Relax and let Ray Travel Resources take you on your dream vacation. Trust our personal service and individual attention with your planning needs.
Here in the Ajijic / Lake Chapala region of Mexico, so many of us are blessed with freedom from demanding work schedules, good health and a desire to travel.......
All Inclusive Vacations
Escorted and Independent Tours
Domestic and International
Golf Getaways
Cruises
Large Ships
Barges
River Cruises
Rail Trips
Group Travel
We Negotiate Special Hotel Rates
Airline Tickets
Wholesale Rates on Car Rentals
Excellent Short-term Travel Medical Insurance
DESTINATION EVENT-Spain and Portugal
WATCH THE VIDEO..Holiday Air Travel Tips
WEDDINGS AT SEA!After 171 years!
When Pigs Fly? Watch theVIDEOfrom Pet Airways
DESTINATION EVENT!
A comprehensive Spain and Portugal tour reveals the scenic and cultural contrasts of the fascinating countries sharing the Iberian Peninsula. Explore Portugal's capital of Lisbon and the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Sintra and Evora, and savor the best of Spain in Seville, Toledo, Granada, Córdoba, Madrid and more. Special Tauck experiences include lunch at a sherry bodega, a taste of authentic Andalucían cuisine during a family-style dinner at a local restaurant, and a visit to the Royal Andalucían School of Equestrian Art. Tauck's Spain and Portugal tour offers you a delightful and culturally enriching vacation experience!
Ray Travel Resources and Tauck Tours
bring you
SPAIN AND PORTUGAL 2012
DAY 1- Your Spain and Portual Tour begins in Lisbon
DAY 2- Along the Portugese Riviera to Sintra and Cascais
DAY 3- Spend the day in medieval Evora
DAY 4- On to Adalucia and Seville
DAY 5- A carriage ride and more in historic Seville
DAY 6- Jerez de la Frontera, Gibralter and coastal Marbella
DAY 7- By the sea in beautiful Marbella
DAY 8- Moorish influences in Ronda and flamenco in Granada
DAY 9- The Alhambra
DAY 10- Cordoba, home to Mezquita
DAY 11- AVE train to Madrid
DAY 12- Museums of Madrid
DAY 13- Toledo, an Art lovers paradise
DAY 14- Journey home
Start your tour before leaving home!
Join us for:
DESTINATION-SPAIN and PORTUGAL
Learn about the exciting places you will visit while enjoying wine, appetizers and meeting like minded travelers!
NEW! This exclusive, small-group winter program features the Hermitage as a destination unto itself. With special access and private tours with Hermitage scholars, this is a rare opportunity for art aficionados to discover one of the worlds greatest museums. Immerse yourself in the glories of St. Petersburg and its most amazing museum.
Exhibit specialists guide you through featured collections, affording you the privileged opportunity to experience a side of the Hermitage not open to the public. Your discoveries away from the museum allow you to immerse yourself in the glories of St. Petersburg, touring famous sights, dining at St. Petersburgs finest restaurants, seeing a ballet or orchestral performance and mingling with your host family at a communal apartment. Each group is limited to 12 participants.
Gories of the Hermitage
From $6,999pp/8 Days/8 Guided Tours
BOOK NOW
Space is extremely limited!
Offer expires Dec. 16, 2011
There ’s no more unique way to enjoy an America river cruise and experience the history, heritage and culture of America’s heartland than a voyage aboard a genuine steamboat. Stroll through charming towns and vibrant river cities. Explore historic ports of call like New Orleans, Natchez, Mark Twain’s Hannibal, Chattanooga and Pittsburgh, just to name a few. Along the way, you’ll learn about the great events and people that have contributed to America’s history and culture. Your Steamboating river cruise on the Mississippi, Ohio and Tennessee rivers awaits you, so book now. We look forward to welcoming you aboard as you experience the heartland of America as never before—from the decks of the grand, elegant Steamer American Queen.
Unique cruise to the heart of Russia's White Sea.
Includes shipboard overnight in Solovetsky Islands
SAIL & SAVE SPECIALS!
Alaska from $599
Alaska Cruise Tours from $999
Asia & Pacific form $999
Australia, New Zealand & S. Pacific from $1,399
Canada/New England from $699
Caribbean from $549
Europe from $799
Grand Voyages from $1,999
Holiday from $1,099
Mexico from $649
Pacific Northwest & Pacific Coast from $69
Panama Canal from $1,199
Enjoy A Free Upgrade From Interior To Oceanview
Onboard Our Classic Ships, Sailing On Our
Most Intriguing Itineraries.
Perhaps the only thing more spectacular than the scenery from a magnificent ship is the value of our special upgrade to Oceanview Stateroom for the price of an Interior Stateroom. After all, you can enjoy ever-changing vistas with each destination, from fairy tale castles to breathtaking fjords and some of the most famous classical monuments in the world. No matter which intinerary you take advantage of, you'll set sail in true Italian elegance and style on a journey you will not soon forget at a value you'll appreciate forever.
7-Night Mediterranean Cruises from $599*pp VIEW PRICING AND ITENERARIES
7-Night Northern Europe Cruises from $789*pp VIEW PRICING AND ITENERARIES
Get Closer to Europe in Windstar Style
Join us, and sail into a world in which one magical moment tumbles against the next to build memories you will treasure for a lifetime. Our extraordinary Greek Isles & Europe Collection voyages feel like your own private yacht. Discover breathtaking landscapes, hidden harbors and the side of cities and resorts typically known only to locals. This is life as youve always dreamed it could be. Live it now. With Windstar.
Book by February 24, 2012!!
GREEK ISLES AND TURKISH DELIGHTS
SPLENDORS OF SPAIN
ISLANDS OF ITALY
CLASSIC MEDITERRANEAN
CLASSIC ITALY AND THE
DALMATION COAST
GEMS OF THE ADRIATIC
iSLANDS OF THE WEST MED
GLITTER AND GLAM OF THE RIVIERAS
Click here and tell us about your dream vacation!
We can make it happen!
Hotel Safes
An Insider's Discovery!
A business traveler in Ontario maks a suprising discovery.
Wedding Packages on sale
December 2011
On Board Marriage Ceremonies to Commence Spring 2012
19 October 2011 - Cunard Line, one of the oldest names in passenger shipping operating the youngest fleet at sea, will offer its guests the opportunity to be married on board for the first time in its 171-year history. Beginning Spring 2012, a luxury cruise aboard
Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth will offer a selection of wedding packages, commencing after the World Voyages have been completed. The Weddings programme will go on sale in December 2011, with expanded details available soon.
Most of our competitors have been offering increasingly popular and lucrative Weddings at Sea programmes, and these are now very big business in the cruise industry, said Peter Shanks, president of Cunard Line. We receive a lot of enquiries about the possibility of being married on one of our ships particularly during our regularly scheduled Transatlantic Crossings on our flagship Queen Mary 2, which no other company can offer.
On a luxury cruise vacation aboard Cunards Queen Mary 2, guests revel in the experience of the voyage itself, not just the destination enjoying activities such as the only planetarium and largest library at sea, white-gloved afternoon tea service, the engaging Cunard Insights enrichment programme and West End-style productions, as well as the first Canyon Ranch SpaClub at sea.
Holiday Air Travel Tips
Traveling by Air this Holiday Season?
Tips for travelers during the busiest travel time of the year from
Money Talks News
Proposed airline ticket tax bump has tempers soaring
By Bart Jansen, USA TODAY September 28, 2011
President Obama is asking passengers to pay a few dollars more in taxes for an airline ticket — which already is about 20% taxes and fees. And the travel industry is in an uproar about it.
Big airlines say people would buy fewer tickets if Congress approves the president's proposal to help cut the deficit and pay for the nation's aviation system.
Regional airlines, which carry more than half of domestic fliers each day, say it could force them to pull out of small cities.
Small-city airports worry about that.
And some travelers and consumer groups say it's just unfair to ask passengers to pay more on top of the taxes and fees that government and airports already charge.
Glamping: Rough it in style
By Liane Membis, Special to CNN September 29, 2011
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
Camping doesn't have to involve sweaty sleeping bags; try "glamping"
A new breed of glamorous camps offer beds, plumbing and more
Some luxury outfitters have butlers and chefs
(CNN) -- Endless cans of insect repellent, swigging water out of a canteen and the underlying thought of grizzlies creeping up: They aren't the most delightful aspects of camping, but these dramatic elements make for what some would consider a true plunge into the wild.
But try bedazzling that image with a king-sized mattress, a steamy spa and catered eats under a fiery sunset and the natural camping experience is amped up with edge and luxury. This kind of camping is not an irreconcilable fairy tale; it's a lodging style that's literally gone global.
Glamorous camping, or what's become known as "glamping," emerged in Africa and the coastal areas of Thailand in the early 1990s with tourists' growing interest in safari camps. But the roots of luxurious camping go back a lot further; comfortably outfitted tents date back to at least the sultans of the Ottoman Empire.
Glamping has more recently become popular in the United States and Europe, with glamping sites popping up from Ohio to London.
Puerto Vallarta's Historic District to Complete Six-Year Makeover October 20
September 30, 2011By: Joe Pike
On October 20, Puerto Vallartas Historic District will officially complete a restoration project that started roughly six years ago.
The pinnacle of the towns renewal is a total regenerated coastal line that combines functions of authentic local spirit for living, retail, leisure, and tourism. This new space will project Puerto Vallartas atmosphere into a new paradigm without losing its identity. A join venture of world-class architecture and landscape firms designed the urban renewal project for the old towns iconic waterfront locally known as the Malecón. A safe and pedestrian-friendly public space conceived for the locals and tourists to mingle harmoniously with the romantic sunsets of the Pacific Ocean.
The town of Vallarta now holds a progressive and visionary strategic plan for the next 20 years with a series of tourist destinations including the Malecón as the soul of the Historic District. The site consists of a waterfront area composed by 12 sea-front retail blocks, starting from Fishermen's Squarewere the first hotel of the village still standsleading down to the main square along the Paseo Diaz Ordaz Street. Following the colonial Spanish settlement tradition, this main plaza hosts city hall and the main church. Along the Malecón, a charmingly eclectic combination of architecture faces the waterfront.
The public space design of the Malecon is conceived with a series of strategies to claim back the public realm for the human scale. The design consist of creating shade on walkable areas with guarantee view-lines to the ocean for pedestrians. This will benefit the street front retailers and activate the public space during daytime to balance its vibrant night activity for which I has been introduce a new innovative-efficient lighting system.
The custom design for this space will enhance the sense of safety in the night time and allow the user to perceive the presence of the ocean together with the reflection of the starry skies of moonlight night. The main feature of this unique public space design is the Mosaic paving. An iconic landmark that links back to the rest of Vallartas identity present in every side walk and a local tradition of hand craftsmanship of pebble-pavement technique. A local native myth of creation as narrated through drawings by the Jalisco born artist Fidencio Benitez gave birth to the composition of the Mosaics pattern.
The scale and challenge of the Mosaics paving will enhances the identity of local ethnicity and handcraft, two of the major attractions of Mexico repositioning Puerto Vallarta for the twenty first century an as unique tourist destination.
When Spot and Fluff Fly the Friendly Skies
Adopting a pet out of state? Relocating and can't fit your pet in the car? Or maybe you're sending the dog to spend the summer with grandma.
Well now there's an affordable and convenient way to do all of that.
No more stuffing your small pet into a cramped carrier that you have to shove under the seat in front of you or forcing your larger pet to fly in cargo as baggage.
When pigs fly? Watch the video of Bosly, the pig's jourrney to his new home on Pet Airways....
Pet Airways has been named the most pet friendly airline in North America by Petfinder.com
Visit Pet Airways at www.petairways.com
To most pets, traveling ranks somewhere beneath a bath and a visit to the vet. Many cruise lines don’t allow pets on board and airlines aren’t pet-friendly, as a rule. But here are two unusual programs for clients who want to travel with their pet by either sea or air.
Three cats sailed on Cunard Line’s maiden voyage in 1840 and today Queen Mary 2 continues the pet-friendly tradition. As the QM2 travels weekly this summer between New York and Southampton, the line’s “Pets on Deck” kennel program assures that pets will make the crossing in comfort with a choice of beds in two sizes, fleece blankets and even a nightly turn-down service of freshly baked treats.
Cunard’s full-time “Kennel Master” feeds and walks the pets and cleans the ship’s 12 kennels. Toys keep pets entertained, and passengers may interact with their pets in indoor and outdoor walking areas adjacent to the kennel.
Dogs and cats will chow down on premium pet foods and also receive a complimentary gift pack with a QM2-logoed coat, a Frisbee, name tag, food dish and scoop; a complimentary portrait with their owner; a transatlantic crossing certificate and a personalized cruise card. Reservations for kennel space may be made at the time of the passenger’s booking and are based on availability. Pet cruise fares range from $300 to $500.
Most airlines accept reservations for carry-on pets ahead of time, but some companies may have a limit of three pets per flight. Confirm the policy and book as early as possible.
One of the major hotel chains welcomes pets in its hotels in the US and Canada for a fee of $25 per stay. An example of the “Outward Hound” package includes a guided hike with a personal trainer, limo transfers and a personal web photo gallery of the dog’s vacation. Pets can also participate in doggie day care, group playtime, supervised swim and even Reiki sessions.
One tour operator is offering specially designed dog-walking tours that are combined with vineyard and gastronomic walks through France that are between 7 – 11 days in duration and under $2,000 per person, not including air fare.
Below are some tips on making the experience easier for both pets and owners:
Be sure your pet’s crate has extra hooks or latches so the door doesn’t jostle open if it gets bounced around in transit.
Request to be on the hotel’s first floor so you can be closer to the outdoors and avoid disturbing other guests. Ask where the correct exercise area is. And always bag it!
Bring your pet’s rabies certificate and health certificate that has been issued within 15 days before you travel that lists up-to-date inoculations and before you leave search online for animal hospitals related to your itinerary.
At most locations, Red Roof Inns and Baymont Inns don’t charge additional fees for pets.
Tip baggage handlers well, as they’re the ones who are mainly responsible for your pet.
For hotel stays, seek written confirmation that pets are welcomed and rules specified about sizes and surcharges. Don’t rely on what’s on the website. And, if you leave the hotel, confine your pet to the carry crate so there’s no chance it will destroy the room, which could end up costing you a small fortune.
Thinking about hitting the high seas alone, in search of adventure, romance or just some much-needed solitude? If so, your most important consideration ought to be doing your homework. More than any other kind of travel, it is important to do research on cruising alone. Why? The first reason is cost. Solo cruises include a “singles’ supplement” that typically ranges from 125 percent to 200 percent of a standard double-occupancy rate for a cabin. The other reason is the overall experience. No two cruises are alike, and, especially for solo passengers, it is critical to focus on your motive for the trip.
You need to decide if you’re going on a solo cruise because you want time alone in your own cabin or in the public areas to read, unwind and rejuvenate. Perhaps you prefer to eat solo. If you’re that sort of person, you are probably not going to enjoy one of the mega-ships, where you’re forced to eat in groups with people you don’t know. If you’re the opposite type of person and you want to meet people and have a good time, you want to find a cruise line that is going to cater to ways to be more social, such as the dining experience and shore excursions.
The primary thing is to articulate your needs and expectations. Those are the operative words. And make sure you work with a good travel agent who will interpret that and synthesize it into your trip.
If you’re looking for a party, lean toward a Carnival “Fun Ship,” but if you’re interested in a more sophisticated experience among cultured fellow travelers, lean toward a line like the fabled Cunard of the Legendary QE2.
The other key distinction is the ship versus the destination as the experience. For example, most major cruises are based in exciting ports of call in the Caribbean, Mediterranean or Alaska – the three destinations that dominate the industry. But if you’re drawn to a trans-Atlantic cruise aboard Cunard’s Queen Mary 2, the ship itself will be the experience as you travel in Old World luxury that is updated with modern amenities to replicate the grand fashion in which the wealthy made their way from New York to London a century ago.
For older passengers, I would recommend the small-ship experience aboard a Fred Olsen cruise to the Mediterranean, Canary Islands or West Africa. For those more inclined toward luxury, Silversea, Seabourn and Crystal are excellent choices. For a younger, more active passenger, looking to meet people and socialize, both Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise are good options. If you’re between the ages of 50 – 70 and yearning for a more culturally enriching experience, Holland America.
Most cruise lines offer single-occupancy cabin rates. The QE2 is one example. Among the lowest single supplements are the 125 percent premium at Crystal.
If you’re looking for maximum economy – and don’t mind company – the “find a partner” programs on lines such as Holland America and Princess allow you to travel at the double-occupancy rate if they can find a same-sex cabin-mate for you. At Holland America, you get the lower price even if they can’t find a match. The bottom line is that there are many options for the solo cruises. Don’t be afraid of traveling alone – enjoy the solitude.
I recently returned from a vacation that required several very long flights. I think I’m just about over the jet lag by now, but the idea occurred to me that others might be interested in a few tips to help make long journeys easier.
Try to begin your journey well rested, well hydrated and well organized. I have a list (which I refine after each trip) of things that I took and didn’t use that I didn’t take and had to buy. One of the things I didn’t take were corn pads and there was a lot of walking. I now know the word in German for “corn” and I’ll probably never forget it.
