Breathtaking Morocco

Morocco likes to celebrate its arts and share its cultural wealth with its visitors, which is why so many festivals flourish in Morocco all year around. Cinema, music, dance, sports... there is something for everyone!
IMPERIAL CITIES OF MOROCCO $100 discount per person | Prices from $1429* Small group guaranteed departures. A 6 night journey through the majestic cities of Rabat, Fez & Marrakesh with $100 discount per person on select dates if booked by April 30. Guaranteed to operate on a minimum of 2 passengers. EXOTIC MARRAKESH Exotic Marrakesh in Ultra Luxury $100 discount per person plus free lunch | Prices from $1889* 5 nights at the ultra luxurious Naoura Barriere, located in the heart of exotic Marrakesh. Package includes private transfers from airport to hotel, 3 days privately escorted tours and free access to the Spa. $100 discount plus a Free lunch per person if booked by April 30. THE MAGIC OF MOROCCO A privately escorted journey $100 discount per person plus a free cooking class | Prices from $2359* A private journey through the majestic cities of Morocco – Rabat, Fez and Marrakesh. Package includes private transfers, deluxe accommodation and six full days of privately escorted tours. $100 discount plus a free cooking lesson at a luxury Riad if booked by April 30.
*All prices are per person sharing double occupancy. Supplements and mandatory dinners may apply for Easter/Special Fairs/Christmas & New Year‘s Eve. Single price available. Package prices valid through October 31, 2011. Privately escorted tours are with an English-speaking Escort/driver and English-speaking local guides.

Celebrity Equinox October Transatlantic

Alan & Cathy recently led a group cruise on the Celebrity Equinox on a westbound transatlantic crossing from Rome to Ft Lauderdale. As is tradition, they always share their experiences with us.

Happy Thanksgiving! It is hard to believe it is already here…..time just continues to fly…before you know it the year will be over and we will be in 2011!

It has become a tradition that whenever I go on a trip I share my experience through these e-mail newsletters. This week, Cathy & I returned from leading a group on a 2 week Trans-Atlantic cruise on the Celebrity Equinox. We went with 60 of our clients on this cruise from Rome to Ft. Lauderdale.

Cathy and I have always been apprehensive about taking a Trans-Atlantic cruise. The thought of spending a week at sea without stepping on land seemed confining. We also were afraid we would drive each other crazy in a small cabin for that length of time. However, I must say that I was pleasantly surprised….we really did enjoy the Trans-Atlantic experience. Being on a magnificent vessel such as the Equinox, there was always something we could do, including just relaxing….I could definitely vacation like that!

The cruise left from outside of Rome. While we had some clients who sailed on the prior cruise to the Holy Land on the Equinox (making it a back-to-back cruise), and a few who went into Rome a couple of days early, most of us flew right in on the day we boarded the ship. Cathy and I flew with a bunch of the guests on Alitalia direct from Miami to Rome. It was my first time on Alitalia, and they lived up to their reputation of not being the best airline in the world. The crew was not very accommodating, and they ran out of wine before they even got to us. However, it was a direct flight, so worth the inconvenience.

If I were take a trip such as this again, I would probably fly in at least a day early. It was very hectic going straight to the ship. We were tired, and jumped right into touring the next morning. It would have been nice to have a day to recover from the flight and time change, especially since the cruise began with 5 straight port days full of touring.

Since many of our clients have been to the Med before, I am not
going to go into the details of every port. The itinerary for this cruise was as follows:

Day 1: Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy.

Day 2: Florence/Pisa (Livorno), Italy

Day 3: Cannes/Monte Carlo, France

Day 4: Barcelona, Spain

Day 5: Cartagena, Spain

Day 6: Seville (Cadiz), Spain

Day 7: At Sea

Day 8: Tenerife, Canary Islands

Days 9-15: At Sea

Day 16: Ft. Lauderdale, FL

Here are just a few unique highlights that I would like to share for you to consider if you are planning a trip to this area of the world:

Cathy and I have been to Barcelona a few times in the past, but never made the trip out to Montserrat. This was very worthwhile. It is a spiritual mountain location with a huge cathedral on top, and home of the Black Madonna. The views are magnificent, it is truly amazing to see what was built hundreds of years ago at such high altitudes.

Cathy and I joined one other couple in the group on a segway tour of the port city of Cartagena. It was a lot of fun riding the segways….a great way to see the city. The group in the tour was composed of mostly senior citizens, and by and large they had no problem in operating the segways, including up and down hills. There was one woman in the group who was a bit klutzy and fell off of her segway twice, but there is one in every crowd. (By the way, that one was my wife!)

Tenerife is the capital of the Canary Islands, located off the coast of Africa. It is a beautiful island, with mountains and volcanoes. We visited Loro Park, which is sort of a combination of a zoo and Sea World. They had amazing exhibits with penguins, apes and more, in addition to the Sea World type dolphin and orca shows. It was a fun day! After Tenerife, we began our crossing of the Atlantic.

Every morning I would work out, and then Cathy & I would take a walk on the jogging track every afternoon. Even with that consistent exercise, I still managed to gain 6 pounds on the cruise…..the food was too good! If you have not been on the Solstice class ships from Celebrity, you have been missing quite the culinary experience. The food in the main dining room was excellent. And if you get bored there, there are many alternatives on board. They have three specialty restaurants (Silk Harvest [Asian Fusion], Murano [French/Continental], and Tuscan Grill [Italian]. Charges do apply for these restaurants, but they are each unique, intimate dining experiences that are worth the cost. The ship also has “Bistro on Five” an eatery with crepes and Panini sandwiches. The ship charges $5 to eat there, which is again, well worth it!

I felt that the buffet on the Equinox is one of the best on the sea. With multiple stations including carved meats, salad bars, grills, fresh made to order pasta, fresh made to order stir fry, pizza and a full ice cream bar, I cannot imagine a palate that would not be satisfied. This had to be the one of the most popular spots on the ship!

And there were even more food choices on board….there is a healthy eating snack bar in the Solarium and an outdoor hamburger/hot dog stand. One night, when we were tired we ordered dinner through room service, and it was also delicious and fast!

The ship had many activities during the crossing. Of course there was the typical nightly entertainment. There were lectures and courses on board including lectures on astronomy and major league baseball and computer classes. There were games available throughout the day, and we planned some game events just for our clients. By the way, I came in third place on the ship in one of the blackjack tournaments!

As for the seas, they were not bad. We were concerned about crossing the Atlantic, but today's ships are so large with the most advanced stabilizer systems that they do a great job in reducing the movement. The middle of the crossing was a bit rough with the ship rocking and rolling, but I did not meet anyone who got sick from the movement of the ship. (There were plenty of people who got sick on board, as something was going around…have to keep washing those hands when on board. We came home with colds.) Most of the trip was pretty smooth, with beautiful weather.

In summary, if you are looking for a way to see some sites in Europe and have plenty of time to relax and contemplate life, than a Trans-Atlantic cruise is for you. Other advantages include only having to fly one way and, when sailing west from Europe to the USA, there is an extra hour of sleep on most days of the crossing. And, because Trans-Atlantic cruises tend to be longer trips that are not conducive to working people, they are often excellent values.

But you do need to be in decent physical shape to make this trip. It is always tough flying, walking through the large European airports, and touring. Most tours include a good amount of walking, and the streets are often hilly and uneven. It was a bit much for some of our guests. I always recommend that if clients have walking issues that they should avoid major overseas trips, as those will be difficult.

I invite you to take a look at the pictures of our trip, which are posted on facebook. Whether or not you are a member of facebook, you should be able to view these pictures by just clicking this link.

Alan Rosen

President
Sand & C Travel

If you would like more information about Celebrity Cruises, the Celebrity Equinox, Europe cruises & tours, any of the ports mentioned, or trans-atlantic cruises, please don't hesitate to let us know!

Argentina

Location: Argentina is located on the southern tip of South America. It borders the Atlantic Ocean to the East, Chile to the West, with Bolivia, Paraguay, and Urugay to the North.
Capital: Buenos Aires
Climate: As Argentina is located below the Equator, the seasons are opposite of those in the US and Europe. The climate is generally temperate but also experiences extremes- the subantartic southern region, the mild central plains, and the extreme heat in the north. January tends to be the warmest month, while June and July tend to be the coldest.
Time Zone: Argentina uses the GMT -3 time zone. (Florida is GMT -5) Currently, Argentina does not observe daylight savings time but makes the determination on a year-by-year basis.
Electricity: Argentina uses 220V (voltage), 50 Hz (frequency), and type C & I plugs.
Currency: The currency in Argentina is the peso which is divided into 100 cents. ATM's are very common and can be found readily. Travelers Checks are not widely accepted, so you must go to a bank or travel agent in order to cash them. If you are looking to exchange money in Argentina, it is best to go to a bank or Currency Exchange Center. Many hotels also will exchange currency. While credit cards are mostly accepted, due to a poor economy it is likely you will be charged a high surcharge. View Argentinian currency

Exchange Rate: 1 USD = 3.956 ARS, 1 ARS = .252781 USD.

Click here to view the current exchange rate.
Population: 41,343,201 (July 2010 est.)
Country Code: The telephone country code for Argentina is 54.
Languages: The official language of Argentina is Spanish. Other languages commonly spoken include Italian, English, German and French.
Government: The goverment is a republic. The Executive branch is headed by the President- who is the head of state and head of government. The Legislative branch is governed by the President and two chambers of Congress. The Judiciary is independent of the Executive and Legislative branches.
Communication: Telephone land lines, cell phones, broadcast media, and the Internet are all widely used forms of communication. If you are bringing a cell phone to Argentina, make sure you have voltage and frequency adaptors as well as to notify your carrier. When dialing from a cellular device, dial the country code followed by the city code, and then the local number. Tips for making phone calls in Argentina.
Transportation: Travellers may rent a car but it is often quite costly. The most popular mode of transportation are the colectivos or micro omnibus (bus). There are taxis and remise, a type of taxi. Remise are often cheaper as they price of the trip is agreed upon prior. If you are travelling around Buenos Aires, you may take the ''subte'' (metro or subway). If you would prefer quick and comfortable transportation between Argentina and Uruguay, there is a Ferry service which can be expensive.
Entry: U.S. citizens for tourism or business only need a valid US passport and may stay for up to 90 days without a visa. Visitors will be charged an Entry Fee of $140 USD. This fee is a reciprocal charge in line with costs incurred by Argentinians when travelling to the US. This fee allows US citizens unlimited entry for up to 10 years.

Things To Do - Places To See

Buenos Aires

Iguazu Falls

Ushuaia

Mendoza: This lovely metropolitan city is located in the foothills of the Andes in the northcentral high plains, just across the border from Santiago. It is most popular for wine enthusiasts and adventure travellers looking to climb Aconcagua (the highest mountain in the western hemisphere), ski, hike, horseback ride, and raft. Mendoza is the largest wine producing region in Latin America and is one of nine cities worldwide in the Great Capitals of Wine.

Jewish Heritage in Denmark

If you're headed to Denmark & would like to experience a bit of Jewish heritage while you're there, Visit Denmark's Jewish-themed travel site is an amazing resource! Jam-packed with information on useful facts, historical background, and suggestions for places to go and things to see, your trip just became that much easier to plan- and that much more exciting. In addition, you can read about and then experience a fairly comprehensive history of Jews in this lovely Scandinavian country.
The oldest Jewish community in Scandinavia (Norway, Sweden, Finland, & Denmark) resides in Denmark and dates back to the times of King Christian IV when he founed a city on the River Elbe called Gluckstadt near Hamburg, Germany (at the time, under Danish rule) in the 1600's. It was originally a safe haven for Sephardic Jewish merchants from many areas such as Spain, Portugal, & North Africa.
You can visit various sites on your own or join a tour specifically designed for travellers wishing to experience Danish Jewish hertiage first hand.

Sites that currently make the website's Top 5 points of interest are:

1. Danish Jewish Museum- this museum provides a great perspective on Jewish history in Denmark from the 17th century up until present day.
2. Jewish Copenhagen Walking Tour- This is the perfect combination of general points of interest around Copenhagen while also seeing & learning about Jewish history and culture.
3. The Museum of Danish Resistance 1940-1945 (Frihedsmuseet)- Opened in 1957 and inaugurated in 1995, this is a permanent exhibition aimed at telling the story of Danish resistance during Nazi occupation from 1940-1945.
4. The Great Synagogue of Copenhagen- This is the main synagogue of Jewish Danes in Copenhagen and boasts unique & beautiful architecture considered to be the masterwork of Gustav Friedrich.
5. The Rescue Route- While this may be seen through various modes of transportation, the most highly recommended is through a guided tour or specialized guide for the most engaging experience. On this route, originally travelled in 1943, you'll traverse through quaint and charming fishing villages.

View our guide to Scandinavia here!

Illustration of The Great Synagogue of Copenhagen from around 1899

Top 10 Friendliest/Happiest Countries

Main Entry: hap·pi·ness
Pronunciation: \ˈha-pē-nəs\

Function: noun

Date: 15th century

1 obsolete : good fortune : Prosperity 2 a: a state of well-being and contentment : Joy b: a pleasurable or satisfying experience 3: felicity, aptness

While it often means something different to all of us, it's often a main motivator and highly sought after. That said, where are you most likely to find it? Based on a recent survey by the OECD, here's our list of the world's happiest places.

• Denmark
• Finland

• Netherlands
• Sweden
• Ireland
• Canada
• Switzerland
• New Zealand
• Norway
• Belgium


• Honorable Mentions: Austria, Iceland, Bahamas, Bhutan, Brunei, & Luxembourg
  

Have you had the pleasure to visit any of these countries? Do you feel that a country has been left out? We're noticing that some of the world's happiest countries are also some of the world's safest!

Top 10 Cruise Destinations

Cruising is no longer simply a mode of transportation, it's a vacation unto itself. Here, we've highlighted the top ten most popular places to cruise to so get comfortable, grab your umbrella drink, & get ready to relax!

10. Panama Canal
The world's greatest shortcut & one of the most fabulous engineering feats, this Central American retreat is a natural beauty. Not only is sailing through the numerous locks something to marvel at but the surrounding scenery and vibrant local culture will have you swooning.
9. Aruba
Whether you're looking to party or put your feet up, this sun drenched island is perfection. As a top tourist destination, there are a plethora of resorts to choose from. Due to its location, Aruba is blessed with breathtaking beaches, balmy weather, and lovely breezes.

8. Hong Kong

A unique destination due to its mix of cultures, this Asian destination accommodates every traveller. Cruising through the waterways is a popular past time and many tour providers offer the opportunity to experience this small but bustling city.
7. Norway

A favorite Scandinavian retreat, Norway has a plethora of natural attractions well-worth travelling to see. Enjoy astounding views of the Norwegian Fjords, northern lights, whale watching, and midnight sun just to name a few. It also doesn't hurt that the locals are absolutely wonderful.

6. Cayman Islands
Whether you're traveling for business or pleasure, this dreamy island delivers. While business men call it a tax haven, cruisers love it for the azure waters, sugar soft sand, and Kodak moment dive sites. Enjoy a nights stay in chic hotel or rustic villa.

5. New Zealand/Australia
Enjoy some of the most beautiful natural vistas down under with Aussies or Kiwis. It's hard to just highlight one reason to travel down under, but the combo of beaches, forests, & history is a good start. Revel in the natural beauty, great food and wine, and a fabulous blend of modern and historic culture.4. Alaska
Between the wildlife, glaciers, and natural parks, what's not to love? Enjoy whale watching while you cruise through the icy waters and order some of the best salmon dinners around. If after cruising through the gorgeous waters, you'd like to see more plan a stay at one of the numerous & vast state parks.

3. French Riviera

Famous for the glitz & glam of Cannes, St. Tropez, and Monaco, this lovely Mediterranean escape also boasts more laid back towns such as Gourdon, Biot, Grasse, Eze, & Vallauris. The nearly tropical climate coupled with azure waters, crisp colored villas, and indigo skies against the Alps has been an inspiration to many artists, including Picasso, and will surely inspire you.

2. US Virgin Islands

If you're looking for a beachy escape closer to home, you've found your haven. These islands are smaller in size but certainly rate high on the satisfaction scale. These islands are mostly all natural providing a plethora of private inlets and beaches to enjoy.
1. Barbados

Close your eyes & imagine your dream beach. The characteristics you're thinking of are all offered here-- unspoiled, crisp, clean beaches disturbed only by the lapping of crystal waves, tropical flora & fauna, warm rays of sun accompanied by a balmy breeze, topped off with a charming atmosphere & lovely culture. You won't be disappointed and you won't want to leave.

10 Weirdest Sites to See in America

Here's an article from the Huffington Post detailing the 10 Weirdest Sites to See in America, from albino squirrels to gravity vortexes! Click the link to read the full article, complete with photo captions. Would you visit any of these places or have you?

"America the beautiful, sure, but America the strange? You bet. Hit the road this summer and seek out the curious and entertaining oddities sprinkled across the nation (many are conveniently located off major highways). Set out to scratch your travel itch, but count on scratching your head, too."

Albino Squirrels. Olney, Illinois










Carhenge.
Alliance, Nebraska










Corn Palace. Mitchell, South
Dakota









Desert of Maine. Freeport, Maine









House on the Rock. Spring Green,
Wisconsin









Lucy the Elephant. Margate, New
Jersey









Marfa Lights. Mitchell Flats just outside
Marfa, Texas









Oregon Vortex. Gold Hill,
Oregon









Petrified Wood Park. Lemmon, South
Dakota









Twine Ball. Darwin
Minnesota









Coral Castle. Homestead,
Florida









World's Largest Catsup Bottle. Collinsville,
Illinois

US Virgin Islands (USVI)

About USVI
*The United States Virgin Islands are a group of three main islands, one much smaller Water Island, and surrounding minor islands. They are located in the Leeward Islands of the Lesser Antilles with a total population of just over 100,000. Discovered and named by Christopher Columbus, the islands were held by various European powers until 1672 when they came under Danish rule as the Danish-Westindian islands. It wasn't until 1917 that they were sold to the US became the US Virgin Islands.

*These islands are volcanic in origin, hilly, have strategic harbors including Charlotte Amalie and Christiansted, and white sand beaches for which they've become very well known (think Magens Bay and Trunk Bay). The currency is USD and the official language is English although Virgin Island Creole is spoken informally.

*These islands make for the perfect family vacation or romantic getaway with the laid-back feel, charming culture, and breathtaking scenery. Enjoy near deserted beaches, excellent diving, inland nature adventures, duty-free shopping, delectable dining, and an exciting nightlife.

St. Thomas Nicknamed "Rock City" by the locals, this island has one of the most beautiful harbors. Charlotte Amalie boasts many attractions such as elegant dining, thrilling nightlife, duty-free shopping, and even submarine rides. You can enjoy the areas natural beauty anywhere around the island, be it sea level or 1500ft higher up. A few attractions worth visiting are Fort Christian, Frederick Lutheran Church, St. Peter Greathouse Estate and Gardens, 99 Steps, and Haagensen House.


St. John Also known by locals as "Love City". Most of this beautiful island is a national park and as such provides the perfect opportunity for hiking, camping, and stunning views. This island lays claim to some of the most beautiful and well-known beaches such as Trunk Bay, Cinnamon Bay, and Salt Pond Bay.

St. Croix "Twin City", as it is referred to by locals, this is the largest of the islands and also has a flatter terrain. The Danish culture is still very much so present around the island, especially in its two historic towns Christainsted and Frederiksted. You'll see this expressed through its laid back charm, quaint shops, brightly colored buildings, and refreshing diversity. The older buildings are made of cut coral, molasses mortar, and Danish bricks brought over in the 1700 & 1800s! You can enjoy golf, beaches, exploring inland, or horseback riding near 18th century sugar mills. A few top dive spots are a wall that drops over 13,000ft, the largest living reef of any Caribbean island, 5 wrecks within 100 yards of each other, and a pier.

Christiansted Harbor circa 1959

Southern Caribbean

The southern Caribbean is a beautiful and tranquil group of islands well-worth visiting. While it's true most islands in the Caribbean offer similar things to do such as relaxing on a beautiful beach with a tasty beverage, shopping, water sports, and recreational island activities, each island also has its own, unique history, culture, and personality you'll want to get to know! Feel free to let us know if you'd like more specific information on any or all of these tropical locales!

Trinidad & Tobago:
These sister islands are anything but uniform. Trinidad is upbeat with exciting events and adrenaline-pumping activities while Tobago more laid back with emphasis on relaxation and appreciation of your natural surroundings. Experience the unique, colorful, and thrilling Carnival in Trinidad as you party with the locals. Enjoy pina coladas on the beach or discover the beauty of the Western Hemisphere's oldest protected rainforest of Tobago, Robinson Crusoe's isle.



Barbados:
This teeny island will feel your own private escape! Experience the ultimate beach relaxation on the white velvet sand beaches or participate in local events and celebrations. Enjoy a cool glass of rum punch. Live the good life as you trade in the rush and stress of daily life for the sweet relaxation of living on island time.



St Lucia: Learn more by clicking here!


Saint Vincent & the Grenadines:
Snorkel the surrounding waters and see the colorful life in this underwater world, go yatching or sailing on these tranquil turquoise waters, or take an eco-adventure to explore the hidden waterfalls, salt pond, or watch the birds, turtles, whales, and dolphins. Enjoy a romantic getaway or bond with your family.



Netherlands Antilles:
"Caribbean paradise with a European flair", this group of islands consists of Curacao, Bonaire, St Maartin, St Eustatius, and Saba. Although these five islands enjoy differing Caribbean locations, they are united by their Dutch heritage, island culture, and breathtaking scenery. Choose from a vast array of activities and tone down or rev up your time off from the hustle and bustle of everyday life!


Aruba:
Enjoy the result of a charming mix of culture, coming from a tumultuous past to a calm and graceful present. Enjoy the peaceful lapping of waves on pleasant beaches or infuse a dash of zest into your visit at music festivals, nature outings, and a trendy nightlife.


Grenada:
Traipse around the capital, St. George, and immerse yourself in the rich colorful history of this beautiful island. Visit Fort George, 300 year old plantations, historic estates, bright & bustling Saturday markets, and see where some of the best spices come from. Enjoy the stunning beaches with umbrella drinks and snorkel offshore.