Small Airline, Big Perks

Have you checked out Sun Country Airlines yet? Maybe not, since they are a relatively small airline. However, it may be worth your while to see what they have to offer.

Sure, you can book flights. You can also book entire vacation packages. How do these sound to you:

• Sun Country Vacations: You can book a great vacation to Ft. Myers, Florida from Minneapolis/ St. Paul for three nights starting at $472 per person. Your stay will be at the Wynstar Inn & Suites which is very conveniently located. Breakfast is included and you can even bring your pet for an additional fee. Other trips are available as well.
• HobbitTravel Golf Vacations: Visit Laughlin, Nevada for three of four nights. One daily round of golf and car rental is included. Check for current rates. They were not up yet when I checked.
• John Hall's Alaska: I have always wanted to visit Alaska--especially lately with this heat! All packages are all-inclusive with meals, air, attractions, amazing hotels and guided tours.
• Alaska Fishing: What die-hard fisherman doesn't want to fish Alaska? Complete packages start at $1689.

This is just a taste of what Sun Country Airlines has to offer. More than just flights, you'll find an entire getaway. With more than 30 destinations in the United States, Mexico and the Caribbean, you'll enjoy some nice little perks on your flight--like cheeseburgers! Nobody does that! No wonder they were rated # 1 in airline customer satisfaction by Market Metrix Hospitality Index. So see what Sun Country Airlines has for you.

Get Ready for Lobster Mini Season

It's almost here. The 2008 Lobster Mini Season for the Florida Keys is set for July 30 and 31. Each year the Keys get flooded with visitors who have lobster on their minds.

If you are planning a trip this year, please be considerate and follow the rules. We are seeing fewer lobster over the last few years. If people will follow the rules and act like responsible adults we will have far less trouble and it will be more enjoyable for everyone.

There are bag limits of six lobster per person per day here in Monroe County. In other areas you can see the bag limits on the Florida Fish and Wildlife site. This can be a lot of fun but it is wise to exercise caution. You will want to arrive in the Keys a few days early and check out the Lobster Rodeo and Dive Safety Expo July 27 at Knights Key in Marathon. It is scheduled from 11 to 4 and is intended to give safety advice as well as tips for divers hoping to catch some lobster.

During the 2005 and 2006 mini seasons there were seven dive-related deaths. This Expo is put together to educate divers who may be a bit rusty and prevent future catastrophe. Definitely make some time to stop by this free event before you hit the water. You may be surprised at how much you don't remember. And the tips you learn will improve your chances of bringing home a tasty dinner.

It is important to use some common sense as well. I distinctly remember a man writing in to the paper to complain that the police ruined his weekend by harassing him. In truth, his toddler was alone roaming around a parking lot. No one knew where he belonged but he was obviously unsupervised and unsafe. I guess Dad felt that his fishing was more important than the safety of his child.

Overall, our visitors are wonderful people and we love to get to know folks from all over the country--and even all over the world. So plan your visit now, I know it won't be your last.

More Amazing Cruise Destinations

Everyone loves to go on a cruise and with so many destinations to choose from you never have to take the same trip twice. As they say on the Discovery Channel, the world is a wonderful place. There is no better time than the present to start exploring it. Here are a few places to start:

Bermuda
Bermuda cruises are extremely popular. Comprised of about 180 islands, Bermuda is famous for gorgeous weather and pink, sandy beaches. You'll also find incredible wildlife in Bermuda such as singing tree frogs and five of the eight species of sea turtles.

Some of the many activities you'll enjoy swimming with dolphins, snorkeling and diving, and of course, duty-free shopping. Bermuda offers the perfect climate and no rainy season. You can choose five-day or seven-day cruises on Royal Caribbean or Norwegian Cruise Lines.

Europe
European cruises are a great way to discover the most amazing places in the world. Choose from Italy, Denmark or England.

Popular attractions include the Museu Piccaso in Barcelona, Spain; the Acropolis in Athens, Greece or St. Mark's Basilica in Venice, Italy. An amazing European cruise can take you to all of these places and more. Spend a week or two and discover some of the most famous attractions in the world.

Canada
Canada cruises offer more than you may realize. When you cruise from New England to Canada you will be amazed by the natural beauty of the Northeast.

You'll also have the opportunity to explore some of history's most well known locations. Visit the favorite vacation spots of the rich and famous, like Martha's Vineyard. You'll also enjoy many other destinations such as Prince Edward's Island, Quebec and St. John's, New Brunswick.

With so many incredible places to see, you better start planning now.

(Image of Prince Edward's Island courtesy of Stock Xchng; Photographer: Jennifer McAdam)

Take a Caribbean Holiday

It seems like one of the most popular dream vacations is a trip to the Caribbean. Is it any wonder? Beautiful weather, beautiful water, beautiful people, what more could you ask for? Here are a few places to check out for those planning Caribbean holidays this year.

Aruba
Aruba may bring to mind the Beach Boys, but it should also bring to mind a beautiful Caribbean destination. With long, pristine beaches, top-notch restaurants and duty-free shopping, an Aruba holiday will be one of your favorite vacation memories.

Located a short distance from the Venezuelan coast, this little island is a big hot-spot. Enjoy everything from windsurfing and kite-surfing to the rockin' nightlife. Be sure to reserve some time for a glass-bottom boat trip and spend some time diving the reefs and wrecks.

The Cayman Islands
Best known of the Cayman islands is Grand Cayman but you'll also enjoy Cayman Brac and Little Cayman as well. These three islands offer an adventure to remember for everyone from newlyweds to families planning their first Grand Cayman holiday.

Check out Stingray City on Grand Cayman where you can snorkel the coral reef and feed the stingrays. If you want to get closer to nature, Cayman Brac is the place to go. You can enjoy peaceful hiking trails and an amazing array of bird species. Be sure to bring your camera! If you want a quiet little fishing/diving holiday, Little Cayman is where you want to visit. With over 50 wrecks, walls and other dive spots you'll never get enough.

There is truly something for everyone in the Caribbean islands. Plan your perfect get-away and send me a postcard!

(Image courtesy of Stock Xchng; Photographer: Laura Glover)

Travel with the World Wildlife Federation

Here is something fun. I got an email from the World Wildlife Federation (WWF) about their travel program. Wow, these trips are amazing!

Fiji
Visit Fiji on the South Sea Odyssey trip in October. See tropical plants, exotic birds and breathtaking coral reefs. Check out the PDF brochure and start planning!

Baja, California
This one is for me! How would you like to sail with whales? This trip is in January or 2009. You can see blue and sperm whales. You can also kayak through the mangroves and see an array of birds. The PDF brochure will tell you more.

India
One of my kids wants a pet tiger. While I would never condone owning a wild animal, I'd love to see the wildlife of India up close--well, not too close. This trip is planned for April of 2009. You'll have the opportunity to see tigers, elephants, rhinos and many other amazing animals. Even the brochure is beautiful!

(Image courtesy of Stock Xchng; Photographer: Pepe Chivite)

Visit Woodland Park, CO

I know Colorado doesn't really qualify as exotic, but it has been on my mind a lot since we have been having 90+ degree heat here in the Florida Keys. Years ago we lived in Colorado and loved it. We lived in a small town called Woodland Park.

Woodland Park is about 18 miles from Colorado Springs. The drive up is absolutely beautiful and we especially loved it when the clouds were low and we could drive through them. Anyone who has visited Colorado can probably tell you how great it feels to be there. My husband likes to talk about the "Rocky Mountain High" that is so amazing to experience. It really isn't just a John Denver song. :)

What I love most about Woodland Park is the small town feel with big city convenience. They even have a Walmart Super Center now! The view is just incredible because you can see Pikes Peak from nearly every location. It is a perfect place to visit for a relaxing vacation.

On our next trip we plan to visit the Rocky Mountain Dinosaur Resource Center because we know the kids will absolutely love it. Other cool places to check out include the Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center (which is actually in Divide) and the Florissant Fossil Beds. Now is a great time to plan a trip because they also have Rocky Mountain Oktoberfest coming up September 20 and 21.

Colorado is made for people who love the outdoors. Camping is the best way to enjoy the natural beauty in Colorado and Woodland Park has some really nice campgrounds that you will love. There are also tons of outdoor activities that will keep you busy like rafting with Arkansas River Tours. There is always lots of hiking and biking and other fun activities too. I highly recommend a visit to Colorado Springs to visit the Garden of the Gods. You can see the "Kissing Camels" rock formation in the picture above. Cave of the Winds was always another favorite our ours.

So start planning your trip now to visit Woodland Park, Colorado. You'll find yourself wanting to go back again and again, just like I do.

(Image courtesy of Stock Xchng; Photographer: Beverly Lussier)

Exotic Cruise Vacations

I was just thinking about the great time my friends had on their cruise last year. I missed out, but a whole bunch of my friends scheduled a cruise vacation together and they had a blast. A cruise with a group of friends is a great idea and there are lots of awesome places to visit. See what your friends think of these ideas.

Royal Caribbean
Royal Caribbean is one of the best known cruise lines. If fact, they are your best bet for an exotic vacation for your whole family.

Their cruise ships offer tons of exciting activities such as the FlowRider Surf Machine, rock-climbing wall and even an ice rink! Your family and friends will have so much fun on board, you might not want to get off once you reach your destination. Speaking of which, you have 38 ports to choose from. Decisions, decisions.

Hawaii Cruises
And speaking of exotic cruises, Hawaii cruises have to top the list of most popular vacations. The only bad part is deciding which island you want to check out. I have mentioned before that I have always wanted to visit Hawaii. There is just so much to see there.

You can visit Maui with its tropical rain forests and awe-inspiring waterfalls. Or how about Kauai on horseback. That sounds like a dream come true! Of course you can also visit Oahu or the Big Island of Hawaii. Any one will give you the experience of a lifetime.

Alaska Cruises
On the other end of the spectrum is another place I have always dreamed of visiting. Alaska cruises are truly breathtaking. You really understand how small you really are when you see a whale along side the ship.

In fact, I have been watching The Alaska Experiment on Discovery and now I am even more motivated to go. Especially today with a 98 degree heat index. I think I would really enjoy some Alaskan king crab. :)

So, see what places excite your friends and family and book your exotic cruise vacation today. Don't forget to send a postcard!

(Image courtesy of Stock Xchng; Photographer: Robert Linder)