I recently had the opportunity to visit the islands of Turks and Caicos. Most people have never heard of these islands, they are located inn the midst of the Atlantic Ocean, just 575 miles southeast of Miami. Turks and Caicos have over 40 islands and cays. Many are deserted private islands to which a visit can be arranged. The islands are mainly flat, with plenty to offer-some of the most beautiful beaches in the world here, voted by the readers of Conde Nast magazine. Beneath the surface, surrounding the islands lie the third largest reef system in the world, 300 linear miles of reef, making these one of the top diving and snorkeling destinations anywhere. The locals are very friendly and friendly does not mean trying to hassle you to buy something.

Providenciales, otherwise known as “Provo” is the center of tourism activity in the islands. Provo is an island that literally has it all – beautiful beaches, awesome diving, world-class resorts, golf, dining and much more. The opportunity for adventure is somewhat endless.

Most of the resorts are on Provo’s Grace Bay, 7 miles of powdery white sand. On the edge of the Bay there is a surrounding barrier reef, great for snorkeling. If you’re real lucky, you may get to see the famous dolphin named “JoJo”, a friendly wild bottle-nosed dolphin that has been frequenting Grace Bay for some 13 years.

I had the opportunity of visiting several resorts on Grace Bay and have to say there is something for everyone here, from the All Inclusive resort’s to Private Villas and Charming Inns.

My favorite visit was to the Island of Parrot Cay. Only 35 minutes by boat from Provo, and what a wonderful boat ride it was. The Parrot Cay Resort and Como Shambhala retreat are on their own 1000-acre private island. Over the past few years Parrot Cay has seen many visits by Celebrity’s. The resort offers rooms, suites, private beach houses and villas, totaling no more than 65 accommodations altogether. This place is for those who seek total relaxation and rejuvenation of body and soul-white sand beaches, clear turquoise waters, an ideal place to unwind. Offering peace and privacy the resort’s design is understated elegance. The Holistic Spa offers body treatments, massages, yoga and Pilates. If only I could have stayed longer!

Another wonderful resort is Amanyara. This resort is Provo’s newest and one of its most exclusive, located on the islands undeveloped northwestern shore, in the middle of nature at a wildlife reserve. Amanyara offers seclusion, luxury, beauty and lack of noise and distraction, with a total of only 44 Villas.

For those who enjoy an All-Inclusive Resort, then Beaches Resort and Spa is the place. Located on the famous Grace Bay beach, offering 5 pools and unlimited water sports – including diving, 10 restaurants, 12 bars, Red Lane Spa, Kids camp, Water Park and more.

Some other fun things to do on Turks and Caicos are a visit Little Water Cay, the only place in the world to see the endangered rock iguana in its natural habitat or tour the Caicos Conch farm, where the shelled sea creature is commercially raised and sold to tourists. Come see all that Turks and Caicos has to offer. Give me a call to help you plan your travels at 800-274-0436 ext 230 Dennie at James TravelPoints

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!

Jan Geiser, cruise specialist with James TravelPoints, recently cruised with her family on the Queen Mary 2.  Previously, my husband and I had traveled on the Queen Mary 2 on a transatlantic crossing.  Thoroughly impressed with the onboard experience offered by such an elegant ocean liner, my family selected the Queen Mary 2 for their Caribbean cruise.

Why Cunard and the Queen Mary 2?  Cunard welcomes children at least six months of age on most Cunard voyages.  A full children’s program, from nursery to teens, is offered.  Thus families are able to share this special journey together.  Supervised activities for children aged one to 17 years are provided throughout the day and… free group kidsitting is available in the evening. 

As we were traveling with our grandson, a toddler,  we thought the Queen Mary 2 would be an excellent choice.  And, we were not disappointed!

Our Caribbean itinerary included three sea days and six ports of call — Curacao, Grenada, Barbados, St. Lucia, St. Kitts, and St. Thomas.

Our sea days were spent enjoying the magnificent Queen Mary 2 including the only Canyon Ranch Spa at sea.   There were many options available including the Cunard Insights programs with guest lecturers.

For our grandson…

We enjoyed time together in the Minnows Pool and Splash Pool adjoining the Children’s center.

 The Child Care facilities were available in the mornings from 9:00AM-12:00 Noon and also, in the afternoon from 2:00PM-5:00PM.  The evening hours from 6:00PM-12:00Midnight (advance notice required) allowed us to enjoy the evening venues knowing that our grandson would also be entertained. 

We experienced High Tea in the Queen’s Room with music provided by the Queen Mary 2 orchestra and singer. We knew that our grandson loved music and dancing but little did we know how much.

Our family enjoyed the Formal nights with grandson in his tuxedo.  Another opportunity to share very special family time together. 

We explored the islands visiting the Sea Aquarium in Curacao.  We found not-so-touristy beaches in Grenada, Barbados, and St. Lucia.

St. Kitts was a getaway for my son and daughter-in-law while we enjoyed the day with our grandson.

Having visited  St. Thomas numerous times,  my husband and I opted to stay onboard the Queen Mary 2.  We enjoyed the solitude of being the only two passengers on one of the outdoor decks. 

Our 10-day family cruise will always be remembered.  Quite frankly, I could continue to write.  But, instead, I would love to talk with you  about cruising with or without family and especially, about the Queen Mary 2.  She is truly an amazing vessel unlike any other in the world!

Please call me, Jan Geiser, 800-274-0436X231, www.travelpoints.com.

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!

Most people think of San Juan as a transit point for cruise ships that sail the Antilles.It’s deep natural harbor has served sea-faring vessels for centuries. The rich land  of  the Taino Indians that greeted the Spaniards and was colonized by Ponce de Leon holds a wealth of natural beauty and cultural intrigue.  Now our close neighbor is welcoming us to get to know her.

Puerto Rico is a self-governing commonwealth in association with the United States.No special documentation is required for U.S. citizens entering from a domestic gateway. However, I was erroneously asked for my passport in Denver, carrying a birth certificate or passport is not a bad idea.  The currency is US dollars, there’s no sales tax and everyone I met was bilingual.   The economy is strong, and investment in infrastructure is evident in the modern roads that cover the entire island.

Pick up a Que Pasa! at your hotel, it will guide you across the entire island.  In Old San Juan a walking tour can start with El Morro fortress, and work its way down the hill through cobblestone streets of shops, museums, galleries and colorful townhouses.  See the governors mansion and Casa Blanca which for 250 years was the residence of the Ponce de Leon family.  Linger on the Paseo La Princesa, lined with trees, street lamps and benches along the old city wall, looking out at the harbor. 

El Yunque is the only rainforest within the U.S. National Forest System. Just 45 minutes from San Juan, trails offer lush forest and waterfalls.  The east coast from  Rio Grande to Palmas del Mar are dotted with resorts, seafood restaurants, watersports and fishing villages.  On the southwest shore more beaches and a unique dry forest home to plants and animals only found here.  In the northwest among limestone hills covered with lushvegetation is breathtaking Rio Camuy Cave Park. 

Accommodations through out the island range from luxury resort to charming paradors. The Mesones Gastromicos  program includes 43 dining place across the island offering Puerto Rican cuisine.  The Puerto Rico Tourism Company has made a huge effort to make travel fun and easy.  Call James TravelPOINTS to book your trip to Puerto Rico 1-800-538-7461, www.travelpoints.com.

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!

Club Med Vacations offer All-inclusive packages for singles, families, adults, honeymooners world wide. 

If everyone in the family has a different interest, or maybe you’re travelling by yourself, or possibly planing a family reunion.  We’ve got the prefect vacation, one that will satisfy everyone’s needs…. CLUB MED.  Did you know that Club Med invented the “all inclusive” vacation back in 1950?  They are still offering the same great value that they did when it all started.  A single price covers your room, 3 meals a day with wine or beer at lunch and dinner, most sport, entertainment, activities for the kids, they even include the fun!

Each village at Club Med is set in the most idyllic location and each has its own personality, a few are only for adults, many include children’s programs (from babies to teenagers), some are more sports intensive than others are.  This is a world unto itself; everything is readily available and with easy reach: restaurants, bars theatres, nightclubs, sports and excursions. The clubs international flair allows you the opportunity to mingle with people from all over the world.  The villages most frequented by American’s are throughout Mexico, the Caribbean and the South Pacific, if that’s too close to home, don’t worry, there are villages throughout the world.    Here, is the freedom of choice and the chance to re-connect with your fun-loving, relaxed spontaneous self.

Club Med is the world’s largest sports school with facilities for all of the most exciting sports.  Trained instructors will help you learn something new or develop your skills.  Whether you’re an experienced athlete or an amateur – Club Med gives you everything you need to play and progress at your own pace: instruction at your level of ability, with plenty of the latest equipment, from tennis to diving to rock climbing to biking to kayaking.   Oh and did we mention; at many sites you will actually have the chance to run away and join the circus, flying on the trapeze, juggling and more.  (Many clients plan their Club Med vacation only at villages that offer a circus, it’s that much fun!).

Several villages offer intensive sports programs such as dedicated dive centers,  SCUBA Program, golf academies, tennis Academies and intensive tennis clinics. 

For those of you travelling with children, you’ll enjoy your vacation that much more, knowing your young ones are have the time of their lives, with other children from all over the world! You have the opportunity to spend as much or as little time together as your child prefers.  Your child will be delighted with the sports, arts, learning experiences, and even kid-size meals, all under the safe guidance of qualified leaders.

No matter what your age or vacation inclination it’s at Club Med that you will have the time of your life.  Call the travel professionals at James TravelPOINTS, together; we can pick a village that is just right for you 1-800-538-7461, www.travelpoints.com.

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!