Where can you wake up to a symphony of birds and drive through a volcano? Only on St. Lucia island! St. Lucia stands apart from the rest of the Caribbean islands thanks to its varied landscape and diverse culture and cuisine, which is distinguished by African, Indian, Caribbean, British, Spanish and French influences. You can explore everything from the Piton Mountains and rainforest to the Sulphur Springs of Soufriere and the Caribbean coral reef on this 238  square-mile island in paradise. There are so many reasons to choose St. Lucia island!  Visit Tet Paul Nature Trail.  You get the best views of the Pitons and over the island while your private guide leads you through the garden, explaining tropical fruits and vegetables.

The active traveler can snorkel in the Caribbean Sea, hike to the top of the Gros Piton or Petite Piton peaks, or take advantage of a wide range of water sports available at their St. Lucia Resort. The foodie can indulge in
fresh local flavors by stopping at roadside stands or dining at five-star restaurants. Romantic couples can relax on the white sand of a pristine beach or in a mud bath before going on a one-of-a-kind date at one of St. Lucia’s music or cultural festivals.

Myrtle Beach has something for everyone.  If you are from the North, you are probably dreaming of warm
weather.  Myrtle Beach is great for a beach vacation beginning around the end of April.  I’ve been there at the end of March and there was no one on the beach.  Some of the things that really attract people are the affordability and variety of things to do.

Of course the first thing to do is head to the beach. There are public accesses at several intervals. Just look for the signs and you will find some free parking. During the busy season, you may have to walk a ways and pay for
parking.  Don’t forget the boogie boards for the kids.  The waves are not too large and you can spend hours in the water. 

Other water activities include fishing, parasailing, dolphin cruises, jet skis, pontoon boat rentals, and various other thrill boat rides.  If you want to try your hand at the slots there are two different boats with casinos.  I’ve gone on the evening Sun Cruz ride.  It was great because you had a great buffet, sunset, and all the gambling you wanted. Sun Cruz picked us up at a restaurant close to our hotel.

Shopping is also great. There are a lot of little shops on the strip, but we really love the outlets, Broadway at the Beach, and Barefoot Landing. You can spend the entire day at any of them.  The malls have entertainment and great dining. In the summer, Broadway at the Beach has fireworks on certain nights.  The Carolina Opry is
located near Broadway at the Beach. One of the best shows I saw there was Good Vibrations. The kids will love it.  At the Alabama Theater in Barefoot Landing you can see One. This is also a great show.  There are many other shows, all of which are hits. 

A couple of other things we did while there were rent mopeds and ride down Ocean Blvd., play mini golf, visit House of Blues, The Hard Rock Café, and The Boathouse Waterway Grill.  I really enjoyed the free outdoor concert at The Boathouse.   There are other places to hear outdoor concerts as well.

Also, don’t forget there are some good piers. I like Springmaid and Myrtle Beach State Park - they're not free (couple dollars) though. You can rent kayaks, jet skis, sailboats, etc. 

Also, on the list of must dos if you are in town for a while is to visit Brookview Gardens.  It is about an hour drive from Myrtle Beach, but well worth it.  It has one of the largest collections of sculptures in the US. The gardens are fabulous, and you can take a boat tour and listen to the history of the rice plantations in the South.

I’ve only listed a few of the things to do while you are  there.  Check out the link below for more information.

http://www.myrtlebeach.com/things-to-do/

A few years ago most airlines added baggage fees to all tickets.  Before that, I remember moving my daughter to college from Minneapolis to South Carolina and taking two checked bags each with no fees. 

Now some of the airlines are trying to entice customers back by not charging for a certain number of checked bags. Sun Country just changed their policy so that the first checked bag is free when you book through Sun Country Vacations, and you book both hotel and air  If you book air only, you are still charged $20 each way for your first checked bag.  The second bag will be charged $30 each way if purchased online, or $35 each way if paid for at the airport.

Southwest does not charge a fee for the first two checked bags.  This can be a huge savings when you add up charges both ways.

Some airlines do not charge for the first bag if you sign up for their credit card. 

In contrast, Spirit Airlines charges not only for checked bags but also for carry on bags. 

Do you take into consideration bag fees when you book a flight?

Does anyone want to visit New York and stop in at the Tonight Show?  Jimmy Fallon's debut was a hit.  Click on the link below to see what The Wall Street Journal has to say.
http://on.wsj.com/1h1fZEQ

 Debut of the NCL
 Getaway occurred in
 Miami early in February.

 Now sailing year-round to 
 the Caribbean from
 Miami, the new 3,969-
 passenger ship boasts
 brightly colored mermaid
 hull artwork. 

 


What's New With the Ship

Norwegian Getaway is the largest cruise ship ever home ported at Port Miami.  The ship will sail seven-night cruises to the Caribbean, visiting St. Maarten, St. Thomas, USVI and Nassau in the Bahamas, with three days at sea.
 
What's New Onboard for Cruisers?
One differentiator is the new 275-seat Illusionarium, a dinner theater experience where magic is the star.
Illusions are created by a half dozen talented magicians. Without giving away the tale, let’s just say this orangish-red and gold venue resembles an illusionist's parlor from the 1880s. It looks the part with props, staging and lighting along with fog rising from the floor.  The illusions are mind-boggling.  Guests receive a three-course meal during the show.
  
Also, new on this ship is “Legally Blonde: The Musical,” as well as a multi-story ropes course and the largest water park at sea with five full-size, colorful slides. The Kids' Aqua Park with Nickelodeon characters is
similar to that on Norwegian Breakaway, but a new twist is the pirate theming.

Another new venue is the first Grammy Experience at Sea, which boasts top quality acts at
night including some headliners from time to time – like Nestor Torres who sails and performs this week.

On display throughout the ship are colorful costumes from such entertainers as the Jackson Five, Whitney Houston, L. L. Cool J, Edgar Winter and others.

The spa and fitness areas are out of this world.  Saunas have huge windows so you can watch the Miami skyline or  enjoy the waves as you cruise.  You will find state of the art equipment in both the gym and spa. The whirlpools are fabulous.  

I've focused on what's new, but there is plenty more to see and do.  You won't go wrong on this ship. 

Other lnfo:
First  Look - Norwegian Breakaway

Have you ever had to change a flight and had to pay $200 to do
it?  Each airline has a different price for changing a ticket. 
Delta’s change fee is $200 while Southwest has no change fee. 
Sun Country charges $100 to change a domestic ticket and $150 for international flights.  However, if you purchase Sun Country’s new Uflex Vacation Protection Plan for $30, you
can make up to 3 changes with no penalty. 
Here are some details regarding Sun Country’s new plan:


        Prior to your trip, you can:

         Make up to 3 changes to your itinerary (you can change the time, date, destination, and even the name 
         on   your reservation) – with no change fees

         Cancel for any reason – with no penalty The difference in cost (if you make changes that reduce the cost
         of your trip), or the price of your vacation if you cancel, will be refunded to you, according to the option you 
         chose  voucher option or a cash option. Vouchers are valid for one y
 

        During your vacation

• You are also covered for costs incurred due to unexpected travel delays, delayed or lost luggage, medical expenses, emergency assistance, and accidental death or dismemberment. Coverage is provided by TripMate, a leading provider of travel protection plans. UFlex protection purchased within 24hours of outbound flight for round-trip itineraries can only be applied to return flight. 

           UFlex  FAQs 

        1. What is UFlex?

            It is a change fee protection product.  Passengers who purchase UFlex with their flight reservation are
            able to make up to three changes to their reservation without paying a change fee.  Passengers who have
            purchased UFlex are responsible for paying the difference between the fare in their original reservation
            and the fare available at the time of change. A change is defined as:  Changing time, date and/or 
            destination, or name on a reservation.       

        2.  What is the difference between UFlex and travel insurance?
 
            UFlex is a change fee protection product that protects passengers from three change fees 
            should they decide to make changed to their reservation, whereas travel insurance protects passengers
            from costs associated with trip cancellation, interruptions or delays: delayed, damaged or lost bags, 
            medical expenses during the trip, and other trip related items.

        3.  How and where do I buy UFlex?

            Purchase UFlex when making a flight reservation with Sun Country through the website at
            www.SunCountry.com or through Sun Country reservations: 1-800-359-6786 or 651-905-2737 for Mpls/St 
            Paul. UFlex protection purchased within 24hours of outbound flight for round-trip itineraries can only be
            applied to return flights. 
        
        4.  When can I buy UFlex?

            UFlex must be purchased in conjunction with a flight at time of ticketing only.