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

Here’s a rare opportunity to combine two wonderful, but entirely different, Eastern Canada vacation experiences in one unforgettable adventure. Ideal for couples, families or anyone who prefers to travel independently.  Featuring the four-star resort Fairmont Chateau Montebello and the Fairmont Kenauk wildlife reserve in a rustic cabin on a private lake.

At the luxurious log-and-stone Chateau Montebello (located midway between Montreal and Ottawa), you can enjoy horseback riding, biking and a beautiful spa.  

One of North America’s largest and longest-established private fish and game reserves, Kenauk has more than 70 lakes and 100 square miles of carefully protected wildlife habitat, truly a sportsman’s paradise.  A comfortable home away from home; a charming cabin on a private lake.  We can arrange, a nature guide for a half-day wildlife walk.  Canoeing and private tours of the Kenauk Hatchery can also be arranged.

Contact James TravelPOINTS for more details on this unique Eastern Canada adventure 1-800-538-7461, www.travelpoints.com.

Jan Geiser, cruise specialist, with James TravelPoints and her husband recently cruised to Canada & New England onboard the Caribbean Princess for a beautiful North American fall foliage cruise.

Our cruise began sailing from the Brooklyn Terminal in New York.  We were fortunate to enjoy our sailaway on a bright, sunny afternoon.  We had great views of Manhattan and also the Statue of Liberty on our departure.  One of the most fascinating experiences in sailing from New York is the passage under the Verrazano Bridge.  Will the height of the ship clear the bridge?  Well we did with just inches to spare!

Our first day of our cruise was At Sea.  We were able to enjoy a relaxing day onboard the beautiful Caribbean Princess exploring all that the ship had to offer.  The next day we were in Halifax, Nova Scotia where we opted to take a tour to Peggy’s Cove to visit the quaint town and most visited lighthouse on the East Coast.  The day was perfect albeit windy but so typical of the setting.

Our next port of call was Saint John, New Brunswick.  Here we took an excursion to St. Martin’s and the Bay of Fundy.  The day was spectacular for viewing the Fall colors and countryside.  Our tour included a light lunch of seafood chowder before we were able to walk the beach and visit the sea caves.

Our stop in St. Martin’s provided a photo opportunity to capture the sight of the two covered bridges…the only place in North America to do so.  Bar Harbor, Maine was our next port.  Unfortunately, the morning was rainy and foggy but we were able to visit Acadia National Park and enjoy some of the magnificent coastal views.  We made it to the summit of Cadillac Mountain; however, our brief stop was in total fog.  Upon return to Bar Harbor we enjoyed a typical Lobster bake consisting of steamed mussels, excellent whole Maine lobster and all of the accompaniments, including a fresh Maine blueberry dessert.  Our afternoon in Bar Harbor proved to be sunny and once again, we were able to stroll in town and enjoy beautiful fall foliage along the waterfront.

We were off to Boston where numerous sightseeing options were available.  We visited the city and Quincy Market on another lovely Fall day in New England.  Last day of our cruise was spent in Newport, Rhode Island.  We enjoyed the 10-mile Ocean Drive before returning to Newport for time on our own.  We visited St. Mary’s Parish Church where Jacqueline Bouvier and John Fitzgerald Kennedy were married.  We strolled the waterfront enjoying another beautiful, sunny day with vistas of sailboats in the harbor.

If you haven’t been to this part of North America, as was the case for us, I would highly recommend that you consider making this trip.  We thoroughly enjoyed this exciting and engaging escape in both Canada and New England. 

Please call Jan — James TravelPoints International — 800-274-0436X231, www.travelpoints.com.  I would love to discuss Canada/New England travel options with you! 

Christie Laplant, Travel Specialist at James TravelPOINTS recently traveled to San Francisco home of the famous Fisherman’s Wharf, San Francisco Bay Bridge, Cable Cars, China town and so much more.  I could have not picked a better weekend because Sunday, the day that I arrived was the last day of “ Fleet Week ” . For those who are not familiar with Fleet week, every year in the fall San Francisco is the place to be for celebrating the men and woman of our armed forces. A spectacular weekend family event featuring the navy Blue angels, a Parade of Navy ships and other exciting flight demonstrations.

And I can tell you from my own experience that is ” spectacular ” to watch these unbelievable demonstrations while standing on the ” Golden Gate Bridge “

In only 2 full days I had to try to see as much of the City as possible, and I did it!!! In the fastest way possible but still never felt I was rushing it.

Sunday morning I took the earliest flight out and arrived  around 8am at the San Francisco airport, a taxi ride to Fisherman’s wharf takes about 20 min. (cost approx $45).

I made reservations at the Hyatt af Fisherman’s Wharf, a wonderful  low rise hotel, modern, contemporary, and all the luxury that the Hyatt has come to offer; great comfortable beds, large rooms, clean and personalized service. For example, if you would like to check-in for your flight 24-hours prior,  they have free internet down stairs in the lobby , with a printer, so you can just print out your boarding pass. A concierge that can help you with all the questions you have and will give you great recommendations on restaurants etc. Also voted ” best sports bar in town is right at the Hyatt, called “Knuckles Sports bar & Grill”.

I called the Lobby a couple of days before I arrived and told them about my early check in..they put down the request, and when I checked in at around 8.30am I was told that my room was ready!!

The Hyatt at Fisherman’s Wharf is only 2 blocks away from Pier 39. This is the Premier Bay Attraction, at this Pier, with lots of different restaurants, shops, attractions, etc. You could spend at least a full day at Pier 39, that’s how much there is to see. My favorite ” totally free ” attraction was the  World Famous Sea Lions, located at the end of Pier 39, no worries..you will find them, just follow the sound

After walking around a bit I decided to take a tour. Like I said I only had 2 full days so I had to try to see most of all the sights, and there is no better way to do this by taking a ” hop on hop off tour “.

I was able to start the tour at Fisherman’s Wharf, on Mason street at the corner of Jefferson Street. You can buy the ticket on the bus for $32 per adult, kids 4-15 $16. Your ticket is valid for 2 days consecutive days. This is how it works:

* First departure is at 9am from stop 1 at Fisherman’s wharf

* Frequent departure every 30 min- all day long

* Last departure is at 5pm from stop 1 at Fisherman’s wharf

* There are 20 stops throughout San Francisco   

* A full tour last approx 1 hour and 30 min

* If you hotel is not located at Fisherman’s Wharf, no worries, you can buy a ticket on the bus at each stop they make.    

The weather was great so the view was amazing on this English style double Decker bus with open roof. The Tour stops really at all the most important sights of the City, and even drives over the Golden Gate Bridge, you can get off on both sides if you like , and take amazing pictures of the City Sky Line.

THE Shopping District is located all around Union Square, also 1 of the stops. Bring a big wallet, and you will able to spend all day here and visit at all the amazing stores they have http://www.unionsquareshop.com/

Golden Gate Park, also 1 of the stops during the Tour. Did you know that Golden Gate Park is even bigger then Central Park in New York!!!  Golden Gate National Parks has two hundred years of history, from the Native American culture, the Spanish Empire frontier and the Mexican Republic, to maritime history, the California Gold Rush, the evolution of American coastal fortifications, and the growth of urban San Francisco. http://www.nps.gov/goga/

In Golden Gate Park, I visited the oldest Japanese Gardens in California, entree is $5. Its small, but for sure worth a visit if you are into gardens, and if you like to enjoy an oasis of beauty, relaxation, piece and quiet. After walking around I would for sure recommend to have some Japanese tea at the tea house, and enjoy the view, its also very romantic. http://www.holymtn.com/garden/Gallery/index_teagarden.html

San Francisco has for everybody something to offer, if you are into museums, de Young museum is number 1 at the moment also located in the Golden Gate Park, http://famsf.org/deyoung/index.asp the lines were long..I would for sure recommend to go very early in the morning. Or how about the Asian Art Museum http://www.asianart.org/ . For those who remember the show Full House, maybe you recognize these ladies!!!  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Painted_Ladies

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.

Guatemala rich in culture and history, Chichicastenango market, Tikal, Lake Atitlan and Antigua are just a few of what this Central America country has to offer. 

Guatemala, Central America is know as “the land of the eternal spring” is a nation rich in history.  Most archaeologists agree that ancient Guatemala was the culture center of the New World and the famed Maya civilization. It’s many Mayan ruins and colonial buildings are its most impressive architectural attributes.  This much we know: Beautiful lakes, towering volcanoes, rugged mountains, and exotic flora and fauna all make Guatemala an exceptional place to vacation.

Chichicastenango must be visited on Sunday, the day of the famous open-air market where traditionally dressed Indians offer their wares in open stalls.  The cofradias (religious brotherhoods) often hold processions on this day.  The locals have combined traditional Mayan religious rites with Catholicism; the best places to witness these old rites are around the church of  Santo Tomas and the shrine of Pascual Abaj, which honors the Mayan earth god  Incense, food and drink are offered to ancestors and to ensure the continued fertility of the earth.  This is a magical and misty highland town is surrounded by valleys and overshadowed by looming mountains.

Tikal, in the heart of the Guatemalan jungle.  Tikal Park is not only a refuge for most of Guatemala’s mammals, but one of the places where they can easily be observed.
Towering pyramids rise above the jungle’s green canopy, while down below spider and howler monkeys swing nosily through the branches of ancient and trees, colorful parrots squawk and tree frogs fill in the auditory gaps.   With some luck you may even spot coatis, raccoons or white tailed deer.  More than 300 species of birds have been recorded within the park, from hummingbirds to great birds of prey.  Tikal was one of the most important, if not the most important, urban centers of the Maya area, as proven by the more than 3,000 buildings spread over 16 kilometers, including palaces, temples, ceremonial platforms, ball courts, terraces, residences, plazas, causeways and steam baths.  Here you will also find more than 200 stone altars, hundreds of graves and ritual sites, hear is an uninterrupted history of at least one thousand years.  You can almost feel the presence of this ancient society.

Lake Atitlan and its eternal blue sky here you will have a magnificent view of several volcanoes.  Though this area does not prompt instant name recognition among travelers its beauty easily trumps more famous lakes.  The tiny villages along the 50-square-mile lake are still inhabited by modern-day Mayans wearing traditional dress, kaleidoscopic garments shimmering with purple, orange and crimson threads.  A highlight will certainly be the boat tour to the village of Santiago de Atitlan.

Antigua Guatemala set amid three magnificent volcanoes, with superb colonial buildings.  And of course time in Guatemala City where you have the opportunity to visit several important museums, housing beautiful Mayan and Spanish colonial art.

If you’re looking for something exciting and adventurous, this could be the one. Give the experts at James TravelPOINTS a call and we’ll send you on your way, 1-800-538-7461, www.travelpoints.com