Episodios

  • Japan’s – Shogun and Samurai Trail

    Japan’s – Shogun and Samurai Trail
    Jul 16 2024
    Japan's Shogun and Samurai Trail A journey to Japan's Shogun and Samurai trail takes you through history, tradition and culture. History has a way of showing us how we are connected to those things that happened in our past. Our actions today are closely connected to things that happened in the past. One of the things that makes learning about and visiting historic places fascinating, educational and enlightening. We can learn so much about ourselves. I like to say "We learn more about the things we thought we already knew." I recently had the opportunity to travel with Oku Japan, a tour company exploring off the beaten path itineraries around the country. The various tours give you an opportunity to see more of Japan than the fascinating metropolitan cities. You get out into the countryside and explore historic cities, little known towns all while learning. You’ll find things first-hand about Japan you may know from movies, stories and bits of international history we were taught in school are fascinating to see. You'll have a chance to explore historic cities that helped create the pathways, byways and large cities. Those small towns are alive - very well alive and thriving, sharing their history. Oku Japan gets you deep into the culture, history and wonder of a fascinating country. On my visit, I was part of an itinerary called Shoguns and samurai. This itinerary took me to central Japan where tall mountain ranges, rivers, valleys and remote villages have remained very well-preserved for centuries. These cities were part of the shogunate period of Japan and were the highlight of our tour. It was a history lesson in Japan’s shogun period when Tokyo was known as Edo and ruled by the shogun. I also visited Kyoto, Japan’s capital for many years and also where you’ll find much of the country’s cultural heritage. For me it was more than my usual statement of saying I learned more about the things I thought I already knew, traveling with Oku Japan and hearing the stories of cities, roads, bridges and pathways that were part of the shogun period, I learned things I never knew. Come along and listen to part one of my time in Japan with Oku Japan - Adventures off the beaten track leads the way in history, culture and "off the beaten path" adventures. The photos below capture some of the highlights. \ \ \
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    41 m
  • Antarctica with Holland America

    Antarctica with Holland America
    Jul 16 2024
    Antarctica with Holland America Part Two Oh the people you meet when traveling A conversation with Captain Kevin Beirnaert Going to Antarctica on Holland America is the best way to set sail for the snowy-white continent. Heading to Antarctica you'll take Holland American's Oosterdam ship and it is one of my favorite ships in their fleet. I've sailed on this ship two times and each time with Captain Kevin. He was born in Gent in Northwest Belgium, and moved to Antwerp to attend the Maritime Academy. He shared that he has been around ships all of his life and was inspired by his father who also sails the deep blue sea. In 2004, he was employed with the world’s largest dredging company, “Jan de Nul,” and worked on the dredger Alexander von Humboldt in Dubai to build a new city, now world famously named Palm Island. Captain Beirnaert joined Holland America Line in 2006 and rotated on several ships, including Rotterdam as third officer, Rotterdam VI through 2011, as first officer and was promoted to chief officer / staff captain in 2012, after having sailed on Nieuw Amsterdam, Noordam, and Veendam. On Eurodam for three years, he met his now-wife, Amber, who was vacationing with friends but had also been a cast member with the 2010 Holland America Line Revue shows, performing on Zuiderdam and Prinsendam. Captain Beirnaert’s experience on Eurodam propelled him to the supervisory team of the company’s first Pinnacle Class ship, Koningsdam, then the second in the class, Nieuw Statendam V, and finally as staff captain to oversee the building of the third ship, Ryndam IV. It's time to plan your trip to Antarctica. Visit their website - www.hollandamerica.com Take a listen to part one of this series where I talk with other amazing crew members. Click here - Holland America Oosterdam Ship part one. I had a chance to sit down and chat with Captain Kevin - take a listen.
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    41 m
  • Destination: Holland America Oosterdam Ship to Antarctica

    Destination: Holland America Oosterdam Ship to Antarctica
    Jul 15 2024
    Holland America Oosterdam Ship to Antarctica Part One Oh the people you'll meet - Holland America Crew Traveling on Holland America's Oosterdam ship was a grand experience. I've traveled on this ship two times now and each time has been a true delight. Travel has a very special meaning for me. I've wanted to go, go, go since I was a little girl. Always jumping up to head out with anyone leaving. It didn't matter as long as I was going. When I think of my life and travel it all started when I was a little girl sitting in the back of my parents blue station wagon going to Florida for summer vacation. That was where my dad was from and it was our chance to visit with an extended family of uncles, aunts, cousins, grand mother and friends. Those trips are truly what my love of travel are built on. Interstate highways, toll roads, Howard Johnson restaurants, pit stops for gas or to stretch our legs at rest stops and the long winding roads that seem to go on forever. My sister and I would play various road trip games, counting blue or red cars, spotting out-of-state license plates and our most fun was who could find the first corn field and say "broke-down, shuck-down corn stalks." Why that was so exciting I can not tell you. We would laugh for hours, pointing and trying to be the first to say the funny statement. Through my years of travel, what has truly become one of the best parts of travel is having a chance to sit and talk with other travelers; to hear their stories, learn about how they got started and advise me on what to see, do and experience in the places they love. Recently I had a chance to cruise to Antarctica and south america on Holland American Oosterdam ship. I was onboard for 22 days. Enough time to meet new friends and learn all about their travel lives. I sat down with several of the crew to hear how travel has shaped their lives and what they love most about traveling to far away places and how to experience a dream destination like a trip to the Antarctica. It's time for you to book your voyage on Holland America Oosterdam ship. Check out additional articles and shows about Holland America Take a listen and also check out the photos below. Pictures of the Holland America Oosterdam ship, culinary treats, icebergs and excursions around South America.
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    41 m
  • Destination: Travel With Your Couple Friends

    Destination: Travel With Your Couple Friends
    Jun 6 2024
    Travel With Your Couple Friends Tips for returning home with your friendship in tack Have you thought about travel with your couple friends? It is a great way to extend your time together and add some additional fun too. However, there are steps and tips to make sure when you return home, you're still friends and buddies. Each way of travel, solo, with partner or with couples, has its own dynamics, pros and cons. While vacations are meant to be an escape from your everyday life, it can be enhanced with others or going it alone. Also, there could be more challenges than your bargained for just when the fun is getting started. I decided to dig into all the ups and downs of traveling with another couple. There is more positive than negative, so let's share that from the start. First question is: Why travel with another couple. First of all the old saying, the more the merrier; well that can apply to traveling with another couple. First of all they should be your friends. And, friends that you’ve spent time with, enjoy their company and have always wanted to venture out and see the world together. Traveling with them takes the fun you have at home to fun on the road. When you travel with your couple friends there are some benefits to traveling with those outside your immediate family. 1. Sharing the cost - that bucket list destination can be more budget friendly when sharing the cost. For many of us, when we are traveling with your family, you may pay for everyone in your family, for food, activities, accommodations and travel. It can be expensive. When you’re traveling with friends, you are paying for yourself and maybe your spouse. Renting a house with your friends is less expensive than booking two hotel room and you’re sharing the cost of food too. Add car rental to that and another big expense has been cut in half. Doc Bill and I have travel with a couple and share a short term rental home. It worked out great and it was so fun to all be together for fun actives in the evening and enjoying coffee to start our day. 2. You don’t have to be the grown up or the decision maker for everything Traveling with your kids adults or young… you will get that feeling… you know the one you get down in your gut to make sure everyone is ok and all is going well. It’s that parent sense of responsibility, it’s just there and even if you’re not conscious of it…. It’s there. Their safety and well-being has been and will always be your focus. Travel with your couple friends can mean bonding like you can't at home. 3. Bonding and connecting unlike your time at home You share similar likes and interest and you’ve lived similar experiences. That’s what makes you great friends. Now’s the time to explore those similiaries on the road. Doing the things you love together in a different space and place. You’re going to create awesome memories and have fun talking about your time together for years to come. 4. Strengthen your relationship While traveling can bringing out things about people you may find hard to understand or appreciate, getting to know your friend on another level is sure to strengthen relationships that already important in your life. Even if there are some ups and downs while traveling together, there’s no better way to get to. Know someone than traveling together. 5. You get to know yourself a little better too. Travel is a great way to learn more about yourself. Traveling with another couple let’s you see more about how you handle and connect with others. It takes you a little outside of your comfort zone. When traveling with others, there is compromise and collaborating… things that you may not have to do when traveling with your partner or a best friend who travels with you often. And, for solo travelers, there can be a big jump from traveling alone to bringing along a buddy. I have a dear friend who travels with me often.
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  • Destination: Father’s Day Gift of Travel

    Destination: Father’s Day Gift of Travel
    Jun 1 2024
    Father's Day Gift of Travel Travel is a great way to say thank you and show gratitude to those in our lives we want to celebrate and recognize for all the things they do to make our lives wonderful. Father's Day gift of travel is the perfect way to say "thank you for all you do. Fathers are top of the list and with Father’s Day around the corner, now is the perfect time to start thinking about a very special gift for the guys in your life. Your father, hubby, brother, nephew, cousins, friends… each guy in your life can be honored with a Father's Day gift of travel. . The gift of travel is a way to make a long lasting impression on that special guy. Travel is really the gift that gives in so many ways. Really, it’s a gift that continues to glow and give those special feelings for a long, long time. Now… the gift of travel means you’re deciding on a getaway for your guy. It could be for Father’s Day or to enjoy at a later date. It’s finding a destination, event, or activity that will be exciting and so greatly appreciated. I have a long, long list of destinations, hotels, activities and fun things to do. Get your pencil and paper and let’s get started. It’s a long list. And, I’ll have them all posted on my website - travel with annita dot com Let’s start with a trip to beautiful St. Barts Island in the caribbean Hôtel Barrière Le Carl Gustaf, a five-star resort is the ultimate getaway. Set among tropical elegance that creates an ambiance of wellbeing and relaxation, this property is the only hotel on the island boasting panoramic views of the port of Gustavia. It features renowned Beefbar, Shellona Restaurant located on the idyllic Shell Beach, Spa Diane Barrière, in addition to various activities such as aquabiking, pilates, and yoga. Le Carl Gustaf always has a lot to offer, but this June, the resort’s latest package is sure to sweep any father figure off their feet. While staying on property, father’s can enjoy: Two nights in Deluxe Suite Pool & Seaview One hour tailor made treatment for men at Spa Diane Barrière Two cocktails at Beefbar during sunset Dinner for two at Beefbar One hour mixology class with head barman One hour jet ski session for two One lesson with the Audi e-foil This offer is valid from June 12th to June 23rd, 2024 and rates start at $4,604/night. https://www.hotelsbarriere.com/en/saint-barth/le-carl-gustaf.html Moab Utah brings adventure to the great outdoors. There’s no stopping the dads who love to hike, bike and explore. How about A hiking concierge for the dad who thinks he knows where he's going, but a little guidance and expert planning will elevate his experience. A great getaway where the whole family can come along and create Father’s Day memories everyone will cherish. Take advantage of WorldMark by Wyndham’s Hiking Concierge Program in Moab, Utah. Former national parks ranger Ash Nudd takes care of all the planning and logistics – no dad maps necessary – from expert recommendations to comprehensive park itineraries and packing tips. Try a multi-day hiking adventure or families of any size can find a home base at The Moab Resort, a WorldMark Associate property in Moab, complete with apartment-style suites and outdoor grills for overcooked burgers, dad style. https://worldmark.wyndhamdestinations.com/us/en/deals-and-offers/hiking-concierge Fishing Dad For the “fish guy” turned father in your life, take him on a cruise where fishing is one excursion where you’ll reel him in. The catch-of-the-day for this Father's Day, sport fishers or casual anglers. Give them the gift of fishing in their dream destination where they can reel in a big one with Holland America Line’s Savor My Catch program. Available as a shore excursion on the brand's iconic Alaska cruises, including the 7-day Alaska Inside Passage aboard Eurodam. Experience an intimate half-day fishing expedition along the Clover Passage in Ketchikan,
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  • Yemaya Reefs and Little Corn Island

    Yemaya Reefs and Little Corn Island
    May 22 2024
    Yemaya Reefs and Little Corn Island Yemaya Reefs and Little Corn Island are far, far away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Tucked away on a sandy beach with waves skimming the shore, you'll immediately get the relaxed and "no worries" vibes all day and into the night. Yemaya Reefs and Little Corn Island are located off the coast of Nicaragua. Little Corn Island is the sister, little sister that is, to Big Corn Island. Both are part of the archipelago of the Nicaraguan coast. Corn Island is owned by the Nicaraguan government. Located in Central America, Nicaragua is bordered by Honduras to the north and Costa Rica to the south. The Corn Islands are a part of the autonomous region of the South Caribbean Coast Autonomous Region (RACCS) of Nicaragua. Yemaya Reefs and Little Corn Island are Nicaguara's " best kept secret" perfect for relaxing, adventure, and engaging in self-care. There are 16 comfortable Casita and one sailboat room. Here's what's waiting for you. Take a look and picture yourself, right there, in each of these photos. This can be your next getaway. Luxury Casita King sized bed Ocean view Private plunge pool Spacious terrace Nightly turn-down service with tea and chocolate Accommodates two guests Classic Casita King sized bed Single bed with extra pull-out single bed Ocean view Spacious terrace Accommodates up to four guests Both luxury and classic casitas include: Indoor en-suite bathroom with rain shower and essence of outdoors with plants and ceiling windows Air conditioning Ceiling fans Safe Mini Refrigerator Blackout curtains Wifi Spa-grade bath products Bottle water Boat House Your own private spot with all the amenities of the Casitas. Cuisine Erizo Restaurant Creative and tasty chef-driven dishes with a rotating menu of local flavors and traditional specialities. Produce - herbs, fruit and vegetables are local with many grown on the property Breakfast, lunch, dinner and bar Pool side breakfast Traditional dish - Rondon Yemaya Reefs greenhouse Fresh fruit grown and service on the property Rumboat Ocean side restaurant Enjoy a meal on the shore with the cool breeze and calming sounds of the ocean Traditional dishes and all-time favorites - pizza and burgers Hummus and coconut bread Traditional Afro-Caribbean music and dance performance Spa and wellness Studio yoga classes Private or couples spa treatments In-room massage Specialty two-hour treatments Cacao meditation experience Cacao full body treatment experience Water and sporting activities Kayaking Paddleboarding Snorkeling Diving Sunset sail Deep Sea Fishing Amenities Concierge service High speed internet throughout property 24 Hours Electricity Enjoy art by local Afro-Caribbean artists throughout the property How to get there Daily non-stop flights from either Miami or Houston to Managua Fly from Managua to Big Corn Island by small plane Yemaya Reefs small boat to Little Corn Island Your time in paradise begins as you're welcomed with a local tasty cocktail How to book visit the website Yemaya Reefs Little Corn Island to book today. Paradise is waiting for you. *Photos courtesy of Yemaya Reefs
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    9 m
  • Destination: Hawaii Culture and History On Molokai

    Destination: Hawaii Culture and History On Molokai
    May 10 2024
    Hawaii Culture and History On Molokai For Hawaii Culture and history of Molokai, one of their most pristine islands, is a perfect way to see old Hawaii. Residents of the island have found a way to maintain their culture, celebrate and share their history and educate us on their legacy. Two of my favorite things to explore when traveling are culture and history. Both tell us about the people and place. We can learn many details about a destination. During my visit to Molokai, also known as the 'friendly' island learning about the local culture was the highlight. The island is filled with beautiful nature and spectacular vistas but surprisingly Molokai is the least visited of the main Hawaiian Islands. As far as you can see, the beautiful foliage and amazing trees, spread across the mountains giving Molokai some of the most beautiful sceneries in either direction you look. Molokai is truly unique and like going back in time in Hawaiʻi. There are no fancy resorts and restaurants and golf courses. It is all about Hawaii Culture and History on Molokai. There is a lot to explore; as the locals will say, "t is for the most part, frozen in time." I loved my visit because of the unique and enlightening cultural experience with Gregory Solatorio. His family has lived in the Halawa Valley of Molokai for many, many generations. Greg is a cultural practitioner who lives off the land in Molokaʻi. The Solatorios are the last original family left in the valley. Greg’s father was the last elder, born and raised here. Their lineage connects them back to the first Hawaiian settlers on Molokaʻi. His family was one of the first to live in Halawa Valley. Hawaii culture and history on Molokai is best told by those who know it, live it and preserve it. The island is filled with beautiful nature and spectacular vistas but surprisingly Molokai is the least visited of the main Hawaiian Islands. Greg is the son of Anakala Pilipo. Through the years he shared the Hawaiian culture with many visitors, ensuring the culture is understood as it truly is. On my visit Greg’s oldest son Devak guided us to the family farm, shared the essence and details of Hawaii culture and history on Molokai and taught us how to see the beauty in the island, not only as a tourist but through their eye; the guardians of Halawa Valley. They have been working with uncruise for 15 years. Take a listen to the show. It starts our introduction to Molokai culture given by Greg. It follows with his son David providing details and stories of Hawaii culture and history on Molokai and the Halawa Valley. Be prepared to be enlightened. Listen to part 1 to hear all about my UnCruise experience told by crew from my trip. Photos
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    41 m