Gladiator for a day

One of our preferred travel vendors published a great article we felt was blogworthy. As the saying goes...When in Rome, do as the Romans do - or at least as ancient Romans did. That's the concept behind the GSR Gladiator School in Rome, where for a small fee, adventure travelers can get the full experience of what it was like to be a gladiator in the Colosseum. Learning the techniques of Roman swordfighters is sure to be an European vacation that travelers won't soon forget.

The informal two-hour course allows visitors to don gladiator garb and see some of the weapons that Romans would have used in battle, according to the Seattle Post-Intelligencer. There's even a tournament using foam bats, and all those who complete the course get a certificate in Latin celebrating their accomplishment.

Then visitors can head to the actual Colosseum to get a sense of what it would have been like to be in front of a massive crowd of spectators and facing down deadly foes. Learning about the history of gladiatorial combat is sure to satisfy even the most hardened adrenaline junkies.

And it's the perfect time to learn about gladiators, as the Colosseum is featuring an exhibit dedicated to the warriors that runs through October.

Article taken from Travel Impressions. Pictures taken from internet.

Giveaway: Travel Document Holder

The new document holders are in! The new document holders are in! We are excited to offer new travel document holders with our logo on them to our special clients [and yes, all of our clients are special]. The holder has four large and two small pockets. Keep airline tickets, rental documents, passports, ID, or travel itineries all in one convenient wallet. 

When you book a trip with Destinations, we customize your travel documents with detailed information including: "Tips to Make You a Savvy Traveler," quart size Ziploc bags for your carry-on liquids, luggage restrictions and rules, what to expect when you arrive at your destination, important numbers you may need to contact us 24/7 while you're traveling, and much more. We want to make sure you are prepared and know what to expect when you travel.

Would you like the chance to win one of our new document holders? We are giving one away this week and it's easy to be entered to win. All you have to do is leave us a comment with and idea on how we could personalize our travel documents even more. Is there something you think would be great to include? Let us know! We will draw a winner at random on Friday afternoon and announce it on Facebook and the blog.

Thanks for participating!

Up close look at our logo

Some of the items we include

Document holders closed and open

World's Best Awards

For 15 years, Travel + Leisure readers have cast their votes for the World’s Best Awards and it’s time to reveal the winners. I was excited to read about several of the top choices so I wanted to share them with you. Grab a cool summer drink and sit back in your favorite chair and dream about your next trip to a Top 10 destination! Maybe you can even mark one off your list after reading this year's top ten. Cheers!

{ Top Cities Overall }

Bangkok
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Florence {Oooh, we love! Best pesto too, voted by Us!}
San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
Rome
Sydney
Buenos Aires
Oaxaca, Mexico
Barcelona
New York City {I heart NY!}

{ Top 10 Cities in the U.S. and Canada }

New York City
San Francisco
Charleston
Chicago
Santa Fe
Vancouver
New Orleans
Quebec City
Victoria
Washington, D.C.

{ Top 10 Cities in Europe }

Florence
Rome
Barcelona
Istanbul
Krakow
Paris
Salzburg
Venice
Seville
Vienna

{ Top Islands Overall }

Galapagos
Kauai
Cyclades, Greece
Bali
Hvar, Croatia
Santorini
Sicily
Maui
Maldives
Big Island, Hawaii

{ Top Caribbean Islands }

Saba, Netherlands Antilles
Virgin Gorda, BVI
St. John
Cuba
St. Lucia

{ Top Domestic Airlines }

Virgin America
Jetblue Airways
Midwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines
Hawaiian Airlines
Sun Country Airlines
WestJet
Frontier Airlines
Alaska Airlines
USA 3000 Airlines

{ Top Caribbean, Bermuda and the Bahamas Hotels }

Nisbet Plantation Beach Club, Nevis
Jade Mountain, St. Lucia
Jamaica Inn and Spa, Ocho Rios Jamaica
Couples Tower Isle, St Mary Jamaica
Couples Swept Away, Negril Jamaica
Couples Sans Souci, Ocho Rios Jamaica
Tucker’s Point Hotel and Spa, Bermuda
Sandy Lane, Barbados
Peter Island Resort and Spa, BVI
Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman

So, do you agree? Have you been to any of these hotels, visited any of the top 10 destinations, or flown with one of the best domestic airlines? We want our "readers" to chime in. Leave us a comment.

For a complete list of the World’s Best Awards check out Travel + Leisure’s August 2010 issue.

Spring Break 2011 on Oasis of the Seas

We are excited to announce that we have Group Space on one of the biggest and best cruise ships. Join us for Spring Break 2011 onboard Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas. We'll set sail on March 19th from Fort Lauderdale, Florida and cruise for 7 days to some exciting and exotic destinations. Rates start at $1159 per person.

[The Itinerary]

March 19 Depart Fort Lauderdale
March 20 Cruise
March 21 Labadee, Haiti
March 22 Falmouth, Jamaica
March 23 Cruise
March 24 Cozumel, Mexico
March 25 Cruise
March 26 Arrive in Fort Lauderdale

[The Ports of Call]

Labadee, Haiti is a private island owned by Royal Caribbean. This day will be full of beach, sun, and watersports! Check out the zipline too!
Falmouth, Jamaica is sure to offer you history, food and adventure! Make sure to try the jerk chicken
Cozumel, Mexico is great for shopping - find jewelry galore and some of the best snorkeling.

[The Ship]

Oasis of the Seas is a destination in itself. From the Nation of Why Not, experience neighborhoods at sea, the Flowrider surf simulator, Zip lining and much more. Experience DreamWorks Animation onboard Oasis of the Seas too. Aqua shows and ice skating are sure to offer you unlimited entertainment.

A Passion for Travel

We love featuring our wonderful clients on our blog, as well as introducing you to new and beautiful destinations.   Today, I read an article in a travel industry publication that really spoke to me.  It got me thinking, and I wanted to share my thoughts with you.

Sarah and I love what we do everyday.  We are so blessed to come to a job where we get to make your travel dreams a reality.  We are passionate about what we do, and your happiness is all we ask in return.  We passionately believe that we offer you, our valued friend and client, a much greater service than an online alternative.  We are here for you 24/7 when you are traveling.  You can call us at home, at work, on the go.  We LISTEN to what you say, and do everything humanly possible to make your dream a reality.  Your special requests are vitally important to us. 

All that to say, are you passionate about what you do?  Do you love it to the point that you are excited to come to work each day, and share your perspective with your friends and co-workers?  Passion ignites passion so whatever you do, be passionate about it. 

Hoping your week is passionate success!
Tracee

Ashley + Aaron Honeymoon at Secrets Wild Orchid

KNWA News Reporter, Aaron Nolan, and his wife Ashley Ketz, 5News Anchor, honeymooned in beautiful Montego Bay, Jamaica and stayed at the new Secrets Wild Orchid - a luxurious adults-only, all-inclusive resort. They stayed in the Preferred Club Oceanview Suite. They had the "best week of their lives." Here are a few highlights from their stay!

Mr. and Mrs. Nolan

Sunset at the resort

Ashley ziplining in the jungle

Thanks for letting Destinations plan your Honeymoon! It was a pleasure serving you two. Best Wishes!

Greece Anniversary Trip

Craig and Lee Ann celebrated their 30th Anniversary in serious jetsetter style. They did a dreamy itinerary...flying into Athens, island hopping, and then finished up in Istanbul, Turkey. It was a once in a lifetime trip they will cherish forever.

Thanks for letting Destinations customize your anniversary trip. It was so much fun!

[Their Fabulous Itinerary]
Athens - Divani Palace Acropolis
Santorini - Canaves Oia Suites (pronounced EeeAhh)
Mykonos - Myconian Imperial Hotel & Thalasso Center
Istanbul - Hilton Istanbul

[Their Fabulous Photos]

Parthenon in Athens

Santorini

Santorini

Santorini

Mykonos Sunset