Travel Treks

Advice for new empty nesters….leave the nest and TRAVEL!
It doesn’t matter WHERE you go….just go! We made a quick trip back to the Blue Ridge Parkway. This time, it was Hound Ears Lodge and Club. Unlike the last trip, we had cell phone coverage AND an internet connection!...click for more.

No cell phone coverage and minimal internet connection….OH MY!
With two children working as counselors at Camp Cheerio, Ricky and I had to find SOMEWAY to see them! We rented a house from a good friend and spent over a week exploring the Blue Ridge Parkway. ...click for more.

Michelle Visits Munich just in time for Holiday shopping! You can too!
Munich IS a city…but it feels like a village! It is sophisticated (think New York), small (think Chicago, no smaller) and friendly (think your favorite neighborhood)! This capital of Bavaria is near the Alps and host of THE Oktoberfest! We LOVED exploring and although it is small, we could have stayed for weeks. Things you MUST do: ...click for more.

Tasty lunches in Chicago!
Business Trip? Shopping Trip? You HAVE to eat lunch! Three great places come to mind. You won’t be disappointed! ...click for more.

Michelle asks......Beantown Anyone?
I recently visited Boston for a long weekend and had a large time! Everyone knows about “pahking cahs in Hahvihd Yahd”, but there's a lot more to Boston than its English! ...click for more.

Ricky and I will soon be empty nesters! What are we going to do?
Add to our “Bucket List” and check destinations off as we go! I was recently browsing a travel magazine and as usual, tabbed a page to mention to Ricky when he came home. We HAVE to do this, it sounds wonderful!! JACKPOT! He brought home the SAME idea! ...click for more.

Emily's Birthday Celebration in the Big Apple!
Anxious for a quick weekend getaway that would not break the bank, my husband and I decided to spend my recent birthday weekend in the Big Apple....click for more.

Ecuador: Land of the Sun
Tim and I recently returned from THE most interesting trip… The Land of the Sun! ...click for more.

What can you make with avocados, cilantro, fresh tomatoes, onions and jalapeño peppers?
I hope you answered guacamole!...click for more.

New York on business? Need a hotel? Ricky can advise!
Ricky just returned from New York. If you frequently travel on business......click for more.

Ricky traveled to Washington, DC and New York in two days. He has some tips just for YOU!
Have questions about Washington, DC and New York? Ricky has the answers! He recently flew into Reagan and “trained” it to New York. ...click for more.

A Taste of Hawaii!!
Wanting to visit Hawaii but can't find the time, energy or resources? Try this!...click for more.

Four agents confess!
This is why you need to…...click for more.

We have proof!
Adults love.......click for more.

Valley Ho!
We didn’t meet George Jetson, his boy Elroy, daughter Judy or even Jane his wife, but we COULD have!...click for more.

Looking for a reason to visit Disney World?
Meeting Minnie is Magical!...click for more.

Check out these tips for traveling with young children to Walt Disney World!
It's no wonder so many people planning a family vacation to Walt Disney World are overwhelmed! This magical destination is 54 square miles consisting of 4 theme parks, 2 water parks, 25 Resorts, 4 golf courses, and over 500 different types of dining experiences. Check out these tips...click for more.

Cabin Fever? Find the cure in Carefree, Arizona! The Boulders Resort!
Rainy, 36 degree days cause cabin fever! 77 degrees, sunshine and coolers filled with lemons, limes and cucumbers cure it!! ...click for more.

Escape the hustle and bustle of your daily routine at the Hyatt Regency in Maui!
What a view! The sunset from our balcony at the Hyatt Regency Maui was beautiful. We loved the Hyatt. It is on Kaanapoli beach. The grounds are gorgeous and the hotel is nice, but be careful requesting a room. ...click for more.

Meteorologist calling for snow? Head to Fall Creek Cabins!
Ricky and I are warming up to the idea of being empty nesters. Our daughter left on a church ski trip and we headed to Fall Creek Cabins near Boone and Blowing Rock, NC. They are just an hour’s drive from Winston-Salem; make it a little over an hour in the snow....click for more.

Looking for palm trees...shoes...jewelry? Head to Rio!
Known for its financial districts and stores, Rio is the New York City of Brazil!! Once you get your finances straight……start shopping!...click for more.

Top Five Experiences in Rome....FREE!
Headed to Rome? Check out the FREE things to experience!...click for more.

Random Italy Tips and Info
This advice will save you money and add to your memories! ...click for more.

Two days in Rome end Nancy, Catherine and Emily's trip to Southern Italy
After our stops in Pompeii and Herculaneum, we refueled at I Re di Napoli in Naples to experience the famous Neapolitan pizza Margherita. A brief city tour familiarized us with the major sites, which include some impressive castles and fortresses right in the middle of the city. ...click for more.

Southern Italy- Chapter 2!
We loved the modern amenities of the Hilton! ...click for more.

Nancy, Catherine and Emily visit Southern Italy
I have just returned from a 6 night whirlwind trip of Southern Italy. It was a wonderful adventure with my mom and sister that renewed our mutual love of all things Italian. ...click for more.

Sally and Ricky re-visit their honeymoon spot...27 years later....Sea Island, Georgia!
All it took was our daughter saying that she was going to visit her brothers in Chapel Hill for the weekend. The flight was booked and so was the convertible! ...click for more.

I wanna take you to Atlantis, Bahama...come on pretty mama...
There are not many destinations outside of Las Vegas and Disney World that offer as many activity and dining options as the Atlantis does. ...click for more.

Ricky's Mediterranean Adventure Part 2
Our first full day aboard the Windsurf was in a word...Fabulous! Our stateroom was larger somehow than any we have experienced on other much larger ships. That said you really are not drawn to spend much time inside, but instead enjoy the warm Mediterranean breezes outside!...click for more.

Tips to keep in mind BEFORE traveling to Jordan
I recommend taking an organized tour instead of trying this trip on your own because the language barrier, hazardous driving conditions and long distances will wear you out. I also know a beautiful hotel!...click for more.

Faith’s Trip to Jordan (Part 2)
Beach lovers will need to head down to Aqaba, Jordan's coastal city located on the famous Red Sea. Many people don't realize the waters here are crystal clear and famous for its coral reefs. There are great snorkeling opportunities here. I will never forget the sunset! ...click for more.

Faith's trip to Jordan (Part 1)
Ever since I first saw Indiana Jones racing his horse through the deep and narrow rose colored passages of Petra, the country of Jordan has been on my list of places to visit....click for more.

Traveling to India (Part 2)
Why was my trip to India magical and why does it become even greater as more time has lapsed since my return? The memories, ah yes, the memories…...click for more.

Traveling to India (Part 1)
India is huge and exceptionally diverse. It is the home to Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists and Jews, and landscapes that range from the world’s highest mountain ranges to tropical coasts. India has an almost endless variety of people and places to explore. It is impossible to take in all of India on one trip. ...click for more.

Gigi on Croatia
The young Republic of Croatia is a blend of Balkan, Central Europe and Mediterranean cultures. It was discovered by the yachting rich and famous back in the 1950s as an attractive travel destination and is fast emerging today as a leading vacation spot....click for more.

Ricky's Mediterranean Adventure: Part 1
My wife, Sally and I departed Greensboro at 133pm on a flight to Philadelphia and then on to Rome. We used frequent flier miles to fly envoy class on USAir. This made the trip not just bearable but special. Use the points if you have them, there is no better way to travel transatlantic!...click for more.

Emily on Charleston Part 2: The Beaches!
Life has been good to me this summer; I have had two golden opportunities for traveling to the South Carolina coast. On my first trip I got to explore the amazing city of Charleston (see my June 2nd post)....click for more.

Does Your Travel Insurance Provide Coverage in Case You Lose Your Job?
In these uncertain economic times, it is important to verify that the insurance program we recommend to clients provides coverage in the case of job termination. This is one of the many benefits of ITravel Insured and why we recommend coverage to EVERY traveler....click for more.

Emily on Eating Your Way Through Charleston
Charleston, SC is quite possibly my favorite city in the world. Not only is it beautiful and full of history, but it also home to some of the best restaurants in the Southeast....click for more.

Ricky on Playing, Eating and Staying in Phoenix
On a recent trip to Phoenix we had the chance to stay at the Fairmont Scottsdale- formerly and still sometimes known as the Fairmont Princess. The Hotel wants to identify itself with the Fairmont Brand more than Princess. It is a great, large desert resort....click for more.

FAQ Swine Flu and Travel Insurance
The following questions and answers about swine flu have been prepared by our preferred travel insurance provider to help you understand the typical coverage that may be available under an iTravelInsured program- Please read your policy carefully....click for more.

Common Sense and Travel Insurance, Weapons Against the H1N1 Virus (“Swine Flu”) and Other Illnesses
It is ultimately your responsibility to keep yourself safe and healthy while traveling. You can’t be sure of the level of care you may receive, and these common sense tips from our preferred travel insurance carrier, ITravel Insured, could help you or your loved ones....click for more.

Ricky on the Best Places to Stay and Eat in Chapel Hill
We have two children in school at Carolina so from time to time we have a need to stay overnight in the area. Sometimes we go the less expensive route and stay in RTP but recently we decided at the last minute we wanted to try some place a little nicer. ...click for more.

Miami or Your-ami?
If you haven’t been to Miami recently it may be time for a visit. South Beach is endless sunshine and big city accessibility rolled into one spectacularly glamorous package. Getting to Miami from NC couldn’t be easier with daily nonstop flights from Greensboro, RDU and Charlotte....click for more.

Michelle on the Ultimate Mountain Experience
I visited Aspen/Snowmass, CO and stayed at the St. Regis Resort in Aspen. The hotel is located at the base of Aspen Mountain (also known as Ajax Mountain) and within steps- high ones I may note, of the historic downtown....click for more.

Hotlanta!
If you need a quick weekend getaway that won't break the bank- Atlanta may be just the place for you. With world class shopping, nightlife and entertainment, there is something here for everyone. Lennox Square and Phipps Plaza are a shoppers’ paradise....click for more.

Emily on Grand Cayman
After a week at the Ritz Carlton Grand Cayman I am feeling relaxed and renewed! Grand Cayman is one of the prettiest, cleanest safest Caribbean islands. It is what so many people expect the Caribbean will be: long white sand beaches, crystal clear blue water and palm trees everywhere....click for more.

Andrew Harper's Travel Tips
Andrew Harper is the pseudonym of a gentleman traveler who, frustrated by commercially driven travel coverage, began writing his own candid reviews of smaller, unique hotels. The Hideaway Report, which began as a small newsletter for friends and family, is now one of the most distinct voices in luxury travel....click for more.

Emily on Traveling with Children
I am counting the days (eight!) until we depart for Grand Cayman. This will be Tucker’s third plane trip and our second hotel stay....click for more.