Grand Re-Opening Celebration - Open House – September 22nd
Drop by between 3-7pm to see our new location and ask one of our agents about our exciting new promotions. Free parking is available.
221 King St E., Oshawa, 905 433 8611
Thursday 16 September 2010
Tuesday 3 August 2010
Destination Weddings
Need help planning a Destination Wedding?
Destination weddings take away much of the stress and expense of wedding planning. That is why they have become a popular wedding choice for brides and grooms looking for a wedding day filled with warmth and pampering. Leave it all to the wedding planners. What about a bachelor party ziplining through the rainforest, a bachelorette spa day, or a rehearsal party on a sunset catamaran tour? Now that relieves lots of wedding planning stress.
I recently went to the Mayan Riveria in Mexico to see for myself some destination wedding locations. I visited eleven hotels over the weekend and viewed some spectacular scenery that could serve as a beautiful backdrop to a picture perfect wedding day.
Whether the happy couple select a beach wedding, a gazebo setting or a more traditional chapel wedding the resorts do a wonderful job decorating and co-ordinating a seamless wedding celebration personalized for the bride and groom.
I was able to see a wedding ceremony at the Princess Grand Riveria Resort. The wedding ceremony took place on a secluded area of the beach in a two tier, beautifully decorated gazebo. The bride walked over the quaint wooden bridge through the lower gazebo where her forty plus guests sat to her waiting groom in the upper gazebo. After the ceremony the guests and wedding party enjoyed themselves with a cocktail and toast on the beach.
The Mayan Riveria has everything you need for a glorious sun soaked wedding and honeymoon. Amazing white sand beach and shimmering turquoise waters await you on the Caribbean coastline. You can snorkel in the ecological parks of Xcaret and Xel-hu, explore the Mayan ruins of Tulum, Coba and Chichen Itza, or shop in the chic boutiques of Playa del Carmen. There are luxurious upscale resorts, family friendly resorts, and adult only resorts. The Mayan Riveria has something to offer all wedding guests, young and old. The bride and groom can relax knowing that their family and friends will be well taken care of; leaving the newly married to enjoy the start of their life together.
Please contact me for your upcoming destination wedding. I would love to help you plan your special day in an exotic location.
JoAnn 905 433 8611
I recently went to the Mayan Riveria in Mexico to see for myself some destination wedding locations. I visited eleven hotels over the weekend and viewed some spectacular scenery that could serve as a beautiful backdrop to a picture perfect wedding day.
Whether the happy couple select a beach wedding, a gazebo setting or a more traditional chapel wedding the resorts do a wonderful job decorating and co-ordinating a seamless wedding celebration personalized for the bride and groom.
I was able to see a wedding ceremony at the Princess Grand Riveria Resort. The wedding ceremony took place on a secluded area of the beach in a two tier, beautifully decorated gazebo. The bride walked over the quaint wooden bridge through the lower gazebo where her forty plus guests sat to her waiting groom in the upper gazebo. After the ceremony the guests and wedding party enjoyed themselves with a cocktail and toast on the beach.
The Mayan Riveria has everything you need for a glorious sun soaked wedding and honeymoon. Amazing white sand beach and shimmering turquoise waters await you on the Caribbean coastline. You can snorkel in the ecological parks of Xcaret and Xel-hu, explore the Mayan ruins of Tulum, Coba and Chichen Itza, or shop in the chic boutiques of Playa del Carmen. There are luxurious upscale resorts, family friendly resorts, and adult only resorts. The Mayan Riveria has something to offer all wedding guests, young and old. The bride and groom can relax knowing that their family and friends will be well taken care of; leaving the newly married to enjoy the start of their life together.
Please contact me for your upcoming destination wedding. I would love to help you plan your special day in an exotic location.
JoAnn 905 433 8611
Tuesday 13 July 2010
Australia
Lorie from our Whitby office recently went to Australia, here's what she had to say.
Well I have just returned from a wonderful to downunder to Australia. This is a place I have always wanted to visit and was not disappointed.
I flew with Qantas airways and they were wonderful. Always on time and the service on board was excellent. It was like flying back when the passenger really mattered.
It is a long flight but well worth the time. If it is possible upgrade to at least a exit row, Elite or Business class as the leg room is worth it.
I flew into Cairns via Los Angeles and Brisbane. We spent a couple days in the Cairns area. The weather was great. This area "Queensland" is the tropics for Australia and even though it was winter the temp were in the 20's C and no humidity. We stayed at a lovely hotel on the water the Shangri la. There are no beaches in Cairns but a great boardwalk along the water.
Cairns is a great little city with lots of shopping, restaurants, casino, and access to the Great Barrier Reef via cruises. This area is very popular with Backpackers as well as people of all ages.
We took a wonderful train ride from Freshwater (outside of Cairns) to Kuranda on the Kuranda Scenic Railway. This followed the route that was built in the 1800's for the gold rush up into the Rainforest. It traveled through 15 tunnels, ascending 327 metres and going over 55 bridges and taking 98 turns. The scenery was breathtaking. We upgraded to Gold Class which meant the seats were plush and we were served wine and hors d'oeuvre's, well worth cost of the upgrade.
At the end of the train ride we arrived at Kurunda station, where we walked thru the village of Kuranda. Here you can visit Birdworld or the Butterfly Sanctuary or Koala Gardens (all for an additional admission), as well as shop with many handcrafted goods. I chose to visit the Koala Gardens since this is the only place in Australia where you can actually hold a Koala. I was able to hold Princess the Koala and have may pic taken with her which was a real treat. These Gardens also house an area were you can feed and pet kangaroos and wallabies. This was something I will always remember.
To descend down from Kuranda to outside of Cairns we took the Skyrail Rainforest Cable Car. This flew high above the rainforest. You looked down into the forest and out over the area which you could see for miles. The sight was indescribable. We stopped twice on the way down to take a guided nature walk and get up close and personal with the forest. It was amazing.
That evening we stayed at the Thala Beach Resort which was near Port Douglas but was situated in the Rainforest overlooking the Coral Sea. The rooms were all throughout the forest so quite a lot of walking but well worth it for the sights alone. The setting was gorgeous and each room was in an individual bungalow with a spectacular view of the forest or the sea. The main lodge was all open air and had a veranda that wrapped around the entire thing. The food was fantastic as well as the service. This resort was very eco friendly and organized many nature walks, star gazing, etc. It also had is own beach area on the Coral Sea.
The next 3 days we spent on the Coral Princess II with Capt. John's Cruises. I would not compare this to a cruise that we are use to instead it was an experience on water. It was a wonderful way to see the Great Barrier Reef and really experience it first hand. The ship only holds 50 passengers. The cabins are only 8 x 10 but you are never in then but to sleep. There are 2 common rooms on board as well as a dining room and an outside area to lounge or enjoy the hot tub. There is an open door policy on board for the capt.s bridge. For the next 3 days we saw sunrises, snorkeled, took rides in the glass bottom boat, fed the fish, saw up close creatures from the bottom of the sea and learned all about them from the marine biologist on board. and if you were lucky enough even took a scuba dive (which I was) The scenery under the water was amazing....you thought you were in an aquarium or a moving. It was a colourful garden under the sea. We would stop each day on land and take a nature walk. Our last day we went to the ship's private island where the capt bbq'd lunch for us. Overall a great Reef experience.
We then spent 2 days in Sydney. This is a beautiful city where old history is nestled amongst modern day city. We stayed at the Sheraton on the Park right downtown and across from Hyde Park which houses a gorgeous Botanical Gardens and many historical buildings. It is a 15min walk to the Harbour where you can catch a ride on the ferry to Manly Beach or Bondi Beach were you can see surfing and visit a great little tourist area for shopping. The ride to and from this area is a great way to see Sydney from the water. You get a great view of the famous Opera House and bridge. The city offers lots of waterfront restaurants and many English pubs. It was the cleanest city I have every seen. There are lots of museums and places to visit in Sydney that no one would be lost for things to do.
This is just a bit of what I experienced downunder, as I could go on and on. Australia is truly a place to visit.
Please call me at 905 668 7955 to discuss a trip to Australia!
Well I have just returned from a wonderful to downunder to Australia. This is a place I have always wanted to visit and was not disappointed.
I flew with Qantas airways and they were wonderful. Always on time and the service on board was excellent. It was like flying back when the passenger really mattered.
It is a long flight but well worth the time. If it is possible upgrade to at least a exit row, Elite or Business class as the leg room is worth it.
I flew into Cairns via Los Angeles and Brisbane. We spent a couple days in the Cairns area. The weather was great. This area "Queensland" is the tropics for Australia and even though it was winter the temp were in the 20's C and no humidity. We stayed at a lovely hotel on the water the Shangri la. There are no beaches in Cairns but a great boardwalk along the water.
Cairns is a great little city with lots of shopping, restaurants, casino, and access to the Great Barrier Reef via cruises. This area is very popular with Backpackers as well as people of all ages.
We took a wonderful train ride from Freshwater (outside of Cairns) to Kuranda on the Kuranda Scenic Railway. This followed the route that was built in the 1800's for the gold rush up into the Rainforest. It traveled through 15 tunnels, ascending 327 metres and going over 55 bridges and taking 98 turns. The scenery was breathtaking. We upgraded to Gold Class which meant the seats were plush and we were served wine and hors d'oeuvre's, well worth cost of the upgrade.
At the end of the train ride we arrived at Kurunda station, where we walked thru the village of Kuranda. Here you can visit Birdworld or the Butterfly Sanctuary or Koala Gardens (all for an additional admission), as well as shop with many handcrafted goods. I chose to visit the Koala Gardens since this is the only place in Australia where you can actually hold a Koala. I was able to hold Princess the Koala and have may pic taken with her which was a real treat. These Gardens also house an area were you can feed and pet kangaroos and wallabies. This was something I will always remember.
To descend down from Kuranda to outside of Cairns we took the Skyrail Rainforest Cable Car. This flew high above the rainforest. You looked down into the forest and out over the area which you could see for miles. The sight was indescribable. We stopped twice on the way down to take a guided nature walk and get up close and personal with the forest. It was amazing.
That evening we stayed at the Thala Beach Resort which was near Port Douglas but was situated in the Rainforest overlooking the Coral Sea. The rooms were all throughout the forest so quite a lot of walking but well worth it for the sights alone. The setting was gorgeous and each room was in an individual bungalow with a spectacular view of the forest or the sea. The main lodge was all open air and had a veranda that wrapped around the entire thing. The food was fantastic as well as the service. This resort was very eco friendly and organized many nature walks, star gazing, etc. It also had is own beach area on the Coral Sea.
The next 3 days we spent on the Coral Princess II with Capt. John's Cruises. I would not compare this to a cruise that we are use to instead it was an experience on water. It was a wonderful way to see the Great Barrier Reef and really experience it first hand. The ship only holds 50 passengers. The cabins are only 8 x 10 but you are never in then but to sleep. There are 2 common rooms on board as well as a dining room and an outside area to lounge or enjoy the hot tub. There is an open door policy on board for the capt.s bridge. For the next 3 days we saw sunrises, snorkeled, took rides in the glass bottom boat, fed the fish, saw up close creatures from the bottom of the sea and learned all about them from the marine biologist on board. and if you were lucky enough even took a scuba dive (which I was) The scenery under the water was amazing....you thought you were in an aquarium or a moving. It was a colourful garden under the sea. We would stop each day on land and take a nature walk. Our last day we went to the ship's private island where the capt bbq'd lunch for us. Overall a great Reef experience.
We then spent 2 days in Sydney. This is a beautiful city where old history is nestled amongst modern day city. We stayed at the Sheraton on the Park right downtown and across from Hyde Park which houses a gorgeous Botanical Gardens and many historical buildings. It is a 15min walk to the Harbour where you can catch a ride on the ferry to Manly Beach or Bondi Beach were you can see surfing and visit a great little tourist area for shopping. The ride to and from this area is a great way to see Sydney from the water. You get a great view of the famous Opera House and bridge. The city offers lots of waterfront restaurants and many English pubs. It was the cleanest city I have every seen. There are lots of museums and places to visit in Sydney that no one would be lost for things to do.
This is just a bit of what I experienced downunder, as I could go on and on. Australia is truly a place to visit.
Please call me at 905 668 7955 to discuss a trip to Australia!
Monday 12 July 2010
Rocky Mountaineer
June 2010
Sheila & Kirk Kemp
We have just returned from a fabulous trip aboard the Rocky Mountaineer Train. We took the train route from Vancouver to Kamloops and then on to Jasper and then by coach down to Lake Louise and Banff. This was my first experience on the Rocky Mountaineer and it definetly won’t be my last. What a way to travel.
We fly to Vancouver and stayed at the Sheraton Wall hotel, many of the rooms offer spectacular views of the waterfront. We were picked up quite early and taken to the train station and from the moment you walk into the train station you are surround by nostalgic pictures of rail travel gone by. Complimentary coffee is plentiful and the station is bright and cheerful. There is no shortage of train staff to direct you or answer any of your questions regarding your trip. We were fortunate to be travelling in the GoldLeaf cars which are true luxury. From the moment your steward greats you and shows you to your assigned seating in the dome car you are made to feel extremely welcome. While pulling out you are offered coffee, tea and muffins while you await your breakfast turn in the dining car. Who knew such flavourful, well prepared gourmet meals could come out of such a small kitchen space. Breakfast and lunch each day were 5 star calibre. There was always a choice for your meals and they were always surprisingly delicious and lunch was served with wine! The rail experience in the dome car is like none I have ever experienced before. You have fabulous views of the spectacular scenery in the very comfortable roomy seats while sipping on your favourite beverage (bar opens at 10:30)....who knew rail travel could be sooooo civilized!!
The scenery in Canada is hard to beat and it is a real shame that more Canadians do not experience it. From the beautiful green forests to the majestic mountains and turquoise lakes; you would be hard pressed to find a more beautiful spot in the world. Our travels took us in to Kamloops where we spent the evening at the Thompson Hotel before continuing on our journey the next day. We had another day of spectacular scenery and the one of the great things about the dome car is that there is an outside viewing platform that you can stand on to get the smells and sounds of nature. We ended up in Jasper and stayed overnight at the famous Jasper Park Lodge which really lives up to expectations. I would highly recommend staying at least two nights here so you can really enjoy the pristine beauty of its setting. Another perk was the elk, who were quite content to forage on the lawns surrounding the lodge so picture taking was extremely easy. We took a motor coach the next day down the Columbia Fields parkway making a stop at the Columbia Ice fields which is one of the few glaciers that the “masses “are able to go out and walk on (bring your woollies as there is quite the temperature drop here). This highway has to have the most magnificent scenery in the world, every corner you are gasping at the wonders before you, from the snow capped mountains, turquoise lakes, waterfalls, overflowing rivers, bears, mountain goats, big horn sheep, elk...you name it and the bus driver is always happy to pull over for snapshots (I took over 1500 pictures). We went from one natural wonder to another...too many to describe without writing a book. Lake Louise is of course stunning and the resort is beautiful, majestic ...outstanding! Then on to Banff where we stayed at the Rimrock hotel which has spectacular views of the valley. The rooms here are spacious, well appointed and the food is fabulous. The lobby bar boasts a view that is hard to beat...what could be better than having a glass of wine in the sun looking out at the mountains which surround you! Dinner was at the famous Banff Springs Hotel. A visit here is a definite must while in Banff. The hotel is a true Fairmont flagship hotel...stunning with the rock and wood and beautiful stately public rooms...what a spectacular backdrop for a wedding! Our time was too short but the trip was extremely relaxing and enjoyable. For those interested in going on the Rocky Mountaineer I would definitely recommend GolfLeaf over RedLeaf service not only because of the dome car and the outdoor platform but because the dining experience onboard is lovely as you walk to your dining car (with white tablecloths) and pick your meals from a menu accompanied by beverages (RedLeaf you are served at your seat – similar to airline meals of the old days). All beverages in the GoldLeaf are included (alcoholic as well) and your nightly accommodation is upgraded. I would highly recommend this trip to anyone who enjoys spectacular scenery, good food and a relaxing atmosphere. Call me if you would like to discuss a trip on the Rocky Mountaineer.
905-623-3182 or email: sheila.kemp@kemptravel.ca
Sheila & Kirk Kemp
We have just returned from a fabulous trip aboard the Rocky Mountaineer Train. We took the train route from Vancouver to Kamloops and then on to Jasper and then by coach down to Lake Louise and Banff. This was my first experience on the Rocky Mountaineer and it definetly won’t be my last. What a way to travel.
We fly to Vancouver and stayed at the Sheraton Wall hotel, many of the rooms offer spectacular views of the waterfront. We were picked up quite early and taken to the train station and from the moment you walk into the train station you are surround by nostalgic pictures of rail travel gone by. Complimentary coffee is plentiful and the station is bright and cheerful. There is no shortage of train staff to direct you or answer any of your questions regarding your trip. We were fortunate to be travelling in the GoldLeaf cars which are true luxury. From the moment your steward greats you and shows you to your assigned seating in the dome car you are made to feel extremely welcome. While pulling out you are offered coffee, tea and muffins while you await your breakfast turn in the dining car. Who knew such flavourful, well prepared gourmet meals could come out of such a small kitchen space. Breakfast and lunch each day were 5 star calibre. There was always a choice for your meals and they were always surprisingly delicious and lunch was served with wine! The rail experience in the dome car is like none I have ever experienced before. You have fabulous views of the spectacular scenery in the very comfortable roomy seats while sipping on your favourite beverage (bar opens at 10:30)....who knew rail travel could be sooooo civilized!!
The scenery in Canada is hard to beat and it is a real shame that more Canadians do not experience it. From the beautiful green forests to the majestic mountains and turquoise lakes; you would be hard pressed to find a more beautiful spot in the world. Our travels took us in to Kamloops where we spent the evening at the Thompson Hotel before continuing on our journey the next day. We had another day of spectacular scenery and the one of the great things about the dome car is that there is an outside viewing platform that you can stand on to get the smells and sounds of nature. We ended up in Jasper and stayed overnight at the famous Jasper Park Lodge which really lives up to expectations. I would highly recommend staying at least two nights here so you can really enjoy the pristine beauty of its setting. Another perk was the elk, who were quite content to forage on the lawns surrounding the lodge so picture taking was extremely easy. We took a motor coach the next day down the Columbia Fields parkway making a stop at the Columbia Ice fields which is one of the few glaciers that the “masses “are able to go out and walk on (bring your woollies as there is quite the temperature drop here). This highway has to have the most magnificent scenery in the world, every corner you are gasping at the wonders before you, from the snow capped mountains, turquoise lakes, waterfalls, overflowing rivers, bears, mountain goats, big horn sheep, elk...you name it and the bus driver is always happy to pull over for snapshots (I took over 1500 pictures). We went from one natural wonder to another...too many to describe without writing a book. Lake Louise is of course stunning and the resort is beautiful, majestic ...outstanding! Then on to Banff where we stayed at the Rimrock hotel which has spectacular views of the valley. The rooms here are spacious, well appointed and the food is fabulous. The lobby bar boasts a view that is hard to beat...what could be better than having a glass of wine in the sun looking out at the mountains which surround you! Dinner was at the famous Banff Springs Hotel. A visit here is a definite must while in Banff. The hotel is a true Fairmont flagship hotel...stunning with the rock and wood and beautiful stately public rooms...what a spectacular backdrop for a wedding! Our time was too short but the trip was extremely relaxing and enjoyable. For those interested in going on the Rocky Mountaineer I would definitely recommend GolfLeaf over RedLeaf service not only because of the dome car and the outdoor platform but because the dining experience onboard is lovely as you walk to your dining car (with white tablecloths) and pick your meals from a menu accompanied by beverages (RedLeaf you are served at your seat – similar to airline meals of the old days). All beverages in the GoldLeaf are included (alcoholic as well) and your nightly accommodation is upgraded. I would highly recommend this trip to anyone who enjoys spectacular scenery, good food and a relaxing atmosphere. Call me if you would like to discuss a trip on the Rocky Mountaineer.
905-623-3182 or email: sheila.kemp@kemptravel.ca
Monday 7 June 2010
We've Moved!
Kemp Travel has moved to a fabulous new location - 221 King St.E., Oshawa, L1H 1C5. Phone numbers are the same. Please drop by for a visit, free parking is available!
Tuesday 23 February 2010
Bahia Principe Ambar
Client Comments on Bahia Principe Ambar, an adults only property in Punta Cana.
Resort. Massive compared to what we have been to in the past. Ambar is busy compared to what we are used to at other resorts but the rest of resort sometimes gets a bit overwhelming.
Grounds. Very well cared for with no litter at all. Overall very clean.
Pools, Amber not too busy and very clean. Main pool at main resort packed. Other pools in main resort back from the beach less so.
Food. Excellent, ate at al a carte every night no restaurant was even close to busy in Ambar section.
Drinks. No problem getting served at any time day or night.
Staff. Very friendly, nice people.
Room. Well cleaned with everything in working order. Quick response to any defects. Good size.
Airport Transportation. To and from airport no problem.
Site Transportation. The resort has three streets with people carriers running till 3 am.
Beach. Great for walkers. Ambar section is much better than the rest of resort as the Ambar resort is built back from the beach. There is a good section of beach area that has many loungers and shade between the regular public beach and the Ambar pool. Other than Ambar the main resort beach is an absolute mad house of people.
Tipping. I did not need to tip but tipped the bar tenders a few times a day.
Entertainment. Ambar is mostly low key with one person with electric piano. The entertainment at the rest of the resort is reasonably good but busy at the 9pm show and less so later.
Adults Only. They do a good job, there are lots of kids around but most families follow the rules and stay out of Ambar. We went to a few restaurants for dinner and the families we encountered were fine.
Weather. Mixed, hot and sunny then warm and cloudy. Little bit of rain but nothing serious.
Overall. Good holiday that was, at the price we paid, definitely good value.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)