The Traveler June 2010

June has been a busy month here at Highlands Ranch Travel. With the dollar gaining strength over the Euro we have found that European travel has been on many peoples "bucket lists". Alaska cruises and Hawaii continue to be crowd pleasers as is travel to the northeast shore. During the past month I was pondering what to highlight in this months newsletter and the staff came up with the idea of "Did You Know?". So taking that lead I decided to tell you more about what we do here at Highlands Ranch Travel. I will return to the original format next month as Linda Eyer and I will have just returned from sailing on the inaugural of Norwegian Cruise Lines new ship the EPIC! I hope this issue demonstrates that we love the business of travel, we also love to travel and that our education is a tremendous asset to the office.

Many of you have asked about our teammate Jodi Brammeier. Jodi continues her courageous battle against ovarian cancer. Her hard work for the 5K run in June paid off as $100,000 was raised for the Colorado Ovarian Cancer Alliance. I know Jodi appreciated the donations that some of you made in her honor.

Share our Passion for Travel,

Marcie

Did You Know...

• That Marcie, Dan and Linda Eyer are Certifed Travel Counselors? This is widely-recognized industry credential that required several years of study.
• That we plan Destination Weddings? Marcie has coordinated several weddings in Mexico and even had one groom ride down the beach on a white horse to meet his bride! Marcie & Linda Eyer are both Certified Sandals Specialists and help plan Weddingmoons at the Caribbean Sandals resorts and Familymoons at the Caribbean Beaches Resorts.
• That Marcie & Linda Eyer are Disney Pin Traders? Both ladies have a plethora of pins to trade. All the agents in the office are graduates of the Disney College of Knowledge and have the inside scoop on the special activities you can engage in while at the parks. Last April Marcie & Linda visited Disney World, stayed at the Animal Kingdom Lodge. They loved hearing the tommy's muching on grass outside their veranda and the giraffe resting her head in the crook of a tree directly in front of their room. They also sailed for 3 nights aboard the Disney Wonder.
• That Dan loves Hawaii? He has been there several times recently, visiting all of the tourist islands, and can really help you set up your visit there. Marcie plans on visiting Maui and Kaui in August.
• That Linda Hite really likes Costa Rica? She enjoyed her visit there and has researched the country, she can help you plan a great trip to this adventure destination.
• That Marcie & Kathy just returned from their annual visit to Cabo San Lucas? Marcie vacations with family and visits her many business contacts in the area. Kathy enjoys time with friends.
• That Linda Eyer loves the Riviera Maya? It is her favorite place in all of Mexico, she has been there several times and can help you plan just the right vacation.
• That Marcie & her husband sailed aboard the Oasis of the Seas ? This amazing new ship from Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines is the largest ship afloat. It features 7 Neighborhoods. She can give you the inside scoop on how to make the most of this new sailing experience.
• That Linda Eyer is a Notary Public? She can help notorize your important documents.
• That Dan is escorting a group on Celebrity Cruise Lines to Alaska in September?
• That Linda Hite has family in San Diego? That means she visits the area often, really knows the area, and can help you with your travel plans to San Diego.
• That Kathy & her husband are crossing the Atlantic this August aboard Cunard's Queen Mary 2 ? She's so excited!
• That Dan has been to Barbados several times? He loves the beautiful beaches, the very friendly people, the wonderful food, the quiet, laid-back atmosphere, and the fact that Barbados is not typically bothered by hurricanes - its's southern location and proximity to South America keep it out of the tracks of most storms.
• That Marcie is a Destination Specialist for Italy (she has traveled there extensively and will return in September), a Pilgrimage Specialist (she is planning a pilgrimage to the Holy Land in October 2011), and she is has been studying Africa and plans on taking a Safari this November?
• That Marcie has traveled extensively in Europe? She even drove a minivan full of clients through Spain and Portugal.
• That Dan speaks German fairly well and loves going to Oktoberfest?
• That Linda Eyer is a Tahiti Expert and an Aussie Specialist? She has traveled to Tahiti and New Zealand and is planning on visiting Australia in the near future.
• That Marcie & Linda Eyer are going to sail on Norwegian Cruise Line's newest ship the Epic in July?
• That Dan is from Wyoming, Marcie is from Iowa, Kathy is from Texas, and the two Lindas are natives of Colorado?
• That we have a cruise specialist in our office for every major cruise line?
• That Highlands Ranch Travel is a full service agency that has over 125 years of combined experience and education to offer you, and where travel is not just a business, but a way of life and a passion!

Did you learn something?

Recipe of the Month

Grilled Marinated Steaks with Scallions

• 4 of your favorite steaks cut 1 inch thick - about 8 ounces each
• 1 bunch of scallions
• 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dry mustard
• 1 teaspoon ground pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• Grated zest of one lemon
• Coarse salt

Place steaks in a large, shallow nonreactive dish. Slice 3 scallions into thim rounds and combine with the remaining ingredients - except the salt -in a small bowl; whisk to combine. Pour marinade over steaks; cover with plastic wrap and let set at room temperature for 40 minutes, turning steaks once.

Heat grill. Remove steaks from marinade, letting excess drip off, and pat dry with paper towels. Season on both sides generously with salt. Grill until well browned on the outside - about 6 minutes on each side for medium-rare. Transfer to a large serving platter; cover with foil and let rest 10 minutes. Grill remaining scallions about 1 minute on each side and serve with steaks.

Grilled Corn with Cheese and Chile

• 6 ears fresh corn, silk removed but husks still attached
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 2 tablespoons whole milk
• 3 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 lime, halved
• 1/2 cup finely grated queso fresco or Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt

Pull the husks up to cover the ears of corn and place in a large bowl or pot. cover with cold water and weigh down the corn with a large plate to keep it submerged. Allow the corn to soak for at least one hour or as long as 4 hours.

Combine the sour cream and milk in a small bowl and set aside.

Preheat grill to medium-high with the rack about 4 inches away from the fire.

Drain the corn but do not remove the husks. Lay the corn on the grill and cook turning frequently until it is crisp-tender, 15 to 20 minutes. Remove the corn and allow to cool slightly, then pull the husks back to form a handle and brush the ears with the melted butter. Squeeze the lime halves evenly over the ears and return the corn to the grill and cook turning occasionally for 5 to 10 minutes. Remove the corn from the grill and brush with the sour cream mixture. Sprinkle with the cheese, chilli powder and salt and serve immediately.

The Traveler May 2010

Spring is Here!

Spring has arrived and while some of you are planning family vacations and cruises, others are planning weddings and honeymoons, and still others of you are sitting back waiting for the "good" deals! Linda and I think we have found the bargain travel spot for this summer - Italy AGAIN! Many hotels in Italy have reduced their rates and/or are offering perks such as free nights or city tours. We have recently found many bargains for our independent travelers. With the dollar much stronger against the euro traveling to Europe this summer may be the time to live that dream. The recent volcano activity in Iceland has resulted in travel delays for thousands, and we have had many questions about and requests for travel insurance. I think you will find the travel insurance article very informative and worth the read. Don't miss the asparagus recipe from Giada, one of my Food Network favorites.

Wishing you all a wonderful spring!

Ciao!

Marcie

News You Can Use

As this vacations season gets started, here are some travel tips from frequent travelers that might help your trip go smoothly.

• Keep dryer sheets in your suitcase to keep everything smelling fresh and to get rid of static cling.
• If you have more than 3 pairs of shoes in your suitcase, you did something wrong!
• Always bring duct tape.
• Never wear lace-up shoes through security.
• Buy the lightest suitcase you can find - pack light & carry-on if you can.
• Download movies to your laptop or iphone to enjoy on flights.
• Be careful about tweeting while on vacation - you may not want to let everyone out there know that your house is empty!
• In case of delays or cancellations - be nice! The customer service agent isn't responsible for the delay, but they are responsible for how well you get taken care of - being nice pays off.

Traveling to Europe this Summer? Purchasing foreign currency before you leave on your trip is always a smart move - you don't have to make a special stop and wait in line after a long flight to get your currency, the rates here are almost always better than overseas, and remember those credit card surcharges that you can get hit with. Highlands Ranch Travel can handle your foreign currency needs and right now the euro is at a four year low against the dollar, so rates are in your favor!

Explorations

With so much going on around the world these days I thought it might be helpful to have a quick review of travel insurance.

What is travel insurance?

Travel insurance is purchased to cover travel-related risks. Before your trip , these risks might include last-minute cancellations due to sickness, severe weather, or even terrorist attacks. During your trip , it provides coverage for emergency/accident care, medical evacuations, travel delays and missed connections, lost/stolen baggage, and more. Travel insurance can be purchased for both domestic and international trips and can cover a variety of stays from the quick two day weekend up to 12 months.

Why do people buy travel insurance?

The reasons for purchasing travel insurance are different for every traveler and every trip. Some people simply want to know they have medical coverage while traveling abroad (as most home-country healthcare does not cover you abroad). Other travelers are concerned about losing their trip investment if they need to cancel. Many travelers have concerns about losing their luggage or travel documents. Some have concerns about the extreme costs of emergency medical evacuations.

During the past crisis in Iceland clients commented on how they used the Live Travel Emergency Assistance aspect. This unique service offers 24 hour service for flight rebooking, hotel rebooking, rental cars booking, roadside service and missed connections coordination. With the World Travel Assistance aspect of our travel insurance product you have access to help with lost luggage assistance, lost passport and travel documents assistance, ATM locator, emergency telephone interpretation, urgent message relay to family, friends or business associates, inoculation information, currency conversion and up to the minute information on local medical advisories. One of my personal favorite services is the concierge services. This service provides restaurant referrals and reservations, event tickets, golf tee times, worldwide weather reports, latest sports scores, movies and theater information and they will find, wrap and deliver one of a kind gifts! The wonderful part of this all is one collect phone call to Travel Guard will take care of anything from lost medication to medical intervention with a specialists at Travel Guard Emergency assistance.

The staff at Highlands Ranch Travel do not travel without insurance, we have seen too many situations that can arise resulting in loss of monetary investments. You will find a link to our preferred travel insurance vendor, Travel Guard, on our website. I also encourage you to call the office and speak to one of the agents regarding travel insurance.

Staff Picks

• Dine Free at Walt Disney World: From August 15 - October 2, 2010 a family of four can get the Disney Dining Plan free when they buy a 5 night/6 day Walt Disney Travel Company Magic Your Way Package. The package includes
  Theme Park tickets and hotel accommodations in a standard room at select Disney Moderate Resort and the price works out to $77.00 per person, per day. Other packages for other lengths of stay and for stays at select Disney Value Resorts are also available. Must book by August 14, 2010.
• Fall Specials from Cunard: Starting in September, Cunard is offering specials on select Mediterranean and Adriatic sailings aboard the Queen Victoria . On November 24, 2010 you can take a 7 day Mediterranean Moments cruise from Rome to Southampton in an Oceanview Stateroom starting at $1195.00 per person/double occupancy, air not included. Other 12 day cruises at equivalent savings are available.
• Variety Cruises offers 50% off Second Passenger on Greek Cruises: For a limited time Variety Cruises is offering 50% discount for the second person (based on double occupancy) on their 7 night Aegean Odyssey, Jewels of the Cyclades, and Classical Greece cruises. Select sailing dates April - October, 2010; Must book by May 30, 2010.
• Hot Deals in Costa Rica: Three nights at the JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort & Spa , including daily buffet breakfast, $120.00 spa credit PLUS kids 12 & younger stay FREE, start at $323.00 per person. Three nights at the Riu Guanacaste All-Inclusive with $20.00 spa credit & up to two kids 12 & younger stay & eat FREE start at $340.00 per person. Rates are for land only based on double occupancy and availability. Book by 6-13-2010, travel 7 -1 through 12-19-2010. Restrictions apply.
• NCL LAST MINUTE Cruise Sale: 7 day round-trip Seattle June 5, 2010 on the Norwegian Star, inside cabin starts at $599, Oceanview at $799 and a Balcony at $1099. June 6, 2010 roundtrip Seattle on the Norwegian Pearl inside starts at $649, outside at $899 and a balcony at $1499. These are per person rates.

Recipe of the Month

Creamy Farfalle with Cremini, Asparagus & Walnuts

Spring has sprung - sort of - and really good Colorado asparagus is popping up everywhere, so here is a good way to use some of it!

• 1 pound farfalle (bow tie) pasta
• 3 Tbsp butter
• 1 pound cremini mushrooms, thickly sliced
• 1 pound thin asparagus, trimmed, cut crosswise into 1 inch pieces
• 1 cup mascarpone cheese
• Pinch of grated nutmeg
• 3/4 cup walnuts toasted & chopped coarsely
• 1/4 grated Parmesan

Bring a large pot of salted water to boil & add the farfalle & cook until al dente, stirring occasionally, about 12 minutes. Drain, reserving 1 cup pasta water.

Meanwhile, melt the butter in a heavy, large skillet over medium heat. Add the mushrooms & sauté until tender & most of the juices have evaporated, about 5 minutes. Add the asparagus & sauté until crisp-tender, about 5 minutes. Add the farfalle, stir in the mascarpone & nutmeg & toss until the cheese coats the pasta, adding the reserved pasta water 1/4 cup at a time to moisten. Stir in 1/2 cup walnuts, season to taste with salt & pepper. Mound the pasta in a large bowl, sprinkle with the Parmesan & remaining walnuts. Serves 6 to 8

The Traveler April 2010

Spring has arrived and it's time to plan your family getaways; the options are endless, not only are the options endless but the values as well. From free breakfasts and free hotel nights in Europe, to exceptional values on Mexico vacations and many cruises. I invite you to read about the family suites and villas aboard Norwegian Cruise Lines plus the other vacation options that the staff have selected based on their exceptional value. In keeping with our review of Villas and Suites aboard Norwegian Cruises we have selected a yummy chocolate desert recipe that is served onboard the Norwegian Pearl. For those of you who have traveled with us recently I invite you to send your favorite travel photo so we can add it on our website. Just a quick reminder that we are an American Express Affiliate Office which provides us many booking advantages on cars, hotels, cruises and tours. So call the office today and let us help you plan your summer getaway.

Kind Regards,

Marcie

News You Can Use

• Continental Airlines, the USA's fifth-largest carrier, said that it would begin charging domestic coach passengers for food and snacks this fall like its competitors. In doing so, Continental is abandoning a seven-year policy of providing complimentary food on the grounds it would create loyal customers and better profits. The decision also marks the end of an era, when passengers could count on a meal during a flight on a major airline as part of buying a ticket.

• Have you ever requested a wakeup call and they forgot you, or are there times you wanted to get a phone call reminder of an important event or task? If so, check out www.wakerupper.com a free telephone reminder service.

• Requall (www.requall.com) is a free mobile application that allows you to create schedules, to-do lists, and reminders by voice command. Instead of writing down a lot of reminder notes, just call a special requall phone number and tell it what you need to do and when you need to do it and the application will transcribe the tasks and add them to your agenda on their site, in your Google or Outlook calendar and/or on your phone.

• The TSA's new Secure Flight program is now requiring your full legal names, as they appear on the accepted form of identification for aiport security check-in. This is a behind the scenes program that will hopefully greatly reduce the number of passengers misidentified as a match to the "no-fly list". So the next time you travel you will be asked for your full name as it appears on the form of identification you will be using, your gender, and your birth date. For more information on this program go to www.tsa.gov - go to the "What We Do" header, and it is listed under "Layers of Security".

• We have found a way to completely eliminate the problem of lost luggage! It is called Luggage Concierge and they allow you the freedom and simplicity of traveling without your luggage in tow, and the confidence in knowing your bags will actually be at your destination when you arrive - all the while removing that ridiculous bag shlep to check-in and from baggage claim. Go to www.luggageconcierge.com for all the details.

• Nickelodeon at Sea will launch on Norwegian Jewel when the ship begins sailing from New York in late April, and on Norwegian's latest addition to its fleet-Norwegian Epic--when she launches in July. Each cruise will feature live Nickelodeon-themed interactive shows, including: SlimeTime LIVE! with Nick's signature slime; Nick Live! Poolside entertainment; character breakfasts and meet and greets; Nick-themed dance parties; and more. Nickelodeon-themed elements will also be incorporated into Norwegian's Kids' Crew program.

• Beginning August passengers on Spirit Airlines will be charged $45 for carry-on bags at the boarding gate, $30 if the fee is paid in advance, the carrier said. The move makes Spirit the first U.S. airline to charge for carry-on luggage. There will be more on this in upcoming editions of the newsletter as several senators are fighting this newest antic by airlines.

Explorations

"The Suite" World of Norwegian Cruise Lines

Norwegian Cruise Lines' Suites and Villas are Freestyle Cruising - turned up a notch. These luxury accommodations give you everything you would expect from a Norwegian Cruise Lines cruise and more. How would you enjoy VIP pampering like - a butler to unpack your luggage and a concierge to arrange your activities? How about spacious rooms, to-die-for bathrooms, endless views from walls of windows, and a private balcony with a hot tub? Still want more? You can nod off after a late bite from the 24 hour room service special Suite Menu, sleep on luxurious linens, and wake to an in-suite breakfast. Getting on and off the ship is easier too with priority embarkation and disembarkation, and priority boarding for launches to shore. Sound too good to be true? Cross my heart, this is luxury living, Freestyle.

There is just one word for these spaces - WOW. In fact, staying in the Garden Villas is like having your own ship within a ship. Think of it - up to 5,750 square feet of pure, secluded luxury. You never even have to step foot outside your villa because you have absolutely everything right there. The Courtyard Villas are designed to let you relax. For starters, just 10 of these unique Villas surround an exclusive courtyard where you will find a swimming pool, hot tub, Balinese-style lounging area and big comfy chairs all under a retractable glass roof. Upstairs, you can loll in a hammock on the private sundeck and feel like you are on top of the world. There is even a fitness area and steam room in case "all play" makes you feel a little guilty. Now that is Freestyle Cruising!

Staff Picks

BAHAMAS

There's no better time to escape to the Bahamas. The Bahamas Tourist Board has just made getting to the Bahamas Islands more affordable than ever. Now through May 10, 2010, book a 4 night vacation stay at one of our participating hotels and receive up to $300 in air credits per room booked! (Travel through DEC 22, 2010.)So whether it's rainy and cold, crowds at the mall or you just need some rejuvenation time, this may be your perfect getaway solution!

Norwegian Cruise Lines "Summer Blockbuster" Sales Event

Book between the following dates:

April 16-May 31, 2010-"Kids sail from $99.00

April 16-May 2 Reduced Deposit

May 3- May 16 Complimentary Kids Soda Package

May 17- May 30 Up to a 6 category upgrade & an Onboard Coupon Booklet

Restrictions do apply and offers are for specific ships/sailings.

Norwegian Villas Promotion- FREE AIR PROMO

Sail a 7 day Western Mediterranean from Barcelona. Visit Monte Carlo, Florence/Pisa, Rome, Naples & Palma Majorca. Book the Norwegian Jade in a Villa for select October and November departures and qualify for free roundtrip airfare from Denver to Barcelona. Book by April 25, 2010.

European Escapes

Free nights and Free breakfast

Book now through June 30, 2010 for travel from July 1, 2010- August 31, 2010 or November 1, 2010-March 31, 2010. Available at select properties in Vienna, Prague, London, Paris, Berlin, Athens, Florence, Lake Como, Rome, Siena, Venice, Barcelona and Madrid. Minimum of 4 nights required.

Hacienda del Mar in Cabo San Lucas

With its cobblestone lanes, winding paths, fountains, pools, restaurants, and shops, the Sheraton Hacienda del Mar Resort & Spa, Los Cabos captures the feel of Old Mexico. The European/Mediterranean architectural style surrounds the main building with unique haciendas and inviting pools that are always just the right temperature. A full compliment of guest services is offered on premises to satisfy everyone's needs. This peaceful, relaxing property is just a short cab ride away from the Los Cabos night life - when you're ready for a little music & excitement!

Call Highlands Ranch Travel for our exclusive rates on these beautiful one, two, and three bedroom condos.

Recipe of the Month

SINFUL CHOCOLATE OBSESSION

This month's recipe is a passenger favorite on the Norwegian Pearl. It makes enough for 10 individual cakes, so scale it down for your kitchen! Chocolate couvertures are disks or blocks of chocolate used by professional chefs; they are smooth and glossy when melted. If they are not available, use the best quality bar chocolate you can find.

2 lbs semisweet chocolate 4 1/2 oz butter 4 egg whites

12 egg yolks 4 oz sugar, seperated 1 tbsp rum

8 oz heavy cream 2 oz almonds, toasted 2 oz pistachios, chopped

For the Ganache: 2 lbs dark chocolate couvertures, finely chopped 32 oz heavy cream

Melt chocolate and butter together. Whip egg yolks and 2 oz sugar together and mix slowly into warm chocolate butter mix. Whip egg whites, 2 oz sugar and rum to double volume and combine into chocolate, butter, yolk mix. Whip the heavy cream and fold into mixture; fold in nuts. Spoon into individual ramekins, cover and freeze.

To make Ganache: bring the heavy cream to a simmer and pour over the chocolate couvertures. Let sit one minute then stir to blend. Let cool.

Remove cakes from ramekins and plate with desired garnish (Norwegian Cruise Line chefs use raspberries, mint sprigs, chocolate shavings, etc.) Spoon ganache over top of cakes & enjoy.

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