Cruise Lines Pledge Millions For Bahamas Relief Efforts

Cruise lines pledge millions for Bahamas relief efforts

Royal Caribbean, Disney Cruise Line and Carnival Cruise Line have pledged millions of dollars in support for relief and recovery efforts in the Bahamas.

Three major cruise lines that sail to the Bahamas have pledged their support for Hurricane Dorian relief and recovery efforts.

Dorian ravaged the Bahamas with relentless winds which caused catastrophic damage and flooding. As of Tuesday, the death toll in the Bahamas had risen to seven and is expected to go even higher.

Relief officials have reported scenes of utter ruin is some areas.

Royal Caribbean said it would be committing $1 million to Dorian disaster relief, and ITM – its partner in a joint venture developing the Grand Lucayan Resort in Freeport – is also donating an additional $100,000.

The company said its working with the Bahamian government, local charities and its non-profit partner Pan American Development Foundation (PADF) to make sure the money goes where its most needed. Royal Carribean said its also loading supplies like generators, water, clean sheets and more to deliver them to the Bahamas.

Additionally, Royal Carribean said it will match guest and employee donations to the Pan American Development Foundation up to $500,000. PADF has set up a page on its website specifically for those donations.

“We can’t make every bad memory of Dorian go away. But we can start making things better — today,” the company said in its announcement about launching relief efforts.

The Walt Disney Company, led by Disney Cruise Line, announced Tuesday it has committed more than $1 million in cash and in-kind support to help relief and recovery efforts in the Bahamas.

The company said its commitment includes a $1 million donation to nonprofit relief agencies who will be handling recovery and rebuilding efforts.

The Disney Cruise Line also vowed to provide a range of resources to its employees in impacted areas. The cruise line’s private island, Disney Castaway Cay, employs more than 60 Bahamians from Abaco and Grand Bahama, according to the company.

“We hope our $1 million donation will provide much-needed relief and help our neighbors, colleagues, and all those impacted by this devastating storm begin the long process of recovery as they work to put their lives and communities back together,” said Robert A. Iger, Chairman and CEO of Walt Disney.

The Carnival Cruise Line has also pledged its support in the recovery efforts and said they are working to determine how to help the Grand Bahama shipyard and its employees.

“To our friends in The Bahamas, please know you will not be alone in your effort. All of us at Carnival Corporation pledge to work with you,” Carnival Corporation CEO Arnold Donald said in a statement. “We have been and remain in constant contact with government officials as they determine the highest priorities for both the short term and long term.”

Ultimate Travel Guide to Los Cabos

Travel insights from Los Cabos Tourism Board

The Travel Agent’s Ultimate Guide to Los Cabos

Bienvenidos a Los Cabos, one of the fastest growing tourist destinations in Mexico, where locals welcome life as it comes and international connectivity continues to expand. In a place where good things naturally come together, like the desert and the sea, it makes sense that connections, networking, and fun in the sun come a little easier, too.

Los Cabos Basics

Getting there – Los Cabos, aka Mexico’s premiere luxurious destination, is comprised of two towns, Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo. Travelers can easily fly into Los Cabos International Airport (SJD), which is approximately a two-hour flight from San Diego, Los Angeles and Phoenix. It’s the sixth busiest airport in Mexico and located 8 miles north of San Jose del Cabo and 23 miles from Cabo San Lucas.
Location – Los Cabos is dubbed “Land’s End” since it’s located at the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula, surrounded by the Sea of Cortes to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west.
Climate – Los Cabos is a desert with very little rain (less than ten days a year), very little humidity and wonderful landscapes where you can see that unique contrast of the desert meeting the sea. The sensational sun rarely disappears in Los Cabos with an average of 80 to 90 degree-days almost year-round.
Currency – When it comes to dinero, travelers have a variety of options. The peso is the official currency of Mexico, however, a majority of tourist establishments are happy to accept U.S. dollars and most major credit cards.
Language – Nosotros hablamos español, Spanish is the official language of Mexico and Los Cabos. Forgot to brush up on your speaking skills? No worries, English is used in all tourist locations.

Lodging

Whether you’re traveling with a group of 10 or 10,000 people, Los Cabos offers a variety of venues ideally suited for your next visit. With 40 hotels featuring over 10,000 rooms, Los Cabos has a place that feels like a palace or your home, for every occasion. With many all-inclusive resorts, travelers can choose from traditional or modern and luxurious approaches during their stay. Travelers can discover the hotel that suits their style along the three main areas in Los Cabos: Cabo San Lucas, San Jose del Cabo or the Tourist Corridor, which connects the first two areas.

Food

Deciding between fresh seafood and authentic Mexican dishes is hard, but Los Cabos makes it easy with their delectable dining scene. It’s not just the tacos, burritos and quesadillas that come to mind. Since this is a rural region, acres galore of farmland implement the farm-to-table approach to its gastronomy. Plus, there are international options from Italy, Peru, China and many others that help cultivate and celebrate the cultural connectivity Los Cabos is known for. Their gourmet experience is as authentic as the laid-back culture that’s reflected wherever you go.

Fun

If you haven’t visited Los Cabos, it’s waiting to welcome you with warm elegance and unique, memorable experiences. Here are a few must-dos:

Adventure – ATV adventures take you along remote trails that offer breathtaking views beyond what you’ll see downtown, which are amazing, too. The Baja Ranch Tour and Camel Safari are as essential as the famous El Arco, which is Los Cabo’s most famous natural landmark. Like most Mexican dishes, it’s always a good idea to add in that sauce to really spice it up. So, toss in a full-day trip to a coral reef at Cabo Pulmo, a Mexican National Marine Park. Another way to naturally experience life at sea is by going whale watching along the Baja Peninsula.
Beaches – Los Cabos has 19 blue flag certified beaches, topping the list in Mexico. Many hotels have swimmable beaches and Los Cabos also offer public beaches or beach clubs in case your hotels doesn’t.
Unique Attractions – There are luxury sailing, snorkeling and cruise experiences in Los Cabos, which makes exploring the surrounding waters so easy. Horseback riding, walking through art galleries while simultaneously dancing to street performer’s music and shows is something unlike anywhere else in the world. Los Cabos is also dubbed the capital of golf in Mexico, so naturally that is another must-do when visiting.
Shopping – Visitors have many options in Los Cabos, from luxury labels and department stores in the city center to little beach-side weekend markets. Puerto Paraiso Mall has three levels featuring over 100 shops and businesses along with a movie theater, providing entertainment for the whole family. The flea market at the Marina has a variety of items available like handmade Mexican crafts, straw hats and jewelry.

Business

Los Cabos is evolving as a world-class venue for business meetings and events with a keen eye for modernity and state-of-the-art infrastructure. The Los Cabos International Convention Center (ICC) was designed with sustainability and easy access in mind, featuring 67,758 square feet of meeting space for a capacity of 8,000 people, three exhibition areas, 11 breakouts and 1,008 solar panels. The exterior beauty of Los Cabos is portrayed in the interior of this convention center. This green facility has one of the largest green walls in the world at 29,000 square feet that acts as an insulator to prevent overheating during the summer heat Mexico is known for.

Lion in Madikwe Game Reserve, South Africa

In 1992 ‘Operation Phoenix’ was launched in an area of South Africa bordering the Kalahari Desert. Farming wasn’t viable in this arid landscape, so a protected wildlife park was established that now stretches over 260 square miles of subtropical woodlands called the bushveld. Madikwe Game Reserve is home to elephants, rhinos, Cape buffalos, antelopes, leopards, and lions, like our curious friend here. In addition, some 350 bird species have been counted inside the park. Folks who want to get a gander at the magnificent bushveld and its residents can choose from the many safaris and lodges offered throughout the park.

Madikwe Game Reserve is currently the fifth largest game reserve and is also one of the lesser- known parks in South Africa. This makes it a hidden- gem as it is regarded as one of the best conservation areas in Africa and offers the Big 5 in a 680 km2 park (750 km2 including newly incorporated privately owned land).

The park offers a number of luxurious lodges as well as community lodges in a malaria- free zone.

About 90 kilometres north of the town of Zeerust is Madikwe Game Reserve. It is situated against the Botswana border close to the Kalahari Desert. It is roughly 3.5 hours in a car from Johannesburg/ Pretoria. Safari Lodges are mostly located around the eastern and western gate.

The land where Madikwe now stands was previously used as farming land. The poor soil meant that farming was mostly unsuccessful and the South African government then decided that it would best be used as a national park to help economically uplift the disadvantaged area..

In 1991 the area was declared a reserve and 10 000 mammals were relocated from other National Parks. The park is home to approximately 66 large mammals and roughly 300 bird species.

You will find all this flora and fauna in an area comprised of vast open plains of grasslands, woodlands, rocky outcrops and single mountains.

The area is bordered in the south by the Dwarsberg Mountains.

Madikwe Game Reserve is home to the highly endangered African Dogs who are declining rapidly even more with rising temperatures associated with climate change with climbing temperature too hot for hunting.

The Big 5 is represented in the park and you are likely to spot a lion, leopard, elephant, rhino or buffalo. During your visit you will also have the rare privilege of possibly seeing the highly endangered African Wild Dog.

In 1994, a small group of six wild dogs were introduced into the park. This founding group has seen a challenging introduction into the park with rabies outbreaks, territorial clashes and encounters with lions.

Despite the odds, current day Madikwe has a thriving wild dog population with three hunting packs roaming the park. The dogs are somewhat accustomed to safari vehicles offering spectacular photographic opportunities. Madikwe Game Reserve’s conservation efforts to protect the ‘painted dog’ are in place to help conserve this majestic diminishing species.

To Learn more about booking a Dream Trip with Lodging at Madikwe Game

Reserve or another amazing African Safari Experience- Please call us at Travelution 904-999-1290. We have agents who are experts in the South African Safari Experiences and can help plan your once in a lifetime African Safari Get-away.

7 Crucial Things to Do in Santorini

As many know, Your Travelution Inc is busy researching everything Santorini in preparation for a once in a lifetime Group Santorini experience.

We really want to make our Santorini travel experience perfect in every way for our travel agents and clients attending with us. Fortunately, there is a lot of traveler information available on creating the perfect Santorini Experience.

Please enjoy this Travel Blog by Pauline with her 7 Crucial Things to Do in Santorini

From Santos Winery, the majestic hike from Oia to Fira, the caldera views from Omerovigli, Dining at the best restaurants like Aegeon to view the Calderas, there will be no shortage of incredible experiences that make your and our trip to Santorini the most memorable ever.

Hiking Santorini From Fira to Oia

Your Travelution Inc in planning a Santorini Greece Trip in 2020 with our Travelution agents and clients. There are many exciting excursion we will be participating including visits to some of the most famous wineries and eateries.

One of the highlights of active adventurers when they visit Santorini is the scenic hike between Fira and Oia. This is definitely on my list!

Enjoy this first hand account with amazing photos and tips for Hiking from Fira to Oia from Married With Wandering

12 Top All-Inclusive Resorts in America

We all love All-Inclusive Resorts! Right? Who wouldn’t? You grab your clothes and toothbrush and go. No worries about your checkbook, your wallet, your credit cards! You can sit back on the beach, order your drinks and beachside sandwiches and not worry about a single thing except having fun, fun, fun!

Travelution has taken our Travel agents to 6 countries in our first year and that included Fam Trips to Top All Inclusive Resorts in Mexico such as Oasis Resorts and Moon Palace Resorts, Lifestyle Holiday Resorts in the Dominican Republic and Club Med Sandpiper Bay right in Southern Florida.

The list I am providing was found in Smarter Traveller and what I learned is that there are All-Inclusive Resorts right here in the United States that even i never realized were in my back yard!

I think you will find this Top 12 All-inclusive List as interesting as I did- and consider these exciting vacation offers on your next All-Inclusive Resort Vacation.

13 Places to Find the Bluest Water on Earth!

Your Travelution seeks to connect travel clients with their Dream Vacations whether it is a luxury Mediterranean cruise, South African adventure trip or all-inclusive Caribbean get-away where all you need to worry about is your toothbrush.

I personally love blue water. How about you?

The Bluer, the better! Drop me off in an exotic location with gorgeous clear turquoise waters and come and get me next year!

Enjoy the Travel and Leisure’s top picks for your Bluest Water on Earth!

The State Department Draws Fire Promoting Mar-a-Lago on its Website

Mar-a-lago? Many people had never heard of Trump’s “winter whitehouse” Mar-a-lago Resort before Donald Trump took president. But everyone has heard of Maralago Resort now!

The Mar-a-lago- luxury resorts brings in private club membership of up to $250,000, the price of membership doubling since the election.

Every weekend for seven consecutive weekends Donald Trump has taken off to his Palm Beach Luxury Resort Mar-a-Lago where annual resort memberships sell for as much as $250,000. Brilliant Marketing!

But did President Donald Trump and the state department go to giving a glowing promotion of Mar-a-lago on the on the state department blog?

The renown king of free advertising President Donald Trump and his state department are drawing fire from after articles appeared under the heading “A Dream Deferred” and it said the original socialite owner wanted Mar-a-Lago to be a retreat for American presidents but notes it didn’t happen until Trump won the election.

The text appeared on the website for Share America, a State Department platform intended to “spark discussion and debate on important topics;” the website for the U.S. Embassy in the United Kingdom and the Facebook page for the U.S. Embassy in Albania.

House Democrats and Ethics watchdogs were quick to express outrage and media outlets were quick to report it. The articles were later removed with an apology.

The State Department initially declined to comment on the posts, but later unpublished them and said, “The intention of the article was to inform the public about where the President has been hosting world leaders. We regret any misperception and have removed the post.”

Three ethics watchdogs who reviewed the posts before they were taken down told NBC News they were troubling.

“They represent violations of a federal ethics regulation which prohibits the use of public office to endorse a product or enterprise,” said Kathleen Clark, a professor at Washington University Law.

“Calling it the ‘winter White House’ appears to suggest that Mar-a-Lago has an official governmental role, which would appear to provide a governmental endorsement.”

Jordan Libowitz of Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington said the post “reads almost like an ad for Mar-a-Lago.”

“If they weren’t trying to drive business there, you have to wonder what they were doing,” said Libowitz, who has previously sued Trump over other alleged ethics violations.

Image: Chinese President Xi shakes hands with President Trump in West Palm Beach — Chinese President Xi Jinping shakes hands with President Trump (R) as he is accompanied by China’s first lady Peng Liyuan during a dinner at the start of a summit between President Trump and President Xi at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate on April 6, 2017 in West Palm Beach, Florida. File Carlos Barria / Reuters

John Wonderlich of the Sunlight Foundation said it didn’t matter that the context for the posts was Trump’s meeting with China’s Xi Jinping.

“Publishing promotional materials for the President’s private business is clearly inappropriate, whether he is using it for official business or not,” he said. “There is only one White House. If you’re telling the story of Mar-a-Lago, it’s the president’s private business.”

Mar-a-Lago has been a lightning rod for those accusing the Trump administration of conflicts of interest.

While Trump has turned over control of his businesses to his sons, critics have pointed out that initiation fees were doubled to $200,000 after his election and that the president’s frequent appearances there could provide unique access to him for those who can pay.

Regardless of the intent of the state department publishing the article, there is no doubt Mar-a-lago Resorts and Trump Resorts are in the major spotlight and will continue to be so for years to come.

We can watch as the famous talk show hosts like Ellen make video spoofs of Mar-a-Lago like this one she aired on a recent show all the while the price of entry to Mar-a-lago is on the rise!

In the meantime- For other Luxury Vacation for any budget and anyone can afford Please contact Travelution to assist you in all your travel needs at 904-999-1290 or email us at support@yourtravelution.com