Two JetSet Divas...and a Map » Locations and Destinations

$99 Bahamas Bound Cruises

E-Travel — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 02:23:02 +0000

Hear ye Hear ye!

Norwegian Cruise Lines has $99 inside cabin staterooms available on their November 3rd and November 10th cruises only!

$99 - Inside Cabins
$159 - Outside Cabins
$429 - Balcony
$1129 - Suites

Cruises sail from Miami - Nassau - Great Stirrup Cay - Grand Bahama Island.

I’d like to take this time to say that, if I lived in Florida as opposed to the middle of the country I’d travel much more frequently. Who couldn’t use a $99 vacation?!!

Lay My Head : Portugal and Spain

admin — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 03:27:00 +0000

Since our trip to Italy last Fall, I’ve been longing to soon return to Europe. On the top of our list are traveling to Portugal and Spain. When visiting Italy, we were fortunate enough to stay at some very good hotels. When determining the best accomodations for your vacation, its important to do plenty of research. We’ve discovered a cool site for worldwide hotel bookings, especially withn Europe and the United Kingdom. Considered to be the “European Hotel Specialist”, eurobookings.com has specific knowledge and expertise of local accomodations. This insider information can be very helpful particularly for first-time visitors to Europe. The site includes detailed hotel information, great photos and maps. There is also a listing of nearby attractions and other hotels in the area.

Portugal
Lisbon is a vibrant city, and also known as “the town of the seven hills”. So be prepared for uphill journeys. So much history can be found in Lisbon, as it has been the economic and cultural center of Portugal for centuries. There’s a wide range of things to do while in Lisbon, from visiting the numerous museums in the city to experiencing the local coastal cuisine of primarily fish and seafood. Regardless of your budget, there are a variety of hotels in Lisbon, such as the Sana Metropolitan Hotel and Residencial Mar Dos Acores.

Madrid
I like to think of Madrid as the “heart of Spain”, geographically and figuratively. According to Frommers.com, the mayor of Madrid launched a new 7-year city program in 2005 aimed at transforming the capital into a world-class cosmopolitan center, with improved Metro and rail transport and the expansion of new barrios, or districts, especially in the north of the city. With this revitalization, there are numerous hotels in Madrid Norte available in the area.

If you’re like us and can’t wait to get back to Europe…add Portugal and Spain to the top of your list.

Check us Out! Galavanting Magazine

E-Travel — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 19:55:32 +0000

Chrissy and I were recently featured on the September 2008 cover of Galavanting: Women’s Travel Magazine.

Go Galavanting September 2008 Cover

Our story Three Shades of Costa Rica talks all about our Spring trip to Costa Rica - the cities we visited, activites, travel tips and our overall review.

Check us out!

Honeymooning in Luxury : Mauritius

MzTravelDiva — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 04:03:34 +0000

We’ve still got our eyes on Africa, and this time our sights are set on Mauritius. This tiny island off the eastern coast of the continent, is nearly 600 miles near Madagascar. Surrounded by tranquil, turquoise waters and white, sandy beaches, Mauritius is a prime location to experience extreme luxury and seclusion, especially for those traveling from the U.K.

For that reason, this small piece of paradise is increasingly becoming a top destination for those in the search of luxury holidays and honeymoons. The island is home to numerous five-star resorts, which offer a wide range of amenities such as luxury villas, first-class golf resorts, private tours and more.

Le Saint Geran Mauritius is considered to be the “Great Dame” resort of the island, with its own private peninsula right on the edge of the Indian Ocean.

Another hot resort is the the Le Touessrok. Le Touessrok Mauritius is considered to be the epitome of chic sophistication on the island. The resort even has butlers that can cater to (most) your every need…and even remember such details as how you like your coffee in the morning and your cocktails in the evening. Talk about service!

If you’re scoping out unique locales for a luxurious honeymoon or romantic vacation, look into Mauritius. This is definitely a place were splurging is a requirement…not an option. So, plan early and budget wisely, and you and your sweetie will be getting the star treatment in this African playground in no time.

The Devil’s Swimming Pool: Do you dare?

E-Travel — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 21:56:36 +0000

Oh my….
Zimbabwe, Africa is the home of the Victoria Falls at a height of 128 meters. At the top of the falls you can find the infamous “Devil’s Swimming Pool“. Only accessible in the months between September and December hardcore thrill seekers (and apparently children in the care of these people) can swim right up to the edge of the falls and look over without falling…apparently.

Check out the video at the bottom! I’m a very good swimmer, but my question is how in the world do you get out of all that rushing water once you jump in? Does anyone know…I’m curious.

Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, Africa

The Devil's Swimming Pool

Children in the care of thrill seekers :o)

The question is: Would you dare?

My Real Answer: In the words of my co-worker, “Hell naw, you can NOT tell water what to do”.

My Political Answer: Adventure and be safe.
(*Disclaimer: Two JetSet Divas are not responsible for the personal high risk travel decisions that you make.)

JetSet Diva of the Month

E-Travel — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 21:54:05 +0000

Meet Monique…our JetSet Diva of the Month!

Botanical Gardens in Swaziland

Monique and I both attended Crossroads School, an extremely small college prepratory high school in St. Louis, MO. I recently learned of her trip to Africa and after viewing what must have been about 500 pictures (I’m just playing, maybe it was 200 pictures…and just MAYBE I looked at all of them) in the Kodak Gallery, there was no doubt that she had to be featured as our JetSet Diva of the Month. Please read her ‘virtual interview’.

Recently you visited South Africa, Lesotho & Swaziland… How did you choose such a beautiful land to visit? I always wanted to go to Africa for my dream trip, and I’ve actually been to Tunisia, northern Africa, but it was nothing like everyone imagined Africa to be. One of my good friend’s was sent to Lesotho for her Peace Corps assignment in November 2006 and that’s when I decided that I would go to the southern part of the continent and I had at least 2 years to plan.

Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve Park

Did you immerse yourself in the culture? What are the glaring differences in everyday life between Africa and the USA?
I immersed myself in the culture immediately because I stayed with two of my friends in a hut, with no running water for 3 nights. We had to fetch water and boil it to use it. I used an outhouse for a toilet. I definitely made use of hand sanitizer, baby wipes, and Ponds facial wipes…LOL. I visited the village school where my friend taught and hung with the students there. The students who attended the school ranged in age from 9 to early 20s, which was definitely a major difference from the states.

What are some of the other places you have visited domestically and internationally? Which is your favorite location and why? I visited too many places domestically to list, but the west coast is definitely one of my favorite places. Internationally, I’ve been to Costa Rica, Canada, Mexico, Spain, Andorra, Tunisia, Germany, and Italy. Of those places, it’s toss up between Spain and Italy. I think I’m a little bias towards Spain because that’s where I studied abroad in Barcelona for 3 months, so I was more comfortable with the culture, language, and people.

Coast of the Indian Ocean

When planning a trip, how much do you consider affordability and what tactics do you use to keep your trip on budget?
I’m a very fugal person, so cost is always considered. There are a few key ways to keep cost down on a trip…
1. LODGING: If you can, visit a place where you know someone (friends or family). Having a free place to stay for a few nights could save you money. If you don’t anyone in the place you’re visiting, look into hostels instead of hotels. You can get some of the same amenities for cheaper.
2. FOOD: Buying groceries and preparing my own food has saved me hundreds of dollars on my trips. You can always eat PB&J, a granola bar and a piece of fruit for lunch. You can have a nicer dinner that way.
3. MONEY: Exchange a small amount of money in the beginning. Sometimes when you have more money, you tend to spend it. If you have a limited amount of money you will be less likely to buy unnecessary things. You can always use an ATM or a credit card and get a better exchange rate.
4. SOUVENIRS: This is always gets people in trouble. I know family and friends tell you to bring them something back, but gifts can seriously hurt you. Think of creative, thoughtful, and cheap gifts that people can’t get back home, and they’ll love it.

What is your dream destination?
Before my trip, it was Africa, but since I’ve been now I would have to say India or Japan now.

What are your next vacation plans?
I’m thinking of doing Carnival in South America in 2009. We’ll see how that works out!

Final thoughts…
1. Pack light in one big travel pack. I never had to worry about my luggage being lost or having to wait in baggage claim because I traveled with an oversized travel back pack.

2. Make copies of all travel documents so you don’t have to carry them around with you when you go to places like a beach, club, or any activity. Leave copies back home too.

Give us your best shot(s) (a photo from your travels) and the story behind it.
I love these pics of the giraffe!! I took them on a safari through Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park in the Kwazulu-Natal area of South Africa.

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Want to share your travel experiences? Join our online community…and you just might be featured in our JetSet Diva or JetSetter (we’ve got love for the guys too!) of the Month column.

African Safari Sweepstakes

MzTravelDiva — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 17:32:00 +0000

It’s my dream to someday visit Africa. There are so many countries that I want to see, from Morocco to Kenya to Mozambique to Tanzania to South Africa, and many more places in between. If you’re like me, and have this continent on your “must experience” list, there’s a sweepstakes being offered that may bring you one step closer.

Comcast.net wanted us to share with you an Ultimate Safari Sweepstakes in which they are promoting. Imagine winning an all expense paid vacation for two to South Africa!

Included in the 11-day journey to South Africa:
Trip to Cape Town
       Guided tour of South African Wine Country
       A tour of a Private Game Reserve
       Zambezi River Cruise
       A trip to Victoria Falls
       and an Elephant Camp Adventure!

Roundtrip air transportation, luxury hotel accommodations, 22 meals (10 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 8 dinners), and select gratuities to local guides, hotel servants, airport transfers, and local service charges are also a part of the package.

In addition to the grand prize, you can also enter to win instant prizes. There are 770 instant win prizes available during the promotion. Each instant win prize is a $20 Fandango movie ticket.

Limit one (1) Sweepstakes and Instant Win game play entry per person and per email address per day. The Sweepstakes drawing will be held on or about November 18, 2008

Visit the sweepstakes website for more details and contest rules. If you win, let us know! Better yet, take us with you.

The Flight Board : Food Edition

MzTravelDiva — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 20:49:05 +0000

There’s something we love just as much as travel……FOOD. Dining on the local cuisine from the destination in which you are visiting is just as important as experiencing the trip itself. A restaurant is not just a restaurant… its a glimpse into the social aspects of a culture. Local cuisine, whether served in a restaurant or at home, pays homage to the ingredients indigenous to that country or region. My favorite part of any trip is exploring the cuisine and truly getting a “taste” of the area.

From Gnocchi in Argentina to Acaraje in Brazil, some of our favorite bloggers have food on there minds, and share with us some delightful tastes from their travels that will have you yearning for a bite! I’m getting hungry just writing about this!

- The Blissful Gutton shares some wonderful tales and mouth-watering photos of the culinary delights she partook in Argentina
- Farsighted Fly Girl tells us why a black-eye pea fritter known as Acaraje is a must have in Brazil.
- American Expat now living in Italy, Miss Expatria, takes a walk down food memory lane, as she reminisces on the memories certain food items conjure up.
- Journey Chic gives us a great gazpacho to enjoy before Fall sets in.
- In her blog, Why Travel to France, an American Expat now living in France gives us a glimpse of an array French pumpkins and squash, and show us that Harvest time is right around the corner.

Hope you enjoy this delicious buffet of tasty travel experiences!

Jetting across Europe affordably

MzTravelDiva — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 03:09:15 +0000

One of the things I discovered while living in the London, was how affordable traveling throughout Europe could be, if departing from there. I also learned about some cool air carriers that were based out of the U.K. or other countries within Europe, such as easyJet and Ryanair. Back then, I couldn’t believe the prices that were being advertised for flights to places like Spain, Italy, and France. At that time, you could find flight deals for as low as £1! Of course, that didn’t include taxes and fees, but compared to price a flight to the same areas of Europe departing from Atlanta, these prices were dirt cheap.

I had to make the most of these cheap flights…especially on a very slim, college student’s budget. I got the chance to visit places like Palma de Mallorca, Spain and Weisbaden, Germany for less than $100 roundtrip on easyJet and Ryanair, respectively. You couldn’t beat that! Although that was over eight years ago, and in an extremely different economic climate (Dirt cheap flights are now up to £5 on Ryanair…darn inflation) , there are still some affordable flights departing from the U.K. that can be found. Like Travelocity and Expedia here in the U.S, Directline UK is a cool search engine to use to find great flight deals from numerous budget airlines in the U.K.

Summer/Fall 2008 Festivals Guide

E-Travel — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 20:13:25 +0000

Summer Summer Summertime….Summertime!

I looked near and far - read all the email newsletters - checked out all the event sites - looked at EVERY ning community site we belong to - “Googled” my fingers off and I am now ready to present to you the Hottest List (self-proclaimed) of Summer and Fall 2008 Festivals.

Bahamas Junkanoo Summer Festival
Date: June 12th - August 19th
Place: Grand Bahama Island, Nassau, Bahamas

Reggae Sumfest 2008
Date: July 17th - 19th
Place: Montego Bay, Jamaica
Performers: Lil’ Wayne, Keisha Cole, T-Pain, Elephant Man, Beenie Man and more…

Party in Palm Springs
Date: July 25th - 27th
Place: Palm Springs, California (Palm Springs Wyndham Resort)

Adamari Caribbean Summer Festival 2008
Date: July 27th
Place: Long Island Queen Mary Park - Long Beach, California
Price: $50 in Advance, $60 at the gate, $100 VIP, 9 & under Free
Performers: Shabba Ranks, Lady Saw, Junior Reid, Cham, Felisa Marisol, Richie Kupone and more…

The 5th Annual Turks And Caicos Music and Cultural Festival
Date: July 28th - August 4th
Place: Turks and Caicos
Performers: Lionel Richie, LL Cool J, Anita Baker, Ne-Yo, Rickey Smiley and more…

Barbados Crop Over
Date: July 28th - August 4th
Place: Barbados

Caribana
Date: July 31st - August 4th
Place: Toronto, Canada

A.T.I - R.T.I Weekend (A.K.A Jamaica Independence Weekend)
Date: July 31st - August 4th
Place: Negril, Jamaica

Lollapalooza
When: Aug. 1-3
Where: Chicago, IL
It will cost you: $190-$205/three-day pass
Headliners: Kanye West, Gnarls Barkley, Radiohead, Lupe Fiasco, Rage Against the Machine and more…

Anguilla Summer Festival 2008
Date: August 2nd - 12th
Place: Northern Leeward Islands - Anguilla, BWI
11 days of carnival and boatracing activities

The London Notting Hill Carnival
Date: August 22-25, 2008
Place: London, England (Notting Hill)

Labor Day Getaway Weekend
Date: August 29 - Sept 1, 2008
Place: San Juan, Puerto Rico

BumberShoot
Seattle’s Music & Art Festival
Date: August 30 - September 1, 2008
Place: Seattle, WA - Seattle Center
Featuring: Keyshia Cole, T.I., Stone Temple Pilots, Neko, Estelle, Adele, Jakob Dylan, !!! and much much more….too much to list!

Mr. Caribbean International 2008
Date: October 6 -13, 2008
Place: Hedonism III

Bermuda Music Festival
Date: October 1-4, 2008
Place: Bermuda
Performers: Beyonce, Alicia Keys, Steve Harvey, Bill Bellamy, Aaron Nevile and more…

That’s all I got! If you venture out let us know about. Upload your pictures to the Jet Set Community www.TwoJetSetDivas.ning.com

Contributing Source: Black Beach Week.com
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