Celebrating Martin Luther King, Jr.

The third Monday of January is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, honoring the life of the civil rights leader and Nobel Peace Prize winner. Many cities have parades on that day, with special activities that honor his life and achievements. However, you can learn more about this champion of nonviolent activism any time by visiting places that were important in his life.

In Atlanta, Ga., the historic Sweet Auburn neighborhood was King’s birthplace and boyhood home. The Martin Luther King, Jr., National Historic Site includes the two-story Queen Anne style house where he was born and Ebenezer Baptist Church, where the minister shared the pulpit with his father for eight years. Across the street is the Martin Luther King, Jr., Center for Nonviolent Social Change, Inc., which continues King’s work and legacy. Just east of the church is King’s crypt, engraved with some of his most famous words: “Free at last, free at last, thank God almighty, I’m free at last.”

Montgomery, Ala., also has an important role in King’s legacy. While serving as pastor of the Dexter Avenue Baptist Church, King led the Montgomery Bus Boycott after Rosa Parks was arrested for refusing to give up her bus seat to a white man. King also led a march from Selma, Ala., to Montgomery, where he delivered the moving “How Long, Not Long” speech on the steps of the state capitol.

King was instrumental in organizing the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, during which he delivered his electrifying “I Have a Dream” speech in front of the Lincoln Memorial.

King was assassinated at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tenn., in 1968. The motel is now the National Civil Rights Museum, which has exhibits that tell the story of the civil rights movement beginning with the arrival of the first Africans in the British colonies.

Ask your travel professional to help you include one or more of these historic Martin Luther King, Jr. sites in your future travel plans.

Whisk Your Loved One Away for Valentine’s Day

You may tell your special someone that you love them every day, but something extra might be expected on Valentine’s Day. Why not take your loved one’s breath away by whisking him or her off to one of the most romantic locations on earth?

Paris, France, simply shimmers with romance. A simple evening’s walk along the city’s narrow streets and wide boulevards can be enchanting. In the historic city center, you can stroll past the Louvre, the Palais-Royal, the Pont Neuf bridge and the Tuileries Garden; or, visit the Canal Saint-Martin neighborhood, where footbridges gracefully arch over a canal that feeds into the Seine. Stop in at a bistro or café for dinner a deux, and you’ll have a memorably romantic evening.

The impressive public squares of Rome are perfect for lovers. In the busy Piazza Navona, public displays of affection are welcome – perhaps even expected. Hold hands over a pair of cappuccinos at an outdoor café, in sight of majestic sculptures, fountains, churches and palaces. The ruins of ancient Rome also go well with declarations of eternal love and devotion – you’ll find some of the most romantic along the remains of the Appian Way.

Closer to home, Quebec City is the capital of Quebec province in Canada and one of the oldest cities in North America. The Old City is full of historic structures, as well as charming restaurants, pubs, galleries and boutiques. Stroll the boardwalk for lovely views of the St. Lawrence River, the Laurentian Mountains and the Ile d’Orleans. Visit the Old Port and Place Royale, built in 1608; and the Plains of Abraham, site of a 1759 battle between the French and the British.

There are many other romantic spots around the globe – Venice, Acapulco and Bali, to name just a few. If your budget or schedule doesn’t accommodate international travel, you can surely find romance closer to home, too. Whether you’d like to travel halfway around the world or straight to your area’s best bed & breakfast for Valentine’s Day, your travel professional can help.

Orlando Tops List of Most-Wanted Domestic Destinations for 2010

Orlando has emerged as the top U.S. vacation destination for 2010, according to the new travel trends survey conducted by Travel Leaders. The travel company asked 521 of its agents, managers and owners nationwide which U.S. destinations they are booking most often for travel in 2010. Orlando emerged as the leader after traditionally running second to Las Vegas. Las Vegas took the number two spot this time, followed by Alaskan cruises; New York City; and Maui.

Orlando is perennially popular because it’s the home of Walt Disney World, SeaWorld Orlando and Universal Studios Florida – and, each of these fabulous theme parks is a destination in itself. However, there’s more to Orlando than your favorite cartoon characters and thrill rides. You can also golf; shop; stroll through the University of Central Florida’s Arboretum, home to more than 600 plant species; or enjoy a dose of culture at the Orlando Ballet or the Morse Museum of American Art.

Cruises of Alaska are also a terrific vacation choice – the scenery along the southeastern coast of the largest U.S. state is unforgettable. There are rainforests, majestic mountains, playful wildlife and glaciers that glow with deep blue and greens colors as they release newborn icebergs into the sea. There’s a lot to do and see on shore, too. Common port calls include Sitka, a former outpost of Imperial Russia; Skagway, once a lawless Gold Rush boomtown; and Seward, gateway to beautiful Kenai Fjords National Park. Some cruise lines offer cruisetour packages that can take you to the inland wonders of Denali National Park.

Wherever you would like to travel in the U.S. during 2010, talk with your travel professional soon. Once your plans are underway, you’ll enjoy the delightful anticipation that comes with looking forward to a truly memorable vacation.

Cruises are Popular for International Travel

Cruises of the Caribbean and Mediterranean are among the top five international vacation travel destinations for 2010, according to Travel Leaders’ new travel trends survey. Travel Leaders’ agents, managers and owners across the country reported that Caribbean cruising is the international destination they are booking most often for international travel in 2010, while Mediterranean cruising came in at number four. Completing the top five were two destinations in Mexico – Cancun and the Riviera Maya – and the “Eternal City” of Rome, Italy.

It’s easy to understand why cruises are popular for international travel. Cruise itineraries make it possible to see multiple destinations in a relatively short time. You can board the ship, unpack and relax, letting the ship do the work of taking you from one island or city to another. Cruise ships do much of their repositioning at night – while you sleep in a comfortable stateroom – so you can wake each morning in a new place, ready to explore.

There’s a lot of choice in Caribbean and Mediterranean cruises. Eastern Caribbean itineraries may include Puerto Rico, the U.S. and British Virgin Islands, or the ABC Islands (Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao). Cruises of the Western Caribbean often stop at Cancun, the Costa Maya, Belize City or Roatan.

Mediterranean cruises also offer Eastern and Western itineraries. The Western Mediterranean includes ports along the coastlines of Spain, France and Italy, and sometimes north coast of Africa. Eastern Mediterranean ports include various Greek Isles, Athens, Istanbul, and sometimes Haifa or Alexandria. Some Eastern Mediterranean itineraries focus on Adriatic Sea ports, including Venice and Dubrovnik.

Whether cruising or touring is your preferred way to see the world, talk with your travel agent about your international vacation plans for 2010. You may find that international travel is more affordable than you think. And, your travel professional always has ideas for stretching your vacation dollars.