Agent Ivory Travel has Relocated

Agent Ivory Travel has relocated.

Agent Ivory Travel

P.O. Box 80653

Austin, TX 78708-0653

Season's Greetings and Happy New Year!

Season's Greetings and Happy New Year!

from

Agent Ivory Travel

Escape Break: Queen Elizabeth II to Name New Cunard Ship on Oct 11

Queen Elizabeth II to
Name the New Cunard Ship on Oct 11

Cunard unveils its latest Queen Elizabeth, the third Cunard ship to bear her name. The ceremony will take place in Southhampton, England on Monday, October 11, 2010.

This will be a very special milestone in the British Maritime History and will be of interest to the entire world.

Her majesty was also present at the age of 12 at the launch of the first Queen Elizabeth on 27 September 1938 when she accompanied her mother, Queen Elizabeth, to Clydebank for the launch

The Naming Ceremony will take place in Southhampton on Monday, 11 October and Queen Elizabeth will set sail on her Maiden Voyage the following day.

This will be a record historic naming of Cunard's Ships during their 170th celebration.

Please contact Agent Ivory Travel for more information to book your cruise onboard Queen Elizabeth info@agentivorytravel.com or 877.346.4664

Escape Break: Celebrations of 170 Years of Iconic Cunarders

170 Years of Iconic Cunarders

Cunard celebrated its 170th Anniversary Celebration on July 4, 2010. 170 years ago, BRITANNIA departed Liverpool on Cunard's first Transatlantic Crossing. Since then, over 200 ships have been apart of the Cunard family.

TIMELINE

1840 - Pioneer of transatlantic

1862 - China became the first Cunarder to use modern screw propellers

1874 - Bothnia had the novelty of a library at sea

1903 - Lucania had proper refrigeration onboard as well as wireless telegraph

1911 - Franconia introduced a gymnasium

Cunard has continued its excellence in innovation and catering to its clients. Guests can enjoy Royal Nights with the classic elegance of the Cunard Ball. The Queen Elizabeth Theatre Company boasts its theatrical entertainment at sea with 29 singers, dancers, actors and musicians within the spectacular setting of the Royal Court Theatre.

Board a luxury Cunard ship today and sail to amazing and exotic destinations around the globe!

Contact Agent Ivory Travel for more information:

http://www.agentivorytravel.com/ or info@agentivorytravel.com

Escape Break: Ultimate India & Beyond

Ultimate India & Beyond

Luxury Train Journeys Throughout India

Inject the glamour and romance while gliding along on a 'hotel on wheels' train. Exploring India by train is an excellent way to see some of the country's best attractions, with the convenience of returning to the train each evening. Enjoy the newest and latest luxury train in India - Maharajas Express. Your clients will relax on board amid state of the art comforts, enjoying the finest cuisine and discretely attentive service.

The four 7-day or 8-day travel itineraries extend from Mumbai to Varanasi, and include all meals, tours, and entrance fees to monuments and cultural sites.

Trains depart weekly within India weekly from September to April.

Contact Agent Ivory Travel for more information on India's luxury train.

info@agentivorytravel.com or 877.346.4664

Escape Break: Cruise with a Friend for 50% Off

Celebrity Companion Fare Offer

Receive up to 50% off the second companion's cruise fare now for a limited time only.



Take advantage of an extraordinary companion fare offer on new bookings to the Caribbean. Book your stateroom and bring along someone for half price. Celebrity Cruise has perfected the art of cruise vacations so you'll experience the Caribbean in the most amazing way. Enjoy stunning ships, spectacular itineraries and superlative service on select sailings through February 2011. Must be booked September 10-17, 2010.

Examples of Available Cruises

4/5 Night Western Caribbean

onboard Celebrity Century

Miami Round Trip

9/19/10 - 12/26/10

Excludes 11/22/10

Starting from $299

Second guest from $150

Contact Agent Ivory Travel for this and other available cruises for 50% off!


info@agentivorytravel.com or 877.346.4664

Press Release: Nicole Ivory is the new Dallas Destinations Travel Examiner

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Nicole Ivory is the New Dallas Destinations Travel Examiner

September 3, 2010

Dallas, TX - Nicole Ivory is pleased to announce that she is the new Dallas Destinations Travel Examiner. Please follow her online at: http://www.examiner.com/x-66276-Dallas-Destinations-Travel-Examiner

Short Bio about Nicole Ivory

Nicole Ivory, "travel junkie" and CEO of Agent Ivory Travel, has dedicated herself to providing excellent group travel related services to exotic destinations around the world; expanding consumer knowledge on cultural and international affairs; and uniting the human race through the exciting world of travel.

Nicole is currently continuing her adventures abroad in Central America where she is currently residing in Costa Rica.

She regularly visits all-inclusive resorts and travel onboard cruises to destinations around the world to pick the best vacations for her group clients. She has great insider tips on the travel industry and information about beautiful and exciting destinations.

Nicole's destination picks are hotter than the Texas heat! So bring a cold glass of lemonade and a portable fan as we travel to hot destination locations across the globe.

Escape Break: The Holiday Family Cruise 2011 onboad the brand new Carnival "MAGIC"

CRUISE THE ALL NEW CARNIVAL "MAGIC" FUN SHIP

The Holiday Family Cruise 2011

November 20-27, 2011

7Day Eastern Caribbean Cruise departing Galveston, TX

Key West, FL; Freeport, Bahamas; and Nassau, Bahamas

Just in time for the Thanksgiving Holiday.....

Get your mom, dad, sisters, brothers, cousins, uncles, aunts, steps, friends, and bff's together for a beautiful cruise taking place November 2011.

Cruise the all new Carnival Magic Funship. This new edition to the Dream- class cruise chips makes its debut the summer of 2011. Carnival Magic features 1,845 staterooms allowing her to accommodate 6,000 passengers!

There is fun onboard for everyone of all ages. Adults can enjoy casino's, karaoke, duty-free shopping, Las Vegas Style shows, Coud 9 Spa, fitness center, basketball, Redfrog Pub, Elegant 5-Star Dining, Lanai with whirlpool, alnd more. Kids are never left out onboard as they are catered too with Video Arcades, swimming pools, Carnival Waterworks Slide, Camp Carnival, Circle C, and Club 02. They can enjoy the 24 hour pizza and ice cream bars available onboard.

So what are you waiting for? Register your family a vacation of a lifetime today!

Visit http://www.agentivorytravel.com/ or email info@agentivorytravel.com for more information.

Press Release: Local Travel Agent Achieves Honeymoon & Destination Wedding Certification

Local Travel Agent Achieves Honeymoon & Destination Wedding Certification

Dallas, TX - Dallas based Agent Ivory Travel has successfully completed the requirements to become a Honeymoon and Destination Wedding Specialist hosted by the Travel Agent Academy.

To earn this certification, Nicole Ivory had to successfully master content related to such wide-ranging topics as the various all-inclusive resorts and hotels that offer destination weddings and honeymoons throughout the Caribbean, best locations for honeymooners to vacation according to their vacation goals and pairing up newlyweds with a resort according to their wedding and honeymoon budget.

With over hundreds of options of wedding destinations and honeymoon locations to choose from, Agent Ivory Travel can successfully educate and pair its clients up with the perfect location in which to celebrate their new beginnings.

Located at 3102 Maple Avenue 4th FL Dallas, TX 75201, Agent Ivory Travel is a full service travel agency specializing in cruise vacations, all inclusive resorts, destination weddings and honeymoons.

For additional information, contact Nicole at Agent Ivory Travel at 877.346.4664

Escape Break: Romance and Celebration Travel

Romance and Celebration Travel

Do you need a wedding, honeymoon, anniversary, or birthday celebration coming up? Or do you just need a romantic break with your significant other?

Why not rekindle the flame walking down pink sandy beaches overlooking sparkling sapphire water in the Caribbean? Nothing is more romantic than having dinner for two with the sounds of the ocean as your music or taking long strolls together hand in hand on an uninhibited island.

Leave the technology and kids at home and head towards tranquility, peace, and romance.

Celebrate love today!

Contact Agent Ivory Travel today to receive your complimentary custom Love Travel Package.

Visit http://www.agentivorytravel.com/ or email info@agentivorytravel.com for more information.

Press Release: Local Travel Agent Achieves Bahamas Expert Certification from The Islands of Bahamas Tourism

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Local Travel Agent Achieves Bahamas Expert Certification from the Islands of Bahamas Tourism

Dallas, TX - Dallas based Agent Ivory Travel has successfully completed The Islands of Bahamas Tourism's comprehensive new travel agent online country training program, becoming a certified Bahamas Specialist.

To earn this certification on the Island of Bahamas, Nicole Ivory had to successfully master content related to such wide-ranging topics as the countries main and out land islands, pairing up guests with an island that meets their vacation objectives, understand the best places for destination weddings, recognize the countries annual festivals and celebrations and much more!

With over 700 islands in the Bahamas, Agent Ivory Travel is now able to successfully educate and pair their clients up with the perfect location in which to have their vacation.

Located at 3102 Maple Avenue 4th FL Dallas, TX 75201, Agent Ivory Travel is a full-service travel agency specializing in cruise vacations, all-inclusive resorts, destination weddings and honeymoons.

For additional information, contact Nicole at Agent Ivory Travel at 877.346.4664.

Escape Break: Celebrate This New Year's in HOT Las Vegas

Celebrate This News Year's in HOT Las Vegas

December 30, 2010 - January 3, 2011

Have a very TRUMP time in Las Vegas and bring in 2011 in the city that hosts the best parties!


Enjoy one of the newest Las Vegas hotels dotting the skyline, The Trump International Hotel Las Vegas. It is a luxury resort towering high above the Las Vegas Strip. The resort offers sweeping, panoramic views of the city set against a majestic backdrop of the surrounding mountains.

Adjacent to this city's best shopping and resort casino's, this 5-star Las Vegas hotel is mere steps from the exhilaration of the Strip.

Join this group today and enjoy the group benefits of extended deadlines for air and hotel, a beautiful City View room large enough to accommodate 4 people, complimentary roundtrip ground transportation, and a Las Vegas Gift Pack.

Visit http://www.agentivorytravel.com/ for more information on this Las Vegas package.

Press Release: Local Travel Expert Achieves Expert "Cruise Funologist' Certification From Carnival Cruise Lines

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Local Travel Agent Achieve Expert 'Cruise Funologist' Certification From Carnival Cruise Lines

Dallas, TX - Dallas based Agent Ivory Travel has successfully completed Carnival Cruise Lines' comprehensive new travel agent online training program, "CCL University, " earning a Bachelor's of Fun degree as a Carnival sales specialist.

Launced earlier this year, the intensive Web-based course encompasses five distinct chapters, each focusing on different aspects of the world's largest cruise operator and its various vacation products.

To earn this degree in Funology, Nicole Ivory had to successfully master content related to such wide-ranging topics as the line's 37-year history, new features on the fleet of "Fun Ships," broad selection of shipboard activities and entertainment, including the line's popular youth programs, as well as creating group business opportunities within the local community.

"The cruise industry is constantly evolving so its critical that travel agents keep up-to-date on the wide variety of course offerings available. Carnival's highly interactive and immersive training program was extremely effective and will enable me to help clients choose the cruise that's right for them," said Nicole Ivory of Agent Ivory Travel.

Carnival is the largest and most popular cruise line in the world with a fleet of 22 "Fun Ships" operating 3 to 16 day voyages to the Bahamas, Caribbean, Mexican Riveria, Alaska, Hawaii, Canada, New England, Bermuda, and Europe. The line currently has two new ships scheduled for delivery between now and 2012. The first of those, the 130,000-ton Carnival Dream, commenced service in the fall of 2009.

Located at 3102 Maple Avenue 4th FL Dallas, TX 75201, Agent Ivory Travel is a full service travel agency specializing in cruise vacations, all-inclusive resorts, destination weddings and honeymoons.

For additonal information, contact Nicole at Agent Ivory Travel at 877.346.4664 or visit www.agentivorytravel.com

Escape Break: 10/10/10 Party & Cruise

10/10/10 Party & Cruise

It only happens one time!!!

Party takes place on October 6, 2010.

The cruise is from October 7-11, 2010 departing Galveston, TX headed to HOT Cozumel, Mexico.

Inside Cabin: $430 pp
Oceanview Cabin: $470 pp

Full Payment is due immediately.

Prices are based on double occupancy and include cruise fare, port charges, government taxes, admin charges, and document handling fees.

Contact Agent Ivory Travel at contact@agentivorytravel.com for more information

Also visit: http://www.agentivorytravel.com/

Escape Break: Springbreak 2011 in the Bahamas!!

Springbreak Cruise 2011

Do you need a BREAK this SPRING?

If so, join our Springbreak Cruise as we sail to the beautiful island of Bahamas!

Inside Cabins: $380 pp
Oceanview Cabins: $400 pp

$50 Deposit due September 7, 2010

Balance due January 7, 2011

About the Bahamas

What makes Nassau so special? Picture an idyllic place with stretches of perfect white-sand beaches, gracefully swaying coconut palms offering oasis of shade, and warm, crystal-clear waters revealing the secrets of incredible multi-colored marine life.

Whether you spend the day shopping for duty-free gifts and mementos, taking a carriage ride past sorbet-colored buildings, or touring in a glass-bottom boat, chances are you'll leave this happy place in the Bahamas with lots of beautiful memories.

Contact Agent Ivory Travel http://www.agentivorytravel.com/ or contact@agentivorytravel.com for more information

Escape Break: Sisters Traveling with the Spirit Cruise Second Payment Due

SECOND PAYMENT DUE: SEPTEMBER 10, 2010

FEATURED CRUISE

Sisters Traveling with the Spirit Cruise 2011

Join the National Ladies Church of Christ Retreat Cruise Committee as they board the beauiful Carnival Valor July 17 - 24, 2011 on a spiritual filled
7 Day Eastern Caribbean Cruise.


Destinations include:

Half Moon Cay, Bahamas * St. Thomas/St. John * San Juan, Puerto Rico * Grand Turk

Onboard Activities included (but not limited to):

Bon Voyage Celebration Event

Seminar at Sea "Traveling with the Spirit" presented by Motivational Speaker Nicole Ivory

Wednesday Night Bible Class

Captain's Dinner

Sunrise Devotion

Spirited Group Breakfast

Memories and Photo Event

Karoake

Spa and Fitness Center

5 Star Dining

Whirlpools and Swimming Pools

Library with book and game rentals

Much more!!

It is not to late to join!

There are a few inside and oceanview remaining.

Book today!

Visit: www.agentivorytravel.com

Contact us for more information: contact@agentivorytravel.com

Escape Break: Thanksgiving Cruise 2010

Thanksgiving Cruise 2010

Celebrate Thanksgiving this year on a Carnival Cruise Ship

Enjoy Key West, FL and Cozumel, Mexico

$393 - Inside Cabin
$523 - Oceanview Cabin

$50 Deposit due Immediately
Balance due September 17, 2010

About Cozumel, Mexico
Long before Cancun became a popular destination, Cozumel was well-known as a diving spot and home to the world famous Palancar Reef, which gives divers the opportunity to view thousands of brilliantly colored fish. Non-divers can kick back on a sun-drenched beach, or enjoy any number of seaside activities, such as shopping in colorful marketplaces or dining in an open-air cafe.

Contact Agent Ivory Travel for more information: contact@agentivorytravel.com or visit us online at http://www.agentivorytravel/

Escape Break: Jamaica Jazz Festival 2011

Jamaica Jazz Festival Week is January 23-29, 2011
Enjoy the weekend in Jamaica at an all-inclusive resort January 27-30, 2011

Enjoy a fun and jazzy time in Montego Bay, Jamaica for the 2011 Jamaica Jazz Festival.

2010 Artists included: Mary J. Blidge, Patti LaBelle, John Legend, Alicia Keys, Isley Brothers, and countless others.

Thousands of Jamaicans and Americans attend every year for one of the largest festivals in Jamaica.

All - Inclusive Package Includes:
- Accommodations
- All Meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks)
- All Drinks (soft drinks to top shelf premium brand- Pool and Dance Parties
- All Entertainment
- Land and Water Sports
- Hotel taxes, fees, admin, charges, and gratuities
- RT Airport Transfers
- RT Transfer To/From Event in Montego Bay, Jamaica

$385 - Mountainview Room
$410 - Oceanview Room


First Payment Deadline
Friday, September 24, 2010
$50.00

Second Payment Deadline
Friday, October 15, 2010
$200.00

Final Payment Deadline
Friday, December 10, 2010

Don't Miss your chance to have an "irie" time in Jamaica mon'!
Contact Agent Ivory Travel for details: contact@agentivorytravel.com

Press Release: Join Agent Ivory Travels Facebook Fan Page

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Agent Ivory Travel introduces its Facebook Fan Page

Dallas, TX - August 9, 2010

Agent Ivory Travel introduces its Facebook Fan Page at:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dallas-TX/Agent-Ivory-Travel/135767343114124?ref=search

Fan Page Name: Agent Ivory Travel

Join the excitement as we have open forums on domestic and international travel, fabulous international cuisines, insider travel tips, and travel updates and photos from AIT clients and FB Friends all around the world!

For more information, visit us online at http://www.agentivorytravel.com/

Wine & Dine: Gallo Pinto

Gallo Pinto

Gallo pinto is a traditional dish of Costa Rica and Nicaragua cuisines. It is considered the national dish of both countries although the two prepare it in a different manner, and is eaten as a part of a meal. Though many variations exist, the dish at its most basic is composed of pre-cooked rice and beans fried together with spices such as cilantro, onions and peppers.

I myself have cooked various versions of the gallo pinto. I have put gallo pinto in tortillas, and have served it with eggs, fish, and beefsteak. The beauty about this dish is that you can eat this for breakfast, lunch and dinner! I stopped at McDonalds here and you can order gallo pinto with scrambled eggs called the "McPinto Deluxe". A healthy and inexpensive way to eat in Costa Rica and Nicaragua.

The name gallo pinto means "painted roster". When the beans and rice are combined, the rice gets colored by the beans, and the mix results in a multi-colored or specked appearance. Nicaraguans usually prepare it with red beans while Costa Ricans prepare it with black beans.

There is a huge controversy on whether this famous dish originated in Costa Rica or Nicaragua. Regardless of its origin, this dish is an integral part of both their culture.

When visiting each of these countries, you must stop by the locals restaurant for a typical dish. Ask for an order of gallo pinto and enjoy!

Escape Break: St. James Club - Antigua

St. James Club

A breathtaking 100-acre private peninsula two dazzling white sand beaches, crystal clear turquoise waters, a variety of dining venues and guest accommodations (including 48 new Royal Suites), plus six swimming pools, full-service spa, dive center, fitness center, supervised children's programs, teen pavilion, tennis, non-motorized water sports all sure to keep everyone entertained.

St. James Club has completed its lavish $20 million renovation in 2010.

SPECIAL

From $130 All-Inclusive per person, per night, BUY 1 ROOM and GET 1 ROOM FREE, savings of 50% (2rooms/4adults) From $156 All-Inclusive per person, per night, savings of 40% (Double occupancy) including upgrades to Premium Room. Subject to availability at time of booking

Contact us today to book your St. James Club vacation in Antigua!

contact@agentivorytravel.com

Escape Break: FREE Sandals Destination Wedding

Free Sandals Destination Wedding





Sandals has partnered up with Martha Stewart to deliver an added touch of elegance and romance to its carefully selected destination wedding themes.


For a limited time, you can enjoy a free Beautiful Beginnings Wedding when you stay 7Days/6Nights or longer in a Concierge category room or higher.

The Beautiful Beginnings Wedding Package includes:

• Personal Wedding Consultant


• Pictueresque wedding location


• Marriage officiant


• Bouquet and boutonniere


• Two-tiered wedding cake


• Reception for the bride, groom and 2 guests


• One 5"x7" wedding photograph


• Honeymoon dinner for bride and groom


• Continental breakfast in bed


• Preparation of documentation


• Certified copy of marriage license


• Government/Administration fees

The Beautiful Beginnings wedding helps you celebrate your special day with elegance and simplicity. It includes a sweet magenta denddrobium orchid bouquet and boutonniere, as well as a table for four with crisp linens, a lovely centerpiece, and a charming white cake. It's the perfect choice for an intimate and memorable occasion.

Choose from beautiful locations in the Bahamas, Jamaica, St. Lucia and Antigua.

Contact your Sandals Specialist today for more details: dsweddings@agentivorytravel.com

Escape Break: MFFL

Mexico Fan For Life!

Yes I love the Dallas Mavericks and Mark Cuban! My favorite two things that exist in the Big D but I am in love with Mexico! I am definitely a Mexico Fan For Life! They have many great tourist towns (that have never been or currently being affected by this so called drug war), beautiful beaches, friendly people and terrific food.

Here's four great must see cities to visit in Mexico.

Long before Cancun became a popular destination, Cozumel was well-known as a diving spot and home to the world famous Palancar Reef, which gives divers the opportunity to view thousands of brilliantly colored fish. Non-divers can kick back on a sun-drenched beach, or enjoy a number of seaside activities, such as shopping in colorful marketplaces or dining in an open-air cafe.

A seaside retreat located 40 kilometers north of Merida along the Gulf Coast of Mexico, Progreso is quickly becoming an important gateway for cruise ships and guests. Founded in 1872 by Juan Miguel Castro and heavily influenced by Mayan culture, Progreso enjoys a very simple and relaxed lifestyle. Its white-sand beaches, emerald green waters and cooling gulf breezes are a natural draw for vacationers from all over the world.

Championship golf courses, world class deep sea fishing and incredible diving opportunities have transformed Cabo San Lucas, a once sleepy fishing town located on the southern most tip of the Baja California Peninsula, into one of the most popular resort destinations in Mexico. Rolling San Dunes and hidden coves dot a countryside ringed by some of the most famous and often photographed rock formations in the world.

If your're ready to experience some of the finest sailing and sport fishing available, then you're ready for Mazatlan. This is an exquisite seaside resort by anyone's standards. Of course, you don't have to partake in the world-class water sports to enjoy in Mazatlan. You can relax on one of its soft-sand beaches caressed by trade winds that are even softer. Or shop for silver jewelry and Mexican crafts in the shops of "The Golden Zone," where you can also celebrate your purchases at one of the area's lively cantinas.

Mexico is wanting you to become a Fan today.

Contact Agent Ivory Travel for more information about all-inclusive resorts in Mexico.

contact@agentivorytravel.com

Wine and Dine: Coconut Coffee

Wine and Dine: Coconut Coffee

Sipped my first cup of coconut coffee at Cafe Nasau in Costa Rica. It took a minute for me to get acquired to the taste but after the third sip I was in love!

Coconut Coffee is refreshing to say the least. Top it off with sugar and whip cream and you have yourself a cup of serenity! You will immediately feel like you are on a beautiful secluded beach inhabited by only you!

Below are the ingredients and steps needed to take to make your personal cup of serenity.

Ingredients:
1/4 Cup of Bold Coffee
1/4 Cup of Milk
2 cups of Coconut cream
2 tbsp of Sugar
Whip cream

Directions:
1. Brew the coffee as normal in a coffee pot
2. Place skillet on medium and pour in the coffee, milk, coconut cream, and sugar.
3. The mixture should be a creamy brown.
4. The mixture should also be sweet and with a high coconut flavor. If not pour in more coconut
cream.
5. Pour mix into a beautiful coffee cup.
6. Top it off with whip cream

This exotic morning cup of Joe is sure to give you the energy you need to complete your day!

Enjoy!

Escape Break: On Location - St. Lucia

On Location: St. Lucia

St. Lucia is the sort of island that travellers to the Caribbean dream about - a small, lush tropical gem that is still relatively unknown. One of the Windward Islands of the Lesser Antilles, it is located midway down the Eastern Caribbean chain, between Martinique and St. Vincent, and north of Barbados.

St. Lucia is only 27 miles long and 14 miles wide, with a shape that is aid to resemble either a mango or an avocado (depending on your taste). The Atlantic Ocean kisses its eastern shore, while the beaches of the west coast owe their beauty to the calm Caribbean Sea.

Lush green hills, black sand beaches, tranquil blue lagoons and pink melting sunsets. This rainbow of colors can only be found on the unspoiled tropical retreat that is St. Lucia. Visitors are always awed by the array of hues offered by nature. Of course, there's equal grandeur in its magnificent coastline and famous twins mountains known as the Pitons.

For more information on booking a trip to St. Lucia, contact Agent Ivory Travel at info@agentivorytravel.com

Escape Break: On Location - Puerto Rico

On Location: Puerto Rico

As one of the oldest and most diversified cultures in the world, Puerto Rico is a vibrant, modern, bilingual, multicultural society, one that has been molded by Spanish, African, Indian, and U.S. influences.

21st century conveniences in an alluring 16th historical setting....both ultra modern and bewitchingly exotic, Puerto Rico is truly the Island of Enchantment.

Historic San Juan, once nothing more than cobblestone streets and the distinctive architecture of the Spanish who founded it, is now a modern world capital. Among the peaceful shaded courtyards and commanding colonial fortresses of El Morro and San Cristobal, you'll find a cosmopolitan city of wide boulevards, lively cafes, highly regarded galleries and designer boutiques. This is where the old world meets the new - and you can enjoy them both.

Other exciting tours and restaurants in the area worth checking out are:

Restaurante Raices

http://www.restauranteraices.com/English/index.html

The Barcardi Rum Factory http://www.casabacardi.org/

Fort San Felipe del Morro http://www.nps.gov/saju

Fort San Cristobal http://www.nps.gov/saju

El Yunque Rainforest http://www.elyunque.com/

More information on Puerto Rico can be found by contacting

Agent Ivory Travel at info@agentivorytravel.com

Escape Break: Princess Cruises 3-Day Sale Begins Today!

Princess Cruises

3-Day Sale Begins Today!

Limited Cruise Booking Dates: July 21 - 23, 2010

Take advantage of Princess Cruises low cruise rates for three days only!

Do you need to escape completely from it all?

Enjoy exciting 7, 8, and 14 day cruises to

Western, Eastern and Southern Caribbean Destinations.

Prices starting from $399 per person!

These great rates will not last long.

Contact Agent Ivory Travel today to receive your custom

Princess Escape travel package at contact@agentivorytravel.com

Escape Break: Group Cruising is Simple as 1-2-3!

Group Cruising is Simple as 1-2-3

1. Organize Group

Let Agent Ivory Travel help plan the perfect cruise for your group. Whether your group is an appreciation for your clients and employees or a group with family and friends, Agent Ivory Travel will ensure your group is well organized and well informed about their group cruise throughout the entire transaction.

2. Select Cruise

With so many exciting cruises to choose from, Agent Ivory Travel will help you select the Cruise Line, Ship, Itinerary, and Sail Dates, that reflect your group's needs and price points.

From the Carnival "Fun Ships" to Holland Cruises "Ultimate Luxury" ships, your group is sure to enjoy their cruising experience onboard the ship and in the many exotic ports of call.

Caribbean * Mediterranean * Alaskan * Mexican Rivera

3. Start Cruising

Enjoy your well deserved 4, 5, 7, 14, or even 131 day cruise. Don't forget to attend the many onboard plays and shows, relaxing spa, state of the art fitness centers, 5 star restaurant, casino's, and karaoke bar. Your ports of call have hidden treasures awaiting to be discovered.

Snorkeling, scuba, parasailing, shopping tours, museums, nature walks, sun tanning, or just being an all out beach bum awaits you on shore. Have Fun!

Contact us today at: groups@agentivorytravel.com

Escape Break: Summer Romance at Coconut Bay Resort & Spa

As seen on the television show "The Bachleor", Coconut Bay Resort is offering Bachelor fans the chance to create their own fantasy vacation with four affordable Red Rose Romance packages when staying seven nights or longer. Choose from the four packages.

1. "Rendezvous" package includes:
Champagne Check in with a Red Rose for the Lady
7 night All-Inclusive Accomodations
Bubbles in Bed (Champagne turn down service)
Couples only Beachfront Dinner
Intro to Kite Surfing
$250 Weekly Resort Credit
$1,568.00 per couple

2. "One-on-One" package includes:
"Rendezvous" package plus
Private Couples Beach Picnic
Private Chauffeured Island Tour
1/2 Hour Photo Shoot with a Keepsake Photo
$1,868.00 per couple

3. "St. Lucia Fantasy" package includes:
"One-on-One" package plus
Private Caterman Piton snorkling cruise with lunch onboard
$2,468.00 per couple

4. "Wings of Love" package includes:
"St. Lucia Fantasty" package plus
Helicopter Island Tour
$2,768.00 per couple

Enjoy Coconut Bay Resort & Spa's Harmony's adults only wing offering the perfect setting for a tranquil escape. Featuring a palm shaded pool and bar, chaises and hammocks, intimate cabana beds, the oceanfront Kai Mer Spa and long stretches of beach, each day is yours to be as active or relaxed as you like.

Travel dates and restrictions apply.

Contact Agent Ivory Travel today for more information: contact@agentivorytravel.com

Press Release: Agent Ivory Travel is on Twitter!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Agent Ivory Travel is on Twitter


Dallas, TX - July 6, 2010 - Agent Ivory Travel continues to keep up with the latest technology trends its clients use on a daily basis. One of its technology mediums that its users use is Twitter. AIT provides its clients with udpated daily information on important news about our company, the travel industry and events around the world. Follow us on Twitter today at: http://twitter.com/AgentIvoryTrav

About Agent Ivory Travel
Since 2004, Agent Ivory Travel (AIT) has dedicated itself to providing excellent group travel related services to exotic destinations aroudn the world; expanding consumer knowledge on cultural and international affairs; and uniting the human race through the exciting world of travel.

Agent Ivory Travel is a staunch supporter in the communty. It is a proud member of Global Mindshift whose purpose is to "discover, live, and communicate what is needed to build a better world that functions for the benefit of life". AIT gives annually to United Way and prides itself for being apart of Leadership Societies.
Agent Ivory Travel also mentors and empowers young girls to achieve excellance through the Girls of Virture Organization.

More information about Agent Ivory Travel can be found by visiting http://www.agentivorytravel.com/

Agent Ivory Travel
contact@agentivorytravel.com
(866) 346-4664
3102 Maple Avenue
4th FL
Dallas, TX 75201


###

Escape Break: The 30th Dynasty Birthday Cruise 2010

Join The 30th Dynasty Birthday Cruise 2010
7 Day Southern Caribbean from San Juan, Puerto Rico

October 24-31, 2010

Carnival Victory

HOT Destinations

Puerto Rico * St. Thomas/St. John * Dominica * Barbados * St. Lucia * St. Kitts * St. Maarten

Celebrate your 30th birthday with other vibrant professionals from around the United States.

Onboard Activities include (but not limited to):

Networking Mixer

Spa Retreat

Sunrise Fitness

Miniture Golf

Basketball Finals at Sea Tournament

Dynasty Gala

Captain Mixer and Dinner

Casino

Las Vegas Style Shows

Karoake

and much more!

Register today at http://www.agentivory.com/ Travel Groups/Singles & Couples/30th Dynasty Birthday Cruise

Bring in your 30's in style!!

Press Release: AITs Launches its New Honeymoon Registry

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Agent Ivory Travel Launches its New Honeymoon Registry

Dallas, TX - July 13, 2010 - The new honeymoon registry website allows soon to be brides and those celebrating life time anniversaries the opportunity to have the honeymoon they have always wanted.

Agent Ivory Travel has launched its new honeymoon registry website at
http://www.agentivory.honeymoonwishes.com/

This beautiful website offers couples the ability to:

• Set up a free honeymoon registry


• Add items to their honeymoon wedding registry or personalize their own


• Use announcements and emails to inform friends and family about registry


• Allow guests to purchase items from the honeymoon wedding registry


• Collect wedding gifts and have the honeymoon of their dreams!

Couples can list anything they wish to along with any excursions that them may wish to participate in on their honeymoon. Guests can then purchase a part of their dream honeymoon as a wedding present.

The registry is easy to use and is a great stress free tool for both the couple and their guests. It creates a stress and hassle free way to give. With Agent Ivory Travels new honeymoon registry website, the wedding couple can say good bye to receiving a surplus of toasters, glasses, and photo albums.

Insider Tips: Top 10 Reasons for Choosing a Destination Wedding

Top 10 Reasons for Choosing a Destination Wedding

1. You get to choose the weather for your special day.
2. You get more out of your wedding dollars.
3. You get a vacation and a wedding planning team.
4. You get to decide the scenery of your wedding.
5. If you are a creative type, a destination wedding package is perfect for a theme wedding.
6. You allow your guests to celebrate your special day and enjoy a unique vacation at the same time!
7. Destination Weddings are less stressful than traditional weddings which means the bride and groom look extra beautiful on their special day!
8. Many destination options to choose from whether you would like your destination wedding at an exotic tropical island to a snowy capped mountain. Decide to do an all-inclusive resort or cruise. The choice is yours!
9. Destination weddings make for a unique and memorable wedding.
10. Destination weddings are the perfect place to become one!!

Contact us today at DSWeddings@agentivorytravel.com to start planning the wedding of your dreams!

Insider Tips: Tamarindo - Hated It!

Tamarindo is not my first choice for great cities in Costa Rica. Costa Rica has many more great beaches to visit that can replace Tamarindo on your itinerary. Skip it! It is a surfer's town I will admit. They have plenty of surf schools in the area along with bars and nightclubs. This is gringo country. Tons of Americans live here so there is no real tico culture here.

Agent Ivory Travel Tip

Bring boots here. The roads are unpaved. It gets extremely muddy during the rainy season which makes it unpleasant to walk around. Also, the mosquito's are mas grande problemo here. Wear long sleeves, pants, hats, socks and repellent! Or better yet, just visit another city!

Insider Tips: Volcan Arenal

The city of La Fortuna is next to the city of Arenal. I recommend doing the $44 g tour combo that can be booked through the La Fortuna Hostel called Arenal Backpackers. The tour includes hiking, waterfalls, the Arenal Observatory Deck, buffet dinner at Baldi Hot Springs and round trip transportation. On this tour, I was able to see Arenal Volcano erupt. John our tour guide was awesome! He has climbed Arenal eight times and is pretty well known in his industry. He also has a volcano documentary which he created on sale for $20 bucks that gives you a very good of the 1968 volcano eruption.

Enjoy your walk on the streets of La Fortuna. I visited a soda shop nearby and watched the World Cup soccer games with the locals. Good times.

Agent Ivory Travel Insider Tip

The $44 tour combo is the best deal around.

Insider Tip:Yo Amor Manuel Antonio

This is definitely my favorite city in Costa Rica thus far. It has a great nightlife, beautiful beaches, hot Ticos and plenty of nature. The upscale restaurants in the area are great. Restaurante El Negro Gato is a nice place to relax and enjoy the evening. El Avion has great views of the coastline but terrible service. They make up for this by making their restaurant out of plane which you can go in and take pictures.

Parque Nacional manuel Antonio deserves four stars natural beauty and expansive ecological system that is there. It has plenty of wildlife, twisting nature trails, four beautiful beaches, and high cliffs great enough to get a panoromic view of the Pacific Ocean and and Manuel Antonio

Agent Ivory Travel Insider Tip

The chairs on the beach rent out for 2,000 colones ($4). They are not free and you cannot just sit on them. You must pay the Tico who brought the chair to the beach.

Insider Tips: Monteverde is Above the Rest

Monteverde sits high above the rest of the cities in Costa Rica! Its great location gives you beautiful arenal shots of the cloud forest and lush valleys below. You will be intrigued to stop numerous times on your way up the mountain as you see endless mountains in the horizon.

Maravilla Restaurant has an affordable menu. I recommend the beefsteak plate with rice, beans, plantains and salad. Top it off with a pina refresco to drink. Hiking and zip lining along with the Tarzan swing are some of the highlights in this great city. If you love nature, than you will love Monteverde.

Agent Ivory Travel Insider Tip
Pack your poncho and patience as you travel up the bumpy roads to Monteverde.

Escape Break: Monteverde Cloud Forest

The Awesomeness of the Cloud Forest: Now you see them; now you don't

When I think of a cloud, I think of something light, cute, thin, supplier of shade and easily to pass through. The Cloud Forest of Monteverde has given me a different perspective on the power of a cloud. I literally could not see anything as my transportation shuttle shifted gears on the steep mountainous roads. Several times my heart skipped a beat because there were times when we literally could have plunged hundreds of feet to our death since no guard rails or barb wire were present. The heavy fog made it difficult to see three feet in front of you. Every vehicle traveled with their lights on to warn oncoming traffic of their presence. We literally were in seconds of avoiding a collision with a grey jeep.

My heart just skipped another beat. Maybe it was me and an the other tourists nervous about the bad weather and poor roads. The locals on bikes, mopeds, and in the 4x4's were not concerned. Business as usual in the cloud forest. This is actually my first time in an actual cloud that didn't involve a plane! Pretty unreal! Yes civilizations exist in the clouds. Humanity is officially in the sky, space and on water. When the clouds rolled away it unveiled a majestic site to behold.

Endless miles of on top of miles of deep grassy green mountain tops with a hint of lime colored leaves graced the enormous aged trees. Time stood still as traces of clouds moved slowly to the West. Just as you were finally able to open your mouth to whisper "Amazing!" and snap two picturesque photos, the clouds closed the curtains to the show and settled in once again.

The End.

Travel Memoirs: My First Hostel Experience

Typically I stay in hotels that are at least 3 stars and better depending on the city and the hotel chain. However, I wanted to try something different as I journeyed through the cities of Costa Rica. I decided to join hostel world to meet others who shared a love for travel and liked taking the road less traveled.

I loved my first hostel experience! The Cabinas Vista al Golfo in Monteverde has spectacular views. This hostel has set the bar high for any other hostels that I may choose to stay for a day. The front desk agent let me into my room and allowed me to check in 15 minutes later since he had a line at the front desk. Great customer service! The room was too small for my blood but comfortable and clean for $15 bucks a night.

The streets were filled with hostels, bed & breakfasts, and restaurants, so I felt safe even though the neighborhood and residents their were a little sketchy. My room is very clean with two beds and a wooden like dresser. They had a excellent breakfast featuring three types of fruit (huge bananas, juicy watermelon, and sweet pineapple), four types of cereals, white and wheat bread, two type of juices, and of course Cafe Britt coffee. It was great!

The hostel is about a three minute walk to downtown where I visited Restaurante Maravilla and several souvenir shops. After a nice dinner and shopping, it was time to head back to the hostel and check my emails on the complimentary internet service. They even had Skype downloaded and earphones for their guests to use.

I am glad that I brought my trusty flashlight. It was pitch black outside as the evening rolled around. When trying to find my way to the shared bathroom, the flashlight helped me avoid bumping into tables or trying to enter another person's room! Thank God for flashlights!

Insider Tips: To Pay or Not to Pay Gratuities in Costa Rica

Being from America, I am used to the standard 15% for gratuity. Usually this is not added on at a restaurant unless it is for a party of 8 or more. I typically give 20% whether the service is good or not.

In Costa Rica, the impuestos y tipo (taxes and gratuities) are included in the price. Most menu's do not state this and when you get the bill you only see the items purchased and taxes. No gratuities are listed on the bill. Where is the tip? Should I pay or have I already paid it? A local Tico advised me not to pay since I was charged triple the rate for a Smirnoff ice. He says their tip is in the overcharge of the products you purchase. When I asked the server at one restaurant if the tip is included in the bill, they replied the tip is not included. At another restaurant, the server replied that the 10% (standard tip in Costa Rica) is included in the prices of the food. So that means sometimes I have giving as much as a 30% tip to the server unwarily!!!

Their should be a standard law in Costa Rica demanding that all menus list if the taxes and gratuities are already included. If one exists, their are many restaurants violating the law. Some Costa Ricans are cheating the system and getting over on the gringos. Sure the food, service, and ambiance of the restaurants are great, but do we have to pay for the owners greed too?

Travel Memoirs: What Does Costa Rica Have Against Cats Anyway?

So far I have visited Jaco, Manuel Antonio, Monteverde, Canas, Playas del Coco, Playa Hermosa, Puntarenas, and Puenta Leona. I have not seen any cats here only dogs. I was intrigued by the fact that I have not seen one cat so I asked several locals to try to get a reason why. "Estan solo perro's aqui, no gato's. Por que?" I questioned this one Tico in Manuel Antonio. I received elaborate explanations with no real answers. The Tico's here should be in politics with the answers they give! Tico's replied they prefer dogs. Some say cats are evil and no one likes to walk in front of a black cat. One Tico stated he had two cats at his house but who knows if that is true.

So I still haven't seen a cat. I still couldn't figure out why even the gringo's had dogs and not bring over their cats from America. Surely some of the gringo's had cats back home. Having a dog couldn't be for safety because Costa Rica is one of the safest countries on the planet. I am going to solve this mystery even it takes me nine lifetimes! Stay tuned.

Insider Tips: To PrePay or Not to PrePay

All cruise lines provide you with two options for gratuities: 1. Prepay or 2. Have them automatically added to your bill on the final day of the cruise. So is it better to prepay or pay at the end for your gratuities?

After speaking with several workers (stewards,waiters, and other) for different cruise lines, I have been informed that they absolutely LOVE when the majority of the ship has prepaid their gratuities. This allows the cruise lines to cut checks in advance to the workers. Workers usually receive higher checks when this happens. They also secretly let me know that they provide better customer service to those who prepay because they have already been paid by them (technically) and they are not sure if the others (those who do not prepay) will actually pay in the end.

Some cruisers prefer not to prepay and to wait until the final day to pay their gratuities. Again, cruise lines will automatically charge you for gratuity for the length of your cruise. Typically around $10 a day. Patrons can actually dispute this amount on their bill. If they put up a good enough fight they can even get this removed. I really hate to see when this happens. Many of the workers on the ship do not get paid decently as it is, they have families back home they have to support and plus they usually go above and beyond when it comes to service and entertaining the ship.

Plus now you as the cruiser have to worry about another item added to your bill to pay. This could have been avoided if you purchased your gratuities in advance. Who wants to worry and pay for gratuities when you can spend your money on other things like souvenirs, drinks, casino plays, and pictures to capture your memories?

Put yourself in the shoes of the workers. Wouldn't you like to get a complete check or would you be fine with a 50% payroll deduction?