All Aboard – Cruise Line Entertainment

Royal Caribbean’s 5,400-passenger Allure of the Seas will be the ship of entertainment when it debuts in November, according to the senior vice president of hotel operations for Royal Caribbean.

Only a few years ago cruise lines competed to have the most unique, headline-grabbing amenities, an arms race that delivered bowling alleys, surfing machines and real lawns.

Now it seems that the cruise lines are banking on luring passengers with a variety of entertainment options, often brand-name – and the Allure of the Seas will as well.

The Broadway musical “Chicago,” which will be the headline show in the ship’s 1,340-seat main theater.

Two ice shows: Ice Games, a performance inspired by the board game Monopoly, and a performance based on the DreamWorks film “How to Train Your Dragon” will enjoy the all-new Studio B performance space.

Royal Caribbean partnered with DreamWorks this year to incorporate its characters and animated films into the line’s onboard activities and entertainment, starting on the Allure.

The ship will also introduce a new water show, “Let You Entertain Me,” in its outdoor AquaTheater. The show features the characters of DreamWorks’ “Madagascar” and a new diving show called “Ocean Aria.”

In all, the ship will have four franchises between the musical, ice shows, diving shows and the Dreamworks character entertainment, which will also include parades and character meals as well as first-run 3D movies.

If you’d like information about the Allure of the Seas, Royal Caribbean Cruise Line or any of our other cruise promotions – contact Caldwell Travel for your vacation needs.

10 Fireworks Photo Tips

With the holiday weekend approaching, it’s a great time to sit back with friends and family and take in some amazing aerial displays – fireworks.

But like many, your photos probably never come out as well as seeing it live. Well, maybe that’s changing. Check out these tips from Shutterfly.com photo blogger Rachel B. on taking some amazing fireworks photos:

1. Extra Memory Cards – the more photos you can take, the better chance you have of walking away with some great shots
2. Keep your finger on the button – prevent “camera shake” by not releasing the shutter button right away
3. Focus faraway – fireworks explode far away from you. To record them clearly, set your digital camera focus to infinity. If your digital camera has preset focus modes, look for the mountain icon either on a camera switch or in a menu
4. Tripod is a must – tripods are key in making your fireworks photos crisp. If you can’t bring a tripod, make sure you brace your camera, or your hands (holding the camera) on something solid
5. Location location location – location also plays an important role. Avoid streetlights that may outshine the brightness of the fireworks. Also choose a spot that’s not highly trafficked, in order to avoid people walking in front of your shot
6. No flash - using flash won’t do a thing for you
7. Higher ISO - try increasing your digital camera’s ISO setting from 100 to 200 (check your manual for details) in order to shorten exposure time. Your photo might look a little grainy, but this shouldn’t be too noticeable.
8. Filler – to fill the empty space of the night sky, try incorporating a landmark into your photo – a building, statue, etc
9. Angle it – try tilting your camera to add more variety/interest to your photo
10. High Exposure – to capture the full effect of those fireworks, set your camera’s exposure time (shutter speed) to between .5 and 4 seconds

Honeymoon Travel Agents

A recent article on TheKnot.com about utilizing a travel agent when booking your honeymoon:

Question from reader: My fiance and I know we want to honeymoon in the South of France, but that’s about the extent of our honeymoon plans — we’re both so busy that neither of us has had time to really research the honeymoon trip. We’ve been working with a wedding coordinator, and she’s made all of that wedding planning pretty painless. Should we look to a pro for our honeymoon too? What are the advantages to booking our trip through a travel agent?

Answer from TheKnot.com: It sounds like in your case, working with an agent would be a huge plus, and there are benefits for even the most travel-savvy. Whether you’ve had time to draw up elaborate plans or just know where you want to go, like working with a bridal consultant, a travel agent can offer you many perks. In addition to doing all of your booking (for accommodations, transportation, and anything else you’ll need in advance), you will also benefit from the agent’s globetrotting expertise and access to insider discounts. In many cases, agents can obtain better deals for you than even the most discounted travel websites, and in some cases, your agent will be able to get you package deals.

Tips for Unpluging on Vacation

You have your iPhone, your BlackBerry, your Android. You have your laptop or netbook with wifi. It’s hard enough to unplug for the weekend…let alone an entire vacation. But for your own sanity and even that of your coworkers, you need to. There’s no reason to take a vacation only to spend it working. The beach might be great, but think about how much better it would be if your phone was left in your hotel room.

Vacations are meant to help employees recharge so they can return to work re-energized and refocused. But if you’re constantly checking in with the office, you won’t get a real break.

To help you unplug and look forward to your vacation, here are some tips:

Plan ahead. Coordinate your vacation time with your co-workers, team and other executive staff to ensure that things run smoothly while you’re out.

Designate your main point of contact and give them a detailed account of all your projects and work commitments along with your emergency contact information.

Try to leave the majority of your work-related hardware at home.

Inform your key accounts, vendors and clients when and how long you’ll be out of the office.

If you have a lot of projects that will need attention while you’re out, consider distributing your projects among your co-workers or team.

If you can’t resist the temptation to check in, try to set up specific times or days you will be checking messages.

Leave your mobile devices in your room so you can concentrate on family and friends and not be tempted to check in during the day.

If you receive urgent voicemails or emails while you’re out, ask your main point of contact troubleshoot the issue.

Remember, your health is important, and taking a vacation may be all the help you need. Caldwell Travel can handle all of your vacation planning, just contact us today!

Aventura Palace

The all-inclusive Aventura Spa Palace Resort invites you to take your body, mind and spirit on a journey that will at once purify, restore, and revitalize the senses. Ideally positioned in the heart of the Mexican Riviera Maya, where the tropical sun meets the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea, the ultimate pampering experience awaits.

Recently our clients traveled to the Aventura Palace resort in the Mayan Riviera and had a very memorable and relaxing vacation.

A few words from our clients:
“AHHH – it was marvelous….thank you so much for setting us up in heaven!

We absolutely loved the all adult, all inclusive. You need to try the hot stone massage – well worth it. The facials were not, however. Our friends were sunburned and did the wrap – it was awesome too. Everything was absolutely perfect from the “smelly” cloth and drink when we arrived to the very last day of sunshine.

Of course, we want to go again.”

If you’d like to indulge yourself at the Aventura Palace in Mexico’s Riviera Maya, contact Caldwell Travel today!

Italian Traditions to Maximize Family Time

The Italian lifestyle is one of passion and flair for life. For this reason, people around the world have taken cues from Italian culture for centuries. Here are seven Italian traditions and how to bring a bit of Italy into everyday American life.

1. Enjoy the Italian tradition of ‘passeggiata’
Take part in your own “passeggiata” (evening stroll) with family and friends and use it as an opportunity to unwind from your day, engage in lively conversation and discover things you never knew about your area.

2. Cooking is an art – learn simple cooking techniques
Italian recipes feature poultry, meats and seafood prepared in a wide range of techniques from simply grilled, roasted or poached with extra virgin olive oil and garlic to more complicated sautéing, filleting and creation of elaborate sauces including tomatoes, cream and a variety of herbs and spices. It’s no wonder that more Americans (58%) would rather have a family member who makes great Italian meals rather than a family member who makes amazing desserts.

3. Enjoy a special meal with the family – and don’t rush
In Italy, dinner is a big event that is more about being with loved ones uniting in rich conversation than it is about eating.

4. Italian culture is steeped in tradition – embrace old traditions and start new ones with your family
Everyone has a history and traditions—88% of Americans have family recipes that have been handed down from one generation to the next and nearly half (45%) of families celebrate traditions that began three or more generations ago.

5. Italians culture is supported by “ars vivendi,” the art of living and enjoying life – live your life with passion
Italians are known for being passionate people who embrace the joys of life and aim to live it to the fullest. This passion is just what Americans are missing out on–3 in 10 are not living life to the fullest (29%). You can find passion and happiness all around you. Happiness can be as simple as an evening spent with family, adventures with friends, a beautiful day outside, or finding the perfect glass of wine or bowl of pasta.

6. Beauty is everywhere – show an appreciation for the arts and music
An appreciation for the world and all its wonders is an inherently Italian way of thinking. They notice the beauty that exists in people, places and things, in both manmade and natural occurrences and have their own style when embracing life. Take a look around your world; look at the people around you, the places you go and look for the beauty in them. Spice up your style by putting your own finesse on a new dish by adding fresh herbs or creating a memorable tablescape for a dinner party.

7. Simple is delicious – fresh ingredients prepared simply make the biggest impact
In Italy, most fish and meat are purchased the same day they will be cooked to ensure they are as fresh as possible. This is based upon the Italian belief that using the freshest ingredients can elevate any meal. Use the ingredients of the season and prepare them simply to let their true flavors shine. To be Italian is to take fresh, flavorsome food, prepare it with love and enjoy it with family and friends. No matter what, the basis for any great Italian meal is top quality, fresh ingredients.

Why not observe or partake in these wonderful traditions in Italy? If you’d like to book a trip, or discuss your travel options, please contact Caldwell Travel, your Indianapolis Travel Agency, today!

Norwegian Epic

Mary recently tried out Norwegian’s newest, largest ship, the Epic. This brand new ship is massive, hip and magnificent. Mary said fondly of her time on the ship, “Our cabin was amazing, our balcony was the largest we ever had on a cruise ship. Norwegian Cruise Line has added so many new elements to cruising that we were pleasantly surprised and enjoyed very much.”

Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest, largest and most innovative cruise ship ever. This is cruising re-imagined – with exclusives like Blue Man Group appearing at sea for the first time ever and the 200-foot Epic Plunge, the largest bowl slide at sea.

What’s Included?
From traditional fine dining to endless buffets with custom-order action stations, there is a host of delicious options included in your cruise fare. For an additional cover charge, you’ll have access to a world of possibilities including gourmet French, Japanese Teppanyaki, a traditional steakhouse and more – over 20 different dining options in all.

Blue Man Group, The Second City® comedy troupe, a state-of-the-art fitness center, the Aqua Park, hot tubs, climbing and rappelling walls, bowling alleys, bars and lounges of all kinds, a kid’s center, teen disco and more are all on board.

Flexible accommodations ranging from our new Studios designed and priced specifically for the solo traveler to the over-the-top opulence of Norwegian Epic’s Suites & Villas.

Video: Freestyle FUN                                                      Video: Blue Man Group

Video: Aqua Park                                                           Video: SVEDKA Ice Bar

Mary loved the Blue Man Group performance, the Cirque Du Soleil show, the laughter at the Second City Comedy Club, the music from the Jazz club, the chill at the Ice Bar, the Martini Club and so many more venues.

Dinning was an experience. Their favorite dinner was at the Le Bistro, the French restaurant, watching the sunset over the water. The Brazilian restaurant rivaled the best on land. There are so many restaurants and so many choices.

The Water Park is perfect for both adults and kids. Fun was had at the climbing wall, repelling wall, ice skating rink, and so many more activities. Such a wonderful cruise!

If you’d like to experience this amazing ship, or another cruise ship, contact Caldwell Travel. We’ll take care of all of the details so that you can relax and enjoy your vacation getaway!

Planning Your Road Trip Vacation

Summer road trips are a glorious part of American culture. They’re celebrated in books, songs and movies.

OK, forget that last one. “National Lampoon’s Vacation” and “Sideways” are road trip flicks, but they shouldn’t dissuade you from heading for the highway this summer with family and friends.

To survive (even enjoy!) a summer jaunt, first do some planning and know your road-tripping style. This applies whether you are traveling with family members, friends or your sweetheart.

Do you:
a) Move a well-packed car from Point A to Point B, with minimum road time and maximum destination time?
b) Choose a final destination then embrace a serendipitous journey, with summer festivals, impromptu picnics and unlimited road time along the way?

Remember that a road trip is different from vacations via airplane: Traveling to your destination is part of your vacation. In the summer, especially, there’s a good opportunity to … see different roadside locations, take detours, take scenic routes.

If you’re adventurous and head off a main route for side trips or to wander country roads, make sure you have a good map, GPS or app on your phone just in case you get lost, she says.

Caldwell Travel will handle the plans and details of your road trip vacation. Let’s hold a “where to go” discussion to find out likes and dislikes of your fellow vacation goers. Then let our vacation planners work out the framework and details (lodging, timing, finances, etc.) so that you can just simply ENJOY YOUR VACATION!

America’s Top 10 Sweetest Attractions

Travelers with a soft-spot for candy and hard-centered cynics alike will melt as they take in the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of these sweet spots, which include chocolate fountains, ice cream empires and jelly bean feasts. Summer vacations offer the perfect excuse to indulge in these sweet spots.

1. Tantalizing Treats: Hershey’s Chocolate World, Hershey, Pennsylvania
For the true chocoholic, a dazzling menu of sights and flavors awaits at Hershey’s Chocolate World. Travelers can hop on a free tour ride for a simulated journey through Hershey’s chocolate making process, package their own Hershey’s Kisses, or be immortalized on their very own chocolate bar at the Hershey’s Photo Bar Wrapper. And while school may be out for summer, visitors can further their education nonetheless; all participants who indulge in Hershey’s Chocolate Tasting Adventure receive an “Official Masters Degree in Chocolate Tasting” from Hershey’s University.

2. Colorful Confectionary: Jelly Belly Factory Tour, Fairfield, California
Travelers seeking a mouth-watering experience should look no further than number one, Jelly Belly Lane, home to the Jelly Belly factory. Free 40-minute walking tours offer visitors a taste of the candy-making process and reveal why it takes more than a week to make a single Jelly Belly jelly bean. Confectionary-enthusiasts can also enroll in Jelly Belly University and earn a degree in Beanology during the exclusive tour, which takes groups of just six participants to the very heart of the factory. Round off the experience with a pizza or hamburger—Jelly Belly-shaped, naturally—at the Jelly Belly café.

3. Goodies Galore: Food on Foot Tours, New York City, New York
“The World Famous Sweet Tooth Tour” may have the Big Apple as its backdrop, but it’s a distinctly fruit-free experience. This three-hour guided expedition takes in some of the city’s greatest spots for cookies, cupcakes, candy and more—and part of the fun lies in not knowing where the magical mystery tour of munching will move on to next. Those seeking a truly cool experience can also sign up for the two-hour “Ice Cream, You Scream” tour and satiate their appetites for the cold and creamy stuff.

4. Magical Munchies: M&M’s World, Las Vegas, Nevada
Situated next to Las Vegas’ MGM Hotel and Casino, this 28,000 square-foot, four-story retail-entertainment emporium could be just the ticket for travelers who have had their fill of slot machines. Candy fanatics can take in a free 3-D movie, “I Lost My ‘M’ in Vegas,” starring Red and Yellow, before they shop ‘til they drop and snack ‘til they pop. One-of-a-kind branded-souvenirs available for purchase include poker sets and snow globes, while candy dispensers containing every color of M&M’s imaginable, from fuchsia to aqua, are an irresistible sight for sore eyes and hungry tummies.

5. Icy Indulgence: Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream Factory, Waterbury, Vermont
Ice cream lovers will melt at the prospect of scooping a spot on a tour of Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream Factory. The 30-minute experience begins with a movie recounting the company’s history, before progressing to a mezzanine with a bird’s eye view across the production room, where a guide will share details of the ice cream manufacturing process. From late-May through October, travelers can also visit the Flavor Graveyard in the factory grounds, and pay their respects to dearly de-pinted flavors such as Peanut Butter and Jelly, and Purple Passion Fruit.

6. Decadent Delights: Gourmet Walks, San Francisco, California
For a guilt-free treat, work off the calories while walking the streets as part of “The San Francisco Gourmet Chocolate Tour.” The city may be best known for its fog and steep hills, but it’s also at the center of a new wave of artisan chocolatiers—and this three-hour guided tour will tantalize travelers’ taste-buds as they sample local flavors and receive tips on tasting. Stops are subject to change, but can include a Swiss chocolatier loved by Oprah Winfrey for its champagne truffles, a deluxe boutique featuring treats made by “the Dali of Chocolate Art” and even a newsstand that carries 225 chocolate bars from over 15 different countries.

7. Fizzy Fun: New World of Coca-Cola, Atlanta, Georgia
This fizzy delight is situated in downtown Atlanta’s Pemberton Place, which takes its name from John S. Pemberton—the local pharmacist who invented Coca-Cola in 1886. Visits last 90-minutes on average, during which time travelers can explore the history of the world’s best-known brand, sample over 60 different products from around the globe, see the bottling line in action and check out the world’s largest collection of Coca-Cola memorabilia.

8. Fantasy Fountain: Bellagio Las Vegas, Las Vegas, Nevada
While Bellagio’s world-famous dancing fountains are a sight to behold, an altogether different type of drool-inducing fountain lies within the hotel. Jutting out from Jean-Philippe Patisserie is the world’s tallest chocolate fountain, as certified by Guinness World Records. The mesmerizing fountain of cascading chocolate stands at 27-feet tall and uses more than 2,100 pounds of dark, white and milk chocolate, to spellbinding effect. While a sturdy glass case prevents travelers from tucking in to the luscious liquid, the patisserie boasts plenty of other tempting delights to tickle travelers’ palettes.

9. Scrumptious Sweets: Angell & Phelps Chocolate Factory, Daytona Beach, Florida
Travelers who have had their fill of Daytona Beach’s sand and surf can get a taste of traditional candy-making on a free tour of Angell & Phelps Chocolate Factory. The local company, which has been operating since 1925, offers visitors the opportunity to see candy-makers doing things the old-fashioned way—and the sights, sounds, smells and tastes will overwhelm the senses. Following the short but sweet tour, which runs Monday through Friday and lasts around 20 minutes, tuck in to free samples of freshly-made chocolates while perusing the selection of goodies available for purchase.

10. Divine Desserts: Eli’s Cheesecake World, Chicago, Illinois
For travelers with a penchant for wickedly decadent desserts, Eli’s Cheesecake World will serve up a sensory-stimulating experience. The company’s Chicago-style baked cheesecake has been making its mark across the U.S. and beyond for 30 years, and during the course of a short guided tour of the award-winning bakery, visitors can learn about the history of Eli’s and its dessert-making process, in addition to seeing the decorating department at work.

Honeymoon Experts

When it comes to honeymoons, researching your trip online is easy and fun; but, when it comes to booking your all-important honeymoon, the advantages of working with a travel agent are myriad. We can offer you the benefit of our travel experiences; inside lines to discounts not widely advertised; package deals and a range of itinerary options; one-stop shopping for air, car, and hotel reservations; and, last but not least, peace of mind. We are your allies and advocates if/when travel plans go awry.

Know Your Budget
Be up front and honest about your air/hotel budget. What are your priorities? Is being in the center of a city’s action more important to you than a super-luxe room? Just let us know. By knowing what you can and can’t live without, we will be able to build a custom-fit itinerary within your budget.

Let Us Know
Tell your agent about all airline, hotel, car rental, travel award, and travel club programs you participate in. Many travel companies have formed synergistic alliances and share points — frequent flyer points can be redeemed for hotel nights or rental cars, for example.

Be Up Front
Any medical, diet, or exercise needs? Tell your agent. Also mention whether you prefer nonsmoking or smoking accommodations.

Ask Lots of Questions
No question is stupid, so don’t be shy! Ask us about the nitty-gritty details of your trip, including airport connections, bus and taxi services, tipping, foreign currency conversion, and safety concerns such as government-issued travel advisories and warnings.

Caldwell Travel is experienced in honeymoon travel planning and ready to help you book an unforgettable, personalized honeymoon. Contact us today!