GERMANY/CRUISING/TAILGATING AND MORE

 WOW!

It has been an awesome couple of weeks.  We had our ZMT correspondent in our studios....all the way from Germany.  Did you listen to my podcast?   She had some great things to talk about. Genevieve Lowe shared with us some of her favorite places to go in Germany. We talked about Berlin/ Munich/Hamburg/ even the Black Forrest.   She shared some great food and shopping for fresh food in the markets...we call them farmers markets here.  She also talked about the Christmas Markets in Germany and the tasty treats you can buy as you stroll past some of the vendors.  I know you are thinking it is too early to talk about Christmas Markets but not if you want to get to Germany to shop in them.  Right now there are some great River Cruises that you can go on to enjoy this. Spiced Wine...Yummy!

On my Podcast we talked about Chad Clark's Certified 25 Travel Experiences if money were no object.   What do you think about an overnight stay in a Yurt in Platte Canyon...What's a Yurt you ask.  Well take a look at this..

And they can be pretty comfy inside as well...here is just one example of what inside can look like...

They can get very glamorous inside...this is just one of the basics.

So that is a Yurt.  Definitely an experience.

Now let's talk Vegas....I personally do not gamble.  But I always have fun in Las Vegas.   Well there is much much more to do in Vegas than just gamble.  Shows, Shows, and more shows.  Yes Virginia, Elvis is Alive and Well and performing in Vegas.  LOL   but that aside you have great places to dine on gourmet food.  Buffets to beat all buffets...The prices are right.  Hotels are vying for your business offering great deals.  They want you to stay and play in their place.  My favorite thing is the weather. Yes in can be very hot.  But the sun shines an average of 300 days per year.    If you want you can bring the kids...there are plenty of family friendly things to do and see in Vegas.  Did you know you can zip line through what I call old downtown Las Vegas....I can't wait to go back and try this out.  It's like you are flying over the city...How cool is that.  No need to rent a car....you can walk to many places that are near to each other...or if you want take a cab or uber.  You can also find some great travel deals....so don't rule Las Vegas out.  Remember "What Happens in Vegas, Stays in Vegas".

So as you know we had our very own ZMT correspondent in town all the way from Germany.  Gen wanted to do some exploring...so we had Jay Lawrence escort her around to some fun places that Gen has not gone and by the way neither did Jay.  They first traveled to the Keys...but not just any Key...They traveled to Key West.  They rented bicycles and started to explore...Jay said renting a bicycle was inexpensive and a very easy way to get around.  They also went to the Hemingway House.  Jay is an avid reader and wanted to see where some of these great novels were written.  Also  Sloppy Joes...one of Hemingway's hangouts.  You know Jay had to have a Sloppy Joe.  But that aside...they were in awe of the beautiful water and scenery.  

This is not were their journey ends....Jay wanted to do a small cruise...they jumped aboard a Royal Caribbean Cruise ship for a short time 3n/4d cruise to the Bahamas.  Jay was a novice...he was never on a cruise.  I do recommend taking a shorter cruise if you have never cruised before to get the feel of the water, or should I say get your sea legs.  However with the cruise ships now...they have some great stabilizers and most of the time you have a smooth ride.  Jay said he really never felt the boat moving at all...He is ready for his next cruise now.  But we have captured their adventures below...

Looks like they had a lot of fun.

I would love it if you would subscribe for FREE to my podcast.  We invite your reviews and questions and if you would like us to chat about something, let me know and we will try to get this info out for you.

So if you want to take that Cruise or travel to Las Vegas....or even that trip to Germany...feel free to give me a shout, check out my website and lets get you traveling and Making Your Travel Dreams Come True. 

OCEANIA CRUISES AND MORE

OCEANIA CRUISE....

Wow I know I have not written in a few weeks.  I have been checking out new places and new adventures.  One Cruise Line I wanted to share with everyone was Oceania Cruises.

You have heard me talk about boutique style cruising.  Well Oceania goes above and beyond.
This will sound silly but there are some ships that are soooooo big....then some soooooo small.

But Oceania got it right.  The ships are just the right size.

You can even cruise around the World with Oceania.  Many different itineraries for different adventures.  The Caribbean, the Mediterranean, The Tropics and more. You and your shipmates can quickly become friends as you experience the different ports of call.

I have yet to sail on one of their beautifully redesigned luxurious ships.  However; I did have the opportunity to take a ship tour when it docked in Port Canaveral here in Central Florida. Let me tell you...from the moment you board these vessels you are treated elegantly.   The staterooms give you a feel of roominess. The staff are delightful.  The size of the ship is easy to get around or should I save navigate (try to keep nautical).  And for you foodies....well I am still kicking myself for not getting the name of the delicious wine I was served at lunch.

The lunch......was several courses...one taste sensation after another.  Let me show you...
I took some pictures.

Appetizer for my Dining Companion

My Main Course....I don't eat meat...this dish...was fabulous

My Dining Companion had a beef Wellington...looked Delish

My Appetizer.. .Caviar Yummm

My Dessert...was this Pistachio with a Meringue fluff...and chocolate 

.

After Dessert...more goodies....YUMMY

I am not a foodie but I know good food when I taste it.  Now with my lunch down it was time to explore more of the Ship I was on...It was the Regatta.  I love pools so off I ventured....

My Ship Tour was over....but now its time to plan an adventure on one of these great ships

I hope you have the opportunity to tune into my podcasts.  I talk about these little trips and I also chat with tour guides/directors/and more.  

Feel free to check out my website.  Send me an email if you want  more information about a trip you would like to take.  Or if you would like me to talk about something let me know. Don't forget you can like/rank and subscribe to my podcasts....  I would like to hear from you.

Thanks again for allowing me the opportunity to talk to you and show you just some of the places you can go in the great big beautiful World we live in.

DISNEY'S D23 SUMMIT AND MUCH MUCH MORE

Disney's D23 Summit and more

I know I have not written in a few weeks.  It has been a crazy summer.  But I hope you are enjoying my podcasts.

Well where to begin.  Let's start with Disney's D23 Summit.  There are some changes that are about to get underway at WDW  Some of your favorite rides are changing.  The Great Movie ride is going to be replaced in the very near future.  This ride is in Hollywood Studios.  Then Ellen" Energy Adventure in Epcot is also going to be replaced with Guardians of the Galaxy attraction.  Magic Kingdom will be introducing a new attraction coming from  Shanghai Disneyland.  a "Tron" themed attraction.  A new transportation system is also coming to WDW.,,,The Disney Skyliner.  I can't wait for that.  Getting to the parks while staying on property will also add another way for you and your family to skip the buses and ferry's and take a van....the MINNIE VAN...this will have a fee associated with it...but you will pull up in style with an adorable MINNIE MOUSE inspired van.  There is just to much to talk about but you know Disney...they are not short on imagination...so just keep listening to our podcast and will we try to keep you updated at these changes taking place.

Christmas is Coming....I know you are all saying its only July.  But time is now to plan your Holiday vacations.  There are some fun traditional places you can visit via the American Queen Steamboat company.  The cruises actually have themed holiday itineraries.  Imagine yourself floating down the Mississippi River and enjoying Blues, Jazz, and country music and more...while becoming acquainted with some favorite holiday treats and homespun traditions.  Maybe you can create your own new traditions.

If you listen to my podcast for any length of time you know I love cruising.  Let me tell you about this great hidden Secret.  MSC Cruise Line.  Their gorgeous ships cruise all over the World.  You want to sail overseas MSC has some great itineraries to choose from. MSC...thinking of something more local...How about sailing out of Miami to the Caribbean.  Would you believe one of their ships staircase is made with Swarovski Crystal.  This line has been around for years based out of Europe.  However they are making a big splash here in the U.S.  And quite the splash it is.  Their new ship "Seaside"is a sight to behold.  I am planning a trip on this beauty in January.  I can't wait.

If cruising is not your thing, think travel tours.  Trafalgar Tours is one of the more well know tour groups and you can go the British Isles to Europe to Greece and more.  These inclusive tours might be just what you are looking for.  Small size groups.  Air Conditioned buses...Travel/Accomodations/Museum-Site visits and some meals all included.  You can even package your air fare.  So you don't have to worry about much.  

If you have any experiences or pictures you would like to share with us. Please send me an email....include those great Holiday Trip pictures....and I can share it with our readers and listeners.

Again, thanks for stopping by my blog and listening to my podcast and allowing me to....
Make Your Travel Dreams Come True

Feel free to visit my website and let your imagination soar as to where you would like to go on vacation....

FOOD FOOD AND MORE FOOD

FOOD FOOD AND MORE FOOD

Well since we have been talking the "Battle of the Theme Parks"  I think we need to talk about another battle....the battle of the food.

There are so many restaurants and eateries within the parks and on resort grounds it will take a few podcasts to even get to talk about most of them.  So we will first talk about Disney.  In my podcast this week we brought in our local Disney Expert, Jerry Nordun.  We asked Jerry to come up with some great places to eat on Disney properties that were not necessarily in the Parks....(Jerry had a tough job...eating all that food)

The ALL STAR RESORTS which consist of 3 resorts have some great food courts.  You are on the run and want to grab a quick bite.

You can visit ANIMAL KINGDOM LODGE and take a peak at the animals that are roaming....but while there enjoy Boma or Jiko...these are the most well known...but you should check out the
Sanaa Restaurant at Kidani Village...slow cooked meats, salads and vegetarian specialties....as you discover African cooking with Indian flavors.  Want quick service head on over the The Mara at Jambo House....don't forget to grab dessert....Zebra Domes....tasty bite size morsels of yum.

Now remember you are not in the park so there is no admission like when you go into the parks.  You can make reservations (which are advised) sit back, soak up the ambiance and the atmosphere and enjoy some great food.  

If you want the feel of the Caribbean...check out the CARIBBEAN BEACH RESORT  The multi colored buildings feels like you are really there and again...grab a bite to eat.  

Now right on the Monorail line is THE CONTEMPORARY RESORT.  The delicious American Flavors of The Wave....

CORONADO SPRINGS has some wonderful options like the Pepper Market or Cafe Rix and for full service try Maya Grill...

There is just too much to talk about in this blog.  I will have more to follow...But as you can see...even if you don't go to the parks you can still have a great time and great food at these Disney Resort eateries.

BATTLE OF THE THEME PARKS

Battle of the Theme Parks

2017 is proving to be quite a boon for the Theme Parks in Central Florida.  You know which ones I am talking about, and maybe a few parks you may not be aware of what they are up to.

We can start with the Volcano that is towering over the I-4.  Of course, I am speaking about Universal Studios latest attraction, Volcano Bay.  It is going to be a water park full of water rides and according to reports no waiting in long lines or carrying your inner tube around with you.  This is just the icing on the cake.  Race Through New York...Starring Jimmy Fallon...you can zoom around New York City Landmarks and more.   Not to be outdone...Christmastime is right around the corner and Universal will not fail you.  The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.  Muggles and students will be able to experience Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley with its Festive Holiday decorations on the buildings and within the shops of the Wizarding World.  Don't miss out on the mapped-projection technology that will "cast a spell" onto the castle and feature iconic moments from the films.

As you know we have our very own resident Disney expert.  Jerry Nordun,..He wants us to know that Pandora-The World of Avatar is opening soon.  You will be transported to the world of Pandora home of the Na'vi, full of bioluminescent plants and floating mountains.   You can travel down the Na'vi River or fly on a Banshee.....I would say...do both...

But of course, there are 3 other theme parks with Disney...Hollywood Studios is getting ready to blast off on a seven hour VIP guided tour of everything Star Wars.  The Magic Kingdom is launching a new Night time spectacular high above Cinderella's Castle with the most character appearances projected on the castle.  This is a must see.  There is so much to do and see at Walt Disney World...I can't even talk about it all in one blog...You just have to go...You won't be disappointed...but you better pace yourself.

I know Sea World has been making some changes and they have all been for the better.  They had the Seven Seas Food Festival...The Dolphin Nursery...nothing says cute like baby dolphins...They now even have an end of the day spectacular.   Don't think its only marine life...now you can ride on Mako...its supposed to be the highest, steepest coaster in the area.  If you never rode on Kraken you can now enhance your ride with Virtual Reality headsets....WOW!  And Sesame Street comes to Sea World,,,,

LegoLand  some of you have heard about whether you used Legos as a child or not.  They now have a Legoland Beach Retreat...and don't count out the Lego Ninjago The Ride....but you have to bring the kids...that's the only way you can get in.

Well that's about it right now for the Battle of the Theme Parks.  Now as you know my concierge of Podcast Travel has been on the road.  In the the beautiful state of Montana.  Montana has been one of those state that I still have yet to see and can't wait to visit.  However Jay has supplied us with some great pics and we had interviewed the Mayor of Virginia City and there is a wonderful camping program for the kids...MOSS you can hear more on my podcast

Next time I will have to join my team...Oh yeah did it tell you these picture were taken in May...so it is a bit chilly there.

If you have gone somewhere great and have some fun pictures you would like to share just send them to  me...So have fun traveling and if you want to get more information feel free to check out my website.   www.zeemichaelsontravel.com

NOT SO CROWDED NATIONAL PARKS

NATIONAL PARKS...YOU MAY NOT OF THOUGHT ABOUT...

With summer just about here and the urge to travel reaching its peak.  You may want to go visit some of our National Parks.  Now during the summer most of the National Parks are a little crowded but there are a few that are absolutely gorgeous and may not be as crowded. Now that being said...some of these parks may not be for the faint of heart.

Wrangell-St. Elias National Park...It's our countries biggest national park.  Yes I said biggest....It is actually about twice the size of Massachusetts...Getting there is a bit much.  You need to drive five hours from Anchorage to the town of Chitina, then hop on a plane for a half hour flight...then you can hike across Root Glacier to the mile high Stairway Icefall.  Of course you can take the easy way and just to a "flightseeing" 

trip on a Wrangell bush plane.

Lake Clark National Park...Think 4 million acres of hiking, kayaking, and wildlife watching.....just one thing....No Road Access....you must fly in.  but once there stay at the rustic Farm Lodge....and enjoy puddle jumping....

Katmai Nation Park....Like bears....well this is the place to see them.  It is famous for its brown bears.  It is desolate, with a volcanic landscape similar to Iceland.  

Gates of the Arctic National Park...This is raw wilderness and the name gives away the location...it is entirely above the Arctic Circle.  Cold you betcha...You would fly from Fairbanks to Anaktuvuk Pass.  Its a village of about 400 people....but if you are into fishing there is some great fishing...you can cast for pike, salmon, and sheefish....

Now if you are looking for a getaway that may be a little more luxurious and a bit of an adventure, hop aboard Japanese newest train.  "Train Suite Shiki-shima"  it is a 10 car train and a four day trip from Tokyo to Hokkaido.  It features traditional tatami rice straw mats and bathtubs made from hiroki cypress wood in its executive suite.  It has two observatories with glass walls and ceilings to soak in the views.  Now if you are looking for this type of adventure...the top suites sell for $10,000 per person and right now the train is booked till March of 2018.  

So start putting together your wish list.  Check out all the World has to offer and if you need some help.  Check out my web site.  www.zeemichaelsontravel.com you may get some ideas

FROM HERE TO THERE

FROM HERE TO THERE

Wow I can't believe another week has gone by.  I hope everyone is traveling or planning their trip.  On my podcast this week we chatted about everything from HERE in the States to THERE in South East Asia.  

I love to talk with people that have traveled to fun and exciting places and really get into the culture.  I brought Paul Madison on my Podcast today.  He just recently returned from living in South East Asia.  He chatted with us about some of the things to do and see and how to experience Indonesia.  Of course we even spoke about food.  Have to try the local cuisine.  I have and Indonesian food is delicious, but can be a bit spicy.  Which is something I love love love.  I invited Paul back to talk more about his experiences in South East Asia.  

So now back on the mainland USA...Jerry Nordun who has been "Getting Around" talked about his time in Atlanta.  He told us about the local transit and how to get around on it.  He then told us about a place that sounds like so much fun for both children and adults.  It is the Center for Puppetry Arts in Atlanta.  Of course Jerry had to name drop as he took a selfie with him and Kermit....

However, he told us about the theater of puppet shows. They have shows for children and then they can see how the puppets work and get the opportunity to work on their own puppets....and for you adults;  They even have shows designed for 18 and over.  Now when I say puppets it ranges from marionettes, to muppets style, to hand puppets and more.  I think Jay Lawrence and I need to go on a road trip and check this place out.  The Center for Puppetry Arts is in Central Atlanta.  

Now last week I wrote about reading the small print.  The airlines are still reeling from the fall out, but they are now working on better systems and better benefits for their passengers if they get bumped.  Remember...stay calm...and if you get bumped it can work to your advantage.

Now that Paul came on the show and talked a little bit about South East Asia...I thought it would be nice to find a great deal for anyone looking to go to Vietnam and Cambodia....How about an Asian River Cruise.  and for a limited time you can FLY free to Asia on a 16 day adventure....or a two fly for price of one on any 8-12 day tour.  This wonderful adventure is on Emerald Waterways.  I can book you on these river cruises and they are fabulous...but remember its a first come first serve, because once its gone its gone and you need to book by August 31, 2017.  

So remember whether you want a staycation or a world wide experience.  You can call me...check our my web site www.zeemichaelsontravel.com you can browse it, you can see what you would like and give me a call or email.  

Read the Small Print

Read the Small Print

I know everyone has seen the video of the gentleman that was pulled from his seat while he was on board a flight.  I know it seems terrible.  So let's try to figure out how you can avoid this.

First things first.  Airlines regularly overbook flights.  It has been a practice for many many years. The airlines also state they do have the right to bump you off.  It's all in legaleaze on the tickets. However, did you know that this can be to your advantage. 

Your thinking how can this possibly be a benefit to you.  Well I will tell you.  If you don't have to be somewhere immediately...like the wedding is at 3p and you are due to arrive at 1p type of thing.  The airlines, usually will request volunteers to be bumped.  Your ticket is still good.  They will get you on another flight and work with the other carriers to get you on the connections.  They will also usually offer up to 200% of your current ticket for future travel.  Sounds pretty good to me.  You get some free travel for being inconvenienced for only a few hours.  Now if there are no takers and the airlines need to bump they let the computer randomly select you.  So they don't know anything other than your name and your seat number at this time.  If this happens...you can explain to them that the wedding is 3pm and you are the best man/maid of honor etc.  They will try to re-accommodate.., if you have no extreme excuse for getting on the flight and you have been mandatory bumped...you may get up to 400% for your inconvenience.  Sounds like more than one flight to me..so maybe you'll be able to take a few  trips.   NOW!!!!!! and this is a big NOW!!!!! If you get irate and start yelling or arguing and screaming and more.  They will send in police/air marshalls/tsa...etc....And in extreme cases you may be banned from flying on that particular airline.  So keep a cool head and remember...being bumped can work out in your favor.

Now I said this is a Read the Small Print.  This is not only for the airlines it is also for Cruises.  When you get all the your papers for your cruise...Read the small print.  regarding cancellation policies etc. This can get you into a lot of trouble if you are expecting all your money back if you cancel and you are too close to sailing.  You may think I am calling the week before.  It may not be good enough.  Usually when cruising you have different time periods with monies you can receive back.  I understand sometimes things happen.  You got the flu the night before or some other catastrophe has happened.  I recommend getting travel insurance.  It a small price to pay and you may just get reimbursed a good chunk of change if something happens.  Some insurances even work if you are on vacation and something happens.  So look into the insurance....doesn't hurt to ask and "read the small print"

Now have a great vacation.  If you need me just check out my website and I will be more than happy to help you.

IT'S BEEN TOO LONG

EATING/CRUISING/AND DISNEY!


I know it has been a long time since I last blogged.  I hope you have been enjoying my podcast.

It has been quite the year already for me. I have been helping people making their travel dreams come true.  I have been monitoring all the new and exciting things that are happening in the travel world, like cruises.

Would you believe, the ships are getting larger and more dynamic.  The cruise lines are adding more ships.  Take a look at MSC Cruises, or Carnival Cruises, even Norwegian Cruise Lines better known as NCL.  Some of these ships are carrying over 4000 passengers.  Some of the new ships look like floating condo complexes.  There are more things to do on board.  Like Carnival has a sky ride.  It resembles a bicycle in the sky. It is high above the top deck and you pedal around.

Now if you don't like large ships that holds 4000 or more.  You may like to take a smaller ship, they are more like a boutique ship.  Check out the Oceania Lines.  Their ships are beautiful...less passengers...and great for those foodies.  The meals are exquisite.  

Remember one thing when booking a cruise.....pick one that is going to accommodate for your lifestyle.  Are you honeymooning....are you with the kids....or is it a girlfriends getaway?  Let your travel agent know what you are looking to do.  

When thinking cruises... the next thing I think of is food.  When traveling put the diet on hold.  (if you can) and try some of the wonderful delicacies of the country you are visiting.  Learn the culture...learn the eating habits.  For example some countries/cultures eat with their hands.  So as they say "When in Rome...."  I have experienced many different cultures' ways of dining.  Not only do you learn something new.  You get to eat great food....and have fun doing it...and yes...I did experience eating with my hands.  If you get the opportunity and you are in a restaurant that is not too crowded...ask what is the local favorite let them know you would like to try something you never had before.  You may just be surprised by what you get.  I remember my roommate and I went into a local eatery.  There was no crowd  and we asked for something they liked.  We were served like kings and educated on how to eat the food.  It was fun and yummy and an experience neither one of us will ever forget.

Now we have talked Cruises and Food...so what else could be new.  Disney!   I know Disney is not new...but Disney World Orlando is adding a Gondola Transportation System.  It will be a cable propelled transit system that will transport people from certain parks and locations.  By putting in these high tech gondolas, they hope it will help alleviate some of the street traffic and of course making moving from park to park easier.

If you would like to send me some of your feedback on some of your experiences or send pictures that we can share with others.  Send them on through.

Remember to enjoy your travel and experience somethings that are new. That's what memories are made from.  If you still need to plan a trip, feel free to go to my website or contact me and let's "make your travel dreams come true."