Jamaica - Isle of Enchantment

Jamaica is truly a fantastic destination for all ages, offering beaches, biking, fishing parks, gardens, golf, hiking, historic sites, plantation tours, rafting, safaris, tubing, water activities, and gorgeous waterfalls.

The island is 146 miles long and 50 miles wide and is located in the Caribbean Sea. Visitors from the United States don’t have to worry about translation issues, as the official language of Jamaica is English.

While in Jamaica, visitors can experience musical and movie history. Several James Bond films were taped on location in Jamaica, as was the film Cocktail.

The Bob Marley Jeep Safari, an all-day tour, explores 9-Mile; a quaint village in the beautiful mountains of St. Ann that prides itself in being the birthplace and final resting place of reggae legend, Bob Marley. On this tour, passengers have a first-hand look at Bob Marley’s home and resting place, along with learning some great stories about Marley’s life in Jamaica. There are also plenty of other museums and theaters that highlight the life and music of the man Jamaicans call “The King”.

For the adventurous, white water rafting and a rainforest river tour are offered. On the rainforest tour, patrons can swim in a mineral pool, swing on ropes, or simply relax while gliding down the river on a raft. On the other hand, white water rafting is an intense, thrilling experience, showing the authentic, untamed beauty of Jamaica.

Rum is often associated with the Caribbean, and while in Jamaica, people can explore the Appleton Estate and learn how rum is made today and how it was made in the 18th century. Visitors also have the chance to make and sample their own rum. Other working plantations are also available to tour, along with coffee factories, and historical castles.

Guests looking for beauty in Jamaica don’t have to look far. Tropical scenery is all around. Embedded into Jamaica’s landscape is Dunn’s River Falls, one of the most gorgeous waterfalls in the world and a source of great pride to Jamaicans.

When the sun sets, the island comes alive with sounds of music and laughter drifting out of bars, discs, and theaters. Lovers of the nightlife can take their pick between reggae, blues, and other styles of music while sipping their favorite tropical drink.

No matter your lifestyle or interests, Jamaica has everything you’re looking for.

For more information and a first hand account of Jamaica from a certified travel specialist please visit: http://www.ttravel.com/jamaica-optional-tours.html

Destination Weddings - A Dream Come True

Destination weddings are becoming increasingly popular, especially among those who enjoy traveling. In the United States there are 360,000 destination weddings or more per year, with a prediction of a 20 percent increase in the next 15 years.

Couples who choose a destination wedding generally do so because of the following reasons:

• The couple wants to do something different and personal
• The couple is paying for the wedding themselves and would like to save money.
• Many resorts and destination wedding locations offer lower rates to destination wedding groups.
• Couples will spend on average 41% less on a destination wedding compared to a traditional wedding in their hometown.
• Wedding packages can be customized and can be all-inclusive.
• When engaged couples are from different areas of the country it becomes difficult to decide where to hold a wedding.
• With destination weddings, both families are in neutral territory. Everyone has to travel and is therefore on common ground.
• The couple desires a carefree event.
• The couple is renewing vows or are getting married for a second time.
• All attendees have the opportunity to spend quality time together, while taking a vacation.
  
  “A destination wedding is a great way to get your closest family and friends together and minimize the usual stress of a traditional wedding. With the help of your travel agent and wedding coordinator at a resort of your choice, not only will you spend less than you would on a traditional wedding, you will have the beauty of your chosen destination for your wedding photos, plenty of activities or relaxation for yourself and guests, and a honeymoon all in one!”
  -Katie, Travel Travel Carlson Wagonlit Destination Wedding Specialist

Where do people hold their destination weddings?

The top wedding destinations are:

• Hawaii


• Oahu, Maui, Kauai, Big Island


• Caribbean


• Jamaica, Dominican Republic, Bahamas


• South Pacific


• Tahiti, Bora Bora, Moorea, Fiji


• Bermuda


• Las Vegas


• Mexico


• Cancun, Riviera Maya, Puerto Vallarta, Los Cabos


• Lake Tahoe

Missing Music Festivals

One of the best parts of summer in the midwest are the music festivals. WeFest, 10,000 Lakes Festival, Ribfest, County Fairs, and Moondance Jam are some of the premier events around the Fargo-Moorhead area that bring in thousands of visitors from around the world each summer.

During the winter, festivals are limited in the midwest due to the harsh weather conditions. However, music lovers don't have to be left out in the cold.

The St. Barts Music Festival is an annual event, taking place this year from January 11-23. Audiences are treated to intimate concerts by some of the world’s most prominent classical, opera, ballet, and jazz stars, while being able to enjoy paradise.
stbartsmusicfestival.org

The Barbados Jazz Festival takes place January 14-20 and features 15 amazing artists from around the world. This festival is one of the premier jazz festivals each year.
barbadosjazzfestival.com

The Air Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival has been jamming for fans since 1996. 40,000 visitors attended the event in 2006 and the numbers continue to grow! The dates for this years festival are January 24-26.
airjamaicajazzandblues.com

The St. John Blues Festival is taking place from March 19-23 this year and offers amazing music accompanied by gorgeous scenery.
stjohnbluesfestival.com

Many music lovers say the only way to truely experience music is to become submerged in it. Submerge yourself this winter in the carribbean.