Last spring on an Eastern Caribbean cruise on the Carnival Valor, I had the pleasure of visiting the lovely tropical island of St. Maarten. One of the most fascinating things about the island is that it is actually two countries. The Dutch side of the island is called St. Maarten and the French side St. Martin. Our tour guide said he lives on the Dutch side and his girlfriend on the French, so every time he calls it’s an international call and they talk several times a day… now that’s love!

Currency is another difference: the Dutch Side uses the Antille Guilder and the French side uses the Euro. Luckily, we were also able to use US Dollars to buy our ice cream cones and US dollars are also accepted at the colorful open air markets where you’ll find an array of local crafts, clothing and food. Shopping is one of the biggest draws for St. Maarten/St. Martin and with duty free shops it makes sense to make jewelry purchases on the island. The most amazing diamonds, tanzanite, emeralds, and pearls are on display in jewelry stores throughout the area and you can practice your bargaining skills here.

Of course, St. Maarten/St. Martin has many, many beaches. Over 37, in fact. What a wonderful destination for a beach wedding, or renewing your vows. The best part is that you can give your guests a little European flavor and a lot of the Caribbean! And while planning a wedding so far away can be difficult, many of the hotels have wedding departments that offer advice on everything from the license to flowers to catering and music, and of course, a beautiful venue. I have included several pictures of locations for a fabulous destination wedding!

Families love St. Maarten/St. Martin, too. Wouldn’t your children be fascinated by a Butterfly Farm? You can walk through hundreds of butterflies fluttering around you and since each stage of the butterfly’s life is on display, it will be a learning experience! Another great travel adventure is the scenic hike to Fort Amsterdam, which is several hundred years old and older kids will love spending the day on a racing yacht or parasailing!

If St. Maarten/St. Martin sounds like the perfect destination for your wedding, honeymoon, or family vacation….please contact me. sandi@totemtravel.com

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My first trip to Berlin was in 1990, it was summer and the ‘Wall’ had just come down the winter before. I remember peeking through the wall between the pieces of rebar and cement and I even brought home a few pieces.

I grabbed a postcard with a colorful guy that had a purple Mohawk; he was standing under a street sign with the wall behind him. I found that same street sign and took a picture of me standing under the same sign, but in my picture the wall was broken and only pieces of it could be seen. I remember thinking I was lucky to be there at such an historic time.

Of course we also saw the Brandenburg Gate and Potsdam and another vivid memory is the Pergamon Museum on Museum Island where they have a 2^nd century BC altar from Greece as well as the Ishtar Gate from Babylon among other gigantic ruins from Asia Minor. I was overwhelmed with the sheer size of them and to this day remember it with awe. Today Museum Island is a World heritage Site.

As an agent at Totem Travel I returned to Berlin as part of an escorted tour with Trafalgar and so much has changed. That street sign I have a picture of me under, now has a through street with no wall behind it at all. A little further away is the Check Point Charlie Museum and the left over sign saying “You are now leaving the American Sector” in English, French, German and Russian. The museum is a must see and a bit chilling when you realize the extent to which people will go to better their lives when oppressed.

Each time I am back in Berlin I also visit Kurfurstendamm, or better know as ‘Kudamm’, which is Berlin’s liveliest shopping street. At one ends stands the Kaiser-Wilhelm church, it was almost completely destroyed in a bomb during the War but a new belfry and church were erected around the shell of the old tower as a reminder.

Along Kudamm are shops and galleries as well as parks and squares to stop and shop or eat or simply watch people. At the other end or Kudamm you find the Tiergarten park which leads you onto the Brandenburg Gate that today is free to walk through. The avenue of Linden trees leading away on either side is stunning and the Soviet War Memorial is also nearby.

Berlinhas many parks and green space too. It’s a young city that is re-inventing itself and is always changing so you can go back again and again and always have a new experience. If you’d like help planning your time in Berlin, call Jennefer our expert in Europe group tours at (800) 321-7907or email her at jennefer@totemtravel.com.

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A few weeks ago I was in Australia on vacation and had the opportunity to stay at the incredible new Southern Ocean Lodge. What a fabulous place to vacation or honeymoon!

After a hard day spotting koalas, kangaroos and echidnas I returned each evening to gourmet meals and every luxury imaginable. My “ordinary” suite at the Southern Ocean Lodge had wall to wall windows with unbelievable views, heated floors, a rain shower, champagne and dark chocolate in the minibar, down pillows, mood lighting and more… Upgraded suites add soaking tubs, a fireplace, private bedrooms and private Jacuzzis. It has been said before, but the attention to detail is unbelievable!

Upon arrival each guest is given a personalized itinerary for their stay which typically includes guided walks, sightseeing about Kangaroo Island and special evening gatherings. Everything from meals to drinks to sightseeing is included in the room rate.

I’m a Seattle gal and coffee snob, so in the morning my latte was “created” with a heart shape in the foam and served overlooking the pounding surf of the spectacular Southern Ocean. My breakfast choices included home baked breads and pastries, lovely tropical fruits, some unusual chef specials, all the traditional items and more of the amazing view.

During the day I was off to see the sights but in the evening I returned to the lodge to mingle with other guests. Before dinner, a favorite gathering spot is the bar where gourmet appetizers are served and guests mix their own drink from a full selection of liquors and appertifs. Wine connoiseurs wander into the elaborately stocked cellar to choose their favorite bottle or simply ask for a particular selection.

Dinner at the Southern Ocean Lodge is a leisurely affair with 4 or 5 gourmet courses and after dinner you can enjoy brandy or coffee with your shoes off in front of the fire. At the Southern Ocean Lodge everything is top of the line, everything is included, but the atmosphere is decidedly casual. Picture spending the weekend with your billionaire buddy and you’ll start to get the picture!

With all this luxury it was hard to leave the lodge, but Kangaroo Island itself is amazing and my tour company, Exceptional Kangaroo Island, was just voted “Best Australia Experience” by travel agents specializing in Australia. As a returning guest I can tell you why… this is small group touring at its absolute best!

The guest to guide ratio is never more than 6/1 and you travel in luxury 4 wheel drive vehicles with an outstanding and knowledgeabe guide. Morning and afternoon teas includes lots of homemade goodies and every guest is treated to a sumptuous BBQ lunch with freshly caught seafood, local cheese and honey, a secret salad dressing and great Australian wines. Every itinerary can be customized but most guests will want see the Remarkable Rocks, endangered seals, Admirals Arch and take a bush walk to spot kangaroos in the wild.

I recommend at least 2 nights on Kangaroo Island to see it all and, if the budget permits, pamper yourself at the luxurious Southern Ocean Lodge. This is the perfect spot to get away, celebrate a special anniversary or honeymoon in Australia! Take a look at the slide show, browse our Australia vacation ideas, then email or call Linda at (800) 321-7907 when you’re ready to see Kangaroo Island. As an Australia Specialist, I promise this will be a memorable and special part of your Australia experience!