Topics Include:
Listeners of the “Travelers411” radio show and “Travel with Stephanie Abrams!” radio show will find archived materials of the shows going as far back as July of 2002. Visitors to the site should also check out the travelers411.com website. There travelers will find information on specialty travel and destinations around the world.
A specific section of specialty travel in the Travelers411 forums is “Traveling with a Disability”. A question was posted to the general travel community in that section that Stephanie responded to. The thread title was: “Wheelchair-Friendly Travel Destinations?”. You can read the full thread here. What Travel Expert Stephanie Abrams first recommends is to travel places that are flat and have wheelchair accessibility. Destinations that come to mind are: Cancun, Miami Beach, Orlando and islands with resorts that will remove obstacles. She recommends Breezes Runaway Bay in Jamaica. Stephanie also recommends looking into a cruise. All inclusive resorts and ships will work to accommodate all of their guests.
Stephanie recently watched a clip on YouTube of one of the interview segments with John Lennon and Yoko Ono during the Montreal portion of their famous two week “bed-in”. The two spent their honeymoon in 1969 in bed at the Amsterdam Hilton and then the Fairmont Queen Elizabeth in Montreal as protest against the Vietnam War and to promote world peace. The Fairmont Queen Elizabeth celebrated the 40th anniversary of this event in 2009. The hotel has collected memorabilia related to the event and is currently offering the “Bed-in for Peace” package to guests available through the end of the year. The package is for room 1742 where John Lennon and Yoko Ono had the bed-in.
Stephanie feels it is a positive sign that President Barack Obama, 44th President of the United States of America, won the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize. The prize was awarded to the U.S. president "for his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples”, as stated by the Nobel Foundation. Stephanie feels we should have an optimistic outlook on the award as Obama has undeniably improved the United States' perception abroad. US citizens traveling abroad should have an easier time because of this.
For more information visit http://nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/peace
Stephanie has a special affinity for the US Virgin Islands. It is where she and her husband spent their honeymoon and also renewed their wedding vows. Stephanie initially learned about the island while watching TV. Actress Nancy Walker (famous for her Bounty paper towel commercials in the 70’s and for her role as the television mother of Rhoda Morgenstern) was on a talk show and stated that the secret to longevity was her house in St. Thomas. Her home was situated on a mountain side that overlooks the Charlotte Amalie harbor.
One of the joys in being able to go to a great destination is being able to go to a great hotel. Stephanie says “If you’re going to do it right stay at a Ritz-Carlton”. The tranquil environment of the Ritz-Carlton St. Thomas USVI is further facilitated by a staff focused on taking good care of its customers. The Ritz-Carlton St. Thomas is located on the far east side of the island adjacent to Red Hook Beach, facing St. John and is only 25 minutes from Charlotte Amalie. Marc Langevin, General Manager of the property, refers to it as “a destination within a destination”. The Great Bay area (where the hotel is situated) is more private and gives the sense of an intimate Caribbean experience as well as protection from the elements.
There are two pristine beaches on the property with no surrounding housing. Both the hotel’s Infinity pool and Spa overlook the ocean and there are 55 ocean view rooms in the club suites. It takes only 15 minutes by boat to go to the other side of the island. Guests can lounge around by the pool or on the beach or partake in the many activities to do at the property. The area is perfect for beginner scuba divers who wish to see beautiful coral. The waters are only 70 feet deep. Stephanie says if you’re a US citizen this is your own tropical backyard and no passport is needed. The British Virgin Islands are right next door though you will need a passport to travel there.
The resort is a great starting point to exploring the island and is what General Manager Marc Langevin calls the “gateway to the small Caribbean”. Activities at the property include sailing, scuba diving and snorkeling. Guests can do this directly from the resort or travel to other parts of the island. The Ritz Carlton has its own 42 foot catamaran. There are also sunset cruises and programs dedicated to “discovery of Saint John”.
The property is located next to a marina which means guests can easily experience the ocean by motorboat, a small 20 footer or a luxury liner. They are able to see historic parts of the island or spots of magnificent beauty such as Drake’s Seat overlooking Magens Bay. Stephanie says this is “one of the most beautiful places in the world”. St. Thomas has gorgeous white sand beaches and clear blue ocean water. The hotel offers shuttles every hour to go back and fourth between parts of the island.
The Ritz-Carlton St. Thomas is one of the smaller Ritz-Carlton hotels with only 180 guestrooms on site. The hotel was not originally designed under the brand but has been under its management for the last 14 years. Langevin says the hotel possesses a strong sense of character and a strong sense of the Caribbean destination. The hotel consists of a series of small three-floor buildings wrapping around the bay. There are many ocean activities provided at the hotel including a sailing camp for kids. On site dining choices include the beach and pool side restaurant Sails. Though Sails has beautiful open architecture it is hurricane resistant and has a cover to protect guests from the elements.
Stephanie will be broadcasting from the property during the second half of January.
Travel Deal:
The Ritz-Carlton St. Thomas hosts many weddings. It offers complimentary wedding ceremonies and a 3 night anniversary stay that a couple can use at any participating Ritz-Carlton in the Caribbean. The Ritz-Carlton-St. Thomas also offers the Caribbean “Reconnect” package for small groups (a minimum of 10 rooms is required). It includes a $100 USD resort credit and complimentary breakfast. Rates begin at $359 USD. Bookings are available through December 15, 2009.
Travelers411 Community Forums - This interview's thread
http://www.travelers411.com/forums/showthread.php?t=793
For more information visit http://www.ritzcarlton.com
Travel Tip:
US travelers should be careful voicing their political and social opinions when abroad. Few countries have the same freedom of speech protections as Americans are afforded under the First Amendment to the United States Constitution.
Fun Facts:
Barak Obama is the first U.S. president to receive the Nobel Peace Prize during his first year in office (at eight and a half months).
Other US presidents who have won the Nobel Peace Prize: Theodore Roosevelt, Woodrow Wilson and Jimmy Carter.
Former Vice President Al Gore won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2007 making 2 out of the 3 last winners United States Citizens.
Actress Nancy Walker’s ashes were scattered in the US Virgin Islands.
John and Yoko staged two week long bed ins. The first was in Amsterdam. The second was supposed to be in New York but John was not allowed in the country because of his 1968 cannabis conviction.
Guests Include:
Marc Langevin, General Manager, The Ritz-Carlton St.Thomas.
www.ritzcarlton.com
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One of Travel Expert Stephanie Abrams' earliest childhood memories is of her grandmother speaking of travel as a necessity. Her mom stated, “If we don’t travel we will end up giving our money to the doctors”. Stephanie’s next travel plans will take her to Riviera Nayarit, an area in Mexico near Puerto Vallarta. The region hosts many hotels that aim to give visitors a relaxing and tranquil environment.
Alper Oztok, General Manager of the Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita joins “Travel with Stephanie Abrams!”. The resort is located in Punta Mita within the Riviera Nayarit region of Mexico. Oztok has been with various Four Seasons properties throughout the world for twenty two years. He says that the Punta Mita property offers the same quality you would find with other hotels in the established brand but that the hotel specializes in customer care. Guests fly into Puerto Vallarta and are greeted at the airport by a Punta Mita representative. Staff will prepare your car to take you to the hotel. The property is located 26 miles north of the airport. Upon arrival guests are greeted at the property with welcome drinks, chilled towels and marvelous views of the lobby and Pacific Ocean.
The hotel has 173 standard guestrooms. There are also rooms on the beach (some with oceanfront views), cliffside rooms, Four Seasons villas and a residents club. The property also has three restaurants and two Jack Nikalaus signature 18-hole golf courses.
Alper Oztok states that Punta Mita is largely not a commercial area but rather is mainly residential. On top of being surrounded by natural beauty, the service and attention you get at the Four Seasons property is “truly exceptional and out of this world”. Oztok stresses that this is due in part to the little touches. It is an aim of Four Seasons hotels to exceed the expectations of the guest.
The Four Season Punta Mita is also a wonderful kayaking and snorkeling venue. There are 55 foot resort yachts available for rent and guests can spend a full day fishing, whale watching, scuba diving or participating in off shore snorkeling. The hotel also offers complimentary water aerobic classes. There are three pools on site. One is dedicated to adults. There is poolside food and beverage service and an attendant who will clean your sunglasses and repair them on your behalf if necessary.
Fish in the area include Red Snapper, Mahi Mahi, Amberjack and Tuna. Any fish that a guests catches can be prepared by the chef with instructions on how to prepare it to the guest’s taste. Oztok states that “good food is had through fresh ingredients”. The property's restaurants include there is Ketsi, a modern Mexican restaurant with great flavors, Bahia (Bay” in Spanish), a grill on the beach serving mainly fresh seafood and Aramara, a modern Asian restaurant. There is also a fourth restaurant at the golf course open for breakfast and lunch. Food options offer something for everybody but Alper Oztok states that if you prefer something other than what is on the menu chef will tailor the menu to your tastes.
Travelers411 Community Forums - This interview's thread
http://www.travelers411.com/forums/showthread.php?t=794
For more information visit http://www.fourseasons.com/puntamita
The Hotel Garza Canela is in the small town of San Blas, Riviera Nayarit, Mexico and is located two hours from Nuevo Vallarta. Betty Vasquez, Executive Chef at the property, was originally taught to cook by her grandmother. Later in life she attended the Le Corden Bleu in Paris and was exposed to a wide array of phenomenal cooking. She was encouraged to come back to San Blas and cook in the Hotel Garza Canela, a property run by her family.
Mexico was ruled for a short period in the 1860’s by Archduke Ferdinand Maximilian who was proclaimed Emperor of Mexico and kept in power by the backing of Napoleon III of France. Vasquez says the colonial history of Mexico has added to the cultural diversity, including its cuisine. Vasquez is also personally acquainted with the area of San Blas as she spent holidays as a child there. She says that her travels allowed her also to discover culinary techniques from around the world to apply them to her own cuisine. Vasquez stresses knowledge, love and respect of the products you’re using. She states “food has to be rooted from the earth, have a beautiful presentation and a texture”. Though her background is of “gastronomy infusion” Vasquez says you must also respect what is traditional and what comes from the heart.
Chef Vasquez says that at the Hotel Garza Canela management wants everyone to feel that they are at a home away from home. The hotel receives many repeat visitors and the restaurant changes its menu every year in order to surprise them. Menu standards include: pastas, fish, beef, pork, special desserts and sauces made in a very simple way.
Travelers411 Community Forums - This interview's thread
http://www.travelers411.com/forums/showthread.php?t=795
For more information visit http://www.garzacanela.com
Travel Expert Stephanie Abrams says when you’re thinking about air travel “pay attention to the folks over at CheapOAir.com”. Sanjay Hathiramani, Vice President, Supplier Relations of CheapOAir.com, joins “Travel with Stephanie Abrams!” to discuss current fare availability. Hathiramani states that there are fares from Fort Lauderdale to New York City for $148 USD roundtrip plus taxes and fees. He says that these fares are good during this season as long as there is seating availability. He says also that Miami to Rio Janeiro is $448 USD roundtrip plus taxes, San Francisco to Los Angeles starts at $98 USD roundtrip plus taxes and fees and that Miami to Buenos Aires is $700 USD plus taxes. He suggests that guests interested in visiting Germany for October Fest check out a fare from Chicago to Frankfurt for $480 USD plus taxes. Lastly he states that Los Angeles to Mexico City is currently available for $356 USD plus taxes and that more fares are available online.
Travelers411 Community Forums - This interview's thread
http://www.travelers411.com/forums/showthread.php?t=797
For more information visit http://www.cheapoair.com or call 866.592.9685
Guests Include:
Alper Oztok, General Manager, Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita, Punta Mita, Riviera Nayarit, Mexico.
www.fourseasons.com/puntamita
Betty Vasquez, Executive Chef, Hotel Garza Canela, San Blas, Riviera Nayarit, Mexico.
www.garzacanela.com
Sanjay Hathiramani, Vice President, Supplier Relations, CheapOAir.com.
www.cheapoair.com
Topics Include:
Radio Show Host Stephanie Abrams states that Mobile, Alabama is a diverse city with a wide variety of culture. In celebration of this fact is the annual Mobile International Festival. Estela Dorn, Executive Director of the Festival, joins "Travel with Stephanie Abrams!" to discuss the event, which is now celebrating its 26th anniversary this year. The festival owes its success to the dedication of its members. The oldest member of the festival is a 93 year old immigrant from El Salvador named Mama Rosa. Dorn says that Mama Rosa starts work on event planning for next year’s festival as soon as the previous one has ended.
The date of the Mobile International Festival is always the Saturday before Thanksgiving. This year it will be held November 21, 2009. Visitors to the event include people who are native to countries around the world as well as people representing the homeland of their ancestors. Over seventy countries participate. Dorn says that some members just carry the flag while others have food booths, cultural exhibits and entertainment.
This year the Republic of Benin in West Africa will perform and have a booth of their local cuisine. Stephanie says that food is a very important part of connecting to a destination. The festival allows the local community to show off its rich cultural background and to create an interest in destinations around the world. Dorn emphasizes that it is a family event. This year she discovered that 30 of the participating countries have pirates in their history. People are encouraged to dress as pirates for the festival and there will be a contest winner announced at the end of the day who will get to meet Captain Jack Sparrow, the fictional character from the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise.
Travelers411 Community Forums - This interview's thread
http://www.travelers411.com/forums/showthread.php?t=667
For more information visit http://mobileinternationalfestival.org
Stephanie encourages listeners interested in discussing travel to join the Travelers411 website’s forum community. She says it’s also a great place if you’re in tourism and have special expert knowledge. In the first hour of the show she spoke about traveling with disabilities and about a post she received on the topic in the forums. Stephanie mentions Lee Braunstein, Founder of the travel agency consortium "Space and Leisure Time", and refers to him an undeniable “mover and shaker” in the travel industry. He has passed away and "Space and Leisure Time" has since become Vacation.com.
Lee suffered from kidney problems later in life and was a dialysis patient unable to travel though it was his livelihood. Braunstein is responsible for the first dialysis-prepared cruise. He organized the cruise with a large ship and took a private room in order to have space for the equipment. Word of mouth spread about the story and a program supporting it was handed over by Lee to a travel agency based in Florida. There are agencies that will make available travel that overcomes obstacles for people with special needs. Stephanie says, “It’s the best prescription out there”.
For more information visit http://www.travelers411.com
Alberto Gurrola, Managing Director of the Fiesta Americana Grand Los Cabos Golf & Spa Resort states that Los Cabos has wonderful weather year round with almost no rainfall. He says it is where the desert meets the sea. Visitors will see cactus and are able to swim in the winter and see whales passing through the Baja peninsula starting in November. The whale population comes from Canada and makes its turn to go to the sea of Cortez at Los Cabos. They come back as a family at the end of March and April.
Fiesta Americana Grand Los Cabos Golf & Spa Resort is situated 200 yards from the beach. Alberto Gurrola states that guests can sit out on the beach and stargaze. He states “the sky is beautiful every night”. Guests can also choose to engage in fine dining down by the beach or upstairs in the air-conditioned dining area.
Stephanie states that obscure destinations jump into the limelight when celebrities make the destination their home or come to visit the resorts in the area. Bruce Willis celebrated his 50th birthday in Los Cabos and many other big name celebrities have been in the area as well. Ben Stiller has filmed two movies in Los Cabos and has visited various hotels in the region. The 2004 film Troy was partly shot in Los Cabos. The production crew brought 200 horses from San Diego for the shoot. Gurrola states that “movie stars have invested in the area”.
Guests fly into San Jose del Cabos Airport. They are able to fly direct from Dallas, Houston and Newark. Alaskan Airlines also has nonstop flights from Seattle and San Francisco. Mexican Airlines and Delta Airlines have many services as well. Gurrola states that Los Cabos is not a tiny little town. It is a place on the map but still has much to discover.
The Fiesta Americana Grand announced by “Golf Digest” to have one of the best golf resorts in the world. Gurrola states that Los Cabos is the golfing mecca of Mexico. There are two golf courses including a Jack Nikalaus ocean course. This course has been listed as the number one course in Mexico, Latin America and Caribbean and listed as number 24 in the world. There are more than 10 golf courses in Los Cabos.
The property has 250 guestrooms including 25 suites which constitute what Gurrola refers to as “a hotel within a hotel”. Guests will receive much personalized service including beach butlers at the property.
Travelers411 Community Forums - This interview's thread
http://www.travelers411.com/forums/showthread.php?t=796
For more information visit http://www.fiestamericanagrand.com
Fun Facts:
Currently one USD converts to thirteen MXN.
Guests Include:
Estela Dorn, Executive Director, Mobile International Festival, Mobile, Alabama.
www.mobileinternationalfestival.org
Alberto Gurrola, Managing Director, Fiesta Americana Grand Los Cabos Golf & Spa Resort.
www.fiestamericanagrand.com
