Robyn's Wanderings

Zoobies: blankets/toys/pillows in one for kids who travel!

They need….what do they need?

Well they need a stressless trip. What can entertain a child? Well toys. But what a pain having to pack the toys and the pillows and the blankets!

Cause you know the kids are also going to get cold and tired! And Sheilagh Robertson at The Harbourmaster store in Bermuda recommends that parents plan ahead to make travel as stress free for you and your children.

She said: “Airlines now charge for pillows and blankets so you may want to bring your own. Zoobies makes the ideal solution- a stuffed plush toy that comes with a travel blanket folded up inside. Available in a variety of animals these cuddly animals serve as toy, pillow and blanket all rolled into one.”

Because: ”Traveling with children can be stressful at the best of times so it is important to try to keep young children as close as possible to their normal schedules for meals and sleep.”

So why not buy these purpose-built toys/blankets/pillows at The Harbourmaster?

Travel light and comfortable with these!

It’s the perfect Christmas gift and only costs $64 at the Washington Mall store! And of course Sheilagh and her staff will be there to help  you pick out the right animal to make sure it’s the right trip!

And of course if you want just a pillow substitute for the kid in your life, Sheilagh at The Harbourmaster is with you all the way!

Comfy Kids Pillows

For just $21 this panda or lion can join your child for your next trip and keep everyone happy! Remember Christmas is coming and it’s the perfect time to treat you (and your child) to some peaceful sleep!

It's chocolate time!

I’ve tried to stay away. I’ve walked by them in the pharmacies. I’ve seen them in store shops. But on Wednesday when I was doing my grocery shopping I couldn’t resist.

I couldn’t resist, yet I had to justify. I stood there in Lindo’s (Bermuda’s friendliest grocery store) and debated. How can I justify my need for an Advent Calendar?

Well for one and really should be the only reason: CHOCOLATE! And not just one chocolate or a box that you might sit and eat in one go this thing doles-out chocolates every day! Bring on the extra pounds I don’t care!

Just as the Advent Calendar hits your sweet tooth it also gives me a reason for being! Well a reason coupled with my coffee in the morning to be on a caffeine high! So reason two? Do I have to spell it out? A nice side-dish for your coffee.

Three, well of course it makes me feel like a kid again. I know, awww…..! I remember every morning we would scamper to the kitchen to find out what the chocolate was that day and scarf it down before the eggs were ready.

But the problem was there are three of us in my family and there was only ONE Advent Calendar. “Is it my turn yet mom?” No Robyn you only went yesterday.”

That’s the beauty of being an adult and reason four for getting to the pharmacy for one! I get to buy the Advent Calendar so I get the chocolates! Ha. Take that. Selfish? Ok maybe. So maybe I’ll share a couple.

Advent this and Advent that. Did you know that Advent stands for Coming in Latin? I bet you didn’t, but that’s what reason number five is for purchasing this chocolate maze. It made me find out what it stood for.

The coming of what? Well six is of course you have to stuff your face with chocolate. At least Christians have something to celebrate and that’s the nativity of Jesus.

Where did this all start? Apparently it all started with the German Lutherans! Yep here’s number seven for you. A history lesson (with a side of chocolate). At the beginning of the 19th Century the German Lutherans would physically count until December 24th. That include making chalk markings on the walls.

And eight is did you know when the first Advent Calendar was made? I bet you didn’t. I bet you’re glad I’m

A chocolate ear santa?

going to tell you.

Well the first Advent Calendar was handmade in 1851! The first printed Advent Calendar was made in Hamburg in 1902!

And nine is it gives you a way to see how other countries celebrate the holidays. Did you know, for example, that in Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Iceland and Finland there is also a tradition of having a Julekalender. It’s a TV show featuring a trio of comedic actors that has 24 episodes; one for each day until Christmas Eve.

Who knew? And for those of you, and me, who are not religious or may not be Christian what more could you ask for? What about bigger chocolates? So maybe the secular Advent Calendars are finally a way for everyone to enjoy something at the same time each year that doesn’t scream RELIGION!

Now go out and buy!

December's Decorations

It’s time to plan for your travels. Where are you going next? Need somewhere or something to do in December? Well if you’re Bermudian this first one is most definitely not up your alley.

So why am I including it in my December 10 traveling ideas today? Well because it’s always amazing to me to see people strip down, jump-in and try to swim as the temperatures around them plunge.

Are you interested in participating? Are you in London? Going to London? Well on December 4th some crazy people will be taking the Plum Pudding Plunge in the Parliament Hill Lido.

Enticing I know. Maybe the mince pies and the hot tub afterwards would bring you around? It certainly does nothing for me. Neither does the 15 pounds they are charging for the pleasure.

I will certainly be keeping my sweater on, but if you are interested in the challenge and won’t be in London on December 4th check-out this Outdoor Swimming site for more ideas.

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland

Or perhaps you are in London for more traditional, winter fare? Perhaps a turn on the ice rink? Some warm wine?

A taste of a Christmas market?

Well Hyde Park is here to help with their traditional and annual event: Winter Wonderland.

Every year from November 19th to January 3rd, this corner in Hyde Park is decked-out with everything from Santa and his helpers to winter food and rides such as a replica London’s Eye!

Who can resist? Of course it is free, unless you want to go on the rides. A fun way to use the cold to your advantage.

But maybe you’re not traveling to London for December? Maybe, if you’re from Bermuda, an easy trip is to head for the East Coast and New York.

New York has ice skating too and if you’re going to be ice skating you’re probably going to want to go to Rockefeller Centre. It’s the place featured in all the films. It’s romantic with all the buildings towering above you, but’s also expensive, busy and not always the best option. Try to visit early in the morning or before 4 p.m. if you want to get this New York experience. And, of course, visit the Centre for the lighting of the tree on December 2!

Why not get a free (yes I wrote free) skating experience in New York? Head a little further south in Manhattan and you will hit Bryant Park. For $13 you can rent skates and it is free to skate on the pond. If you have your own skates, well, you get it….it’s FREE!!!

But who just wants to skate or see the lights in New York? If I’m coming from Bermuda I want it to be for a reason.

How about December 10? You free? z100 (a radio station) is hosting their Jingle Ball with the likes of Katy Perry, B.o.B. , Bruno Mars, Paramore, Michael Buble, Taio Cruz and many, many more! How amazing would that concert be?

Hosted at the Madison Square Gardens from 7.30 p.m. you can buy your tickets here.

Is Boston more your style? Well if it is you are more than likely a Bruins fan. Can’t wait to see them fly across the ice? Well you don’t have to. In December the home team is heading home for at least seven games.

Check out these dates:

Boston for December

Thursday, 12/2, 7pm – Bruins vs Lightening

Tuesday, 12/7, 7pm – Bruins vs Sabres

Thursday, 12/9, 7pm – Bruins vs Islanders

Saturday, 12/11, 7pm – Bruins vs Flyers

Saturday, 12/18, 7pm – Bruins vs Capitals

Monday, 12/20, 7pm – Bruins vs Ducks

Thursday, 12/23, 7pm – Bruins vs Thrashers

Buy your tickets here.

Perhaps hockey is not quite your style? Perhaps you want to try something a bit more soothing on the ears?

Well have no fear the Boston Pops Orchestra is here. Well in Boston, but you get it.

From December 8th to December 26th the holiday season will be serenaded with 37 matinée and evening performances at the Symphony Hall.

Tickets range from $27 to $125 so check out their website here for more information.

Need something more from Boston? Well check out Boston Events website for more ideas.

Canada. Yep that northerly neighbour of America is also getting festive this season. Why not bundle-up and

Animals need holiday treats too

head for Toronto? Their zoo is even getting into the mix this year.

On boxing day, which of course we also celebrate in Bermuda, the Toronto zoo will be hosting its 35th annual Christmas Treats walk. Yes even the animals get some holiday cheer.

For those human beings that participate, hot chocolate and carollers are your treat.

Not up for the animals? Well Toronto also has an annual bike show!

From December 10th to the 12th Toronto will be holding a motorcycle show for the enthusiast in all.

Not sure why I would want to drive a bike in Canada in December, but hey, maybe those Canadians are more hearty than Bermudians.

In any case if you do fancy yourself a motorcyclist check out the website for more information.

Finally on the other side of Canada, in Vancouver, Stanley Park will be alight with millions of Christmas whites to create a winter wonderland.

Take train ride through the forest transformed with two million twinkling lights, see the animated displays and listen to holiday sounds as you enjoy hot chocolate, fresh popcorn and roasted chestnuts. For more information visit the Parks’ website.

Sounds lovely. Now to pack for the trip. Check back here tomorrow for some tips and tales on how to pack.

Get your Gift Certificate by November 30th and win two tickets!

I know we don’t celebrate it in Bermuda. Well, we don’t celebrate this meal on the fourth Thursday of November since 1863 unless you are American or have the American heritage.

But why do Americans celebrate it? Well apparently way back when, Americans were not quite as hardy and they barely made it through their first winter in a new land.

They put together a meal of venison, calms, fruit, pumpkin, etc… and sat down for three days! Yes, three days. They managed to consume enough food for 53 pilgrims and 90 Native Americans.

Not a bad job. Now that food feeds a family of five. Just kidding.

But why am I bringing this up? Good question. Fancy celebrating Thanksgiving in the country that founded it? For free? Why not, right? I do!

Want to finish a bit of Christmas shopping too?!? I know. I know. You’re thinking: “This is boring, Robyn. Just tell us.”

Ok well if you go into CTravel by November 30th and buy a gift certificate for someone on your Christmas gift list (or even yourself) you’ll be entered to win two tickets to anywhere in the United States!

No I’m not kidding! So what are you waiting for?

More suggestions? We that’s good because CTravel has also launched a new website for those looking for more travel ideas.

What’s it called? CTravel Society. It has all of your travel advisories, currency converter, FAA tips, etc.! So check it out and find-out about their latest ventures.

And finally…..what are you doing tonight? Need an excuse to shop?

Well perfect then.

The Phoenix Centre is opening its doors to the lucky shoppers who make it to the store between 6.30 and 9.00 p.m. tonight!

Sip, shop, sample and save!!!

Need I say more? Well how about if you get your Christmas gifts sorted now you can fly to Jamaica directly from Bermuda for the holidays!

Don’t bother having to connect through America or swing through London.

For Christmas CTravel can connect you directly to Jamaica for the low price of $1,200 per person.

That runs from December 18th to January 8th and the price includes all of your accommodations!

Optional visits to Cuba, Panama, Santo Domingo and other islands can also be arranged.

For more information or to make a reservation please contact: Pam Maybury at: 294-6908 or email: pamm@ctravel.bm

Or visit their website for more trips!

The Red Fort in New Delhi, India

Celebrate the victory of light over the forces of darkness today! At least the millions of people in India, Mauritius, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Guyana, Trinidad&Tobago, Sri Lanka and Fiji will be.

It’s Diwali time. Or Festival of Lights time. Whatever you want to call it, the celebrations started yesterday and last for five days and is one of the most important of the year in Hinduism, Sikhism, and Jainism.

It occurs between mid October and mid November every year and luckily when I took my first trip to India I was there for the festival. Talk about indulgent. I have never eaten so many sweets before in my life. See My India Photos for more.

That’s because Diwali marks the defeat of Ravana and the return of Ram, Sita and Laxman to Ayodhya from their 14 year exile.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HrrW3rO51ak]

I mean after 14 years you’ve got to celebrate somehow. But the festival is not about sweets. Well not entirely. It is also referred to as the festival of lights for a reason.

The return of Ram, Sita and Laxman was celebrated by the people of Ayodhya by adorning their path with diyas (clay pots with candles) and this is the reason why we get to see the aura of diyas everywhere during the festival of Diwali.

It’s also a time when families get together. Perhaps something of an equivalent to Christmas or Hanukkah for other religions.

Whatever it is, it’s a great time to visit India! So plan your trip and enjoy the hospitality that will be extended to everyone, even visitors, during this time.

Kayaking through Halong Bay, Vietnam

Sailing through the green mountains and kayaking around beautiful blue water was my way of finding a break from overnight bus after overnight bus in Vietnam. I found myself sailing on the traditional boats for three days in Halong Bay.

This beautiful bay is a UNESCO site and it is amazing. These limestone islands jut out of the water and offer visitors even a chance to see caves where Viet Cong used to, and stalactites do, hide. Throw some crab on my plate and garnish it with shrimp and I’m not sure why I left.

Or why you’re not going! And why not go for Christmas? For $5,999 you can sail on the luxury yachts of Seabourn around Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam for 16 days! The cruise departs on December 21 and will be the ultimate in luxury as it pulls-in to Hanoi and Bangkok to name a few of the stops. The cruise used to be $13,000 but if you contact CTravel they can help you book for the recently reduced price.

Or maybe you’re hoping to infiltrate a closed country? No I’m not talking about North Korea….it’s Bhutan. A beautiful and often forgotten country north of India. From yak herders, rhododendron forests, snow-capped peaks, alpine meadows, rare birds and animals, and intricate temples, Bhutan offers it all….but it also requires you to have a guide. Yep! Unfortunately there is no such thing as independent in this aggressively closed country.

Bhutan Trip with Zeghram and Eco

So why not join Gary Wintz and Zegrahm and Eco Adventures and spend 14 days trekking to ancient monasteries, nature preserves, and sacred spaces in a country nearly unknown to Western travelers.

Book with CTravel for your April 10 to the 23rd adventure in one of the most secret societies!

But Robyn, you say, you were going to tell us about travel deals in Europe! You’re right I was (I said so in yesterday’s blog for those who haven’t been ardently following). None of that is to say these deals are to be forgotten. Nope!

Instead Abercrombie and Kent are offering a trip through the Winter Wonderland of Prague, Munich and Berlin for nine nights at the price of six. When? Well for the winter markets of course. This includes Munich’s traditional market, which has been held on Marienplatz for 600 years where the festive Alpine music rings out and the mulled wine never ends! And Prague’s Old Town Square, which fills with festive market stalls and is overlooked by gothic buildings that ring with Christmas carolers.

Of course all of these deals are available by contacting CTravel (it is CTravel Thursday by the way). So get on the phone and get yourself on one of these amazing vacations!

Taking a time-out on the streets of Buenos Aires

“Keep your eyes down or you’ll get asked to dance.”

My eyes stayed plastered to the floor and sometimes, just to mix it up, on the table. I was NOT going to Tango and no one was going to catch my eye.

That’s the danger in the local dance halls in Buenos Aires. Like the one my friends Maria and Jennie dragged me to in the capital of Argentina. A sparse dance hall, there were a multitude of tables and chairs that emptied to fill the rectangular dance floor when the band resumed.

It was a freakish and yet amazing site to see hundreds suddenly move en masse. But Tango is not the only draw to Argentina. Nor is South America the only continent you can visit from here.

Nope! What about the frozen continent? What about Antarctica? What about taking it with Tauck World Discovery and do it in luxury?

Route for Antarctica

The best part? From select American cities the airfare to Buenos Aires is only $890 per person and, AND… if you are a repeat customer you get two nights free in a hotel at the beginning or end of the trip. If you are a new customer you get one free night!

And what does the trip include? Good question. Two days in Buenos Aires before flying to the southern tip of Argentina.  A visit to the Terra del Fuego National park? Some Penguins? Some Glaciers? Sign me up.

Or perhaps you want to wander where the Incas did? Well prior to the Spanish decided to enter South America. Tauck also has a 13-day tour for you too. It’s $4,655 per person and includes Peru and Bolivia. But who can forget Machu Picchu? Well Tauck can’t and you won’t.

Peru and Bolivia

Finish you Inca trail with La Paz, which was founded in 1548 by Spaniards. The highest capital city in the world above sea level, La Paz is also home to the highest golf course on Earth; in the thin air, a good tee shot will travel an amazing distance! Venture just outside the city to explore the lunar-like badlands dubbed the Valle De La Luna (Valley of the Moon), a stone landscape of deep gullies and bizarre rock formations, before heading to La Paz’s city center to soak up some local color in the bustling Indian Market.

OR maybe you’re look for something to do with the family? Something for the kids for Christmas? What about visiting the Christmas markets in Europe?

For 8 days and $1,990 per person Tauck’s new Christmas Market river cruise along the Danube from Vienna to Nürnberg aboard ms Swiss Jewel offers a new approach to discovering the magic of the Christmas Markets in Germany and Austria… a 700-year holiday tradition!

And remember Tauck’s Tours can all be booked through CTravel and are subject to the extra night or two hotel stays for free! Contact CTravel for more details.

Patagonia, Chile

I landed in Santiago, Chile after almost 38 hours on planes and sitting in airports such as Singapore, Tokyo and Dallas. Actually Dallas included an unintended stay-over when I slept through my departure AT the gate. Should that have told me something? Yes. I needed more sleep.

Luckily I got it in a Dallas airport hotel and the next day flew to my intended first-stop in South America – ever – Santiago. Chile. I don’t speak Spanish and I didn’t have a guidebook, but I did have the name of my hostel and a taxi service.

Golden. But where was I going to go? Chile’s long and thin and difficult to navigate by land. Especially when I landed there in their spring (late September).

Eeny, meeny….miny….moe: Patagonia. Best decision I ever made as I witnessed glaciers for the first time in my life and the most spectacular scenery at the end of the world. Well almost.

I couldn’t quite make it to Ushuaia, which names itself the most Southern city in the world, thanks to bus schedules. So I stayed in Punta Arenas and almost made it to the tip of the world. But don’t let that stop you!

Punta Arenas in Patagonia, Chile

Why not combine spa with adventure and a chance to visit tuxed-out non-flying birds? Why not spend New Years’ Eve in the luxury of a high-end cruise that will depart from Ushuaia (in Argentina) deliver you to some glaciers, cross the straight of Magellan and visit Magdela Island where 120,000 penguins await?

If that’s not your cup of tea, Chile by Sportstour, which you can book through CTravel, also offers New Years Eve in Chile’s desert and the highest in the world – the Atacama Desert. With moon-like landscapes that will mystify why not try it? Make the New Years resolution.

New Years Eve may seem miles away as we enter August, but if you’re looking for a deal in December you need to book with Windstar Cruises for their 2-for-1 deals. Take a 15-day cruise to:St. Barts, Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Curacao, Aruba
Transit Panama Canal, Isla de Coiba, Quepos, Tortuga Island.

If you book by August 14 (i.e. only nine days away) one person can sail for 15-days for :$3,575 pp. It was originally $7,149 per person. Can’t think of a nicer place to be spending Christmas!

Varanasi/Robyn Skinner

Or maybe you want something sooner? Something for September? Why not travel on the only Riverboat along the Ganges between Kolkata and Varanasi, India?

The next trip for the 56-person Bengal Pandaw river cruise is September 27th. There are only ten cruises a year! Each one is 11 days, but the entire trip includes stays in Kolkata for a night and Varanasi (the holiest city in India) for two.

For more information on the Bengal Pandaw Riverboat contact Carl Paiva, CEO of CTravel at 292-3033 and for the other deals check CTravel’s website or give them a call.

And as always: check the Travel Deals’ Page for more advice.

A Christmas Market in Europe

I ever spent Christmas away from home I was cold and in Europe.  It was 2002 and I had just finished a TEFL (Teach English as a Foreign Language) course and I was hoping to find a job. I also rented an apartment with a buddy of mine so money was tight and so was time.

My family wasn’t particularly thrilled, but I didn’t have much of a choice. And to be honest I was glad I did. Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic was fantastic with Christmas Markets in every square, mulled wine warming my hands and fantastic wood carvings to enjoy. Even the tubs of fish on the corners (kept this way to be fresh for Christmas dinner) were an interesting site.

Ok it’s cold, but isn’t Europe supposed to be cold? Isn’t the snow and the real warmth of the mulled wine worth it? For me? Yes.

What is the point? Well Viking Cruises, through CTravel, are offering amazing deals this Christmas in the form of 2-for-1 cruising and 2-for-1 airfare with free wine on select 10 and 8 day cruises. One of those includes a 10-day cruise from Nuremberg, Germany to Budapest, Hungary.

Where would you spend Christmas Eve? Vienna. And Christmas Day? Riding into the woods surrounding this operatic city.

Or maybe the sun, sand, sea option is more your speed?

Why not save 63% on an Oceania Cruise through CTravel to go from Miami to Grand Turk, Tortola, and St. John’s to name a few Caribbean destinations.

The cruise departs on January 2, 2011 and extends itself for ten days. But a Penthouse that would have cost $6,049 this year will only cost $2,500.

A Veranda will reduce from $4,849 to $2,000 and an outside room will move from $3,449 to $1,500.

by Robyn Skinner

Do children get included in your plans? Or maybe you’re looking for absolute luxury with a hint of history? Well Disney, yes I wrote Disney, offers an eight-day Egypt vacation that includes three days of cruising along the Nile.

You know, that little river that snakes through the country. But before boarding you will stop in Cairo for a tour of the famous and incredible Egyptian Museum. This place is packed to the rafters with old Egyptian goodies.

The on to a camel and a lift around the Pyramids, before flying down to Aswan (you know, where the Dam is) and then cruising for three days until Luxor.

Here the tour guides (because there are two with Disney tours) will take you to the Valley of the Kings and the temples that imbibe this town.

Disney is offering this cruise in April, June, July and December next year.

So what are you doing with your two days off? Well booking a trip with CTravel I hope (well when they open after the Cup Match holiday anyway). Happy Cup Match Bermuda!