Here at Amazing Journeys, we’re lucky to have the best jobs in the world—and we think our good fortune is worth sharing. So, when your next journey seems like a distant dream, take a few minutes to explore our WANDERLUST blog—it’s chock-full of engaging tales and helpful tips from our travels around the world.

Amazing Journeys heads to Costa Rica

Tuesday, April 5th, 2011

Another Amazing Journey embarks on Thursday with our 3rd Jewish singles trip to Costa Rica. This remarkable destination is chock full of deliciously warm weather, lush green massive rainforests, extraordinary adventure and an undeveloped landscape that makes coming here a true natural wonder. No tall buildings, no massive crowds, never a feeling of “touristy” and no lack of surprises. Among other things, we’ll be hiking an active volcano, canyoning down a waterfall, horseback riding through the rainforest, and zip lining ABOVE the treetops at over 7000 feet…just to name a few. We’ll also spend three nights at the amazing Tabacon Resort at the base of the Arenal Volcano where we’ll indulge in the beauty, landscape and surroundings of the natural hotsprings, mineral pools and waterfalls created by this volatile and spectacular phenomenon.

Follow our exploration and experience of our eight night tour in Costa Rica by visiting our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/amazingjourneys where we’ll post some moments-in-time from this awesome tour.

Tags: adventure, Amazing Journeys, Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica, facebook, Jewish Singles, Rainforest, Tabacon, zip lining
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Lifestyles of the Weird and Weirder

Thursday, March 24th, 2011

Every once in a while I like to share a story about the stranger side of ravel. As a tour leader for nearly 20 years, I often think that there isn’t much I haven’t seen…but then I face a challenge beyond even my own experience. Some of these life moments are funny, some perplexing, some annoying and some….just gotta be told.

Take the woman who once told me that she would never travel with our company again “because the last time I visted this island, the weather was much better”. Or, how about one of our cruise passengers who pulled a knife on a waiter because the poor Filipino just couldn’t understand that our passenger wanted his dessert before his appetizer.

It was a butter knife!

Then there was this moment in time when I was called into the stateroom of two women who divided the furniture in their room like Less Nessman (WKRP in Cincinatti) put down masking tape around his desk to create a virtual private office….for the purpose establishing a “my zone / your zone”. In a 200 sq. foot space, you can only imagine what this room looked like. Among other things, one of the beds blocked the floor-to-ceiling sliding glass door to the balcony, for which both parties paid a premium to have. How does someone resolve something like this?? I’m a tour leader, not a psychiatrist! This took my customer service skills to new levels of problem-solving capabililties…

So, I came upon this story. Not one that I’ve experienced on one of our Jewish singles trips, nor one that I have encountered personally…but one that I certainly may someday.

With someone like this sweating the small stuff so much, its a wonder to even call it a vacation.

Woman Sued Carnival Claiming Cruise Ship Was Too Fast

An Indiana woman will not have her day in court, at least in her home state, on claims that as a cruise passenger she became ill on her vacation because a Carnival Cruise Lines ship was going too fast. Doris Beard sued the cruise line claiming “due to the speed of the ship I became very sick, my body swayed terrible on the ship, I had bleeding which had not happened [sic] in three years. The ship was moving so fast everyone on board became sick, even the workers,” according to a court document.

The cruise line called for the case to be dismissed, arguing the venue for the suit should be changed to Florida, where the cruise line is based. The cruise line’s motion was denied by a small claims court in Lake County, Indiana. But the Indiana Court of Appeals said this week the small claims court “erred,” and has reversed the decision.

Which ship Beard cruised on and where she took her cruise was not listed in the court document and the amount she is seeking was not specified. Carnival argued the terms and conditions of the cruise contract require the case to be heard in Florida. The cruise line also argued Beard’s claim was not filed within the one-year statute of limitations in the cruise contract.

A spokesman did not respond to a request for further comment.

Tags: Carnival Cruise Lines, Cruise, don't sweat the small stuff, Jewish Singles, Vacation
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The Elation of Vacation Preparation

Thursday, March 17th, 2011

It’s a miserable oxymoron, but planning to go on vacation involves a lot of work. Whether you’re traveling with a companion or part of a group travel experience, it’s true; for that much-needed vacation, one must spend a great deal of time to put their “regular” life on hold and put their “vacation” life in place. It’s important to properly prepare for your departure, arrival and ultimate return back home so that you can maximize your rest-ability without a total disruption of your home life. As a dude who is in the constant motion of traveling—leading our Jewish singles vacations, or sometimes just taking a vacation for myself—I’ve garnered some handy tips on how to lessen the burden of preparation, keep life at home ready for your return, and to have a carefree transition on both ends.

Call Your Credit Card Company

Many credit card companies have identity protection plans in place that help protect travelers from theft and fraud. If you’re traveling internationally, it’s a good idea to contact your credit card companies before traveling to ensure the card will work. Check the back of your credit card for customer service numbers

Place a “Hold” on Mail and Deliveries

Your nearest post office branch has a pretty yellow post card that you can fill out in about 30 seconds to request your mail to be held during the dates you are away. Keep a supply at home with you and mail it, free of charge, about a week before your departure. They will even deliver the whole mishpucha to you on the date you select for your return. (I don’t suggest using the online “hold mail” option as it doesn’t seem to be an effective communication source). I usually put the start date to be one day before my departure, just to make certain they actually have begun to hold my mail. Stop on all automatic deliveries like your daily newspaper by simply calling their circulation department and let them know you’ll be placing your delivery on hold.

Emergency Phone Numbers

Leave transit details and contact phone numbers with family and friends in case they need to reach you while you’re away. These include phone number of the hotels where you’re staying, flight numbers, contact info of airlines, cruise ship and your tour company…and for those who may be watching your pets or kids, phone numbers for doctors/veterinarians, if necessary

Set up Pet Care

If you have a furry family member, you may actually be inclined to provide more setup care for this loved one than you give attention to for yourself. We love our cats and dogs that much! If you are planning to leave Fluffy at a kennel (called “Pet Resorts” these days) be sure to make your reservation as far in advance as possible. Many “resorts” can sell out of their “deluxe accommodations” early, especially around holiday times. When you do drop off your little ball of love, be sure to leave the staff with your contact information as well as all medications, your vet’s phone numbers and a few familiar toys & treats so that s/he feels as at-home as much as possible.

Cash Out

Never leave town without some cash – domestic or foreign currency! If you’re traveling within the country, make sure to hit the bank before you leave so that you don’t end up paying ATM surcharge fees in another destination. If you’re traveling overseas, it’s a good idea to carry some of the local country’s currency with you. Take enough cash for cab fare or transfer fees so you don’t have to go in search of an exchange booth. Amazing Journeys’ website provides a link to Oanda currency converter (click our Resources button) to determine the best rate of exchange for your money.

Check the Weather

Before you zip up the suitcase and head to the airport, do one last check of the local weather in your destination and make any necessary adjustments to clothes and amenities.

Pack Your Essentials…properly

Before leaving the house ensure that you have all necessary essentials. Most importantly, LOOK AT YOUR PASSPORT! Seriously, open it up and look at the photo to make sure you have and the right one. I’ve seen it happen; you have a roommate, a spouse, a traveling companion…and you inadvertently slip the wrong passport into your pocket. Major problem if you present someone else’s passport at security! The following items should be kept on your person, not packed in your suitcase: Passport/identification…all medications….all your travel documents including airline ticket, cruise ticket, car/hotel reservation….cash/credit cards/travelers cheques….one change of clothes, just in case your luggage doesn’t arrive as planned.

Overpacking is a major issue on many fronts. Its hard on your back, it costs you money at the airports and it wastes time in transition as baggage handlers, motor coach drivers and hotel personnel have to haul and lug. Excess weight isn’t green for the environment either as it utilizes more fuel on planes, cars and busses and the aforementioned burden on physical stress. My simple rule of thumb is to simply pack for less. It’s actually okay to wear things twice (or thrice), to do some laundry (cheaper to send out a load at the hotel than to pay overweight fees at the airport) and to treat yourself to something new while on vacation.

Turn off your water, turn on your timers, and unplug your appliances

If your home will be vacant for a period time, you should absolutely turn off your main water valve and drain all the faucets. If a pipe were to burst, the water would just flow endlessly until you got home. Even if you live in a cold weather environment, a frozen pipe is better than a busted flowing pipe. Contrary to popular belief, letting your water drip does not prevent freezing. When you return home, turn the valve and all faucets on gradually to avoid a massive rush of water. Also, unplug all unnecessary appliances like the toaster, your hair dryer and even your computer. With electricity still flowing, you’ll burn unnecessary units and assume wasted costs. Plus, you’ll save the life of these items should there be a power surge in your absence. Finally, get yourself a timer for a lamp so that it comes on and off at varying intervals. A light turning on and off is a deterrent for a would-be burglar.

Tags: Group Travel, Jewish Singles, passport, Travel Tips, Vacation
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Amazing Journeys on KTUU-TV in Anchorage, AK

Monday, March 14th, 2011

During our recent Amazing Journeys Winter Alaska tour, we took part in a remarkable experience in the small remote town of Chena. Two days and two nights were spent in the wilderness as we swam in the natural hot springs, snow mobiled, went dog sledding, and gazed at the amazing Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) under spectacular startlit skies. Sure it was cold (minus 35 to be exact), but that is what brought the experience to the highest level of uniqueness; once-in-a-lifetime to the truest form.

Ask anyone of our 25 passengers and they will tell you, it was beyond words. This kind of experience can only be enjoyed and experienced…not just explained.

As true testimony to the very special place of Chena and our memorable experiences, you are invited to watch this video clip, filmed by KTUU-TV from Anchorage as they feature this destination…and Amazing Journeys’ experience:

http://www.gotoak.com/gotoak/videobeta/watch/?watch=ff19e954-44c7-48b3-9c70-583adebaf9db&cat=empty&src=front

Tags: Alaska, Amazing Journeys, Anchorage, Aurora Borealis, Chena, KTUU, Norhtern Lights
Posted in Blog, Interesting Things about Interesting Places, North America | Comments Off on Amazing Journeys on KTUU-TV in Anchorage, AK

Memoirs of an Alaska Sled Dog – Winter 2011

Tuesday, March 8th, 2011

It was Sunday, February 7^th and I was perched on my doghouse in Chena, Alaska. Among the dozens of other tail-wagging, tongue-panting, treat-seeking, barking mongrels hanging out in the bright sunlight of a frigid wintry afternoon….there I was, waiting my turn. As I scanned the collection of wooden dog houses and all my furry friends hovering around, each and every set of K9 eyes looked at each and every set of homo sapiens, expressing to the extent by which dogs can express, “Pick me! Pick me!”

I was born the offspring of lab/shepherd mix and a teenage mutant ninga hound. Some kind of every dog species was somewhere in my DNA, making me a wonderful mix of strength, endurance, and appetite. Because I’ve been crissed and cross breeded and with the best of the best, I am a devoted and loving pup – eager to please my human friends by running fast, playing nice and looking so darned cute for all those tourists who come visit me every day.

Usually these visits are a collection of ooohs’ and awwww’s with a little rub here and a little pat there…here an ooooh, there an awwwww…everywhere a pat pat. But today….something different happened. I woke up along with my litter of friends, just a little happier and excited to start the day. Just a little more eager to please. Just a little more full of anticipation.

I soon found out why.

Amazing Journeys was coming!!

At precisely 11am the first group showed up and the “Pick me, Pick me” looks and barks started emitting from every dog house on the block. I wasn’t picked…but that was ok because that meant that I could watch all the fun and host a visitor or two to my pen. I had prepared my doghouse for visitors early that day by peeing on each and every corner of my dwelling. I even laid a dump on the back wall just so everything would be perfect. While that first group giddy-upped into the wilderness with Cecil, Hansel, Moonshine, Stevie, Lucy, Buster and Chester….the next group of humans came to play.

Wobbling up the road like abominable snowmen, they marched. I don’t mean to sound crass but as I lay around town in my winter fur—and just my winter fur—these city folk were bundled up more tightly than a set of tefillin on the arm of a chasidic rabbi. I overheard a couple of them “bragging” about how many layers they had on. One lady had—get this—long underwear, short underwear, two t-shirts, thermal socks, a sweater, a vest, a fleece, a scarf, ear muffs, a hat, a hood…and something they kept calling a baklava. Us four-legged creatures had a good howl later in the day with all the kinfolk. Hellooooo,…look at us; one layer and happy as a clam.

While my comrades ran I had the day off to play with the humans. I got ear massages, tummy rubs, and back scratches for two straight hours…and then I got to have lunch and take a nap. All without ever leaving my home.

My next door neighbor, Baily told me a great story about this Amazing Journeys group from the day before. See, we have eyes and ears…and noses all around this great land of Alaska. While this group called Amazing Journeys was chugging around on snow mobiles we were howling at their adventures. Poor Master Pete who had to lead the way for them was beside himself with worry and concern. Pete, who could sing to the Aurora Borealis, couldn’t snow mobile bad enough with this group to make him look good. One person gave up mid-ride and had to be snow lifted home….one girl steered her snow machine off the side of a trail into an 8 foot bank and had to hauled upright thankfully unharmed.

THEN, there was the woman they call Annie. I’ve never heard our commands used for humans, but suddenly it was “Come Hau Annie…Come Hau”. We don’t know what really happened, but Rusty, who has his nose in everyone’s crotch seems to think she took a wrong turn somewhere in the wilderness and had to walk back when no one noticed she was missing.

Meanwhile, this group just loved our small town of Chena and all the activities they could play. More ooohs’ and awww’s as they treated themselves to the hot springs, drank martini’s in our famous ice museum, rocked & rolled in the snow coaches for sunset views atop the mountain… and gazed endlessly at the night sky for the northern lights.

When it was time for this group to go, it felt like loading up a carload of us pups to head to the vet. No one wanted to go. But, they were on a quest for the best day of the trip so far, so off they went.

I heard from my cousins Big Boy and Sunny Girl that AJ stopped by to see their Master Mary Shields and her brood. What a special place with a special lady; she’s the first woman ever to have finished the world renowned Iditarod Sled Dog Race. I’m told that Mary treats her family of dogs abundantly special and that her loved ones are some of the happiest healthiest dogs in Alaska. I hear from Big Boy that she bakes her own dog treats for the family….along with a mean chowder and the sweetest brownies for the guests. I’m told that Mary loves to tell her stories and that the humans love to hear them. Some of my ancestors are mentioned in her stories and I’m proud to say that I am an Alaskan Sled Dog because of them.

One of my great great uncles was honored this year at the World Ice Carving Competition. The ice artists from Norway incorporated my Uncle Rico into one of their sculptures. I understand that this ice festival is a sight to behold with dazzling sculptures, interactive designs and spectacular artistry.

My butt-sniffing friend Misty went to the festival last year with her owner Miss Melinda and gave the ice festival a perfect 5 wags of the tail. Miss Melinda is a really cool Canadian lady who raises mushing dogs; some who are noted for continuing the lineage of Balto, the most famous sled dog of all time who lead the way in 1925 delivering diphtheria antitoxin to Nome. Balto is accredited for paving the way for what is now the famous Iditarod Race and is honored with a statue at the starting line of the Iditarod on 4^th Street.

Misty told me of some crazy antics that happen on Iditarod Day. There is a huge gathering of people on 4^th Street to watch the start of the race each first Saturday in March. All the teams line up, all the mushers kiss their dogs and wave to the crowd…and then off they go into the great white north.

After the dogs take off running, so do some crazy people…side by side with reindeer! Hey, I love a good run, but there’s no biscuit in the world that would make me run besides a crazy caribou with pointed horns coming out their heads. Dogs will be dogs…and people will be people, I guess.

Soon spring will be here and much of the ice and snow will melt. Those crazy tourists will keep coming to Chena and Fairbanks and the rest of Alaska, but they’ll eventually start looking less like the Stay Puff Marshmellow Man. But they WILL keep coming…and rightly so-to see the glaciers…to hike the hills…to watch the whales…to fish the salmon… and to escape the crazy world from which they came.

I’m a Sled Dog and proud to say, Alaskan. This great land of ours is magical and mysterious. Its laden with a sense of adventure and a lore that has to be experienced, not just explained. I’ve been privileged to run through a few fields around the land, but the stories told by my ancestors tell a tale of unbelievable possibilities & realities that this land is famous for. We call her Mother Nature’s Showcase. I call her home.