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Totem Travel top agency in Seattle & best of best Sandals travel agency

By Linda | Published August 23, 2013 | Posted in Sandals Resorts, Updates, specials & deals

Star Awards 2012

The last year has been a good one for Totem Travel awards and recognition. Some of the recognition came from the Seattle area business community where we were again named one the top travel agencies in the Pacific Northwest by The Puget Sound Business Journal.  Our travel agency has been located in Kirkland Washington since 1984 and we provide honeymoon and vacation planning services nationwide within our specific areas of expertise such as all inclusive resorts, tropical island destinations and Europe.

More awards came from Sandals Resorts where Totem Travel received yet another Best of the Best travel agency award and was selected as the top agency in Western Region for butler suites. Additionally, our three Preferred Sandals Specialists were reinstated as members in the prestigious Chairman’s Royal Club. Each award from Sandals Resorts recognizes specific areas of expertise and top performance as compared to travel agents and travel agencies located throughout the world.

Congratulations to all!

Tips on dining and sightseeing in Paris France

By Linda | Published July 6, 2013 | Posted in Europe

London & France 125

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Paris ranks high on the list of European capitals to see and enjoy and many of the “must do’s” sights are obvious – the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe and Notre Dame. Most visitors also enjoy shopping on the Champs Elysees, strolling the banks of the Seine, browsing tiny shops and eateries in the Left Bank or enjoying a leisurely dinner cruise to see the City of Lights in all its glory.

Art lovers can spend days exploring the Louvre, National Museum of Modern Art, Orsay, Rodin, Cluny and other museums and for those interested in the history behind the art and artists a walking tour of the Marais and Montmartre Districts is highly recommended. But some say the true joy of France is the food and make it a point to return again and again for that pleasure alone. To quote a long time client and foodie

The French worship the food gods. They eat seasonally (don’t expect asparagus in October) and freshness is important. Day old bread is considered a mortal sin which is why people stop in the bakery on the way home to dinner. To have gotten the bread in the morning would have made it stale by dinner.

Reservations – For dinner always make reservations. Period. It is sometimes advisable to make a reservation in person the first time you visit a restaurant. If you do this you can get an idea of the English fluency. A phone reservation can be chancy with both sides thinking they understand what is being said and, in reality, you have just booked a table for 27 next month.

Courtesy – Turn off your phone or whatever electronic device you carry. It is extremely rude to talk on a phone in a restaurant. I have seen people asked to leave in the middle of their meal because their phone was ringing. I have also seen a man apologize to an entire room full of customers because he forgot to turn his phone off and it rang. If you can’t wait to get a call stay at home or go to Italy – they’ve got no manners.

Dinner – is a 3 course meal (starter, main course, dessert) and the prices do not include, aperitifs, wine, coffee, etc. Sparkling water is also extra but still water is usually no additional charge. By law all restaurants in France must display their offerings outside the restaurant so you can get an idea of prices/food before you go inside. There will also be “le Menu”, the daily specials that offer a few (2- 5) choices for each course for a fixed price. Usually a good deal if it meets your tastes.

Wine – Good wine is available at reasonable prices and if you don’t know what to order ask the waiter or, in nicer places, the sommelier. The important grades of wine are Domaine, Premier Cru, Grand Cru. About .1 of 1% of the vineyards in France are Grand Cru and are priced accordingly – very high. Premier Cru is excellent, not common and priced less then Grand Cru but still expensive. All the rest are just good wines. Some are blends and some are single grape. If you are serious do a little reading before you go because it is too late once you are in the restaurant. Sample wines from different regions as you eat different meals. The differences in the regions are huge and your tastes may direct you to a particular type of wine or region. Even the differences between vineyards in a local area can be significant.

Tipping – In France tips are included in the price of the meal. If you get average or poor service don’t leave anything extra. If the service is better, then leave anything up to 10% more depending on how good the service was. How helpful? Did the waiter/waitress make suggestions or guide you away from something you might not like? Did he/she go get someone else with better English? If you are in a Michelin starred restaurant then leave 20-25% unless you got poor service but that’s not likely. French credit card receipts do not have a place to add a gratuity. It would be rude to do this in their culture. The easiest thing to do is to leave cash for the tip. There are other ways but my French is not up to the task.

Language – Someone else with better English (see above) may not exist. Don’t ever make a communication failure a reason for not tipping. You are in their country. If you want things like they are at home, stay at home. Take a food dictionary and carry it with you. It will save some difficult moments. Even with a food dictionary house specialties and regional preparations may not translate. Also, learn the days of the week in French. Restaurant hours/days are usually posted on the door and frequently vary by day and many places are closed at least one day a week. Time will be military style – 2:00 pm equals 1400 hours. Most of the restaurants open for lunch and close in early afternoon and then open for dinner at 7:00 or 8:00 pm.

Paying – Getting the check may take some time. Just because you have finished eating/drinking does not mean you are ready to leave. You must request the check and it may take some time. Be patient, dinner is supposed to take 2 hours. Most places accept credit cards and display the standard VISA/Mastercard signs. A few places accept only debit cards or cash so always carry all three. The French bring a portable credit card reader/transmitter/printer to the table. It is considered rude/dishonest to take your credit card away from the table. Most of these machines have a stripe reader but they don’t work all that well. Have your credit card company issue you a credit card with an embedded chip before you travel and your card can be used just like European cards. It will work better, it is faster and the French will appreciate your consideration.

As an independent traveler, I find Paris easy to explore with mostly safe city streets well connected by a clean, well managed metro system. Most Parisians welcome tourists and are willing and able to assist in English especially if first greeted in French. So practice your “Bon jour madame or monsieur “, pack up the food dictionary and get out and enjoy! Whether you have a weekend in Paris, a week or two in France or months to explore the top destinations in Europe, all agree that Paris should be on your itinerary. Call or email linda@totemtravel.com if you’d like help planning your European vacation.

Summer specials at one of Fiji island’s best adult only resorts – Qamea

By Linda | Published June 7, 2013 | Posted in Tahiti & Fiji, Updates, specials & deals

Wow! This doesn’t happen very often… Qamea Resort and Spa in Fiji is offering two free nights during the high season summer months. So you can stay 7 nights and pay for 5  through October when the weather is at it’s absolute best and couples need a way to stretch their budget for a last minute adult only inclusive honeymoon in the romantic and idyllic Fiji Islands.

In addition to free nights you can choose either a free scuba package or free massage package daily and the resort is picking up the tab for one of the interisland flights between from Nadi to Taveuni. Qamea offers room only rates and a meal inclusive  package which is the better value and honeymooners will receive a bottle  of French champagne and 30 minute massage with a one week package.

Air Pacific airfares are also lower than normal for summer travel because the airline is changing its name to Air Fiji and expanding service from 4 days a week to daily service with delivery of several brand new Boeing airplanes with in flight upgrades and amenities. Check out the current Qamea special and call or email me for  more South Pacific packages and suggestions. I visit Tahiti and Fiji regularly and am here to help!

A pick for best adult only resort in Fiji – Likuliku Lagoon Resort

By Linda | Published April 20, 2013 | Posted in Tahiti & Fiji

 

Likuliku

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In celebration of an imminent reopening I wanted to review one of Fiji’s best resorts, the beautiful, luxurious and immensely popular Likuliku Lagoon Resort. So with all the wonderful resorts in Fiji what makes Likuliku Resort one of the best?

1. Exceptional accommodations with the Fiji Island’s only overwater bungalows. Plus my favorite deluxe beachfront bures with private pool and gorgeous ocean views. Amenities include a comfy king bed, luxurious bathroom with indoor and outdoor garden shower and Pure Fiji bath products, freshly baked cookies and mini fridge with beverages near the living area, generously sized beach bed on a wrap around furnished porch and more. All just steps from the sand and water’s edge… paradise!

 

2. Gourmet dining that will delight every foodie’s heart and stomach with breakfast, lunch and 5 course French inspired Polynesian influenced dinners included in the room rate. An extensive wine list adds to the experience and many guests linger for hours at their candlelit table with quiet music from handmade Fijian instruments playing softly in the background .

 

3. Ultra romantic adult only ambiance with private nooks and crannies near the beautiful 2 level horizon edge pool, flower strewn pathways, flickering Tiki torchesan

 

4. Sunsets and a very special place to enjoy them with toes in the sand and favorite beverage in hand at the sunset bar on the pier.

 

5. Watersports and activities with snorkeling, kayaks, sailboats and more free of charge. Guests can arrange a private sand spit picnic, island hop and visit Tom Hank’s Castaway, rent jet skis or go deep sea fishing. It’s all available and nearby.

 

All these features are important and add to an amazing vacation experience but what truly sets Fiji apart from Tahiti, Bora Bora, the Cook Islands, Caribbean and other tropical destinations are the Fijian people. And the staff at Likuliku  is incredible. From the first warm welcome to the flowers petals on your bed and traditional good bye song as you leave this island  paradise you will be treated like royalty. So plan some time to get away from it all and put Fiji on your honeymoon or anniversary wish list. It is a magical place you will never forget!

Vacation planning events for Tahiti, Fiji, Sandals Resorts & Australia

By Linda | Published February 6, 2013 | Posted in Sandals Resorts, Tahiti & Fiji

Sandals Grande Antigua Dickenson Bay Beach

Totem Travel is hosting free honeymoon and vacation planning events for Tahiti, Fiji and the South Pacific islands; Sandals adult only all inclusive resorts located on five islands (soon to be six) in the Caribbean; and Australia – The Land Down Under. Dates and details follow.

  • Feb 23, 2013
    Tahiti and Fiji – The South Pacific Islands
    Kirkland
    12-2p Saturday
  • March 2, 2013
    Sandals Resorts – Honeymoon Planning Event
    Meet Me Conference Call
    12 – 1 pm Saturday
    Receive a $250 spa credit in addition to available discounts and promotions on qualified bookings
  • March 15, 2013
    Australia – The Land Down Under
    Kirkland
    12-2 pm Saturday

Please call or email linda@totemtravel.com for additional information and to RSVP. In the Seattle area you can reach Totem Travel at (425) 821-4100 or toll free (800) 321-7907. We hope to see you soon!

Island hopping in the Caribbean

By Linda | Published December 7, 2012 | Posted in Caribbean, Sandals Resorts

When guests have a longer time for a Caribbean vacation it’s tempting to combine two or more islands to sample more of this year round tropical destination.  But often, even when islands are physically close in proximity, there is limited air service and island hopping requires time consuming and budget busting travel.  So here are some favorite multi island combinations with decently priced nonstop interisland flights and connections that work well from a number of U.S. gateways without a lot of backtracking.

If island hopping in the Caribbean appeals to the adventurer in you, we generally recommend 4+ nights at each destination so you have enough time to enjoy the different experiences and don’t feel your vacation was spent at airports.

From the U.S. there are many airlines serving the Caribbean but depending on your itinerary, island hopping may involve travel on smaller regional airlines with international arrivals into one airport and departures from another. But it can be done and it can be fun, so contact one of our Caribbean travel specialists  Linda, Sandi or Patty for help planning your multi island vacation or tropical honeymoon.

New village & holiday space at Beaches Turks & Caicos

By Linda | Published December 1, 2012 | Posted in Caribbean, Sandals Resorts

Hot off the press! Sandals and Beaches all inclusive resort chain just acquired the Verandah Resort which will operate as the 4th and newest village at Beaches Turks and Caicos. We have long considered Beaches Turks and Caicos  the world’s best family friendly all inclusive resort so this is very exciting news for all!

Even better, there is space available for arrivals starting December 15 including Christmas and spring break so you can be one of the first to experience Key West at Beaches Turks and Caicos located on 12 mile Grace Bay Beach, recently named the best beach in the world.

The new addition includes 1-4 bedroom suites and villas some with private plunge pool, washer and dryer and kitchen. All with enjoy every feature and amenity offered by Beaches Resorts with 20+ restaurants, water parks, water sports, fabulous pools and more. All included.

I will be visiting Key West Luxury Village in 2 days and will be back with photos and a more complete report. Untill then you can browse and book online

 

Best day tours, sightseeing and activities on Antigua

By Linda | Published November 28, 2012 | Posted in Caribbean, Sandals Resorts

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Antigua is known for year round tropical weather, 365 beautiful beaches, turquoise water and some of the best adult only and family friendly resorts in the Caribbean. But even the most devoted beach bum likes to get out and explore on occasion so I’ve sampled some of Antigua’s best day tours and activities as well as resorts and beaches.

My top 5 things to see and do on Antigua would be

  1. Nelson’s Dockyard and English Harbour
  2. Shirley Heights
  3. Snorkeling at Cades Reef, Pillars of Hercules, Paradise Reef or Half Moon Bay
  4. Stingray City
  5. St Johns Saturday Market

Although a map and Google directions will make it look easy to get about with a rental car, my advice is to book excursions through a tour company. Despite having only a few main roads on the island, many streets are unmarked, fewer are on the map, road signs at intersections are unreadable and the town of St John is a maze of one way streets.  Even stopping for directions is fruitless as locals walk so stay close to home.  Did I mention you’d be driving on the left side of the road in a car with steering wheel on the right?  Enough said!

The top sightseeing attractions on Antigua are scattered about the island and may be minutes or an hour from your resort but if you’re staying near Dickenson Bay, one of the best beaches on Antigua, my vote for best day tour would be the Xtreme Circumnavigation. This tour combines 4 of the 5 top experiences in a single action packed day and adds the thrill of high speed boating as you race literally around the island.

The tour departs at 9:40a from the white sand beach in front of adult only Sandals Grande Antigua.  Plan to wear your bathing suit and carry towels, flip flops and camera above your head as you wade toward the 45 foot racing boat and climb aboard. The boat comfortably accommodates 20 adventurers plus a talented and personable 3 man crew but is not appropriate for the physically challenged or those prone to motion sickness. There is also limited shade onboard so sun screen is important.

After a brief safety lecture we headed north toward the Atlantic side of Antigua and a cluster of low lying islands and cays. After a ½ hour speeding across open ocean we stopped at Stingray City, a smaller and less commercialized version of the famous Cayman Island attraction. All but a few onboard donned snorkel masks to swim with dozens of huge stingrays above a shallow sand bar while others watched from a floating platform and the most adventurous held a ray and captured the experience with an optional photo for $15.

A bit more high speed, bouncy cruising took us past Devils’ Bridge to our 2nd stop on Green Island with an opportunity to swim and enjoy a lovely picnic lunch and refreshments on a deserted island beach.

Next we cruised past Shirley Heights into the bustling seaport of English Harbour and Nelson’s Dockyard with an interesting and informative narrative on its rich maritime history.  As we exited the harbor we anchored for a lovely long snorkel near the Pillars of Hercules where the visibility was excellent and we enjoyed hundreds of brightly colored fish and healthy corals.  One of our guides Trevor was an accomplished skindiver and easily touched a large anchor left 35 feet below from a long ago shipwreck and later swam through a rock formation on the ocean bottom.

Rounding the southern tip of Antigua we headed back into the turquoise waters of the Caribbean  and our last stop at Rendezvous Bay.  This is a picture perfect beach accessible only by boat or foot so we were able to float and swim in gently rolling waves, walk on the deserted beach and celebrate our wonderful day with a glass of traditional rum punch before heading back to Sandals and Dickenson’s Bay around 4p.

Overall Xtreme Circumnavigation is an outstanding value and the best bang for the buck on Antigua with 4 of the 5 top island attractions and lunch on a single day tour. I hope you try it and enjoy it as much I did!

Check back for my review of the Millionaire’s Suite at Sandals La Toc  and guideline for tipping a butler at a Sandals Resort.

Iberostar Grand Bavaro Punta Cana all inclusive paradise for adults

By Linda | Published August 10, 2012 | Posted in Caribbean

 

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I’ve been a huge fan of Iberostar Resorts for years and it’s one of my favorite all inclusive resort groups for families.  But the adult only brand definitely deserves its place in the sun (pun intended) so it’s time to review the gorgeous Iberostar Grand Bavaro Resort in Punta Cana!

Start with a spectacular entrance lobby and multi acre lagoon complete with fountains, waterfalls and pink flamingos.  Add miles of white sand beach and warm turquoise water.  Throw in a beautiful and expansive pool area with shaded beach beds, sunken chaise lounges and swim up bar.  Blend in luxurious guest rooms with butler service, comfy king or double beds, jetted soaking tubs, walk in rain showers, generous furnished balconies and stocked minibars.  Then top with great food, friendly service and tons of activities and you’ve got the recipe for an indulgent but active all inclusive vacation for adults.

There are 6 restaurants and 5 bars at the adult only Iberostar Grand Bavaro and guests also have the option of dining at family friendly restaurants at all adjoining Iberostar Resorts including Iberostar Bavaro and Iberostar Punta Cana.  At the adult only Grand Bavaro, restaurant choices range from French to  Asian, Italian, Surf and turf, Dominican and seafood with furnishings and decor to match.  The quality and presentation is excellent by all inclusive standards but you should plan to dine early, late or at the buffet your first night as reservations are required at all ala carte restaurants and cannot be made prior to arrival.   24 hour room service is also available and included.

The Iberostar Resorts are known for a wide selection of organized and independent activities so during the day you’ll find guests playing beach or water volleyball, shooting hoops in the pool, trying their hand at boce ball or ping pong, practicing yoga with an instructor, sailing, kayaking or taking a salsa class. Indoors you’ll find a huge state of the art air conditioned exercise facility, a billiards room, shops and theater where evening shows are staged nightly.

As they say a picture is worth a thousand words so enjoy the slide show (the beach is unbelievable!) and start planning your next all inclusive vacation.  The Dominican Republic offers tropical temperatures year round and many U.S. gateways offer affordable non stop flights.  So please call or email if I can help you experience this wonderful resort and the adult vacation or all inclusive honeymoon of your dreams!

Top Sandals Agency recognized again for best agents in the business!

By Linda | Published July 16, 2012 | Posted in Caribbean, Sandals Resorts

Totem Travel may be in Seattle Washington and far from the sunny islands of the Caribbean but every year we make our way to Jamaica or St Lucia or Turks and Caicos to be recognized as “Best of the Best” by Sandals Chairman and CEO.  2011 was no exception but we’ve been too busy selling Sandals honeymoons and all inclusive vacations to brag about it before now!

We were also named top travel agency for butler suites and Totem Travel was the first (and only we believe) agency to have 100% of its agents named as members of Sandals new Chairman’s Royal Club.  This honor went to Sandals top selling travel agents and carries a host of special privileges and VIP access to top management. Totem Travel Chairman’s Royal Club agents include agency owner Linda Martindell and Preferred Sandals Specialists Sandi Moore and Patty Houghton.

The recognition ceremony took place at the newly renovated Sandals Grande Riviera in Jamaica and was followed by a celebratory brunch at the Chairman’s private villa.  Linda and Patty will be bringing ideas for service improvements and product enhancements to a Chairman’s event at Sandals Royal Bahamian this fall while Sandi just returned from Sandals Emerald Bay in the Exumas and will get updates on all the Jamaica properties including 7 Sandals Resorts and 2 Beaches Resorts on an upcoming trip.

So when you want the latest information on any of the resorts, help choosing the best Sandals Resort for your all inclusive honeymoon or want to be TLC ‘d the way that Sandals TLC ‘s us, call or email the best travel agents in the business at Totem Travel.  We’ve been to all the resorts and will make sure you get the best deals and latest specials.  Guaranteed!

 

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