Mundo Maya–Discover the Magical Region!

Mundo Maya comprises 5 states which cover Mexico’s Southeastern Peninsula.  The area covers Tabasco, Chiapas, Campeche, Yucatan and Quintana Roo.  This destination offers an unforgettable opportunity to enjoy history whild enjoying gorgeous crystal clear turquoise waters and exceptional luxury accomodations.

The Mayan Culture rose up to become one of the most accomplished cultures of all time over 3,000 years ago.  Their vast architectural, artistic and intellectual achievements included awe-inspiring cities, masterful mosiacs and carvings, an intricate writing system and most dramatic acchaeological sites in Mesoamerica.  Chichen-Itza has been declared one of the new seven wonders of the world.

Traditional Mayan villages still exist in this region along with charming colonial cities, luxurious haciendas, nature preserves and stunning seaside resorts.

Call Bella Vacations to arrange a custom itinerary to this magical part of the world.

Magical Mundo Maya

Eco Friendly Honeymoons & Vacations

Earth Conscious families  feel good about choosing a vacation that helps the planet rather than add to its  environmental problems. So one of this year’s major trends — and undoubtedly a trend for years to come — is planning a eco friendly honeymoon or vacation, where small changes in travel plans can make a big difference.

Tips for an eco-friendly vacation:

1. Pack Light, dont take more than you need.  Lighter luggage will lessen fuel consumption.

2.  Visit Eco-Friendly Resorts and Hotels

3.  Use public transportation when you are on vacation, which is not always a bus..many countries offer a monorail, train, ferries, and busses and subways.

4. Instead of a car rental, try the new SMART CAR–share a vehicle and get it only when you need it.

5. Use your digital camera instead of a disposable

Here are tips that you can use to conserve energy at home and on vacation:

1.  Consume Local Goods.  Purchase and Eat foods grown or harvested locally which will avoid excess fuel used in shipping.  Local wines, produce and meats will give you a better appreciation of where you live or visit while saving precious energy.

2. Conserve in home and in room energy.  Simply put–SHUT OFF THE LIGHTS!

3. Save on laundry–when staying in hotels, use your towels for two days, and your sheets for your entire stay. This saves water and heating fuel.

Honeymoon Travel Trends

Honeymoon Travel Trends
According to The Travel Institute, several new travel trends signal the growth of an unconventional attitude towards honeymoon travel and will transform the way couples plan and enjoy honeymoons in the future. The Honeymoon Gift Registry is one example of a new service that offers modern couples a practical alternative to the traditional gift registry.

With the average U.S. couple delaying marriage into their late 20s, most have already acquired their living essentials (toasters, linens, etc.), and some are choosing to not register for traditional gifts at department stores. Working with their travel agent, couples select their dream honeymoon package, and then family and friends make a gift purchase towards the total cost of the trip. With the average U.S. couple spending over $4,000 on their honeymoon–three times the average amount spent on other types of leisure travel—-the Honeymoon Gift Registry can provide newlyweds with a honeymoon that might otherwise been out of their budget.

Another new trend shows honeymooners locating and utilizing “traditional” travel agents via the Internet. Due to the significant emotional and financial investment involved in honeymoon planning, many Internet savvy couples are NOT utilizing large travel Web sites to book travel. Instead, they’re seeking the services of “traditional” travel agents who have made the successful transition from conventional to e-commerce business. Though typically not located in the couple’s hometown, these travel professionals provide the personalized attention usually offered at a “bricks and mortar” travel agency, but instead via telephone, fax and e-mail.

In addition, many honeymooners are delaying the start of the honeymoon by as much as a week to several months after the wedding day in order to recover from the wedding festivities or travel to a desired destination in season.

Top Ten Cities To Visit

Travel and Leisure Magazine puts out a Top 10 List Each Year, according to a survey done by their readers.  If you are looking for a new place to visit, consider these Top Destinations:

Top 10 Cities in the US and Canada

1. New York

2. San Francisco

3. Chicago

4. Charleston, SC

5. Santa Fe

6. Quebec City

7. Montreal

8. Vancouver

9. Savannah, Georgia–First time on the list!

10. Victoria, British Columbia

Top Ten Cities in the World

1. Bangkok

2. Buenos Aires

3. Cape Town

4. Sydney

5. Florence

6. Cuzco, Peru

7.  Rome

8. New York

9. Istanbul

10. San Francisco

The cities were chosen by over 11,000 Travel and Leisure Magazine Subscribers rating the destination, properties and their recent experiences. If you suffer from the winter blues, choose one of these top destinations to visit or come up with a list of your own!  Visit www.BellaVacations.com for some great travel ideas.

Beautiful Vancouver

San Francisco in the evening

Call Lynn Ciccarelli to plan your Winter Getaway!  www.BellaVacations.com

A Great Idea For A Fundraiser!

Do you know of an organization or charity that needs to raise a significant amount of funds? If you do NOT want to sell candy bars, then consider a unique and popular fundraising option with Bella Vacations.

Here is how the fundraiser works: Bella Vacations will arrange a luxury mid price vacation to the location of your choice. All travel arrangements are made at no cost to the organization. The organization will offer raffle tickets or chances to win for the price of $5-$10. Ticket sales need to cover the cost of the trip, and any funds over that will be earned by the charity.

Tickets are sold for a predetermined amount of time. The drawing is held on a specific date and time which is also predetermined. The winner then has the option of using the vacation as arranged, or the plans can be changed to any destination. Winners also have the option of adding additional travelers, upgrade/downgrade, etc. The winners have one year to use their free vacation.  A GREAT IDEA, a GREAT FUNDRAISER, and a SIMPLE WAY TO PROFIT!

For more information visit www.BellaVacations.Com

People are Still Traveling Despite the Recession, but Making Slight Adjustments to Their Plans

I have not seen an adverse affect to the travel industry since the latest downturn in the economy. People who travel are still traveling, although now considering other locations or traveling at off peak times to save money. Those that were not normally willing to traveling off season are now considering the idea because it can reduce overall costs by up to 30%. Some travelers are opting to use a train and doing group tours instead of private guides while visiting Europe.

If you are interested in visiting Europe, A 3-4 star hotel in a great location is what I am recommending. Airfare is less expensive in the Nov-March timeframe.

Countries such as Italy are still in demand and I find people are traveling there regardless of cost, especially for destination weddings and the trips of a lifetime that people have been saving up for.

I find those that enjoy traveling are still going. It has become a way of life for so many looking to enrich their life. The key is to be creative with a set budget!

Lynn Kubrick-Ciccarelli
Bella Vacations
an Associate of Valerie Wilson Travel
Certified Virtuoso Travel Planner

Stockholm Train Station

412.795.5252
www.BellaVacations.com

Girlfriend Getaways–a Hot New Travel Trend

By Lynn Kubrick Ciccarelli

Need some “time out”? The hottest new travel trend is a Girlfriend Getaway.

Womens attitudes are “we deserve a break “ from work and yes even our families. More and more married women as well as single women are taking off for a fun filled vacation with female only trips.

Instead of staying home while the guys are golfing, the girls are off on their own trips. Shopping, spa treatments, cooking classes in Tuscany, cruising, golf, visiting places that their husbands won’t go to are destinations the ladies are traveling to

For those that have more time to spend on their vacation exotic places are popular. China, Egypt, Africa, South America all top the list. Spa and wellness trips to self improve are also in demand. Wine and food maybe with the added bonus of a chef and cooking classes appeal to some.

Where are they going? Usually a long weekend is planned. Top destinations are ones that can be reached with non-stop flights. Good choices are South Beach, Cancun, Chicago New York , Las Vegas, Santa Fe. All are easy to get to and offer a wide variety of things to do. Cruises are another fun choice.

To learn more about a fun getaway, visit www.BellaVacations.com

Why Use a Travel Agent?

Why should you use a travel agent instead of booking online yourself?

• Save time. A professional agent can find the best rates in a matter of minutes not hours.
• Save money. Travel agents have access to better rates and more perks than you are able to get. Cruise lines often work with agencies and offer great shipboard bonuses. Certain hotels and resorts offer to discounts for AAA and others for American Express, MasterCard or their best rates might be directly with the hotel. A good agent will know this.
• Knowledge of different products. An experienced agent will work to have a great experience for their client. How is this achieved? By matching the right cruise line, tour company, hotel, or rental car company for that clients needs and expectations.
• Guidance. There are so many travel products to choose from. All of them have different areas that they are good at. A travel agent can help you decide which one it the right company for you.

Shop for Chocolate and Support Breast Cancer FREE SHIPPING

Hi All–Laurie Moroco is a fantastic gal in Western PA who has a chocolate business.  I love her goodies, and she gift wraps and ships all over the country.  I will often use her products as thank you gifts for my clients or for a referral.  She is offering a fundraiser for October, so check out her website, buy some chocolate and support cancer research. Just $3 and Free Shipping!

Lynn Kubrick Ciccarelli, Bella Vacations

www.BellaVacations.com

Pink Ribbon Pretzels

Show your support for breast cancer during National Breast Cancer Awareness Month by purchasing a twist pretzel with pink chocolate, white jimmies, and pink ribbon candy confetti. You can feel good knowing that HALF of the proceeds of this pretzel will go directly to the Win-Win foundation — a local organization dedicated to financially helping those in need who are stricken with breast cancer. Choose this pretty in pink pretzel and we all WIN.

Order thorugh October and receive FREE SHIPPING!

Click here to view entire Pink Ribbon Collection

Our Price: $3.00
S & H: $ FREE

Destination Weddings Becoming More Popular

Going away to get married has become a popular trend among brides and grooms. Combining your wedding and honeymoon allows you to save time traveling, enjoy your honeymoon without the stress of rushing from the ceremony, and often being able to vacation with family and close friends. Destination weddings often take place in tropical areas such as the Caribbean, Mexico, or Hawaii. Others decide to celebrate their wedding in Europe, South America, or a domestic seaside location. The entire wedding party will travel to the destination and enjoy a long weekend – or an entire week – and be on vacation while attending the wedding. Couples often express concern about the cost of a destination wedding, the ceremony itself is often less expensive than traditional weddings–and when planned far enough in advance, guests are able to pay for their vacations on a payment plan.

Planning a wedding and honeymoon combination can often be easier and sometimes less expensive than planning two events separately. Often we hear that brides don’t recall their wedding ceremony due to the stress and anxiety of getting all the details pulled together and the stress of trying to please everyone, not to mention the skyrocketing costs. Destination weddings are relaxed and unforgettable for everyone involved.

Destination weddings take considerable planning and research, and the best properties & accommodations often book far in advance of the wedding date. The earlier you begin planning your wedding, the greater the likelihood you will be able to book the perfect property for you and your guests. Allow us to help you plan your destination wedding. Whether you are getting married in 2 weeks or 2 years, Bella Vacations can help you choose the perfect location to exchange your vows.

For more information on planning a destination wedding, visit www.BellaVacations.com

Lynn Kubrick Ciccarelli

Bella Vacations

Pittsburgh, PA, USA