Americans Choose Italy as Top Vacation Destination Outside U.S.

It’s a fantasy everyone has—if money was no object, think of the one place you would want to go on vacation. Some might choose a historic location, for others, a far-away beach getaway or maybe a romantic second honeymoon.

A recent poll shows where Americans would go if they could vacation in any country in the world, outside the U.S. without any worry about the cost.

-Italy would be the number one country, up from number 2 on the list last year.

-Australia drops from number 1 to number 2 this year; only the second time since 1997 it has left the top spot.

-Ireland takes the #3 spot, up from 5th place last year.

-Great Britain drops one spot to 4th place.

-France came in 5th place, a drop of one spot from last year.

-Greece and Germany tie for 6th place.

-Japan is number 8 (down from number 7);

-Spain moves into number 9, up one spot

-New Zealand moves down one spot to number 10.

#11 – Isreal, #12 – Canada, #13 – Mexico,
#14 – Netherlands, #15 – Switerzerland

The poll also shows that men and women have different favorites. For men, Australia is number one, while for women, Italy takes the top spot.

There are also differences by generation. Echo Boomers (those 18-33) and Baby Boomers (those 46-64) choose Italy as their top vacation destination. However, for Gen Xers (those 34-45) and Matures (those 65 and older), Australia is number one.

It is also possible to look at the top countries chosen by geographic region. By region, almost half of Americans (49%) choose a country in Europe, while one-quarter (24%) choose a destination in Asia or the Pacific region. Just over one in ten U.S. adults (11%) pick a country in the Americas or the Caribbean, while 4% choose a country in Africa and 3% choose one in the Middle East. There is also a small percentage of people (7%) who wouldn’t go anywhere outside the U.S., more than last year (4%).

Results are from The Harris Poll of 2,227 adults surveyed online between June 14 and 21, 2010 by Harris Interactive.

Regardless of where others want to go – Caldwell Travel is ready to book where YOU want to go. Contact us for ALL your travel needs!

Argentina’s Wine Country

After spending the past five weeks in Buenos Aires, we decided it was time to get out and explore this wonderful country. Argentina is large and diverse – with tropical rain forest in the North, rugged mountains in the West and glacier fields in the South. This week we are heading West, to Mendoza – the core of Argentina’s wine country.

70% of all of Argentina’s wine is made in Mendoza. We are heading there to check out some of the vineyards, take tours of a few wineries and sample the finished product. We’ll be sure to report back with our findings and share some photos of our experience.

Have You Traveled the World’s Scariest Airports?

Check out this list of the World’s Scariest Airports for take-off and landing. Highlights include limited visibility landings, inconveniently placed volcanoes, and runways formed when the tide goes out.

World’s Scariest Airports include:

1. Barra Airport, Barra, Scotland
Highlight: It’s always a beach landing and runways form when the tide goes out.

2. Gibraltar Airport, Gibraltar
Highlight: The main road to Spain intersects the runway.

3. Toncontin International Airport, Tegucigalpa, Honduras
Highlight: A 45-degree bank and quick drop in altitude.

4. Nantucket Memorial Airport, Nantucket, Massachusetts
Highlight: Fog often forces pilots to rely solely on instruments.

5. Paro Airport, Paro, Bhutan
Highlight: Mountainous terrain means every flight is an aeronautical feat.

6. Yeager Airport, Charleston, West Virginia
Highlight: Located on a flattened mountaintop, so overshooting the runway means dropping over a cliff.

7. La Aurora International Airport, Guatemala City, Guatemala
Highlight: A startling approach weaves through volcanoes and mountains.

8. LaGuardia Airport, New York City, New York
Highlight: Crowded airspace (JFK/Newark are nearby) and main runways extend over water.

9. Wellington International Airport, Wellington, New Zealand
Highlight: Windy and the northern approach threads local hills and trolley lines.

10. John Wayne Airport, Santa Ana, California
Highlight: Noise ordinances force pilots to quickly reduce throttle on takeoff.

“Naturally there are numerous safety regulations in place to ensure these commercial airports remain perfectly safe,” said Anne Banas, executive editor of SmarterTravel. “However, in my personal experience and from talking with several pilots we interviewed, these airports top the list of scariest take-offs and landings with mountains that appear out of nowhere, volcanoes and very low visibility – among others. If you’re looking for a rush, you are sure to get one.”

Whether the airport is scary or not — don’t let travel planning scare you off. Contact Caldwell Travel to handle ALL of your travel needs!

Boston Harbor Islands

From Long Wharf in downtown Boston, passengers set sail for the islands – the Harbor Islands, that is. As a part of the harbor cleanup, 15 islands were designated as Harbor Islands National Park (www.harborislands.org), replete with hiking trails, swimming beaches, camping areas and wild berries.

The centrepiece is Georges Island, home to a Civil War-era fort. Fort Warren is highly explorable with dozens of turrets and towers, alleys and archways, not to mention a resident ghost. On weekends, kids romp to family-friendly music and theatre. Georges Island is the ferry hub, so seafarers must come here before continuing on to most of the other islands.

The exception is Spectacle Island, which is the most accessible and family-friendly island of the bunch. The visitor’s centre has exhibits about the history and ecology of the harbor; it also has the only beach with lifeguards and facilities. On Thursday nights, chef Jasper White of Summer Shack fame hosts a clambake on the beach (www.summershackrestaurant.com).

If you’d like to visit Boston and it’s wonderful Harbor Islands, contact Caldwell Travel for current deals and travel promotions for Boston. Caldwell Travel – for ALL your travel needs!

Vacation Postcard from Hawaii

If this sounds like the perfect vacation to you as well, just book your Hawaiian vacation through Caldwell Travel to get the best price and great personal service. By booking with Caldwell Travel, you may get extras like wonderful amenities and we can also help you with the details, like renting a car.

Contact Caldwell Travel online or call 317-885-9855 for information and details.

Tips for First-time Cruisers

To help first-time cruisers get their sea legs, here’s a list of the top 10 tips for those about to embark on their first cruise:

1. Not all ships are created equal
Don’t choose your cruise based on destination, duration and price alone. The cruise line you book with and the ship you sail on are very important. That’s because some cruise lines cater to families, while others market to seniors. As such, onboard facilities and activities vary, so do your research, ask questions, and find a cruise that’s right for you.

2. It’s okay to arrange your own shore excursions
There’s no stigma attached to going it alone or teaming up with other travelers to save money instead of paying for the shore excursions arranged by the cruise line. However, investigate your options before you cruise to ensure that you are spending your day in port with a reputable tour operator. And remember this crucial piece of advice: Don’t be late getting back for the ship – it won’t wait for you.

3. Travel agents have access to perks and special offers you might not find elsewhere
A reputable cruise agent can be a great help to a rookie cruiser booking for the first time, and he or she may also have access to offers and incentives you might not find elsewhere. Make sure you investigate your travel agency. Does the agency have “preferred” relationships with cruise lines (most do), and if so, which ones? What’s the schedule for paying for your cruise? Does your agent respond promptly to your questions – not just pre-booking but also once you’ve committed to a cruise?

4. Don’t be left for lost in port
Cruise lines rarely go beyond offering a list of shore excursions and a map of the local jewelry stores (with which they have special business agreements), so read up on the ports you will visit before you set sail.

5. It rains in the Caribbean – and other dreamy destinations
The tropical Caribbean climate (not to mention weather in the Canary Islands, Hawaii and the South Pacific) can be unpredictable, so high on our list of must-pack items is a lightweight, waterproof jacket or poncho.

6. You can’t take your own booze onboard
Years ago, you could drag a crate of beer up the gangway without raising an eyelid, but cruise lines no longer allow this. Check out the alcohol policy for the cruise line you are traveling with before you go for full details of what beverages you are allowed to take with you.

7. Don’t tip double on beer – remember, there’s auto-gratuity
Check cruise line tipping policies before you sail; most big-ship lines – Carnival, Royal Caribbean, NCL and others automatically tack on a 15% service charge to bar bills. Unless the service was spectacular, there’s no need to add another tip on top.

8. Staying in touch with home
Using your cell phone on a cruise ship can be prohibitively expensive, and onboard Internet cafes are not just pricey. The connections, which are made via satellites, are much slower than you’re used to at home. Before you leave home, investigate options for staying connected, whether it’s purchasing a special cruise-friendly cell phone package (through your local provider) or compiling a list of in-port Internet cafes.

9. Use the stairs (and you can enjoy the buffet guilt-free)
There’s usually a gym on most of the larger ships and plenty of active tours to choose from, plus new spa menus and lighter dining options are available. But, the simplest way to stay in shape is to take the stairs instead of the elevator for a little exercise. The flights of stairs on a 15-deck cruise ship will help to keep off the extra pounds.

10. On Embarkation Day, avoid the buffet throngs, and score a quiet meal
Most people pounce on the buffet the minute they get onboard, leading to long lines, so bypass the buffet or pool grill, where the masses gather, and head to a dining room for some peace. Not every line opens its dining rooms for lunch on embarkation day, but some lines, including NCL and Princess.

If you’d like to experience the wonders of cruising on the high seas, give us a call. We’ve tried all of the cruise lines and can explain the similarities and differences between the different lines and the different ships to help you decide on the perfect cruise vacation. Contact us today!

Wonderful Trip to Jordan

Just returned from my second trip to Jordan. This time with my mom, Saju and some other friends.

Jordan was amazing even for the second time and Petra was just unbelievable. The Dead Sea was also quite an experience and some of the hikes were a lot of fun. The people are super friendly and very welcoming to tourists and esp Americans. It is peak season this time of the year and there are tons of Europeans and people from all over the world. Just hardly any Americans which is very sad thing. This is the perfect destination and in 7 days you can see all the main sites and then some.

Best- Rene

Thinking about a trip to Jordan?
Contact Caldwell Travel for all of your travel needs! We can coordinate your vacation to Jordan, or Italy, or Florida – anywhere you’d like to go. Contact us today!

Edinburgh, Scotland

Edinburgh Castle is Scotland’s top tourist destination. From the castle, you can see far out past Edinburgh’s orderly new town (built in the 1700s) to the Firth of Forth, which leads to the North Sea.

The castle is a man’s place, spare and stern, ringed by cannon and places for men to fight. Only one part is feminine—and it’s survived for 880 years. Tiny St. Margaret’s Chapel, with its simple white nave and curvy chancel, has seen many a Scottish bride marry her warrior—and still holds weddings today.

It sounds strange to say, but Edinburgh Castle is comforting. It reminds us that although rulers and generations come and go, some things abide. The human need to see a vista. The need for security, beauty and ritual. The need for continuity, especially when the world goes awry.

And here, too, lies the Stone of Destiny, Scotland’s biggest treasure. It sits in a hushed room, under glass, next to the Scottish jeweled crown. It is nothing much to look at, just plain sandstone with iron rings. Yet it was the royal coronation seat for Scottish monarchs of yore—and British crowns since.

For 700 years, it was kept at Westminster Abbey in London, until it finally came home in 1996 to Edinburgh Castle to stay.

Last month Edinburgh was named by Conde Nast Traveler magazine as the best tourist city in all of Britain—even surpassing London. That may be debatable, but there is no disputing the fact that Edinburgh has managed to segue from its tumultuous political history and medieval rat-filled streets to a modern, exuberant city.

(c) 2010, Detroit Free Press.
Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.

Thinking about a vacation to Scotland?

We know the area – the sites – the tours,
contact Caldwell Travel for all your travel needs!

Vacation Postcard from Egypt

If you’re interested in an escape to Egypt as well, contact Caldwell Travel to get the best price and great personal service. Contact Caldwell Travel online or call 317-885-9855 for information and details.

Fall Foliage Destinations

Top ten fall foliage destinations in the U.S., according to a TripAdvisor survey of more than 2,300 travelers. From mountain peaks to seaside ports, these destinations offer a fabulous variety of activities for leaf-peepers.

1. Auburn Awakening: Asheville, North Carolina
Nestled in the foothills region of western North Carolina, Asheville is a spectacular location for leaf-peeping. Travelers can enjoy the beautiful views by peddling through the Appalachian Mountains on one of many biking trails, or hop in the car for a scenic drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Peak foliage-viewing is from mid to late October.

2. Mass Appeal: Boston, Massachusetts
Travelers visiting Boston this fall can stroll along the Charles River, enjoy a ride on the Swan Boats, or simply relax in the Public Garden for a glimpse of autumnal color. Lush foliage, sprawling grass, and sounds of nature in these serene spots allow travelers to forget they are in the midst of a bustling city. A TripAdvisor traveler said, Peak foliage-viewing is from late September through the middle of October.

3. Peak Views: Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Leaf enthusiasts visiting Gatlinburg can enjoy the city’s small-town charm in the middle of the Smoky Mountains. With over 600 miles of hiking trails, there is plenty of room for exploration, including the Newfound Gap Road from which travelers can observe a brilliant tapestry of foliage at 1,400 feet above sea level. Peak foliage-viewing is from mid October to early November.

4. Champlain Wishes: Burlington, Vermont
A short walk from Church Street Marketplace lies Waterfront Park, where travelers can enjoy a stroll along the shores of Lake Champlain and become lost in the reflection of golden leaves with the mountains in the distance. Peak foliage-viewing is from the middle of September through the middle of October.

5. A Show in Stowe: Stowe, Vermont
Sparkling with shades of orange, gold, and crimson, it is not surprising that Stowe calls itself, “Fall’s Color Capital.” View the brilliant display of leaves from the comfort of a car while driving the scenic Mount Mansfield Auto Toll Road. Peak foliage-viewing is from the middle of September through the middle of October.

6. Total Tranquility: Traverse City, Michigan
Visitors can enjoy the crisp fall air with Traverse City’s warming foliage and venture down Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive for seven picturesque miles of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Peak foliage-viewing is from mid September through October.

7. Open Door: Door County, Wisconsin
Whether travelers are up for hiking, biking, or relaxing on a beach, nearby Peninsula State Park has it all. Spanning nearly 4,000 acres, travelers will be sure to get their fill of stunning foliage. Peak foliage-viewing is from late September through November.

8. Placid and Pristine: Portland, Maine
Travelers can view exceptional foliage throughout Portland, as well as visit exquisite boutiques within the Old Port District, watch fishermen as they return with a fresh catch, or head over to Portland Head Light. Peak foliage-viewing is from mid September through October.

9. Mountain Magic: North Conway, New Hampshire
Buried within the White Mountains National Forest lies the Kancamagus Highway and with more than 26 miles of roadway to meander, leaf-peepers will be captivated by the stunning blaze of color. Peak foliage-viewing is from late September to mid October.

10. Awesome Acadia: Bar Harbor, Maine
Travelers can experience the dazzling hues of fall while driving along the 40-mile stretch of the Acadia Byway and stop to enjoy the rocky coastlines, crisp foliage and evergreens at Acadia National Park. Peak foliage-viewing is from mid September to mid October.

It’s not too late to getaway this Fall. Contact your Indianapolis Travel Agency, CALDWELL TRAVEL, to book your vacation today!