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.

Why Buy Travel Insurance?!

You've likely heard plenty about travel insurance before and you may or may not have opted to purchase it. If you have, you know and appreciate the benefits and security it provides for your vacation. If you haven't, why not? One great example of travel plans gone wrong are when travelers were interrupted by the volcanic eruption in Iceland, resulting in cancelled flights among other issues. Compiled by AMA Waterways, here's a few examples of common issues travelers often face that travel insurance would take care of.

1. It's 10p.m. and you and your immediate family arrive at the airport for a connecting flight, only to find that your flight has been cancelled. Who can assist you with finding new flights to catch you up with your cruise?
2. Your bag was lost with your insulin inside. You need help to locate your bag as soon as possible and have your emergency prescription filled. Who do you call?
3. Your first river cruise in Russia, your passport and wallet are stolen. Where do you turn for emergency cash, and how will you get your passport replaced?
4. Your sister-in-law becomes seriously ill and you must cancel your cruise, what happens to your non-refundable deposits or pre-payments?
5. You arrive in Prague for your Danube cruise and your luggage doesn't. If it's lost, who will help you find it? If it's delayed, who will pay for your necessities? If it's stolen, who will pay to replace it?
6. You're walking down a street in Amsterdam and twist your ankle. Who can help you find an English-speaking physician?

Here's another great source of information-- on The Today Show Matt Lauer and Peter Greenburg did a piece on travel insurance explaining why one would purchase insurance and the different types available.

9 Reasons to Buy Travel Insurance

1. Your flight has been cancelled
2. Your bags are lost and your medication is in it. You need to have an emergency prescription filled.
3. Your passport and wallet are stolen, and you need emergency cash and a replacement passport.
4. You need to cancel your trip due to illness.
5. Your cruise line, airline, or tour operator goes bankrupt. You need your non-refundable expenses covered and to get to your destination.
6. You have a medical emergency in a foreign country.
7. A terrorist incident occurs in the city where you're planning to visit and you want to cancel your trip.
8. A hurricane forces you to evacuate your resort, hotel, or cruise.

Basic Types of Insurance

• Flight Insurance
• Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance
• Health Care Insurance
• Baggage Insurance
  

Read the full article & listen to the video clip here: 9 Reasons to Buy Travel Insurance

Here at Sand & C Travel, we highly recommend purchasing travel insurance for your vacation because you never know what could happen- between natural disasters and operator issues- it's better to be safe than sorry!

Are you green?

The troubles caused by BP's malfunctioning oil well (among other issues) have reminded us lately of the ever popular 'Green Movement'. Fifteen to twenty years ago, being called a tree hugger was insulting but now everyone from students to multinational corporations to governments around the world are falling in line with this trendy movement. This got us thinking about how this movement might cross paths with your world travels. Here's a nod to all things green.
Would you take a green vacation? (This would include where you stay, transportation, activities, etc) Let us know in the comments or contact us today!





Sailing the open ocean
Many cruise lines are also following suit on this initiative. Often they have their own set of guidelines, in addition to government and environmental agency regulations. Some of these efforts include not dumping untreated waste water, donating cooking grease, using cooking oil as biodiesel, finding ways to save fuel while sailing (tweaking docking times, altering speeds), installing eco-friendly lighting & energy-efficient appliances, using special tinting to help keep the ship cooler & reduce its dependence on air conditioning, incinerating & processing waste on board, and recycling to name just a few. Currently, cruise ships meet or surpass all US and international environmental laws.


Resorts gone green
Resorts are also joining in on the effort by making buildings more efficient and emitting less harmful waste into the environment. The following are the top 1o eco-resorts worldwide.

1. The Lodge at Sun Ranch. Montana, USA
2. Southern Ocean Lodge. Kangaroo Island, Australia
3. Eco Beach Wilderness Retreat. Broome, Australia
4. Hotel Punta Islita. Guanacaste, Costa Rica
5. Spice Island Beach Resort. St. George, Grenada
6. Shergarh Tented Camp. Kanha Tiger Reserve, India
7. Nihiwatu. Southwest Sumba, Indonesia
8. Tenuta di Spannocchia. Siena, Italy
9. Angsana Resort & Spa Ihuru. Ihuru, Maldives
10. Hotelito Desconocido. Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

More accessible hotel chains such as Marriot and Starwood are making it easier to travel green as well. Courtyard by Marriott has achieved volume pre-certification for green buildings although it merely provides the option and does not require builders to follow the guidelines. Starwood's new Element brand not only has received volume pre-certification, it also requires that all buildings meet the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) status. Click here for further information on Starwood's Element brand and here for locations!

"The 2010 Environmental Performance Index (EPI) ranks 163 countries on 25 performance indicators tracked across ten policy categories covering both environmental public health and ecosystem vitality. These indicators provide a gauge at a national government scale of how close countries are to established environmental policy goals. The EPI's proximity-to-target methodology facilitates cross-country comparisons as well as analysis of how the global community is doing collectively on each particular policy issue."

1. Iceland 93.5
2. Switzerland 89.1
3. Costa Rica 86.4
4. Sweden 86.0
5. Norway 81.1
6. Mauritius 80.6
7. France 78.2
8. Austria 78.1
9. Cuba 78.1
10. Colombia 76.8

*The US ranked at #61 with a score of 63.5

Quick Recap: What does it mean to go green & how does one do such a thing?
Ultimately, going green is an attempt to mitigate the destructive aspects in our everyday lives. As globalization makes the world a smaller place, our actions are increasingly effecting lives in other parts of the world. (Think: Danish children playing with toys made in China, etc) These steps can start with something small & easy like recycling and using reusable grocery bags. By helping out our environment, we're ultimately helping pad our bank accounts, staying healthier, and improving our overall quality of life.

Travel in style & comfort!

There's some exciting additions in the hotel and resort realm! Read on to find out more & click the links for the full story.

• *Marriot is expanding into Sweden with two new hotels

• *The Ritz-Carlton plans to open its first kosher hotel in Herzliya, Israel just north of Tel Aviv

• *Fashion designers such as Armani & DVF bring high style to hotels

• *The Waldorf Astoria will open a new location in west London's Syon Park

• *Hyatt Recency New Orleans will reopen in the fall of 2011

• *Radisson Blu Resort & Spa Porticcio will open on Corsica spring 2012

• *Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville Beach Hotel opened July 1

• *Hilton plans to open a location on Jordan's Dead Sea coast