Be prepared for Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights!

Halloween Horror Nights opened September 12, rolling out the red carpet and welcoming Academy Award®-winning filmmaker Jordan Peeleand cast members from Universal Pictures’ blockbuster Us, including Evan Alex, Madison Curry, Alan Frazier, Shahadi Wright Joseph and Cali and Noelle Sheldon; Dan Aykroyd (Ghostbusters) and filmmaker Ivan Reitman (Ghostbusters, National Lampoon’s Animal House); acclaimed director and executive producer Greg Nicotero(“Creepshow,” “The Walking Dead”), filmmaker Eli Roth(Haunt, The House with a Clock in Its Walls), GRAMMY® Award-winning musician SLASH, multi-platinum recording artist and filmmaker Rob Zombie (House of a 1000 Corpses), executive producers Matt Duffer and Ross Duffer (“Stranger Things”), and John Murdy, Executive Producer, “Halloween Horror Nights” at Universal Studios Hollywood.

This year’s terrifying “Halloween Horror Nights” lineup of mazes and attractions includes:

• “Us,” an all-new maze based on the blockbuster film from Universal Pictures and visionary Academy Award®-winning filmmaker Jordan Peele
• “Ghostbusters,” Sony Pictures’ classic 1984 film comes to life for the first time ever in this all-new maze
• “Stranger Things,” based on seasons 2 and 3 of Netflix’s critically-acclaimed supernatural thriller
• “Killer Klowns from Outer Space,” the popular 1980’s horror sci-fi film lands at “Halloween Horror Nights” in this all-new chilling maze
• “Creepshow,” maze inspired by the 1982 cult classic movie directed by George Romero and Shudder’s brand new anthology series, re-imagined by acclaimed make-up artist, director and executive producer, Greg Nicotero
• “Frankenstein Meets The Wolf Man,” inspired by Universal’s original cinematic monsters and the movie studio that invented the horror film genre
• “House of 1000 Corpses,” inspired by Lionsgate’s 2003 cult classic film and directed by multi-platinum recording artist and filmmaker Rob Zombie
• “Holidayz in Hell,” an all-original maze featuring demented versions of everyone’s favorite seasonal celebrations
• “Curse of Pandora’s Box,” an all-new original maze based on the twisted Greek mythology tale
• “The Walking Dead,” Universal Studios Hollywood’s permanent attraction inspired by AMC’s popular television series
• The Jabbawockeez award-winning hip hop dance crew returns by popular demand with an all-new, high-energy performance created exclusively for “Halloween Horror Nights”

The scares will continue on select nights until November 3, 2019:

• September 26-29
• October 3-6
• October 10-13
• October 17-20
• October 24-27
• October 31
• November 1-3

Staying Alive in an Emergency

In the wake of the recent earthquakes and hurricanes in the news, we thought it’s worth  taking a moment to talk about staying alive during a major event like an earthquake, hurricane or tsunami while on a trip.

One of the best pieces of advice we can give is to be observant and be prepared. Hmmm…sounds like the Boy Scouts’ motto. Everywhere you go, always make yourself aware of emergency exits in buildings and evacuation signs or routes and a place to evacuate to. This is especially true when visiting a coastal area near the Pacific Ocean (Western coast of the U.S. or countries/islands in the Pacific) where tsunamis seem to be more prevalent. Then, be prepared by taking a few basic items with you just in case as we’ve seen that having to deal with the effects of the event afterwards may prove just as hazardous as the event itself.

Some items to keep with you – carry a small first aid kit (with an antiseptic, band aids and ointment for healing), have some cash in small bills and include coins, a flashlight including extra batteries, a couple of protein bars (or a can of food), a fully charged cell phone, and a bottle of water. There are quite a few more items you could put in a bag but these are some basics I would take with me on any trip whether driving or flying to your vacation destination. Some companies have “bug-out bags” already put together with these basic items and more. It would probably be good to keep one around the house.

When an earthquake does come, drop to your knees if indoors, find cover under a sturdy table, curl up in a fetal position holding on to one of the table’s legs and after the shaking,  get out. If outdoors, move to an open area where buildings or heavy objects won’t fall on you. If in a car, slow down and move to the side of the road avoiding stopping under bridges, overpasses, power lines, trees and large signs. Fema has provided a more detailed list of tips for preparing before, surviving during and after an earthquake. Keep in mind that most often, the after issues can be just as hazardous.

In a tsunami situation, the most important thing to remember is get to higher ground. With most of them, the water recedes from the shoreline to a noticeable point. When that happens, RUN. Get away from the beach immediately. The 3rd floor or higher of a building, climb a tree or run to the nearest assembly point if you hear an announcement. Stay tuned to local news stations for evacuation or emergency announcements.

If you are traveling internationally, always find the phone number and address of the nearest U.S. Embassy in case you need to evacuate quickly. We certainly hope that you never get caught in a situation like this whether here at home or while on a trip. But if you do, these tips should help you stay alive. Stay safe.

Whale Watching

You catch the bubbles out of the corner of your eye. As you turn, you see the churning sea water smooth out for a quarter of second before the behemoth surges upwards, higher than its bulk should allow, arcing into the air with its white throat pleats glistening in the sun. As it lands with a roaring splash, a massive, forked tail flips up, hovers momentarily as if waving, and then slides back into the deep waters with a whispered gurgle.

Whether your name’s Ishmael or not, watching a whale surface is an unforgettable experience. Luckily it’s an experience you can enjoy in nearly 120 countries, yet these are our favorite spots.

Alaska – Like humans, whales love to sail through the cold, glacier-fed waters of the Last Frontier. While more than 20,000 Gray whales will swing by on the way to their summer feeding grounds in the Bering and Chukchi seas of Northern Alaska, Humpbacks are the real draw here. You’ll see quite a show when groups team together and form large circles to trap vast shoals of herring, and then propel themselves upwards with mouths wide open.

Australia – Whales, apparently, can’t get enough of Australia’s stunning coastlines and tropical waters. Nearly 60 percent of the world’s whales can be found here, more than 45 species, including Southern Rights, Minke whales, Blues and Orcas. Unlike Alaska, they come down under to breed and raise their young in the shallow, sheltered waters of the Whitsundays and Hervey Bay, where you can spot the grand creatures from viewing platforms placed along the coastal roads.

Dominican Republic – Christopher Columbus noticed whales in the DR’s Samaná Bay and Silver Bank areas back in 1493, and visitors have been returning ever since. In the clear, Caribbean waters, you can watch the gentle giants swimming peacefully among the corals, or, if you’re feeling brave, you can snorkel besides the 40-ton Humpbacks and peer into their dark, dinner-plate sized eyes.

South Africa – Watching Humpbacks and Southern Rights line up for an endless buffet of krill and sardines on the nation’s southern coach is, to some, even more rewarding that seeing African elephants and Cape buffalos on a game drive. You can often spot whales easily at outdoor cafes in the delightful company of a glass of Pinotage from Stellenbosch. For closer observation, head to Hermanus, the self-proclaimed whale-watching capital of the world, where your clothes may get soaked by whales breaching just a few meters from the seaside footpaths.

This excerpt is taken from our Travel Tips Quarterly. Check out our website and sign up for these informative newsletters along with alerts on specific sales to your favorite destinations. Or, give us a call at 618-687-2100 to find your dream vacation.

Caribbean but no passport required!

     Did you know that Puerto Rico has the only tropical rain forest listed in the U.S. Forest Service? El Yunque has the best hiking with dozens of trails leading to peaks, waterfalls and streams cascading into pools. But besides all the caves, wildlife, spelunking, hiking, kayaking, rock climbing, cave diving, body rafting down the Tanama River and scuba diving, it has so much more to offer. Ponce is a town with Mediterranean style buildings that have been white washed. The scenery reminds me of sailing into Greece and the shopping is great too. For history buffs, there is no better place than El Moro, the Spanish fortress built to protect San Juan, which has been standing guard for over 400 years. Not to mention, Old San Juan with it’s cobblestone streets, 17th century churches, and historic buildings. The largest radio telescope in the world is at the Arecibo Observatory for all you science nuts. There is so much to pick from  – relax, play in the sand and turf, go sightseeing, get active or go for the spectacular nightlife after the sun sets – maybe even do it all. Call us for a price on your biggest adventure yet and best of all – you don’t need a passport!

Cruise ship extras and how to keep money in your pockets

Avoiding cruise ship extra charges can be a bit tricky but can be done with due diligence. You’re not going to get out of tipping the maitre ‘d, your waiter and cabin steward. However, you can save some cash and even avoid some of these additional activities by planning and booking ahead of your arrival at the port. For cruise newbies, this is where a travel agent can really help you out. We help tell you about what’s coming and where you can save time and money.

One of the biggest ways the cruise lines help part you from your money is with drinks and especially, alcohol. At $5-7 per glass, a party on the Lido deck or some time to unwind and watch the sunset can rack up a pretty good bill at the end of a 7-day cruise for 2. You’re better off to buy a bottle of your favorite wine and enjoy it in your cabin. Or, bring along a 6-pack of your favorite soft drink. A word of caution – don’t advertise that you have it. If you must imbibe at the club while dancing or while enjoying some quiet time in the “adults only” area – keep your eyes peeled for “happy hour” or a special rate on the “drink-of-the-day”.

Another money drain can be the specialty restaurants. As delightful as the cuisine and atmosphere in these places are; stick to the main dining rooms or the self-service buffets unless you’re celebrating a very special occasion or just have money to throw away.

Shore excursions are probably the one area that you do want to spend some money on. Talk to your travel agent about what the ship offers and then plan and book ahead. If you wait until you’re at sea, most the of better ones are already sold out or the prices are higher than if you had made reservations online prior to sailing. Some people wait until they get off the ship and book excursions with a local company at the port of call. If you elect to do this, please make sure that there is plenty of time to get to/from your destination so you don’t miss the ship. The companies that the cruise lines work with are very aware of the arrival and departure times for each ship and make sure they get you there and back in time.

Check the ship’s daily program for offers, especially where spa treatments are concerned, as these are often reduced on port days. If you need to do laundry while on board, check into the self-service laundry mat instead of sending your stuff to the cleaners. You can save on staying in touch with folks at home via email by buying an internet package or wait until you get ashore and find an internet cafe.

Some cruise ship extra charges aren’t possible to get a way from but you can certainly reduce your losses by planning and booking ahead. Give us a call or book Royal Caribbean online at our website while keeping us as your local support.

Latin America’s Foodie Destinations

Most people visit Latin America for its sprawling coastlines, mountain vistas, spicy culture and lush rainforests. However, it’s the vibrant, bold, down-right-delicious food scene that keeps them coming back. From piping hot empanadas plucked from a street cart to tart ceviche enjoyed with an ocean view, these cities provide inspiring cuisine. Take these great ideas from our Travel Tips Quarterly. Give us a call for you next Foodie Adventure.

Buenos Aires, Argentina – Buenos Aires derives its incredible cuisine profile from a mix of Latin and European influences. Mostly known for beef, its world-famous Argentinian steak can’t be missed. Pick up a breaded meat fillet, known as a milanesa, from a street vendor or sink your teeth into the perfect cut of tenderloin at Cabaña Las Lilas, one of the city’s famed eateries.

Cartagena, Colombia – Any visit to this great walled city must include ample samplings of the street food, starting with the arepa. These soft baked corn pancakes are packed with a dazzling array off luscious fillings, ranging from melted cheese and steak to sweet dulce de leche. Along with arepas, the street food scene is buzzing with out-of-this-world dishes like chorizo kebabs, fresh squeezed juices, fried green plantains called patacones and tart, zesty ceviches.

Lima, Peru – Arguably one of the top culinary destinations in the world, Lima blends Incan, European and Japanese influences to create dishes with a seriously intense flavor profile. Visit the best-rated restaurant in Latin America, called Central, where you can enjoy beef ribs with blue-green algae or a coca leaf Pisco Sour. Thanks to the influence of Japan, make sure to try taradito, the city’s take on sushi, or succulent noodle bowls.

Mexico City, Mexico – To get a taste of everything the City has to offer, take a food tour with Eat Mexico – which will introduce you to antojitos, the “little cravings” street vendors hawk, as well as take you through the culinary hub of the city, the Mercado de San Juan. Definitely try a traditional taco, which will be the best you’ve ever had, but also step outside your comfort zone with a soft corn tortilla filled with grilled or fried bugs – it’s a Mexico City staple!

Stretching Your Euros in Europe

Not often touted as a budget destination, there are a surprising number of cities in Europe that cost far less than you think to visit. To stretch your travel euros further, we recommend you skip the traditional jaunts to Paris, Rome and London and visit one of these just as charming, slightly unchartered and equally breathtaking cities instead.

León, Spain – A far cry from the prices of more popular Madrid or Barcelona, León has some of the least expensive food in the entire country. After visiting the city’s famed cathedral, stop for a drink and enjoy tapas and a glass of Rijoa wine for as little as one euro. Experience the culture of the city with a self-guided tour to the picturesque old quarter, known as the Barrio Humedo, or through the Palace of the Guzmanes, a 16th-century palace now home to the City Council.

Krakow, Poland – If you’re into drinking and nightlife, Krakow is your place – featuring more pubs per square kilometer than any other city in the world. For perspective, you can sip on Belvedere vodka in one of the city’s trendiest nightclubs for less than four euros. Beyond drinks, there’s plenty of free sights and architecture to see in the Medieval Old Town, like the Royal Castle of Wawel, and in the Jewish quarter of Kazimerz, home to some 150 synagogues and churches and over two million works of art.

Budapest, Hungary – Built on a natural thermal spring, Budapest has long been a place people flocked to for spa treatments and soothing mud baths. Despite many luxury spas, there are quite a few that have bath tickets with cabins or lockers for as little as 17 euros, like the famous Szechenyi Baths or 16th-century Csazar Baths. Beyond mud spas, you can take an affordable bus tour through the hilly, historic Buda side of town and a self-guided walking tour through the modern Pest side to see the fascinating contrasts between old and new.

Prague, Czech Republic – Despite being one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe, the prices in Prague have remained reasonable, with four-star hotels costing around $100 USD per night. Plus, the city boasts a vast array of free activities, including a visit to the gothic St. Vitus Cathedral built in 1344, a Jewish Quarter with a fascinating history, the Vysehrad 10th-century castle, Moser Glass Factory and more. For locals, their favorite low-cost activity is packing a picnic and gazing over the city from Perin Hill.

World’s Most Unique Museums

Museums offer wondrous insights into culture, but sometimes it’s hard to get excited about shuffling quietly through yet another velvet-roped hallway, standing several feet away from prized artifacts while being closely watched by stern-faced security guards. If you’re ready to add a little shock to your awe, give us a call and consider visiting one of the following museums instead. Posted from our Travel Tips Quarterly Newsletter.

El Museo de las Momias (Museum of the Mummies): Guanajuato, Mexico
Mortality is on full display at the Mummy Museum, where the decayed remains of hundreds line the walls to haunt your vacation for a few hours. Here, the line between life and death is glass thin, yet the resulting effect on visitors is dramatically inspiring.

Museum of Broken Relationships: Zagreb, Croatia
Heartbreak is a gripping storyteller, and those stories are artfully displayed at this award-winning museum. You’ll find such relics of emotional collapse as video confessionals, a garden gnome used to smash a car window, and an axe that helped one jilted lover dismantle her ex’s furniture.

Museo Subacuatico de Arte (MUSA): Cancun, Mexico
Not only will you need a ticket to enter MUSA—you’ll also need scuba gear. While floating around this aquatic art gallery, you’ll find 500 sculptures up to 20 feet deep, all of which are slowly turning into coral reefs.

British Lawnmower Museum: Southport, England
Did you know that Princess Diana owned a lawnmower? You would if you visited the British Lawnmower Museum, which showcases the past, present and future of these landscaping yard cruisers.

Museum of Medieval Torture Instruments: Prague, Czech Republic
If “Iron Maiden” makes you think of the spiked body cabinet instead of the English metal band, then this is the museum for you. Sixty fascinating torture devices are on display, each with a useful tutorial on how they were used to extract top secrets from enemy spies.

New at Theme Parks this Summer!

These theme parks have new rides, roller coasters and experiences just waiting for you and your family. Let us help you get your adventure started.

Beginning with Disneyland – California Adventure recently debuted Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters. Miniature Italian roadsters move across a trackless dance floor. The Hyperion Theater now features an all-new, live musical with the characters from Frozen. And, the popular Soarin’ Over California will be replaced by Soarin’ Around the World.

You will also be able to experience Soarin’ Around the World at Walt Disney World‘s Epcot. And, their Norway Pavillion now has the Frozen Ever After boat ride which visits Elsa’s ice palace and you’ll hear songs from the movie throughout. The Animal Kingdom will come alive at night with their new Rivers of Light musical experience illuminating the night sky with animal images. Undergoing a transformation throughout the evening hours, the Tree of Life has magical fireflies bringing animal spirits to life. Not to be outdone, Hollywood Studios has added several “Star Wars” experiences including Symphony in the Stars: A Galactic Spectacular fireworks show with lasers, special effects and projections of characters and scenes from the films.

Legoland California welcomes Ninjago Land. It’s main focus being Ninjago The Ride with 4-D effects and 3-D imagery. You get to wield the superpowers of the main characters. Updates were made to the existing Legoland Hotel to include suites. Their Discovery Centers will begin showing a new movie featuring characters from “The Lego Movie” battling Lord Business’ brother – Risky Business.

SeaWorld Orlando has added a new roller coaster – the Mako, named for one of the ocean’s fastest sharks reaching speeds of up to 73 mph. It will be the tallest, fastest and longest coaster in Orlando. Similarly, Busch Gardens has added the Cobra’s Curse. Thrust into the middle of an Egyptian archaeological excavation, you will come face to face with an 80-foot long snake.

Universal Orlando welcomes Skull Island: Reign of Kong. This massive new experience on a new island at Islands of Adventure brings a powerful storyline to life with 3-D experiences and revolutionary vehicles. Accommodating up to 72 guests at once, one of the longest rides ever created by Universal navigates a jungle road through unpredictable terrain to meet none other than – Kong. Universal Studios Hollywood brings the park’s first outdoor coaster to life, Flight of the Hippogriff inside The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Fans of ” The Walking Dead” will be excited to know that the Halloween Horror Nights now have a permanent location inside a new structure.

Visit the World’s Greatest Wildlife Destinations

Nothing compares to the once-in-a-lifetime moments you get to experience on a safari, wildlife cruise or National Park Hike. These moments, like watching a leopard stalk prey in Botswana or photographing a gaggle of penguins swimming in Antarctica, used to be nearly impossible (and expensive), since the areas were widely uncharted and remote. However, now, with more cruises and tours exploring these hidden wonders worldwide, there’s more chances than ever to watch wildlife dwell in their natural habitats. For the best viewing, visit one of these breathtaking destinations. These are from our Travel Tips Quarterly newsletter.

• Churchill, Manitoba, Canada
  Located on the rugged shores of Hudson Bay in Northern Manitoba, Churchill is one of the few human settlements in the world that is also home to polar bears. Since they spend most of their summer hunting for food, the best time to view them is during the fall. The optimal way to experience the beauty of these bears is with a custom tundra buggy, which offers once in a lifetime chances to get up close and personal, while still remaining safe.

• Chobe National Park, Botswana, Africa
  Chobe National Park in Botswana offers truly unspoiled views of Africa’s famed wildlife. On a game drive here, you won’t be met with other jeeps, but instead with views of warthogs, bush bucks, monkeys, lions, leopards and hyenas. A cruise along the breathtaking Chobe river offers a chance to see the marine mammals, like hippos and crocodiles.

• Antarctica Peninsula
  Although it may be void of any human life, Antarctica is home to one of the largest populations of penguins, with over 40 million spread across the continent. Once uncharted, Antarctica is growing in popularity, and more cruise lines are adding the snow-capped glacial peaks and emperor penguin colonies to their itineraries.

• Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
  This tiny archipelago off the coast of Ecuador has been an iconic destination for wildlife viewing for over 200 years. Thanks to more cruise lines charting the South American Coast, it’s much easier for anyone to view its many inhabitants, like the island iguanas, Blue-footed Boobies, giant green sea turtles, sea lions and more.

• Great Barrier Reef, Australia
  Stretching over 1,616 miles off the coast of Australia, the Great Barrier Reef, comprised of 3,000 individual reefs, 900 islands and thousands of species of marine creatures, is one of the world’s greatest wonders. See the sharks, turtles, fishes and vibrant coral up close with a snorkel or dive.

• Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, United States
  Aside from spewing geysers, gradient canyons and rushing waterfalls, Wyoming’s crowned jewel is also home to some of the country’s most spectacular wildlife. From black bears to bald eagles to bison and coyotes, this area is rich with a vast array of animals.