Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas in English and the native languages of my grand parents! 

Prejeme Vam Vesele Vanoce a stastny Novy Rok!

Froehliche Weihnachten! 

Sretan Bozic! 

Nollaig Shona Dhuit! 

Wesolych Swiat Bozego Narodzenia!

You can win a cruise!

Visit Viking River Cruises to learn how you can win!

River cruising--a better way to explore!--It’s hassle-free travel--unpack once in spacious river-view stateroom--Sail into the heart of the world's great cities--A great vacation value - all-inclusive pricing, US dollars, price guarantee!

Ask me I’ve been there! 

Columbus OH Great Vacation EXPO

The Great Vacations Travel EXPO opens Friday, January 18 and runs through Sunday, January 20, at Franklin County Veterans Memorial in Downtown Columbus. EXPO hours are Friday 12 p.m. - 8 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. - 8 p.m., and Sunday 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Tickets are available at the door or at any AAA Ohio Auto Club store for $9. AAA members who show their AAA card will save $3 on admission. Children ages 16 and under are admitted at no charge.

I've obtained some free passes for the event. Just let me how many you need! 

Dancing with the Stars at sea!

Whether you like to Tango, Quickstep, Paso Doble, or sit back and enjoy watching the sizzling performances, this program offers guests an entirely unique experience on the seas.

Six theme cruises in 2013 and early 2014 will feature “Dancing with the Stars” events including dance lessons; a chance to meet the dancers, ask questions and take photos; and a dazzling production starring celebrities and the famed dance pros, complete with glamorous costumes and routines from the TV show. 

Currently scheduled to appear on select sailings are two-time champion pro dancers Mark Ballas and Kym Johnson; pros Tristan MacManus and Lacey Schwimmer; and some of your favorite celebrity competitors.* More dance pros and celebrities to be announced.

In addition to the theme cruises, every sailing on all 15 ships in the Holland America Line fleet will feature an exclusive “Dancing with the Stars” program including dance lessons and an opportunity for some lucky guests to dance center stage in an exciting dance-off performance. These activities will feature the ships’ professional dancers and will be developed in collaboration with the show’s dancers and choreographers.

Contact me or your favorite travel professional for more information on sailing dates and rates!

Give a Fun Ship Holiday Gift!

Give them the Fun Ships of Carnival Cruise Lines by purchasing a Carnival Gift Card. This is a pre-paid gift card similar to a gift certificate that can be used as payment toward a cruise booking or toward your on board spending account. 

The gift card may be purchased online here! 

Give the gift that they’ll remember and talk about for years!  

Dining Out News in Huntington WVA!

Savor Huntington is a newly-formed association of independent restaurants. The number of good, local restaurants and food-based businesses has grown dramatically in recent years. By all accounts, it looks like that growth will continue.

Savor Huntington's goal is to support these businesses and encourage their growth. We're also going to hold fun events and promotions for foodies in the area, so that you can sample local food, explore new cuisines, and get to know other people who share your passion for food, drink, and fun.

I hope to see you in one of these local places real soon!

Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines adds unlimited drinks packages

Royal Caribbean International has introduced two new beverage packages, joining other lines that offer similar inclusive deals. The Classic Beverage Package costs $45 per guest, per day, for beer, house wines by the glass, non-alcoholic cocktails, fountain soda and juices. The Premium Beverage Package costs $55 per guest, per day, and includes the afore-mentioned, as well as frozen drinks and all cocktails including premium brands. Both package prices include service charges.

Beverage packages are available for purchase on all seven-night or longer sailings and must be purchased on the first day. Guests choosing either package also must purchase the package for guests 21 years old or older sailing in the same stateroom. Packages are currently available on 13 ships and will be available on the remaining ships with seven-night or longer itineraries by early 2013.

Airlplane etiquette

A reader asked “What do you do when there is a shared armrest on your flight?”

Guy code dictates that we control both arm rests and the controls. Unless we’re sitting next to our sweetie then we’ll share. If you’re single then this helps you strike up a conversation with your cute seat mate!   

Generally accepted airplane etiquette says that the middle-seat passenger has rights to both inner armrests. If you think about it, it makes sense – aisle and window passengers are guaranteed at least one armrest.
Personally I go with the flow! Sit back and enjoy your 12 inches of leg room.  

Want to learn more about foreign travel etiquette? Enroll in my on-line "Traveling Internationally" class. Email me for details!