Penny Sheldon Travel Blog

Travel Tips, News, And Excitement Right From the Source!

Archive for November, 2007

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Make Your Trip Better Using 3-1-1
3-1-1 for carry-ons = 3 ounce bottle or less (by volume) ; 1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag; 1 bag per passenger placed in screening bin. One-quart bag per person limits the total liquid volume each traveler can bring. 3 oz. container size is a security measure.

Consolidate bottles into one bag and X-ray separately to speed screening.

Be prepared. Each time TSA searches a carry-on it slows down the line. Practicing 3-1-1 will ensure a faster and easier checkpoint experience.

3-1-1 is for short trips. If in doubt, put your liquids in checked luggage.

Declare larger liquids. Medications, baby formula and food, breast milk, and juice are allowed in reasonable quantities exceeding three ounces and are not required to be in the zip-top bag. Declare these items for inspection at the checkpoint.

Come early and be patient. Heavy travel volumes and the enhanced security process may mean longer lines at security checkpoints.

TSA working with our partners. TSA works with airlines and airports to anticipate peak traffic and be ready for the traveling public.

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    Palace Resorts is pleased to introduce all-inclusive Isla Mujeres Palace, the latest addition to the Palace Resorts’ line of all-inclusive luxury resorts and our first venture onto the island of Isla Mujeres, Mexico. This new resort is slated to open Fall of 2007 and resides in the heart of Isla Mujeres, the 62-superior deluxe-room all-inclusive Isla Mujeres Palace , combines sensational luxury and charm to sweep visitors away. Here, guests will be able to bask in the tranquility of this picturesque island nestled between the breathtaking Cancun coastline and the Caribbean Sea.

    All-Inclusive Features:
    Luxurious accommodations
    Fine dining
    Delicious snacks
    Top shelf drinks (domestic & imported)
    24-hr.room service
    Non-motorized water sports at the Wet’nWild marina
    Sensational entertainment
    All Taxes and gratuities
    Wireless Internet

    Tours: Unlimited with the Palace Passport Promotion effective through Dec. 23 2007 (*) Tour choices: Chichen Itza, Tulum Paradise, Tulum Xpu-Ha, Isla Mujeres, Coba, Ek-Balam/Valladolid, Wet’nWild and Paradise Snorkeling. (Per person) (*) Available to US, Canada and Mexico residents. Restrictions apply.

    Other Features
    Beach club
    One free style outdoor pool
    Massages on the beach, 24 hour room service
    3 restaurants
    Daily activities
    Theme parties and shows
    Guests will also have access to other Palace Resorts in Cancun, Riviera Maya and Cozumel as part of our incredible all-inclusive plan

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    Penny Sheldon, owner of Penny Sheldon Travel ~ was honored by the Sandals and Beaches All-inclusive Luxury Resorts in St. Lucia.

    Sandals and Beaches All-inclusive Luxury Resorts hosted a three day event beginning October 26, in St. Lucia at the Sandals Grande St. Lucian Resort for the 6 annual S.T.A.R. AWARDS. The resort company recognized and paid tribute to Travel Agents from around the world. “The Star Awards are one of my favorite events of the year as we honor our most extraordinary travel partners like Penny Sheldon Travel”, said Butch Stewart, Chairman of Sandals Resorts. “Ms. Sheldon is an asset to the Sandals Resorts family and we appreciate her hard work”.

    Chairman Gordon “Butch” Stewart honored Penny Sheldon with four prestigious awards for 2007

    Best of the Best

    Top Home Producing Agency in the Western Region

    Top Suite Producing Agency in the Western Region

    Top Ten Travel Agencies in the World

    Penny also won~

    Renée DiGiulio-Naismith Creativity in Travel Award 2007

    CREATIVITY IN INDIVIDUAL AND R+R TRAVEL.

    30th Annual Caribbean Tourism Conference ~ Caribbean Tourism Organization

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  • FREE WI-FI AT THE AIRPORT

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    The easiest way to get free wireless service in airports is to sit outside on the airline club lounges. Say you’re in Terminal 9 at JFK. You can pay the airport’s wireless provider $7.95 for a one-day pass, or you can sit at Gate 42, outside American Airline’s Admirals Club lounge. I’ve also discovered a free hot spot in LAX’s Terminal 6; Gate 62, just across from Continental’s Presidents Club.

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  • THANKSGIVING TRAVEL ~ LAX

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    Thanksgiving Travel to Reach 1.85 Million Passengers at LAX;

    Encounter Restaurant Reopens at Landmark Theme Building in Heart of Airport

    LOS ANGELES, CA–(Marketwire - November 15, 2007) - Travelers this Thanksgiving holiday using Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) will find a reopened Encounter Restaurant, expanded LAX FlyAway service, and new services such as wireless Internet service (Wi-Fi) and electric charging stations in each terminal.

    Airport officials predict passenger volumes for the 10-day Thanksgiving travel period that begins Friday, Nov. 16 and continues through Sunday, Nov. 25 will be 1.85 million passengers at LAX. LAX travel will be up three percent over 2006.

    Wednesday, Nov. 21; Thanksgiving morning, Nov. 22; and Sunday, Nov. 25 are expected to be the busiest days with airlines forecasting passenger load factors approaching 95 percent on most flights and some flights fully booked.

    Airport officials recommend passengers departing LAX during daily peak travel periods from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m., 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., or 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., be in their airlines’ ticketing lobbies two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international flights.

    The Encounter Restaurant in the heart of LAX is now open after its closure in March due to repair work underway to the exterior of the landmark Theme Building. Operator Delaware North Travel and Hospitality Services has refurbished the restaurant’s interior with new carpeting, repaired its iconic lava lamps and updated other fixtures. It is open for lunch daily from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and dinner on Friday and Saturday from 4 to 9:30 p.m.

    – Electric Charging Stations located in all the LAX terminals allow
    travelers free electrical re-charging of their mobile phones, laptops and
    other personal electronics while waiting to board flights. The stations are
    designed with a small shelf to hold electronic equipment.

    – Wireless Internet service is available in all terminals at LAX. Travelers now have the convenience of checking business and personal
    email, surfing the Web and staying connected through a fast, secure and
    reliable wireless connection. Users pay a fee to utilize this service.

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    At Excellence Playa Mujeres, all-inclusive luxury surrounds you in a setting of lush Caribbean beauty. Playa Mujeres is situated on an untouched 20-mile peninsula, secluded and
    serene but conveniently only 25 minutes north of Cancun International Airport. Excellence Playa Mujeres is an adults-only romantic resort nestled on 2 miles of white sand beach, in a resort community that boasts an inland marina, world-class spa and a spectacular golf course right on the Caribbean. This all-inclusive jewel of Cancun offers spacious rooms and suites furnished in an elegant contemporary decor and outfitted with the latest amenities. Everything is taken care of and nothing is left out - so you are free to create those moments you dream of, and memories you’ll have forever. At Excellence Playa Mujeres, you not only have a host of activities and facilities at your fingertips, but the comprehensive service and format to ensure that you are free to enjoy them to the fullest.

    JUNIOR SUITE SPA/POOL VIEW, 1 king or 2 double beds, Spa or pool views

    JUNIOR SWIM UP SUITE SPA/POOL VIEW, 1 king bed, Spa or pool views, direct pool access

    JUNIOR SUITE WITH ROOF TOP TERRACE SPA/POOL VIEW, 1 king bed, Spa or pool views, private HydroSpa pool

    Excellence Club
    At Excellence Playa Mujeres, each of the Excellence Club rooms and suites offers magnificent Caribbean views, superior amenities in addition to the standard room amenities and much more.

    Excellence Club Benefits include:

    -Oceanfront rooms and suites
    -Private check-in & check-out, late check-out & early check-in(subject to
    availability)
    -Concierge desk on every floor (7:00am-11:00pm)
    -Private lounge (7:00am-11:00pm) with free internet access, smart buffets & bar service
    -Toiletries
    -Upgraded minibar & room service menu
    -3 private pools (heated in winter) and 3 independent Jacuzzis(hot water) at the pool
    area/private beach area
    -Complimentary newspaper in room every day
    -Complimentary beach bag for use during your stay
    -Shoe shine service
    -Daily fruit basket in room
    -Fresh flowers in room upon arrival
    -In-room premium liquor menu
    -Room Service Express (menu featuring a number of savory itemsthat can be delivered almost
    immediately)

    EXCELLENCE CLUB JUNIOR SUITE OCEAN VIEW, 1 king bed, ocean view

    EXCELLENCE CLUB JUNIOR SWIM UP SUITE OCEAN VIEW, 1 king bed, ocean view, direct pool access

    EXCELLENCE CLUB JUNIOR SUITE WITH ROOF TOP TERRACE OCEAN VIEW, 1 king bed, ocean view, private HydroSpa pool

    EXCELLENCE CLUB HONEYOON SUITE OCEAN VIEW, 1 king bed, ocean view

    IMPERIAL SUITE (*), 1 king bed, ocean view

    (*) Denotes on request basis only, no allotment given.

    Room amenities include: air conditioning, alarm clock, balcony, CD/DVD player, coffee/tea maker, data ports, hairdryer, internet access, iron, ironing board, maid service, mini-bar, patio/balcony, 24 hour room service,safety deposit box, double shower for 2, smoke detector,
    sprinkler system, telephones: 2, 42″ flat screen TV, L-shaped sofa, radio with iPod connectivity, round Jacuzzi, service door for room service, bathrobes and slippers for use during the guests’ stay, free wireless internet.

    Specific bedding and/or special requests are fulfilled based on availability and cannot always be guaranteed.

    DINING
    BARCELONA, Serving buffet breakfast from 7:00am to 11:00am, buffet lunch from 12:00pm to 4:00pm, and a la carte dinner from 6:00pm to 10:30pm, dress code is casual elegant, and
    reservations are not required

    THE GRILL RESTAURANT, Serving continental breakfast from 10:00am to 12:00pm, casual a la carte lunch from 12:00pm to 6:00pm, and steakhouse specialties for a la carte dinner
    from 6:30pm to 11:00pm, dress code is casual elegant and reservations are not required

    THE LOBSTER HOUSE, Casual New York style deli serving a la carte lunch from 12:30pm to 3:00pm and lobster specialties for a la carte dinner from 6:30pm to 11:00 pm, dress code is
    casual elegant, and reservations are not required

    TOSCANA, Fine dining Italian restaurant serving dinner a la carte from 6:00pm to 10:30pm, dress code is casual elegant and reservations are not required

    THE FLAVOR MARKET, dinner restaurant specializing in pairing gourmet tasting menus with a variety of fine wines open from 6:00pm to 10:30pm, dress code is casual elegant and
    reservations are not required

    AGAVE, Mexican restaurant serving a la carte dinner open from 6:00pm to 10:30pm, dress code is casual elegant and reservations are not required

    SPICE, Asian & Japanese restaurant with sushi bar, serving a la carte dinner, open from 6:00pm to 10:30pm, dress code is casual elegant and reservations are not required

    CHEZ ISABELLE, French restaurant serving a la carte dinner, open from 6:00pm to 10:30 pm, dress code is casual elegant and reservations are not required

    BARS and LOUNGES
    MARTINI BAR, Lobby bar open from 9:00am to 1:00am

    CAFE KAFE, Coffee bar on the main square, serving ice cream and pastry treats in the afternoon, open from 10:00am to 1:00am

    BLUE, Swim-up pool bar open from 10:00am to 6:00pm

    SOL, Pool & beach bar by the main pool open from 9:00am to 5:00pm

    CIELO, 2 pool bars at the Excellence Club section open from 9:00am to 5:00pm

    ALEGRIA, Piano bar/sing-along bar & comedy club open from 9:00pm to 1:00am.

    STARS THEATER BAR, open from 6:00pm to 1:00am

    LA HABANA CIGAR BAR, open from 3:00pm to 11:00pm

    REVIVE, Fruit juice bar by the Spa open from 8:00am to 4:00pm

    X LOUNGE, Chill-out lounge on the beach open from 7:00pm to 12:00am.

    ALL INCLUSIVE PACKAGE 11/01/07-12/23/08
    -Full breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks each day
    -8 a la carte dining options
    -2 a la carte lunch options (Grill & Deli)
    -1 buffet restaurant for breakfast & lunch
    -11 bars
    -Unlimited natural fruit juices and soft drinks
    -Unlimited premium and domestic alcoholic beverages
    -24 hour room service
    -Mini bar in room stocked daily with water, juices, soft drinks, beer and snacks
    -Coffee/tea maker in room, complete with coffee, tea, sugar and cream
    -Pool and beach waiter service
    -7 swimming pools (4 heated in winter) with a total of 5,415 square feet
    -4 outdoor Jacuzzis plus 5 pool-integrated whirlpools
    -Non motorized water sports (catamarans, windsurfing, sea kayaks,norkeling,introductory scuba lesson)
    -Daily activities and nightly entertainment
    -Tennis clinics
    -Game room
    -Library
    -Fully equipped fitness center with state-of-the-art exercise equipment
    -Bocce, aerobics, water aerobics, water polo, yoga, jogging, Spanish lessons, dancing lessons, cooking lessons, theme nights, beach volleyball, beach football, tennis, basketball, bicycles, table tennis, darts, billiards, board games, archery, air rifle shooting
    -Electronic in-room safe
    -All taxes and gratuities

    PACKAGE INCLUSIONS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE

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  • Sandals Antigua New Village

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    Luxury Included at Sandals

    NEW MEDITERRANEAN VILLAGE IN Antigua

    As one of The Top Ten Agents in the World ~ I was invited to attend the Grand Opening party of the New Village at Sandals Grande Antigua On Oct. 4th. I was at Sandals Antigua in April and had to wonder how it would ever all come together.

    But not on this night! Not with reggae artist Shaggy headlining the evening’s events. In three nights of partying, the Caribbean trumped the Mediterranean right down to the final farewell, which came complete with fireworks on Saturday night.

    With its core innovation of a luxury all-inclusive holiday experience, the $70 million Mediterranean Village should up the ante considerably in the Caribbean. The original part of the hotel, the 193-room Caribbean Village, was Sandals’ first property outside of Jamaica.

    The words luxury and all-inclusive have rarely found themselves attached in the past. All-inclusive resorts were once considered the ultimate off-the-rack holiday, priced for clients looking for something easy to arrange and easy on the pocket. But Butch Stewart, Chairman of Sandals, sees a defining moment for Sandals in what he calls “Luxury Included.” We have moved beyond the all-inclusive category and the often maligned all-inclusive connotation.

    At a time when roles are changing in travel, Sandals attracts the traveler who in the past disdained the all-inclusive label. You won’t find the much maligned long buffet lines at the Mediterranean Village (or any other Sandals property) not with nine quality restaurants between it and the easily accessed Caribbean Village next door.

    Speaking about his new Luxury Included products, Stewart has said that when clients go on vacation they want to “find amenities and an aesthetic that exceeds that which they enjoy in their everyday lives.” Most of us don’t own four-poster beds, huge marble bathrooms with deep Jacuzzis, and separate glass-enclosed showers with shower heads as broad as dinner plates pouring down a deluge.

    For the traveler with high expectations, the top suites of the Mediterranean Village’s six different room categories include private plunge pools and butler service. And these aren’t just any butlers. Sandals contracted with the Guild of Professional English Butlers to arrange training and certification for its staff butlers.

    The Mediterranean Village itself feels the most Mediterranean-like around the pool area. The pool itself, the largest in the Caribbean at half an acre, is buttressed on two sides by a dozen tented cabana tents suggesting the strand at the Lido in Venice. The tents, which contain plush chez lounges with wireless capability, are constructed so they can be left open on four sides or be completely closed, affording couples total privacy . Another nice touch can be found in the gradual sloping of the pools from the edges so bathers can wade in gradually. This allows sun worshippers to wheel their chez lounges into a few inches of water.

    The Mediterranean Village’s main five-story building unfolds across the top of a short bluff and is topped in glorious red Spanish tile. Indeed, the same tile dominates the decoration throughout the complex. Furnishings are all top quality and the workmanship in the building, from the carpentry to the tile-craft, is of the highest quality. That solid craftsmanship is reflected in the service as well.

    While it’s easy to walk between the two the Mediterranean and Caribbean Villages, the change in atmosphere is powerful. It almost feels like you’re walking into town when you cross into the Caribbean Village, which offers a more casual style and the architecture that reflects Caribbean port towns. The original section crowds around a square, while the Mediterranean Village uses a vast lawn to create a sense of space. The two areas compliment each other extremely well. I still love the ambience on the Caribbean side along with several rooms.

    The service here compares very favorably with Asian standards. Staff members anticipate needs and perform their duties with expertise, as when the bartender at the pool bar chilled my glass before he gently poured my champagne. And while the service was thorough, it wasn’t servile. The staff was only too happy to talk casually, demonstrating curiosity and confidence. That’s a quality you won’t necessarily find in the highly touted service at many other properties in the world.

    Sandals Properties through out the Caribbean and the new Mediterranean Village is just that kind of product.

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  • Welcome to my world

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    Penny Sheldon

     

    This is the beginning of many future commentaries of my travels and the travels of my clients. I will try to keep you well advised to specials, new destinations, Sandals resorts, as well as Beaches resorts.

    But nothing you will find here will be limited to just Sandals and Beaches, since there are too many other great vacation destinations that I want to share with you.

       Penny

     

     

     

     

     

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