Join Amazing Journeys in April and treat yourself to a vacation that can change your life.

A new dear friend of mine is a freelance writer and recently took it upon herself to write a story for her local newspaper about her adventure on her Amazing Journey to the National Parks of the US Southwest. My guest writer/friend is Barbara Russek, and here is her very interesting story from an angle most casual travelers would not have considered:

Get Very Much for Very Little…in Vegas!

They say that what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. But my good news from Vegas, also known for good reason as the City of Lost Wages, needs to be shared. You can enjoy entertainment right on the Strip that will leave your wallet intact and you with some fun memories of your trip.

Our group arrived in Las Vegas late on a recent Wednesday afternoon, the last stop on a tour of some stunning Southwestern natural wonders. These included Monument Valley in Northern Arizona and Zion National Park, just across the border in Utah. The serenity that had filled my soul while taking in nature’s artistry was shattered when we pulled in to our hotel on the Strip. Just outside, there were wall to wall people everywhere, hawkers selling everything from hotdogs to hot babes and huge billboards advertising a myriad of shows: Cirque du Soleil, Bette Midler and Seinfeld (coming in December) to name but a few. Most shows had prices that made Tucson theatre look like bargain matinees. I was practically the only one in our group who didn’t shell out big bucks to be part of an audience that can number in the thousands.

Call it serendipity, but I happened upon some great free entertainment right in the area. Upon entering my hotel room, I saw a phone message blinking from the management. The reigning Miss Universe, Stefania Hernandez of Venezuela, would be signing autographs in the lounge between 10:00 and 11:00 the following morning. I was there by 9:55. Finally about 10:10 Stefania appeared, statuesque in her stilettos, wearing her banner. She is a beautiful girl, with huge eyes and dark, shiny hair graced with a widow’s peak. It later occurred to me that there are many, many beautiful, poised, talented young women in the world. How many, though, are willing to go through all the rigors of numerous beauty pageants to arrive at the top? For that alone, Miss Universe is to be congratulated.

A half hour or so later, our tour leader took us on what he dubbed “Bill’s Excellent Walking Tour of the Strip.” I had been to Vegas once before and had been mesmerized by the dancing fountains in front of the Bellagio Hotel, the Luxor pyramid and replicas of The Eiffel Tower, Arch of Triumph and huge hot air balloon (the French Mongolfier brothers launched the first manned hot air balloon) outside the Paris Las Vegas. But instinct told me there was much more to discover that wouldn’t cost me a dime. In that, I was not disappointed.

One of these discoveries was the magnificent glass sculpture of multicolored flowers hanging from the ceiling of the Bellagio Hotel’s lobby. It was created by the artist Dale Chihuly, with over 2000 hand blown glass elements. Although Chihuly lost an eye in a car accident during the 70s, his fertile imagination knows no bounds.. I stood under the sculpture in silence, awed by Chihuly’s creative spirit and determination to persevere.

Our walking tour wound up at The Venetian, an Italian themed hotel. I was impressed by the statues in white robes , but then, Oh Mio Dio, I saw their eyes moving! Indeed, these statues were very much alive. I had a lot of fun asking my favorite “statue” a few questions which he answered by blinking his eyes.

We just happened to walk onto a re-creation of Saint Mark’s Square during a free performance. A charming singer with an operatic soprano voice, jugglers and an acrobat all had their parts to play in this Venetian carnival. I was so captivated that long after the other members of my tour group had left, I hung out at the hotel to see the next show. It was even longer than the first, with the addition of musicians and other singers. The whole ensemble had such a contagious energy that I started clapping and even added my own nondescript singing voice to the chorus of a familiar number. I left the Venetian with an Italian song in my heart.

Friday, we all departed for home. I took a later flight than most in the group, as a visit to the Liberace Museum was a must see. I had never forgotten Liberace’s dazzling smile, sweet personality and great technical ability. There was a short taxi ride involved, but tickets were modestly priced. Two for One coupons can be obtained in many venues, including hotels and racks throughout the city. The Museum was one of the highlights of my trip. Liberace’s flamboyant costumes (weighing up to 200+ pounds) were all there, along with his collection of flashy cars, even his shoes. A video was available to watch for $4.00 that featured footage of the star, known as Mr. Showmanship, in interviews. I loved that video and will never forget Liberace’s words: “I would like to be remembered as a kind and gentle soul, and as someone who made the world a little better place to live in because I had lived in it.” In that desire, he succeeded on a scale as grand as himself.

Waiting for my flight home at the Vegas airport, I felt pleased to have gotten so much for so little. But suddenly from the corner of my eye, I caught sight of the nearby slots. Lured over and sucked in, I blew almost all the money I had saved on theatre tickets…and lost. Well, that’s Vegas for you!

Anyone who works in the travel world will tell you that while the pleasures of seeing the world trump almost anything that tries to stand in the way of another lifetime experience, there are some crazy things happening out there. Heck, there are some crazy people doing and sayingcrazy things out there.

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Amazing Journeys embarks on a journey this week to some of the most spectacular sights in America. We’re heading to a region laden with a rich history, dramatic landscapes and the truest of adventures as we visit the National Parks of the Southwest; The Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park.

We begin in Scottsdale and will enjoy some time in Phoenix, Sedona, and Kaibab National Forest before heading off to the Parks..and then culiminating the tour with a little “dangerous” fun in Las Vegas.

Our group is sold out with 45 strong, and all are eager and excited to see what the southwest has to offer.

Think you know a little something about the national parks and America’s southwest? Lets see if you can answer these questions. Correct answers to be posted on this blog upon the conclusion of our tour:

1. Which National Park isn’t really a Canyon?
a) Grand Canyon b) Zion c) Bryce Canyon

2. This hotel was the very first hotel and casino on Highway 91 (now know as the Las Vegas Strip:
a) Sands
b) El Rancho
c) New York New York
d) Flamingo

3. Fact: The geological story of the three National Parks we are visiting are actually chronologically related. Records within the past 2 billion years reveal that geologic development of each park began when that of the other park ended. Which is the correct order of “oldest” to “youngest”?

a) Grand Canyon >> Zion >> Bryce Canyon
b) Zion >> Bryce Canyon >> Grand Canyon
c) Bryce Canyon >> Grand Canyon >> Zion

4. Which of the following is a current threat to the preservation of the Grand Canyon?
a) erosion from the Colorado River
b) uranium mining
c) a government ordinance to redevelop some of the land
d) terrorism

5. Fact: The majority of Zion National Park’s visitors come during the spring and fall seasons with the months of December thru March being more offseason. Total annual visitation in 1920 was less than 4,000. Approximately how many people visit the Park annually today?

a) close to 10,000
b) close to 500,000
c) close to 3 million

**Send your answers to bill@amazingjourneys.net and if you receive a perfect score, we’ll announce it here on this blog next month.

Prize? You want a prize?? If we receive more than 10 entries by November 3rd, we’ll pick a lucky “perfect prize” winner and announce that too!

During the economic downfall, pretty much everyone in the service industry wondered how their business would fare. With less money to spend, people had to make choices. Sadly for some, those choices were (and for some, still are) whether to pay a bill or put gas in the car…or worse yet, whether to pay the mortgage or buy groceries.

Those in the retail industry, auto industry and travel industry have had obvious challenges as well. With the economy struggling, few people have to buy a new pair of shoes, buy a brand new car…or take a cruise for vacation.

But, our quality of life depends on some of these non-essential essentials. Life is not about sitting on a chair and staring out into space. Its about, well, living, and having a nice meal or seeing a movie, joining a health club….or taking a vacation are important components that enhance living and the overall well-being of a civilized society.

Thank goodness our industry–the industry of providing leisure travel to Jewish travelers–has, for a good part (and don’t believe for an instant that we are not thankful) weathered the storm. Sure the economy has effected us, but Amazing Journeys is thriving and still venturing with high capacity–if not sold out capacity–to the far corners of the earth.

So how do so many people do it, while others continue to think otherwise? A dear friend of mine who has traveled with Amazing Journeys on fourteen journeys that were amazing was very poignant as she enlightened me on how it works for her. She told me that people think she has a lot of money, but the real truth is that it’s all about the choices she makes. She cooks and eats most of her own meals at home, makes her coffee at home (did you know that while a tall coffee at Starbucks costs on average in the US $1.75, by buying a pound of their coffee and making it yourself at home, it will only cost about $.95 per cup?)…she clips coupons and buys her groceries on sale . . . walks instead of taking a taxi or train (yes, she’s a New York resident)… and she cleans her apartment herself (no cleaning lady). In other words, she establishes and keeps a budget, thus affording her disposable income to spend on her true life indulgences; traveling the world.

Life is short. Play hard isn’t just slogan. You only get one chance to enjoy this world…and pity the souls who think that Little Italy, Chinatown or the World Showcase at EPCOT is a sufficient means to experience life beyond the borders. There is so much to see and do out there and there are worldwide travel opportunities for all interests and budgets.

Just Do It isn’t just a slogan either. These three words have a deeper and power meaning. Complacency is an evil that beguiles a person’s ability to enjoy life. Spirit, adventure, excitement and risk are all character traits that advance all possibilities in life. We should all seek and embrace such traits.

Just Do It.

In the world of travel, the journey is often more interesting than the destination. Having served over 5000 passengers on worldwide tours over the last decade, we have been a part of some amazing experiences with some amazing people. In preparation for so many tours, we encounter many phone calls, emails and letters with a variety of questions, needs and curiousities. Some of these are heartwarming, some funny…and some just utterly unbelievable.

AJ: “Hi KAREN; You can get them at Brookstone, any luggage store, at airports, and probably at Target or CVS Pharmacy”

KAREN: “Hi again. I don’t know how to lock the duffle bag for the trip, which you said was mandatory. The only part that could be locked are the 2 zippers that join to close the bag.”

AJ: “Hi KAREN,You will need to bring the 2 zippers together, insert your lock and click it together. Good luck!”

 When will we be able to board planes again with jugs of our favorite lotions, shampoos and conditioners? Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but not any time soon. Due to technology glitches, the Transportation Security Administration does not expect to scrap the three-year-old ban on carry-on liquids and gels this fall, as previously anticipated. For those of us who like to toss our belongings in a carry-on bag to avoid the tedious task of checking in luggage, that means we’ll have to rely a little longer on hotel toiletries.

After all, they’re the most convenient – even if it means we might smell like a floral arrangement.

A recent online survey asked the question – How big a deal is your hotel’s shampoo and soap line? While one respondant said, “given the carry on restrictions, it’s nice to have decent toiletries and mouthwash”, another thought “most of the junk they put in hotels is terrible. Who wants to smell like a bouquet of flowers at a business meeting?”

Some folks liked the hotel toiletries so much that they admitted going out and purchasing them at a store. Others called out the brands like the person who wrote that “Hampton Inns have cheap soap that seems glued to the paper.”

One reader wrote that she loves Marriott’s line of Bath & Body Works orange ginger soaps and shampoos, but also gave a shout out to a Hyatt Regency for providing toothpaste. “I do really appreciate when hotels have nice toiletries. Given the travel restrictions on liquids, I’d much prefer to use the hotels products than bring my own because of the hassle.

Restrictions on the 3oz bottle of liquids aside, will someone please tell me why airports in the US are the only security checkpoints that STILL make us take our shoes off? I know, I know…”The Shoe Bomber” from 5 years ago. I’m just curious, though; if The Shoe Bomber had instead been The Underwear Bomber ………………………..

Special Surprise Announcement: All U.S. carriers now charge for a second bag to Europe!

Written By 90 year old Regina Brett of The Cleveland Plain Dealer: