Morocco, Africa luxury adventure awaits, Marrakech the Sahara, Fes and Rabat are some of the magical cities to explore.  

On a winding road in the High Atlas Mountains between Ourzazate and Marrakech I realized I had to tell of my adventure in the Sahara.  These snowy mountains have watched over us since returning from the desert, and red colored foothills loom formidable, while delicate terraced fields glow green along the riverbanks.  The balance of life is more pronounced than anything I have ever seen.  Morocco is like a jewel lying between the sea and the Sahara.

Berber tradesmen once traveled along the routes between the Imperial cities of Fes, Rabat and Marrakech to Timbuktu. Now they are settled in towns that fringe the dunes and up into the mountains.  Herdsmen still roam with their goats, camels and black wool tents following the best grazing land. From atop the grand kasbah Ait Ben Haddou we watched a man and hundreds of goats scramble along the rocky terrain on their daily search for sustenance.

We met our drivers in the town of Erfoud, where we transferred to Range Rovers for an exhilarating hour long sunset ride.  Dust spewed out behind our wheels and the other vehicle’s lights glowed and danced around us like fireflies as we made our way to Merzouga.  The way is marked on the map as a “regional road track”, starting out roughly paved and turning into imperceptible sand covered tracks.  Our turbaned driver knew the way and laughed at our amazement.  Seeing that he had a tape deck, we asked if he would play some music.  He whipped out a worn cassette, whacked it a few times, blew out the dust and we were in business.  The exotic melodies of drums and horns were then interrupted by the ringing of our guide’s cell phone, keeping us in the present. 

A bonfire and drums greeted us at the camp.  The staff dressed in blue robes and turbans offered dates and goats milk from bronze trays.  Two rows of black tents for sleeping formed a courtyard where the fire burned before an area set with carpets, couches, poofs and low tables.  Everything sparkled as the full moon lit up the dunes as far as the eye could see.  Orion and his pals filled the sky as we dined and drank wine, danced and sang into the night.  Then we slept in our Berber tents, keeping warm under thick fleecy blankets, marveling at the shine of sequins reflected in the candlelight.

We awoke to the sound of a lone drum, then the mooing of camels and the calling of drivers.  The sun was not up yet, just a faint glow that made the sky a deep titian blue.  Warm clothes kept us warm in the chilly Saharan morning, as we sat atop our camels.  Mine was a sweet animal, with a beautifully thick curly brown coat, upon long light colored legs.  As we walked out into the sand my body found its balance in step with my majestic mode of ancient transportation.  The driver was a handsome brown weathery man in a grey chellabah. His pointed hood silhouetted by the sand, as he led us out to greet the sun.

We passed small dunes with sparse, course grasses growing in patches.  Deep valleys in the sand sheltered larger clumps of wonderful green desert plants that surprised me with their rare lushness.  In the distance a great dune stood over a hundred feet tall.  We road on and on enjoying the awe inspiring scenery, when at the foot of the great dune we stopped.  By now the movement of my camel seemed second nature, and I leaned back into a standing position as he sat upon the sand.  After settling on his great legs a moment I climbed off.

My unnamed guide held out his hand and led me on the steep climb up the gigantic dune.  It was a struggle straight up the side. At the point where I thought no way can I make it I looked up, we were so close I could not quit.  One more groaning effort, as the smiling desert man pulled my arm, losing his shoes in the shifting sand, and we were up.  He retrieved his shoes and we happily sat upon the crest to watch the sun rise.  I felt like we sat on the edge of the world, nothing but wind swept sand spread out to what could be infinity. The timelessness was accented as the sun peaked over a distant dune, its bright beams warming our faces and our hearts. 

Call the experts at James TravelPOINTS to plan your adventure 1-800-538-7461, www.travelpoints.com.  
  

Grand Canyon rail, traveling to the Grand Canyon in Arizona offers this great package for a romantic weekend or honeymooners.

If you are soon to be a newlywed looking for an adventurous honeymoon we would like to suggest: Arizona’s Grand Canyon Railway two-night “Rails and Wedding Bells package.

The itinerary begins with an evening at the Fray Marcos Hotel in Williams, AZ where couples will enjoy champagne, a romantic dinner, and dessert at Max & Thelma’s restaurant, right next to the train station.
Couples will spend the next morning on a rail excursion in a luxury parlor car where they will enjoy a continental breakfast and strolling musicians.  Once at the Grand Canyon the honeymooners are whisked away on an exciting guided motorcoach tour of the most spectacular viewpoints along the south rim.  Couples can also chose from either a Sunset or Sunrise Tour of the canyon during their stay.  Guest then spend night in the canyon and return in the afternoon, enjoying appetizers and champagne in their luxury parlor car.  Call us for this or other Grand Canyon Rail adventures, James TravelPOINTS 1-800-538-7461, www.travelpoints.com.

Las Vegas, Nevada the city that never sleeps.  The brilliant neon, the expanding strip of spectacular hotels.  The entertainment capital of the world, where excitement and nightlife dazzle your fantasies.  Las Vegas is a destination that boost mild weather and a diversion from your day to day routine.  Las Vegas is divided into two main areas.  The Downtown is called Glitter Gulch and the Famous Strip, a corridor of hotels and casinos.  The Glitter Gulch, famous for its brilliant neon display and state of the art laser light shows called the “Fremont Street Experience”.

Some of the cites most famous casinos are in the Gulch, including the Golden Nugget and the Gold Spike.  The Strip is the center of Las Vegas hosting the most incredible and largest hotels and casinos in the world.

The Strip is the center attraction for experiencing Las Vegas glitz and glamour.  Shows, shopping, dinning and gaming are the main attractions which brings tourist to Las Vegas, but it is the new twist and experience of an “Adult Disneyland” that will keep the tourist coming back.  Las Vegas mega hotels have created theme Hotels and Casinos to reflect the ambiance of the hotel.
 
The Mirage hotel designed as a tropical paradise.  A Fake volcano, surrounded by an artificial lagoon, erupts every half-hour with smoke and fire, and 54 artificial waterfalls cascading down the exterior. When you enter the hotel a miniature tropical rainforest complete with white tigers greets you.
 
The New York, New York hotel is a recreation of the downtown Manhattan.  The Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, The Chrysler Building and a Brooklyn Bridge surrounds the property.  A fast riding heart pumping roller coaster surrounds the entire property. As you walk inside The New York Hotel and throughout the casinos, you are wandering through the local cafes, delicatessen, and restaurants on the New York streets.  Remarkable gardens and split-paver walkways makes tourists feel they are strolling the streets of New York.

The Luxor Hotel is a creation of the great Pyramids of Egypt.  The giant Sphinx greets guest as they enter the Pyramid hotel.  As you walk inside, two large Egyptian Statues tower the entrance to the casino.  Guest feel they are amoungest the great royal Egyptian Farrohs.

And we are just getting started, there are so many more amazing hotel choices, give us a call and we’ll match your personality with the resort that is just right for you, James TravelPOINTS 1-800-274-0436, www.travelpoints.com

Nestled in the Hawaiian Island Chain, is the tiny island of Lana’i.  Remote, untouched and dramatically beautiful, this 16,000-acre island holds the mystery of old Hawaii. There are only 2,800 residents, and two world-class resorts on this beautiful island,  top quality recreation is never crowded, and always convenient.  And speaking of sports they’ve got it all–hunting, Sporting Clays, fishing, golf, tennis, horseback riding and hiking or of course everyone’s favorite sport–relaxation.  This sleepy little island is also home to a cultural arts program that surpasses those offered in many metropolitan cities; the visiting arts program brings authors, chefs, filmmakers and other fine artists together with you in a personal, living room setting.

Here you will find miles of sand with no footprints on both the northern and eastern shores, pristine hideaways just as they were thousands of years ago.  Experience incredible snorkeling at the Marine Preserve at Hulopo’e Bay and Manele Day with abundant tropical fish.  Don’t be alarmed if the spinner dolphins break the stillness when they cruise past you in the blue waters, and leap playfully into the air.  The clarity of the water, the fantastic lava tubes, and the underwater cathedrals provide the most dramatic diving in Hawaii.

A must see is Kanepu’u, where the Garden of the Gods is located.  Described as eerie, beautiful, serene, and spiritual, these badlands were sculpted by the raging forces of nature.

Hiking throughout Lana’i is superb.  The Munro Trail winds up from Koele though mountain grasslands, where rain forest of ohia lehua, pine, ironwood, and eucalyptus line the mountain’s backbone ridge to the summit of Lana’ihale.  Lean about the ancient Hawaiians and hike around Kaunolu in southwest Lana’i.  This area is the location of a deserted pre-contract Hawaiian village, which was once a fishing community.

Visitors can horseback ride around the uplands or take a horseback tour of the island’s many off-road trails.  Keep your eyes open for wild game such as the axis deer, mouflon sheep and an abundance of game birds-pheasant, quail, chukar partridge, and wild turkey.

The Lana’i Pine Sporting Clays is the only resort course in Hawaii. The rustic 14-station course is situated within a 200-acre pine-wooded valley overlooking Molokai.  There are different levels of play, challenging enough for the experienced and easy enough for those new to the sport.

If it’s time you got back to nature yet spent your nights in luxury it’s time you experienced the island of Lana’i, give the experts at James TravelPOINTS a call we will get you on your way 1-800-538-7461, www.travelpoints.com.

Lake Tahoe, Nevada is 193 square miles of pure, blue water surrounded by 10,00 foot peaks.  It sits magically 6,225 feet above sea level.   James TravelPOINTS can help you plan the perfect weekend getaway or meeting and incentive groups 1-800-538-7461, www.travelpoints.com 

Here you can play at 28 world-class alpine and Nordic ski resorts.  Hike and mountain bike on endless trails throughout the Sierra Nevada.  Golf on some of the most incredible courses in the country.  Take advantage of 24-hour casino action, top comedians and musicians.  And enjoy it all amidst some of the most spectacular scenery in the world.

Jaipur, India, in South Asia is known at the Pink City offers palaces, forts, festivals and bazaars, one of India’s most vibrant and exotic destinations.  The James TravelPOINTS experts would like to let you in on our secret The Oberoi Rajvilas.  You will feel like royalty at The Oberoi Rajvilas a unique way to experience Jaipur, a luxury resort with its own distinctive character, it revives the gracious lifestyles of India’s legendary Rajput princes.

Go ahead.  Speak it, and see if you don’t feel like going there. “Jaipur.”  A word that stirs the senses, representing that vibrant part of India that glows with exotic pageantry, where the daily culture itself is the country’s principal wealth. Intoxicating, particularly if one is well kept, as in the case of Oberoi Hotel’s fantastic new resort, Rajvilas.

Built as an oasis of elegance an luxury, worthy of a new Maharajah if ever that were to be India’s way again, Rajvilas spreads itself with regal grace over thirty acres of beautiful gardens, pools and fountains, in the peaceful countryside just outside the Pink City of Jaipur.

Inside you’ll find deluxe rooms with four-poster beds and sunken marble baths; and the grounds, romantic Rajasthani-style “tents” (air-conditioned, permanent guestrooms with teak floors, exquisite furnishings, luxury baths and incredible suspended ceilings).  Rajvilas is so appealing that Architectural Digest did a spectacular piece on the hotel (August 1998).

James TravelPOINTS destination experts will help you with the process of planning a unique journey thru India that includes this magical destination, 1-800-538-7461, www.travelpoints.com.
 

India, officially the Republic of India located in South Asia is home of the Taj Mahal and the Bengal tiger a country of culture, history and beauty.

For the Photo Enthusiast:  Ever harder to spot, the Bengal tiger hides in northern India at the foot of the Himalayas.  The regal beast’s population has stabilized in Bandhavgarh, formerly the Maharaja’s personal hunting grounds and now a national park.  Targeting is limited to aiming one’s lens and click–bagging a photo as a trophy.

Commanding yet balletic, richly coated and magnificently striped, with luminous, calculating eyes and Richter-level jolts of strength, the Bengal tiger simply won’t move off the “must see” list of photographers, whether amateur or professional.

And so, everyone wants three things when traveling to see him.  One, a very high quality guide who will find the right locations to increase your chances of spotting the elusive beast” two, perfect comfort and convenience way out there, so far from home; and three, as long as one has come so fare, a chance to see a bit of surrounding India.

We have the perfect “Jungle Odyssey” from Delhi to Rathambore (for game drives by Jeep); Bharatpur (excellent bird watching); Agra (Taj Mahal); Khajuraho (temples rich in Kama Sutra carvings–holy to Easterners, naughty to Westerners); Bandhavgarh (home of the tiger); and back to Delhi.  It’s culture and nature in undiluted.  Call the experts at James TravelPOINTS for more details 1-800-274-0436, www.travelpoints.com.

Hong Kong, Asia, a shoppers paradise with Yuen Po Street Bird Garden, The Flower Market, Stanley Village Market, Jade Market, Goldfish Market, Western Market, Temple Street Night Market, Ladies’ Market, Granville Road Factory Outlets and the Spring Garden Lane Bargain Shopping.

There are many ways to see and sense how Hong Kongers thrive in their City of Life, a must for visitors is to join them at their favorite open-air street markets.  Several are fascinating specialty markets where Chinese traditions flourish.  In others, stallholders sell almost everything, and Temple Street Night Market provides and evening of sidewalk surprises.  In all of the markets, basic English is spoken and bargain prices prevail.

Yuen Po Street Bird Garden- Recently relocated to a specially designed garden setting; Kowloon’s famous “Bird Market” is the favorite gathering-place for Hong Kong’s legion of songbird owners.  Here, the tones of prized pet birds are studied intently and all their home comforts are for sale, from intricately crafted cages to nutritious grasshoppers.  Many of these birds are also for sale.

Flower Market- Sweet scents, exotic blossoms and luck-bringing pot plants line the sidewalk and many florists’ stores in one of Kowloon’s loveliest specialist street markets.

Stanley Village Market- Once a historic fishing village the lanes are now packed with retailers specializing in Western-style casual clothing, Chinese artworks, silk and curios.

Jade Market- Hundreds of registered stallholders trade precious stones whose beauty and magical powers have enchanted Chinese collectors for hundreds of years.

Goldfish Market- An aquarium of tropical fish is a luck-brining essential item of home décor for many Hong Kong people, and this specialty market street is their favorite source of supplies.

Western Market- A handsomely renovated Edwardian redbrick market building housing souvenir shops and fabric merchants relocated from the area’s former “Cloth Alley”.

Temple Street Night Market- Hong Kong’s most popular open-air market with an array of stalls and shops selling casual clothing, watches, leatherwear and souvenirs.  Side-attractions include Cantonese opera singers, fortune-tellers and al fresco restaurants serving basic street food.

Ladies’ Market- Kowloon’s most popular daylong street market, primarily attracting women seeking bargain-priced clothing, cosmetics and household knick-knacks.

Granville Road Factory Outlets- A favorite hunting ground for huge discount on designer samples and “irregular” items, with almost imperceptible flaws, specializing in casual shirts, sweaters and jackets.

Spring Garden Lane Bargain Shopping- Browse for bargain-priced casual clothing in the historic heart of old Wan Chai, near the district’s bustling market streets and ancient Taoist temples.

Hong Kong’s climate is subtropical, with four seasons.  Summers are hot and humid, with average temperature 82F, frequent rain showers from April through September.  There is a winter season, and a very brief spring and fall.  The best time to visit is October to December, when it is cooler and drier.  From January to March is the coldest time of the year with an average temperature of 59F.

Call the experts at James TravelPOINTS 1-800-538-7461, www.travelpoints.com