Top 10 Travel Movies in 2008

Nothing adds to a movie as much as the scenery and destination so travel lovers can relate even more to what is taking place on the big screen! Budget Travel Magazine has compiled a list of their top 10 travel movies for 2008.

Here is a condensed version below with one of my favourite destinations hitting the number 1 spot!!

The top 10 travel movies of 2008!

Movie Quest 2008 Move over Oscar! We have our own thoughts about which movies won our hearts in 2008. Here's a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the 10 most travel-inspiring movies—and how you, too, can have cinematic moments on your next trip.

By Justin Bergman, Amy Chen, Beth Collins, Danielle Lipp, Laura MacNeil, Sara Morrow, and Alison Rohrs, December 2008/January 2009 issue Budget Travel Newsletter.

10. GET SMART

Washington, D.C., Russia, and Los Angeles

The comedic spy saga—and homage to the 1960s TV show—follows Agent 99 (Anne Hathaway) and Agent 86 (Steve Carell) on their first mission as partners. It's no small task: The duo must track down Kaos, a gang of international terrorists, before it assassinates the U.S. president.

9. SEX AND THE CITY

New York City

Four years after the HBO series wrapped, Carrie (Sarah Jessica Parker) and friends roam Manhattan again—on the big screen.

8. KUNG FU PANDA

China

In the animated flick from DreamWorks, a rather klutzy and portly Chinese panda named Po (Jack Black) is unexpectedly chosen to fulfill an ancient prophecy and become the fearless Dragon Warrior.

7. FORGETTING SARAH MARSHALL

Hawaii

Dumped by his longtime girlfriend, Peter Bretter (Jason Segel) heads to Oahu to mend his broken heart—only to find his ex (Kristen Bell) shacked up with another guy at the hotel.

6. VICKY CRISTINA BARCELONA

Spain

When Woody Allen started writing the script for his latest comedy, one thing was nonnegotiable: It had to be set in sultry Barcelona. The resulting madcap movie chronicles the escapades of American tourists Vicky (Rebecca Hall) and Cristina (Scarlett Johansson) with ladies' man Juan Antonio (Javier Bardem).

5. THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA: PRINCE CASPIAN

New Zealand, Poland, and Slovenia

The Pevensie clan—Lucy (Georgie Henley), Edmund (Skandar Keynes), Peter (William Moseley), and Susan (Anna Popplewell)returns to Narnia only to find its creatures have been forced into hiding by the Telmarines. So the children set out to help Prince Caspian (Ben Barnes) reclaim his throne—a spectacular journey that was filmed in four countries.

4. THE OTHER BOLEYN GIRL

England

Sibling rivalry really heats up when sisters Anne (Natalie Portman) and Mary (Scarlett Johansson) catch a glimpse of a young Henry VIII (Eric Bana)—and his spectacular palace. The movie is based on Philippa Gregory's best seller, which took its inspiration from English history.

3. QUANTUM OF SOLACE

Italy, Austria, England

The highly anticipated sequel to Casino Royale marks the return of 007 (Daniel Craig). Bent on avenging the death of his lost love, James Bond outwits the British government and the CIA on a covert mission that takes him around the globe.

2. MAMMA MIA!

Greece

Based on the hit Broadway musical, Mamma Mia! tells the story of Sophie (Amanda Seyfried), who's on a quest to find out who her real dad is before she gets married. After narrowing the pool down to three men, she invites them all to her mom's hotel on the fictional Greek island of Kalokairi. The result? Chaos, and a whole lot of Abba tunes.

1. AUSTRALIA

Northern Territory and Western Australia

In director Baz Luhrmann's tribute to his native Australia, aristocrat Lady Sarah Ashley (Nicole Kidman) takes an arduous journey across the country with a rough-and-tumble stockman named the Drover (Hugh Jackman) as World War II is about to break out.

For further information visit: http://www.budgettravel.com/bt-dyn/content/article/2008/11/03/AR2008110302173.html

My Disney World Celebration

Time to Visit Cuba

A long time favourite for Canadians, Cuba is known to have some of the best beaches in all of the Caribbean. The great beaches along with the great value on the All Inclusive Resorts keep Canadians coming back year after year - in fact, most recently, in record numbers.

Now is the perfect time to go to Cuba as well. Cuba is a great country, steeped with history, culture and beauty. Far too many people venture down on an All Inclusive package and don't get out to explore the country side, beauty, warm people and everything Cuba has to offer outside of the packaged holiday.

Even if you are travelling on a packaged vacation, take the time to get out of your resort. Read about the country and history before you travel and plan some excursions and days off the beach to get to know more about this wonderful island.

The Cuban Tourism Board's website is a great wealth of information. Watch videos, learn more about the country and culture and most definitely have a look at the excusion list that is found under the Destination Section (Click Here)

Even if you are on a packaged holiday, don't let that stop you from planning an overnight trip outside of your resort though to further explore the country. While still having that relaxing All Inclusive vacation you can infuse your trip with an extended excursion such as:

HAVANA AND THE TROPICANA
Experience world-class museums, entertainment and shopping on this two-day trip:- Day One: Tour Old Havana, stopping at the Museum of the City; check in at the hotel; attend the supershow and dinner at the Tropicana Nightclub.- Day Two: Breakfast and free morning; lunch at the hotel followed by a tour of modern Havana, with shopping sprees at La Flora and La Maison.(Departure: 1:00 p.m. Return: 4:00 p.m. next day)

CIENFUEGOS AND TRINIDAD
These two neighboring cities have contrasting characters: Cienfuegos is an industrial and marine town; Trinidad is romantic and historical:- Day One: Tour of Cienfuegos with lunch at the Pasacaballo Hotel; stop at the Botanical Garden before continuing to Trinidad for dinner and overnighting (free evening).- Day Two: Breakfast and city tour, visit to the Romantic, Natural Sciences and Archaeological Museums and the Troubadour’s House, followed by lunch at the hotel before leaving.(Departure: 8:00 a.m. Return: 2:00 p.m. next day)

See http://www.gocuba.ca/ for more...

Perhaps if you haven't already booked your Cuba Vacations you should consider a tour (group or independent) to explore the island rather than staying at a resort? There are a lot of options available but just not advertised like the All Inclusive tours.

Without a doubt, now is the time to visit Cuba. I am sure one day soon Cuba and the United States are going to come to terms and put their politica differences aside. Travel agreements will open up between the two countries and Americans will flood back to this island that was once a hot spot of travel for them.

Barack Obama is ushering in an era of change. ASTA - the American Society of Travel Agents is lobbying Obama to open up tourism to Cuba for Americans. The day could come in the very near future when Americans will be allowed to travel to Cuba which will drastically change the face of tourism in Cuba as suddenly about 350 million people once again have access to a paradise island on their door step.

Basic economics with the laws of supply and demand tells us those inexpensive paradise beaches packages are going to skyrocket in price.

If you haven't yet explored this great Caribbean island - I say the time is now! Don't delay and take advantage of the great deals that are happening this winter.

More Vegas News....TI up for sale

It is rumoured that MGM Mirage is selling Treasure Island to Phil Ruffin at a price of $775 million dollars.

Ruffin purchased the New Frontier Hotel back in 2007 which has since been demolished to make way for a new project. Let's see what he has in store for TI!

Another 14,000 Luxury Hotel Rooms for Las Vegas

As I write this, I am at the Disney for adults - Las Vegas - attending a great annual travel conference I come to each year. It never ceases to amaze me at how incredible the changes are to this city year after year.

This year the skyline has once again changed as the incredible City Center has popped up from the hole in the ground that it was last December when I was here.

By this time next year Las Vegas will have an additional 14,000 new hotel rooms for visitors representing a 9.2 billon dollar investment! Unbelieveable isn't it - 14,000 new rooms on top of the over 100,000 hotel rooms that are available every night. It is really mind boggling.

Have a look at the newest development here by MGM call City Center:

http://www.citycenter.com/luxury_las_vegas_condos/?CMP=KNC-Google-City_Corp

Renovated RIU Tequila Reopens Nov 28

After $15 million dollars US and 3 months of renovations, the RIU Tequila is about to reopen ready for the winter season. RIU resorts are well known with Canadians for their consistently great service, clean and well run properties.

The RIU Tequlia is one of RIU's Club properties that is set next to an 18 hole golf course and near their sister resorts of RIU Lupita, RIU Yucatan and RIU Playacar.

Changes to the resort include the addition of flat screen TVs in the Junior Suites, irons and ironing boards in all rooms, the Bamboo a la carte restaurant with Asian inspired food, and refurbished public spaces.

CARL'S TIP: Note that this All Inclusive property is not right on the beach but has a short shuttle or walk to the beach. If you are on a budget, it is great property to choose as we usually get better pricing with it being just off the beach. The bonus is that you can use the facilities of RIU Yucatan and the RIU Playacar.

To check rates on this newly renovated property, visit my online booking engine at:

http://www.tpiworldwide.com/carlhenderson/bookings.asp

or give me a call at 416.972.9688 or 1.877.972.2275 there are some great rates available this winter!

Royal Caribbean Cruises Limited - Changing the Cruise Industry

As many of you may have already seen in the news section of my travel site (Click Here), I recently was fortunate enough to have been invited on board the brand new Celebrity Solstice cruise ship which in my mind, is the most beautiful ship at sea – modern and contemporary with a host of new and unique features such as the Lawn Club, glass blowing demonstrations and an incredible Cirque de Soleil type show taking ship entertainment to new levels. The ship definitely wowed and impressed me on every level and I believe is going to be taking Celebrity Cruises to a new level.

Celebrity Cruises is owned and operated by Royal Caribbean Cruises Limited who are also the parent company of Royal Caribbean International, the company responsible for creating the new Oasis of the Seas which will be the world’s largest ship at sea and the most incredible feat of ship building ever.

For cruise lovers, Royal Caribbean Cruises Limited offers something for everyone and continues to be the leader in bringing new cruise ship designs, technology and features to their ships. Celebrity for more upscale higher end ships with a modern, designer style, outstanding food and service that provides attention to every last details. Royal Caribbean for years has been delivering the ‘wow’ with innovative features such as rock climbing walls, skating rinks and now the new Oasis of the Seas is going to have incredible features such as zip lining, an aqua theatre, a rising bar, park with trees and plants and so much more.

Both new ships for the lines are just the first in a series, proving once again, Royal Carribbean Cruises Limited is leading the way in changing the history of the cruise industry.

Celebrity Solstice

More on the new Celebrity Solstice Class – Click Here

Sailing the Eastern Caribbean this winter and the wonderful Mediterranean Sea in summer 2009


Oasis of the Seas

Join me on a group sailing of the Oasis of the Seas - Feb 06, 2010

email me for details - chenderson@tpi.ca

More on the new Oasis of the Seas - Click Here

Book with a TICO Registered Agency for Protection

IATA, the International Air Transport Association has stated that there are at least 20 international airlines at risk of bankruptcy at this time thanks to financial instability in the US, fuel prices and a downturn in the number of travellers flying.

This is just a reminder that when you book with me, I am with a registered TICO Travel Agency meaning if an airline you are booked on does go bankrupt you have some (perhaps full) coverage for reimbursement through TICO's travel compensation fund.

If you are booking your own flights directly with the airlines you do not have coverage. I do charge a service fee on air only bookings - but there are definitely advantages of using a professional travel consultant and the TICO Compensation fund is one of them.

Here are some of the more recent closeures:

Zoom Airlines - August 28 '08
Oasis Hong Kong Airlines - April 9 '08
ATA Airlines - April 4 '08
Aloha Airlines - April 2 '08

Click on the link below to visit the TICO Website or feel free to call me to learn more.

External Web Link

www.carlhenderson.ca

Who is Running that Website?

First of all thanks to all of you who have emailed me regarding my new online booking engine and online travel store. I hope you enjoy using them and you can shop with confidence as you know I am always there behind your bookings to help you out with any questions you may have.

That brings me to the reason of this blog entry - I urge you to watch where you are doing your online shopping for travel and any other items. Make sure you know it is a reputable supplier. I know many people purchase online but in the last 2 days I have been reading reports about consumers who have lost a lot of money buying online.

The first was purchasing tickets for Olympic events. Someone set up a company and professional looking website selling event tickets that they never had. Come the time to fulfill the orders they apologized that they were unable to secure the tickets and filed for bankruptcy closing their doors leaving many consumers out money and sitting with airline tickets to China, a hotel room and nothing but a TV to watch the events . In many cases this happened to family of Olympians competing in the events.


The second is a scam that is going around to purchase your international driver's licence for anywhere from $60 up to $200 online, when you should be buying it at CAA for only $15!

Just a reminder to be careful where you are doing any online shopping. If it is travel related and you don't see it on my site, give me a call or email and I will gladly help you out and make sure your bookings go through a secure and reputable tour operator. What I have available online is a small fraction of what I book for clients.

Cheers,
Carl

www.carlhenderson.ca

Rising Fuel Costs

Since it is such a hot topic for everyone, I thought kick off my new travel blog addressing the current spiralling fuel prices; how it is affecting the travel industry and some tips and suggestions I have to help you out with some of your future travel plans. As we all know through each visit we have to the gas pump, the price of oil is skyrocketing. As so much of our travel plans are reliant on gas consuming vehicles such as planes, coaches, buses, and cruise ships it has a huge impact on the costs of travel. Fuels surcharges have become the norm as a part of all airline tickets and cruise expenses – that we know and to a large degree understand.
However, as part the high fuel costs appear to be here to stay, it is going to have some impact on the way we travel for the upcoming winter season. Recently airlines have been announcing a reductions of their schedules for the fall and winter season by around 8 – 10% and laying off thousands of staff. Fuel surcharges continue to rise and the costs and availability of flights is changing drastically.

How does this impact you and what suggestions do I have for you to consider for your upcoming travel plans:

1. Most important – Book Your Airfare Well in Advance. With a decrease in capacity you are going to see a higher demand for the flights that are available and as a result higher airfare pricing. If you are hoping to get away for long weekends, Friday night departures or Sunday returns expect to see an especially high demand. This is particularly true if you plan on using Air Miles to pay for your tickets to join that cruise or tour – book as soon as possible.

2. Be Prepared for Schedule Changes – As the airlines are cutting their flight schedules there are going to be a lot of schedule changes as flights are reduced and merged together. This means it is incredibly important not to book a flight with a tight connection to a cruise or tour. Fly in the day before and enjoy your departure city with a nice relaxing start to your vacation.

3. Take Travel Insurance – I sell RBC Travel Insurance which with the proper package and coverage will protect you if you are doing connecting flights on different airlines, or flying in to meet a cruise or tour and you end up having a schedule change. For example, if you don’t have insurance are flying to London on a charter airline and then connecting with another airline to Barcelona and travelling on 2 separate tickets - if your charter schedule is changed and you miss your connecting flight, you will be required to pay the change fee and difference in fare to rebook your connecting flight without compensation from the charter airline. However, if you have the proper travel insurance you will have coverage to pay for the cost of changing your connecting flight.

4. Watch What Airline You Travel With – In the past few months there have been many smaller airlines in the US go bankrupt. It is fully expected that one of the big American carriers will also go bankrupt due to the increased costs and a market that can not support all the current carriers. It is also expected that several of the European discount carriers are not going to be able to ride out the current economic conditions. Remember if they are selling at prices that are too good to be true – it just may be that! If the airlines are not making money they are not going to last…remember Royal Airlines $99 return flights to Florida, or Jetsgo with its $1 seat sales. We all love the prices when we are travelling on them, but an airline can’t survive on fares like that. I will do my best to book you on airlines that I know are doing well as nobody needs to have their vacation caught in the middle of a bankruptcy filing.

5. Plan your Cruises Now – For people taking a cruise this winter and needing airfare to Florida or San Juan, start thinking about where and when you would like to go now. Remember for cruises you can put down a small deposit and to confirm your space and then we can get you the best deal for the flights. Flights in and out of San Juan with American Airlines have been reduced considerably so if you are looking to do a Southern Caribbean Cruise this winter let’s start working on that soon!

6. Watch your Luggage Weight - Most airlines have recently changed their luggage allowance. Some now even charging if you want to check any luggage at all. Make sure you are fully aware of the luggage allowances for your flight and try not to over pack or you will get hit with excess baggage charges at check-in. Most airlines are even weighing your carry on bags now!

www.carlhenderson.ca