Trivia Tuesday

last week’s trivia: Where is the only place in the United States that has a royal palace?

If you guessed Honolulu then you are right on the money. Iolani Palace in Honolulu is the only royal palace to remain on U.S. soil. It is now a natural history landmark that attracts tourists from around the globe. Here you can visit the throne room, state dining room, library, music room, Queen Lili’uokalani prison chamber and much much more. The royal palace was completed in 1882 with the monarchy ending only 10 years later. Hawaii although annexed to the U.S. in 1989 didn’t become a state until 1959.  Between its time of splendid royal living and its restoration in 1969 it was used as a government building and museum. It was finally restored to its full glory that you can visit today in the 1980s. King Kalakaua and wife Queen Kapi’olani were the last reigning monarchs to live in the palace from 1882-1893. King Kamehameha unified the Hawaiian islands and established the monarch in 1796 and by 1820 established the Hawaiian Kingdom.  In 1845 honolulu became the King’s permanent capital, thus the location of the royal palace. King Kalakaua and Queen Kapi’olani who had no children lived in palace and truly brought the opulence of royalty to their beautiful home. The royal palace had electricity, even before the White house, a telephone, intercom system, dumbwaiter, flushable toilets and much more. Which, was truly unheard of for the time.
Visiting this historical and beautiful location is a great excursion for your next Hawaiian adventure. If you are interested and would like to learn more about the only palace in the United States please visit www.Iolanipalace.org and feel free to call one of our Hawaii experts at 920.236.7777 who would love to set up this great getaway for you.

This week’s Trivia Question: Which Country covers the most time zones? 

New York State of Mind

Although all of our group travel is great and boasts a lot of wonderful testimonials from our fabulous clients, it seems the May New York trip really hit it out of the park. This is what Denise had to say:

“In May 2105, my daughter and I traveled to NYC with Connie and I can’t say enough about how much we enjoyed our trip. Connie was so nice and helpful. She helped make our trip all we had hoped for and more. The next time I travel Ambassador will be the agency I turn to for assistance.”

Now if you are an avid reader of our wonderful blog you will know that we have shared other testimonials from the Big Apple getaway. Group travel is a great way to see a city and have someone around for recommendations, over all questions and because we all know travel can come with some bumps, a travel consultant is there to help you with everything that you need. Plus if you are someone who likes to go out and do your own thing there is no need to worry about checking in with the group. You have all the freedom of a solo trip with the convenience and security of a guided tour. We have different groups going all the time and honestly something for every type of traveler.
Interested in more information about our Ambassador groups? Visit our website http://ambassadortravelltd.com/embed/ambassador-tours/ or give us a call at  920.236.7777

Disney News

One of the great functions of our website is Disney News. Disney is constantly putting out promotions, updating their pricing and rolling out hot new adventures that live in your children’s imaginations. With 2016 pricing now out, it is a great time to call our Disney expert and start planning a trip the family will never forget.

Or if you are more of a spur of the moment kind of family, there are still great deals for late summer travel. See the video below.

Nothing says family vacation like Disney destinations. For more information please visit our website ambassadortravelltd.com or give us a call 920.236.7777.

Tequila Tour

Being from Wisconsin most of us can say we have taken a distillery or brewery tour. I mean our baseball team is named after beer. But how many of us have done a tequila tour? This cool experience is a great excursion for your next Mexican vacation. Learn about the authentic process and rich history that goes into the production of tequila. Tours can show the culture, farming practices and culinary art of this century old process. Tequila, according to Mexican law, can only be produced in the State of Jalisco and limited regions in neighboring states. Because it’s cultural ties Mexicans believe strongly in producing only the best. Check out two of the most popular distilleries for your next adventure.

Sauza: Founded in 1873 by Don Cenobia Sauza this famous brand is distributed world wide. Enjoy a relaxing day at the on-site bar and restaurant that looks over the grounds of the facility. Suaza also produces: Conmemorativo, Hornitos as well as Tres Generacions tequilas. There are a variety of different experiences offered on sight. Visit the botanical gardens and even help plant and harvest your own agave crops.

Jose Cuervo: With over 3.5 million cases exported every year to the U.S. alone, Jose Cuervo is one of the most popular tequilas ever. Here many different tours and tastings are offered Monday- Saturday, there is even an VIP experience. You will learn the history of 2 centuries worth of production and have the chance to bottle your very own tequila. Make sure to get over to the bar and restaurant onsite where you will be shown what meals pair well with different tequila drinks.

It seems like anyway you go, no one loses. Tequila is a part of Mexican culture and you should be apart of it. Give us a call today to set up your next Mexican adventure with excursions to one of these fabulous tours. ambassadortravelltd.com or 920.236.7777

Where in the World Wednesday

Sometimes when researching where to recommend for this week’s Where in the World Wednesday I stumble across an article that I have to share, this week is one of those weeks. Often times when we think of Florida vacations we see two giant ears, some magic and a lot kids. And although we all love our Disney vacation memories, this article lays out 5 alternative Florida destinations that you probably haven’t been to.  I have been to Florida countless times and have never been to one on this list. I like that they include beach and non-beach destinations. This list definitely has something for everyone and is a great read. Check it out and let me know what you think in the comments. Did they forget a great Florida destination that you have been to? Let me know!

http://www.travel-42.com/tipster/post/2015/06/11/5-alternative-destinations-in-Florida.aspx

If this inspred you to take your next vacation to the sunshine state, please visit our website ambassadortravelltd.com or give us a call 920.236.7777 to schedule an appointment to talk to one of our expert consultants on the best places for you on your next getaway.

Trivia Tuesday

Last week’s Travel Trivia Question: Which Country has the most paid vacation time? Austria

If you guessed Austria then you are right on! With 22 paid vacations days and 13 paid holidays Austria comes in at number one. This number can actually be higher for people who have worked in certain jobs for over 25 years or more or who have strenuous labor jobs. The United States is the only developed country that has no legally required paid vacation days or holidays. With 25% of American’s having zero paid vacation days throughout the year.  Looking outside of Austria, every country in the European Union has a minimum of 4 work weeks of paid vacation. Continuing my research it is interesting to learn that there is a distinct correlation between unemployment rates and paid vacation time. The U.S. with its zero legally required vacation days has an unemployment rate of 8.1% while Austria with its 35 paid days off per year (vacation and holidays) has an unemployment rate of almost half the U.S. at 4.4%. It seems that when people are paid to take time off they are not only better employees, but they take those days to stimulate their country’s economy, by traveling, and shopping and enjoying their time and money.

So, although we come from a country that doesn’t give us over a month of paid time off, we still love to travel! Take your “earned” time off this year to visit some of the places you have always wanted to go. Take a note from Europeans and stimulate the economy by travelling!

This week’s trivia: Where is the only place in the United States that has a royal palace?

Cultural Paradise

Although it is warm out and we have all but forgotten how awful winter can be in Wisconsin, don’t forget for too long becuase come fall you will be wishing for your next warm escape. Here to get you in the mindset is consultant Veronica on one of her favorite excursions while visiting Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

“One of my favorite things about Puerto Vallarta is the amazing local culture it has. I got to really experience this when I did the ‘Rhythms of the night’ excursion. The adventure starts out with a ferry ride to a remote part of Puerto Vallarta. We got off and walked along tiki lit paths and you never knew what was going to happen. Mermaids and jungle creatures were all around. Our group was treated to an amazing Mexican buffet with live music. After we were full we made our way to the theatre and watched the local culture unfold. There was singing, dancing, and comedy. It was truly an incredible night that I would recommend to anyone traveling to Puerto Vallarta.”
As a former Mexico skeptic, it is things like this that have made me completely reconsider. I have been on tropical family vacations and at one point decided that I needed to experience more culture and history when I was on my trips. It’s excursions like these that have totally proved me wrong. Mexico, like any other country has a rich history and isn’t just about laying on the beach all day (although it definitely can be if that is your style). Veronica has made a believer out of me and I can’t wait for my next opportunity to visit the land of great food, tequila and history.

If you are interested in enjoying the relaxation and culture that Mexico can offer than give us a call 920.236.7777 or visit our website ambassadortravelltd.com

Staycation

Although getting away can be nice, sometimes it just isn’t realistic. That is why STAYcations are so necessary. Maybe this year is a little hectic and squeezing in that family trip or romantic getaway is just not feasible. Fret no more! I have found your solution. Red Brick Inn and Retreat is the perfect family getaway or romantic weekend for two right here in Oshkosh. Now often times we think of a Bed and Breakfast and we think relaxation, but do we also think adventure? Well after trying Red Brick you will. This B&B comes with a twist. Owned by personal trainer and outdoor enthusiasts this great escape comes with endless outdoor fun. With options for personal training, hiking, biking kayaking, messages and so much more the fun will never end. Enjoy their very own fitness studio or make some s’mores around the fire at night. This 10 acre paradise is located near lake Butte des Mortes and has 2 private suites with their own entrances both with all the modern conveniences of home. You don’t always need to get out of town to clear your head, sometimes you just need a change of scenery.

Check out their website here http://redbrickinn.azurewebsites.net/information.php
If you would like more information please give us a call at 920.236.7777

Drinking around the East Coast

A couple of weeks ago I ventured to the East Coast for a girls weekend. I met my best friend Jennie in Philadelphia where we decided to take on the city one drink at a time. Now I’m the type of traveler who loves to have an itinerary and likes to stick to it, but for this trip I decided I mostly just wanted to spend time with my best friend and hope that we saw some cool stuff along the way. Like any traditional girls weekend this obviously included gossip, some sight seeing, and of course cocktails. And because it’s Thirsty Thursday I thought I would highlight some of my favorite drinking spots we stopped while touring one of the United State’s oldest cities. Plus the additional one day in Manhattan.

A few of the coolest restaurant bars we stopped at in Philadelphia are: Revolution House, Continental Midtown, and 4 Fathers. The first thing I can say about all of these places is that I love how they used their location to influence their names. After having some wine at the Revolution house we quite literally breezed passed the Betsy Ross house. Philadelphia is one of the only cities that I have been to where the history is completely mixed in with the modern city. Sure there are historical parts and then the business of downtown, but you can be walking around and bam you run into the liberty bell. Continental Midtown was one of the coolest restaurants I have ever been to, they had hanging wicker chairs and all their drinks were named after famous Americans of the past.

Because it is finally getting warm out we took on a lot of outdoor drinking establishments. If you want one of the best views of our life then Morgan’s Pier is for you. As you are drinking your Sangria (that’s what I got) take in a spectacular view of the Ben Franklin bridge. It’s truly amazing and for someone who loves history as much as me the combination was on point.

One of the last places we visited in Philadelphia was the Hotel Monaco. There rooftop bar is not only beautiful but so trendy and fun. With fireplaces and old world charm this hotel really knows how to do it. Beware though there is a strict dress code enforced so don’t show up in shorts and flip flops, this is a dressy establishment.
And finally we made our way for a day in Manhattan to see one of my other amazing girlfriends, Courtney. Here we decided that to really experience New York you need to just live it. We grabbed some mediterranean food and red wine at Civediamo Beyoglu and let the city take us where it did. This by the way was some of the best hummus and fried calamari that I have ever eaten. We stopped off for a couple dirty martini’s before heading back to Philadelphia at The Penrose NYC. I love New York because you come across such gems that can elevate a night with friends to a night you’ll never forget. Don’t forget to check my photos and book your own fun weekend to the East Coast!

If my East coast adventure interests you, then stop by our website ambassadortravelltd.com or give us a call 920.236.7777 to book your next trip!

Cuba Craze

Sunnyland Tours has just offered a great deal for a vacation of a lifetime, 8 days in Cuba for $2499 with a two for one deal, if booked by June 30th with dates through April 2016. This great price includes some amazing amenities to really give you your bang for your buck.

1. Deluxe hotel Havana with buffet breakfast daily
2. First class lodge and all meals in Vinales
3. Deluxe all inclusive resort in Varadero
4. 18 meals: 7 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 4 dinners
5. Comprehensive city tour of old Havana including Museo de bellas Artes and a mojito cocktail at la bodeguita del medio
6. Lectures and briefings
7. Cabaret show at Hotel Nucional
8. All escorted guided tours and visits including admission fees throughout
9. All transportation within Cuba
10. Government hotel taxes
11. Services of SLT local representatives throughout

*Trip interruption insurance is required

*Flight is not included
Not only have I been so excited about the prospect of finally being able to visit Cuba, but honestly with this price it has become even more tempting. In my humble opinion, this is the time to visit this mysterious island. Once tourism starts there some of the old world charm is going to be lost. Cuba is so fascinating to so many people because it was a forbidden land for so long. Getting to this culture rich country before resorts pop up every few feet is my idea of getting a glimpse into history like never before.