Digging for Diamonds

No you don’t have to go to Africa to dig for diamonds, try Arkansas.

The USA consistently offers us surprises. The next time you want to visit someplace you haven’t been try the Crater of Diamonds in Arkansas. You and the kids can dig for diamonds in the only open to the public diamond mine in the world.

While you’re visiting this state the ‘caveman’ in the family and everyone else can enjoy staying at the Beckham Creek Cave, luxury in a cave.

And if you have the need for speed there is everything from horse races to Outhouse races.

These are just a few things you can do down in the Ozarks, the Capital of Folk music.

Beyond the Borders

If you are looking for an adventure beyond our borders try a Viking River Cruise., from the Czars of Russia to the Pharaohs of Egypt, river cruises get you up close and personal to the ancient wonders of yesterday and the excitement of today’s modern cities.

What’s happening locally?

Expanding your horizons can take many forms, try a culinary adventure. Restaurant weeks are popping up all over. Treat your taste buds to exceptional food at reasonable prices.

Alexandria Restaurant Week August 20-29

Washington Restaurant Week August 16-22

Baltimore Restaurant Week August 13-22

Travel is medicine for the heart, soul and mind.

Yawn, there’s nothing to do

How many times do we find ourselves saying that?

There is so much to do in the Washington DC metropolitan area, its actually somewhat amazing. As a transplanted New Yorker I have to admit its not like the Big Apple yet there are many options.

If you don’t mind driving or drive and metro into DC you could spend a day every weekend for months without repeating anything.  From art to history to music and more the capital and its suburbs probably has more than most realize.

You could start your day at the Spy Museum grab some lunch and stroll around the Smithsonian Castle, have a nice dinner at Ebbitts or La Tosca then go to a show at the Ford’s  Theatre.

If you don’t want to leave Virginia, try the Patriot Center, Amy Grant will be playing there in August.

A few tips about visiting Washington DC

1) Avoid holidays and Cherry Blossom season if you don’t like crowds.

2) The Metro will get you around fairly well and there are  a couple of circular route buses that are inexpensive and easy to use. Driving into Washington can be frustrating and confusing, the traffic circles get the best of us.

3) Except for Georgetown the city is usually closed by about 6pm. Although after dark can be good for visiting some of the monuments.

Take time to explore the world around you, fun is right around the corner.

If you do want to visit New York, keep in mind there is more to the city than Manhattan. Take a trip to Brooklyn and check out the wonderful places to shop and eat. Per Leisure & Travel magazine, Atlantic Ave is a new hotspot and less than a mile from there is Bark, hot dogs with a gourmet touch, on the New York Magazine Thrilllist.

Travel is medicine for the heart, mind and soul.

65° and Sunny

That’s the predicted weather for Anchorage AK this weekend. So if you have stayed away from this magnificent state because you expected to wear your parka and ski mask, think again.

When I flew into Alaska my first sight was the clouds circling the mountains like servants bowing to a king. Breathtaking is an understatement. For those of us on the east coast Alaska is a new world full of wonders. Not only the landscape and wildlife but the people as well.

Whether you cruise the Inner Passage, fly over Mt. Mckinley or wander through what I consider the garden of eden of the north Denali National Park you will find yourself drawn to the beauty, mystery and history of our young state.

I was fortunate enough to meet a woman who had grown up in southwest Alaska. She shared with me her childhood as the modern world invaded their poor but simple and satisfying life. She vividly described the mud dwelling, lined with sealskin to keep the occupants dry. Can you imagine Americans in the 20th century truly living off the land and sea, telling tales that had been handed down for centuries. There is much to see and learn in this magnificent state.

Most of us who visit Alaska want to see wildlife, a bit of advice on that topic. First, get up VERY early, the wildlife does. Second the best sightings are in early spring and fall. So if you absolutely must see a moose, consider visiting when its getting chilly, October isn’t bad. Moose do tend to hang around Anchorage, which is one of the most urban spots in Alaska.

Want to see the northern lights, now we’re talking cold. Best time to see the northern lights, aurora borealis is winter time, get your parkas and mukluks.

Interesting trivia: There is approximately 1 person per square mile in Alaska.  In Virginia (2000 census) 178 people per square mile.

If you would like to learn more about visiting Alaska please feel free to call 703-350-2999 or email andrea@uniqueventplan.com

Blue Crowns, The Glaciers, more ice under the water than above

A Frolicking Whale

The silent storytellers, Totem Poles

Garden of Eden of the north, Denali National Park

So many choices, so little..

You expect to see the word time. Time is our most irreplaceable resource and we should make the most of it and that includes time to travel. Do it to better yourself and the world. Every time you meet someone new you change the world and make it just a bit smaller.

Back to choices, there  are almost infinite choices of where to go and what to do. So let’s start at the beginning, at least alphabetically, Alabama. It’s only about 12 1/2 hours drive time and you can stop in Charlotte NC and Atlanta GA along the way.

From tribal history, love stories included to George Washington and of course The Road to Freedom Alabama has more to offer than many realize. If its nature you seek you can choose between the mountains and the beach, or for the urban leaning traveler Montgomery and Birmingham are major cities more than worth a day or two.

If you are a Star Wars fan then Space Camp should be on your to do list. This summer you have the amazing opportunity to experience Star Wars in a way that will send you soaring. Whether you want to study the more than 80 costumes and props or take ‘Millennium Falcon‘ Ride you are bound to have fun. but the special exhibits will be over on September 6, so plan now. This is a great vacation adults and kids.

Let’s not forget the rest of the world when it comes to travel. If you want to escape the heat in August try New Zealand. You can find the 5 star hotels but if you are a backpacker then this is also a great place for you. You can fly to Queenstown, a great skiing spot for less than $1500 roundtrip and there is lodging for as little as $26 New Zealand a day which translates to $18 US. In today’s economy that is a bargain hard to turn down.

Of course there is always something happening in the Washington DC area.

Family Fun

Mary Poppins, Broadway show at the Kennedy Center starting at $35 a ticket

Free Concert at The Strathmore

For the Grownups

Visit www.going.com to choose your kind of fun

Unique Travel Events hopes you will explore the world and its wonders, whether you are the do-it-yourself type or want our services to create the perfect Getaway, Date Night or full vacation, from cruises to safaris.

When not to use a travel agent

Using a travel agent has more benefits than most realize. The only instance when using a travel agent may not be in your best interest is when making flight reservations. Although your agent can save you time, unlike hotels, resorts, cruise lines, etc the airlines do not pay the agent (most of the time) so if the ONLY thing you want your agent to do is make a flight reservation, you’ll probably pay a little more.

Now, that extra few dollars may well be worth it, since the agent is still saving you valuable time and may be able to find a flight or fare that you can’t.

Travel agents have suffered of late with the rise of the internet. The average consumer can go online and book a cruise or a hotel. I will draw an analogy to real estate agents. You can sell your own house or search for one you want to buy, but the real estate agent does a far better job. In both cases you are dealing with professionals whose job it is to serve you and it doesn’t cost any more than doing it yourself.

Actually using a travel agent can save you money by having access to deals that you don’t. In addition a good agent has taken time to learn the products, their pros and cons and learned how best to create a vacation or travel experience that suits you.

The next time you are surfing the web for a cruise or resort and realize that you lost an entire evening with family and friends and still don’t know what to do, call me.

Andrea Savitch

703-350-2999

andrea@uniqueventplan.com

www.uniqueventplan.com

Over the bounding sea

June proved to have a wondrous surprise, a transatlantic journey on the QM2. Having completed and passed Cunard’s educational courses on their ships and destinations I earned a free trip with a companion on the QM2.

My daughter and I boarded the magnificent vessel uncertain of what 6 full days at sea would be like. Although I’ve been on ‘cruises’ there was never more than a day or so at sea, so 6 was going to be interesting.

One might expect to get bored, but we actually did not have enough time to do everything we wanted to do. We did manage to take an acting class with a troupe from RADA (Royal Academy of Dramatic Art), learn the basics of playing bridge and take afternoon tea. Besides the nightly entertainment and dancing the RADA troupe performed The Taming of the Shrew, which was great. Not to forget, the lecturers onboard were top notch. John Berendt, author of Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, Dr. John McMichan of the Mayo Clinic and more.

Of course dining is always an experience on board a cruise ship and we made the most of it, with a lunch at Todd English and dinner at the Lotus.

Perhaps the best part of cruising is the people you meet. Most people who cruise look forward to dining with someone from across the country or across the world, and get surprised by connecting with someone in your own backyard. It’s amazing the differences and similarities you encounter with each conversation.

One couldn’t traverse the Atlantic Ocean from New York to Southhampton without taking a least a day or two in London. We did the whirlwind tour from Picadilly Circus to the Tower of London, catching sites like Big Ben, London Bridge, the Tower of London Bridge (beautiful) and taking the river cruise as well. The changing of the guard may be a touristy thing to do, but we were tourists and took in the full half hour ceremony.

Travel continues to be a delightful passion and I can’t wait to do more and help others experience our wonderful world.

Visit our website for romantic, adventurous and just fun options of travel.

Sun & Fun

Time to build up that Vitamin D and enjoy the sun. Whether you just sit out in the yard and sunbathe or splash the waves of the Atlantic, summertime is a great time to be outside.

There is nothing like a walk on the beach in the moonlight after parasailing over the waves. There are beaches up and down the East Coast from Maine to New Jersey to Virginia and down to Florida. Sip some wine and listen to a local band as you let the waves wash your stress away.

Of course summer is also a time for roller coasters and fishing and picnics. The options are endless and all build that good emotional health as well as getting us outside.

This is usually vacation time so from road trips to cruises most folks are taking time with family and friends. Don’t forget to do this for yourself.

Unique Events can take the stress out of planning your Getaway and give you the experience of a lifetime. Let us make it easy and fun for you. Just call 703-986-0934 or email andrea@uniqueventplan.com to start your journey of fun.

Romance and the Rites of Spring

Let me tell ya ’bout the birds and the bees
And the flowers and the trees
And the moon up above
And a thing called “Love”

We can thank Jewel Akens for those words and a reminder of what spring brings to mind. We re-establish our relationship with the sun and reconnect with people. Winter so often sends us into doldrums that spring really becomes a time of awakening.

As we watch the buds bloom on bare tree branches we know that we too can bloom. The butterflies and honeybees are looking for nectar and the flowers beckon them with bright colors. Human beings are not much different.

Now is the time to refresh for your new venture into romance or maybe spruce up the one you have. Pack a picnic basket and head for one of our great parks, like the glorious forests of  Shenandoah or the wonderful waters of Assateague. You can even take the metro to the National Mall and take in the sites while sharing the fun with someone new or someone already special in your life.

If its raining, make some popcorn, snuggle up, rent Fantasia and enjoy the music and imagery that came long before MTV and Anime.

But the sun will shine and a warm wind will blow most days. Unique Events can help make those days special with Getaway and Date Night plans.

Even Cruises are affordable and really give you a chance to see the world.

Send us an email and ask how we can make your spring something to remember.

Romance and Adventure on the High Seas

After climbing the Mayan temple at Xunantunich and walking the ruins at Tulum I could almost see the civilization in its glory. The connection with nature exuded from every stone and love and belief in life danced at Tulum. Just an fyi, 2012 is NOT the end of the world. Our guide was a native Mayan and explained that in 2012 the calendar resets and new cycle begins, as if it were a new century, exciting but far from fatal.

The romance of past civilizations and the mark they leave on today is amazing. Having the opportunity to travel is such an incredible gift. We learn that although there are differences we also learn that family is pretty much the same all over and people want the same things, to provide safe and secure surroundings, enjoy the simple pleasures of a good meal and good company, to watch children play and grow and as couples grow old together in peace.

Whether you explore 30 miles or 30,000 miles from home, do explore. You will grow as a person, become entwined in a new kind of romance and establish one more very real connection with the world and bring it home to share with others.

Cruising is a great way to see the world, but planes, trains and automobiles work too. Plan a Getaway for a weekend or week and refresh yourself while you soak in the wonders of the world.

Unique Events would love to give you the romance and adventure you deserve.

Romance and Roadtrips

Roadtrips are great for romantic getaways. The destinations are limited only to the distance you wish to travel. On the east coast you can escape to the mountains, from the Poconos to Shenandoah in the mid-atlantic area to the ski slopes in New England. If its beaches you like they range from Maine to Florida.

The question becomes what to do while on that 3 hour or more journey. Books on tape are an option if both of you enjoy the same type of literature and of course music, whether its CD, radio or Sirius or XM. But what about conversation? This is becoming a lost art and when traveling its easy to fall into the habit of talking about day to day life, the kids, the job, the bake sale, all the things you are trying to escape from.

Consider this- If you have a destination, pick up a book or magazine about it, learn the history while you drive and  then determine what you might like to see when you arrive.

You can also have some fun and learn a little more about each other. For example, there’s the What if? game. What if, it were 1890? Think about how you would get where you are going, how much longer it would take to get there, etc. You’d be amazed at the interesting conversation that can ensue.

Also, If you could be a character from history or a book or a movie, or even a movie star, who would you be and why? What would you do? How would your character indulge in romance? You might want be adventurous, like Ameilia Earhart or mysterious like Mata Hari. Perhaps James Bond or Daniel Boone, it doesn’t matter who you choose, just have fun imagining what could happen.

This is also great for a date night when the conversation starts to slow.

If you would like a romantic roadtrip planned for you, just email andrea@uniqueventplan.com or visit www.uniqueventplan.com