Fall 2009 Established 1999 Compliments of Travel Café T r av e l News www.travelcafeonline.com Secrets Capri Riviera Maya Inside by Billie J Ruff Page 2 New Wine Lovers Dates! his is one secret I’m dying to tell. Nestled in 71 tropical oceanfront Freshacres, this adults only luxuryBrewed Page 3 resortT put me at ease the moment I New Travel Café Menu entered the spacious and relaxing lobby. Only 291 well-appointed guest room Pages 4-5 suites surround an expansive pool that Photographing Europe, leads to the white sand of the turquoise Travel Agency Beginnings ocean, a delicious outdoor ceviche and taco bar that converts to a seaside grille in the evening, and fun swim-up bar; Page 6 all of which add to the coziness of this Chocolate Nirvana - resort. Plus, their high standards and Belgian Chocolate at impeccable service have been awarded Travel Café special recognition by Preferred Hotels & View of the pool Resorts, and those accolades don’t come furnished balconies/patios, full Italian marble bathrooms, Page 7 easy and are well-deserved. robes and slippers, TV-DVD-CDs, alarm clocks with IPOD How to Avoid Jet Lag You’ll relax in quiet elegance and, for the first time, enjoy docks, in-room safe, daily refreshed mini-bar with snacks, a full automatic upgrade to the Preferred Club experience. daily newspaper and concierge service on every floor. Accommodations include tropical and ocean views, and all Indulge all your cravings. Six restaurants are available, include luxuries such as deluxe bathroom amenities, private including five with a la carte menus and one international Continued on Page 4
Welcome to the Fall Issue of Fresh Brewed
With winter and the holidays just around new Café menu on page 3. Our wines, the corner, check out the top 10 reasons new travel tastes and chocolate boards you should take your family on a holiday are just a few of the international treats cruise this upcoming season (page 7). waiting for you at Travel Café. Cruising is perfect, from grandparents Cheers, down to toddlers, for enjoying time Bille together while still finding fun, age appropriate things to do. And if you really want to pamper yourself in the sun, read about my stay at Secrets Capri in Cancun. It is truly one of the most wonderful, affordable luxury destinations you’ll ever find. Lastly, check out our Wine Lovers Events at Travel Café Wine and Women of the World and Wine Lovers Wednesdays While Women and Wines of the World bring you TravelCafeOnline.com wine, wine travel, and travel clothing Check out three new pages on vendors, Wine Lovers Wednesdays will specifically focus on wines with Sue travelcafeonline.com. Our Culinary Travel Rydquist of Simply Wine. You’ll really enjoy our casual and Wine Travel pages and Wine and Women approach to tasting and learning about great new wine offerings from around the world. Both events are very of the World all celebrate our love for everything affordable, so they sell out quickly! Cheers! epicurean. Call your Travel Advocate today to Wine Lovers Wednesdays Upcoming Dates: learn about upcoming food/wine travel October 7 – I’ve never heard of that! Wines that will opportunities and events. surprise you November 4 – Meet the Winemaker December 2 – Sparkling Wines of the World
LIFELONG FAMILY STORIES Women and Wine of the World Upcoming Dates: September 10 – Wines from Down Under BEGIN HERE... November 12 – Wines of the Pacific Northwest March 11 – A Sip of Spain June 10 – Africa - Wines from the Dark Continent November 11 – Terroirs of Chile
Travel Café Teams with “Wine Tours of the World” On our wine travel and culinary travel web pages (pictured left), you’ll find a direct link to some of the most unique itineraries to ever explore the world of wine. The staff has 75 years experience sending happy travelers to France, California, New Zealand, Argentina, Chile, Italy, and seven more wine hether you’re cruising or camping, destination countries. Travel Café works in tandem Wfamily trips create lasting smiles with Wine Tours to guarantee that from home to and memories. What could be better destination, you’ll “Be Comfortable.” than laughter and discovery, alongside Call any Travel Advocate for more information. the ones you love. 406.259.0999 | www.travelcafeonline.com For grandparent/parent friendly cruises, resorts, and destinations, call a Travel Happy 10-Year Advocate today. Anniversay Travel Café! Thank you to everyone who dropped by on July 29th www.travelcafeonline.com to join us for cake and celebrate our 10 years helping Call 406.259.0999 our friends discover the world. We couldn’t do it without you!
2 Fresh Brewed Travel News / fall 2009 Compliments of TraveL CaFÉ In The Café Check out the New Menu at Travel Café
Featured wines of the world
Ulupalakua Red - Hawaiian The label of “The Old Jail,” a historic Upcoun- try landmark, conveys the style of Ulupalakua Red; creamy and smooth, accentuated with the robust flavors of dark berries, black cur- rants and hints of black pepper. This superb structure provides an abundance of complexi- ties that deepen with each anticipated taste. Bottle only.
Coeur d’Alene Viognier - Idaho Refreshing tropical fruit flavors of pineapple, ripe cantaloupe and sensual cloves are met in the nose by toasted oak and highlight warm undertones on the palate with a delicate, creamy long finish. Pairs well with Mexican and Asian dishes, fish, chicken and turkey. Bottle only.
Kung Fu Girl Reisling - Washington State Delicate aromas of stone fruit, white peach, The Gift That Keeps On Giving apricot, Asian pear and white spring Travel Café’s rechargeable Gift Cards work for a cup of French roast, wine blossoms. Long and layered. Bottle only. and travel tastes, or a visit to the French Riviera. Drop by and pick up one for a friend...and don’t forget about yourself.
Book Your Vacation Today! Call 406.259.0999 Fresh Brewed Travel News / fall 2009 3 Journey With Confidence beginning of the security nightmare, less flights, and more things to worry about. But with all those challenges, it was the birth and blossoming of online travel businesses provided the biggest. Fortunately, people realized that online booking was not always foolproof…and nothing can replace being able to talk to a person who knows you and your travel preferences. And with their established networks, travel agents are meeting and beating online prices while they watch your backs wherever you are in the world. At Travel Café, we call our agents Travel Advocates because we’re out there searching, Secrets’ private beach discovering, and negotiating to get you the best value along with peace of mind. Secrets Capri Riviera Maya Reconnect through travel We’re your personal representatives from the moment you walk out your door to the Continued from Page 1 n October 1958, Pan Am ushered in the Jet Age with moment you arrive home. Whether it is a quick weekend buffet serving gourmet selections. Choose its first transcontinental 707 flight from New York to in Montana or a 90-day cruise around the world, we Paris. People didn’t know what to expect and were are with you every step of the way. We spend your hard from Himitsu, a fusion of Pan-Asian delicacies; thrilledI for the opportunity to cross the ocean quickly earned vacation dollars as though they were ours, to Portofino, Italian and Mediterranean cuisine; and safely. There were no major delays to deal with, no make sure your honeymoon, vacation, spring break trip, Seaside Grill, steak and grilled specialties; security lines…heck, you could even smoke on the plane. weekend getaway, and multi-generational family travel Oceana, fresh gourmet seafood; Ceviche & Taco We really have come a long way baby. gatherings are exactly what you want. And we don’t just Bar, ceviche and seafood tacos beachside; and La Today, travel should be easier, yet the challenges of serve leisure travelers; we also manage massive corporate Riviera, continental cuisine buffet style. our ever-dynamic world continually change the playing travel budgets to maximize our clients’ travel budgets and Enjoy a vibrant nightlife…if you want it. Five field. Like anything else, travelers did save them thousands of dollars. bars and lounges serve unlimited premium what most humans do when confronted Although we’d be happy to hear from you Whether it is a beverages along with pool and beach wait service. with a problem…they found help from on the phone, Travel Café also offers the quick weekend You won’t be thirsty at Secrets Capri! Don’t a professional. For over a hundred years, most comfortable of settings to discuss and miss Desires Night Club for casual elegance and wanderers have been turning to travel in Montana or plan your trip. Our European bistro offers a evening entertainment. agents to help them get from point A to a 90-day cruise wonderful international wine list, imported Let the world melt away at the Secrets point B. around the and domestic beer, new chocolate and cheese On July 5, 1841, Thomas Cook arranged trays, fresh squeezed juice, French press Italian Spa by Pevoni. Over 13,800 square feet of world, we are for the rail company to charge one shilling Lavazza coffee, espresso, and wonderful travel sublime atmosphere help you relax and enjoy with you every per person that included rail tickets and tastes from around the globe. hydrotherapie, multiple massage styles/indoors food for a train journey. Cook was paid a step of the way. For 10 years, as the world of travel has and out, Jacuzzi baths, steam and sauna rooms, share of the fares actually charged to the changed, we’ve made it our pledge to be one Vichy and Swiss showers, relaxation lounge, passengers, as the railway tickets, being legal contracts step ahead for our clients. Come on by and visit…be beauty salon and a state-of-the-art fitness center. between company and passenger, could not have been comfortable and journey with confidence. Reconnect with your playful side. Enjoy issued at his own price…and the modern travel agency – Billie J. Ruff at Travel Café multiple activities such as unlimited was born. complimentary greens fees at Playa Mujeres Golf For over a century, agents have leveraged their Club. Your pool and beach concierge can help worldwide networks and knowledge to help travelers you enjoy windsurfing, Hobie Cats, sea kayaks, make informed decisions and enjoy the world. And scuba lessons, pool rafts, jogging trail, yoga, pool then a series of those dynamic changes alluded to earlier aerobics, bicycle tours, fitness classes, archery, began to emerge. In 1973, the first major shifts in the landscape hit the business like a ton of bricks. The fuel darts and billiards, tennis, table games, Spanish crisis, or Arab Oil Embargo, literally brought travel to lessons, tequila tastings, dance lessons and more. a standstill. Then, in 1995, the airlines began to cap Every ingredient for a “let go and relax” and ultimately eliminated commissions paid to travel vacation is a short walk away where one of agencies, forcing them to charge fees for their services. Mexico’s premier resorts meets one of the best We’ve had Mad Cow, Bird Flu, Norwalk and Swine beaches in the world. Flu just to name a few…and then came 9/11 and the Family fun
4 Fresh Brewed Travel News / fall 2009 Compliments of TraveL CaFÉ Santorini, Greece The Ruby Princess was the perfect way to visit Santorini The food, service and entertainment on the Ruby Princess (climbing the hill on foot was an unforgettable experience were equally unforgettable. The staff was friendly and Picture Perfect! – we were competing with a donkey super-highway). accommodating, and having the balcony cabin on such a f coming home with three extra memory sticks for The views of our ship from the top of the 633 steps were romantic voyage made this truly the “Love Boat.” my camera and 2,364 photos is any indication of a postcard-worthy; the whitewashed terraced homes, With such an active itinerary (11 ports in 12 days!), we wonderful vacation, I’m not sure what else is. restaurants and hotels were straight out of every brochure I still found the trip relaxing and pampering; we could do I I can’t thank you and the Travel Café staff enough for have ever seen. Mykonos was stunning– the windy, narrow it all…or nothing! Personal Choice dining was the right preparing our 12-day Italian and Western Mediterranean passageways (it’s hard to call them streets) held beautiful fit for us. We dined where we wanted and ate with new cruise on Princess’ brand new Ruby Princess – it was discoveries of fish markets, colorful laundry (as if placed people all of the time – an excellent way to make lots of amazing. there for a movie set), and even a feisty, resident pelican. new friends. When I download each picture, Snap, snap, snap. I couldn’t stop my Sign us up again. We’re ready for our next trip on I am amazed by the places that we I am amazed by the camera. Princess! I’m leaning towards an Asian adventure; yet, Dave were able to visit on our voyage: places that we were Visiting Kusadasi, Turkey and wants to cruise South America. Monte Carlo, with its jet-set yacht able to visit on our Athens, with daylong shore excursions Maybe it’s time for us to buy two cameras and many more basins and almost Disney-esque voyage: Monte Carlo, to Ephesus and the Acropolis, was memory cards! cleanliness and perfection. Livorno, with its something everyone should view in their Thank you again for planning our wonderful cruise for the shore excursion to Pisa (had jet-set yacht basins lifetime. The precision of the buildings, vacation! to get that classic shot of me holding and almost Disney- the sculpted artwork and magnitude – Joni and Dave Dupille up the Leaning Tower!). esque cleanliness and of the size of pillars; it’s hard to believe Naples was most interesting; it had perfection. that these structures were created a very urban vibe (what you might centuries ago without computers, find in N.Y.C.) and the occupants didn’t seem to notice cranes or trucks. Even a junk pile of puzzle-piece tourists (especially the commuters on scooters). I must carved marble was artwork worthy; and therefore, snap have documented every artifact from Pompeii during went my camera. our visit to their Archeological Museum and our tour of We loved the Greek island of Corfu. The city has a the unearthed port-city of Herculaneum. history rich with being invaded and re-developed; the nook and cranny streets are similar to Venice, yet contain Gothic-era, Renaissance, Spanish and Moroccan architecture. It’s a mishmash of every corner of the Mediterranean and that’s what makes it so beautiful. Our last night on board the Ruby Princess was unforgettable. We had made reservations at the ship’s Italian supper club, Sabatini’s. The restaurant is located on the aft portion of the ship, and as we cruised up the Grand Canal entering Venice – surrounded by the incredible scenery – the ship’s PA system broadcast Andre Bocelli singing “Time To Say Goodbye.” I’m sure there wasn’t a dry eye onboard as all 3,100 guests took to the decks to take in the experience. Family fun Ephesus, Turkey Venice, Italy
Book Your Vacation Today! Call 406.259.0999 Fresh Brewed Travel News / fall 2009 5 Recommended Associates Chocolate Nirvana
Belgian Chocolate Shop
being used. Belgian chocolate is prepared from the seeds of the Cocoa Tree. This tree bears large helmet shaped seed pods. Once dried, the beans are sent to chocolate manufacturers. There they are roasted and crushed producing cocoa powder. The seeds are also squeezed to make cocoa butter. The chocolate is then produced by the mixing of the powder, cocoa butter, sugar and milk powder. Knowing the pride and reputation and care taken to make Belgian chocolate, we at Travel Café just had to had to have some of their finest for all of Billings to enjoy. art of Travel Café’s new international Travel chocolate as Belgium, where chocolatiers are still Come on down and try three rotating chocolates of Tastes are chocolate boards with our newest considered true artisans. Crafted according to centuries the world. The first trio include Milk Chocolate with associate, Belgium’s Nirvana Chocolates. We old traditions of chocolate making, their masterpieces Konacha Green Tea from Japan, Dark Chocolate with Pall know how wonderful chocolate tastes, but very have inspired a whole culture based around chocolate. Pink Peppercorns from Brazil, and Dark Chocolate little about it’s storied history. Saying that Belgians love chocolate is a real (88% Cocoa) from Western Africa. Christopher Columbus discovered the chocolate in understatement. For them, chocolate is a devouring See you at the Café! the new world at the end of the15th century. In fact, passion, a sweet addiction, and their national pride. the Aztecs drank chocolate well before everybody. Undoubtedly, Belgian chocolate is some of the finest It was a bitter drink based on roasted kernels seeds in the world, with a very distinctive flavor all its own, of cocoa blended with spices. The Aztecs also used in large part because they use cocoa beans from the cocoa seeds as money, Funny enough, they first Africa, which are stronger and more assertive than the looked at cocoa as a means to buy their gold. milder South American beans favored by American With a rich history of over 4000 years, chocolate Chocolatiers. continues to fascinate and delight people around Another big difference between Belgian and United the world, Nowhere are people as passionate about States chocolate is the percentage of cocoa per volume
6 Fresh Brewed Travel News / fall 2009 Compliments of TraveL CaFÉ Recommended Associates
Journeywith confidence What Our Clients Say: Memories made here Send the honeymoon couple “At times when I travel, the lure of finding a cheaper ticket online is very anywhere they want through a Travel Café Honeymoon Registry. tempting. However, tickets are NOT always cheaper and when I decided to book through Travel Cafe this trip, who knew it might have taken me almost 12 hours to reach my destination instead of 5 hours.
Truth is, it was only with the hands-on-help of Travel Cafe, while stranded at O’Hare Airport, that got me there. Rhonda actually stayed on the phone and guided me through a process – that even the airlines didn’t suggest – in order to make flight changes and get me to Florida on time for a meeting. None, I repeat NONE, of the online travel booking companies I’m familiar with would have helped as Rhonda did at Travel Cafe.
Thank you Rhonda, thank you Travel Cafe.” Learn more at www.travelcafeonline.com – Carina, Billings, MT click: vacations/registry Rhonda Feuerstein, Travel Advocate Call 406.259.0999
Top 10 Reasons to Cruise Travel TipsBridal Ad 10-06-08.indd 1 10/7/08 7:59:10 AM Through the Holidays: International Travel often leads to jet lag. Here are a few precautions to help you when you’re crossing time zones: elieve it or not, in the travel world, the holiday season is just around the Flying internationally causes jet lag because of the fact that you are crossing Bcorner. Taking the family on a holiday cruise not only opens their eyes to a time zones. Some precautions to take include: whole new world, it takes the stress right out of the season. • Drink plenty of water and avoid • Give yourself 2-3 days to acclimate to Top 10 Reasons to Cruise Through the Holidays: alcohol. the altitude and time change. • Stick with a bland diet. • Treat yourself to a relaxing massage 1. You can invite everyone because we have family sized suites and villas. • Adjust your watch according to your once you reach your destination. 2. Leave your decorations right where they are – our ships and resorts will be destination’s time clock and attempt totally decked out with boughs of holly and then some fa-la-la-la-la. to adhere to your arrival schedule – 3. We clean up the kitchen after dinner. the sooner, the better. 4. It’s a brilliant new family holiday tradition. • If at all possible, attempt to plan 5. Dashing through that shopping list is a lot more fun in duty-free shops. your travel departing eastbound and 6. Tan lines are way better than checkout lines. returning westbound. It is more difficult to adjust to jet lag flying 7. We’ve got lots of suites that won’t add one calorie to your holidays. eastbound. 8. Our ships are sailing to places even the reindeer haven’t been to. • Take half of a sleeping pill; that dosage 9. Our holiday spirit starts with a complimentary glass of bubbly as soon as is adequate enough to drown out the you board a ship. noise around you. 10. Three little words…hot stone massage.
Book Your Vacation Today! Call 406.259.0999 Fresh Brewed Travel News / fall 2009 7 At the Top of Broadway! www.travelcafeonline.com
313 North Broadway | Billings, MT 59101 | Tel. 406.259.0999 | Fax 406.245.0125
FALL/HOLIDAY 2009 CARIBBEAN/MEXICO DISCOVER MORE OF HAWAII FOR LESS THAN YOU IMAGINED
7 Da y s f r o m $399!* Ba l c o n i e s f r o m $649!* Oahu - 3-star From $439* Maui - 5-star From $485* ® ® Sapphire Princess Crown Princess INCLUDES: 4 nights, Sheraton INCLUDES: 3 nights, Hyatt Mexican Riviera - 7 Days Western Caribbean - 7 Days Princess Kaiulani, hotel transfers Regency Maui Resort & Spa, Sail roundtrip from Los Angeles Sail roundtrip from Ft. Lauderdale and lei greeting. BONUS: midsize rental car and lei greeting. Sept. 26 • Oct. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 • Nov. Nov. 7, 14, 21, 28 • Dec. 5, 12 guaranteed room upgrade, 4th BONUS: every 3rd night free, 7, 14, 21, 28 • Dec. 5,12 Escape completely by calling night free and $75 dining credit. breakfast for two daily and room Travel Café’s cruising experts at Airfare additional. upgrade. Airfare additional. ® Emerald Princess 406-259-0999. Eastern Caribbean - 7 Days TRAVEL CAFÉ 406.259.0999 Sail roundtrip from Ft. Lauderdale Oct. 18, 25 • Nov. 1, 15, 22, 29 * Conditions apply. Prices do not include airfare. Special promotions valid on new bookings only. Prices are per person, based on double occupancy accommodations. Packages do not include meals unless otherwise indicated. Savings reflect land prices only and vary by resort and travel dates. * Fares in USD, per person, based on double occupancy, cruise only, subject to availability, capacity controlled, may be limited by residency. $399 fare applies to Crown Princess®, interior stateroom. Government fees and taxes are additional. Princess reserves the right to impose a fuel Availability is limited. Package prices are subject to holiday blackouts, peak period surcharges, and supplement of up to $9 per person per day on all passengers if the NYMEX oil price exceeds $70 per barrel, even if the fare has already been paid cancellation charges may be applicable of up to the full price paid depending on the package and in full. See the applicable Princess brochure or visit princess.com for terms, conditions and definitions that apply to all bookings. Other restrictions when it is cancelled. Hawaii valid for travel thru 12/15/09. may apply. ©2009 Princess Cruises. Ships of Bermudan and British registry.
UNFORGETTABLE CRUISES A sweetheart of a deal Remarkably a ordable.
Welcome to Holland America Line, where * $400 OFF spectacular destinations, superb service and Disneyland a 4-day/4-night ® Resort vacation premium amenities create an extraordinary cruise package (8/12/09 thru 12/19/09) experience. From August 12, 2009 through December 19, 2009, you can save $400* when you buy a 4-day/4-night Walt Disney Travel Company Disneyland® Resort vacation 7-Day Alaska Explorer via Glacier Bay package—featuring accommodations at one of the Hotels of the Disneyland ® +VMZ t ms Oosterdam Resort and Park Hopper® souvenir tickets! Imagine, you’ll be right in the middle of the magic throughout your stay, just steps from both eme Parks and all the Roundtrip Seattle from $1,049 spectacular entertainment, dining and shopping of the Downtown Disney® District. Plus, you’ll experience Disney’s legendary service, day and night. What’s not to love 14-Day Spring Panama Canal about that? Your Walt Disney Travel Company package includes: "QSJM t ms Zuiderdam tOJHIUTBUPOFPGUIF)PUFMTPGUIFDisneyland® Resort Ft. Lauderdale to San Diego from t%BZDisneyland® Resort Park Hopper® souvenir tickets $1,399 tDowntown Disney® District Fun Card Disney’s California Adventure t1SFGFSSFETFBUJOHBUTFMFDUBUUSBDUJPOTJO ® Park 10-Day Colors of Canada & New England t"OENVDINPSF 4FQUFNCFS t ms Eurodam New York to Quebec City from $1,399 *$400 savings is based on the non-discounted price for the same 4-night package, with 4-Day Disneyland® Resort Park Hopper® souve- nir tickets, at a Disneyland® Resort hotel for a family of four (3 adults and 1 child (age 3-9)). Offer is valid for bookings from 8/12/09 through 12/19/09 and for arrivals from 8/23/09 through 12/20/09 with travel being completed by 12/2409. Not valid for previously booked rooms or for suites. Check for offers associated with different package lengths of stays. e Disneyland® Resort Park Hopper® To book contact your souvenir tickets expire 13 days after first use or 12/30/09, whichever occurs first, and each day of use of a ticket constitutes one full day of use. Tickets may not be sold or transferred for commercial purposes. e number of rooms allocated for this package may be Holland America cruise today contact restricted and are subject to the blockout dates of 11/25/09-11/27/09; advance reservations required. Not valid with group rates or any other discount or promotion. Subject to restrictions and change without notice. Travel Cafe at Walt Disney Travel Company CST: 1022229-50, NVST No. 2006-0198. ©Disney MP2009-1545 ©Disney (406) 259-0999
Call Travel Café to book your Sample fares are per person, cruise only, based on double occupancy. Fares are in US dollars and include non-discountable amounts. magical Disney vacation! Taxes are additional. Additional sailings and rates available. Offers are subject to availability and may be altered or withdrawn at any time 259-0999 without prior notice. Ships’ Registry: The Netherlands
Cruise Sales October 4th - 18th with Princess Cruises October 18th - 30th with Holland America Line