Lake Tahoe Or Bust - Vacation for the Entire Family

I know you have heard of Lake Tahoe. Well we live close to this magnificent lake and never take it's beauty for granted.  Looking for a new place to Discover for your next Vacation?  Well I can highly recommend a visit to Lake Tahoe will take you back in time. VACATION TO LAKE TAHOE OR BUST.  You will not be disappointed with your decision to visit Lake Tahoe.  California is a perfect place to spend some quality time and you will be recharged with one day.  Lake Tahoe is a perfect place to do a ROAD TRIP.

There are activities for the entire family and I know you will never be board.  Taking a Walk along a trail and be at water's edge is a perfect way to enjoy the natural beauty.  Tall Pine Tree's, sandy beaches, camping, water sports and skiing are some of the favorite activities that been people to Lake Tahoe from all over the world.

No matter where you live in the world there are people that are willing to come to your part of the world to see and visit what your State or Country has to offer.  I tell people to look up the Chamber of Commerce in the cities that they plan to visit.  You can find schedules of events, local festivals or exhibits that you might miss if you don't explore some of the sites available to you.  You can find some Visitor Information at http://tahoechamber.org/pages/VisitorInformation/

Lake Tahoe has something to offer for every member of the family.  The lake is accessible from several directions.  There are roads around the lake that will add up to 72 miles, but you need to allow several hours to drive as you will make lots of stops so you don't miss anything. Check out this website for things to see and do.  http://www.frommers.com/destinations/laketahoe/1083010025.html    Emerald Bay is a favorite of many visitors as it has been painted by may artist who admire the unusual beauty of the area.  SUNNYSIDE is a perfect area of the Lake that brings you back into time.  Little Cabins dot the lakeside and can be rented if you are looking for a blast from the past.  North Shore is a good place to see a relaxed community that is geared up for visitors with a convention center in King Beach.  Sand Harbor is the park that Hosts the Shakespeare Festival.  Info -->  Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival (telephone number. 800/747-4697; www.laketahoeshakespeare.com).  Snow Sking is Very Popular and you can check out the local Ski Resorts for Hours and Rates.  Heavenly Valley is located in South Lake Tahoe Area.  Squaw Valley is just north of Tahoe City and was the site of 1960 Olympics.

Well help this gives you some ideas of things to do and see on your Vacation to Lake Tahoe.

Happy Travel.
Jeanne Felix, Travel Agent   916  768-0210
Hearts on the Go Travel, Division of Cordially Yours Travel
California Seller of Travel CST-1013939-40

ON A MISSION TO SEE A MISSION - Arizona Road Trip

Arizona has lots to offer for those of you looking for a different type of Road Trip.  You will see some sunsets, Parks, Missions and lots of cactus. 

Rent a car and head on out in search of a few Missions.  We visited Mission San Xavier del Bac and was able to see this beautiful mission from miles away.  It has been known as the White Dove of the Desert.  As you walk around the grounds, you will see different types of Catcus that enhance the beauty of this Church. Mission San Xavier Del BacMission is the oldest intact European Structure that you will find in Arizona.  You can read more about this beautiful Mission at this website.   http://www.sanxaviermission.org/Index.html    Mission San Xavier is just located outside of Tucson about 15 minutes away from Tucson but well worth your trip.    

Tumacacori is a National Historical Park located about one hour out of Tucson.  This mission was established approximately 1691.  It was a beautiful day walking around this well preserved mission.  There was a lady making homemade taco and she does it for donations.  They are very original and she makes them while you wait.  There is plenty of things to keep you busy on your visit.  Hiking down by the river, exploring the museum or just walk around the grounds will give you a wonderful experience for the entire family.

 http://www.nps.gov/tuma/index.htm
I think that a Road Trip to Arizona is a trip that you should plan as a family.  If you want to visit some interesting Historical Parks, check out history or just experience what Arizona has to offer you will not be disappointed. 

Cruise Reviews of Cruising on the Disney Magic November 2012

We just decided to try out the Disney Magic Cruise Lines one month ago.  What a fun experience for the entire family.  If you are not a Disney Enthusiast before you left on the cruise, you might be after you return from your week long cruise from Galviston, Texas round trip.  Ports of call are Grand Cayman, Costa Maya and Cozumel.  The cruise line has been doing this itinerary for 6 weeks and they are working out the fine tuning. 

Welcomed on board the ship you are welcomed by a few staff members announcing your name and family.  We were shown where our cabins were and that is where we called home for a week.  I recommend Deck 6 (Balcony Cabins) as you will be see pulling in and out of ports. 

The week was filled with lots of ventures and new experiences for kids from ages 2 months up to age 17.  The cruise is truly set up for young families and have kids clubs everywhere to help out with the next week of entertaining your kids.  Kids actually were crying after having to leave the Kids Clubs and Adventure Clubs.  I interviewed several families and they wanted to share their experiences openly.  One family with 3 kids under 5 years old LOVED this cruise, but said that they didn't want the experience to become overwhelming doing a cruise every year.  The Mom thought that the kid activities, entertainment, Disney Characters were well displayed and acessible. 

I personally enjoyed the cruise, but disappointed that there wasn't lots of adult events planned.  There were plenty of pubs and get away spots, but I just thought that there could be more planned activities for Adults Only.  I do like that there is a section designated to Adults Only for Swimming and Night Clubs.  The Family Feel was all over the ship and the staff were very welcoming and polite.

Itinerary was lacking in the Ports of Call.  The Ship stopped in Grand Caymen and this island is full of ideas, activities, and beach time that can be spent all day long.  Great Shopping and a 1 1/2 hour tour around the island was $10.00 per person. Great Deal as you get out of the main town and can see some of the local flavor by a short taxi or van ride into the country side.

Second Stop Costa Maya is just a tourist trap as far as I am concerned.  Short stay will allow you to rent a golf cart for $40.00 total and we crammed onto this little golf cart.  Best Part is that you will be gifted a free drinkat Senor Frog's upon arrival into the old city.  You can spend all day eat and drink for $45.00 per person if you choose to get your beach day in.

Third Stop was in Cozumel which is an island off the cost of Mexico.  This island is heavily populated with vendors and high priced items on the main Avenue.  Just by shopping off the main streets you can find some local charm and Mexican Flavor.  Great stop and very popular with the Cruise Lines.

Days at Sea.  Lots of time to swim, take a hot tub dip, walking the decks, relaxing with your family, or find a little get away to read that book you have brought with you from home. 

Great Staff, Lots of Restaurants that you will get to experience as you are on a revolving restaurant schedule.  Your waiters and wait staff follow you around to the different restaurants.  Great idea and makes it a rememberable experience. Food Variety for every taste buds.

On a scale of one to 10 being the best, I rate the Disney Magic about an 8.    Happy Travels and Hope you find my personal review helpful when choosing a cruise for your entire family.  http://www.travelatheart.com or http://facebook.com/travelagentjeannefelix

Disney has done a wonderful job with the detail that they paid attention to everyone's likes and dislikes.  Job Well Done Disney.  You created MAGIC for the ENTIRE FAMILY.  
  

Transfers and Transportation for Cruise Vacation

Getting You to Your Cruise Line and making sure your vacation is a memoriable experience is our goal in the Travel Industry.  .

Transportation to and from the cruise lines is an important function for the Travel Industry.  I know people who have had a perfect experience and some that were horror stories.

Some of the horror stories have been people not making their  LAX Departure in time for their cruise down to Mexico.  The couple were in the 80’s and they had to be carted to the first port, and because of weather they were shipped to port number 2.  The couple were out of 3 days of their cruise and the cruise line spent lots of time trying to get them re-accommodated.  Lesson learned that they had to book a pre hotel stay prior to departure.

When planning on boarding a ship I always try to talk our clients into at least adding one day (Pre Stay) so that they will not run into problems.  May flights have been cancelled before the customers begin their trip and then the anxiety begins.  Travel should be hassle free and when preparing ahead of time you can make sure that you allow lots of free time prior to your cruise departure. 

 Travel is Fun is you are prepared ahead of time for your Vacation and Family Get Away.  Be sure to purchase insurance on your trip as there are natural disasters  (acts of God) that can happen and make travel impossible.  Look at the recent devastation on the East Coast during Hurricane Sandy.  You just never know what to expect every day of the week.

Happy Travels and may your #Vacation be and Magical Experience for the entire family. 

Donner Lake in Truckee CA Has Something for Everyone.

Have you ever visited Donner Lake, located in Truckee California?  This lake has a feeling of small community.  People come from all over the world to see our lake.  Truckee is a small town with a big heart.  There are lots of things to do and see while you visit our wonderful community.  #VACATION TIME.

Donner Lake has been a destination favorite by many travelers.  Wedding are very popular with all the natural beauty that surrounds the lake.  The lake is glass in the mornings with whitecaps in the afternoons.  The activities on the lake are paddle boarding, fishing, water skiing, swimming and just hanging out on a pier.  For camping information check out the website of  Donner State Memorial Park http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=503

The weather is varied with the four seasons.  Right now we are experiencing the Fall colors and it is very beautiful. In the Fall the weather is approximately 61 - 80 degrees during the day.  In Summer  Donner Lake offers opportunities for camping, picnicking, boating swimming, fishing, water-skiing, and easy hiking.   In Winter with the Heavy Snow Fall it is a great place to stay and plan a Winter Vacation of Skiing, Cross Country or Down Hill, Sleding or just relaxing in nature.  One must be bundled up in appropriate clothing so to avoid Frost Bite.  Please make sure that you come prepared to the mountains with Chains for passage during the Winter
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I walk around the lake and it takes about 2 hours if you are walking briskly.  Bike riding will take you less than 45 minutes if you don't stop to take pictures.  Most of the time when walking around the lake I allow 3 hours due to the fact of the beauty I see and want to take a picture at every vista point.

Donner Lake is the site of the Donner Lake Triathlon and they have been going strong for 31 years.   http://www.sierrasun.com/article/20120713/SPORTS/120719941

For more information on the Town of Truckee consult the Chamber of Commerce and the California Welcome Center at http://www.truckee.com/  For more information on the history of Truckee check out  http://www.truckee.com/history/

 There is so much history and things that you and your family can experience that it will last a life time.   We always welcome and hoping you will come soon and visit our Great Town.  For Ideas of what to do or see give me a call  Jeanne Felix, 916.768.0210  Travel Agent  Cordially Yours Travel - Hearts on the Go Travel Division -California Seller of Travel CST-1013939-40 WEBSITE http://www.travelatheart.com oron FACEBOOK  http://www.facebook.com/travelagentjeannefelix

Activities for the Family - The Great Reno Balloon Race

The Great Reno Balloon Race

Rancho San Rafael Park by the University of Reno
September 7, 2012 - September 9, 2012

Activities for the Family that you must put on your bucket list for next year.  Attending the Great Reno Balloon Races should be on the top of your list.  Packing up the family with a breakfast picnic seemed to be very popular at the Balloons usually are ready to take off anytime ofter 5:00 am. 

Have you ever been to The Great Reno Balloon Races?  There were cars all over the hill parked to see the event.  You must be up early to see the Dawn Patrol.  The Balloons are lite up with the dark sky all around.  This is truly a beautiful sight as the hissing of the gas is used to get the Balloon Drifting and using the air currents.

A few Balloons were able to take off this morning but I found that they drifted way up North of the Landing Area by University of Reno.  The Event was packed and well attended.  There is just something peaceful and beautiful watching the balloons in the sky.  I felt lucky to be right underneath one of the balloons that were actually able to take of this morning. 

There is a great website to help you find information about parking, events, donations and the schedule of activities.  Find the information at http://www.renoballoon.com/  I found this site helpful in deciding where to watch the balloons without having to deal with  all the traffic.

Rancho San Rafael Park by the University of Reno is the Location of the Balloon Races.
September 7, 2012 - September 9, 2012.  If you are coming up to Reno there are several good deals for hotel rooms aat the end of the summer.  Next year book ahead and enjoy this activity with your family and build some new memories.  For hotel reservations give me a call and I will set you up with the perfect weekend package.  http://travelatheart.com 

What Family Destination is the Right Vacation Choice

Some people want to throw up their hands up in trying to find the Perfect Destination for their next Family Vacation.  Never fear.  The first thing I think you should consider is the ages of the kids.  Do you need babysitting services, Kids Clubs, Teen Events?  Destination Vacations for your Family may be closer to you than you think.  Pick a location that will meet the entire family's travel needs and wants.

If you like the beach then I suggest you find a region or island that has variety.  Some Caribbean Islands are very small and might not fit the bill for an active family.  Activity Vacations offer something for everyone.  Being busy keeps the kids interest up.

A Travel Agent can help makes a great family travel experience for both the parents and the kids.  Consider an All Inclusive to save money all around.  Food will be expensive so the All-Inclusive Resort might be the best choice (in the long run) for your family.

Remember your Family Vacation is something personal and it is important to get everything that you are wanting from your vacation not what I the Travel Agent thinks what you are looking for.  Happy Travels.