I wanted something new and exciting. I called their toll free number (1-888-777-1339) and was surprised by the quick and helpful response I got. I was given a choice of mountaineering in Bhutan, riding horses in South Africa or cruises in Caribbean. I chose the later. I do not regret at all.

My first trip aboard an ocean liner was during the spring of 2009. I was years – decades- behind my other family and friends who already discovered the secret to a unique and complete vacation- take a cruise!

Cheap cruises on luxury ships are now very affordable. The costs have gone down hundreds of dollars and quick get away weekend cruises are very popular.

I had no idea what to expect, except what I read about cruises from other web sites and bits and pieces of discussions from family and friends. So, after my journey, I wanted to gather my thoughts for others planning their first or next cruise.

As a cruise-virgin, I was overwhelmed!

This extended weekend cruise began on a Thursday afternoon, leaving from the San Diego, CA dock at 6pm, docking in the Ensenada, Mexico port for a day and a day in the ocean.

We returned Sunday morning and were promptly encouraged to leave the ship by 9:30am. One last, quick, breakfast on board and off the boat to San Diego.

The Carnival Spirit cruise ship is an impressive 88,500 gross tons, 963 feet long and rises 12 decks (Beam: 106 feet). It can host 2,600 passengers and nearly 1,000 crew. The ship was delivered in 2001. Panama is the country of registry.

Large, spacious cabins ,Staterooms with balconies feel more open, especially during long cruises. It was a great feeling to wake up in the morning with the curtains open and see the Mexican flag flying in Ensenada.

I can only imagine (hopefully, not for long) to enjoy awakening to other ports of call. The shipped docked for the day and our family wandered the streets of Ensenada visiting the stores and a stop at Senor Frogs, a wild party place.

Back at the ship, everything in the stateroom needed is close to hand- a TV with channels of ship videos, taped network shows, music and a ship web cam on both ends of the ship.

A small refrigerator stores a for-charge bar, but can be used to store any of those amazing leftovers.

I was concerned about “rocking” but was not even phased at all by motion sickness or even the feeling of being on a ship.

The casino was open 24 hours when out at sea. I had left the disco at 4am and it seemed like one shift for the crew was getting off work- so the party was going to continue into the dawn.

Just staying up to the midnight buffets was a struggle. There was no lack of food, or things to do. A daily newsletter provided activities every minute of the day.

A view of the atrium below from one of the three glass elevators. This ship is 12 decks tall. One floor had theater for large audiences.

The stateroom on the fifth deck had a partially obstructed view, but the lifeboat was not annoyingly visible above the railing, but did not take away any of the view of the ocean or ports. It wasn’t a distraction, especially with the reduction in price for “obstructed view.”

This is a way to save some money with a cheap cruise rate- just ask for an “obstructed balcony.” I’m told that a room without a window or a small peep hole is not a good choice unless cost is a factor or you don’t plan to spend much time in the room. But a nice stateroom does make the difference. It is like a hotel room, but smaller- much smaller. But, one does not go on a cruise just to spend it inside the room.

Looking over the balcony at a Navy ship in the San Diego, California port with the Spirit’s lifeboat in front. The boat was only a few inches above the balcony railing. The balcony had a nice open space with privacy blinds between cabins. Chairs on the balcony made the complimentary room service breakfast quite enjoyable. I ordered some fresh lox (salmon), bagels and cream cheese with coffee, orange juice and fruit. It was one of the best breakfasts ever.

Every night after dinner, the room steward would leave a towel-fashioned animal character on the bed. A very nice touch. My mother enjoyed the elephant.

At the end of each evening, an animal skillfully shaped from a towel by your cabin steward sits on your bed. Each night is a different animal. This evening it was an elephant. Mints are also left on your pillow.

The cruise was a special “reposition” cruise that liners often provide as they turn their ships around for new destinations. These cut-rate cruises are not often advertised, but offer great deals if you are willing to travel during the repositioning cruise windows.

We help you explore the world – The most pleasant and beautiful way

Vacations are always a great way to rejuvenate oneself. Though traveling to various places fascinate many people but financial constrains often restrict people to get onto a trip with loved ones.  But don’t worry anymore! At My Travel Asia, you’ll get attractive tour plans that promise amazing holiday trips in some of the most popular tourist destinations of the world.

We Specialize in….

My travel Asia is one of the most secure and convenient platforms to book your holiday and travel packages all around Asia. Move no further, this is where you get your ultimate travel experience with comfort you have always deserve and desire. It may be a honeymoon, anniversary, birthday or just a pleasurable gateway to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life; you will get budget-friendly, hassle free vacation arrangement, right at mouse click.

What makes us the best among all?

We make sure that our attractive travel offers don’t disappoint any of our customers at any point of time and suit well with their requirements as well as budget. Whatever you may have planned for your vacation; be it sports, adventure trips, wind biking, hiking, excursions, explorations, or sunbath, you get it all at your disposal without any qualms.

All arrangements from hotel reservation, air flights to preparing a suitable itinerary, our efficient staff members have already taken care of everything before you reach your favorite holiday spot. So, you are spared from going into the innumerable hassles of making the arrangements. My Travel Asia plans let you enjoy a huge variety of travel products and services that adds more fun and excitement to your vacations.

Malaysia, Brazil, Africa, or Australia, nothing is far from your reach, literally as well as monetarily, as long as you are exploring the pleasure made available by the wide assortment of travel packages online.  So, stop bothering and start planning today as to where would you like to go on your next trip? An adventurous holiday in India with a wild safari, a romantic beachside holiday in Kenya or Mauritius, or a place where you can witness the colonial architecture in historical monuments, the choice is all yours! We will assure a memorable trip to you, no matter where you are.

We also provide tour packages to certain destinations that may allow you to unleash your spirit and enjoy the sea life as you set sail on some memorable cruise vacations.  Music, dance, dinners, and drinks, the entertainment and exhilaration know no bounds for travelers at this time.

Some exceptional services….

Along with online travel packages that are on offer, we ensure security of our customers while on a trip to a foreign land.  Travel insurance cover is available at your service to protect you from unexpected thefts and medical expenses in a distant land.

Checklist for our customers that allow them to get the best of our travel services include:

* Competitive and affordable rates

* Network all over the globe

* We provide you travel tips that enhance the experience of your vacation. We make available to you travel guides that cater to the interest of different customers. This includes interest of people in different cuisines, wildlife exploration, architecture, archaeology, history travel, and scenic beauty to marvel at.

Let you explore this beautiful word – an easy way, an affordable way!

The Masai Mara is a large game reserve in south-western Kenya, which is effectively the northern continuation of the Serengeti National Park game reserve in Tanzania. Named after the colorful Maasai people (the traditional inhabitants of the area) and their description of the area when looked at from a viewpoint – “Mara”, which is Maa (Maasai language) for spotted: an apt description for the circles of trees, scrub, savanna and cloud shadows that mark the area. It is famous for its exceptional population of Big Cats, game, and the annual migration of zebra, Thomson’s gazelle and wildebeest from the Serengeti every year from July to October, a migration so immense it is called the Great Migration.

Now you know where I am posting this from. On this particular day our good tour guide takes us to witness the initiation of young Masaai men called morans. The shuka-clad young men have plaited there hair into knots plastered in red ochre. their supple body glistening with animal fat and their muscular legs beautifully patterned in white and black clay found in the plains.

We were welcome into the secluded hide out where the fresh graduates were preparing for the grand pass out. The pass out ceremony includes slaughtering of big fat big horned bulls and drinking of local brew. the chanting is hypnotizing as is the jumping (dance.) These morans can jump effortlessly a metre high in the air with the spears moving gracefully in their strong hands.

The morans we are told must kill a lion with their bare hands (certainly not good news to conservationists) for them to be considered man enough to marry the beautifully chiseled Maasai damsels.

The ceremony was intricate an involved many rites, chantings, libations and strange prayers. Well we got to eat the nyama choma(roast beef) then drank the brew (cant recall the local name) then we danced. I jumped higher than one moran! We mingled together as they were declared men and they were now officially unleashed to the village girls.

after the ceremony we drove around leisurely as we sampled the setting sun and spotted a few cats and several herbivores on the ready.

The reserve has beautiful and secure lodges and tented camps. Well this summer come and experience the Great Migration of the black herd of wildebeest…

So here me, Mystery Traveler, is in Zanzibar courtesy of mytravelasia.com. A home of cheap safaris and cruises, ready to partake on the famed hospitality of Arabs and Africans on this side of Africa.

We were booked in a hotel (check out great hotels on….http://www.mytravelasia.com/travel_tanzania.php) that was facing the rolling blues of Indian Ocean. The first night was special as the owner of the hotel (a jolly good fella) invited us for a dance by the local women gyrating to taarab music. The women patterned in henna know how to move that waist. We ate local food; the spicypilau was yummy!

I retired to my room, which was just a basic and all different. My room had a massive king sized bed, unfortunately the fan did not really work well so I ended opening my window to let in fresh and cool breeze from the ocean. There is no carpet in the rooms but have yellow mosquito netting at the windows and around the bed. For a little extra money you can have a room with hot water, but trust me I never ever touched the hot water, you would be mad if you did! A bit of advice always, spray your room when you leave to go to dinner, and keep your mosquito net down there is a mass of the little buggers! It really was a very authentic experience rustic experience. This is not really a kids atmosphere or for honeymooners, it’s great for those who want to do it a bit rustic and who love to party the night away!

The next morning I was woken up by the voice of local Imam inviting local for Alfajr prayers. I woke slowly and dressed up before going for an early morning jog (yes am shedding off the calories!) at the beach. The anglers were busy emptying the bulging nets. Seems their hunting voyages were fruitful.

After the jog and the early morning shower, I had a sumptuous breakfast by the poolside before joining a group for a boat ride. We took a snorkeling trip where we went out to one of the little reefs about 40 minutes boat ride from the shore. It was fantastic and we spotted many little clown fish and spotted stingrays. Unfortunately on the way back the tide went out and we had quite a long walk back to shore. It was fascinating to watch the locals farming seaweed on the way back.

I decided to try out the diving. On a side note Breezers is a beautiful five star hotel ( I can promise you they had aircon),with a swimming pool and a choice of restaurants as well as a private beach. Definitely worth it for those who want to spend the money. Anyway back to diving, it was roughly around $30 a dive and extra for hiring out equipment. The reefs are a short boat ride away but dives can be called off if the breakers are too rough to get passed. The dives I had there were the best dives that I have ever had, we saw a surreal amount of reef life and marine life, from lobsters to turtles. Definitely a must for all divers. Please note that the nearest recompression chamber is in Kenya so be smart never do deep dives unless you know what you are doing.

After the dives, I was damn hungry and I headed back to hotel for a filling. Surprise!! We were led by a waiter dressed as an askari to a dhow, which had cushions thrown on the thick and rich carpet with little stools. Lunch was immaculately laid out on large platters called sinias. The dhow captain called Ahmed ushered us onto the set up for the meal. We were served spicy Swahili rice called birriani, with citrus goat meat stew with mchuzi wa kima. The dessert was made up of coconut juice called madafu and sweet bananas. Do not forget the delicious dates that are served with every dish. The meal was so fulfilling that we just slumped in the cushions and dozed off for siesta in the afternoon sun.

After the dhow lunch and the siesta, we taken on a spicy tour where we were shown various spices that the locals use in their foods. They are quite a variety here. You must use this spices in your food!

The tour was over sooner than later and it was time for me to hop onto the plane for South Africa. Anyone in South Africa please tell me where I can spend my three days….

The precise timing of the Wildebeest Migration changes annually and it is a very unpredictable and spontaneous natural event. The calving season takes place in the Serengeti between the months of January and mid-March before the Wildebeest Migration begins heading towards the western Serengeti in June. The best time to see the migration is usually between June and August when the wildebeest congregate and prepare to cross the famous Grumeti River. There are a few excellent camps in this area where you can stay to witness this natural phenomenon. If you are in the Masai Mara you can expect the wildebeest to make their arrival as early as July, but they generally arrive between August and September and remain in the Mara between October and November. Between December and January the wildebeest gradually begin their migration back towards the Serengeti.

Attractions:

1.    Bumthang: If you want to experience the spiritual values of Buddhism, there is no better place than Bumthang on our vacation packages. The place contains a number of ancient temples and palaces, each having a different tale to tell. Wangdichholing Palace, Jambey Lhakang Temple and Kurjey Lhakang Cave are most significant places to visit here. Not to forget, there are many dzongs located in this area, the largest being at Jakar.
2.    Trongsa: It is one of the most charismatic towns of Bhutan, known for its royal linkups. Our travel packages cover the ancient Dzong located here. It is known as the royal fortress from which, various kings ruled the kingdom. The place is also known for its beautiful wooden slatted houses and a number of temples.
3.    Thimphu: Apart from being the national capital, Thimphu is also known for attractions like Tashichho Dzong, Wang Chhu River and many establishments. The capital is also neared by religious monasteries like Phajoding Monastery and Cheri Monastery. The Telegraph Hill and the National Library are amongst other attractions of this place.

Climate: Though, Bhutan is small in size, but one can find an interesting variation in climatic conditions existing in various regions of the country. While it has tropical climate in southern plains, the northern region is extremely cold. And you can enjoy temperate climate in the central region. Also, it is a country receiving huge rainfall during monsoons.

Most suitable time for visiting: One can visit Bhutan during any month of the year, except from months between December and February, as these moths experience extremely cold weather conditions. We, however provide our discount vacation packages throughout the year.

Landing and taking off: The holiday package that you choose generally takes care of the flight details. Paro is the only airport located in the country and can only be visited by national carrier, called Druk Air. You can first land at Kathmandu, the capital of neighboring country Nepal, from where you can embark the flight to Bhutan.

Internal Transportation: Local bus service can take you from one region of the country to another. Also, you can reserve a mini-bus service with the help of your travel agency. You can also find taxis, though in prominent regions only. For a mountainous road, you can use a pony or walk on foot. But if you choose from our range of inclusive travel packages, you can leave all your traveling woes to us.

Communication: While in Bhutan, you can use internet and international telephonic connectivity services to communicate with rest of the world.

Currency: Ngultrum is the national currency of Bhutan. Apart from this, Indian Rupee also circulates in the region. American Express and Visa cards are accepted, along with traveler cheques.

Time: Bhutan lies in the standard time zone, which is 6 hours ahead of GMT.

Heath Information: An evidence of yellow fever vaccination is required to be produced by travelers visiting Bhutan. It is appropriate to get yourself medically checked up by medical expert. Also, you have to ensure that you have no heart disease or lung disease, so that you can travel on high altitude offered by the country.