Go - Move - Explore

St Andrews - 2 Great Chances to Play the Old Course

2012-03-06T10:21:00.000-08:00

April 30 or May 14

You will be met at Edinburgh or Glasgow Airport and chauffeur-driven to St. Andrews. Check in to the Hazelbank Hotel, only 400 yards from the 1st tee of the Old Course, your base for the next 3 nights. Play the New Course (1895) or the Jubilee Course (1897) in St. Andrews, then the fantastic Kingsbarns Golf Links (ranked 54th in world), before completing your stay with a round on the iconic Old Course.

Please contact us for more information!

Vacation Like a Virtuoso VIP Summer Package at The Ritz-Carlton Fort Lauderdale

2012-02-28T05:51:00.000-08:00

The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale is now offering the "Vacation Like a VIP Summer Package"

The Vacation Like a VIP Summer Package includes all of the following amenities:

Buy an Intracoastal View, King room and receive an upgrade to a Partial Ocean View, King room at the time of booking
$100.00 Resort Credit, once per stay, to be used in the Food and Beverage outlets or Spa
Complimentary Valet Parking
$25 American Express Gift Card, provided by the Greater Fort Lauderdale CVB
Super Summer 2-4-1 savings card, visit www.sunny.org/supersummer for details on this savings card

The Vacation Like a VIP Summer Package is offered June 1, 2012 and ends on September 30, 2012 with the minimum 2 night stay requirement. This package starts and $269.00 per night. Contact A Way To Go Travel your Virtuoso Travel Experts!

Exclusive Fare with Regent Seven Seas only through A Way To Go Travel

2012-02-21T11:35:00.000-08:00

Enjoy Exclusive rates and amenities exclusively for a way to go travel clients on select caribbean, Alaska, Europe, New England, South America and exotic 2012 itineraries.

THE REGENT EXPERIENCE^SM

There are those for whom the sea is an adventure, not a retreat. For travelers who yearn for true exploration and discovery, there is Regent Seven Seas Cruises. Here, guests are treated to award-winning service, ships and itineraries. So what is it exactly that keeps us winning awards?

All-inclusive fares include fine wines, beer, premium spirits, soft drinks, bottled water, specialty coffees and tea served throughout the ship; as well as open-seating and alternative dining, plus unlimited shore excursions
The world's only all-balcony, all-suite vessels with the highest percentage of private balconies of any cruise line on smaller, more intimate ships
Itineraries to more than 300 ports on all seven continents, with the ability to visit more intimate ports that cannot be accessed by larger vessels
One of the best staff-to-guest service ratios in the cruise industry, exemplified by personal, intuitive service
World-renowned Canyon Ranch SpaClub^®
Small-group enrichment and excursion opportunities, specifically designed to experience destinations at a more authentic level

ALL-INCLUSIVE VALUE

Regent Seven Seas Cruises fares include*:

2-for-1 Fares plus additional bonus savings of up to $10,000 per suite
FREE Roundtrip Air with FREE Upgrade to Business Class Air in Penthouse Suites and higher on Europe Voyages
FREE Unlimited Shore Excursions
FREE Luxury Hotel Package
FREE Beverages including fine wines and premium spirits
FREE Pre-Paid Gratuities
FREE Ground Transfers
FREE In-suite mini-bar replenished daily
FREE 24-hour room service and no additional charge for specialty restaurants
Elegant casual dress code. Formal and semi-formal attire optional on sailings of 16 nights or longer
Welcome bottle of champagne
Up to four gourmet restaurants including the iconic new steakhouse Prime 7, and Signatures, featuring Le Cordon Bleu^®-inspired cuisine, Compass Rose, La Veranda plus the al fresco Pool Grill
In-suite dining, served course-by-course during restaurant hours
Butler service in Penthouse Suites and higher, included iPad^®in suite, iPod^® docking station and complimentary in-suite mini-bar setup
Fitness programs, sauna and steam rooms in the spa
Onboard activities including expert guest lectures, theatre performance and day time entertainment
Interactive flat screen television in each suite with extensive media library and complimentary movies-on-demand

A Way To Go Travel and Triad Weddings CONNECT

2012-02-10T12:13:00.000-08:00

The Leisure staff from A Way To Go Travel networked with other leading event and wedding planners across the Triad on Thursday, February 9th at beautiful Magnolia Manor in Colfax NC hosted by Triad Weddings magazine.

Shane Lawrence, Chuck Joyce, Shelly Alker and Ruthie Brewer enjoying an evening dancing and enjoying the Hollywood Glamour themed event.

Why You Need A Travel Agent

2012-02-06T07:14:00.000-08:00

The following is an exerpt from "Why you need a travel agent" by Larry Olmsted, Contributor for Forbes Magazine

If you like to travel (who doesn’t?) here’s a great New Year’s Resolution for 2012 – find a good travel agent and start using them regularly. This is a resolution you will find easy to keep, because once you try it you will enjoy better – and often cheaper – trips than ever before.

Just a couple of years ago, headlines were about the demise of the travel agent, about to go the way of the Dodo and the dinosaur. Guess what? Travel agents are not only still here, they are experiencing a rebound – despite (or because of?) the myriad travel tools available online.

So why should you use a travel agent?

There are many, many good reasons, which I will explain. But the bottom line is that they know more than you do, they are better connected than you, they have access to benefits you can’t get otherwise, they can often beat any other prices available (even online, yes), and after you have planned everything, they provide a safety net during your trip that you simply won’t get by booking yourself or buying insurance. Having a top travel agent can also make you an instant VIP – free room upgrades, hard to get restaurant reservations, cutting lines, access to otherwise closed stores and exhibits, private guides, and cheaper – often much cheaper – premium airfares. Here’s the best part: even though most top agents charge fees, in almost every firsthand experience I or my friends, family, and acquaintances have had, travel agents have saved money, often a lot of money, thousands of dollars, and in every case, more than paid for themselves.

To be frank, not everyone taking a trip needs a travel agent. The benefits they offer increase as your travel becomes more luxurious, expensive, and specialized. Need a cheap flight to Florida to visit family and a night at a 3-star airport hotel en route? By all means let your fingers do the walking. If you are staying at 4 and 5-star hotels, flying in the premium cabin (or private aviation), planning complicated itineraries with multiple stops, planning complex airline routings, or taking any trip using guides/drivers or local experts, any trip that VIP access would make better, any trip to a destination where you do not already know all the best places to eat and best things to see and do, or any cultural travel, from safaris to ancient ruins, you need a travel agent. In fact, in any of these scenarios, if you don’t use a travel agent you are and likely making a costly mistake, no matter how much you think you know. I travel for a living and write on travel for a living and I still use travel agents.

To be clear, I am talking about true experts, the really good travel agents who add value, not the ones running full page ads of deals in the Sunday papers. The best travel agents are essentially consultants, and many prefer “travel advisor,” because it is their advice, expertise, and connections that are of great value, not the ability to print airline tickets for you. A few have become hyper-specialized, and in some cases, like booking a cruise, golf vacation, space travel, or a very specialized theme trip like art, music or polar exploration, you will want to seek out a niche specialist. But for most travelers, it is better to find an excellent generalist travel advisor and stick with them, because a big part of the equation is that they get to know you and your wants, likes and dislikes, and make suggestions accordingly. You would not use a different financial advisor every time you opened a new bank or brokerage account, so why keep switching travel agents? If you choose right, you won’t lose any expertise in the process, because the best agencies have multiple agents with overlapping spheres of specialization who collaborate, so while your agent who is an expert on Asia may not specialize in safaris when the time comes for you to book one, there’s a good chance one of their colleagues at a nearby desk does.

"How will I find a great and expert guide to the wonders of Ancient Rome?" A good travel agent already knows one.

Among the many major advantages high-powered agents bring to the table is personal connections and clout. “Connections” means knowing GMs and execs at top hotels (and airlines, chefs, cruise lines, adventure travel outfitters, etc.) personally. It is very rare for luxury hotels or the most desirable restaurants to truly be sold out: they usually have rooms/tables available in case Tom Cruise or another VIP makes a last minute visit. This is especially important if you are trying to visit a destination at a very peak time: the Superbowl, New Orleans at Mardi Gras, Cannes during the film festival, Park City over President’s Day weekend. Who do you think will be able to get the coveted and hidden room inventory, you calling an 800 reservation center, or your travel agent calling the GM who he or she has known for 20 years – and sends a lot of business to? It’s not just these scenarios, it is everyday room upgrades, special amenities, bottles of champagne on arrival, the GM greeting you personally, all these extras come from the travel agents calling on your behalf – at no extra cost to you. The clout part comes from volume. For example, even the top luxury hotels are notorious for refusing to guarantee connecting rooms in advance for families booking multiple rooms. This is one of the most frustrating recurring problems I hear in the industry, and a reason why some people rent houses and apartments over multiple hotel rooms. When your travel agent books hundreds of room nights with a high profile luxury hotel each year, the hotel will move heaven and earth to give that agent’s client – you – guaranteed connecting rooms.

If you do not believe that top agents’ personal clout can take you further than the internet or any prestigious credit card or “concierge service,” here’s a true story. I was going to a hard to reach island in the Caribbean for a story, and when a travel agent who does a lot of volume with a particular airline suggested flights I winced. She asked me why, and I explained that I was elite on two other major carriers, and prefer to fly them because of the miles, points and status, and to this airline I was a nobody, so the miles would not help me. “No problem,” she said, “I’ll call my guy at the airline’s sales department and he’ll make you Gold.” And he did. This is one of the largest airlines in the world, and Gold is the second tier of their elite program, not entry level, reserved for those who fly 50,000 miles per year – the equivalent of about 8 transcontinental round trips and over 100 hours of flying time – or one phone call, depending who you know.

For leisure travel, most of the questions I get are of the following variety: where is the best place to go, best place to stay, best things to do, best places to eat? In almost every case, the answer is that there is no “best” place – but there is the best for you. That is why a relationship with a travel consultant who asks a lot of question – the good ones will – is all important. So is their firsthand experience, and because they have been checking these hotels in person, eating at these restaurants, and using these guides for years, they know the best ones for every need. All of these skills come together into a vacation you simply could not plan on your own, using your credit card’s agent, or the internet.

“A good travel agent is there ‘pillow to pillow.’ People think they can just book flights, hotels, or car rentals themselves, and sometimes they can, especially if nothing goes wrong. But when your flight is cancelled and you are standing in line waiting to be rebooked, believe me, you’ll wish you had a travel agent. I’d already be working on it for you.”

Virtuso Advisor Exclusive - Enjoy 4th Night Free at Acqualina Resort & Spa on the Beach -

2012-02-01T05:16:00.000-08:00

Acqualina Resort & Spa on the Beach is a place where the charm of a Mediterranean villa meets elegance on the beach and is the only AAA Five Diamond Hotel on Miami Beach. Located on 4.5 beachfront acres with 400 feet of stunning Atlantic Ocean coastline, Acqualina features 97 impeccable guests rooms and suites, a 20,000 s.f. ESPA oceanfront spa, two oceanfront restaurants including the acclaimed Il Mulino New York, three oceanfront swimming pools and an innovative marine biology-based AcquaMarine children’s program.

Virtuoso 4th Night Free Offer
When booking Acqualina, Virtuoso clients will receive the 4th Night Free as well as the following amenities:

• Daily Continental Breakfast for two by Il Mulino New York served in Aaria Lounge (Daily Continental Breakfast for four for Two Bedroom Suite Bookings)
• $100 Food and Beverage Resort Credit excluding Il Mulino New York
• 4:00 pm late check out subject to availability
• Upgrade upon arrival subject to availability
• Complimentary spa access to the thermal heat areas
• $40 Body or Facial spa treatment credit daily per person (up to two people per day)
• Complimentary internet access
• Complimentary access to the AcquaMarine Children’s Program

The Virtuoso 4th Night Free Offer is available starting January 02 through April 30th for Oceanfront Rooms and Suites with rates starting at $825.

Countdown to Valentine's Day at 51 Buckingham Gate, London

2012-01-17T05:41:00.000-08:00

This Valentine's day treat your loved one to a romantic weekend in London with 51 Buckingham Gate, Taj Suites and Residences.

Let 51 Buckingham Gate, Taj Suites and Residences pamper you and your loved one for a truly passionate weekend, involving a personal butler, a bottle of Taittinger and luscious chocolate dipped strawberries, all waiting for you in a lavish junior suite. Soak in a sumptuous candle bath featuring luxurious Molton Brown products (yours to take home) and discover a romantic turndown surprise. Wake up to a champagne breakfast in bed followed by your own treatments at the Spa at 51 and complimentary sun-downers at the Library.

This package includes:
• 1 night’s accommodation for two adults in a Junior suite or One Bedroom Suite
• Champagne breakfast
• Two treatments (one per person) at the Spa at 51
• Half bottle of Tattinger Champagne or bottle of white or red house wine
• Strawberries dipped in chocolate
• Romantic candle bath for two
• Romantic turndown
• Complimentary evening drinks and canapés in the Library between 18.30 and 20.30 hrs

From £500.00

Terms and conditions apply. Offer subject to availability. Contact the advisors at A Way To Go Travel today!

Join us for Hard Rock Night January 19th at 6:30 pm

2011-12-26T08:09:00.000-08:00

Our newest commercial airing in January!

Lake Titicaca labeled as best place to see ancient cultures

2011-12-21T09:35:00.000-08:00

For decades, Peru has been (and continues to be), one of South America’s premier tourism destinations. Its vast territory made of high Andean mountains and hidden valleys, a large portion of the exuberant Amazonian rainforest and a long and stunning coastline, dotted with amazing deserts, beaches and resorts, surfing paradises, historic cities and archaeological sites is, indeed, a formidable kaleidoscope of attractions for world tourism, with a superb combination of nature and culture at their very best.

One of Peru’s most remarkable natural and cultural attractions, yet not always so well known or publicized, is Lake Titicaca, the world’s highest navigable lake, located on the eastern border between Peru and Bolivia, high in the Andes. Visiting this remote yet accessible and awesome natural wonder, the huge Lake nestled between high Andean mountains, provides visitors with “brilliant opportunities to learn about some of South America’s most ancient and remarkable traditional native cultures”.

According to millenary tradition, the very roots of the legendary Inca civilization are found precisely on Lake Titicaca, considered the cradle of the Inca culture…. Among the serene atmosphere of the amazingly calm waterway, locked between mountaintops, many present day indigenous communities still live as their ancestors did many centuries ago. The native inhabitants here wear their traditional clothing, including colorful pleated skirts, woven cardigans and leather sandals. Children with plaits and ladies wearing bowler hats walk gently past the startled visitors.

Within the 36.180 hectares of surface which the Lake occupies, there a considerable number of floating islands, a unique characteristic of this breathtaking water body. Uros, Suasi, Amantani and Taquile are among the best known. A boat ride to Uros will provide visitors with a surprising experience, learning “live” how the local inhabitants set up their homes in houses made out of reeds, which have been taken from the lake. In fact, the local communities make extensive use of the water plant and the tourists may see (or buy as souvenirs), reed boats, toys, huts and a variety of utensils.

Visiting Lake Titicaca for a few days, not just for a brief sightseeing, will allow for a rich learning experience, getting to know the history, traditions and ways of life, just like their ancestors did centuries ago; demonstrating how they can carry on with their normal lives, without the sophistication of modern day urban commodities and technology. Here you can have a real lesson of the perfect symbiosis between man and its surrounding nature… In this case, the Lake is their main source and supplier of transport, construction, fuel and food.

Voyagers are encouraged to stay overnight at Taquile, one of the more established islands, where you can enjoy a traditional meal made with authentic cooking methods and strictly local produce and share the daily life of these indigenous and charmingly friendly peoples who maintain the customs, traditions and lifestyles of their ancestors, who lived in the area thousands of years back in time. Titicaca Lake which like all of Peru, continuously prepares and improves for a steadily increasing flow of foreign visitors to the numerous and varied tourism attractions which the Andean country boasts….

The Spa at Four Seasons Vail- named Forbes Five-Star Spa!!!

2011-12-15T05:58:00.000-08:00

Forbes Travel Guide, unveiled its 54th annual listing of Five-Star and Four-Star hospitality establishments worldwide, and named Four Seasons Resort Vail and The Spa at Four Seasons as part of this exclusive list. Four Seasons Resort Vail will be showcased with all of the 2012 award winners on Startle.com, the new interactive website of Forbes Travel Guide.

The Spa at Four Seasons, the Resort’s stunning alpine sanctuary, was singled out to receive the Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Spa award. The Spa at Four Seasons is one of only 30 spas to make the list, and one of only two in Colorado. Additionally, Four Seasons

Added Spa Director Craig Newton, “I am extremely proud of our wonderful therapists, who are largely responsible for the accolades our Spa continues to receive. It is quite an outstanding recognition for our Spa, since there are many fine spas in the Vail Valley.”

In addition to this latest Forbes accolade, The Spa at Four Seasons Resort Vail also was named to the Condé Nast Traveler “Hot List” of World’s Best Spas; the “It List” by Travel + Leisure; and also, was a finalist in the Virtuoso Life “Best of the Best” Spas category.

For more information on The Four Season Vail and The Spa at Four Seasons Vail contact A Way To Go Travel your Virtuoso Travel Advisors of choice.

Great places to escape the holidays

2011-12-12T08:20:00.000-08:00

Virtuoso’s efforts to raise the public profile of the professional travel advisor received a huge boost with the Nov. 21 publication of an article on Oprah.com. Oprah.com averages 71 million page views and 7.5 million unique visitors each month.

The article, a slideshow on "8 Places to Escape the Holidays," prominently features Virtuoso and several members and suppliers. The featured members belong to Virtuoso’s NextGen group, which is another way the network supports its commitment to ensuring the future health of the travel advisor profession.

Become Unreachable by Going Underwater

Belize is a favorite destination for scuba divers and snorkelers because it has the largest continuous barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere, which makes for world-class diving. This Central American country is still less popular with American tourists than Mexico or Costa Rica. If you travel to the largest island, Ambergris Caye, before the holiday crush, you're more likely to find a quieter scene and better deals, says Ken Marshall at Great Getaways Travel, a Virtuoso member. For example, peak holiday rates will apply at the beachside Victoria House starting December 22, but squeezing in a trip now will save about 30 percent (you could also check out the smaller, less touristy Caye Caulker). During the holiday pre-season, you should be able to soak up the natural beauty of the islands and explore the reef's colorful inhabitants without getting kicked by someone else's flipper.

PreCruise Conceirge Service now available on Norwegian Cruise Lines

2011-12-02T09:04:00.000-08:00

Norwegian Cruise Line (“Norwegian”) announced the launch of a shoreside concierge desk exclusively for guests with reservations in the line’s most luxurious accommodations, The Haven by Norwegian. Beginning today, the concierge desk provides pre-cruise assistance enabling guests and travel partners to pre-arrange a variety of services and amenities.

The concierge desk provides support in booking reservations for all suite accommodations; arranging dining and entertainment; booking shore excursions; making spa and salon appointments; as well as taking special requests such as pillow preference and any other arrangements. The concierge desk will send an email confirmation to the travel partner or guest prior to their sailing reconfirming all of the requests made.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0PZRkXzI6j4&feature=email

The Haven is currently featured on board Norwegian’s Jewel class ships (Norwegian Gem, Pearl, Jade, Jewel); and the line’s newest and most innovative ship, Norwegian Epic. Norwegian’s two new ships, Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Getaway, will also feature The Haven by Norwegian when they launch in April 2013 and April 2014.

Suite guests are privy to an array of complimentary amenities, including 24-hour private butler service; priority embarkation and disembarkation; distinctive platinum keycard; priority boarding of tenders to shore; in-suite espresso/cappuccino machines; gourmet treats delivered each evening; Bliss Collection by Norwegian™ pillow-top mattress; fine linens, feather duvet and pillow menu; along with plush bathrobes, slippers, oversized towels; and much more.

Norwegian’s Jewel class ships (Norwegian Jewel, Jade, Pearl and Gem) include up to 18 suites as part of The Haven, including the largest suites at sea – the 5,000 square foot, three-bedroom Garden Villas.  All of these suites surround The Haven Courtyard that includes a pool, sundeck, hot tub, fitness room and more.  The Haven on Norwegian Epic is the largest suite complex at sea, comprising 60 suites on two private decks at the top of the ship.  An additional 15 suites located throughout the ship also have access to The Haven which includes a private pool, two whirlpools, gym, saunas, sundeck, along with a private restaurant with indoor/outdoor dining, exclusive bar and concierge lounge.

The concierge desk is available Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. est.

Jamaican's - Our Top 5 Favorite Foods

2011-11-23T06:45:00.000-08:00

Jamaican's Our Top 5 Favorite Foods

Replete with people, culture, music, food… you name it, Jamaica is a country which is ever short on fun or entertainment for people both home and abroad. There are certain food’s that most if not all Jamaicans eat and love. The Glamour Destination Management team would like to share with you some of Jamaican’s top five favorite foods.

Patties

The Jamaican patty is local pastry that dates back to colonialism and slavery and it has made its way into the tapestry of Jamaican culture. Jamaicans take a lot of pride in making one of their most popular exports, spices baked inside a flaky shell, often tinted golden yellow with an egg yolk mixture or turmeric. With a broad variety of fillings like seasoned ground beef, chicken, vegetables, shrimp, lobster, fish, soy, ackee, lentils or cheese, the patty makes a perfect snack or meal when you’re on the go. So much so that in Jamaican, the Juici Beef Company – one of the most popular patty companies offer their locations with drive-through pickup windows for patties on the go. In recent years patty companies have expanded their menus to include a bite-sized portion of a patty called a cocktail patty.Today, patties can be found all over Jamaica and the rest of the Caribbean. They became such a reminiscent piece of Jamaica that they have made their way into Europe and North America to satisfy the longing palates of the Jamaican Diaspora.

Johnny Cakes (Fried Dumplings)

Many believe that the origin of the Johnny Cake evolved from workers on the plantation who used to take journey cakes with them into the fields for a long lasting, hearty snack. And a Journey cake eventually became a Johnny cake.
Jamaican Fried Dumplings or Johnny cakes have been a staple side dish in many local breakfast dishes, from Ackee and Salt fish, to Mackerel Run Down – breakfast would not be breakfast without a Johnny cake. The tasty morsels have a golden crust and chewy interior and not everyone can make a good fried dumpling though in the wrong hands dumplings can become round little missiles, tough enough to “stone dawg”. No matter which name you choose to call it by, make sure you do not have a real home cooked Jamaican breakfast without these little pieces of Jamaican goodness.

Bulla

A Bulla is a round, rich, dark, little load of goodness. This Jamaican pastry is made with flour, molasses, ginger, nutmeg and baking soda, and many visitors to Jamaica compare it to their more popular ginger bread. It is very inexpensive to make and therefore has become a favorite snack of the average Jamaican household. Bulla is traditionally a popular treat for schoolchildren, usually eaten with cheese or butter. This very dense spiced bun that has made its way from a home-made pastry to enjoy with a cup of tea to a Jamaican treat to be found abroad in Jamaican and Caribbean specialty food stores.

Pan Chicken

Pan Chicken began its rise to popularity along with the street dance culture that evolved in the 1960’s with the evolution of rock steady, dub, ska and later reggae music. These street dances would include a variety of elements that were a necessity - good friends, good music and good food. Pan chicken is cooked in recycled oil drums turned into makeshift Barbecues. Jamaican amateur chefs sell this specially seasoned, tender and natural spiced chicken on the road sides during street dances, in front of night clubs and by 24 hour gas stations just to ensure party goers do not go home on an empty belly. Pan chicken does not only have a strong local following, it’s has quite a popular following globally. So popular in fact, that this Jamaican phenomenon grabbed the attention world-renowned celebrity chef, Anthony Bourdain, who traveled to Jamaica to sample the islands famous roadside cuisine. One of Jamaica’s largest chicken producers, Caribbean Broilers developed an event dedicated to the enjoyment of this street cuisine that occurs in Jamaica on an annual basis. The Ultimate Pan Chicken Championship is the Mecca of Pan Chicken for amateurs and professional epicurean Pan Chicken connoisseurs. Pan Chicken is to Jamaica what Pizza is to New York! Enjoy some on your next visit! For the recipe click here

Blue Drawers

This oddly named dessert is said to have traced its origins back to West Africa, where West Africans would boil a starchy, green banana-based pudding. Blue Drawers is also called Duckanoo, which is derived from the Ashanti word, Dokono which means boiled maize-bread. In other parts of Jamaica it also goes by its more basic name Tie-a-leaf. This adopted Jamaican dish is mostly eaten as a snack or dessert. There are many different recipes for this dish, but most would feel safest reverting back to their grandmother’s recipe, which in most households would have the main ingredients of cornmeal, dry coconut, and brown sugar. The dry coconut is grated and added to the cornmeal, brown sugar and a mix of vanilla, cinnamon, mixed spice, nutmeg, salt, butter, and raisins. Some more dry coconut is grated and blended with water to make a coconut milk, which is added to the above mixture. Banana leaves would be cut into rectangles and passed over a flame to sear them. Some of the mixture would be spooned out onto the seared leaf and wrapped into small parcels about two to three inches square. A piece of the trunk of the banana tree is stripped to make a "string" which is used to tie the banana leaf parcel. The banana leaf parcels are boiled and cooked for about an hour and unwrapped. Blue drawers may be eaten hot or cold and will keep in the refrigerator for a week to ten days. Many boutique fusion restaurants throughout Europe and North America have adopted this culinary technique in preparing both sweet and savory dishes.

Danube River Cruising

2011-11-04T13:43:00.000-07:00

Enjoy Budapest, Vienna, Linz, Melk, Styre, Passau and Munich on the River Beatrice Uniworld River Cruise! Imagine looking out your window to the breathtaking beauty of Old World Europe.

Imagine blogging to your friends "Sailing on the Danube today, just stopped by a town called Durnstein and climbed the mountain to the Castle where Richard the LionHeart was held captive. On the way now to Melk to see the Abbey"

Voted #1 River Ship in the World

River cruising offers an unparalleled level of convenience, as you often dock right in the heart of town, mere steps away from charming squares, magnificent cathedrals, and bustling market places. You’ll never wait in long lines to get on or off the ship; you’ll never tender into port; you’ll never spend long hours wave watching on a vast ocean (which is inescapable on larger cruise ships); and you’ll never experience rough water or motion sickness—only smooth and peaceful sailing throughout your journey.

Unpack. Unwind. And leave the rest to Uniworld. And with so much INCLUDED—captivating shore excursions hosted by the best local guides in the industry; all meals onboard with complimentary European wines, draft beer, and soft drinks during dinner onboard; airport transfers on arrival and departure days; and so much more—you’ll have nothing to worry about except enjoying yourself as our highly trained, English-speaking staff pampers you with uncompromising service, anticipating your every need.

Contact Shane Lawrence at A Way To Go Travel today to start your European River Cruise journey!

Singita Game Reserves - Experience Africa!

2011-10-20T06:39:00.000-07:00

Dreaming of Africa? It's closer than ever and can offer a truly unique and inspiring safari adventure for couples, families, honeymooners, empty nester's or those adventurers at heart. Wonderful lodges like those within the Singita Game Reserves can offer a wildlife experience like no other. You can also customize your Africa vacation with multi lodge stays within the reserves in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Tanzania for a truly unique location experience.

Africa is also becoming a honeymoon hot spot - romantic dinners under the stars, taking a dip in your own private pool while gazing over the plains of Africa, open Land Rover safaris and walking safaris with an experienced guide.

Singita (‘place of miracles’) is world-renowned for providing ‘the best safari experience in Africa’ and has notched up virtually every hotel and travel award since its inception in the mid-90s.

Singita also believes in ‘fewer beds in larger areas’: the idea that a minimal number of guests would have little impact on the land and its fauna and flora. This benefits the environment but also makes for up-close, intimate experiences for guests – with numerous opportunities where they can interact with their surroundings and learn more about our conservation principles.

For more information on Singita Game Preserves and other fabulous African Tour Operators contact A Way To Go Travel at 336-855-0060.

Paws Up Christmas

2011-09-23T13:33:00.000-07:00

This holiday season, leave the hustle and bustle of crowded cities and ski resorts behind.

Come to The Resort at Paws Up for the ultimate Montana Christmas vacation. Experience everything from cross-country skiing and snowmobiling excursions to your own personal Santa, a Christmas Eve party for the kids, a sleigh ride through frosted forests, and ice skating on our breathtaking outdoor rink - all in a magical Montana winter wonderland.

If you get tired of waiting in line to see Santa Claus at the mall, come stay at Paws Up...and they will send him right to your home here at Paws Up. With limited inventory, we highly recommend that you reserve space as soon as possible. Paws Up plans the activities, cooks the turkey and even decorates your tree. All you need to do is enjoy.

ALL-INCLUSIVE CHRISTMAS PACKAGE

5 nights of accommodations in a luxury home at the resort

All daily meals, snacks, and non-alcoholic beverages

Your family's own personal Santa

Christmas Eve dinner in Pomp with special Christmas menu

Christmas night dinner feast

Decorated Christmas tree in your home

Horse-drawn sleigh or wagon rides

Choice of one half-day activity per person, per day

Ginger bread house building contest

Holiday DVDs available for viewing

Christmas Eve kids party in Trough, a visit from Santa, cookie decorating and other activities

All taxes and gratuities, airport transfers from Missoula International Airport and on-property transportation

Contact us for more details and pricing!

Small Ship Cruising Spotlight - Alaska

2011-09-15T08:25:00.000-07:00

What's the difference between a large ship cruise and small ship sailing you ask? Think about getting up close and personal with a Polar Bear, or kayaking near whales or exploring Glacier Bay in depth with hikes up to and above the Glaciers. A small ship cruise is going to give you a more intimate experience with your destination, personalized service and opportunity to truly immerse yourself in the culture, lands and wildlife.

Also Small Ship Cruises are a wonderful value as gourmet dining, wine/beer/spirits/, excursions, airfare, transfers, snorkel gear, fishing gear (where applicable) are all included into your package price. Some small ship cruises even include visits with the locals and massages! And you'll make many new friends as your most ships have 90 cabins or less so you get to know your fellow shipmates along with the crew.

You come so close to pristine waterfalls that you feel the spray. Your Captain can change course when word of whale sightings comes over the radio, or slow the engines and linger in a tidal inlet if bears are out foraging on the beach. Small ships also have the capability to enter areas that large ships cannot and often times are allowed special entry into areas that are closed off to the larger passenger ships.

An example itinerary - "Experience the largest national forest in the United States - home to grizzly bears, black bears, mountain goats, bald eagles and wolves. On our way to view Alaska's massive glaciers, we enter some of the world's deepest fjords. In the still of the evening, we watch bears ambling along wild shorelines. And everywhere in the swirling currents below, the world's largest mammals and the great whales forage in bountiful waters along the sheltered coastline."

Contact A Way To Go Travel today to find out more about Small Ship Cruising to Alaska, Europe, Hawaii, Galapagos and other exciting destinations!

A Way To Go Travel joins luxury travel's elite at Virtuoso's Travel Mart Conference

2011-08-31T11:22:00.000-07:00

A Way To Go Travel Attends The Industry’s Largest Luxury-Focused Travel Conference

For Networking, Training & Relationship Building

August 15th - A Way To Go Travel of recently attended the travel industry’s most prestigious conference, Virtuoso’s Travel Mart, which took place August 14-19 at the Bellagio in Las Vegas, Nevada. During the five-day conference, advisors from A Way To Go Travel joined nearly 1,700 other elite travel advisors and more than 1,600 executives and representatives from some of the world’s best travel companies, all of whom belong to the Virtuoso® luxury travel network. In total, the conference attracted approximately 3,700 attendees – the largest turnout in the conference’s 23-year history – from 90 countries around the globe.

During the conference, travel advisors from A Way To Go Travel participated in more than 100 individual four-minute appointments each day with top executives from luxury hotels, resorts, spas, cruise lines, airlines, private jet and yacht companies, tour operators and inbound destination specialists. The goal of these meetings is to build relationships and glean product and destination knowledge that will lead to better travel experiences for their clients. More than 300,000 of these individual agency/travel provider appointments took place over the course of four days.

For clients of A Way To Go Travel that clout translates to VIP treatment, special amenities and privileged access to events.

For assistance with planning your next travel experience, contact A Way To Go Travel today!

About Virtuoso

Virtuoso^® is the industry’s leading luxury travel network. This by-invitation-only organization comprises over 300 agencies with more than 6,000 elite travel specialists in 22 countries in North and South America, the Caribbean, Australia and New Zealand, as well as over 1,000 of the world’s best travel providers and premier destinations. The network’s member agencies generate over $9.6 billion annually in travel sales, making the group the most powerful in the luxury travel segment. Their relationships with the finest travel companies provide the network’s affluent clientele with exclusive amenities, rare experiences and privileged access. Virtuoso is the exclusive network of travel services and benefits provided by MasterCard^® for participating World Elite MasterCard^® programs.

Amanyara - Turks and Caicos

2011-08-25T13:07:00.000-07:00

Amanyara (Peaceful Place) is located along the pristine coast of Northwest Point on the island of Providenciales. It borders Northwest Point Marine National Park, an area encompassing 4,168 acres. Located at the edge of the Caribbean Sea on the island of Turks and Caicos in the British West Indies, the resort is a private and exclusive hideaway with a turquoise Atlantic Ocean teaming with spectacular diving opportunities.

The beauty of this location is breathtaking from the powdery white sand to the infinity pool. The weather is nearly perfect and in Turks and Caicos you find a wealth of water sports activies, world class cuisine and pristine beaches.

Amanyara is one of the most sought after luxury destinations in the Americas. In the best tradition of Amanresorts, the resort has been conceived with the environment as king, its soft
muted tones taking their inspiration from nature, while offering superior accommodations and facilities that today’s sophisticated travelers expect and demand.

Sandals Whitehouse

2011-08-03T07:26:00.000-07:00

Just a short 1.5 hour transfer from the Montego Bay airport tucked away on a private enclave on the South Coast of Jamaica lies a true treasure - Sandals Whitehouse. Amidst 500 acres of a nature preserve, sits 50 acres of the most gorgeous and inviting landscape with two beaches spanning over two miles invites welcomes you home. (No other resorts share this beach!) Fine dining and warm Jamaican hospitality are here for your pleasure among the unique European Villages concept with every room boasting an ocean view.

Your trip begins in the Sandals airport lounge - yes an airport lounge! Then once you arrive leave your cares and your cash at home because Sandals is a cashless property. They will assign you to a villlage - Italian - French or Dutch. Each village has it's own pool or whirlpool in addition to the large main pool.

Then get ready for the ride of your life - see the Jamaican country side from the shanty bars to the sugar cane fields you'll get birds eye view as you Ph.D shuttle driver (pot holder dodger) shares tidbits about the island they love, it's history and of course Bob Marley.

For a truly unique vacation experience for those seeking solace and sun - and an irie state of mind Sandals Whitehouse is a fantastic Jamaican destination!

Shelly Alker

Always wanted to be an astronaut?

2011-07-26T07:59:00.000-07:00

For those who propelled Virgin Galactic into the top 10 “trips of a lifetime” in this year’s survey, Richard Branson is here to help – as are your Virtuoso travel advisors, of course.

For more information on Virtuoso and Virgin Galactic please click on the link below.
Space Travel

For this and other exciting Virtuoso adventures that are awaiting your pleasure contact us today!

Can't decide which property? Consider a split stay!

2011-07-22T07:42:00.000-07:00

The excitement our clients experience when planning vacation is always something we as agents enjoying being a part of however there are those times when we hear "I just can't decide which resort I love ___ & ____!". This is a perfect time to consider a split stay at two resorts or even two islands!

Hard Rock Punta Cana

You can literally get two experiences in one vacation. Just imagine having a vacation or honeymoon with the energy and excitement of the Hard Rock Punta Cana then the romance and intimate atmosphere of Secrets Sanctuary Cap Cana or the luxurious Tortuga Bay with private enclaves and award winning service.

Tortuga Bay - Punta Cana DR

Thinking about doing a Walt Disney World vacation? You can combine a Walt Disney Parks vacation then be whisked away to your cabin on a Disney Cruise for a complete Walt Disney travel experience.

Hawai'i is another perfect example for a split stay. Island hopping is easy when you use A Way To Go Travel to plan your Hawai'i vacation. Your vacation to the Islands of Hawai'i can includes as many island hops as you would like. An example itinerary would be flying into Honolulu on the Island of Oahu experiencing the history of Pearl Harbor, hang out on the North Shore and experience the nightlife of Waikiki. Then hop over to Kauai with it's beautiful mountain waterfalls, quiet secluded beaches and definitive slower pace.

View of Waikiki Beach from the historic Royal Hawaiian

Breathtaking view from the Princeville St. Regis - Kauai

See the waterfalls?

Your vacation is only limited to your imagination. Get your "two tickets to paradise" and leave the planning to us!

Secrets Royal Beach Playa Bavaro - Dominican Republic

2011-07-18T13:55:00.000-07:00

Secrets Royal Beach is the newest property in the Secrets brand opening her doors with Unlimited Luxury® May 1, 2011. The first thing that caught my eye was the beautiful beach! WOW - I had to take my shoes off and stick my toes in!

This adults only property has 373 spacious rooms with Caribbean touches, all featuring a furnished terrace with an outdoor Jacuzzi. Featuring three gourmet, reservation-free restaurants and bars. Plus, guests of Secrets Royal Beach can also enjoy dining at Now Larimar Punta Cana, expanding their dining options to include nine restaurants and 10 bars!

For more information on Secrets Royal Beach contact Shelly Alker at salker@awatyogotravel.com

Secrets Sanctuary Cap Cana - Punta Cana Dominican Republic

2011-07-11T11:29:00.000-07:00

An incredible 176 suite adults only all inclusive property located in beautiful Cap Cana located on the eastern tip of the Dominican Republic with white-sugar sand beaches only 15 minutes from the Punta Cana airport.

The fabulous staff graciously welcome you to a Charleston-esque courtyard and you immediately feel that you have come home. With outstanding cuisine as part of your all inclusive experience the only choice you need to make is whether to have lobster every night at their 5 restaurants or enjoy a relaxing night in with 24 hour room service.

Activities include cocktail-making classes and dance lessons, and two remarkable golf courses nearby that are Jack Nicklaus Signature. Or you can choose to do absolutely nothing while enjoying the Caribbean breeze kissing your skin. The world class Secrets Spa by Pevonia offers a full range of spa treatments to pamper and soothe.

Beautiful days and magical tropical nights equal a fabulous vacation experience at Secrets Sanctuary Cap Cana. For more information on Secrets Sanctuary contact us today!

Oahu Hawaii - The Kahala Resort

2011-05-26T12:38:00.000-07:00

You know you've reached paradise when you step off your plane to warm breezes, friendly faces and the spirit of Aloha all around. The Islands of Hawai'i are truly an American treasure. From the lush feel of Kaua'i with magical waterfalls and the vibrant spirit of Oahu, the fun of Maui, and the Volcanoes on the Big Island, the Islands of Hawai'i are truly a magical destination! If you want to hang out in a hammock or zip line through and old sugar plantation it's all there for you. Some of the best dining in the United States is available from farm fresh pineapples to premier seafood the Islands of Hawai'i have something to please every palate. Best of all no passport is needed!

The Kahala - where the spirit of Aloha welcomes you to it's open air lobby near enough to Waikiki for fun but far enough for a fabulous serene beach area. The Kahala is host to both celebrities and families and their award winning dining gives you a taste of Hawaii. Stingrays, turtle and dolphins are also located on site as part of Dolphin Quest. Comfy beds, tasteful amenities and outstanding staff makes the Kahala the place to be for relaxation on Oahu.

For more information on booking The Kahala and the Islands of Hawaii - contact Shelly Alker at salker@awaytogotravel.com

Puerto Vallarta Mexico - Viva Mexico!

2011-05-20T07:43:00.000-07:00

Just back from a short trip to Puerto Vallarta and all I can say is WOW!

Located in Banderas Bay this destination has the authentic soul of Mexico, warm people proud of their country, and some incredible Mexican and international cuisine.

This wonderful beach resort blends beautiful scenery, an array of outdoor activities and shopping, and still retains the charm of a small fishing village.
Puerto Vallarta is definitely family friendly and has a host of activities that will please adults and children alike. So if you're looking for a week long vacation or just a long weekend, this might be just what the doctor ordered.

Mardy Murray

Yelapa, Mexico

Sandals Royal Bahamian

2011-05-05T10:49:00.000-07:00

It was perfect timing to take another great trip to the Sandals Royal Bahamian! This was our third time down since 2005 and I noticed some major changes and renovations!

I was booked in the Royal Oceanfront One Bedroom Suite with Butler service. With this room, you have private Mercedes transfers a massive room and a butler on call 24 hours a day for your every whim. The butler greets you in the lobby and takes you straight to your room. They already have your dinner reservations set up for you and most importantly reserve your private hut on their private island DAILY upon request. The butler gives you a cell phone where you can call them from any location on the resort at any time!

The main changes to this resort in the last couple of years is the upgrades to the beach, rooms and Royal Village landscaping. They have brought in sand to create 2 extra pristine white beaches, one on Sandals Cay and one on their location at Cable beach. The rooms have all been renovated and look amazing! The Royal Village gardens are just amazing with rose covered trellises and walking trails.

Food quality at this resort is always great! Room service is prompt and is served good and hot. The best places to eat are Gordon's on the Pier, Baccarat and Casanovas.

If your looking for things to do, this is the place! You can tour the Atlantis and go to their water park, go snorkeling on the boat excursion offered by Sandals, Scuba dive, Swim with the Sea Lions and Dolphins, take a boat trip to the Exumas, etc... This is important for me, because I love to keep busy on vacation...Go figure! All in all the Sandals Royal Bahamian is an amazing resort, full of good food, good service and most importantly a private island that could rival anything in the Caribbean!

Shane Lawrence