Get Ready for Floriade 2012!

There are events that occur annually that you might really enjoy every now and then and there are events that occur every couple of years that you may make a point to attend.  Then, there are certain events that happen every, say, 10 years that are just simply amazing. The Floriade is exactly that.  This international celebration of horticulture and nature is an amazing experience that happens once every decade.  I guarantee you will want to be in Venlo from April 5th to October 7th.

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The Annual World’s Largest Cruise Sale is Back!

It’s that time of the year again!  What was formerly known as the “World’s Largest Cruise Night” has been expanded to National Cruise Vacation Week’s World’s Largest Cruise Sale. During the week of October 17th – 23rd, you can expect cruise sales from all of the major cruise lines including Carnival Cruise Line, Disney Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Princess, and more! Deals included (but not limited to) Reduced Rate on  Sailings, Up to $500 On-Board Credits, Coupon Booklets, and Added Amenities! Click here to see all of this year’s cruise deals!

For some, this event can be perfect for planning early birthday or early Christmas gifts! For all, this is certainly the time to finally book that vacation you have been planning for so long! For those who are not familiar with the event, both members of the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) and travel agent partners come together each year and hold the single largest cruise promotion of the year.  To give you an idea of just how big this event is, in 2010 CLIA reported over 50,000 consumers attended WLCN events held by 1,432 agencies.

Throughout the year you can find cruise specials and deals if you are diligent enough and have the patience.  For this event however, you can be sure that almost all cruise lines will be having special sales!  The best part is you now have a whole week to decide on your perfect cruise! 

With this event growing larger each year, you can be assured that there will be no shortage of savings and special promotions.  And as always, AffordableTours.com is here to bring these savings directly to you! Plus, as an added bonus, we’re giving away a $100 Dining Dough Gift Card* for every booking!

Visit our website for more information and see the great deals for this year’s World’s Largest Cruise Sale! http://www.affordabletours.com/event/wlcs/

*Dining Dough Offer Rules And Restrictions:

Offer excludes all Carnival Cruises. Offer applies to all new cruise and river cruise bookings made in the week of October 17th – 23rd only. Please call for additional details. Additional restrictions may apply.

Rick Mereki Encourages Us To Move, Learn and Eat.

In 2008, “Dacing Matt” Harding became a YouTube sensation with his videos showcasing both his arguable dancing abilities and his amazing travels.  His first video was posted in 2005 as a result from his 6 month, 17 country backpacking trip as a departure from his game developer desk job.  Currently his video has 39 million views and has sparked plenty of copycats.

Now, 2011 brings us Rick Mereki, who is an Australian filmmaker commissioned by the student travel agency STA Australia, has created a series of three one minute long videos in his campaign “Move, Learn and Eat.”  Mereki’s videos, with the help of his buddies Tim White and Andrew Lees, will have you itching with the travel bug before the end of the first clip.

Filmed in 11 countries over a span of 6 weeks, these videos are sure to inspire anyone to do as the title suggests – move, learn and eat.

Amazing Thailand

In January to February of 2011, I took a trip to Thailand as a gift to myself for graduating with my Bachelors from the University of Central Florida (Go Knights!) just a couple months prior in December.  Being a Thai-American born in New York but raised in a Thai household, the culture shock wasn’t too bad.  Outside my house I was American but when I walked through my door I was living under Thai rules.  It also helped that I can speak Thai fluently albeit unable to read or write.  I should also mention I went alone but still have family there.

Luckily, I traveled during the slow season (also known as value season) so the price wasn’t that bad; it was still something a new grad can handle.  Because it was winter here in the states and Thailand only has two temperatures: hot (during our winter) and very hot (every other time of the year), the weather was manageable when I went.  I do not recommend traveling to South East Asia during Summer time unless you enjoy scorching heat.

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