KSL Travel Show December 7th, 2008

Special Guest
Jim Barsh from Morris Murdock Travel, http://www.morrismurdock.com/
Jim talked about the Utes BCS Packages, http://morrismurdock.com/specials/Ute_Bowl_2008.cfm
He also talked of the LDS Travel Study joining the Morris Murdock family of brands, http://www.ldstravelstudy.com/.

My Black Book - Galapagos Eclipse
Situated 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador, the archipelago consists of nineteen islands and more than forty islets, which were created six million years ago when they emerged from the Pacific in a flurry of volcanic activity.
The islands were discovered in 1535 by Tomás de Berlanga, who sent the first known description of the Galapagos to the King of Spain; "...nothing but seals and turtles and such big tortoises that each could carry a man on top of itself and many iguanas that are like serpents". He also remarked on the tameness of the creatures; "...many birds like those of Spain, but so silly that they do not know to flee and many were caught in the hand."
The most important visitor to the Galapagos Islands was Charles Darwin, who arrived in 1835 on board the Beagle. He was amazed by the extraordinary life he found on the islands and obtained very important samples and facts to develop and sustain his theory of evolution and natural selection. In fact, he was responsible for bringing the Galapagos to the world's attention in 1859, when he published The Origin of Species.


Climate:
December to June - possibilities of rainTemperatures range from 25°C to 32°C (77°F to 90°F)
July to November - dry (garúa) season Temperatures range from 20°C to 27°C (68°F to 80°F)

The Eclipse has 4 types of cabin, all of which have sea views:
4 Deluxe Staterooms on the Boat Deck8 Superior Staterooms on the Boat Deck12 Staterooms on the Main Deck2 Single Staterooms on the Main Deck


Itinerary
Saturday
Flight to Baltra Island, Galapagos Santa Cruz Island - Las Bachas Beach
Sunday
Santiago Island - Puerto Egas Bartolomé Island
Monday
Santa Cruz Island - Cerro Dragón Rábida Island
Tuesday
Isabela Island - Tagus Cove Isabela Island - Elizabeth Bay
Wednesday
Fernandina Island - Punta Espinoza Isabela Island - Punta Vicente Roca
Thursday
Santa Cruz Island - Charles Darwin Research Station Santa Cruz Island - Highlands
Friday
Española Island - Gardner Bay Española Island - Punta Suárez
Saturday
Santa Cruz Island - Black Turtle Cove Departure from Baltra


Family Departures
Taking children to the Galapagos Islands is an immensely rewarding experience. For this reason we have developed selected family departures during the months of March, April, July, August and December.
Specialist guides can be assigned to educate and entertain your children throughout the day for groups of a minimum of 10 children, while you enjoy the cruise at your own pace, in the knowledge that your children are in safe hands and making their own discoveries about the history of evolution and the wonders of the islands. However, if parents wish to take their children with them in their group, they may do so.
Adults are more than welcome to accompany a group of children, as long as the group does not exceed the limit of 16 passengers per guide.
On family departures children are accepted from the age of 5, on non-family departures children are accepted from the age of 10. All children under 12 sharing a cabin with one adult receive a 25% discount on the published rates. The Eclipse offers around 20 family departures a year, during spring break, the summer holidays and the Christmas period.


Booking information
PanAmerican Travel Services, 800-364-4359, http://www.panamtours.com/


A-List Report
Travel Gifts from Sarah Gold at Travel + Leisure all under $100.
http://www.travelandleisure.com/articles/affordable-travel-gift-guide-2008



KSL Insider Deal
The Seven Day Weekend at Club Med/7 all-inclusive nights for the price of 3
NEW! JANUARY through APRIL 2009 DEPARTURES available at select resortsTravel between now and April 25, 2009The Club Med 7 day weekend available at:
Family Resorts:> Sandpiper, Florida, USA starting from $793/person>
Ixtapa Pacific, Mexico starting from $965/person>
Cancun Yucatan, Mexico starting from $965/person>
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic starting from $929/person >
Caravelle, Guadeloupe (French West Indies) starting from $996/person>
Buccaneer's Creek, Martinique (French West Indies) starting from $1,065/person
Singles or Friends and Couples Resorts: > Columbus Isle, Bahamas starting from $965/person> Turkoise, Turks & Caicos starting from $965/person

Adventure on a Tank of Gas
Brad Call with Maverik shared the latest edition of Kickstart which filmed on Lake Powell. Kickstart airs on KSL channel 5 on Saturdays at 11:30pm.

Las Vegas getaway

My favorite places to stay in Vegas...
1. The Four Seasons Las Vegas. This is my families favorite hotel. The attention to detail by the staff is the best. Not being a gaming hotel located inside the Manadaly Bay gives it the best of both worlds. An oasis from the hustle and bustle of Vegas, yet the convenience of the best wave pool, lazy river and other amenities of the Mandalay.
2. The Wynn. For a shopping weekend this is the place to stay. Directly across from the Fashion Show Mall. The rooms are beautiful and tasteful. The casino does not seem overwhelming to me like most on the strip.
3. The Bellagio. Great location and always seems to be a buzz in the Casino. The rooms are spacious and luxurious.
4. The Venetian. Their standard rooms are suites. I love their rooms and have always had a great experience at this hotel.
5. Treasure Island, TI. To get rooms at times between $69 and up, this is the hotel with great value, especially since they redid their rooms to a modern TI fit.

My recommendations for Dinning....
1. Michael Mina in the Bellagio. A little pricey, but the Seasonal Tasting Menu is a real treat. (great for a special occasion)
2. Auerole in the Mandalay Bay. The tasting menu and the three course menu are both eclectic. The ambiance is very cool with the "wine angels" flying around the four story temperature controlled wine tower.
3. RM Seafood at Mandalay Place. I love seafood and have had some great lunches here.
4. Todd English's Olives in the Bellagio. Great food with a Mediterranean flare. The views of Lake Bellagio and the fountains are an added bonus.

Anytime delight....
1. Jean Philippe Patisserie in the Bellagio. The greatest Sorbet's in Vegas. I recommend the Coconut Sorbet. If sorbet is not your thing, try the amazing crepes.

Entertainment.....
1. Any Cirque du Soleil show. Mystere in TI is probably my favorites. KA in MGM has an amazing stage. I have yet to see O, but here from friends it is the best.
2. Danny Ganns. Opening in Feb 2009 at the Wynn, he is amazing. He has been entertainer of the year numerous times at the Mirage and now cant wait to see him at his new venue.
3. Le Reve. Mr. Wynn knows how to bring the best to his hotel.

Off the Strip.....
1. The Red Rock Bowling Lanes. I have attended two separate parties at the VIP bowling lanes and both experiences have been a blast. They have 12 lanes which are completely private. Music, lights, catered food, cool videos and a real VIP feel.