Janice Bond with James TravelPOINTS just recently visited Southwest Germany (Baden-Wurttemberg). Baden-Württemberg is the third largest German Federal state. It stretches from Lake Constance also referred to as the Swabian Sea to the River Rhine in the west and the River Main in the north. Three low mountain ranges give the landscape its typical Face: the Black Forest, The Swabian Alb and the Odenwald. Southwest Germany is also the third largest winegrowing region in Germany and stretches from Lake Constance to the valley of the Tauber.

My journey began in Stuttgart, the capital of Southwest Germany.  Stuttgart is the birthplace of the modern automobile as well as the home town of Mercedes Benz and Porsche. The Mercedes Benz museum is not to be missed, embarking on a journey transported back in time to the year 1886- the birth year of legend that surrounds the pioneering invention of Gottlieb Daimler and Karl Benz- the automobile. Stuttgart has the International Trade Fair Ground which is a great location for Meeting and Conventions right next to the airport and has meeting rooms and event space for up to 9,300 people. Stuttgart Christmas Market with its 250 plus superbly decorated stalls is one of the oldest of its kind in Europe.

On our second day we traveled to the city of Bad Friedrichshall and visited the Lehen Palace. Then we traveled to Bad Wimpfen where emperors lived during the era of the Staufener, it is considered a medieval town with its Blue and Red towers and the Staufen Imperial Place Chapel. The narrow, paved stoned street with half timbered houses will bring you back into another period of time.

Then we moved on to Neckarzimmen to spend the night at Castle Hornberg,  old tower, the highest part of  the castle, was mentioned in documents as early as 1184. In the chaos of war this tower was a refuge for all the village people for whom the lord of the castle was the responsible patron.

We traveled on to Heidelberg where we visited the home of the first German University; it was founded there in 1386.  Heidelberg Castle with its largest wine cask, historical main landmark sits about 70m above the river Neckar on the hillside of the Kongisstuhl, the mountain. The ruins of the electoral castle are the most impressive and important Renaissance building north of the Alps.

 Then to the City of Baden-Baden, with its Mediterranean charm, renowned across the world as an elegant spa town for its beneficial hot springs. And home to the world’s most beautiful casino. The Caracalla Therme is said to be one of the finest thermal baths in Europe. (900 sq m of thermal water pools).

Gengenback was our next stop, once called “a pearl among the cities of half-timbered houses”. The world’s biggest advents calendar is on classicistic city hall. Also they are well known for the Fastnacht Carnival of Germany.

Freiburg at the foot of the black forest is very special ecclesiastic experience the Freiburg Cathedral with the “most beautiful spire in Christendom”. Freiburg, the capital of the Black Forest, with its valleys and peaks of Germany’s biggest low-mountain range. Traditional Black Forest Gateau, Houses, Costumes and Hats as well as the famous Cuckoo Clock are all worldwide symbols.

 Titisee is where we took a carriage ride through what was known as the “Hell’s Valley” (was a wild and romantic valley and very narrow). Horse-drawn carriages could hardly get passed each other, this route became famous when Marie-Antoinett, the daughter of the Empress Maria-Theresia, was on he way from Vienna to Paris to get married to Louis 16^th. Also world-famous for cuckoo clocks. The first Black Forest clock was made in the year 1640, not far away from the village of Breitnau.

Off to Lake Constance (Three countries and a lake with maritime charm). The lake is surrounded by 273 K of lakeshore. Germany on the South, Switzerland on the North and Austria on the Western tip. Meersburg is surrounded by vineyards and the lake shore of Constance. Meersburg whose medieval castle-the oldest inhabited castle of Germany – and baroque castle grounds shape the silhouette of the town, the old houses and fortification structures appear to be stacked on top of each other. All around the lake you can find old towns whose historical character has been preserved. The Castle of Meersburg is like an apparition form another world, the magical Castle of Meereburg stands proudly overlooking Lake Constance. According to legend, this massive fortress dates back to the 7^th century. Next we traveled to Sigmaringen where we visited Sigmaringen castle belonging to the princes of Hohenzollern and re-live the past in historical authentic surroundings, one of the largest private residences of Germany and admire close to one thousand years of royal art and architecture. First mentioned in 1077, the former medieval fortress perched high upon a cliff overlooking the Danube River. Renowned as the official ancestral seat of the counts and princes of Hohenzollern since 1535, Sigmaringen castle has played a significant role in the chronicles of world history. The Hohenzollerns lineage is numbered among the oldest and most aristocratic in Germany. Next to its splendid art treasures, Sigmaringen castle also houses one of the largest private collections of weapons and firearms in Europe. The armory, an impressive collection of offensive and defensive weaponry is displayed, offering a glimpse into the history of warfare. Almost 3000 exhibits ranging from the 14^th to the 20^th centuries outline the technical development of weaponry and warfare. Included are suits of mail and armor as well as a wide variety of offensive and defensive armaments.

Our last day we traveled to Tubingen, this historic Old town is scattered with its small steps, narrow alley and pointed gables. The Swabian university city with its 85,000 inhabitants and 20,000 students combines the flair of a lovingly renovated city center dating back to the Middle Ages with the colorful, bustling and vital consciousness of a young and cosmopolitan student city. Tubingen is one of the most famous university towns. Poets and thinkers like Holderlin, Hauff, Morike, Uland, Schiller and Kepler have all studied there. From the Platanenallee (avenue of plane trees), which is one of the most beautiful avenues in the country with its almost two centuries old trees, one has the best view of the famous and picturesque Tubingen “Nickarfront” (front of the Nackar). As early as the Middle Ages, houses were bilt on the town wall where the Neckar flows around. Castle Hohentubiningen. First mentioned as a castle of the counts of Tubingen in 1078. The larger part of the present castle, which houses numerous University institutes and collections, dates grom the 16^th C. Its most beautiful ornament is the Renaissance portal of 1606 modelled on a Roman triumphal arch, the centre of which shows the coat of arms of the Duchy of Wurttemberg. Some parts of town still have the remains of the medieval town wall. The market place with Neptune’s fountain is a popular place along the Neckar water front. Here we also visited the Gasthausbrauerei Nickarmuller for a little beer seminar. German Southwest with Castles and Medieval towns are almost heaven.

It was a jammed packed journey with plenty of highlights.  Call James TravelPOINTS to plan your European vacation 1-800-274-0436, www.travelpoints.com

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The island of Hawaii, commonly called the Big Island, is the youngest and the largest of the Hawaiian Islands.  Five massive volcanoes built the Big Island and in the fires of creation formed an island twice as large as all the other islands combined.  The Big Island continues to grow as Kilauea Volcano, the worlds most active volcano is constantly adding acres of lava to the island’s shoreline.  Geographically it’s the most diverse island with deserts, rainforests, volcanoes and surprisingly, snow-capped mountains.  The mountain create a huge barrier that block the northeasterly trade winds and makes the leeward, western side of the island the driest region.  This coast has the best beaches and water conditions.  The windward, eastern coast is predominately rugged, with pounding surf, plenty of rain, tropical rainforests, deep ravines and majestic waterfalls.  Kona, Waikoloa and Hilo are the main centers for accommodation and restaurants.

The Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is hands down the most unique park in the US National Parks system.  The park represents life and growth and creation of the most natural, basic kind.  This exceptionally large park encompasses two active volcanoes, a still-steaming sunken crater and geologically awesome landscape of cinder cones, pumice pillars and hardened rivers of lava.  Its terrain ranges from tropical beaches to the subartic summit of Mauna Loa, and includes lovely rainforests and fern groves.  It is a fascinating, exciting place to visit.  Plan to spend at least two days in the area, exploring the hiking trails, the unusual attractions and the scenic points. 

The lush, coastal Waipio Valley is the largest and most spectacular of the series of valleys on the windward side of the Kohala Mountains.  It is enclosed by near-vertical 2000-feet-high cliffs and is accessible only by a narrow, excessively steep 4WD track, making hiking in the best option.  The valley is a fertile tangle of jungle, flowering plants, taro patches and waterfalls; this is a magical place to experience the spirit of the “old” Hawaii.

Puuhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park encompasses ancient temples, royal grounds, burial sites and a place of refuge. Take time to check out the carved-wood representations of ancient gods; the stone board for playing konane, an ancient form of checkers played with black lava and white coral; and the wonderful snorkeling found off the natural lava steps just north of the place of refuge.  The beautiful stretch of white sand at Hapuna Beach is the island’s most popular beach.  It has good snorkeling, swimming, diving and bodysurfing.  Avoid the winter surf, which can pound the shoreline and get unsuspecting swimmers in trouble.

The Big Island is a perfect adventure for everyone; there are accommodations for every price range, great adventures, great beaches, and amazing scenery.  Give the experts at James TravelPOINTS a call and we’ll take care of the rest, 1-800-538-7461, www.travelpoints.com.

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Here is a review from one of our Mexico Specialists who recently returned from Iberostar Gran (Iberostar Grand) in the Riviera Maya, Mexico just South of Cancun.  Read about this luxurious, gourmet, spa resort. 

 I did not feel like I was in Mexico when my mom and I checked into the Iberostar Grand as Mr. and Mrs. Barnett (you can tell this romantic resort mainly caters to couples).  With it’s giant chandeliers, beautiful artwork, and rich ambiance I felt like I was in a luxurious Las Vegas hotel.  We were taken to our oceanfront room in a golf cart by one of the employees who told us about the 5 delicious restaurants we could eat at any night, the 3 beautiful pools, and the giant spa.  It was when we were walking into the building where our room was when I finally said to myself, “Ah, Mexico.”  The building was maybe 15 yards from the ocean and mere steps away from the first lounge chair.  I couldn’t believe how nice our room was.  It had 2 lounge chairs on the large balcony, a giant bed, and french doors that open to a bathroom that had his and her sinks even.  Our personal butler greeted us immediately and we told him we preferred Corona in the free minibar fridge and  wanted 8pm reservations at the surf and turf for our first big meal.  I couldn’t believe the high quality of the food as well as the relaxed atmosphere of the resort.  My goal is to go back as often as possible.

James TravelPOINTS 1-800-538-7461, www.travelpoints.com

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Consider Ceiba del Mar Resort and Spa in the Riviera Maya, Mexico just south of Cancun.  It’s a perfect quiet, luxury getaway for couples, honeymooners or anyone who likes to be spoiled.  You can choose from  gourmet all-inclusive or “Al a carte”.  I just returned from this beautiful property and here is my report. 

Do you want Mexican luxury that’s only 20 minutes from the Cancun airport?  Try Ceiba del Mar, a small resort, with under 100 rooms.  The service can’t be beat.  They will transfer you to and from the airport, enjoy a bottled water on the trip.  Once you arrive at the hotel you get a lovely drink while the front desk workers explain the many things Ceiba del Mar has to offer its guests.  Leave your breakfast request outside your door and it will be delivered to the butler cabinet at the time you request in the morning, no worries about answering the door in your pj’s.  All rooms are just steps away from the private beach which is swept clear of sea grass everyday.  If you don’t like salty water, the saline pool is large and looks out over the ocean.  Don’t worry about bringing a towel to the beach, pool butlers will cover your chair with a giant towel and leave another for drying off.  At the Ceiba del Mar, you can get an all-inclusive meal plan or go European style.  The food is delicious and one appetizer was more than enough for the two of us to be satisfied for dinner.  Every morning and evening we went to yoga, usually outside on the hotel’s covered dock.  This is the yoga you imagine you’re doing when you’re at the gym at home, listen to the waves and relax.  The spa offers a large variety of treatments for such a small hotel.  The Ceiba del Mar is great for all travelers, we saw families, honeymoon couples, and sisters out for a last hoorah.

Call James TravelPOINTS to book this or anyone luxurious hotel and spa 1-800-538-7461, www.travelpoints.com

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