Trip to Couples San Souci

Couples San Souci in Ocho Rios, Jamaica was wonderful. When we first got to the Couples lounge in the Montego Bay airport we were greeted by a very friendly reception. The ride to the resort itself was about 2 hours from the airport but it was educational.

The resort sets on a hillside. It is very tropical and lush location, which to me, made it even better.

View from our room was superb, it was exactly what I was hoping for. The food was excellent, there are 3 restaurants on site and each one had great food and service.

The spa is located on a hillside next to the ocean. We took time out to get a couples massage, totally recommend, nothing like listening to the waves crash on the cliffs and the birds singing while you get a massage.

Hurricane Tomas was in the area it rained almost the entire time during our stay, but there was so many activities and things to do on the resort, we did not get bored at all. The staff was so upbeat and friendly even though they were having to work double time to keep the grounds clean because of wind and rain. They always had a smile on their faces, which made the resort that much better.

Cannot wait to return!!!



Jeremy and Misty Shoffner

Touring the Resort at Paws Up

Today at Paws Up we toured the ranch. Not all 37,000 acres, but we went to River Camp that is located on the Blackfoot River.

 Like all Tent Camps, River Camp has a Dining Tent that is where breakfast and dinners are served. The campsites have a large fire pit for nightly fires and for toasting smores.

At River Camp, there are one bedroom and two bedrooms tents. The Bath house is a few steps away from the tents. The Bath house has all the amenities of a luxury bath in the cabins. If you think that you are not the camping types. I think camping at River Camp at the Resort at Paws up will change your mind.

The Blackfoot River is beautiful and peaceful as it flow through the Ranch. In the Summer guests can fly fish and raft on the River. Since we visited in October, we were able to ride ATVs along the river.

One of our stops on the ATV ride was at "Look Out Rock."  The view of the river and the mountains is incredible.  The ATV riding was the most fun activity of the weekend. 

It was cold but we bundled up and had a great time speeding around the ranch and getting dusty.

Environmentally Responsible Chauffeured Transportation

A Way To Go Travel now offers environmentally responsible chauffeured transportation through our travel partner Embarque.  Embarque is a wholly owned subsidiary of Carey International, Inc.  Embarque's environmentally responsible flight is comprised of SmartWaysm and SmartWay Elitesm vehicles such as the Ford Taurus and the Toyota Camry.

In addition to their commitment of utilizing hybrid vehicles, Embarque has partnered with EarthEra.  With EarthEra, Embarque has committed to an off-set investment to balance 100% of the carbon emission associated with it fleet.  Embarque's investment with EarthEra goes to build new renewable energy facilities in the United States.

Working with a Virtuoso Travel Agents Makes a Difference

We booked a client at The Joule in Dallas.  She was more that impressed with her experience.  She emailed us this compliment.  Her comments prove that planning and booking travel with a Virtuoso Travel Agent makes a difference.   Arrived a bit ago and have had a letter delivered to my room describing the extras included in my “experience” and a half hour later they brought me complimentary chocolate covered potatoe chips from Neiman Marcus. Nice touch!


The room is likely one of the most well appointed rooms I have ever seen! Two bathrooms! Very modern, very chic!

I am so glad we didn’t change hotels. And thanks for the wonderful recommendation. It is superb! You are amazing!

Lisa Gallimore Withers
 
We appreciate Lisa's comments and invite to visit The Joules website. 

Resort at Paws Up - Wilderness Estates

The Wilderness Estate home has all the amenities of well-appointed home but on steroids. The front porch had view overlooking the prairie field that leads to the mountains. Evenings can be spent star gazing from the porch’s rocking chairs and benches.

The downstairs has an open floor plan with a huge stone wood-burning fireplace, leather sofas and chairs, dining table and a deluxe kitchen with a full size refrigerator, wine cooler, stove, and dishwasher.

Inside the home are flat screens televisions in each of the living room, game room and each bedroom, wireless Internet, Wii game system and satellite television.

Each bedroom is a master suite with separate shower and jetted-tubs in each bathroom.

My Room:
I have the upstairs suite beside the game room loft.

My bathroom over looked the back yard.

Shane’s Room:
Shane had the Master suite with the jetted tub overlooking the front porch and mountain view.

Chuck’s Room:
This room has a door leading to the back patio and jacuzzi tub and a wet bar.

All the rooms were beautifully decorated and the bathrooms were incredible:  heated tile floors and showers, rain shower-heads, jetted-tubs and heated towel rack. 

The attention to detail in all of the rooms, furnishings and decor were unmatched by any other resort where I have stayed.  They even delivered our electric car, parked it in the driveway and plugged in up for us.  This car was the highlight of our stay.  It was always to race to see who would get to the driver's seat first.

Tomorrow, we drive to the Blackfoot River and see the Tent Camps and go horseback riding.

Trip to Resort at Paws Up - Getting There

With much anticipation, we arrive at the Missoula airport to begin our stay at Resort at Paws Up. The airport is small, so it is hard to imagine that we would walk right past our driver as he waited by the elevator to meet us. But we almost did. I think that we were too busy looking up at all the animal heads and animals mounted on the wall: Elk, Moose, Rams and Mountain Lions. Tanner, our driver, helped us collect our bags and loaded the Paws Up SUV.


We had about a 45 minute ride to the resort, but the resort staff had prepared snacks for our journey. We each had our own personal cooler packed with sandwich, cookies, chips, apples, candy bar, trail mix, fruit roll-up, soda and water. I guess they wanted to make sure that there was at least one item that we would like.

This was not our first experience to the attention to detail that Paws Up delivers for their visitors. Three and ½ weeks earlier, Paws Up Guest Services emailed us information about weather, dining, activities, what to wear and what to expect when we arrived. Within a few days, we had a phone call with Guest Services to talk our upcoming stay, activities, spa appointments and special needs. The staff takes every measure to ensure guests have a spectacular stay in Montana.

The drive to the resort gave us the opportunity view the Montana landscape and get a little local history of Missoula and Paws Up from Tanner.

We arrive at Resort at Paws Up and enter the Village. Located in the Village at Paws Up is the Lewis & Clark Reception Barn, Cook Shack, Resort Reservations, PUGS General Store, the Bull Barn, Bunkhouse and Helipad. We check-in at the Reception Barn. This Barn is like no other barn I have seen, big screen flat panel TVs, Pool table, Soda-stocked bar, fitness room and reception desk. The barn is open and available to guest 24/7.

After checking-in, Tanner drives us to our Wilderness Estate home where we will be spending the next few days.

(more to come.)

Traveling to Europe? Your Credit Card May Not Work.

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/ricksteveseurope/2013078365_websteves05.html

Allure of the Seas - Sneak Peak

USA gets a preview tour.   However, very soon Chuck Joyce, president of  A Way To Go Travel, will take a voyage on the Allure of the Seas.  He will provide a first-hand account of the ship and give us plenty of photos.  In the meantime, visit the attached link.


http://travel.usatoday.com/cruises/post/2010/09/royal-caribbean-allure-of-the-seas-photo-tour-sneak-peek/111068/1

Good advice for your carry-on

http://traveltips.usatoday.com/pack-carry-on-backpack-13959.html

A Way To Go Travel Repeats in Triad Business Journal’s Fast 50 Awards

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE




A Way To Go Travel Repeats in Triad Business Journal’s Fast 50 Awards



In a recession, everyone is looking for a business success story. The Triad Business Journal revealed 50 such stories at a Gala event at High Point University on Wednesday, September 22nd and published the winners in the special Fast 50 section of their Sept. 24t -30th edition.



A Way To Go Travel was selected as one of The Business Journal’s 2010 Fast 50, repeating their honor from 2009.



Owner, Chuck Joyce, contributes the success of the company to “gaining market share by marketing and advertising consistently even in a down economy. We have also gained market share by opening a second office in Winston-Salem.”



“We are growing because we are aggressive in our efforts to be better than our competitors, even when the competitor is the internet. We strive to provide conscientious customer service.”



“A Way To Go Travel can give time back to our clients. We put together vacation plans for them so they can spend time living memories with family and friends. We are in the business of developing defining moments in a client’s life through travel.”



A Way To Go Travel was one of 50 Triad businesses honored in the 12th annual Fast 50 Awards.



###



About A Way To Go Travel.

A Way To Go Travel is a full service travel agency providing leisure travel planning for couples and families as well as corporate and business traveling planning for local and regional companies. As a member of the Virtuoso network, A Way To Go Travel’s can offer clients VIP status when they travel. Clients receive special upgrades and amenities that are exclusive to Virtuoso member agencies.



Media Contact:

Lesley Thompson

A Way To Go Travel

336-855-0060

lthompson@awaytogotravel.com

American Dollars no longer freely accepted in Mexico

The Mexican Government passed a new law, which comes into effect in Mexico starting September 14, 2010. I wanted to share the information, which I have received from our off offices in Mexico so everyone is aware.


Starting September 14, 2010 the use of CASH American Dollars to make purchases in Mexico will not be as free as it has been in the past.

Many repeat guests to Mexico who have become accustomed to using American Dollars CASH in Mexico as though they were effectively in the United States will notice the difference. Other payment methods such as Credit Cards of all types and all issuing banks, Travelers Check’s, Mexican Pesos and non American Dollars foreign currencies in cash (ex Euros or Canadian Dollars) are not affected in any way by this new law.

The most noticeable differences to will be:

1. Hotels and Exchange Booths will only be able to change a maximum of $1,500 USD CASH per person per month into Mexican Pesos. Previously there was no limit.

2. Businesses (including Amstar DMC in Mexico) will only be able to accept a maximum of $100 USD CASH per transaction - but the number of transactions per customer is not restricted.

3. Certain businesses may not be able to, or may choose not to accept American Dollars CASH for any purchase at all (this may include shops etc)

If a customer wants to purchase an excursion (for example) that costs $139 US dollars per person, he/she will only be able to pay $100 USD of this amount in USD CASH and the remainder will need to be in another form of payment (credit card, Mexican Pesos cash, etc).

Vacationers should never carry large amounts of American Dollars cash with them to Mexico, but instead they should consider either using a Credit Card, taking Mexican Pesos cash, taking Travelers Check’s (of any currency) or withdrawing money locally in Mexican Pesos.

Thanks to Apple Vacations for sharing.

Join A Way To Go Travel on an awesome adventure to The Resort at Paws Up!

We are going "Glamping:  June 16-20, 2011 at resort at Paws Up.  Watching the video will give an illustration of what "glamping" is.  Butlered Tents along the river in the big sky of Montana.

http://www.pawsup.com/resort/glampingvideo2.html


Package includes- 4 nights at THE RESORT AT PAWS UP www.pawsup.com

3 Meals Daily (breakfast/lunch/dinner), Roundtrip

transfers from MISSOULA airport, Taxes, and $150 activity credit per tent


River Camp - 1 bedroom tent

•$1799.00 PER PERSON BASED ON DOUBLE OCCUPANCY

A luxuriously furnished one-bedroom tent located directly on the banks of the Blackfoot River appointed with 1 king or 2 twin size beds, hardwood floors, artwork on walls, electricity, each tent has it's own private master bathroom in nearby Bathhouse, decks with fabulous views of the river, a "camping butler" at your disposal at the River Camp Dining Pavilion. (max. 2)



River Camp - 2 bedroom tent

•$1749.00 PER PERSON BASED ON 2 ADULTS/1 CHILD UNDER 12

•$1499.00 PER PERSON BASED ON 2 ADULTS/2 CHILDREN UNDER 12

•$1899.00 PER PERSON BASED ON 2 ADULTS/1 PERSON 12 AND OVER

•$1599.00 PER PERSON BASED ON 2 ADULTS/2 PERSONS 12 AND OVER

A luxuriously furnished oversized tent ideal for families or couples looking to spread out. These "suites" are appointed with 1 king AND 2 twin size beds, hardwood floors, artwork on walls, electricity, each tent has it's own private master bathroom in nearby Bathhouse, decks with fabulous views of the river, a "camping butler" at your disposal at the River Camp Dining Pavilion.



This will be an amazing adventure and space is limited so please contact Chuck Joyce at 336-855-0060 or by email at cjoyce@awaytogotravel.com to reserve this once in a lifetime trip today!

Couple has blast in Costa Rica

Chuck,


Here are some pics from Costa Rica.  Ryan and I had a blast – it was very romantic and a lot of fun…we had a couples massage at the resort, we did the zip-lining, saw monkeys and toucans, rode horses, did the mud/hot springs and tried a crazy mountain water slide deep in the jungle!  We also went off the resort for a romantic lobster dinner in the local town right on the beach

Thank you again for helping Ryan with this. I really enjoyed the trip and feel so blessed and lucky to have such an amazing, generous man in my life.

Hopefully we will plan another trip next year to a new tropical local and we will definitely call you for your expertise (and hopefully I will get to meet you as well)!


Warmest Regards,


Willow

Honeymooners Love Excellence Playa Mujeres & Their Travel Agent

Dear Chuck,
Hey! Well...we just got back from our honeymoon you selected for us and we just wanted to send a BIG THANK YOU to you....We could not be happier...that place was magical and beyond our wildest dreams...the staff there was soooo friendly and every little detail was thought of...Not to mention the hook up to and from the airport....a private Lincoln Navigator for just me and him...as everyone else stood waiting in line....We can not say enough about that place....words and photos do not do it justice....We took over 400 photos before my camera maxed out...I sent you an email with some of them...hopefully it came through....that place was EXACTLY what we were looking for and I think you read our minds in the brief half hour or so we were in there talking to you....we are already saving to go back for maybe our 5 year anniversary...I don't think we will ever go anywhere else......we truely appreciate it and love that place. We felt like a king and a queen...we even tried to stay another night but it was too $$$...ha...the flight schedule was perfect, trip to and from the airport, the food selection, drinks, setting, EVERYTHING! I HATE flying and it was sooo worth it.....

Thank you thank you thank you....if anyone is considering going there just tell them to talk to me!! I have passed your name along and the resort name to EVERYONE!

Going paperless: Tech-savvy air travelers on board

Don't disconnect your printer just yet. While some tech-savvy passengers may be ready for it, experts say paperless boarding won't be successful until it is both reliable and universal.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/38940640/from/toolbar

Authorized Disney Vacation Planners

A Way To Go Travel has been designated by Disney Destinations as an "Authorized Disney Vacation Planner" based on our strong support in selling Disney vacations.  We received the designation because of strong knowledge on vacations to the Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World Resort, Disney Cruise Line and Adventures by Disney.

Several agents at A Way To Go Travel have received extensive training on Disney Destinations theme parks, resorts, cruises, vacation packages and more, and can provide the utmost in professional assistance in planning customize Disney vacations.

Call A Way To Go Travel if you are thinking Disney for your next family vacation.  Shane Lawrence or Shelly Alker are the Disney Vacation Planners to help you plan your vacation memories.

Exclusive Fall Vacation Deals

Away To Go Travel has exciting news. We have exclusive deals to Cancun, Riviera Maya and Punta Cana for Fall vacations. We would love to send you to the Excellence Resorts in those destinations.



Excellence Riviera Cancun is only 12 miles from Cancun International Airport, and 1 mile from the picturesque village of Puerto Morelos. Excellence Riviera Cancun is a luxury adult-only all inclusive resort and spa in the classic Mediterranean style of stucco, tile and marble.



Excellence Playa Mujeres is an adults-only romantic resort has two miles of powdery white sand beach. Located in a resort community with an inland marina, spa, and a s Greg Norman signature golf course.



Excellence Punta Cana sits among palms on a 30-mile stretch of white-sand Caribbean beach. A beautiful and romantic location for honeymooners.

A Way To Go Travel would love to help plan your Fall vacation and save you money

More Airline Fees. Ugh!

Research has revealed the Americans are traveling and are planning to travel. The airlines are taking advantage of the airline traveler by adding MORE FEES. Read the article posted at cnn.com

http://www.cnn.com/2010/TRAVEL/08/18/new.airline.fees/index.html

Conde Nast Traveler magazine published the 50 islands we love list in their July issue. They pulled the list from reader reviews over the past 20 years and ranked those that consistently scored 90% or better in several categories. All of these islands are wonderful places for honeymoons or destination weddings.



Reading the reviews only added to my list of places to go. Surprisingly, some do not require a passport for U.S. travelers. Maine's Mount Desert Island, South Carolina's Kiawah and Hilton Head Islands and on the Great Lakes, Makinac Island.

If you would like to read the entire article visit http://www.concierge.com/cntraveler/articles/502669

Oasis of the Sea

Shelly Alker

The excitement builds as you come into the Fort Lauderdale Cruise Port.. are we there yet??? You turn the corner and gasp in wonder - there she is The Oasis of the Seas! You eagerly take in the grandeur and size of this phenomenal lady. Standing there at the dock looking up at her you shield your eyes from the sun bouncing off her many windows and shiny new paint while watching the frenzied activities of the dock staff loading and unloading cargo.

With your Set Sail pass in hand you enter the sleek modern Oasis of the Seas terminal - and make it through security and proceed to the check in section which is convenient, organized and laid out by deck. After the speedy check in in you proceed up the gangway and board the Oasis of the Seas and are welcomed to the Nation of Why Not! Your eyes are immediately drawn the the Royal Promenade with shops, dining and the amazing Rising Tide Bar. Staff members are there with fresh delicious Pina Colada's to welcome you. You check out the directory screens and the handy deck information by the elevator and hop on your glass enclosed that whisks you away to your cabin.

Then after settling in your cabin, whether its a roomy interior cabin or the granddaddy of the them all the Loft Suite you check your planner to do what's going on tonight you could take in Texas Hold em in the Casino, dance to the music in the Viking Club Lounge, see Hairspray, take in a Comedy Show, watch the Oasis of Dreams Aqua show at the Aquatheatre, hit Blaze nightclub with the kids, take in the Ice Show or just sit or relax to the smooth sounds of Jazz at Jazz on 4.

You look over the endless dining options on Oasis of the Seas - 24 dining options with everything from Tapas to Tortillas..heavenly cupcakes and ice cream is waiting for you to taste also. 24 hour room service is available too! If you like me and can't function without your morning coffee.. no worries have it brought to your stateroom and enjoy while getting ready for your day's activities.

And activities are abound on the Oasis of the Seas from toddlers to your 95 year old grandmother there is something for everyone... Basketball, The Zipline, strolling in Central Park, take a ride on the Carousel, so many options await you! The Pool and Sports Zone is the place to be with 21 pools aboard even one with a sandy shore and saltwater! Fun family dedicated pools geared especially for junior cruisers, these will delight even the most discriminating water bugs. The Solarium offers an Adults only pool for travelers seeking a relaxing quiet area to enjoy the sun.

And for those teenagers that are too cool to hang with their parents the Teen Program is chock full of activities all day long and into the late hours of the night and offer The Living Room for some downtime. And don't forget drop the younger children off at the explorers club to enjoy the Science Lab, Crayola, The Library and other great activities and while the kids are being entertained you can enjoy some adult only time in the Solarium pool.

With everything to see and do the Oasis of the Seas is truly a vacation destination... so why not say Let's Go today!

USA Today reports: Continental tests 'self-boarding' at Houston airport

In an effort to cut costs and make the airport experience less of a hassle, Continental is testing "self-boarding." It works similar to customers boarding the New York City subway and is common practice in many international airports. The read the entire article go to http://www.usatoday.com/travel/flights/2010-07-26-continental-self-boarding-houston-intercontinental_N.htm?POE=click-refer

We Love Our Clients and They Love Dreams Tulum

Below is a raving testimonial from a satified client. We wanted to share their compliments of not only Shane and A Way To Go Travel, but also of the resort: Dreams Tulum.

Hey Shane!
Just wanted to let you know that we had a great time in Tulum at the Dreams Resort. We will definitely be booking with you again for our next trip and I have a couple of coworkers that I have given your name to because they are interested in Tulum.
We really appreciate you taking our budget into account, addressing our concerns, and just taking the time to listen and understand what we were looking for in a vacation spot.
It was perfect! Thanks again for everything!
We will be in touch!
Scott & Penny Spernoga