Thursday, November 29, 2007

Romance In Gulf Shores, Alabama

Romance In Gulf Shores, Alabama

by Terry Wedding
Whether you are a newly-wed, celebrating an anniversary or just plain madly in love, there is no better place for romance than the beach. And the most romantic stretch of beach in the country by far is the sugar-sand coastline of Gulf Shores, Alabama.

The warm, white sand is soft and inviting ' perfect for lounging ' and the myriad of romantic activities and boundless beautiful panoramas are ideal for romantic interludes and creating treasured memories that will warm your hearts for years to come. No matter what your budget, the duration of your stay or your intentions, don't miss the opportunity to rekindle the spark ' or a light a new one ' in Gulf Shores, Alabama.If you really want to "wow" her, try taking her on a soaring adventure into the skies. Nothing could be more beautiful or awe-inspiring than watching the Gulf Shores, Alabama coastline stretch out beneath you while a powerful helicopter pulls the two of you into the air. Book a special sunrise or sunset tour for added panoramic splendor. And if you're planning to pop "the questions," it makes the perfect backdrop. (we promise, the pilot won't look!)

If your loved one likes dolphins and other marine life, the two of you should be sure to check out the dolphin cruises and dolphin experiences offered in Gulf Shores, Alabama. Whether you would rather watch these delightful sea creatures frolic from a distance or actually interact with them in their native environment, Gulf Shores, Alabama has the opportunity for you. Watch her steal a kiss from Flipper, and then steal one (from her, of course!) for yourself. If you enjoy deep sea fishing, there are also combination packages available so that one of you can sun and sightsee while the other reels in a tasty dinner.Finally, top off your day with a hearty meal at one of Gulf Shores, Alabama's highly-rated restaurants. Whether it's down-home cooking, fine cuisine or award-winning seafood, Gulf Shores, Alabama dining is some of the best in the country. A little-known musical community also flourishes in the area, and live musical accompaniment is not uncommon at dinner.


Reserve an ocean-front table, then settle in to watch the sun set and listen to the waves lap on the shore. No matter what your plans are for after dinner, a sun-and-starlit evening is definitely the way to kick them off in the right mood.

Call Travel Travel at 701-492-5000 for more information or to book your getaway today!

Wednesday, November 28, 2007

Hawaii - Romance in the Islands of Aloha

Hawaii - Romance in the Islands of Aloha


As one of the oldest languages, Hawaiian is a beautiful, flowing collection of words and phrases that captures the natural beauty of the islands with melody, hidden meanings and wonderful mysteries. A special language is needed to describe Hawaii, for Webster’s words cannot adequately portray the palm trees on the coast of Oahu backlit and ablaze by the setting sun, let alone the endless black sand beaches of Kalapana, the dominant rainforests across the Big Island or the cascading waterfalls that prance over Molokai’s volcanic rocks.


Yet the Hawaiian language contains no word for romance. While some say Eskimos have over 20 words for snow, Hawaiians should have over a hundred words for romance considering the islands’ idyllic surroundings, luxurious hotels, celebrated restaurants and relaxing spas. Even without the definitive word, Hawaii stands alone as the tropical beacon of romance, dedicated to the secrets and songs that stir the heart.

Romance and paradise go hand-in-hand for couples in Hawaii, defined by moonlit walks on the beach where only palm trees hear your whispers, clear ocean views from the balcony of your suite and leisurely horseback rides in the surf. The Islands of Aloha add a special backdrop that is simply unavailable anywhere else.


Small wonder that Hawaii is the number one dream destination for honeymoons in the world. It comes down to timing, for any time of the year is perfect for a romantic visit according to knowledgeable travel agents. Well versed in the ways of aloha, travel agents combine experience in finding the best air and hotel rates with extensive knowledge of the islands to give you peace of mind long before you set foot in paradise.

Peace of mind is important to newlyweds, for some weddings can be as stressful as they are joyous. Nothing relieves wedding stress more than the melodious rush of the warm Pacific waters surging around your ankles as your feet delightfully sink into the moist white sand.

Nothing is more relaxing than lying in an over-sized hammock steps away from your bungalow, waiting for the sun to slide below a crisp horizon. Hawaii is as therapeutic as it is romantic.
Which of Hawaii’s islands is the most romantic? Luckily this is not a choice with dire consequences, for each island provides a unique and irresistible charm along with the tropical elegance to create the perfect romantic setting.


The tumultuously beautiful power of creation itself is highly visible on Hawaii's Big Island, twice the size of the other islands combined and growing larger every day as its active volcano, Kilauea, sends new land into the ocean. This primordial landscape gushes with waterfalls and lush rainforests that conceal secret paths to unspoiled beaches.

On Maui, the Magic Isle, whales swim close by to admire the heavenly beaches. The best sights on the island, though, are rewarded to those who wake up at 3:30 in the morning to trek up to the top of the Haleakala volcano to catch the sun’s first peek at the new day.

Solitude is easy to come by on Lanai, Hawaii’s most exclusive island. Amazing geographic landmarks astound visitors, such as the Garden of the Gods where boulders are strewn across a crimson landscape as if abandoned by a Herculean child after playtime. The trails of the Kanepu'u Preserve always lead to wonder, while the summit of Lana'ihale, a 3,370-ft-high windswept perch, provides a view of the other islands floating in the distance like passing ships.
The roads on Molokai are few and usually empty, for there is little traffic and no traffic lights on an island where no building stands taller than a coconut tree. Steeped in tradition, its small population prefers to live by raising crops, catching fish and adhering to the old ways, creating an authentic Hawaiian experience far away from commercial luaus and vast resorts.


The heart of Hawaii beats in Oahu, where city and scenery harmoniously unite. Here you can “hang loose” at the world-famous Waikiki Beach, learn to respect the wave on the legendary North Shore and dine at Hawaii’s finest restaurants in historic Honolulu.

The islands are indeed beautiful, but for beautiful memories romance must take center stage. To ensure honeymoon bliss, hotels and resorts offer packages guaranteed to add spark and sizzle to an already perfect vacation.


Packages include amorous highlights such as champagne and chocolate-dipped strawberries waiting in the room to ocean view rooms and tickets to a show. The “Passion Package” at the Kohala Coast’s Mauna Lani Bay Hotel offers unlimited golf, a professional massage and dinner for two. While the “Perfect Honeymoon Package” at the Big Island’s Hilton Waikoloa Village provides a daily breakfast, a seaside cabana massage for two, dinner and a sunset catamaran sail.

Romance and beauty in Hawaii—aloha sums it up best, a word that not only means hello and goodbye, but also love. More than a beautiful word, aloha is both prized and practiced, spreading a special warmth throughout these magical islands. It's Hawaii's unique gift to you and the world.
Discover the true meaning of aloha with a loved one the Hawaiian way. Whether it is a honeymoon getaway, an anniversary celebration or a romantic escape, your Hawaiian romance can be designed just for you. Find a travel agent specializing in romantic getaways to handle the travel arrangements, leaving you to discover new ways to say romance.
Say aloha for hello, goodbye and love. Call Travel Travel Carlson Wagonlit today and discover the magic and romance of Hawaii.





FESTIVALS & EVENTS



PGA MasterCard Championship Golf Tournament – January


Annual Hilo Chinese New Year Festival – February


Annual Stampede Rodeo – March


Annual International Festival of the Pacific – May/June


Annual Waiki’I Music Festival – June


Kona Coffee Cultural Festival – November


Peaman’s Post Pig-Out Plunge Biathlon – December

Tuesday, November 27, 2007

It's a Small World After All


Disney has it right; it is a small world after all. We all get so wrapped up in our daily lives that sometimes we fail to see the grand scheme of things. From Bismarck, North Dakota to South Africa to Antarctica, everyone is connected.

Thousands around the globe affect your daily life. When there is a fire in California, the price for fruit may go up in the Midwest. When problems occur in China, imports could slow down - slowing you down at the local Wal-Mart. When an airport across the country is facing delays and cancellations because of weather, you can bet your flight may not be on time either.
How do you think that you affect others in your daily life? How do you think others affect you?