Peru Specialist!

I just passed my Peru Specialist exam. I’ve been working on becoming a Peru Specialist for almost a year. A lot of seminars, webinars, and reading, along with talking to those that have been or lived there helped me along the way. Now I’m counting the days until I get to go myself!

Today was one of the most exciting webinar’s I’ve had the pleasure of attending. This one focused on The Amazon Voyage. And this is the trip I want really bad! I’ll be going into detail about this part of Peru in a future blog soon.

There is just so much about Peru that isn’t known by the general tourist population. Of course, most of us know about Machu Picchu and Cuzco, but there is an entire country that has some of the most awesome adventures and sights that you really need a good month or more to really get to see them all. Kind of like telling someone they could see most of the United States in a month – right?
Did you know for instance that Peru is divided into three distinct areas? First is the coastal area that slopes up in the east to the Andean mountains. The second area being the Andean mountains down the center of Peru and third – the Amazon basin on the west side. I will be going into a lot more detail about each of these areas and what there is to see also here in future installments of Peru on this blog site.

Peru, a land wrapped in 10,000 years of history is unparallel in South America for its archaeological wealth and rich pre Columbian history. Since there is no written language about The Inca civilization, knowledge based on archaeological research that the Spanish left written records gives us insight into this civilization.

But wait! There’s more! So much more than archaeology - like – food and wine, museum lovers, golf, surfing, horseback riding, rafting, birders, nature lovers, mountain biking, hiking, handicraft collectors, orchid hunters, and I could go on and on.

Of the 117 life zones (biomes) recognized in the world, 84 are found in Peru. Of the Earth’s 32 types of climate, Peru has 28. And as one of only 18 countries in the world to be categorized as biologically mega-diverse, Peru is naturally equipped to harbor a majority of the Earth’s species. Wait until we get to the eco tours and voluteer tourism opportunities that we will review soon!

Follow me here for more updates on Peru – and the next big adventure – or call me and I can set your dream trip up today!

The Gift of Travel

Most of you are aware of the multitude of gift registries. You know almost every department store in the world has a registry for some type of celebration, and baby stores have baby shower registries. And of course there are several wedding and honeymoon registries. But recently I ran across a wonderful Trip Registry with one of our favorite tour companies – Brendan Tours.

So, what is the Trip Registry?

We give travelers a way to register their entire trip online. It works just like a gift registry - the traveler wants to have parts of their tour paid for as a gift. Instead of buying them a sweater or a music CD, you can give them part of their trip to Italy. The traveler has listed their selected trip itinerary for friends and family to contribute toward as a gift.

And just what kind of gifts would be listed on a Trip Registry?

Besides the typical honeymoon, how about a weddingmoon (those getting married at their favorite destination and combining the wedding with the honeymoon), birthdays, and family reunions. Or perhaps you have a graduating high school or college student that is taking that long talked about European vacation? Christmas, Hanukah, or maybe just because someone deserves a great vacation? (Never too late to start planning that gift!)

Most people can’t afford to give their mom, dad, sister, brother, you fill in the blank – a nice vacation – but you can contribute to one by using the registry. The travelers go online, find the tour of their dreams, break down the cost of the entire vacation into affordable modules and send it out to friends and family. They in turn, go online, purchase a portion of the trip and thus have contributed to their favorite son, daughter, niece, nephew, you fill in the blank’s dream trip.


Thinking about taking that very special trip to Europe, South Pacific, Africa, Egypt, South or Central America, Asia or the US and Canada? Call or email me at Azumano Travel and we can arrange that Travel Registry with Brendan Tours. I’ve worked with this company for over 30 years and they are a quality operator.

How about just a Travel Gift Card?

Yes, we have those too! Travel gift cards are just like any other type of gift card. You set the amount and give the card to your mom, dad, sister, brother, you fill in the blank....they get to choose where they want to go and apply their travel gift. Call me today, I can set up the registry or a gift card.

Teaching English as a Foreign Language

Do you have a year or more to spare and want to do something very special? Ever thought about living in a foreign country and doing something so worthwhile and rewarding while getting paid? Did you know if you speak fluent English (along with very few other little restrictions) you can teach others in our world how to speak English. Think of it as your passport to earning a living abroad while making a lasting contribution to the lives of others!

Azumano has partnered with a company that has trained over 60,000 people and placing the new teachers all over the world for over 15 years. Once you obtained your certification you can teach in classrooms or local business. You can also take part in team or volunteer teaching. There is a huge demand for overseas teachers now, so why wait?

There are three ways to become qualified. Weekend, Online and Specialist Certificate Courses. I will go into each one with a little detail here.

Weekend Course – looking for fun and a worthwhile activity for just one weekend? The Weekend course runs Saturday from 9am to 8pm and Sunday from 9am to 6pm. 20 hours of practical training, interactive workshops, teaching practice with excellent tutors. Price begins at $395.00 per person. There are also 40, 80 and 120 hour courses, combining this course with the online course and a Specialist Certificate as well!

The Online Course – offers 40, 60 or 100 hours of online learning and you have 6 months to complete the course. Of course, you will want to complete it quicker so you can get on with the travel. The online course offers 10 modules with audio and video that also teaches more theory and grammar. How to teach vocabulary, how to teach writing and speaking skills. How to manage a classroom and much more! The courses start at $260 per person.

Specialist Certificates – You will always come across different classroom situations and opportunities, so a specialist course will incease your job scope (and your salary) abroad. There are 8 different Specialist Certificate courses. They include: Teaching English
One-to-One, Using Audio & Video in the Classroom, Teaching English to Large Classes, Teaching English
to Young Learners, Teaching Business English, Teaching with Limited Resources, Cultural Awareness
in the Classroom, How to Teach Pronunciation. The price is $75 per certificate.

Offered as a new option – Teaching Internship in China - you can $4,400, get 500 hours of teaching practice and your TEFL certification. The price of this project is only $1595 and includes your instructions, transfers and living expenses. There are a limited number of these programs left and they are going fast, so fast that the very last acceptance date is July 27, and you must be ready to depart for China no later than August 27. You only need to be a fluent or native English speaker. No previous teaching experience or University degree is necessary! You do not need to be able to speak Chinese



If China is not on your list of must see’s (I can’t imagine why not) then, there are job openings in Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Indonesia, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Saudi Arabia, Spain and Ecuador.

So, if you’re ready to go teach the world to speak English, call me today I’m happy to let you know all about this most exciting new life chaning travel opportunity!

Life Changing Travel Experiences

Have you ever thought about doing any of these projects and just didn’t know how? How would you like to take a Life Changing Travel Experience and:

Work with lions in South Africa
Sea Turtle Conservation in Costa Rica
Animal wildlife rescue in Ecuador
A Malaysian Orangutan experience
Gorillas and community work in East Africa

Building homes for the underprivileged in Costa Rica, Honduras, Kenya, Vietnam and more
Reconstructing schools in Nepal
Conservation work in Australia’s Outback
Community work in India, Costa Rica, Thailand, Sri Lanka and more
Community theater work in Jaipur
Volunteer with Carnival preparation in Rio
Work with children at the foot of Kilimanjaro
Conservation work on the Galapagos Islands
Care for orphans in Cambodia

Teaching English as a Foreign Language in
China, Indonesia, Japan, Costa Rica, Ecuador and many other places!

Since the memorable Flight of Friendship, the outreach trips to Thailand in the weeks following the 2004 tsunami and to New Orleans to help with post-Katrina reconstruction, Azumano Travel has been constantly asked to bring more of these kinds of programs to our customers, both for groups and individuals seeking more meaningful ways to travel.

We now bring you a vast array of new, incredible, life-changing travel experiences with a focus on volunteering, giving back, learning and cultural immersion on a level not seen before with mainstream travel products that we’ve traditionally brought you. I know that many of you have thought about wanting to travel off the beaten track, see the world and spend some time giving back volunteer service at some important sustainable projects around the globe and we can now help you choose from dozens of available projects.

Some of you may be interested in helping in community development projects. Some are interested in working with children. Others have a passion for working to protect and save the earth’s vulnerable wildlife and environment. If you’re looking for a unique travel experience abroad, look no further! Our new programs are the perfect way to meet new people, immerse yourself in new cultures and to truly make a difference where you travel, coming home with memories of a rewarding experience that will stay with you for a lifetime.

From high school students nearing graduation, to boomers and seniors, to career breaks to sabbatical trips, to multi-generational families, to church groups, college study-abroad groups, corporate incentive or team-building groups, spring break groups, to those among us just wanting to make a difference and give back while traveling, it is clear that our customer base is often looking for something more in their travel experiences, and in their lives. And now, thanks to our new partnership with I-to-I, Azumano Travel will be equipped to bring these opportunities to you.

Watch here for more details I’ll be sharing with you on the different types of programs, or call me if you’re just so excited you want to go now, personally, I’m looking forward to feeding the Panda’s in China!

Royal Plantation Island - the Ultimate Escape!

Need that perfect Island getaway and escape from the wild crowds? Well here is THE place you've been dreaming about!

Royal Plantation Island at Fowl Cay is a Sandal’s newest private 50 acre island in the Bahamian chain of the Exumas. The resort has six luxurious villas and the most pristine beaches amidst a sapphire sea. Plans are to build a few more with most of them becoming over the water bungalows and villas.




The Birdcage House is situated on a peninsula that looks out at Fowl Cay Cut and overlooks Big Major spot where many spectacular yachts sit. The two story, two bedroom house has windows that have breathtaking views of the waters that surround this villa from three out of four sides. There is a fresh water pool if you’d rather, but the crystal clear waters beckon one to dive in and enjoy!




The Lindon House has huge dark-wood French doors that when open let the trade winds fill the one bedroom sanctuary with scents of pure sea air and exotic tropical flowers.

The Seabreeze Villa and Starlight Villas are perched on top of a ridge overlooking the multi colored ocean. The villas offer a panoramic view of the Exumas that will leave you breathless. Each of these two bedroom villas are independent across from the kitchen, living room and open air patio.

The Harbour Club eating and drinking house sits atop Royal Plantations highest point. You can dine by candlelight under the stars or join others in the Mahogany Bar and Lounge. On the south beach is the Barefoot by the Sea Restaurant and Bar where you can find the finest gourmet Caribbean seafood and grilled specialties in a casual atmosphere.

Unlike most private islands, you can book the entire island, or you can book by the house. The Birdcage has two bedrooms and a pull out sofa with two full baths and a full kitchen. The Blue Moon house and the Sweetwater House are three bedroom villas that include 3 full baths and a full kitchen. The previous mentioned Lindon House is 1 bedroom, 1 bath with full kitchen, and the Seabreeze Villa and Starlight Villa are both two bedrooms, 2 baths also with full kitchen.








The Royal Plantation Island is perfect for corporate retreats, family reunions and destination weddings. Groups of up to 30 can be accommodated where you can do everything or nothing at all. The environment is resort casual. The villas are fully stocked which gives tremendous flexibility. The island has incredible snorkeling, and most water sports like diving (with lots of wrecks including 3 airplanes), waterskiing, deep sea fishing, sailing and sea kayaking are available. Deep Sea fishing is available for Wahoo, Mahi Mahi, Barracuda and Mackrel. The island is also very famous for bone fishing. Snorkeling and diving are extremely popular. You will be surprised to be able to feed nurse sharks, and see pigs swimming in the warm Caribbean waters. Yes…I said pigs!


There are walking trails, shopping areas and lots of close by Cay’s to investigate. The resort is 1 ½ hours south of Ft. Lauderdale, only 3 minutes by plane from Nassau. About 200 sailing miles from Miami and you can take your own boat here if you wish, moorage is very near by.

While on the island, you can visit so many famous sites – like Thunderball Grotto! One of the most renowned snorkel sights in the Bahamas. This is where portions of James Bond Thunderball and also the movie Splash were filmed, and now we know why! And who would want to miss the social hub of the region? The Staniel Cay Yacht Club is open for lunch and dinner and it’s on Jimmy Buffet’s list of top ten bars!





The price of your vacation includes the villa rental and linens, - A/C, ceiling fans, private bath per bedroom, satellite TV, DVD, CD, full kitchen, deck or patio, grill, cooler and more!
All Food and Beverages consumed on Fowl Cay (including alcoholic beverages)
A Golf Cart* per house Clubhouse with dining room, open bar, swimming pool, exercise room, pool table, dartboard and board games Tennis Court (racquet and balls available) Kayaks and Sailboats Bocce Court, Horseshoes Snorkel, Fishing, Waterski and Tubing Equipment Internet Enabled Computer / Fax, and even a Motorized Boat

To get more information about Royal Plantation Island and to reserve your perfect escape, please call or email me right away!

Sandals Royal Bahamian Resort

I was recently honored to be a part of Sandals Star Awards attendees at Sandals Royal Bahamian Resort in Nassau, Bahamas. The Star awards are Sandals recognition of the best of the best travel agents and top agencies that work with people from all over the world to send them to the best resorts of the world - Sandals, Beaches and Royal Plantation. Not everyone gets invited and I was indeed honored to be recognized as one of Sandals best!


You can’t imagine the feeling one gets when traveling from a cold winter home to a sunny warm destination like Nassau, Bahamas and having the honor to stay at Sandals Royal Bahamian!




This resort is one of Sandals top 5 star, diamond resorts and it’s easy to see why. Sitting on the point at Cable Beach on New Providence Island, the views of the incredible multi colored turquoise, green, blue waters are simply breathtaking. Sandals Royal Bahamian has old world glamour mixed with state of the art, world-class sophistication.
Breakfast is held in one of two restaurants, both buffet, however, there is a cook available to make any type of egg dish you wish, from soft boiled to eggs Benedict! Lunch time offers a choice of a buffet, or a couple of a la carte restaurants that serve up local conch fritters to hamburgers. Dinner is where the resort really shines – most of the restaurants are Elegant Resort attire – meaning – dress up! There is only one resort casual dining room open in the evening. Food choices range from French to Italian, Caribbean, Southwestern, Teppanyake, Seafood and the British Pub Style. Newly opened is the new Pizzeria which rivals the best pizzerias in the states!
There are a total of 443 rooms in the resort, and all of them include air conditioning, mahogany four poster king-sized beds, cable TV, cd-clock radios, iron and ironing board and the bath comes with a wonderful amenity kit that includes lotions, shampoo and conditioners.
The deluxe and premium rooms are in the Manor house and face either the pools or the gardens. The luxury rooms also in the Manor House face pools, gardens of if higher up ocean views. The suite concierge rooms in the manor House and the Windsor Building have balcony or patios and also face pools, gardens or ocean views. There are some concierge rooms that are oceanfront and the ones in the Manor house were the most beautiful views. The Balmoral Honeymoon Ocean view Suite and the St. James Grand Luxe Oceanview suite are high enough in the Windsor Building to give you not only an incredible ocean view but also over much of Nassau’s Cable Beach area. The best rooms are of course the Butler Suites – The Royal Village rooms while they do not have ocean views, are protected in a most beautiful and private garden area and the suites are huge, romantic and have separate sitting rooms. The Royal Bahamian Ocean view one bedroom suite and the Royal Windsor Beachfront One Bedroom Suites are simply elegant!
The resorts boasts seven pools, nine restaurants, an exotic offshore island, luxurious suites with chauffeured Rolls Royce or Mercedes service. The world famous Red Lane Spa is simply one of the best especially if you take advantage of a massage on the beach in the Zen Garden on Sandals Cay!




Sandals offshore island – Sandals Cay is a very short ferry boat from the Sandals dock and includes a pool, whirlpool, swim up pool bar, 2 beaches (1 on each side of the island) the afore mentioned Red Lane Spa Zen garden and a restaurant. It is open daily from around 10am to 4pm and open evenings only for special events, like the once a week Goombay Bash party!

We happened to be there during the Christmas holidays which start right after Thanksgiving. Bahamas celebrates the holidays with a Junkanoo! For two nights we were entertained with mini Junkanoo bands and on the last night, Nassau held the Jr. Junkanoo parade. This where all the islands schools come to celebrate. The children work all year on costumes, themes and practicing their parade in hopes of taking home a trophy. This is huge event in the islands where thousands come downtown where the streets have been blocked off and stadium risers have been put up for the crowds to cheer on their favorite school. On December 26 and again on January 1, the adults perform Junkanoo and it is twice as large as the Jr. Junkanoo. The Junkanoo costumes rival those of the Carnivals in Rio and Venice.





Sandals Royal Bahamian is for those who are a little more upscale and are used to world-class luxury travel. It is perfect for high-end weddings and honeymoons. If you are looking for the best in Sandals All Inclusive that is close to the United States, then look no further. Until the Windsor Block of rooms has been refurbished, however, you may wish to inquire about staying in the Manor house or the Royal Villas.
Contact me if you have any questions or wish to make your next reservation at Sandals Royal Bahamian Spa and Off Shore Island resort!

Alaska and the Yukon Quest

I just returned from Fairbanks, Alaska the 2008 starting city for the 25th anniversary of the Yukon Quest. The temperature upon arrival was a mere -30 below zero, but the sun was trying to shine between the layers of freezing ice fog.

The first place I headed was for the University of Alaska and the Museum of the North. What a fabulous museum! Filled with over 2,000 years of Alaskan art and displays of Alaskan culture, including Blue Babe, the world's only Ice Age steppe bison mummy. My favorite room - The Place Where you Go to Listen - an ever changing sound and light environment where the University has linked the sounds of earthquakes and even the Aurora to drums and bells and...Well you just have to go.

The next day off to Chena Hot Springs and the Aurora Ice Museum. The hot springs are very medicinal and warming when it's -40 outside. The Dog sled ride is also a must! The Ice Museum has lights and sculptures and is simply wonderful...the best part though is the world famous Appletini's served in souvenir ice Martini glasses.

Off to Denali National Park. Stopping along the Parks highway in Nenana where they hold Alaska's largest gaming project. No lottery up there. A tripod is planted into the ice river and a trigger stops the clock that records the time the ice breaks up. Bets are placed and last year’s winners claimed $304,000. Yes, I placed my bets! Lunch stop in Healy at one of Alaska's best diner’s- Rose's Cafe . Finally Denali Park - a great visit and wonderful talk by park rangers and a visit to the dog kennel to see a different kind of kennel –these dogs patrol the park during winter via sled. On the ride back to Fairbanks, we were able to turn back a few times and catch a magnificent sunset over Mt. McKinley, the highest mountain in N. America. No wonder there are so many that wish to climb it!

Saturday morning - start of the 25th anniversary of the Yukon Quest! This race is younger than the Iditarod and doesn't get as much publicity, which is sad in some ways, however, not having it widely publicized also meant that we could get up close and personal to the dogs and their musher’s. There was an air of pure adrenalin as everyone was anxious to begin that 1,000 mile trek to Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada. Especially those dogs! Every three minutes a team takes off, until all 24 teams were out.
So we check the web for race results and the winner should be arriving into Whitehorse shortly and by the end of the week, the rest of the musher’s will be in. Training begins for next year's race...Whitehorse to Fairbanks.

For some pictures of this incredible quest...click here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/21283786@N05/sets/72157603951696585/

What a ride! If you'd like to check out the Yukon Quest, here is the link: www.yukonquest.com
If you'd like to go to the next race, contact me, I'm going again! I can hardly wait!