Friday, February 26, 2016

Luxury Travel Show This Sunday!

"Around the World in an Afternoon"

Just a Reminder! Our 4th annual luxury travel show is this Sunday! There is still space available and you can RSVP HERE. We would love to see you there!

Date: Sunday, February 28, 2016
Time: 1pm - 4pm
Location: Proximity Hotel
704 Green Valley Rd. - Greensboro, NC

Booking incentives, specials & discounts will be given to show attendees! We still have space available & it’s FREE so bring your friends and everyone who wants to come! Please don't hesitate to give us a call or send an email if you have any questions!

Seminar Schedule

1:30pm - Alan Baker with Holland America Line & Seabourn Cruises
2:00pm - Annabelle Romero with Palace Resorts
2:30pm - Sean Boyle with Insight Vacations feat. our exclusive Northern Italy tour
3:00pm - Kathy Brock with AmaWaterways River Cruises
3:30pm - Carlos Gonzalez with AM Resorts

Giveaways

  • Yeti Cooler given by A Way To Go Travel
  • $300 Gift Certificate for your next 5 night or longer air and hotel package given by A Way To Go Travel
  • 2-night, 3-day stay at Grand Hyatt Kauai given by Hyatt Hotels of Hawaii
  • 2-night, 3-day stay at Hyatt Regency Maui given by Hyatt Hotels of Hawaii
  • 3-night, 4-day stay at Tamarindo, Costa Rica given by Way To Go Costa Rica
  • 3-night, 4-day stay at Melia Braco Village, Jamaica given by Melia Hotels & Resorts
  • Tiffany's Candy Dish Given by Tauck

Meet representatives from top cruise lines, tour operators, hotels & resorts!

Cruise Lines: Holland America & Seabourn Cruises, AmaWaterways River Cruises, Hurtigruten, Royal Caribbean Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises


Tour Operators: Insight vacations, Collette Vacations, American Airlines Vacations, Tauck, Travel Impressions, Ker & Downey, Contiki, Rocky Mountaineer


Hotels & Resorts: AM Resorts, Grand Velas Resorts, Palace Resorts, Hard Rock All-Inclusive Resorts, Hyatt Hotels Hawaii, Valentin Imperial Maya, Couples Resorts, Melia & Paradisus Resorts


Please contact Katie York at A Way To Go Travel for any questions or to RSVP. 


336.855.0060
KYork@awaytogotravel.com
www.awaytogotravel.com
4205-C W. Wendover Ave.  -  Greensboro, NC 27407


Thursday, February 11, 2016

Inspirational & Life Changing Vacations to Add to Your Bucket List!

Inspirational & Life Changing Vacations to Add to Your Bucket list

            Cruise the Galapagos – Experience the breathtaking beauty of a rare and unique chain of 20 islands that make up the Galapagos Islands. As described by Darwin, The Galapagos is “a little world within itself”, where magical encounters with animals happen like nowhere else on earth. Explore the waters of the Galapagos by kayak or zodiac; snorkel amid shimmering fish, sea turtles, penguins and playful sea lions. With Celebrity Cruises you will travel to pristine islands and walk among colonies of wildlife and birds unfazed by your presence. Ask about the inner and outer loop cruises with Celebrity Cruises.


    Trekking through Peru – Explore and experience the glory of Peru and the many must-see sights on a custom Ker & Downey vacation to South America. On a vacation with Ker & Downey you will experience the mystery and enchantment of the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, the Amazon and more! Discover the peacefulness of Lake Titicaca and observe the immense wingspan of the astonishing Andean condor in the Colca Canyon. Meet the River People along the Amazon and discover parts of the world where few have had the opportunity to step foot. Peru is an amazing country with vast landscapes, rich culture and remarkable history.


          Antarctica & Patagonia – An awe-inspiring itinerary visiting Antarctica, the Chilean Fjords and Patagonia will leave you speechless aboard the grand and luxurious Seabourn Quest.  Nowhere else on earth is like it, and no one else delivers it in the style and comfort you will enjoy with Seabourn. Explore the majestic beauty of each of these destinations with an experienced, passionate and knowledgeable expedition team providing you insightful lectures, on-deck viewing and excursions ashore. Your Antarctic adventure with Seabourn includes complimentary daily Zodiac transfers bringing you ashore the White Continent for wildlife sightings and up-close views of the glowing blue ice. Learn more about this grand adventure at our show on February 28th at Proximity Hotel.



      South Africa - An Elegant Adventure – Start your vacation off in beautiful South Africa arriving into Cape Town. On this elegant adventure with Tauck you will visit Robben Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, visit the Cape Winelands where some of the country’s finest wines are made, take a guided tour of Victoria Falls and a private sundowner cruise on the Zambezi River. Along with these incredible sites, your 12 day African journey provides you multiple nights staying at remarkable game lodges in or bordering Kruger National Park. Sit back and enjoy the beautiful and majestic animals that roam the lands of South Africa. With daily game drives in private wildlife reserves with excellent wildlife viewing and expert trackers you are sure to see some of the remarkable animals that call South Africa Home. 


These life changing and inspiring vacations are trips of a lifetime. Each of these destinations is unique in their own way and offer an experience like no other. 

Join us at our luxury travel show!! 
Where: Proximity Hotel 
Date: February 28th 
Time: 1pm to 4pm 

*Please RSVP* 
Call - 336.855.0060. 
Email - Vacations@awaytogotravel.com. 
Visit - www.awaytogotravel.com. 

Learn more about these trips and many more! What’s on your bucket list for 2016?

Wednesday, November 25, 2015

Experience Alaska Land+Sea Journey with Holland America Line


Is the Last Frontier first on your bucket list? From glistening glaciers, blooming sunflowers and wildlife galore… Alaska is a truly remarkable and breathtaking destination and with Holland America Line Land+Sea Journey you experience the best of both worlds cruising the coastline and traveling by rail further into Alaska to experience the Denali National Park.

Your vacation starts in Vancouver as you come on board one of the luxury mid-size ships Holland America Line cruises along the coastline of Alaska. Day 2 takes you through the inside passage – Come up to the top deck or step out on your balcony to look for bald eagles, sea lions, porpoises and whales roaming through their natural habitats. Next stop is Ketchikan – known as Alaska’s first city and the salmon capital of the world. On Day 4 of your seven day cruise you will see Juneau, the capital of Alaska. Juneau is only reachable by boat or seaplane. An incredible excursion in Juneau is the catamaran cruise into Auke Bay to watch the humpback whales cavorting in their summer playgrounds. Skagway is just above Juneau in the Alaska Panhandle. A popular excursion in Skagway is the helicopter ride up to Meade Glacier. Your final destination on your seven day cruise is the Glacier Bay National Park. You will spend an entire day cruising past mountain peaks, ice-sculptured fjords, an abundance of marine wildlife and massive tidewater glaciers. Day 7 – your final day on-board the ship and you are cruising through the sea to arrive in Anchorage to start your land portion up to Denali.

“All Aboard!” Come on board the glass-domed McKinley Explorer® or the historic White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad for panoramic views along your ride from Anchorage up to Denali. Experience breathtaking views of North America’s tallest mountain, Mt. McKinley – formerly known as Denali Mountain. Be on the lookout for wildlife roaming the terrain from grizzlies and moose to caribou and wolves. Once you arrive in Denali you will board Holland America’s luxury motor coach with wide leather seats and plenty of legroom transferring you from Denali up to Fairbanks for your departure back home.

Holland America Line has so much to offer their guests… Elegant and sophisticated cuisine and dining options, warm and genuine service, elegant and spacious staterooms and exhilarating experiences. Your vacation experience to Alaska will provide you with experiences and memories you will cherish forever.

 “Travel: It leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.” – Ibn Battutakare


Friday, November 13, 2015

Set Sail on a Family Adventure

Set Sail on a Family Adventure!

Take your next family vacation out to sea with Royal Caribbean! With over 23 ships sailing all over the world… Royal Caribbean has the perfect ship for everyone where you can experience top-notch dining options, family activities, Broadway-style entertainment, enhanced technology, new and renovated staterooms and more of the little details that make the difference between a good vacation and a WOW vacation.


Explore 272 destinations in 77 different countries on 6 continents with Royal Caribbean Cruise Line. Popular ports in the Caribbean include the Bahamas, Cozumel, Grand Cayman, Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Aruba, Grenada, St. Lucia, Barbados, Bermuda and Royal Caribbean’s two privately owned islands CocoCay in the Bahamas and Labadee in Haiti. Available only to Royal Caribbean guests, CocoCay offers sugar-white beaches and beautiful azure waters perfect for a fun day at the beach! Take to the skies on an exhilarating parasailing adventure 400 feet above sea or dive in and snorkel or scuba dive to discover a colorful underwater world. Enjoy a Pina Colada in a hammock or take in some rays and float your cares away! Get adventurous on the ultimate playground in Labadee, Haiti! Bounce, climb and rock ‘n’ roll on the in-water slides and trampolines at the Aqua Park. Soar over 500 feet above the beaches on the longest over water zip line in the Caribbean. Take an exhilarating ride and slide down the brand new water slide and experience the thrill of an alpine coaster ride down a gorgeous mountainside.  Whether you are seeking adventure, looking to relax or want to check out the must-sees there is an excursion perfect for you! From sightseeing and snorkeling to boating and biking, hiking and history, the options are limitless.

Experience life on-board. Innovation has guided Royal Caribbean to build ships that are destinations unto themselves where you can see, do and savor more. The on-board entertainment is top notch and the kids will love every minute! Take advantage of the complimentary kids and teen’s clubs available for kids ages 3 – 17 years old where the kids can hang out with others their age and take part in a variety of activities from rock wall climbing competitions and talent shows to movies and pool parties at night. Royal Caribbean knows how to make the difference between a good vacation and a WOW vacation with on board WOWs. Each ship offers its own unique entertainment from Central Park and a Boardwalk with a Carousel to flow rider surf simulator and the H2O Zone family water park. On board you will also find a rock climbing wall, a skydiving simulator, ice skating rink, Vegas style casino and Broadway-style entertainment including Mamma Mia!, Chicago, CATS, and Saturday Night Fever.


From cupcakes to California rolls, finger foods to five-course meals… Royal Caribbean offers a journey of culinary discovery. Once on board you are free to explore many complimentary dining options and specialty restaurants that are rich in flavor and ambiance. The commitment to a groundbreaking on board experience extends to the kitchen of every ship, where fresh, flavorful dishes are always evolving, and keeping pace with the ever-changing tastes of guests. On board you will enjoy distinctive cuisine, quality ingredients and unparalleled service.

Friday, August 21, 2015

The River Cruise Difference

Oceans take you to countries; rivers take you through them.”


Cruise on a new level when you travel with AmaWaterways on a scenic and relaxing river cruise winding through some of the most remarkable waterways in the world. Offering supreme comfort and convenience, this cruise line takes you through magnificent cities, historic villages and rare treasures! As your ship docks in the heart of the town, stroll ashore for excursions already included or set off to explore the town as a local. There are so many reasons to travel through Europe by river cruise with AmaWaterways.

1. Unpack Once and Get Comfortable on Your Luxury River Cruise

Relax, set out on a beautiful new adventure watching the scenery pass by from your balcony as you leisurely sail to your next destination. AmaWaterways vessels provide the amenities of first-class hotels, making your adventure through the scenic waterways of several towns and villages a first-class journey!

 2. Dock in the Heart of Historic Cities & Towns

Embrace the culture of each new city, town or village you wake up in with the ease of access to sample local culture and favorite past times. As you dock only steps away from local markets, museums and famous landmarks, simply walk off the ship and start experiencing a new destination!

3. Discover the World’s Most Scenic Waterways

These rivers and waterways you are traveling on were the original highways used between great cities built along the waters edge. Cruise along some of Europe’s oldest cities on the world’s most beautiful waterways. Along your journey you will see rolling, hilltop castles and long-standing cities. Don’t miss out on the vibrant locales located on these waterways that aren’t accessible by sea or that can take hours to reach by motor coach. Experience these towns on more of a personal level, learn about the city you are visiting and embrace the culture and traditions of the town.

4. Intimate Environment & Inclusive Value

You won’t be traveling with your 5,000 closest friends on this cruise! With AmaWaterways you are one of only 150 passengers on board these stunning ships. With fewer passengers, you won’t experience congested viewing areas, long lines, or crowded meal settings. Instead you will be off the ship and enjoying the destination quickly, smaller tour groups, and intimate meals. At dinner an open-seating arrangement creates a warm and personal atmosphere accentuated by impeccable cuisine, free-flowing hand selected European Wines, and 5-star service. Champagne at breakfast, complimentary bicycles to tour each destination, free Wi-Fi, sight-seeing excursions, live-cultural entertainment on-board… It’s all included with AmaWaterways!

5. A River Cruise is a Smooth and Relaxing Way to Cruise

You can leave your fears of motion sickness at home as you travel with ease along soft-flowing river waters. Relax and be pampered with decadent spa services on-board. Dance and move along to live music in the lounge. And a fresh river breeze with unforgettable, ever-changing scenery makes the deck an inviting place to sit back and relax as you enjoy the luxuries on-board and the panoramic views.  Embark on an adventure and create memories you will cherish for a lifetime when traveling with AmaWaterways.


Wednesday, July 29, 2015

Family Vacations are Better at Beaches!!

Book your next family vacation at one of the most popular family resorts in the Caribbean. Beaches includes 3 resorts located in Jamaica and Turks & Caicos, offering more quality inclusions than any other resorts on the planet!

You may ask, what’s included in your stay at Beaches? There is literally something for everyone from young children to parents and grandparents making Beaches the perfect getaway for the entire family. When you book a vacation at one of these resorts you can rest assured you will arrive to luxurious accommodations and personalized service, great entertainment, gourmet dining and top-shelf drinks at multiple restaurants and bars located on property. Relax on some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean or get adventurous and explore the underwater world with scuba diving and snorkeling excursions. For younger kids, Beaches features large waterparks at each resort, kids programs and live shows featuring Sesame Street characters. Entertainment for teens includes beach parties and bonfires, themed nights and teen clubs, game rooms and arcades. Adults can enjoy swim-up bars, cocktail parties, night clubs and live music. Be sure to take advantage of the wide array of watersports offered at each resort, Beaches is the ONLY resort to offer both non-motorized and motorized watersports. You will never be bored at Beaches!!

Beaches Turks & Caicos is set on the famous Grace Bay Beach on the gorgeous island of Turks & Caicos. There are four different villages to best fit your family’s wants, the French, the Caribbean, the Italian and the Key West Village. The Key West Village recently added 150 guest rooms that give you the choice of a 4 to 5 bedroom villa or a 1 to 2 bedroom suite to accommodate your entire family all together. The resort features a 45,000 square foot waterpark, 3 new pools and 3 new restaurants have recently been added offering you 20 restaurants now to choose from when staying at Beaches Turks & Caicos.

In Jamaica there are two Beaches resorts, Beaches Negril & Beaches Ocho Rios. Undergoing recent renovations, Beaches Ocho Rios is unveiling a new look and new experiences for guests. Nestled among lush greenery and the beautiful blue Caribbean Sea lies a fantastic family friendly all-inclusive resort featuring an 18,000 square feet waterpark, six restaurants and a nearby golf course all included in your stay at Beaches Ocho Rios! Beaches Negril is located on a stunning 7-mile stretch of pure paradise featuring beachside pools, restaurants and bars. The latest waterpark expansion includes 18,000 square feet of waterslides, zero entry pools and a lazy river! Enjoy gourmet cuisine at 9 restaurants featuring a variety of flavors from Italian and French to Bar-B-Q and sushi. A brand new MasterCraft ski boat at the resort will provide guests a thrill seeking adventure while water skiing and wake boarding on the calm waters of the Caribbean. If you’re looking for the ultimate relaxing vacation with as much or as little to do as you please, Beaches Negril is the place for you!

Thursday, August 28, 2014

How a Travel Advisor Can Benefit You!

"The best travel agents are essentially consultants and many prefer to be called travel advisors because their advice, expertise and connections are of great value to you, the traveler."

We often get asked questions such as:
"Where is the best place to go? Where is the best place to stay? What are the best things to do? Where are the best places to dine?"
The truth is... Almost always, there is no best place - but there is a best for you, and that is why a relationship with a great travel advisor is so beneficial. The travel advisors of A Way To Go Travel know the right questions to ask you to get to know you and the things you enjoy. We use this information combined with our expertise, knowledge and relationships to guarantee you the best vacation experience!
An expert travel advisor can save you TIME. There is an overwhelming number of travel products and information available in today's market for individuals to decipher through on their own. Having someone to help guide you through the various options and assist in selecting the right vacation or tour for you is the best way to guarantee a pleasant travel experience. Often, our clients are impressed with our ability to secure all the components of a trip including accommodations, transfers, sightseeing tours, theatre tickets and more with ease and in a timely manner!
We can save you MONEY. There is a difference between price and value and the more traveler's realize this, the more they are choosing to book using a travel advisor. It just makes more sense! Many will shy away from using a travel agency because they think they'll be charged a fee for the agency's services. This is not the case with A Way To Go Travel! We make our money by booking through wholesalers and travel suppliers that combine pieces of your trip to condense the price giving us lower rates. In some instances, we may get the same rate that the client has found, but with the connections and relationships that our agency has with several tour, cruise and hotel companies we may be able to get you extras that you would not have received if you booked the trip by yourself. Extras include upgraded hotel rooms, welcoming basket or bottle of champagne, free breakfast, and more! Travel advisors are here to benefit you and make your travel and vacation experiences as pleasant and enjoyable as possible!
A Way To Go Travel has thrived on being the best in the industry since opening the doors in 1995. All of our travel advisors have worked in the travel industry for nearly 20 years and each have their areas of expertise! Working with KNOWLEDGEABLE travel advisors makes planning your next vacation a breeze! Often, people don't really know what kind of vacation they are looking for, are overwhelmed with information from the internet, or don't know what is available to them... Which is where we come in! Our job is to assist you and provide you with several options that fit with your wants and personality! Not only do we assist in booking your trip, we help you to discover and build your dream vacations as well! We can offer you authentic advice on traveling to different destinations or resorts that you may not have known existed without our help. Another perk to using an expert advisor is that we have often traveled to the same places we are sending you and can share our first hand experiences to help you select the trip that best suits you. International travel is another area often difficult for travelers to fully grasp because travel requirements are different for different destinations. Your travel advisor would notify you from the very start of the planning process of all the documents needed and the steps to get these documents. When booking travel, it all comes down to the details and flawless travel plans lie within the details.
The RELATIONSHIPS and CONNECTIONS travel agencies have is unbelievable! A way To Go Travel is a Signature affiliated agency giving us access to luxury resorts, hotels and on-site advisors. When planning your trip to Tahiti, Asia or Australia and you aren't sure where to start, would you rather call us or look to the internet? We have tour guides, on-site advisors and personnel all over the world that we communicate with to customize and plan your trip to meet all your travel wishes. Our knowledge combined with their expertise of the area will provide you with a much better experience than any experience you would get if you used the internet to plan your vacation.
Having a travel agent available to you during your travel can give you PEACE OF MIND. Even with extensive planning and months of preparation you may still hit bumps along the way. Flights get cancelled, hotel rooms aren't what you were expecting, etc. A travel agent is there to help get you through these moments and assist in getting your vacation back on the right path. A small hiccup doesn't have to ruin your 7 day vacation if you have someone dedicated to making sure your vacation is nothing less than AMAZING!

Thursday, May 15, 2014

Honeymoon in Ireland

Honeymoon in Ireland

Day 1 - Arrive Dublin Airport.
You will be met on arrival by a chauffeur-driven limousine and transferred to your hotel in Dublin city centre – The Merrion Hotel, Merrion Street, Dublin 2.

Check into hotel & afternoon free to enjoy the hotel spa or sightseeing in Dublin or you could visit some places of interest within walking distance of the hotel, which include:
Trinity College;  The National Gallery of Ireland;  The National Museum;  Dublin Castle & State Apartments;  St Patrick’s Cathedral;  The Guinness Storehouse;  The Old Jameson Distillery.




Trinity College, the University of Dublin, was founded in 1592.  The magnificent Old Library, built between 1712 and 1732 houses the Book of Kells at ground level and upstairs is the Long Room, which has a vaulted roof and upper gallery bookcases. It houses 200,000 of the oldest books.




St Patrick’s Cathedral was consecrated in 1192.  Jonathan Swift, the satirist and author of Gulliver’s Travels, was Dean of St Patrick’s from 1713 until his death in 1745.







The Guinness Storehouse & Gravity Bar are located in the Guinness Brewery one of Europe’s largest and where the famous Guinness Stout has been brewed since 1759.  The Storehouse is a virtual museum and the tour ends in the Gravity Bar, which is built on top of the storehouse and offers 3600 views of Dublin City.

For dinner this evening, there is an excellent 2* Michelin restaurant beside the hotel – Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud, and a wide selection of other excellent restaurants near the hotel, including some Indian restaurants.

Day 2 – Dublin tours
Enjoy more touring around Dublin with your private driver/guide, visiting such places as Malahide Castle in North County Dublin, or Glendalough and Powerscourt House & Gardens in Co Wicklow, to the South of the city.

Malahide Castle is situated north of Dublin city.  The castle was the home of the Talbot family for nearly 800 years.  Set in 250 acres of parkland, it is an interesting mix of architectural styles.  The Talbot family lived here from 1185 to 1973, when the last of the family of the Talbot’s emigrated to Australia.  They donated the house and lands to the Irish Government.   The house is furnished with beautiful period furniture together with an extensive collection of Irish portrait paintings, mainly from the National Gallery.  The history of the Talbot family is recorded in the Great Hall, where portraits of generations of the family tell their own story of Ireland's stormy history.  Many additions and alterations have been made to this romantic and beautiful structure, but the contours of the surrounding parklands have changed little in 800 years, retaining a sense of the past.

Powerscourt House & Gardens are located on a 1,000-acre estate in county Wicklow.  Powerscourt House is a great 18th-Century house, which was devastated by fire in 1974, but is being lovingly restored.  The Gardens are one of the finest gardens in Europe. The property is filled with splendid Greek and Italian inspired statuary, decorative ironwork, a petrified-moss grotto, lovely herbaceous borders, a Japanese garden, a circular pond and fountain with statues of winged horses, and the occasional herd of deer.  Visit the wonderful Avoca shop selling their famous woollen throws as well as other top quality Irish crafts and clothing, located in Powerscourt House. 


Evening at leisure

Day 3 –  Adare Manor, Adare, Co Limerick
You will be collected from your hotel by a driver/guide and transferred from Dublin to County Limerick, approx. 3 hours drive, where you will stay in the luxurious 5* Adare Manor Hotel, formerly the home of the Earls of Dunraven.  This hotel is situated in the lovely village of Adare.




The hotel has an excellent fine dining restaurant, and Adare is just a half hour drive from Limerick City where there some excellent restaurants, including Indian restaurants.





Day 4 – Day Tour to Killarney in County Kerry

Today you will take a day tour to Killarney in County Kerry where you will see the majestic Kerry mountains and Muckross House & Gardens, including the beautiful lakes of Killarney, in the National Park.



Set amid beautiful lake and mountain scenery, Killarney has been in the tourism business since the mid-19th century.  The famous lakes are close to the town.

Muckross House was built in 1843 in Elizabethan style, and was given by its owners to the Irish state in 1932.  It is part of the Killarney National Park, and open to the public daily.  Queen Victoria stayed here during her visit to Ireland.

Return to Adare Manor for a second night.


Day 5 – Carton House, Maynooth, Co Kildare

Today you will be driven from Adare to Maynooth in Co Kildare, where you will check into the wonderful 5* Carton House.  This is and ideal location for your trip to Dublin airport tomorrow for your return flight.

With a history spanning more than eight centuries, Carton Demesne has seen many changes in its lifetime. The Carton Estate first came into the ownership of the FitzGerald family shortly after Maurice FitzGerald played an active role in the capture of Dublin by the Normans in 1170 and was rewarded by being appointed Lord of Maynooth, an area covering town lands which include Carton.

Carton remained in the control of the FitzGeralds until the 1920s when the 7th Duke sold his birth right to a money lender Sir Harry Mallaby Deeley in order to pay off gambling debts of £67,500.  Lord Brockett purchased the house in 1949 and in 1977 his son David Nall-Cain sold the house to its present owners Lee and Mary Mallaghan, who transformed it into a luxury hotel.



Day 6 – Dublin Airport & Farewell.







Thursday, August 15, 2013




  

The brilliant colors of tropical fish and the exotic marine life living beneath the sea lead vacationer’s to embark on scuba diving adventures all around the world. Scuba diving is a unique excursion because you never see the same image twice. With every turn of your head and kick of your feet, you are given a new and exciting view. Each specie is very unique in their own way and as they gracefully swim past they leave you in awe trying to take in every detail. The curiosity of the sea will always call adventure seekers to explore beneath the ocean waters.


Scuba diving is offered in multiple destinations around the world, but where can you see the most interesting species and a bigger variety of marine life? Divezone.net has the top ten dive sites listed and gives details on each.
Their top rated dive site is a sunken ship wreck in Australia, SS Yongala Wreck. The ship rediscovered in 1958 uncovered an underwater world you have to see to believe. The amount of marine life that calls this ship wreck home is incredible. While diving at the SS Yongala Wreck in Australia, you can expect to see barracudas, Giant Trevallies Turtles, and sea snakes. Keep your eyes out for the bigger species as well and you just may spot a Bull Shark or a Tiger Shark.
The Sipadan Islands are known world-wide for the amazing visibility beneath the water and a top dive-site. Among the Sipadan Islands you will find a dive destination, Barracuda Point. Imagine thousands of barracudas passing by, tropical fish, sea turtles, and even sharks swimming all around you. This is a dive for the books, so don’t forget your underwater camera on this excursion!

Third on the list is a dive site, North Horn, for the adventure seeking, dare-devils. Located in Australia, you can dive with all the sharks found swimming along the Great Barrier Reef. Encountering so many different marine species and swimming with the sharks, it’s like swimming in an aquarium. Keep your eyes open and see how many different species of sharks you can spot during your dive. Look for the plentiful Gray Reef Sharks, Silvertip Sharks, Hammerhead Sharks, and catch a feeding and your adrenaline will be pumping faster than ever!

Richelieu Rock dive site comes in near the top at number four. If you have a trip to Thailand planned, make time to go scuba diving in a place also described as “Whale Shark Magnet”. Here you may spot a whale shark, Manta Ray, Dogtooth Tunas, Giant Trevallies Turtles, Tiger Tail Sea Horses, Pipefishes, Harlequin Shrimp and more. The variety of the marine life lurking below the waters at Richelieu Rock is incredible. 

Wreck sites are often popular areas for scuba diving because many marine animals find and make homes inside the nooks of the ruins. A popular ship wreck is the USS Liberty Wreck in Bali. With an unbelievable story of how the ship found its final resting place, the vessel lies on a sand slope in nine to thirty meters of water. While lurking around the ship wreck, keep your eyes open and you can hope to see a Black Tip Shark, a Garden Eel, and the Surgeonfish. All with distinct markings and various colors, the marine life is a sight to see here at the USS Liberty Wreck.

Also found on divezone.net is sites 6-10 which include: Cod Hole near the Great Barrier Reef in Australia coming in at number six. At number seven, also located in Australia is the Australian Navy Pier. Crystal Bay can be found near Bali. Taking the number nine spot on the list is Batu Bolong Dive Site found in the Komodo Islands. Last but not least, wrapping the list up at number ten is Elephant Head Rock in the Similan Islands.






Friday, July 19, 2013

The Society Islands

Tahiti- Queen of the Pacific

Tahiti is the largest island in the Society Islands group, located just between Los Angeles, California and Sydney, Australia. Along your cruise through the French Polynesian Island group, you will stop at Papeete, the capital of the island where you can expect to see lush greenery covering the island creating a beautiful landscape. Tahiti offers a variety of activities and things to do on the island. Grab a set of clubs and take on a game of golf. Tahiti is home to one of the only places in the French Polynesian with a golf course. If you are wishing to take the scenic tour of Tahiti, perhaps a hike to discover hidden valleys and waterfalls is an activity you would enjoy. Explore the tallest mountain in the French Polynesian, Mount Orohena, or spend the day at the famous surf spot in Teahupoo. Tahiti is a wonderful place to visit and explore for everyone offering a variety of activities and adventures.


Feeding the Sacred Eels
Huahine- Garden of Eden
 Lush forests, untamed landscapes, and quaint village towns cover the island of Huahine. During your visit to the island, check out the harvests of vanilla, melons, and bananas, the island provides rich soil producing the right mixture to produce these crops. Few residents on the island of Huahine, but nonetheless, they still have the welcoming and hospitable spirit towards tourists the French Polynesian is known for. White sand beaches, and azure waters surround the island creating a beautiful picturesque destination ideal for tourists. 

Bora Bora- The Romantic Island
Known as the honeymooner’s paradise, couples all over the world travel to see the unbelievable sights the island of Bora Bora has to offer. White sand beaches, beautiful crystal blue waters, towering palm trees, and blossoming hibiscus covering the slopes and valleys are a few sights you can expect to see as you cruise up to the island. Upon arrival to the beautiful, romantic island of Bora Bora, take a look off the side of the ship for the huge Manta Rays, vibrant tropical fish, and coral gardens decorating the ocean floor below.








Taha’a- The Vanilla Island
You will know when you have arrived to the island of Taha’a by the sweet aroma of vanilla lingering in the air.

 Moorea- The Magical Island
Cruise over to the magical island of Moorea and as you arrive, look towards the sky to see the charming birds of paradise and the exquisite mountain ridges. Explore the island to discover the pastel painted houses that are surrounded by gardens of hibiscus flowers. And before departing the island, make sure to find one of the many waterfalls flowing gently down the fern covered cliffs!

Raiatea- The Sacred Island
Known as the sacred island because of the rich cultural and historical significance. The island is home for many rare and indigenous flowers and plant species, host of the largest outdoor temple in the Polynesia called the Taputapuatea Marae, and traces of the historical past of Raiatea still exist. This is the island adventurous travelers will love! See the inner jungle on a 4-wheel drive adventure, hike to Mount Temehani to see the sacred flower whose only existence is on this island, or wind through the rainforest on the Faaroa River by boat, canoe, or kayak. If you enjoy the life under the waves, snorkel or scuba by the reef between Raiatea and Taha’a. Here is where you will find multiple marine species, caverns, drop-offs, and famous ship wrecks. This is the perfect island to experience unforgettable adventures. At the end of the day, you can retreat back to the ship to enjoy a gourmet meal and relax in luxury as you cruise toward your next destination.




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