People always have questions about traveling…and that’s what we’re here for! So we’ve collected some of our agents favorite travel tips to share with you! Hopefully they can make your next trip a little smoother and less stressful.

From the desk of VZT Leisure Agent Sonia: “It always seems that while I’m on vacation or traveling, something that I meant to pack does not make in into my bags. So, for the past couple years, I have kept a running checklist where I add/delete items so that come next time I travel, my list is ready to go. I’m sure to pack this list in with my suitcase and it travels with me, this way if I think of something else, I can add it immediately to my list instead of trying to remember what it was when I get home. When my vacation is over, I update my list and make two copies. One goes in my suitcase and the other in my carry-on. This way, whether it’s a short weekend get-away or a 2 week stay, my list is the first thing I see when I begin the final preparation of my departure.”

From the desk of VZT Corporate Agent Peggy: “If you are at your connecting city and want to find out if your flight is on-time but your flight originates in the connecting city so of course it says ON TIME. If you are within 1 hour of the flight departing, look at the arrival screens find the gate of your flight on the arrival screen, that will most likely be your arriving flight. See how that flight is running and you should know if you have a chance of getting out on-time. It does not take into consideration gate changes but at least you can play the odds. ”

From the desk of VZT Corporate Agent Liz: “Call for help! If you’ve missed a connection, or your flight is cancelled, get in line to speak with a gate agent, and then give us a call from your cell phone. By calling us, you are essentially jumping the line, giving you a better shot at securing a seat on the next flight. You may still need the gate agent to issue you a new boarding pass, so don’t get out of line.”

Stay tuned for more tips from our experts! They’ve seen at all over the years and are here to think of all the little things that can help you have the best trip possible. If you have any questions for our agents post them on our Facebook wall and an agent will try to find the best answer for you.

Check out our Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/vanziletravel?ref=nf.

 Van Zile Leisure Travel   Consultant, Chris recently returned from a wonderful week in beautiful Costa Rica with her husband, Rich.  They stayed at the Westin Playa Conchal – a lovely all inclusive resort located about 40 minutes from the brand new Liberia Airport. 

Highlights of this resort included the Robert Trent Jones Golf Course, one of the largest pools in Costa Rica, and an amazing location on Playa Conchal Beach. The resort also offers several restaurants to dine at, or you can always order room service (remember, it is all inclusive)! Couples who are looking for a romantic get away or families looking for adventure will both enjoy the Westin Playa Conchal.

 You will find that Costa Rica has amazing exotic wildlife, towering mountain ranges, active volcanoes and miles of beautiful beaches! Popular activities in the area are guided hiking in the rain forest, hot springs, zip line adventures, whitewater rafting, deep sea fishing, surfing, scuba diving, bird watching and so much more!

Chris and Rich did a trip to Buena Vista for horseback riding, zip lining and hot springs! They also went on an ATV adventure and got to see Howler Monkeys. Chris is now putting zip lining down as her favorite new sport!

If anyone else wants to enjoy this lovely Central American country, please contact us! After her amazing trip Chris would be happy to help others plan their next vacation to beautiful Costa Rica!

Chris & Rich horseback riding in Buena Vista

Zip lining in Buena Vista

A beautiful flock of parrots. This is just one example of all the wildlife you will find in Costa Rica!

By Van Zile Travel Agent, Cindy

After having New Zealand on my bucket list for so many years, I am finally able to put a dotted line through it.  Dotted, due to the fact that I didn’t see the entire country!  In September, I ventured for 11 day (9 days there after losing 2 in travel) on the south island of New Zealand.  You will find the most amazing landscape in the world there.  It is on the reverse latitude of Maine (45 degrees but in the southern hemisphere), and has beautiful mountains, rainforest, glacier, beaches, and volcanoes!  Where else in the world can you get that in one spot?

New Zealand would appeal to just   about anyone that can handle the  flight getting there.  It has something for everyone.  Known as the adventure capital of the world, it is the birth place of bungee jumping – no, I didn’t partake.  There is also opportunity for luge, jet boating, skiing, tramping (Kiwi for hiking!), fishing, horseback riding….the list goes on and on. 

If you are a food and wine enthusiast, New Zealand is just as appealing with luscious wines and dinners at most resorts and lodges.  Whether you’re looking for history with the Maori culture, geology and wild life, luxurious resorts to be pampered, or quaint inns….you will find it all there.  The only things you will not find are bears, many snakes, or a lack of sheep!

The highlight of this trip is tough to narrow down.  It was a trip of sensory overload with helicopter rides to Fox Glacier, snow, 70 degree weather, delicious wines and cuisine, unparalleled scenery with a little adventure included. If I had to choose one, the highlight would have to be the helicopter ride to the top of the glacier!

It’s the answer you’ve all been waiting for! Van Zile Leisure Travel Consultant, Cindy has just finished exploring Cairo, Egypt!

We can’t wait to hear all about her exciting trip! In the meantime, here is some background on this African city:

Cairo is the capital of Egypt and is one of the world’s largest urban areas.  With many sites to visit, Cairo has always been an attractive to travelers, even dating back over 10 centuries ago. It has been said that

      “As long as you’re willing to loosen your senses and
      lose yourself in this majestic city, you can doscover the
      sweetness of Cairo; the coziness of small cafes and
      the pleasure of strolling along narrow streets.  It would
      be impossible to accurately describe Cairo fairly, it is
      truly one of a kind.”

So, instead of trying to describe this charming city, we’ll just give you a short guide to fascinating districts in Cairo you may want to visit someday:

• Central Cairo – This downtown region consists mostly of shops, restaurants, theaters, offices and hotels.  The architecture possesses an old-world elegance.  This area also boasts numerous museums and art galleries such as The Egyptian Museum and Abdeen Palace Museum.
• Old Cairo – It is likely that this area was settled during 6^th Century BCE.  Old Cairo features several old churches as well as Ben Ezra Synagogue – the oldest in Egypt. The ruins of the old city of Fustat are also nearby.
• Giza – The Pyramids of Giza have drawn visitors throughout the centuries.  Surrounding the Pyramids are the papyrus and perfume shops that many tourists are eager to visit. 
• Mohandissen – One of Cairo’s newer districts this area consists mostly of residential and office towers.  You will find many upscale boutiques and just about every American fast food chain you can think of.  However, you can also find some cozy restaurants and pubs tucked away in the maze of back streets. 

Stay tuned to hear directly from Cindy about her trip to this city.  We’ll give you more details about the best places to stay, where to eat and where to visit!

 

Van Zile Travel’s Director of Meetings & Incentives, Linda Tack went searching for new and exciting destinations for our clients. Anguilla B.W.I. was where she landed and quickly learned the island will ”wow” all that visit! Linda took in the beautiful hotels, beaches and much more in Anguilla.  Now back from her trip she is excited to share her experience with you!

First, you need to know how to get to Anguilla.  You can fly into Anguilla’s airport on a prop plane. Another option is to fly to St. Maarten and take a charter boat over to Anguilla. To Linda this is the best option. Sit back & enjoy the ride with a complimentary soda, beer or water while traveling across the Caribbean Sea!

Anguilla offers many options of hotels. Linda visited quite a few so you have a great list of reviews!

The island has all kinds of hotels: small intimate hotel/resorts, or larger properties that can accommodate large groups.  Here are Linda’s favorites:

Viceroy Resorts & Residences is the largest of the three properties and has: three pools (1 adult pool), meeting space, a beautiful spa and fitness center.  Linda was especially impressed with the view from the resort which is situated on 35 lush acres along both Barnes and Meads Bays.

Cuisinart Resort & Spa has 93 rooms including suites and private villas.   Linda loved the bathroom amenities which were products from the spa, a walk in shower, large tub, two sinks and a private bathroom. All of the rooms have a private patio to enjoy. The newly opened Tokyo Bay restaurant has outstanding food, with impressive presentation and an extensive wine selection.  Cuisinart also offers golf on its famous Greg Norman Golf Course.

Cap Juluca’s beach is breathtaking and water skiing is included with the room rate.  Also, included is your very own golf cart to easily navigate the property.  Linda enjoyed her golf cart rides in the evening to take in the local performers.  Although the hotel rooms could use a bit of refurbishing, they are clean.

Frangipani Beach Resort is a lovely intimate resort with a great beach, sparkling rooms and friendly staff.  A great choice for honeymooners or romantic vacations!

If renting a private home is more your style, Modena Villa, located in the Cove Bay, West End, is tops! Boasting 5 bedrooms, a tennis court, pool, game room, full kitchen, and even an elevator that takes you to the master bedroom, you are sure to enjoy your stay. There is a fun place to eat within walking distance to the Modena Villa, Smokey’s.  They have tasty drinks and food specials.

A few hot spots to take in are: Johno’s, the Pump House and Elvis’s.  All have a relaxing atmosphere, delicious food/drinks, and so much more!

Linda highly recommends that you visit Anguilla B.W.I. If there are any questions about Anguilla, Linda is happy to answer them for you!  You can contact her at linda@vanzile.com

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The beautiful pool at Frangipani:

View of the beach at Viceroy:                             

 Ocean view at Cap Juluca:

For more pictures of Linda’s trip visit our Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/vanziletravel?ref=nf

Unwrap holiday savings from GOGO with these amazing deals!

• Enjoy 3 nights at Dreams Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa and save up to 50%! Plus, receive an upgrade to premium deluxe ocean view room for just $30 more!

• Splurge on 5 nights at Almond Morgan Bay in St. Lucia – all-inclusive and adults only – and save up to 25%! Upgrade to a junior swim up suite spa or pool view for just $85 more!

Check out GOGO’s other great offers HERE!

Packages are limited, so book today!

Gaylord Hotels has just announced some amazing holiday deals, including packages from $199 per person.

For more details, please check out our website.

Van Zile Travel is proud to announce its participation at the 2^nd Annual Finger Lakes Wedding Affair.

The January 22, 2011 event, sponsored by WellWed – New York magazine, will be held at the Memorial Art Gallery and “will feature the Finger Lakes’ top wedding talent, workshops, seminars, complimentary spa services, a couture fashion show and much more”, according to editor-in-chief, Krista Washburn.  Van Zile Travel is a WellWed featured professional.

In addition, Van Zile Travel is offering a FREE ticket to the event for 2 lucky winners!

Tell us about your ideal honeymoon for a chance to win a FREE ticket to this ultra-exclusive event.

Send submissions of no more than 200 words to traveler@vanzile.com by 12:00pm ET on Wednesday, January 19. Our judges will review each submission and select two winners.

Winners will be announced on Thursday, January 20.

Each Ticket Includes:

• A gift box filled with over $100 worth of goodies (one per couple)
• A copy of Martha Stewart Weddings and Vermont Vows/WellWed
• Complimentary seminars and workshops with industry experts
• Complimentary hors d’oeuvres, champagne, cake tastings, wine tasting, and other fine delectables
• An opportunity to win a gift certificate bouquet worth up to $8,000 (featuring certificates for spa services, restaurants, event rentals and more)
• The chance to participate in a silent auction featuring up to $10,000 worth of jewelry & gifts (to benefit The Make-A-Wish Foundation)

For more information on this unique bridal event, please visit: aweddingaffair.com

Our all-new “Wedding Connection”!

We’re partnering with local wedding vendors to further provide our honeymoon clients with the utmost in service.

Check out our website for more information!

Van Zile Travel staff moonlighted as elves this week as they gathered together in support of a wonderful cause: CASA – Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children.

To learn more about CASA and how you can also give back, please visit their website.