Just Got Back: Ireland & Scotland

 

Linda Dean, VP-Retail Branch Operations

Where did you Just Get Back from? Ireland and Scotland

When were you in Ireland and Scotland? June 2016

Words to describe what you felt when you first arrived:  Excited, I couldn’t wait to get out there and see and experience what all these wonderful towns had to offer.

Where did you stay?  
Ireland –

• Merrion Hotel – Dublin
• Killarney Park hotel – Killarney
• Ashford Castle

Scotland –

• Fairmont St. Andrews
•  Scotsman Hotel – Edinburgh

With whom would you recommend staying at this hotel / resort?  Merrion would be great for business or leisure and for couples or families with older children, did not see any young children there. Killarney would be great for couples, multi-gen and families, great little walking town. Ashford Castle best for couples and families with older children although plenty to do for all ages. Fairmont St. Andrews good for couples, multi-gen and families. Scotsman Hotel better for couples or families with older children.

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Just Got Back: Puerto Rico

 

Jill Young, Europe and the Caribbean travel consultant at The Travel Authority

Where did you Just Get Back from? Puerto Rico

When were you in Puerto Rico? April 2016

Words to describe what you felt when you first arrived:  Fascinated—I was interested in exploring how the U.S. territory is similar and dissimilar to my corner of mainland USA.

Where did you stay?  The Caribe Hilton, a 3-star hotel in the heart of San Juan. Built in 1949, this was the first Hilton in the Caribbean, and it’s widely believed the lobby bar at this property was the birthplace of the Piña Colada. The hotel has undergone major renovations since, giving it a modern feel.

With whom would you recommend staying at this hotel / resort? This is a good property for singles, couples, and families who aren’t looking for the finest accommodations, but would like a nice, clean, comfortable, and safe base from which to explore San Juan and the rest of Puerto Rico. There is a small protected beach here that is ideal for children and weak swimmers, as well as a great pool area. From this hotel, excursions to El Yunque rainforest, Old San Juan, and Bioluminescent Bay are easily-arranged.Read Full Blog

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Just Got Back: Panama City

Whitney Norris, ALTOUR Marketing Manager

Where did you Just Get Back from? Panama City

When were you in Panama City? April 2016

Words to describe what you felt when you first arrived: Excited, and hot! The weather was so humid and sticky, yet such a nice change from the cold in New York.

Where did you stay? The Waldorf Astoria and The Trump International Hotel & Tower.

With whom would you recommend staying at this hotel / resort? The Waldorf is very upscale and classic, and would suit more of a refined crowd. It’s very centrally located, however, within walking distance to many restaurants and bars. The Trump hotel is a bit trendier, with a happening pool scene and bar.

Tempt us- Name the most special place you discovered on this trip:

• Casco Viejo, the historic district and cultural gem of Panama City. The streets are filled with centuries old historic buildings, amazing restaurants and happening bars. It’s also just a quick five to ten minute drive from downtown.
• Take a drive out to Amador Causeway. It’s one of the most beautiful 20 minute drives you’ll ever have. At the furthest point, there’s a harbor with tons of beautiful boats, and restaurants on the water with delicious, fresh seafood.

What’s the best time of year to go in your opinion? Winter/Spring is perfect. It was pretty hot, but not unbearable, and a welcome change from the cold in the US.

If you’re interested in traveling to Panama City, contact ALTOUR at contactus@altour.com, and we’ll put you in touch with one of our experts. 

 

 

  

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Just Got Back: Bahamas

 

Erica Neher, Leisure Travel

Where did you Just Get Back from? The Bahamas

When were you in the Bahamas? June 2016

Words to describe what you felt when you first arrived: Upon first arrival in the Bahamas, there was a real charming colonial feel with a refreshing modern beach-chic vibe.

Where did you stay? One & Only Ocean Club

With whom would you recommend staying at this hotel? I believe that this hotel really has something for everyone here – it would be a great place for couples, families and even multi-generational families to get together and enjoy the best of what the Bahamas have to offer.

Tempt us- Name the most special place you discovered on this trip: The Cloister at One & Only; this garden of French ruins and statues was gifted to Mr. Hartford, disassembled in France and rebuilt on the grounds of the Ocean Club. Tucked away behind the adult’s pool… almost as a surprise when you arrive. Stunning! Great area for a wedding or event on the property!

What’s the best time of year to go in your opinion? In my opinion, the best time to visit here is May through July when the water is warm and before it gets too humid.

If you’re interested in traveling to Bahamas,then book your trip with Altour - Travel Agency Los Angeles.For booking contact Erica at Erica.Neher@ALTOUR.com

 

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Just Got Back: Europe

Rosie Agbulos, Corporate Travel

Where did you Just Get Back from? Lusanne Geneva, Bern Switzerland , Annecy France , Bilbao Spain, San Sebastian Spain and St Jean De Luz France

When were you in Europe?June 2016

Words to describe what you felt when you first arrived: We took a tour to Annecy France, south of Geneva, which is their little Venice in France. It was so beautiful and we couldn’t wait to see everything!

Where did you stay? 

• Geneva- Le Richemond Hotel
• Bilbao- Melia Bilbao
• We also enjoyed dinner and a hotel tour at the Hotel D Angleterre in Geneva. They have a great safari themed bar ( Leopard bar ) and safari themed rooms as well.
• Also note, The rooms at both Le Richemond and Melia were large rooms by European standard. Modern but not too much, and still homey!

With whom would you recommend staying at these hotels? Both hotels are good for corporate or leisure travelers and centrally located. In Geneva, Le Richemond is across from Lake Geneva, and within walking distance to tours, local buses and train stations. In Bilbao, Melia is across the street from the river and within walking distance to the Guggenheim museum. Both hotels offered a buffet breakfast.

Tempt us- Name the most special place you discovered on this trip: In Switzerland, we had a Swiss rail pass and took the train to both Lusanne and Bern. Bern is such a special place both for sightseeing and shopping. We then took a tour to Annecy France for the day, their version of Venice, which was so beautiful.In Bilbao Spain, we drove an hour away to San Sebastian – a beautiful coastal town with an abundance of shopping and food. From San Sebastian, 30 minutes away is St Jean de Luz on the border of France in Basque country- similar to San Sebastian. So much shopping, such great food and so little time.

Name the most special place you discovered on this trip (e.g.: restaurant, shop, beach, architectural interest, spa etc) I loved San Sebastian for the beautiful coast. It’s an old town with fabulous shopping and delicious food.

What’s the best time of year to go in your opinion? June/July

If you’re interested in traveling to Europe,then book your trip with Altour - New York Travel Agency.For booking contact Rosie at rosie.agbulos@altour.com.

 

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Just Got Back: New Zealand

Lee Thomas, EVP ALTOUR, President of The Travel Authority

Where did you Just Get Back from? Queenstown, New Zealand

When were you in New Zealand? May 2016

Words to describe what you felt when you first arrived: When I first landed it almost felt like I just landed in a vibrant ski town that was full of life and excitement.

Where did you stay? Sofitel Queenstown Hotel

With whom would you recommend staying at this hotel? I would say that this hotel is best suited for people who love the outdoors. It had a great atmosphere that would be great for couples, and both small families and larger extended family. A very friendly, welcoming, & outdoorsy atmosphere that is sure to please all guests.

Tempt us- Name the most special place you discovered on this trip: One of my favorite activities that I was able to participate in during this trip had to be bungee jumping off the Kawarau Bridge, which is known as the world’s first bungee jump! They are also the only place in Queenstown that will allow you to do a tandem bungee jump — if you bring a partner that’s brave enough.

What’s the best time of year to go in your opinion? It really depends on what you are most interested in as they have all 4 seasons. I was there in May and the ski resorts were scheduled to be open soon. Mornings were chilly and the afternoons cool. I would suggest a little earlier in the year for water lovers.

Book your next New Zealand trip with Altour - Travel Companies Nyc.send us an email at contactus@altour.com and we’ll put you in touch with one of our travel experts!

 

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