 Of the many islands in the Caribbean, few offer visitors as much beauty, serenity, and fun activities as Jamaica. Surrounded by sparkling turquoise water and pristine white beaches, dotted with mountains and palm trees, and bursting with culture, Jamaica is a favorite destination of many vacationers. Here are some tips to help you plan your Jamaica vacation:
Go in the Off-Season Jamaica sees its most tourism in the winter months, leaving mid April to mid-December as its off-season. During this time period, hotels, restaurants, cruises, and other companies slash their prices by as much as 50%, letting you do more with your budget. No matter when you go, you can expect the same tropical temperatures that those who travel during the busy season experience. To avoid hurricane season, mid-April to late May is the safest time in the off-season to travel. Use Caution Crossing the Street If you think crossing the street in New York City is hard, you probably haven’t been to Jamaica. There are no pedestrian crosswalks on the island, nor are there any set standards about giving pedestrians the right-of way. Rural roads in Montego Bay and Negril are especially hazardous, so be on the lookout for cars that may or may not stop for you. Brush Up on Local Etiquette Etiquette is a bit different in Jamaica than the United States. For example, don’t be surprised if you are talking to a local and they suddenly quote a Bible verse. Jamaicans are much more open about religion than in America, where citing the Bible in a casual conversation is considered rude. When meeting someone for the first time, the common Jamaican courtesies are similar to those of a job interview: smiling, using a firm handshake, making eye contact, and referring to them as “Mr.” or “Mrs.” unless otherwise directed. No matter where you plan to go, the expert travel agents at Brentwood Travel of St. Louis have all the tips and expertise you need to make your vacation fun, safe, and memorable. Call us at (314) 439-5700 to get started today.
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 Photo Credit: Eddie Coghlan Australia is a wildly diverse nation with arid deserts, tropical forests, and grassy flatlands. It is also home to several renowned cities that showcase the best in Australian cuisine, entertainment, and luxury. If you are considering a trip Down Under, consult a travel agency to find out more about the cities you must see. Not only can an experienced travel agent recommend the best cities to visit according to your needs and preferences, but he or she can also arrange accommodations at each destination. Below are just a few of the many vibrant and exciting Australian cities that you will want to explore.
Sydney Sydney is Australia’s largest city and arguably the country’s most popular, as well. This cultural hotspot offers visitors the chance to see a show at the Sydney Opera House or to take a stroll through the Royal Botanic Gardens. Sydney also has a multitude of upscale shopping and dining choices. Melbourne If you’re a serious shopper, make sure that your travel agent adds Melbourne to your itinerary. This cosmopolitan city offers both luxury lovers and thrift hunters their fair share of shopping opportunities. This top Australian destination also has plenty of culinary attractions, as it provides a diverse mix of cuisines that ranges from French to Italian to Thai. Brisbane When you’re ready to take a break from the metropolitan excitement that Sydney and Melbourne offer, head to Brisbane. This tropical destination has miles of beaches where you can relax your weary limbs. If you prefer being in the water to merely looking at it, Brisbane also happens to be a perfect starting point for a day excursion to the Great Barrier Reef. If you are eager to see just what the Land Down Under has to offer, call Brentwood Travel today. Our St. Louis-based travel agency can plan your entire Australian getaway to meet your specific needs and desires. To learn more about our full-service travel company or to schedule an appointment with a travel agent, please call (314) 439-5700  Photo Courtesy of Holland America Line What do sun-soaked sand, Alaskan glaciers, and feats of engineering like the Panama Canal have in common? All can be explored from the comfort of a cruise ship. If you are looking for a vacation that will allow you to visit several fascinating places without your having to unpack your bags and settle into a room more than once, a cruise may be perfect for you. Before you make cruise arrangements and prepare to set sail for the first time, consider the following tips to help the cruise planning process go smoothly.
Think About Your Party Many cruise lines welcome passengers of all kinds, but some voyages (and even some cruise lines) are themed or tailored to cater to a specific segment of the population. If you are looking to spend time on a quiet honeymoon cruise, a relaxed senior citizen cruise, or a family-friendly cruise with day camp for children and activities that the whole family will enjoy, a cruise travel agent can help you find a cruise that is tailored to your party’s interests Get to Know the Ship You Will Sail On Some cruise ships have been described as floating villages; others as floating cities. Research the ship that you will be sailing on before you set off to familiarize yourself with the ship’s amenities, dining, and entertainment options. Book Shore Excursions Memorable adventures await at every port your cruise ship docks at. Outdoor adventures such as kayaking, horseback riding, and zip lining may be available at some ports, as well as historic city bus and walking tours. A travel agent who is familiar with the region in which you will cruise can answer any questions you may have about these excursions Choose When You Will Eat Healthful, gourmet salads; hearty soups to whet your appetite; the freshest seafood you will ever encounter; an array of mouthwatering dessert options. For many travelers, eating is a highlight of the cruising experience. Most cruise lines include multi-course dinners prepared by renowned chefs in the price of a package. When you book with a travel agent, you will typically be asked to choose between an early (typically around 6:00) or late (around 8:30 PM) dinner arrangements. Regardless of what ports of call you would like to visit, who will be traveling with you, and what you are looking for in an on-board experience, a travel agent with decades of experience planning cruise travel can help you find the perfect cruise. For cruise booking, flights to and from the cruise’s starting/ending point, and other trip preparation assistance from a St. Louis travel professional, call Brentwood Travel at (314) 439-5700.  Photo credit: Azer Koçulu An Alaskan vacation is a must for nature enthusiasts. With its majestic backdrop of mountain peaks and a diverse array of wildlife, you’ll never run out of incredible sights. The only problem you’ll have is trying to fit everything into your honeymoon trip or family vacation. Talk to a travel agent about the best way to see your preferred attractions. Your travel agent will likely recommend some of the attractions below.
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve To say that Glacier Bay National Park is expansive would be an understatement. This 3.3 million-acre park features mountains, glaciers, coastlines, fjords, and temperate rainforest. Your travel agent might recommend a ranger-led walk along its trails or a camping and mountaineering trip. Many people enjoy viewing the majestic glaciers from aboard a cruise vessel. Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve This preserve is home to one of the world’s largest populations of bald eagles. You can admire America’s national symbol from the designated parking areas along Haines Highway or you might prefer to stroll along the two-mile riverside trail. You’ll also likely catch a glimpse of other Alaskan wildlife, including moose, swans, and mountain goats. The late fall and early winter is the best time of the year to view the bald eagles. Chilkoot Trail If you’re planning an adventurous camping and hiking trip, your travel agent will almost certainly recommend the Chilkoot Trail. During the gold rush, this 33-mile trail provided one of the primary routes to the Klondike. Only experienced hikers and campers should attempt this trail; it’s considered a challenging hike and typically takes three to five days. North Pole Complete your vacation or honeymoon trip to Alaska with a visit to the town of North Pole. Located southeast of Fairbanks, this city is home to the Santa Claus House, a popular gift shop. Take your photo with the giant Santa Claus and stay overnight to take in some incredible views of the aurora borealis. Make your visit to Alaska the trip of a lifetime with the help of an experienced travel agent. Contact Brentwood Travel of St. Louis for more recommendations on must-see attractions in Alaska. Book your trip today by calling (314) 439-5700 or visit our website to view our current offers.  Photo Credit: Daniel Bartolo Escape the dreariness of a St. Louis winter with the ideal getaway to New Zealand. New Zealand offers some of the most amazing natural beauty and best cultural experiences in the world. Keep reading to discover why you should ask your travel agent to start planning your trip to this stunning and exotic land.
A Landscape unlike Any Other Visit New Zealand this winter to experience new landscapes that are truly unlike those found anywhere else. With mountains blending into coasts, fjords that take your breath away, impressive glaciers, and thrilling volcanoes, New Zealand has something to offer everyone, and anywhere you go in New Zealand is guaranteed to provide plenty of picture opportunities. Spend some time hiking up a mountain trail or biking along a lake to really experience this natural beauty at its best. Ideal Temperatures If you do not want to shock your system by traveling from the dead of winter into a sweltering hot summer, New Zealand is a great option for you. With Fahrenheit temperatures that range from the low 60s in the mountains to the mid-70s on lower lands, you can always find a comfortable temperature that helps you escape the worst of winter. Plenty to Do After you get your fill of sightseeing, New Zealand has plenty of entertainment opportunities that will keep you occupied throughout the duration of your trip. Whether you want to take a world-famous wine tour, learn about marine life, or attend a local festival, you can do it in New Zealand. You can spend some time experiencing a unique culture with an unforgettable trip to this exciting destination. Book your New Zealand trip with Brentwood Travel for access to the best deals in St. Louis. Our travel company can help you find land and cruise deals that work with your budget. For more information on our travel agency, please call (314) 488-2100.  Family trips offer the ideal opportunity to spend time with your loved ones while visiting your favorite travel destinations. Whether you’re planning a family trip with young children or are preparing for an unforgettable family reunion, the travel experts near St. Louis at Brentwood Travel can help you design a comprehensive travel package to suit your family’s needs.
Popular Family Trip Options Taking a memorable trip with your family starts with determining the type of adventure you want to experience. Today, there are more family travel options available than ever before:
Getting the Most from Your Family Vacation Whether you plan to travel near or far, family trips are sure to be filled with memories and experiences to last a lifetime. Getting the most from your family travel experience means spending an enjoyable trip with the people you love most.
Is your family ready for an enjoyable and unforgettable vacation? Contact your St. Louis travel agent at Brentwood Travel by calling (314) 439-5700 to plan your next family travel adventure. The History of Rome and the Beauty of Venice: Why Italy Is the Perfect Honeymoon Destination10/1/2015  Photo Credit: GukHwa Jang A honeymoon is the beginning of a couple’s life together. Your honeymoon destination should be secluded enough for you and your special someone to feel free to be in love, yet adventurous and exciting for once-in-a-lifetime adventures. Italy is the perfect honeymoon destination because of its rich history, breathtaking scenery, and endless activities.
Rich Roman Culture The capital of Italy has been in existence of over 2,000 years and is full of rich historical and cultural monuments. If you and your future spouse love history and learning, Rome is an essential location to visit on your honeymoon. The history of the rise and fall of the Roman Empire will come alive on the Italian streets as you visit iconic locations, such as the Trevi foundation and the Colosseum. To escape the crowds, visit secluded Roman areas like Campo de Fiori for an afternoon stroll, hand in hand. Exquisite Venetian Views After experiencing the ancient history of Rome, make Venice the next stop on your Italian adventure to find incredible views and romantic activities for you and your new spouse. Venice has a reputation for romanticism due to its quaint cafes and surrounding countryside. Your honeymoon will be perfected by a moonlit gondola ride through the Venetian canals. Even marketplaces and public transportation on the vaporetto will seem adventurous. Research dining locations in Venice before you leave for your honeymoon so you can enjoy authentic Italian cuisine while gazing at the Venice city lights. Arrange the travel plans for your honeymoon today by calling Brentwood Travel. Schedule an appointment at our St. Louis office to discuss our travel deals, honeymoon packages, and luxury cruises for you and your future spouse or your entire family. Call us at (314) 439-5700 for more information about booking your travel dates today. |
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Brentwood Travel
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