12 Months of Valentine’s: Top Romantic Destinations from January through December

by Randy Colt

Who said that you can only celebrate Valentine’s Day every February when you can treat your loved every month in the best romantic destinations. Here are some the top romantic destinations that you can head to each month:

January – Buenos Aires

We already missed this trip but there is always next year. You can start saving up and planning now for a great romantic getaway. If you do not like the cold weather in your country, you and your partner can head to Buenos Aires. January means summer in Buenos Aires where you and your partner can enjoy great street foods (well, aside from your cande-lit dinner), enjoy the best wines and cocktails, or maybe visit Museo Evita. Of course, don your dancing shoes and learn tango with the locals. You can also watch great football, visit the tombs, or just hike and have a picnic.

February – Dubai

Treat your partner in a shopping spree in Dubai. The malls usually have a big shopping extravaganza during this month. It will be a bargain frenzy! There are also a number of sporting events and concerts that you can enjoy. February in Dubai also means a slightly cooler weather so outdoor activities like camel racing, water parks, or being lazy on the beach is ideal. There is also a dinner cruise that you can arrange in case you are planning to pop that question this month.

March – Paris

The city of lights will always have love in the air even after Valentine’s day. Paris will be a perfect place for new couples. Why not discover one of the loveliest and most romantic places on earth with your special someone. Checkout the best views, dine in the best restaurants, and enjoy the best accomodations that you can find and afford.

April – Jamaica

Time to reggae and time to party. Enjoy the great environment while listening to Bob Marley music. It will be a bit windy during this month bu there are a ton of stuff couples can do in Jamaica. The crowd is not yet to thick during this month but there will be the curry festival twoards the end of the month. Of course there will be reggae shows everywhere.

May – Hawaii

Hawaii is a couple’s paradise during this time. It will be perfect to island hop and experience the warm culture and people of Hawaii. If you have very limited time, try visiting Lanai and Maui, or you can combo Big Island with Kauai. All the elements for romance will be in Hawaii. We are talking about great sceneries, perfect sunsets, beautiful waters, and the works.

June – Greece

If you have been long planning to visit this great land of culture and history, June will be a perfect time since there will be less tourists. The choices are endless for couples. Enjoy a good breakfast and sunrise in Santorni and then relax on of the beautiful beaches of Greece. You can also a range a tour of the most popular landmarks or maybe go on sailing between the islands.

July – Sydney

The land down under has been hit by flooding lately but there are still a ton of nice places to visit in Australia. One of the most beautiful cities in the world is Sydney. If you only have a couple of days in your calendar then you can fit some great activities with your partner. Don’t miss the photo op with the Sydney Opera House as backdrop. You can also climb the Harbour Bridge or if you are less daring, you can go for the pylons. Hop into one of the ferries and go to Manly Beach or you can take a bus going to the world famous Bondi Beach. There are also world class restaurants that can serve a perfect dinner for you and your Valentine.

August – Alaska

One of the best places to visit for couples who love to be close with nature is Alaska. You can take a cruise going there. Get physical and go for kayaking, zip lineing, or heli-hiking. If those are not your kind of fun, you can go fishing, whale watching, or visit some beautiful glaciers.

September – Las Vegas

If you want to roll like a high roller, treat yourselves to a great hotel room, poker nights, and an exotic car rental in Las Vegas. The Sin City offers unlimited options if you want to party, if you want to drink, or if you want to get married quick.

October – Bali

The month is the start of the wet season at this corner of Asia but this also means that the weather is just right to go around and enjoy the sun. When you are in Bali, immerse in the culture of the place by visiting Ubud which provides the a relaxing and unique atmosphere. Do not miss the beach and the sea foods in Bali, and its beautiful sunset! Pamper yourselves by getting a whole body massage and feel rejuvenated before you head back home.

November – Napa Valley

Napa Valley is a perfect Valentine’s day destination in November. The grapes have been harvested and of course you are in place where you have a long list of excellent wines you can order. Need I mention a perfect spa experience in Napa? The room rates during this month is also lower compared to September and October.

December – Bahamas

The off season rates are still in effect and the crowds are of course are less. Grab a deal before Christmas to have a romantic getaway in the Bahamas. You can go sunbathing, diving, or fishing. The islands also offer hip partying through the night.

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2011 Flower Power Concert Series Returns with Favorite Pop, Rock & Roll, R&B Hit-Makers

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- The Flower Power Concert Series is back at the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival this spring. Which means artists involved with hit songs of the 1960s through the '90s will be on stage each Friday-Sunday from March 4 through May 15, 2011.

Collectively, the 11 artists performing this spring at Walt Disney World Resort were involved in 133 Billboard Top 40 hits -- 58 Top 10s including 16 No. 1 chart-toppers.

Biggest hit-makers in the lineup: Chubby Checker (22 Top 40s) and Herman's Hermits starring Peter Noone (18). Newcomers Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis Jr., a husband-wife duo, were founding members of the '60s-'70s group The 5th Dimension that produced 20 Top 40 hits.

This year's lineup includes one other newcomer: Melissa Manchester.

Performances are at America Gardens Theatre at 5:15, 6:30 and 7:45 p.m. each Friday, Saturday and Sunday of the 18th annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival. Here's the lineup (subject to change without notice):

March 4-6 -- Jose Feliciano
March 11-13 -- The Guess Who
March 18-20 -- Chubby Checker & The Wildcats
March 25-27 -- Melissa Manchester
April 1-3 -- Starship starring Mickey Thomas
April 8-10 -- Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis Jr.
April 15-17 -- Juice Newton
April 22-24 -- Ricky Nelson Remembered featuring The Nelsons
April 29-30, May 1 -- Paul Revere & The Raiders
May 6-8 -- Davy Jones
May 13-15 -- Herman's Hermits starring Peter Noone

Flower Power performances are included with Epcot admission. For additional information about the festival and
tickets call Supreme Clientele Travel (407)413-9578

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There are no limits to paradise

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CLIA education credits can apply to University of Phoenix degree

Original article published by Travel Weekly

By Johanna Jainchill

For the first time, travel agent members of CLIA will be able to use CLIA training and certification programs toward a university degree.

CLIA entered an articulation agreement with the University of Phoenix so that the school will recognize certain CLIA training courses as credits toward a degree.

CLIA agents can transfer credits from 34 CLIA certification and training courses toward elective credits when studying for their associate or bachelor’s degree with the University of Phoenix, the largest for-profit university in North America.

The school has more than 200 locations as well as online programs.

According to the agreement, CLIA credits can even be retroactively used toward a University of Phoenix degree.

Bob Sharak, CLIA’s executive vice president, said that the agreement would "make the industry stronger" and would solidify CLIA’s position as a leader in education.

"We have already positioned ourselves as the leader in education and invested in these programs," he said. "If there are CLIA agents out there who have a desire to pursue an associate’s or bachelor’s degree, and some may already be taking classes at University of Phoenix, we want to make it known to them they have another option and that they can use [CLIA] credits toward bigger goals."

Sharak said the program could encourage agents to pursue further degrees.

"The agents may think, 'I already have this stuff in the bank; it may be worth my while to pursue further education with a tourism degree,' " he said.

Another goal of the program, Sharak said, is to encourage current University of Phoenix students to look at careers in selling travel.

"We are hoping existing students at the University of Phoenix in the tourism school will be interested and avail themselves of this, as well," he said.

Sharak said the program complements programs CLIA already has in higher-education institutions.

'A new generation of travel agents'
CLIA currently offers programs in 15 college and tourism schools called the Associate Cruise Degree in the U.S. and Associate Cruise Program in Canada.

Upon completion, the students earn the CLIA ACD/ACP designation and 80 credits that can be applied to the Accredited Cruise Counsellor Certification upon pursuing a travel sales career.

The CLIA coursework is part of the class curriculum, but the coursework does not earn college credit, per se.

Last year, 500 students at schools like Johnson & Wales University, St. John’s University and the Canadian Tourism College participated.

"Part of what we are trying to do is find a new generation of travel agents with our ongoing programs with colleges, universities and schools," Sharak said. "If young people are pursuing a field in tourism, we want to make them aware of the opportunities in travel sales and selling cruises."

The agreement makes 34 CLIA certification and training courses eligible, both online and in classroom. Programs that did not qualify were mostly product-oriented, such as those about CLIA-member cruise lines and ships.

Deborah Townley, director of workforce solutions for the University of Phoenix, said the agreement is one of hundreds that the school has with corporations and associations around the country, including Royal Caribbean International.

The University of Phoenix has reviewed some of the cruise lines’ internally offered courses and accepts some toward their degrees.

She said the university was attracted to CLIA’s programs because it’s a large association, with 25 cruise line members and more than 10,000 individual agents actively enrolled in its certification.

CLIA currently offers 25 seminars online as well as 20 three-hour and seven 90-minute classroom seminars, delivered locally in more than 150 cities in the U.S. and Canada.

Townley said she had been reaching out individually to the cruise lines prior to finding CLIA. Before reaching an agreement with the group, the University of Phoenix assessed each CLIA course to determine whether it could be used toward accreditation, an eight-week process.

Townley said these programs save students time and money, adding to their ability to pursue degrees.

She said that, typically, 15 hours of learning is worth one credit and that sometimes students can save up to a year in course fees by transferring outside credits in.

"It’s a good incentive for students and the corporations," she said. "We’re helping our students complete their education and save money."

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Magical Festivities Salute Chilean Miners as Walt Disney World Resort Honors the Freed Heroes and their Families

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (Jan. 31, 2011) – Magical new memories were embraced today by the rescued Chilean miners as they paraded down Main Street, U.S.A. in grand fanfare at Walt Disney World Resort toward the close of a Disney-sponsored vacation honoring the miners, their rescuers and their families.

Last fall, the world united to celebrate the dramatic rescue of the trapped Chilean miners.  Since last Thursday, the miners and their rescuers and families joined in a festive gathering in their honor at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.

Aboard Copa Airlines, the group of nearly 160 Chileans arrived last week in grand style to Orlando International Airport where they received a ceremonial “water salute” by local firefighting vehicles: a dramatic arch of water rising over the tarmac as the airplane passed underneath.

Their summer holiday (seasons are reversed in Chile) included a welcome party Friday hosted by Walt Disney World President Meg Crofton and local dignitaries at The American Adventure pavilion in Epcot.  The miners enjoyed a long weekend filled with thrilling attractions, shopping, character hugs and VIP treatment in all four theme parks, creating lasting memories with their families.

One highlight of their six-night vacation to Disney was serving as Grand Marshals of the Main Street, U.S.A. parade Monday in Magic Kingdom.  The miners and rescuers were greeted by cheers of guests waving Chilean flags in their honor, Disney characters and entertainers pulling out all the stops and the ‘Mayor’ of Main Street proclaiming their special day.  To the accompaniment of “When You Wish Upon a Star” their day was capped by daytime pyrotechnics and streamers in a rainbow of colors of the Chilean flag.  Later that evening, they watched Cinderella Castle magically transform during the nighttime spectacle, “The Magic, The Memories, and You!”, a projection spectacular starring images of guests shot earlier in the day in the park.

“These courageous men captivated the world with their story of hope and perseverance,” said Disney President and CEO Bob Iger.  “Great stories are at the heart of all we do at The Walt Disney Company and we are pleased that the next chapter in this inspirational story is taking place at Walt Disney World Resort.”

The Chilean miners (31 of the 33 miners were able to make the trip) were scheduled later Monday to share their lessons of hope, courage and pride with about 40 youngsters from local Boys & Girls Clubs.

Trapped 2,300 feet inside the earth for 69 days in a collapsed Chilean mine, the men were pulled from the darkness in a miracle rescue. In one of 2010’s most compelling stories, their unbending faith and endurance sustained them throughout a saga that transfixed the world.

“We are not the heroes,” said Omar Reygada, one of the miners whose comments were translated from Spanish.  “Our families and all the people around the world who prayed, wished us well and helped us through our ordeal – those are our real heroes.”

During their Walt Disney World vacation, the miners also will be treated to a keepsake group photo in front of Cinderella Castle and personal photo albums of their visit.

Their departure for home is scheduled for Feb. 2.

Book your Magical Vacation with Supreme Clientele Travel (407)413-9578

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Top 7 Places for Food Lovers

by Randy Colt

If you’re out to find the best spots for the city’s local culinary delights, here are the top 7 cities that will surely meet every foodie’s great expectations.

Lyon, France

The French’s influence is evident in every part of the globe and what better way to enjoy authentic French cuisine than going to the country itself. France is all about good food but the best of palates are not limited to Paris. Lyon is next to Paris in term of land size and here, you can savor the authentic French cuisine that has made the rest of the world take notice. Fresh local sausages and Bresse poultry are served everyday at various bistros and restaurants that are found in Lyon. La Tassée is famous for the best of the city’s cuisine with its best sellers veal kidney and pike served in matelote sauce. L’Alexandrin is not only famous for its Bresse served in a rich and sinful cream sauce but also for the warm and friendly greetings by the wait staff. If you want to whip up your own French dishes, head to any of the 40 plus food markets in the city for the freshest finds.

Barcelona

When you think of Barcelona, you think of Mediterranean cuisine that showcases the best of olive oils, seafood, and fresh local ingredients. For Barcelonans, food is an important part of life and should be enjoyed whole-heartedly and shared with family and friends. That’s the reason for their heavy and extended lunch hours that usually starts at 2 o’clock in the afternoon and ends around 4 o’clock. Dinner is usually eaten around 9 o’clock in the evening and is often lighter compared to the food eaten at lunch. If you’re itching for some tapas-style snacks, there are several restaurants you can visit: Cal Pep is popular in Barcelona because of its fresh and delicious seafood menu plus the fun experience you get. Passadis del Pep and Ca l’Isidre are also crowd pleasers. If you’re looking for fresh Barcelonan ingredients to take home, drop by La Boqueria food market for the freshest finds.

Las Vegas

For foodies wanting to have a taste of the globe, head to Las Vegas! You want some French food, go to Paris Las Vegas. Italian? Go to Venetian. There’s really no stopping you from getting all your cravings right here in Sin City with its back-to-back restaurants featuring world famous cuisines. With celebrities and high rollers flying in from different parts of the globe, Las Vegas sure knows how to step up. Today, Bellagio’s Picasso seem to be making waves with its French-Mediterranean menu by Chef Julian Serrano. Nobu Matsuhisa at the Hard Rock Hotel is also popular for its Peruvian-slash-Japanese menu that boasts of the best sushi in Las Vegas. For those of you who are fans of the legendary Wolfgang Puck, the Postrio in Grand Canal Shoppe is the best choice for some fine dining experience.

Lima, Peru

Do you know that in Lima’s coast alone, there are about 2,000 types of soups to choose from? Well, why not? It’s strategic location enables it to have a shining reputation for the best seafood. Lima’s menu is also influenced by that of Spain and France for starters. Peruvian specialties like “picarones”, which are donuts made from potatoes and then seasoned with sugar, are sold by street vendors as well as some small family-style restaurants. The famous Astrid y Gaston, which is located in the Miraflores district, is a must-try for first time visitors as well as Costanera 700 where you shouldn’t pass a chance to sample their divine fruit sorbet. For those who want to get a taste of authentic Peruvian cuisine, go to La Huaca Pucllana what features a fried guinea pig dish.

Hanoi, Vietnam

Ever wonder why noodle-lovers head to Vietnam? The noodle dishes here are divine! Whether you eat it dry or wet, the combination of the freshest ingredients like meat, fish, veggies, and an array of spices make for a gastronomic, authentic experience. Vietnam delicacies like roasted pigeon, dog and snake are also served here paired with alcohol. Exotic food lovers would find their match in the Snake Village, locally known as Let Mat, where a seven-course meal featuring snake is being served. There are also a handful of French-inspired restaurants in Hanoi for those of you who long for some comfort food. Vietnam’s rice balls are also a must-have.

Rome

Who could ever forget the flavors of this Italian capital? With its list of impressive historic sites, the food is simply divine. The locals are very fond of their coffee and you might as well find the perfect cup at Bar Sant’Eustachio. For truffles and pesto fanatics, northern Italy is the best place to savor rich dishes that features both. For the best olive oil, head to Tuscany and for the best seafood and spices, go to southern Italy. A trip to Rome is not complete without a slice of authentic Italian pizza. Dine at Pizzeria Remo for some marinara pizza that will surely titillate your taste buds. With these marvelous food finds plus the picturesque and laid-back lifestyle in Rome, you will surely have a great time exploring this marvelous city.

New York City, USA

You just can’t have a list of the top foodie cities without mentioning the Big Apple. From its famous staple, the NY hotdog, to the pretzels and beer, to the fusion of western and eastern flavors in the numerous bistros, restaurants, and hole-in-the-wall food establishments, New York City is, really, every foodie’s wonderland. Le Bernardin, which first opened in 1986, is still an award-winning restaurant that features the best of French seafood in the Big Apple. For the Panini-loving foodies out there, Henry Public offers the best turkey sandwiches in the city. Pizza in NY? Nothing tops Joe’s Pizza which is located in Greenwich Village. For anyone who’s visiting NY for the first time, don’t forget to visit the greenmarkets for some organic produce and partake in a cozy weekend brunch menu like the one in The Breslin Bar & Dining Room for some Full English breakfast.

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Top 10 Travel Destinations for 2011

Paris and New York are still two of the world’s most favorite destinations but today, there are many laid-back tourist destinations in the world that attract even the most savvy of travelers. Here are a few examples.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Rio de Janeiro offers more than picturesque beaches but also a delectable cuisine that starts off with the country’s signature cocktail, the Caipirinha, that has captivated the rest of the globe. Hiking adventures at the Tijuca rainforest and Sugarloaf Mountain, as well as water adventures in Guanabara Bay and Arpoador Rock attract tourists from all over the world. Of course, there’s the world-famous carnivals and night life that can only be found in Brazil.

Ireland

For starters there’s the Cliffs of Moher, which is probably the most breathtaking places that travelers must see for themselves. Another magical place in Ireland is a huge limestone-filled area called the Burren where, amazingly, rare plants that won’t grow anywhere else in the whole world can be found. For some fairytale-like adventures, there are many castles that you can visit in Ireland. One of which is the Blarney Castle that was used as the MacCarthy’s fotress in ancient times.

Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica

It may be a small town but it sure has an array of must-visit local bars, adventure tourism sports and good restaurants that feature the best of the local cuisine and scene. For travelers who are into adventure sports, Puerto Viejo’s Salsa Brava is the best thing next to the Bonzai Pipeline of Hawaii. If you get tired of the beach scene, you can head to the Cahuita National Park and the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge to explore the local wildlife. ATV tours, zip-line posts and other underwater adventures await travelers who are yearning for some adrenaline rush activities.

Taipei, Taiwan

Taiwan is a country where age-old traditions are upheld while the country soars in terms of technology and modern conveniences. For its cultural havens, head to the National Place Museum to see the wide collection of Chinese art they have. The Taipei Flora Expo celebrates the country’s reputation as the top orchid producers in the world. Taiwan’s rich landscape offers great hiking opportunities and the people’s hospitality makes things easier for tourists visiting the country for the first time. Now for some gastronomic treats, dine at Dintaifung and enjoy the country’s best dumplings.

Santiago, Chile

Today, as the Andes Mountains took witness, the city of Santiago has become a buzzing megalopolis filled with world-class hotels, museums, bistros, and even the home of one of the world’s best fashion museums, the Museo de Moda. There’s also the Patio Bellavista where numerous restaurants and chic stores are situated. The Metropolitan Park, which is bigger compared to NY’s Central Park in terms of land area, is being renovated to give way to more than ten gardens, a zoo, and a cable car feature. The new Gabriela Mistral Cultural Center, which was launched just last year, is also another tourist attraction that features the city’s rich history.

Hokkaido, Japan

Hokkaido features a quaint European influence in terms of architecture and the country’s breathtaking natural landscapes and wildlife. Hokkaido is also known as a place for great winter sports and its Sapporo Beer. When visiting Hokkaido, make sure you stop at Sushikin Honten in Hakodate and order their king salmon dish. The place is also famous for its squid, sashimi, and stewed dishes. And since Hokkaido is rich in flowing agricultural landscapes, their beef and other dairy products are simply the best you can find in Japan.

Kent Coast, England

When you think of England, you think of the Buckingham Palace, but England really offers an array of magnificent beaches and quaint seaside towns like the ones found in Kent Coast. When coming here, make sure you drop by the areas of Ramsgate and Whistable. The Broadstairs is also a good seaside resort you can stay in for the duration of your trip. For those seeking for some adventure, you can take on the Viking Coastal Path that stretches to 27 miles and feature some of England’s grand and oldest churches in history. The Bleak House and the Dickens House Museums can also be found here.

Atlanta, Georgia

Atlanta has a rich history that stems back the civil war but today, there are many attractions that invite tourists to come see Georgia. The Cheatham Hill, the Kennesaw Mountain (or the National Battlefield Park), the World of Coca-Cola Musuem, and of course, the world’s biggest aquarium. For some more history, Atlanta is also the home of Federal parks that pay tribute to the works of Martin Luther King, Jr. The High Museum of Art and the Fox Theater are also big crowd pleasers while the neighborhoods of Midtown, Buckhead, and Virginia-Highlands offer great establishments for shopping, dining, and club-hopping.

Stockholm, Sweden

There are so many things to see in Stockholm—the medieval-like, romantic, cobble stoned streets of Gamla Stan; the Djurgården Island that boasts of approximately 10 million tourists year after year; the “Grona Lund” Amusement Park, the open museum called the Skansen, the remarkable Vasa Museum or the Vasamuseet (preserved 17^th century ship), the changing of the royal guards, and so much more. There’s also the Ice Hotel and as the name suggests, it’s made of ice and is constructed every winter for the visitors to enjoy.

Ponza & the Pontine Islands, Italy

On your next visit to Italy, make it a point to visit Ponza. Like a scene in a movie, visiting Ponza requires a trip on a boat, walking along the seashore, and even swimming in less crowded coves that can’t be traveled by land. The sunset in Ponza is unlike any other. Ponza is fast becoming popular, though it already has its share of visitors but if you want to bask in the island grandeur of Ponza, book a trip either in June or September when, according to the locals, the island is at its best. Two other Pontine islands, the Zannone and the Palmarola, are also magnificent destinations when coming to Italy.

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