Feel the Italian spirit on the Pacific coast of Mexico at this Trattoria on the Terrace for lunch, featuring brick oven pizzas and, in the evening, fine Italian dining with a traditional antipasto bar. VIVAZ: This international buffet experience features chef cooking stations and fresh fruit stations where chefs are slicing fruit and preparing smoothies. Arranged like an exciting international market, the foods are displayed in colorful and appetizing arrays. There is a separate children’s buffet with some bite-sized sandwiches, fresh fruits and vegetables, and healthy choices. Don’t forget the food carts around the pool!
Though Hyatt Ziva is a family-friendly resort, it does boast an adultsonly section, including an adult-pool area, perfect for honeymooners.
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ERICA’S ASIAN ADVENTURE—
VIETNAM by Susie Reese
Earlier this year, Erica Scannelli, team leader for GOGO, and Worldwide Traveler, ventured to Vietnam, and though the destination has recently become a popular Asian stop for Americans, it’s been well-traveled by others for quite some time. “Vietnam is not off the beaten path,” Scannelli empathizes. “For a lot of Americans, we’re still just finding this destination, but it’s not new anymore. It was new 10 years ago. What people think Vietnam is, is what Myanmar is now. That’s getting off the beaten path. Vietnam now is pretty commercial.” Scannelli notes Australians, due to their close proximity, and Europeans, with more vacation time than Americans, have been traveling to Vietnam for years. The tourism infrastructure is already in place, including the brand hotels like Marriott and Starwood, and Vietnam recently constructed a new bridge in Hanoi that reduced travel time from the airport into the city from 1.5 hours to 45 minutes. “So if people want to see Vietnam as a hidden gem, they better hurry up,” laughs Scannelli.
HANOI
Scannelli’s first stop in Vietnam was Hanoi. “The north is more traditional, and the south is more modern,” Scannelli explains. “The north is where there is less industry. Hanoi is a big, busy city, but it’s at a slightly slower pace than Ho Chi Minh City.”
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Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi
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Hanoi is known for its beautiful opera house, the mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh, and the “Hanoi Hilton” Hoa Lo Prison that held North Vietnam’s POWs during the Vietnam War, but one of Scannelli’s favorite places in the city was Hoan Kiem Lake. “It’s in the middle of the city. You can take one of these red arch bridges across the lake, and there’s this peaceful little temple on an island.” Scannelli began her tour de Vietnam with a cultural experience at Thang Long Water Puppetry Theatre. For more than 10 centuries, Vietnamese water puppetry has engaged audiences, and in a movie-theater sized room, the stage is a pond. Puppets float over the water while the puppeteers work behind a curtain. “This was really fun,” recounts Scannelli, “and I was sitting next to a mature couple from England. The gentleman was laughing along, and he was having a good time. There also were kids in the audience who liked it. There were no age or language barriers. I really liked that.”
HA LONG BAY
In Vietnam, Scannelli used Buffalo Tours, and the company is one of the few offering seaplanes out to Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The seascape includes more than 1,600 islands and islets with limestone pillars rising from the jade-colored water.
MIDDLE VIETNAM Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a preserved Southeast Asian trading port from the 15th through 19th centuries that reflects both indigenous and foreign influences. “It was one of my favorite places I’ve been anywhere in the world,” raves Scannelli. “These are history lovers’ destinations for those who want to see a more cultural side to Vietnam.” According to Scannelli, Hoi An is visually dramatic, with lanterns lighting up the night sky. It has narrow streets and alleys, but it’s so small that visitors do not have to worry about getting lost. Historically and architecturally fascinating was the blending of Vietnamese, Champa, Chinese, and Japanese influences. “The tour guide gave us a list of about 20 places to visit and a book with five admission coupons,” Scannelli explains. “Then your guide talks to you about your interests and helps you choose where to use your coupons.” This is a great destination for history buffs who can’t decide if they want to visit old temples or see historic homes. The town is also filled with boutiques, art galleries, and cafés boasting authentic and fusion delights. “Green tea ice cream? Yes please,” laughs Scannelli.
Points out Scannelli, “The water was pretty clear, and an unbelievably vibrant, jewel-toned color. Blue sky, and the cliffs are so green — in Asia, you don’t get that white sand and clear water. You get those vibrant, blinding colors.” The drive from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay is approximately three hours, but Scannelli recommends the seaplane, which offers a 40-minute flight. “The seaplane sits about 12, and it flies low, so you get these beautiful views,” Scannelli explains. “The drive is lovely, but you see all the same sights on the three-hour return drive. When you take the seaplane, you land on the bay, and everyone is coming out on the ships to watch.” Generally, a seaplane tour includes an overnight cruise, and guests enjoy kayaking, snorkeling, and other water sports on Ha Long Bay with a small number of passengers.
Hoi An, Vietnam
L, Lantern Factory, Hoi An
Ho Chi Minh City
Scannelli also took a lantern-making class at a workshop in Hoi An, in which 10 people craft 80,000 lanterns per year. Each class gets a tour of the factory, and the guide gives the history and meanings of colors (“I’m green for wood!” exclaims Scannelli). “After you pick your color, then they show you how they use the glue over the ribbon and stretch the linen. Then you get to take it home with you. It was only an hour or so, but it was really fun.” Though Scannelli stayed in Hoi An, she recommends travelers stay in Da Nag, which is a beach resort area about 30 minutes away. Scannelli also visited Hue, the ancient capital city of Vietnam which is about a four-hour drive away from Hoi An.
InterContinental, Da Nang
The Nam Hai Hoi An, Vietnam Photos: Erica Scannelli
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Notes Scannelli, “When you are up in Hanoi, you get that sort of pre-Vietnam War history. When you are in Hoi An, you get that imperial time, and then when you’re in Hue, you’re in ancient time. When you reach Ho Chi Minh, you’re in modern Vietnam.” However, Hue, with an old temple and an old palace, is recommended for real historians, and Scannelli only stayed one night, which was sufficient for her history palate.
HO CHI MINH CITY
“Ho Chi Minh City is Vietnam’s metropolitan city,” explains Scannelli. “That’s the hub of all the business that happens in Vietnam. It’s their most crowded city.” Official street signs say, “Ho Chi Minh City,” but the Vietnamese city dwellers call it Saigon. Scannelli took the Ho Chi Minh day tour, which takes visitors to the War Remnants Museum. “It was one of the most depressing places I’ve ever been in my life,” recounts Scannelli. “It’s very confrontational, insofar as it’s very imageheavy. It was very different to see.” Scannelli recalls the full-sized photos of the battles and their gruesome details, and it even had a full room dedicated to the effects of Agent Orange. “You have to go in with an open mind and know that this is how their people presented what happened during the war,” Scannelli explains. The next day, Erica took a half day Cu Chi Tunnels tour where she saw the space where the Viet Cong were living. “You see where the soldiers would get in and out of the tunnels, and there were some examples of the rudimentary weaponry they used.” This tour was more interactive than the War Remnants Museum, which allowed Scannelli to look at the war more observationally than emotionally. Scannelli also happened to be visiting during the Vietnamese New Year, Tet Nguyen Dan, or Tet, meaning “Feast of the First Morning of the First Day.” The celebration coincides with the Chinese New Year, and Scannelli celebrated it at the hotel’s rooftop bar, where she watched the fireworks at midnight.
You’re going to a foreign nation on the other side of the world, so Erica offers her tips on what to wear, what to expect, and when to go! What to wear When entering any religious complex, you should be appropriately dressed. That generally includes long pants, and shirts with sleeves, but the main issue with this part of the world is that it’s always hot. It’s 95 degrees with high humidity. Long pants and long sleeves are pretty uncomfortable, so most people will put a shawl in their bag. One of the women in my group wore those pants with the zipper around her thigh, so she could zip on her pants. Absolutely no miniskirts. Weather A lot of people don’t realize how long north/south Vietnam is. If you look at it on the map, it’s long, like Italy, so I had a little bit of everything. Up in Hanoi, you’re pretty far north, so it was cold. It was 55 degrees and a little rainy, so when I was out walking around for the day, I was fine. At night or when it was rainy, it was a little cold. Then by the beach and Da Nang, it was 85 degrees and sunny and gorgeous, and then by the time I got to Ho Chi Minh, it was almost a 100 degrees and humid. Understanding In Vietnam, man did I get lost! There were no signs in English in Hanoi, and cab drivers can’t really speak English either. After a minute we worked it out, but definitely not as easy as…well, anywhere I’ve been so far in life. When to go Seasonality is really important in Vietnam. You would rather go when it’s cold than when it’s raining. Autumn is relatively calm — September to October — and spring, from March to April, if you’re covering the whole country, as Vietnam has heavy downpours during the monsoon season. Also, while December to February doesn’t see as much participation, it can get uncomfortably chilly in the north.
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CONSPIRACY SITES: ROSWELL, NEW MEXICO
by Susie Reese
THE CONSPIRACY: Aliens crash landed in Roswell, New Mexico in 1947. BACKGROUND: The small town of Roswell, New Mexico was stirred up in 1947 when locals reported seeing lights in the night sky and then hearing a loud explosion. Later, a rancher discovered wreckage on his property, which many speculated to be of extraterrestrial origin. Some claimed to have seen bodies at the crash site. Air Force officials who inspected the debris released a statement saying they had recovered “a flying disc.” Later, the military released information about Project Mogul, a top secret government project to detect the long-range sound waves of Soviet atomic-bomb tests. According to the military, a high altitude balloon used in the test crashed landed near Roswell, and the subsequent cover-up is what transformed reality into conspiracy. However, a 1997 CNN/Time poll found that nearly two-thirds of America believe that a UFO did crash in New Mexico. In May, a former journalist claimed to have found two photographs, taken in 1947, depicting an alien’s body in the back of a car. Though Kodak supposedly authenticated the age of the photographs, the content has yet to be validated.
EXPLORATION: Perhaps (near) Roswell is the perfect landing site for visiting aliens. With the nearest large city almost 200 miles away, the aliens certainly didn’t need to worry about unwanted eyes (until their saucer crash-landed, that is). The Historic Downtown District looks circa 1960s but with out-of-this-world touches, like light posts with alien-head tops and a local McDonald’s shaped like a flying saucer. Though cute, these decorations don’t show any true evidence of alien existence, although they show that the small town has embraced its local legend. Next stop—The International UFO Museum and Research Center. This non-profit organization has a mission to educate the public about “UFO phenomena.” Though it is housed in a former movie theater, the museum is serious in its stance
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with information and exhibits about not just the Roswell incident, but also Area 51, other UFO sightings, and even abductions. The museum hosts a research library and other facilities, but it does not contain hard evidence of the existence of our little green friends. Area 51 Museum is the exact opposite of the International UFO Museum, offering no stance other than fun. With dummy aliens and 20 life-size dioramas — including an “alien autopsy,” an alien BBQ, and a crash site — visitors are encouraged to pose for pictures and enjoy the colorful displays. Inside is also a gift shop with an impressive amount of alien souvenirs, we should note that the government “secret” site you’re thinking about is in Nevada. So if we want to find any real proof that aliens visited our little mud ball, we’ll have to go directly to the crash site. A two-hour guided tour takes visitors through the city, pointing out important Roswell sites like the former Roswell Army Air Field, including Hanger 84 where the bodies of
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the aliens were supposedly stored, and the former location of the Roswell Daily Record newspaper, which reported on the sightings. Though a fun adventure to New Mexico, a trip to Roswell didn’t find us the answers we sought, but we have no doubt: the truth is certainly out there…just not in Roswell.
WHERE TO STAY: If the aliens were searching for luxurious accommodations, they should have stopped by the Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort & Spa in Santa Ana Pueblo. This award-winning hotel offers spacious suites, sweeping views of the Sandia Mountains, and endless activities at The Stables at Tamaya, the Tamaya Mist Spa & Salon, and Twin Warriors Golf Club. Don’t miss the “Tamaya Journey” GeoTour, an interactive treasure huntstyle experience that leads guests through the resort’s 500 acres of southwest terrain while simultaneously teaching them about the local history and wildlife.
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Wine & Food Festival, Cancun-Riviera Maya by Sarah John Afana
For my whole life, whenever someone mentioned “Cancun,” I instantly pictured lapis blue swimming pools, raucous Spring Break revelers, and snorkeling with rainbow painted fish. I never thought it would also be a hot culinary destination celebrating the best of Spanish, French, and Mexican chefs. This year at the fourth annual Wine & Food Festival Cancun-Riviera Maya, I was shown what I had been missing. From Spain’s renowned molecular gastronomy of Chef Joan Roca to the traditional Mexican cuisine of legendary Chef Alicia Gironella, the festival brought the flavors of the world together in inventive and fantastic dishes. Over the four-day festival, amateur cooks got to test their skills side-by-side with the chefs in hands-on classes. There were opportunities to listen to the promoters of today’s culinary arts describe the food scene and discuss the challenges and trends they are taking on. Also, there were top wines to savor from acclaimed wineries, and multiple extraordinary dinners. This is NOT the Cancun you went to on your storied college Spring Break — it’s found a sophisticated palate over the years and it’s ready to serve you. From the keynote speech through the Divas Dinner and beyond, the chefs were on a mission to educate and amuse with the fresh, regional ingredients they love. Chef Joan Roca said, “We are here to discuss ‘why’ we cook what we do, not so much ‘how.’” A believer that “modern cooking must have roots,” he has traveled the globe to engage cultural influences that inspire his menu at El Celler de Can Roca (which, in case you find yourself in Girona, Spain, plan ahead, as he and his brothers are taking reservations no earlier than 11 months from now). He believes travel allows a deeper connection to the food, and that being “surrounded by the landscape that inspired the food rounds out the experience.” Chef Mikel Alonso concurred, saying that “travel transforms culinary identity with inspiration and informs to develop products and flavors.” The chefs further agreed on the magical diversity found in Mexican cuisine. Since Mexico spans over 17 latitudes, including two oceans and the Gulf of Mexico, the sheer volume of biodiversity allows for wondrous variety. Even experienced Mexican chefs may find it complicated to be educated in the salt content and array of plankton diets found in the assortment of fresh catch that find their way to their kitchens. Chef Alicia Gironella brought attention to the continued effort of conserving the biodiversity throughout Mexico. Take corn, for example, a staple in many traditional dishes and available in a medley of native maize. Some regions have a special varietal that has grown there for generations, similar to grapes for wine varieties; the regional differences are discernible and desirable for particular recipes. There are distinct identities to the corn tortillas made in a particular region that make that element unique to a dish. Like many areas of the world, Mexico’s agricultural lands need protection from development and other destructive elements that force the crops from their terra.
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Photo Credits: Sarah John Afana
Sustainability for all resources — agricultural, forests, sea life, and wildlife —is a top priority for today’s chefs, and throughout the events that followed, there was a nod to that drive of sustainability and keeping traditions alive while incorporating contemporary techniques. At the traditional Star Chefs Dinner, the tasting event featured 39 chef stations and wine tasting tables hosted by acclaimed international chefs, who generously served swarms of followers. Chef Hubert Keller of Fleur de Lys in San Francisco offered a deliciously layered “White Gazpacho flavored with Almond Milk & Green Grape, Vanilla Oil.” Chef Rafael Zafra of Benazuza at Hotel Oasis Sens in Cancun delighted with “Mollusks Cold & Hot Aquachile,” featuring the fantastic liquid nitrogen presentation from the clamshell. The sold-out evening was fluid with a bustling flow around the pool at the Fiesta Americana Grand Coral Beach Cancun Resort & Spa, but it was not so crowded that guests couldn't find an opportunity to meet the creators of the bites they enjoyed.
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Wine & Food Festival, Cancun-Riviera Maya The weekend continued at The Moon Palace Golf & Spa Resort for two days of The Gourmet Tasting Village. Regular festival goers looked forward to these days and the abundance of flavors discovered from over 25 wine boutiques and local favorites from the top hotels and artisanal products found in Cancun and Riviera Maya. After crunching on a salty cricket and savoring a sip of Sangrita with Xoximilco, I meandered over to ME Cancun’s booth for a chilled “pops de camaron con queso de cabra y almendras” (shrimp with goat cheese and almonds), which might have been my favorite bite of the day. Elaborate displays of sweet treats from Palace Resorts and airy Mini Macaroons from El Dorado Royale brought delicate surprises among the savory plates throughout the Moon Palace Arena. The afternoon was rounded out with wine tasting from Secrets The Vine, and, in a first for the festival, the French Market, specializing in sumptuous cheeses and wines. My luxurious food tour ended with the Divas de la Cocina Mexicana Gala Dinner highlighting a collaborative menu created by the 10 best Mexican female chefs. I was invited in with a dramatic “Warrior” cocktail and a story told by Martha Ortiz and Paola Garduño. The drink — created in a deep red and garnished with a black feather — symbolized female power and strength, and a statement to what these chefs were bringing to the dinner.
Joan Roca
Martha Chapa
Lula Martin del Campo
Mikel Alonso
Martha Ortiz
Hubert Keller
Alicia Gironella
I continued to be drawn in by the first course of delicate lionfish wrapped in thinly sliced avocado with a depth of full flavors and creaminess. Chefs Susanna Palazuelos and Lula Martín del Campo shed light on the promoted consumption of lionfish, an invasive species of the Caribbean Sea now needing to be fished to protect native small crustaceans and fish. Truly the most intriguing plate of the night was a classic tortilla soup with a creative mystery in “Shadowed Beauty.” A shallow handmade rustic bowl sprinkled with delicate edible petals and crispy butterfly shaped blue corn tortillas dusted in sparkling glitter was presented by waiters who poured a richly spiced clear broth. As the evening progressed we were given glimpses of the chefs’ pasts with a taste of a “Bridal White Mole” created by Chef Alicia Gironella, originally developed for her daughter’s wedding 30 years ago, and a coconut mole that Chef Martha Chapa dreamt up while on a beach vacation. The final dessert of the night was sweet mocha and tart citrus tastes combined with an espresso and Mezcal pairing that brought an explosive ending to the accomplished gala. I look forward to next May when the chefs return to Cancun and Riviera Maya for the feast of the year that combines the flavors of the world with traditional Mexico for a new standard of contemporary cuisine.
Susanna Palazuelos
Secrets the Vine. Photo: Sarah John Afana
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MARK YOUR CALENDARS WITH THESE WORLD-CLASS EVENTS IN THE U.S. AND BEYOND! JULY EVENTS
July 24-26 — Experience night glows and the mass ascension of more than 125 balloons at The QuickChek New Jersey Festival of Ballooning in Association with PNC Bank in Readington, N.J.
September 18-20 —KAABOO is a “mix-perience,” meant to stimulate all five senses with world-class music, dancing, incredible cuisine, craft libations, contemporary art, and personal indulgences in Del Mar, Calif.
July 25,26, August 1— For three nights, the annual Honda Celebration of Lights fireworks competition sets the sky ablaze over English Bay, Vancouver.
September18-November1— On select nights, Universal Orlando® Resort presents Halloween Horror Nights® 2015 that celebrates the nightmarish side of Halloween with eight “haunted houses” and frightening street events.
July 31- August 2 — Satchmo SummerFest (New Orleans), the yearly celebration of the great Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong, features three days of outdoor concerts, music history seminars, and jazz exhibits.
September 26-October 24 — On weekends in September and October, New Orleans celebrates Oktoberfest with live traditional music, German folk dancing, and delicious authentic delights.
July 31- August 2 — Lollapalooza is a unique music experience at Chicago’s Grant Park with all-star talent and a food festival.
OCTOBER EVENTS
AUGUST EVENTS
August 1- September 27 — Visit the official London residence of the Queen, Buckingham Palace, during its summer opening. August 3-9 — Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in Sturgis, S.D. is a cultural pilgrimage for half a million motorcycle enthusiasts with hill climbs, drag races, big-time concerts, and the main event: the city’s “ride-through.” August 7-16 — Musikfest lures more than 900,000 people to historic Bethlehem, Penn. for more than 500 shows on 14 stages over 10 days, plus food and a golf tournament. August 8 -16 — The magic of ballooning inflates the International Balloon Festival of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu (Quebec), which also offers the world’s largest inflatable theme park. August 30 -31 — West London comes alive with the Notting Hill Carnival, featuring Calypso music, tempting Caribbean food stalls, and more!
SEPTEMBER EVENTS
September — Open House London offers more than 800 free guided tours of hundreds of buildings and spaces around and in the city, such as 10 Downing Street, The London Eye, City Hall, Mansion House, and the Bank of England. September 10 -20 — Toronto International Film Festival brings the best in Canadian and international filmmaking to Toronto with 10 days of screenings, workshops, and more. September 11-13 —Dancefestopia in Kansas City promises three days and three nights of nonstop music (“24/7”), thanks to 70 artists on a brand new stage.
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October—The London Restaurant Festival is a city-wide, three-week celebration with restaurant-hopping menus, culinary-themed tours and trails, and tasty activities. October 3-11—The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta offers mass ascensions with more than 550 balloons and the start of America’s Challenge Gas Balloon Race. October 4 —The New York Jets play the Miami Dolphins in the first game of the NFL International Series 2015 at Wembley Stadium in London. October 4-November 9—The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze returns for 25 weeknight evenings with more than 5,000 hand-carved, illuminated pumpkins on the Van Corlandt Manor (Croton-on-Hudson, N.Y.). October 15 -18—The eighth annual Food Network & Cooking Channel New York City Wine & Food Festival presented by FOOD & WINE features more than 500 world-renowned chefs, culinary personalities, wine and spirit producers, and of course, Food Network and Cooking Channel stars. October 23-31— Neewollah hosts carnival rides, bands, 5k and 10k runs, a chili cook-off, a pumpkin competition, and parades—plural (Independence, Kan.)! October 26 —The Jacksonville Jaguars take on the Buffalo Bills in the second game of the NFL International Series 2015 at Wembley Stadium in London. October 31— Named one of the Top 10 Things to Do in New York City and one of the 100 Things to Do Before You Die, The Village Halloween Parade is back with giant puppets, more than 50 bands of various music, dancers, artists, and more than 50,000 costumed participants. Check out more events (now through March 2016) on our blog, The Journey: http://blog.gogo-vacations.com/
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Halloween in the Hollow by Susie Reese
Can you get more Halloween than Sleepy Hollow? The namesake, New York village of Washington Irving’s famous story comes alive during the fall season with a handful of spectacularly chilling and thrilling events to tickle every traveler’s spine with dramatic performances, a grand pumpkin blaze, cemetery walking tours, and a fantastic haunted house.
Irving’s “Legend” One of those delightfully eerie events is a dramatic performance of “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” by master storyteller Jonathan Kruk. Kruk has performed in a variety of historic places like Washington Headquarters in White Plains and Newburgh, N.Y., and he’s the current in-house storyteller at the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum in Manhattan. It was his love of history that brought him to Sleepy Hollow. Explains Kruk, “Historic Hudson Valley used to have a one-weekend Halloween event, and I would just tell spooky stories. But then they began to change their mission. They wanted to make it more locally based — Hudson River, Washington Irving, American Revolution — and at that time, I was reading and studying all of that. And I came up with the idea of telling a short ‘The Legend of Sleepy Hollow’ and then later, other stories.” Kruk’s performances, which occur every weekend in October, are housed in the iconic Old Dutch Church, which is actually part of Irving’s story. “It’s very atmospheric, with candlelight and spooky organ music by Jim Keyes,” notes Kruk, “and it just took off.” Kruk will perform the story more than 40 times this season, and he warns to get those tickets early as they usually sell out by mid-September. This year, he’s bringing the performance to Broadway through the United Solo Artist Festival.
Photo: historytrekkershoppe.com
“If you’re visiting New York City, you can see a hundred other different people doing a world of performances, sometimes personal stories and sometimes, like mine, a classic story reinvented.” His favorite venue to perform in, however, is the Old Dutch Church. Notes Kruk, “I feel like I’m home in this musty, candlelit, spooky, 1685 spiritual edifice.” Kruk returns to the Old Dutch Church in the winter with a reinvented version of “A Christmas Carol.” He performs more than 30 character voices, and Keyes plays the church’s pipe organ as well as a violin, a harp, and even chains when Marley’s ghost appears. Emphasizes Kruk, “Travelers want something unique in the area, and going to the Old Dutch Church in Sleepy Hollow is indeed a unique and enchanting experience, and then listening to these classic stories completely immerses them. It’s a little bit of magic, but it also brings that little corner of Lower Hudson Valley to life.”
Photo: Historic Hudson Valley
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Halloween Happenings in the Hollow If you enjoy your Halloween bloodcurdlingly scary, then Horseman’s Hollow at Philipsburg Manor should be on your list. Each year, the manor transforms into a warped version of Sleepy Hollow with terrifying, undead residents who have been driven mad by the Headless Horseman. Scream your way through haunted paths, scary scenes, and even the ruins of Ichabod’s Schoolhouse, before facing the Headless Horseman himself. Makeup completed by feature-film artists, frightening sets, and incredible special effects make this one haunted house not to miss. Please note: this event is not suitable for children or adults with medical conditions. Don’t want recurring nightmares? Then head over Lyndhurst mansion for the Ghoul Family Celebration. The Mummy, The Phantom of the Opera, the Bride of Frankenstein, and more take you on a tour of the Gothic castle. Though geared toward adults and teens, the experience is also spooky fun for younger children. You haven’t lived until you’ve walked under a covered-bridge with Jack o’lanterns surrounding you, even on the ceiling! In its 10th year, The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze will illuminate Sleepy Hollow for 30 exciting nights with more than 6,000 individually hand-carved pumpkins in spectacular scenes like an undersea aquarium, a circus area, a flesh-eating plants section (because why not?), Jurassic Park, and of course, “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.” Wander through the lighted paths of Van Cortlandt Manor, which dazzle with sound effects, synchronized lighting, and an original soundtrack made specifically for the Blaze®. And yes, every pumpkin is individually hand-carved on-site at the manor. Of course, not all events at Sleepy Hollow are scary, and some do not even take place at night. Head over to Sunnyside, the house of famous “Legend” scribe Washington Irving, and learn about his life in this historic Hudson Valley setting from guides dressed in period clothing. Kids will especially enjoy a shadow puppet performance of “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” and another one of Irving’s spooky tales during a walk through the woods. So head to the Hollow for Halloween fun throughout the month of October. Most events sell out in September, so get your tickets early. And though candy isn’t given out, you’re certainly in for a spooky treat.
APRIL - JUNE 2015 I GOGO VACATIONS Blaze® Photos: Mark Puzio
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Stuffed Gypsy Pepper
SERVES 6
(From 15)
Ingredients: Peppers 8 ounces Butternut Squash 1 can or 6 total Fire Roasted Piquillo Pepper - Available at finer grocery stores 2 ounces White Cheddar Cheese 2 ounces Smoked Goat Cheese 1 teaspoon Fresh Chervil 1 teaspoon Dry Sage 1/4 teaspoon Dry Lavender Powder Salt and Pepper to taste Mustard Dijon Vinaigrette 1/4 cup Rice Wine Vinegar 2 Tablespoons Dijon Mustard 2 Tablespoons Honey 1 Tablespoon Marsala Wine 1 Tablespoon Dry Tarragon 1/4 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper 1/3 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil Salt and Pepper to taste Quail Egg Crouton 6 Slices Sourdough Bread 6 Quail Eggs 6 Tablespoons Sweet Butter 6 Tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
place eight ounces in bowl. Add the rest of the ingredients and mix until thoroughly combined. Place squash mixture into pastry bag and pipe into the prepared peppers. Place peppers on parchment lined sheet pan and bake for 10 minutes. While peppers are in oven, begin the quail egg crouton. Mustard Dijon Vinaigrette In a bowl, whisk the first six ingredients. Slowly drizzle the olive oil, whisking well until thoroughly combined. Add more salt and pepper if desired. Set aside. Quail Egg Crouton Remove crust from bread, then using a twoinch diameter cookie cutter cut the bread from the center of the slice and discard. In a nonstick sautĂŠ pan over medium heat, place one tablespoon butter and one tablespoon olive oil, allow butter to melt. Place one slice of bread in pan and toast on both sides, then crack quail egg into center of bread and cook for approximately 12 minutes. Gently remove from pan and set aside. Continue the process until all the bread/eggs have been cooked. Presentation
18 ounces Spring lettuce mix Preparation: Peppers Heat oven to 350 degrees. Line baking dish with parchment paper. Cut the squash horizontally, discard the seeds. Then place in baking dish cut side down. Bake until squash is tender, approximately 30-45 minutes. Prepare piquillo peppers by rinsing and patting dry, discarding any seeds. Set aside. Remove squash from oven and allow to cool. Once cooled, scrape squash out of shell and
Using six salad plates, place three ounces of spring lettuce mix on each plate, arranging it off to one side. Drizzle each salad with the vinaigrette. Rest warm pepper in middle of plate aside the spring mix. Arrange the quail egg crouton so that it lies just to the side of the pepper. If you wish, garnish the edge of the plate with chopped herbs.
Executive Chef Kelly Macdonald
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The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: A Guide for Nerds by Meghan Brennan
Merlin’s beard, you’ve finally made it. You’re at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando™. Take a moment – don’t forget to breathe. And don’t get too excited just yet, because we have to be strategic about how we tackle this whole thing if we want to see it all. Universal Orlando is made up of two distinct parks, Islands of Adventure (home of Hogsmeade™ and Hogwarts™ Castle) and Universal Studios Florida® (where you’ll find Diagon Alley™). To get the full experience, you’ll need a park-to-park ticket, which lets you go between the two sides on the same day. Luckily there’s a quick way of getting between the two that doesn’t require you to leave the world of Harry Potter at all. You’ll start your day at Diagon Alley, where any journey to Hogwarts™ School of Witchcraft and Wizardry should
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begin (it’s helpful to stay on property, as that will get you into the parks an hour before general admission). The entrance is just the first of the literally thousands of little touches that will make any fan weak in the knees – just like in the books, Diagon Alley is accessed by walking from an ordinary London street through a brick wall behind the Leaky Cauldron and emerging into the wizarding world. Head straight for Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts – its immersive feel is a treat for anyone who loves the books and movies, and it features cameos from many of the films’ stars (and poor Bill Weasley probably gets more screen time in this ride than in all the films combined). Even the wait is carefully designed to make you feel as though you’re wandering the halls of Gringotts, from the goblins in the front hall to the rumbling elevator to the winding staircases.
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Once you’re on the ride, you’re expecting a quiet, peaceful tour from Bill Weasley himself…too bad you decided to visit on the same day that Harry, Ron, and Hermione decide to break into the bank. You’ll see them on your way through, along with a few goblins, an escaped dragon, Bellatrix Lestrange, and You-KnowWho himself. Will you make it out alive? Well, Gringotts is “the safest place on Earth”…maybe. Once you return to the street, make your way out of Diagon Alley – fear not, we’ll be back – and head for the Hogwarts Express. The train is an amazing replica of the one in the films, and that’s only part of the magic. As you travel between the parks, keep a close eye on the window — you might recognize some familiar faces, both friendly and not-so-friendly. Upon arrival at Hogsmeade village, stroll up the main street towards the castle, and get in line for the park’s flagship attraction — Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. It’s a dark ride crossed with a roller coaster, and while Escape from Gringotts offers an alternate view of a major event from the books, Forbidden Journey is the ride that makes you feel like you’re inside the story. Here, again, the waiting area is another part of the ride, with “behind-the-scenes” looks at Hogwarts, from its moving portraits to Dumbledore’s office. The ride itself is thrilling, and you’ll encounter both characters and creatures of all sorts, from Harry and Hagrid to spitting acromantula and soul-sucking Dementors. We tend to think that Forbidden Journey is a better ride than Escape from Gringotts (with fewer breakdowns, to boot), but you’ll have to try both to be sure! If the line is long and the day is hot, grab a butterbeer to sip during the wait – we prefer the frozen ones to the regular cold ones, but no matter which kind you get you’ve got to try one! After Forbidden Journey, the day is more or less yours — you’ve done the two major rides, so from here on out take
your time to explore all of the amazing little touches that make this world so complete and so unique. Spot Mr. Weasley’s magic Ford Anglia from your place in line for Dragon Challenge, enjoy some traditional English fare at the Three Broomsticks (we highly recommend the Cornish pasties with a pumpkin fizz – there aren’t any Muggle sodas in the magical world), and even hear Moaning Myrtle’s complaints in the restrooms in Hogsmeade. Don’t forget to stop for a chat with the conductor of the Hogwarts Express — and study up, because he might ask you what the school’s motto is (draco dormiens nunquam titillandus – never tickle a sleeping dragon. Yeah, we’re Ravenclaws.). When you’ve had your fill of Hogsmeade, take the Hogwarts Express back to London to explore some more of Diagon Alley – it’s shadier and cooler, making it a better area to spend the afternoon. There are more shops to explore here, but all of the hidden easter eggs will repay the patient wanderer. You may recognize an advertisement in King’s Cross Station from the sixth film. You can take a seat on the stoop of the Black family’s ancestral home on Grimmauld Place (just across from the Knight Bus) while Kreacher peeks out through the curtains upstairs. If you buy an interactive wand, be sure to take a look at the map that comes with it under the black lights in Knockturn Alley to see all the places you can cast spells of your own. And if you see a show starting, go ahead and take a look – it could be a live appearance by Celestina Warbeck (one of Molly Weasley’s favorite singers), or a retelling of The Tale of The Three Brothers, a wizard-world fairytale which was hugely important in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is the culmination of not just years of work by Universal, but decades of dedication and passion from fans of the series, who Universal knew would settle for nothing less than perfection – and it shows. Leaving at the end of your trip will be hard, but in JK Rowling’s own words, “Hogwarts will aways be there to welcome you home.”
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TUSCAN TREATS AND CINQUE TERRE by Peter Dias
Last October, I flew from JFK to Rome to catch up with a fellow Worldwide Traveler colleague for the Tuscan Treats and Cinque Terre tour. We went by train from Rome to Florence. It’s a very easy way to travel, and we did it in Business Class for $60 each – cheaper than flying, and we were already in the city center area when we arrived. From there, we caught a taxi to the Pitti Palace Hotel, the start and end point for the “Tuscan Treats and Cinque Terre” that Back-Roads Touring operates. It is a nine-day, eight-night tour, with two nights in Florence, two nights in Lucca, two nights in Volterra, and the last two nights’ accommodation at a property in the beautiful Tuscan countryside. We met up with the rest of the tour group — 13 others, from Australia, the U.S., Canada, and the UK. With Back-Roads Touring, for tours on continental Europe (except for the Sailing Tour in Croatia), there is a guide and a driver, and no more than 18 to a tour group. Our tour leader for the trip was Dario, a local Tuscan with a charming accent. He spoke English well enough, but occasional phrases were lost in translation – probably more lost in the accent! The first day of the tour was just a chance to meet everyone, with a Welcome Dinner to help facilitate that. For the second day, we were led, along with Dario, by an accredited guide for a walking tour of Florence. We ventured into the heart of the city itself, seeing Piazza della Signoria, and continuing on to the Mercato Nuovo with its bronze boar statue (tourists were rubbing its nose to ensure their return to the city). We also visited Orsanmichele church and museum, where we saw its impressive statues of the patron saints of Florence’s various trade guilds. After a short break in the Piazza della Repubblica, we followed our guide to the Duomo – the cathedral of Florence. This beautiful 14th century building — with its green-, pink-, and white-marble exterior walls, the towering Campanile, and iconic red-tiled dome — is a sight to behold.
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The interior of the cathedral is very simple, with decoration largely reserved for the marble flooring and Italian painter Giorgio Vasari’s frescoes of the last judgment that adorn the dome high above. The Walking Tour of Florence finished at a leather shop, where we learned how to detect real leather from fake. It’s not the smell, which fakers can reproduce and spray onto synthetic fabrics. It is, in fact, the feel of leather — if you can press the inside surfaces together and move them between your fingers, it’s fake. Our afternoon was free to spend as we wished. My colleague and I decided to climb to the top of the Duomo – it is not for the faint hearted! You need to be in decent shape for it (but if this writer can do it, pretty much anyone can!), and not be claustrophobic, as it is dark and tight in places. But, once you get to the top, it’s well worth it – panoramic views over Florence, and, on a really clear day, you can see the surrounding area for miles! On the third day, we saw the original Michelangelo statue of David (there are copies in various locations, but the original is at the Galleria dell’Accademia) before leaving Florence. Back at the hotel, we met Sergio, our driver for the tour. He was courteous and considerate; also a talented musician, never missing a chance to burst into song, particularly to wish us “Buon giornooooo” every morning! We traveled to Lucca – this was one of the rare occasions where we drove on the motorways (It is called “Back-Roads” Touring, after all). Lucca is an old walled city that looks big, but it is very easy to get around. The old wall is only about 2.5 miles in circumference. After lunch as a group, we had the rest of the afternoon and evening to ourselves. Dario showed us a great spot from which to see all of Lucca – I realized I would be climbing a lot of structures throughout this trip to get panoramic views! This time we went to the Torre delle Ore clock tower, and the view was amazing.
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Arriving at Villa La Palagina Photo: Peter Dias
Relaxing in the Cinque Terre
City of Siena
Day four included a trip to the Cinque Terre, which literally means “five towns.” It is indeed a string of five towns that you can only traverse by train, boat, or on foot — there are no cars. The area is UNESCO Heritage listed. The five pretty pastel-colored villages are nestled among five miles of remote, rocky coastline, with the Cinque Terre offering magnificent scenery filled with hillside olive groves, and vineyards set against a harbor backdrop. We sampled superb fresh seafood in Vernazza, the fourth town, and found the perfect spot for gelato on the beach at Monterosso, the last and largest of the five towns. Later, we returned to Lucca for dinner. On the fifth day, we travelled to Volterra, stopping first at Pisa. You have the opportunity to see the Leaning Tower of Pisa at your own expense. During the included tour of the Baptistery of St. John, we were witness to the two-minute sound check they do there, where at a set time a lone singer projects his or her voice into the dome. The echo reverberates around it for so long that the singer can harmonize with his or her own voice – truly a spectacular thing to witness. Next we made our way to Volterra, a delightful walled hilltop town. Volterra has narrow winding alleyways, ancient Etruscan gates, recently discovered Roman ruins, and fabulous views from the city walls over the whole surrounding region. On the sixth day, we went to the ancient city of Siena, famous for its traditional medieval horse race, the Palio di Siena, which is run around the Piazza del Campo twice each year. Here, we had an accredited guide who took us inside the magnificent Cathedral. Seeing the frescos created there, learning how old they are, and seeing the condition they are in — you just have to marvel at it! After Siena, we visited Monteriggioni, a tiny, charming 13th century walled hilltop town. On day seven, after leaving Volterra, we went to San Gimignano, one of Italy’s most beautiful hilltop villages, and we were able to
sample what is arguably the best gelato around, from a multi-awardwinning gelato maker – it truly was that good! Next, at the Sant’Agnese Farm, we sampled locally made balsamic vinegar, honey, olive oil, truffle oil, and a variety of wines. The family’s passion for its business was evident in the quality of its products, and the pride they had in them. Our last accommodation destination was Villa La Palagina. Here, we felt at home in the Tuscan countryside. My colleague and I met the general manager, a Dutch gentleman who prided himself on bringing the property to such a level that people from around the world make the stop on their trips through Tuscany. It also helps when your neighbor up the road is Sting – yes, Sting from The Police! He has a place that is available for rent too! Sunday at the Villa La Palagina, the head chef taught us how to make fresh pasta and focaccia! We were even able to have it as part of our dinner at the property that night. Truly, it is one of the nicest places I’ve ever stayed in! On our final day, heading back to Florence, we stopped at the Castello di Verrazzano to sample more Chianti types of wine. We enjoyed a lunch of roasted vegetables, breads and cold cuts, and cheese, and we were tutored in the art of wine tasting: how to lift the glass, look, smell, swirl, smell again and enjoy. The Tuscan Treats & Cinque Terre tour conducted by Back-Roads was one of my favorite traveling experiences, and I look forward to a similar trip soon!
Find more travel tips, interviews, and vaction ideas on our blog, The Journey, at http://blog.gogo-vacations.com/
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Spotlight On: Magic Castle Hotel
by Susie Reese
DO YOU BELIEVE IN MAGIC? At the Magic Castle Hotel, you will. This boutique property in Los Angeles has been number one on TripAdvisor for the last two years due to its infallible commitment to service. “Two weeks ago, I accepted an award in Washington, D.C. from the America Lodging Association for Best Guest Relations for a Small Property,” explains Darren Ross, general manager of the Magic Castle Hotel. “In 2014, for the second time in four years, we won the Stars of Industry Award for Best Guest Relations for a Small Property from the California Hotel Lodging Association.” So what makes the Magic Castle Hotel so…magical for its clients?
MAGICAL AMENITIES Service is paramount, with special touches and enchanting amenities you won’t find at any other hotel. “We do all sorts of crazy things for our guests that are incredibly unique for hotels,” says Ross. One unique amenity is the Popsicle Hotline by the pool, where guests can pick up a red phone and request a popsicle. “We come out wearing white gloves with a silver tray full of popsicles, and then guests get free popsicles out by the pool,” explains Ross. But like all of the hotel’s surprises, the magic is in the details. Not only does the sign by the red phone say “popsicle hotline,” it also lists what popsicles are called in other countries, like “icy poles” and “ice blocks,” so guests from other countries understand what the popsicle hotline offers. For the last decade, the Magic Castle Hotel has also offered unlimited snacks. Upon check-in, guests will receive a list of 30 to 35 items, like Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, KitKats, Snickers, M&Ms, pretzels, popcorn, peanuts, and a huge variety of sodas. And guests can come to the front desk or call the front desk to have the snacks delivered to
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their room 24 hours a day, absolutely free of charge. Notes Ross, “People are really taken aback by this because they are just not used to it. “People traveling for two to three weeks, staying at all these hotels—we’re just such a stand-out. They’re used to being nickeled and dimed at the minibar, so it’s a fun amenity. Parents love it. Kids love it. Business travelers love it.” Another special amenity: free laundry service (you heard that right). Says Ross, “All you have to do as a guest is call us up and say you have laundry to pick up, or bring it to the front desk — in the morning, preferably — and it doesn’t matter how much you have or how often you want it done.” The hotel washes and dries the laundry, wraps it up in brown butcher paper with a sprig of lavender, and ties it with twine before delivering it to the room that evening. “And there’s absolutely no charge,” Ross boasts. “It blows people away. There are hotels charging crazy prices for laundry service. What we try to do is give our guests these services that are really relevant to them. We want to do things that really have an impact on our guests, on their experience.” Other amenities include a welcome drink in a champagne glass and a personalized welcome to the hotel, a continental breakfast with pastries delivered by the famous Los Angeles bakery Sesinta, and, on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, guests are treated to a magician performance. The hotel offers turndown service every night, and the rooms feature robes and slippers for children as well as for adults. “We really want the kids at the hotels to feel like grownups, and that — combined with being able to go to the front desk anytime they want, with their parents’ permission, and ask like a grownup to order snacks — creates memories for these kids that they keep forever.” The hotel’s aim is to continue to add services. “We never take a service away. A service that we offer now will be there a year from now — five years from now — so people don’t say it’s not as good as it used to be. We only add.”
GOGO VACATIONS I JULY - SEPTEMBER 2015
MAGICAL But perhaps the most impressive amenity is one that isn’t even an amenity. “We listen carefully, and we respond creatively.™ That is our motto,” says Ross. “We listen to our guests, and we want to surprise them. We want to blow them away with service.” This includes surprising guests with something in their rooms based on something the hotel staff has overheard, and Ross says, “We’re very good at that.” Ross explains that if the staff overhears that a guest loves Spider-Man, they’ll place something Spider-Man related in the family’s room, so the guest is surprised upon returning from a day out. Just recently, a young guest asked for spicy, flaming Cheetos, which the front desk did not have as part of its unlimited snack menu. “We have the original ones on our snack list. And I said, ‘No, we don’t. I’m so sorry,’” recalls Ross. “And then of course, we went out and bought the flaming Cheetos and had them in the room for them.”
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MAGICAL ACCOMODATIONS Ross takes great pride in the Magic Castle Hotel’s status as the number one hotel on TripAdvisor, especially since the Magic Castle Hotel is not a five-star property. It doesn’t have an elevator, a restaurant, or bar, though it is located one block behind the Hollywood and Hyland Center, a comprehensive mall where TCL Chinese Theatres are. The hotel has 43 guestrooms, and since it used to be an apartment complex, most rooms are suites, complete with full kitchens, a dining area, a living room with a pull-out sofa, and usually one bedroom — though the hotel has a mixture of junior suites and two-bedroom suites as well. Ross admits the rooms aren’t the fanciest in town, but the hotel is constantly renovating. A bathroom is currently being remodeled with marble tile, and they have several styled like that.
SURPRISES One of the special amenities of the hotel is the ability of guests to make reservations at the Magic Castle Club, which is an exclusive magicians’ club in Los Angeles. Only guests who receive passes from club members themselves, and guests of the Magic Castle Hotel, are allowed to make reservations for evening shows and weekday brunch. While weekend brunch requires resort casual dress, evening performances require cocktail attire, including jackets and ties for male guests. Recently, a male guest forgot his dress shoes at home and didn’t have time to buy a new pair. “Our front desk agent said, ‘Here. Wear mine,’” says Ross. “And we have a great picture of our front desk agent wearing our slippers for the rest of his shift.”
Explains Ross, “We don’t try to be something we’re not, and that’s a key for us. If you go to our website, the rooms are really under-represented online. We do that by design. We would much rather have people come to the hotel and be pleasantly pleased than put our best room there, and there’s only one room like that.” Rates at the hotel are also competitive with the standard rooms in the area, never mind the suite categories. Plus, the hotel rooms offer Time Warner on-demand programming, which allows for plenty of childrenfavorite movies as well as adult-favorite HBO, Showtime, and network TV shows. All this combined makes for a magical experience at the Magic Castle Hotel, as seen by the numerous awards and its standing on TripAdvisor. “We don’t ask people on TripAdvisor to write these reviews,” explains Ross. “Our job is to compel them to do so with an amazing experience. When they leave, they want to write about it, tell friends about it, or return themselves. It’s really a unique hotel.”
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For
Beaches Ocho Rios, Jamaica
GENERATIONS:
TRAVEL
DESTINATIONS by Susie Reese
When Grandpa goes on vacation, he likes to golf. Grandma needs to go shopping. The kids need an adrenaline rush, and they can only spend so many hours in the pool doing cannonballs. And you and your partner? You just want an actual vacation.
So we’ve compiled a list where everyone—from Grandpa and Grandma to you — gets their desired vacation.
BEACHES OCHO RIOS There’s a certain convenience to having golf, spa, and activities included in your stay, and that’s where Beaches Resorts excel. Voted best hotel for families in the Caribbean by the 2015 TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards, Beaches Ocho Rios is aptly named a spa, golf, and waterpark resort. Unlimited rounds of golf, and round-trip transfers are included for everyone at the Sandals Golf & Country Club. Not only is it named one of the finest courses by Golf Digest and Frommers Travel Guide, but it also has enchanting views of the sea and mountains, 700 feet above sea level. Add in the Pirate’s Island Waterpark, the XBOX 360® Game Garage, the Kids Club,
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Club Liquid for teens, and Caribbean Adventures with Sesame Street ™ , and the kids will be more than entertained. For relaxation, Mom and Dad can head over to the Red Lane® Spa with its European-style massages, facials, body wraps, and more, all with Beaches’ tropical signature twists. Did we mention that all meals and drinks are included? Well, now we have.
DREAMS SANDS CANCUN RESORT AND SPA One of Dreams’ newest resorts, Dreams Sands Cancun Resort and Spa, is the quintessential family resort in Cancun, catering to first-time travelers and travel mavens. The
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Dream Sandals, Cancun
nearby Playa Mujeres Golf Club wows golf aficionados with a Greg Norman signature 18-hole course with spectacular ocean and tropical views. On property, kids will enjoy the Explorer’s Club with arts and crafts, a playground, storytelling and music, sandcastle contests, treasure hunts, video games, a climbing wall, and more. Parents will love that the staff is American Red Cross certified in CPR and First Aid, and parents receive a pager in case of emergencies. The Core Zone is for teens ages 13-17 and offers social events, video games, Ping-Pong, water sports and activities, and computers with Internet. Add in a 650-foot stretch of private beach, movies under the stars, a world-class spa and fitness center, and you’ll be busy getting
your relaxation on. Six a la carte restaurants, an ice cream parlor, a buffet, and a grill, all included, ensure you'll have all you need without leaving the resort. Oh, and a private dinner in your room? Absolutely. Room service is encouraged.
but if Grandpa wants a sophisticated experience, he can golf on a par-3 course with High Point Mansion, Milton S. Hershey’s former home, in the background.
Hershey is more than just chocolate, though chocolate is pretty awesome in and of itself. But you’re looking more for a vacation than an eat-fest, and Hershey’s got it!
For ultimate relaxation, The Spa at Hotel Hershey offers treatments for women, men, and teens in the form of massages, facials, and hydrotherapy. And yes, specialized treatments come with chocolate. Outlets with name-brand shops are the perfect place to spend a few bucks and an afternoon, and of course, for both kids and adults, there’s Hershey Park, with 12 roller coasters, family rides, and kiddie rides.
For the golf-lovers, the Hershey Golf Club has three expert courses, including the first nine-hole golf course in the United States open to players under 18 (it was remastered in 2006 and has a second set of tees for an 18-hole experience),
Not sure if you’ve found the resort or destination for your family’s travels? Then check out our blog now for Spotlight On articles about our favorite resorts from around the world. http://blog.gogo-vacations.com/
HERSHEY, PENNSYLVANIA
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Spotlight On: Wildcatter Ranch
by Susie Reese
Howdy, Partner. Are you looking for something a little different for your next vacation? How about a true home-on-the-range escape with the Wildcatter Ranch? The 1,500-acre ranch was built on the highest point among its surroundings, with no other structures. According to Jason McAlister, general manager of the Wildcatter Ranch, the landscape is very natural and untouched. Emphasizes McAlister, “As far as you can see, it is just beautiful, wide-open spaces. Very green, very lush. Most people think of Texas as being dry and flat, and that’s not at all the case, especially where we are in the center of Texas.” Located two hours outside of Dallas, the Wildcatter Ranch sits in the beautiful area of North Texas Hill County and has been welcoming couples and families for a decade.
What to do on the range Have an adventure on the range with horseback riding, skeet shooting, jeep tours, archery, and great hiking trails, and if you’re searching for a relaxing retreat, the ranch boasts an infinity-edge pool and hot tub. “Our area has some really good Wild West stories as part of our local history,” explains McAlister, “so our cowboys will share a lot of our local Texas history.” Many guests enjoy the ranch for two- or three -night stays, relaxing at the facilities and venturing out to the small town of Graham, which is a 10-minute drive from the ranch. But many of the guests stay on property, which offers breakfast in the morning at the on-site lodging and dinner every night in the restaurant, the Dinner Bell. “The main staple of Texas cuisine is beef,” McAlister says, “We actually hand cut our steaks, and they are all mesquite grilled. So it’s really unique.”
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“Ranch hand” is a job all its own, and not what they call a bellboy in Texas, as we found out when we spoke to Clint West, who has been a ranch hand at the Wildcatter Ranch for two and a half years. So what exactly does the position of “ranch hand” entail?
Q: What is a typical day like at the Wildcatter Ranch? A: The first thing in the morning, we call up the horses from the pasture.
The kitchen has a huge wood-burning grill in order to get a good mesquite flavor, but the Dinner Bell also serves some barbecue and other Texas favorites, like chicken-fried steak. The Dinner Bell at the ranch only serves dinner, but a second Dinner Bell in Graham opens for breakfast and lunch. The one on property is very popular, however, with guests and locals. “It’s a trendy, fancy place in the area to go for dinner; the specialoccasion restaurant for locals,” McAlister notes.
Home on the range Accommodations at Wildcatter Ranch include 41 guest rooms, with16 cabin suites and the guest house, Herron Bend. According to McAlister, the cabin suites are popular, with log cabin exteriors, a stone fireplace, and high-end western furniture. And each suite has a unique theme! “Each room has a theme, like the Oil Boom Room,” McAlister says. “The artwork in the room has images and stories about the oil boom in Young County, and also the lamps are shaped like an oil derrick. Other small features in the room also bring in that theme.”
We then feed them in the stalls surrounding the barn. There’s usually two of us working, so one cowboy will saddle the horses if we have a horseback ride scheduled while the other counts and feeds our Angus cattle. Then, at 9:00, one of us goes up to the hotel to take guests down to feed the longhorns in our covered wagon. At 10:00, if we have a horseback ride, one of us or both will take the group out, depending on how many riders we have. At noon, we go to lunch and come back by one to get ready for our 1:30 activities. We offer private horseback rides and skeet at that time. At 2:45 if we have a jeep tour, one of us will take that out. At 4:00, if guests want to shoot archery, then we will do that.
Q: What is the best part of your job? A: The best part about my job is getting to meet people from all over the world, from all different walks of life, and getting to hear their stories and experiences. That is really neat to me.
Q: How/why did you become a ranch hand/cowboy? A: Cowboys have always been my heroes since I was
a little kid. I wanted to be one when I grew up. I started rodeoing when I was 15. I rode bareback horses for a couple years in high school. I had worked for several ranches and other jobs before I found the Wildcatter, which has been the most enjoyable job I have ever had.
Q: What is your favorite spot at the Wildercatter Ranch? A: My favorite spot is the bluff overlooking the Brazos River. It is a beautiful spot with a breathtaking drop.
The ranch hosts 15 big weddings a year, and typically those wedding parties rent out the ranch for a weekend event. Most use one of the cabin suites as a bridal suite, but some couples choose Herron Bend. “It’s an over-the-top house,” notes McAlister. “It’s 14,000 square feet with a movie theatre, a game room, a private pool, a hot tub, and amazing views.” Herron Bend also boasts a huge stone patio for the ceremony and a big party barn close by for the reception.
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Q&A
WITH THE TRAVEL BLOGGER LESLIE CARTER Lesley Carter has been traveling the world since 2012 and has visited such destinations as Austria, Panama, Thailand, Mexico, Namibia, and most recently, Mauritius. Her journey to the island off the coast of Africa included all-inclusive hotels, safaris, submarines, and a pampering spa day. But perhaps the most fulfilling part of her journey was exploring an amazing new destination with her daughter. Read on to discover Mauritius with Lesley and her daughter, Athena!
Q: What made you choose to visit Mauritius?
A: Crystal-clear turquoise waters always call my name, but I wanted something other than the Caribbean. I searched for a unique, family-friendly beach destination where I could travel with my toddler daughter and feel safe. I wanted something remote and luxurious with new experiences that I couldn’t get anywhere else. I also wanted tons of family activities and warm weather. Basically, I wanted it all. When I found Mauritius online, I knew it was the place for us immediately. All it took was a beach photo and I was drawn in, but it was Constance Hotels that truly hooked me. They were the perfect blend of family luxury and adventure. Offering both high-end, beachfront accommodations and family-fun adventures, I wanted to give them a try.
Q: How did you get to Mauritius?
A: Admittedly, the flights to Mauritius were not short. We flew overnight from LAX (Los Angeles International Airport) to Paris on Air France and then waited at the airport in Paris for six hours before continuing on to Mauritius on Air Mauritius. Although it took a long time to reach Mauritius, the process was simple. Athena slept on the overnight flight to Paris. As a parent flying with a toddler, the flight attendants on Air France were very helpful. They put us in a row with an empty seat, so my daughter could stretch out. She slept most of the flight. By the time we arrived in Paris, she was ready to eat and play. We found a restaurant area and took our time. Then we played in a children’s play area for a few hours before our next flight. It was nap time again, so she slept for the first few hours of the flight and then watched in-flight movies, played games, and colored for the last few hours. I travel with her a lot, so I was prepared with games and toys.
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Editor’s Note Paradise Found Hawaii, the Paradise of the Pacific
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On the Move
The latest on property openings, flight routes, and cruise news.
A Flight Attendant’s 30,000-Foot View
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Get truths, tips, and thoughts about flying and the airline industry from a veteran flight attendant..
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City Switch
You don’t want to accidentally book a flight to the middle of the country instead of Europe.
All Aboard the Napa Valley Wine Train
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Chugging through one of the most famous wine regions in the world, the Napa Valley Wine Train is part restaurant, part museum, and all fun.
Top Travel Apps
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In case of last-minute travel snags, these apps are really good to have in your pocket.
Top 10 Things to Do In Hawaii: Coffee, Craters, and City Tours
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Hawaii is home to Kona coffee, the world’s largest dormant volcano, America’s only royal palace, and more!
Ladies’ Must-Have Travel Gear
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International TV Host Ashley Colburn dishes about her favorite gear to make your next trip less stressful and more enjoyable.
Oddest NFL Training Camp Locations A Trip to Rome: What to See & What to Skip
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The Sands of Summer— Sand Sculpting Competitors & Competitions
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Sandmasters Matthew Deibert and Sue McGrew discuss their sandsculpting adventures and favorite summer festivals.
Which Celebrity Destination Should You Visit? Expert Advice: Group Travel Trips & Tips
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Snow Bunny Shuns Skis, Embraces Zip-Lines and Snowmobiles in Whistler
Mr. Brochure Jed Hauck discovers there’s more than just world-class ski slopes in Whistler, Canada.
Spotlight On: Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta Erica’s Asian Adventure — Vietnam
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Associate Editor Meghan Brennan takes us on a magical journey through Universal Orlando® Resort’s newest addition.
Tuscan Treats and Cinque Terre
Spotlight On: Magic Castle Hotel
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Spotlight On: Wildcatter Ranch
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Q&A with Travel Blogger Lesley Carter
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From Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, discover the sights of Vietnam.
Wine & Food Festival, Cancun-Riviera Maya
Q: What sort of travelers would you recommend visit Mauritius?
A: Mauritius offers something for almost every traveler. With countless extreme adventures like skydiving, kiteboarding, windsurfing, and hiking, it’s an adventure seeker’s paradise. The numerous luxurious properties pamper you like royalty, and the family-friendly options are plentiful. The turquoise waters are a diver’s dream, and Mauritius is among the top five best places to get married and take a honeymoon. Even budget travelers can find cheap all-inclusive options or campsites in Mauritius. For solo travelers, I’d recommend a hotel like Club Med where group activities are planned and the nightlife is more active, but it’s still a great place to explore.
Writer & Editor Susie Reese Layout & Design Sharon Martin
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Cancun-Riviera Maya is more than a Spring Break paradise. It’s found a sophisticated palate for food lovers!
Save the Date
I also looked forward to the full-day catamaran tour. We both love snorkeling and being on the ocean. It’s a fantastic way to sightsee and spend quality time together.
Howdy, Partner! How about a true home-on-therange escape? Check out this unique resort in Texas
Editor Lesley Carter and her daughter, Athena!
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I was most looking forward to our spa day at Constance Le Prince Maurice. I’ve had many spa experiences around the world but none where Athena could join me. We were each given a massage at the same time, and then Athena had her finger and toenails painted while I finished my full-body massage. She is, undoubtedly, a princess, and she loves being pampered. Joining me at the spa made her feel valued and like a “big girl.” She talked about it for weeks after we returned home.
General Manager Darren Ross tells us what it takes to be the number one hotel rated on TripAdvisor in Los Angeles.
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A: I stayed half of the time at Constance Belle Mare Plage and the other half at Constance Le Prince Maurice. Transportation to each Constance property is included as part of the all-inclusive package. We planned one activity per day to avoid getting over-tired and hired a guide to drive us to each location and help us on our journey. Activities included Casela Nature & Leisure Park, Chamarel Colored Earth, Curious Corner, Crocodile Park, Blue Safari Submarine, and Easterlies Catamaran Cruise. We usually ate lunch at a new place each day. Since we had the all-inclusive package at Constance, we ate breakfast and dinner there. We scheduled a full day at each property for relaxation, resort activities, and beach time.
Experience all of Tuscany’s flavors and famous sights with traveler Peter Dias and Back-Roads Touring
Explore Mauritius with Bucket List Publications
Conspiracy Sites: Roswell, New Mexico
Q: Can you give a brief itinerary of your trip? What were you most looking forward to seeing/doing?
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For Generations: Travel Destinations
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Marketing Team Melissa Gusman, Adam Okimatsu & Sarah Afana Associate Editor Meghan Brennan
Follow Lesley’s globe-trotting adventures on Bucket List Publications at bucketlistpublications.org, and next magazine, look for more adventures from Lesley!
Group Editor Phil Gusman
Mark your calendars with these world-class events in the U.S. and beyond.
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Halloween in the Hollow
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What’s more Halloween than Sleepy Hollow? .
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Stuffed Gypsy Pepper Recipe
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The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Guide for Nerds
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See more blog.gogo-vacations.com
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ON THE GO: A MAGAZINE FOR TRAVELERS
ON GO THE
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A MAGAZINE FOR TRAVELERS
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All Aboard the NapaValley Wine Train
Get transported back in time to early 20th century luxury as you ride historic rails to some of Napa Valley’s best vineyards.
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Top 10 Things to Do in Hawaii With so much to do, spread across six beautiful islands, we help you narrow down your Hawaii to-do list.
To Reserve Your GOGO Vacation, Please Contact:
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GOGO Vacations – going one better
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