There is a few things that are in travel news today...first things first.
Pricing for the cruise industry...everyone loves a cocktail or two or three on board ship...but don't shoot the messenger as the line goes...It's going to cost a little more for that cocktail.
Carnival Cruise Line announce it will be increasing automatic gratuity for staff by eight percent on December 1.
Royal Caribbean is raising prices for drink packages starting January 1. This includes Deluxe Beverage Package ask well as the Classic Soda Package.
Norwegian Cruise Line is also increasing its drink packages.
Holland America will be hiking their service charges by 7.4 percent.
So be aware come the end of the year and the New Year...you will be paying a little bit more.
The Minister of Tourism in the Bahamas has announced that Cruise Lines will no longer receive incentives for docking ships in The Bahamas. According to reports, the government was paying 12 million per year for incentives for calls to the Bahamas, unfortunately many passengers did not disembark. So there are plans underway to redevelop Prince George Dock to make it more inviting for passengers to get off and go on excursions.
WHAT"S HAPPENING WITH THE THEME PARKS
So if you are listening to my podcast you know that we have our in-house Disney Theme Park Specialist and we are keeping you abreast of all the changes in and around Disney World. So let's now chat about some of the other parks.
Sea World just opened up another attraction, or as I like to say ride. It's called Infinity Falls, and it really does fall. It is supposedly the highest water drop on this river raft style ride in this area.
Universal Studio has purchased 504 acres of property near by their other theme parks. They have two parks and one water park called Volcano Bay. Universals also owned the old Wet and Wild property which is now being converted to a resort style hotel for more guests. But the 504 acres is still a mystery. Universal just started putting in the plans to the city showing thousands of parking spots and asphalt along with new roads and road improvements around the area. Once can only speculate right now what Universal is going to put in on those 504 acres. As we find out we will keep you posted. It really is becoming a Theme Park City.
ADIRONDACK PARK
I just found this out. I knew about the Adirondacks, I have been there many times but I did not know that it was a National Park and bigger than Death Valley and Yellowstone combined. Apparently way back when in the 1870's a New York Lawyer and surveyor began to lobby the state of New York to create a massive preserve to protect the Adirondack Mountains, warning that its pristine forests would otherwise be lost to the timber industry. Great foresight. Well it too them till 1892 but they got it done and now nearly half of this forest is forever wild. Also there is no fee to get in to this beautiful area because there are towns and villages within the park perimeters. But if you are looking next year for a fall foliage trip...and peep at the leaves...this area will not disappoint.
NEED TO KNOW BEFORE VISITING THESE CITIES
Heading to Chicago? Don't you dare put ketchup on that Chicago Dog! Sacrilege!
Nashville Honky Tonks....not always on Broadway.
New York...some subway manners...manspread...DON"T DO IT. Avoid eye contact and please no PDA....no/no/no. Be courteous, let that senior or pregnant woman have your seat and allow the people getting off the train to get off before you push on.
Las Vegas...runs on cash...make sure you have some stashed in your wallet. Its good for tips and cover charges. Also you may want to avoid the casino ATM's as they can have service charges can be 5 to 6 dollars per transaction.
New Orleans...again you need some cash for the streetcar...and don't call it a trolley....it is a streetcar. They don't take charge cards or debit cards....its cash...it'll cost you $1.25
There are many more cities with their little idiosyncrasies. So find out what goes on in the city you are visiting and have fun Re-Discovering America.
DESTINATION OF THE WEEK
I wanted to find a place that we have not really talked about…I know we have chatted about places in Germany..but not this one. Bernkastel-Kues
A cultural town with old charm, Bernkastel-Kues, Germany is undeniably a striking destination, which dazzles visitors with its charismatic atmosphere. From its vibrant cobblestone streets painted with medieval architectural gems to its abundant vineyards bursting with succulent grapes, the town’s diverse landscape begs to be explored. Get ready to bask in Bernkastel-Kues’ fascinating heritage shaped by its friendly people, delicious foods and wines, as well as its colorful history. With adventures lurking on every corner, Bernkastel-Kues is an ideal location to discover the treasures of history and nature while indulging in the exquisiteness of a vintage delicacy.
Bernkastel-Kues’
spirit glistens along the river Moselle in Germany. Consisting of five
unique districts: Bernkastel, Kues, Andel, Wehlen, and Kues plateau; this old
town is a feast for the senses. Whether you contact the “Bernkasteler
Doctor” (wine tour) or visit the ancient castles and other iconic jewels, its
culture is inevitable. The Wine Museum and vineyards lure lovers of this
fine specialty with enlightening stories and flavors. The primitive
medieval architectures serve as memoirs of the Romans that once walked along
the historic streets, while the birthplace of Nicholas of Cusa celebrates the
life of the famous German humanist with its décor of elaborate
collections. In addition, do not miss the opportunity to visit the town’s
market square. Draped with medieval houses, this dynamic area is also
adorned with St. Michael’s Fountain and the significant pointed house, both
dating back to the 1600s; as well as the Renaissance-decorated town hall.
While
discovering Bernkastel-Kues’ highlights, take some time to fulfill your
shopping desires. For an amazing shopping experience “Bernkast'ler
Fenster” along with its other boutiques and shops makes Bernkastel-Kues a
paradise for fashionistas. There is a wide spectrum of
merchandise lurking behind every door. From clothing to books, everything
is within arm’s length and readily available for your buying pleasure.
Take a break from shopping and stimulate your taste buds with a cultural
feast. Authentic German cuisines are hypnotizing as their scents
refreshingly overflow throughout the local restaurants. With a bottle of red
or white wine, this is the icing on the cake!
The
climate and rich soil contribute to Bernkastel-Kues being a great producer of
wine. During the course of a year the town experiences a mild humid
temperate climate. In the months of May to September (warm season), temperatures
averages from a daily high in the 70s and decrease to the mid-50s. During
November to March (cold season) the weather ranges between an everyday high of
40 °F to a low within the 20s.
Bernkastel-Kues’
surroundings are perfect for hiking and biking, which are a thrilling way to
experience the town’s highlights. There are also boat tours, providing
majestic views of the Moselle as well as the neighboring towns of
Bernkastel-Kues. However, tourists are encouraged to hop aboard the Scenic
Train. For 45 minutes, this train is uniquely designed for your
travelling pleasure. Here, guests are able to see various
attractions such as the church of St. Michael and the Birthplace of Nicholas of
Musa, while the Moselle region’s scenery sparkles in the background.
RECIPE OF
THE WEEK
New York Style Bagels
Yields about 8
Ingredients:
·
2 teaspoons active dry yeast
·
1-1/2 tablespoons white sugar
·
1-1/4 cups warm water (no less than 110 degrees F)
·
3-1/2 cups bread flour (don't use all purpose)
·
Dash of salt
Directions:
1. 1. Mix 1/2 cup of warm water with the yeast and sugar. Let sit
until it starts to bubble, about 10 minutes. Add the flour and salt in to the
yeast mixture, and stir with a wooden spoon. Pour half of the rest of the water
into the flour mixture. Knead with your hands and add additional water to
moisten the dough.
2. Liberally flour a hard counter top. Knead the dough for about 15-20 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
3. Lightly brush a large mixing bowl with oil. Place the dough in the bowl and cover with a damp towel. Let rise in a warm place for about an hour. Punch it down and let rest another 10 minutes.
4. Divide the dough into 8 pieces and shape each one into a round bun. On a floured surface, roll the dough until very smooth and perfectly round. Gently press a finger into the center of the dough to make a bagel shape. Stretch the ring to about 1/3-inch diameter. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
5. Cover with a damp towel and let rest for about 15-20 minutes.
6. Bring a large pot of water to a rapid boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and place the bagels in the water using a slotted spoon. Once the bagels float to the top. Flip them over and let sit for about a minute.
7. Place the boiled bagels on a greased cookie sheet. Bake for about 20 minutes at 400 degrees F, or until golden brown. Cool on a wire cooling rack.
2. Liberally flour a hard counter top. Knead the dough for about 15-20 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
3. Lightly brush a large mixing bowl with oil. Place the dough in the bowl and cover with a damp towel. Let rise in a warm place for about an hour. Punch it down and let rest another 10 minutes.
4. Divide the dough into 8 pieces and shape each one into a round bun. On a floured surface, roll the dough until very smooth and perfectly round. Gently press a finger into the center of the dough to make a bagel shape. Stretch the ring to about 1/3-inch diameter. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
5. Cover with a damp towel and let rest for about 15-20 minutes.
6. Bring a large pot of water to a rapid boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and place the bagels in the water using a slotted spoon. Once the bagels float to the top. Flip them over and let sit for about a minute.
7. Place the boiled bagels on a greased cookie sheet. Bake for about 20 minutes at 400 degrees F, or until golden brown. Cool on a wire cooling rack.
Well I sure hope you are tuning into my podcast. You can subscribe to it for free. You can find it real easy on I-tunes/Stitcher/Buzzsprout. You can also visit my website atwww.zeemichaelsontravel.com and you can let your imagination run wild. If you want to visit any of these places that we talk about or something you see on my website, give me a call and I will help you Make Your Travel Dreams Come True
No comments:
Post a Comment