 Missouri is well known as the Show Me State and we will receive quite a show on August 21, 2017. An eclipse extravaganza will cross through our state for a once in a lifetime experience. A total solar eclipse is when the moon completely blocks the solar disk. During totality, it will get as dark as night. Missouri will experience as much as 3 hours of the partial eclipse and 2 minutes and 30 seconds of totality. The Sun’s diameter is 400 times that of the Moon. The Sun is also about 400 times farther away. As a result, the two bodies appear almost exactly the same size in the sky. This truly remarkable coincidence is what creates a total solar eclipse. You may experience strange things during a total solar eclipse. Shadows will look eerie and breezes may vanish. A 10°–15° F drop in temperature is not unusual. And bright stars and planets may be also be visible! About five seconds before totality, Baily's beads will appear. They are little bead-like blobs of light at the edge of the Moon. They are created because gaps in the mountains and valleys on the Moon's surface allow sunlight to pass through in some places but not others.  Bailey's beads will appear right before totality. Be sure to wear your eclipse safety glasses during this phase. A Brief History of Total Solar Eclipses The word eclipse comes from ekleipsis, the ancient Greek word for being abandoned. Surviving records have shown that the Babylonians were able to predict solar eclipse as early as 2500 BC. The ancient Chinese were the first to document a total solar eclipse and explained their occurance as a celestial dragon devouring the sun. The wonder of a solar eclipse lead to myths and folklore being created throughout many cultures. The Batammaliba people in Africa see each eclipse as an opportunity to end old feuds. The myth is that an eclipse is caused by fighting between the sun and the moon. When an eclipse occurs, the Batammaliba come together as a community and try to end their own fighting as a way of encouraging the sun and moon to do the same. The last time a total solar eclipse occurred over Missouri was in 1442. The Osage people still ruled this region and Columbus had not even been born yet. The next eclipse over our area will be in 2505 which is 488 years away, making this viewing truly a once-in-a-lifetime event.  Make sure your eclipse glasses have the ISO 12312-2 safety mark on them. Protect Your Eyes During the Eclipse
A solar eclipse is one of nature’s grandest spectacles. By following these simple rules, you can safely enjoy the view and be rewarded with memories to last a lifetime:
To learn more on eye safety during a total solar eclipse, click here. And be sure to follow us on Facebook on Monday, August 21 as we post live updates during The Great American Eclipse event.
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 "Cynthia Friedenberg's attention to the needs of her customers is outstanding. Last year I mentioned a desire to combine some time in London and cruise the Norwegian fjords. Months after that conversation, she contacted me with news of the perfect cruise to meet my travel desires. Oceania had introduced a new 11-day itinerary, including five days visiting the fjords, departing from Southampton and returning to Southampton. My husband and I happily booked the trip. Transfers went smoothly, our hotel in London was in a good location and lovely. The Oceana Marina offered a superior shipboard experience. Thanks to the planning of Ms. Friedenberg, an outstanding travel agent, our entire trip was perfect." -Elaine W.
 We loved our week in Cabo with daughter Tammy and son-in-law Kent. We stayed at the beautiful Secrets Puerto Los Cabos in a swim out room. Everything was perfect including the accommodations, service, food, weather and traveling companions. Cabo is like Palm Springs with an ocean. And the non-stop charter with Apple Vacations was a huge bonus.
My husband (who does not swim) loved having the private pool area. Only 6-7 rooms share each swim out pool. We were in preferred club and the service by Ada and her team was amazing. Our room and bathroom were spacious and well appointed.
Each night we ate in a different restaurant. They were all wonderful in their own way, but our favorite was Himatsu, the Japanese restaurant and Miguel, our waiter, was amazing. Food here was superior and we loved the Marketplace. The breakfast and lunch buffets were fresh, tasty and offered great service from the wait staff.
If you like golf, swimming, yoga, a quiet pool or a busy fun pool, this property has so much to offer. This is the place where you can golf, fish, snorkel, workout, bike, shop or do absolutely nothing.
You can also participate in so many activities off the property. One night the hotel arranged for those who wanted a shuttle into the town of San Jose del Cabo. There was a nominal charge per person for the transportation. It was a just nice excursion to do.
I have traveled the world and stayed in many hotels of all types and styles. I highly recommend this lovely property for adults only. It was a relaxing escape.
  Brentwood Travel clients Bob and Mary Jo worked with travel consultant Ashley Curry and traveled with Globus Tours to explore several National Parks by coach, raft, and even by helicopter. We asked them to share their amazing pictures to inspire fellow travelers to plan their own journey to these treasured places.  Bob & his wife Mary Jo at Antelope Canyon. Do you see the optical illusion? The 'flame' is actually sunlight shining through the canyon. My wife and I have been fortunate to travel extensively worldwide for the past 50 years, but we never visited a group of National Parks. We were referred by our friends after they took the 14-day "Parks & Canyons Spectacular" through Globus Tours. They booked their trip through Brentwood Travel and Ashley and highly recommended all three.
We and a couple we have traveled with for years were delighted with all aspects of the tour. It satisfied several bucket list items: Mount Rushmore, Old Faithful and Grand Canyon.
The wildlife in Yellowstone was fantastic. We even saw a black bear mother and her cubs, one of which climbed a tree. The Grand Tetons were the most spectacular range. We toured the Grand Canyon by helicopter and took a float trip down the Snake River.
But the surprising highlight of the tour was a walk through Antelope Canyon in Page, AZ. The views and vistas created by the light seeping into the canyon were spectacular.
 Thank you Bob and Mary Jo for sharing your memories! Our accommodations, food and coach were first class, as were our guide Daryl and driver John. We highly recommend Globus, Brentwood Travel, and Ashley. Start your National Parks adventure by emailing Ashley or contact her at 314-439-5700 Ext. 127.   Travel Consultants Dianna Paridon and Mary Caraffa traveled together on a voyage with the Windstar Star Pride to the charming villages of Scotland and Ireland. They enjoyed unique excursions to castles and took in picturesque landscapes onboard the casual and elegant small ship world of Windstar Cruises.  Dianna and Mary with friends at Fort St. George - Invergordon, Scotland
 Colorful Tobermory, Isle of Mull, Scotland
 Mary and Dianna enjoying the Star Pride Compass Rose Lounge Start planning your trip to Scotland and Ireland. Email Dianna or contact her at 314-439-5700 Ext. 108 or email Mary or call her at 314-439-5700 Ext. 121. 
There is good news happening in the American work culture! For fifteen years, America vacation habits saw a decline despite nearly all (96%) workers believing vacation time is important to them for an effective work/life balance. A survey completed by Project: Time Off in 2016, however, shows workplace attitudes toward vacation is turning and the trend is going in a positive direction.
In 2016, average vacation use climbed to 16.8 per worker compared to 16.2 days in previous years. This increase is the most upward movement seen since vacation usage stated to decline in 2000. The benefits are starting to show with an increase in well-being as well as in business performance. The clear majority of managers agree that vacation improves health and well-being (82%), boosts morale (82%) and alleviates burnout (81%). Managers also believe in the benefits vacation usage has towards a company as a whole. 78% of managers say that vacation improves employees' focus upon return; 70% agree it renews employees’ commitment to their job; and 64% feel it makes employees more willing to put in long hours when they are needed. 
The most effective remedy for American workers who want to use more vacations days is better planning. A majority (52%) of workers who say they plan out their vacation days during the year take all their time off, compared to just 40% of non-planners. They also tend to take longer vacations.
Planners also feel more supported at work when they take time off. Nearly half (48%) of planners say their bosses support them when they take vacations, compared to 37% of non-planners. Planners are also more likely to say their company culture encourages taking time off (39% vs. 27%).
Another factor that will help to change the workplace landscape is a redefinition of success. Despite the virtues of vacation, there are still the beliefs held strongly by work martyrs. These are employees who find it difficult or do not take time off because they feel no one else can do their job. However, work martyrdom does not help advance careers but may actually hurt careers. Work martyrs are less likely (79% to 84%) to report receiving a raise or bonus but do earn more stress at work (73% to 68%) than non-work martyrs.
Avoid becoming a work martyr and become a smarter worker.
Contact Brentwood Travel to speak with an experienced travel consultant and make the most of your vacation days. 
 The Robbins family recently sailed on Celebrity Equinox to celebrate their son's college graduation, after booking their trip at the 27th Annual Cruise Expo. Their itinerary included stops in Aruba, Curaçao, Bonaire and Grand Cayman. Each island had incredible crystal clear waters, powder-like sand and oh-so flavorful frozen cocktails! Sailing on Celebrity Equinox did not disappoint. "The ship was lovely. It was in perfect condition and had great customer service. Not to mention the food was on a 5-star level" stated Pam Robbins. Robbins also noted "the last minute follow thru from Stacey was perfect. I loved the extra touches she put into our vacation that I know we'd only get when booking with a travel agent."  The Robbins family eager to board Celebrity Equinox
The Caribbean is waiting for you! Contact Stacey via email or call her at 314-439-5700 ext. 128 to book your stateroom.   Stacey Acree, Senior Vice President, and Dagmar Morrison, Travel Consultant, both started their summer with a voyage on Celebrity Solstice to Alaska. In this blog, Stacey shares amazing pictures of the landscape and stories of checking off bucket-list items during her Alaska adventure.  Stacey and her family on top of the world in Alaska. My family and I spent our first week of school break journeying to Alaska on Celebrity Solstice. Our journey began in Seattle and we lucked out with picture perfect weather as we journeyed to the 49th State. Our trip included many highlights including the immense ice formations of Hubbard Glacier, as well as visits to popular ports such as Skagway and Ketchikan. We also visited Juneau, the only U.S. state capital that's not accessible by car and beautiful Victoria, British Columbia. The trip began with a chartered Salmon Fishing Boat and you could practically touch the eagles flying around the boat. We even saw humpback whales and dolphins. My son Ryan caught a salmon which was not quite big enough to ship back to the US, but the experience will stay with him for a lifetime.
Juneau was our day of adventure. We were picked up in a helicopter and whisked off to meet the Iditarod dogs who live high on the glacier. Some of the fastest sled dogs from the team were our guides for the day as they whisked us off on a sled ride around the glaciers. UNBELIEVABLE!!!
 Drinking the crystal blue glacial waters. Our pilot then took us to a glacier where it felt like we were the only people on earth. It was spectacular and we even drank the freshest water from the bright blue glacier on top of the mountain. In Skagway we went zip lining and I have to admit…I am afraid of heights! I overcame my trepidation by having our fearless guides talk me through the adventure. By the end, I was zipping down with no problem and the scenery from high above was breathtaking. In Victoria we visited the jaw dropping Butchart Gardens. The roses had the most wonderful smell EVER. It's a spectacular excursion and a must visit for any family trip.
Our Celebrity Solstice cruise had excellent food especially in the specialty dining options with the best Kobe Burger, sushi and gyoza. There was also plenty of homemade ice cream and snacks at the coffee shop. I also took advantage of classes in the gym and the view from the window was a screen of mountains while you sailed. There were plenty of activities for all ages and at all times. The entertainment was alive with Cirque de Soleil like shows. There was also a glass blowing studio with live demonstrations and a lawn club where they had movies daily. We also enjoyed the martini bar with displays on dry ice that are true pieces of art.
Our cruise on the Celebrity Solstice was a trip to remember. A special shout out to Alesander and Silva who went out of their way to 'adopt' our family and make us feel extra special. Also to Matthew Scheer, Market Sales Manager at Celebrity, who sent us off in style with a souvenir bag of lots of goodies!  Dagmar and a new puppy friend. Ready for your own Alaska adventure or to sail off on a Celebrity cruise? Contact Stacey at 314-439-5700 Ext. 102 or Dagmar at 314-439-5700 Ext. 104 to book your next trip. Be sure to also follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for more staff travel blogs.   Travel Consultant Mickey Gaona traveled to Secrets Cap Cana in the Dominican Republic in late May and was amazed by its beauty, quality of service, and variety of activities. This adult-only resort is located only 20 minutes from the airport and provides an all-inclusive and luxurious experience.
Mickey was impressed immediately with the resort’s lobby with its dramatic view straight to the ocean. Her four night stay included a swim out room with a king-size bed and relaxing chaise lounge positioned perfectly in the water. Bungalows and ocean view rooms are also available throughout the resort.  Swim out room and chaise lounge. Secrets Cap Cana offers a wide range of varieties. In addition to the large buffet, there are seven specialty restaurants which include French, Italian, Japanese, and seafood options. There is also a different vibe to both pool areas. One was quiet and calm and the other more active with live music performed in the evenings.
Water sport activities such as kayaking and sail fishing are included within the resort. Golf courses in the area are easily accessible via bus transfer. And an onsite casino is in the beginning planning stages. The decor of the resort is unique and features wood furnishing and follows current style trends. During her stay, Mickey was able to view different banquet settings including an elegant yet rustic dinner directly on the beach. ‘Every sight is beautiful and Secrets Cap Cana would be a perfect venue for a wedding,’ Mickey recommends.  The resort at night. To hear more of her review and to book an all-inclusive escape, email Mickey or contact her via phone at 314-439-5700 ext. 260.   Travel Consultant Emily Medina recently worked with clients Amy and Will Britton to plan an amazing European Highlight Tour with Globus. Their trip included visits to iconic cities throughout Europe including London, Paris, Lucerne, and Rome. Their pictures tell the story of a journey filled with impressive monuments, unforgettable moments, and big smiles!  Buckingham Palace
 Rome, Italy
 Dinner with part of their group on the last night of the tour. Ready to make your own memories? Contact Emily today via email or give her a call at 314-439-5700 ext. 107.  |
