Charles and Lillie Woodrows

The Woodrows and others stayed at sea for almost nine hours before it was deemed safe enough to continue island hopping. Despite almost participating in one the worst natural disasters of the past century, they still describe their experience as “most enjoyable.”

“It’s hard to pick a favorite island in Hawaii as each has its own distinct beauty,” said Charles. “It’s very difficult to pick one over the other and I don’t think I can.”

Their vacation was even more enjoyable because they saved money by using Cruises, Travel and Attractions’ travel agency and utilizing its website, www.thevacationstationmembers.com.

When it was all over, they rated the company’s customer service as excellent.
Best of all, because the Woodrows are members of Cruises, Travel and Attractions, they received a rebate check after their vacation was over, saving them even more money. While they are staying closer to home for their next vacation, Cruises, Travel and Attractions will still be available to help them plan their trip and keep more money in their pockets.

Charles and Lillie Woodrows

Charles and Lillie Woodrow of Hopkins, South Carolina, have been members of Vacation Inspiration for two years but didn’t decide to take their first trip to Europe until last year.

“We had a good experience, so we booked another vacation this year through Cruises, Travel and Attractions and headed to Hawaii,” said Charles Woodrow. “While we won’t travel as far from home next time, we will definitely utilize our membership with Cruises, Travel and Attractions again.”

A 15-day vacation to Hawaii is a dream vacation and one the Woodrows won’t soon forget – but for another reason.

“We were on a cruise visiting some of the Hawaiian Islands when the earthquake and tsunami hit Japan,” Charles explained. “It was incredible, but we were kept informed of what was happening the entire time. The cruise line took us out to sea for about 25 miles to avoid getting hit ourselves. It was definitely a new and once-in-alifetime experience for all of us.”…

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We went with a very open mind to hear what the program was about,” said Lynn.

Bill jumped in saying, “It turned out very interesting.” He continued by explaining that the Cruise, Travel and Attractions folks actively work to find out where you would like to visit – then they come up with suggestions.

“It’s kind of a neat idea,” Bill said.

The Meyers have been members since the summer of 2009, and they were anxious to try a variety of plans offered by CTA Vacations. For example, they wanted to visit Florida’s panhandle, so the staff at Cruise, Travel and Attractions presented several options from which to choose.

“We went for a week at a condo at Emerald Beach, and we were extremely pleased,” Lynn said. “It was just as they said it would be.”

“You could go online and look at the options, so you knew what you were getting,” Bill chimed in.

Another wonderful vacation was a cruise, a first for the Meyers.

“We went out of Mobile,” Lynn explained. “All our questions were answered ahead of time. We were a little apprehensive because it was our first cruise, but everything fell into place.”

“We had a great time,” Bill added. With such great experiences during their first years of membership, the Meyers look forward to much more travel during their retirement years. And there is no doubt they will continue to save money during those vacations.

“They not only give you the best price available, you get a rebate on top of that,” Bill said.

The Meyers are looking forward to trying some of the “hot weeks” Cruise, Travel and Attractions offers, when prices are exceptionally reasonable. Who knows? Maybe something in Florida is in their future with CTA. They have also shared their experiences with friends, many of whom “are in awe,” according to Lynn.

“We’re glad we took a bit of a risk to join, because the results have been great,” Lynn added.

Bill agreed wholeheartedly. “It’s a good deal,” he said.

“I travel for my work,” Moe said. “I haven’t had time to plan a trip yet.” Moe’s job takes him all over the country. He’s recently been to Nebraska, South Dakota and Kentucky. And because he is always working, he has little time to spend in fine restaurants or visiting tourist attractions. In spite of that, he is quite happy that he joined Cruise, Travel and Attractions.

“Oh, I’m glad I did join,” Moe exclaimed. “I’ve been reimbursed for motels I’ve stayed in during work.”

He agrees that Cruise, Travel and Attractions lives up to its promises and has already recommended it to others.

“Oh, yeah. It’s paid for itself already,” Moe said.

He’ll be using Cruise, Travel and Attractions again shortly. He’s heading to New Orleans and Baton Rouge, and, yes, this is another work trip. But he is hoping that someday he will have time to take a real getaway with the help of Cruise, Travel and Attractions.

It’s named for Melbourne, Australia, where Cornthwaite John Hector, the new postmaster, had spent much of his life. It is said that Hector preferred a different name, but Mrs. R. W. Goode is credited with the suggestion. After drawing straws, the name “Melbourne” was a clear winner.

To the north, a sister settlement known at Eau Gallie began to grow. Ultimately, the two communities merged, officially becoming one town in 1969. Even today, Melbourne features two distinct downtown areas.

“The Brevard Zoo offers up the wild side, and Space Coast Stadium draws baseball fans to watch the Washington Nationals during Spring Training and the Brevard Manatees in the summer.”

Barge traffic dwindled after the railroad roared into Melbourne in 1893, but the most dramatic change took place in 1919, when the entire downtown area was destroyed by fire.

Today, space travel is more the norm than train travel and the Space Coast itself is known as the high-tech center of the Southeast, with major technology corporations and technical schools in the area.

If it’s fun you’re after, you will have no problem occupying every moment. If you enjoy outdoor pursuits such as fishing or golf, you’ll find abundant opportunities for both. The Brevard Zoo offers up the wild side, and Space Coast Stadium draws baseball fans to watch the Washington Nationals during Spring Training and the Brevard Manatees in the summer. Special events such as the Grant Seafood Festival and Brevard Arts Festival take place throughout the year.

When temperatures soar, however, there are plenty of things to do indoors. There are many museums and galleries; entertainment ranges from Broadway shows to local theater productions. The Brevard Symphony Orchestra and community bands present performances year-round.

Condominium dwellers along Florida’s Space Coast can look out their windows or sit on their balconies and drink in magnificent views of the Atlantic Ocean, scenic rivers or peaceful inlets. On occasion, they can also enjoy a close-up look at a space shuttle roaring skyward.

The condo market in Brevard County, which claims much of the 75 miles of beautiful beaches surrounding Cape Canaveral and the Kennedy Space Center, is soaring as well.

One example of the juxtaposition of the serenity of the ocean and the exhilaration of a space launch is the condominium community of 3800, located in the island town of Cocoa Beach, just south of the Space Center. The community is situated just off State Highway A1A, facing the Atlantic, where residents might see a cruise ship docking one day and a shuttle racing toward the space station the next.

One example of the juxtaposition of the serenity of the ocean and the exhilaration of a space launch is the condominium community of 3800, located in the island town of Cocoa Beach, just south of the Space Center. The community is situated just off State Highway A1A, facing the Atlantic, where residents might see a cruise ship docking one day and a shuttle racing toward the space station the next.

Still in the development and construction stage, 3800 is one of the area’s last available condominium developments on the beach. It includes a four-story building with two units per floor and a three-story town house residence and will offer a variety of contemporary and practical design touches. For example, all glass and doors are impact resistant, which is important during the hurricane season. Homeowners will appreciate the private parking and storage facilities and the condo building will feature a canopied lobby and a heated pool and spa. Professional landscaping and a gated entrance are proof that exterior beauty and security won’t be neglected, either.

The condominium units have been developed with the quality of the homeowner’s lifestyle in mind. Each will offer a roomy 2,400 square feet of heated space and an additional 700 square feet of outside living space—one area off the guest bedroom and a wraparound balcony that can be accessed from both the main living area and the master suite. Homes will feature three bedrooms and either threeand- a-half or two-and-a-half baths and a laundry area. An elevator will provide private access to each unit.

Each unit will boast luxurious amenities, such as Travertine flooring, granite counter tops, built-in appliances and an oversized shower and separate tub in the master bathroom.

Another community under development, Puerto Del Rio, is being handled by Century 21 Camelot Realty relocation director Gloria Farinella and her son, owner Nick Farinella. Once completed, it will consist of 26 buildings, with 16 units in each building.

The buildings will be five stories tall, with four condominiums on each floor. The first floor will be dedicated to secure parking. Each condo will be a corner unit, with a large wraparound porch designed to provide views of the Banana River or a nearby lake. There are two convenient elevators in each building, as well as an exercise room, a meeting room, two clubhouses and pools.

Riverside condos will be approximately 2,400 square feet, while lakeside units will run between 1,800 square feet and 1,900 square feet. Most condos will have three bedrooms and two baths and will include all the modern amenities, such as granite counter tops, hardwood floors and a laundry room. An appliance upgrade package will be available for interested buyers.

Brevard County real estate agent Toni Pastermack is currently listing a penthouse in Merritt Island’s Island Pointe. The brand new, eight-floor penthouse has panoramic views of the Indian River and Florida’s gorgeous sunsets, and the gated community of Island Pointe has an array of amenities, including a recreation center with an exercise room and sauna, a heated pool with a spa, and tennis and basketball courts. It’s centrally located as well, just up the coast from melbourne and Palm Bay, a short drive from Cocoa Beach and around 45 minutes from Orlando.

At Island Pointe, condominium units will range from 2,000 to 2,500 square feet, feature three bedrooms, two baths and an open floor plan. All the modern amenities will be available, and every building will have elevator access to private garages.

The penthouse is the ultimate expression of the Island Pointe lifestyle. Its 3,200 heated square feet of space, supplemented by 700 square feet of wraparound balcony, contains four large bedrooms and three-and-a-half baths. The master bedroom is 13 feet by 19 feet and the master bath has a garden tub. In Toni’s words, “The kitchen is to die for,” with liberal use of granite and tile, double the usual amount of cabinet space, custom designed stainless steel appliances surrounding a practical island and even a wine cooler. For security, the owners of the penthouse will have a private garage and a remote camera for viewing the lobby.

By George Olney

Value

For the most part, if you want to take a memorable vacation and get the most for your hard-earned cash, you have two options: You can sacrifice price in the name of convenience by seeking the services of a traditional travel agent, or you can spend countless hours staring at your computer screen all hours of the day and night, anxiously waiting for airlines and cruise companies to temporarily drop their prices.

If you choose to hire a travel agent, you run the risk of paying more than you really should for an exhilarating cruise out of a Florida port or a relaxing week along the beautiful white sand beaches of Florida’s panhandle. However, if you decide to fly solo, you might not even notice as you sail right past some of the best deals available in the sometimes confusing world of travel. Even experienced surfers must eventually face the responsibilities of their day job and occasionally seek the solace of sleep.

There is an alternative, however, that not only eliminates wasteful spending but also does away with the need to visit multiple websites, desperately searching for that perfect deal – the one that fits your schedule, fulfills your dreams and falls within the guidelines of your own budget. Cruises, Travel and Attractions is now open in Tampa, Florida, and offering discounts and services to Florida residents. CTA bridges the gap between financial considerations and customer service by customizing any type of vacation, anywhere in the world at the lowest price possible – then sweetening the pot by rebating part of the cost of the vacation back to you.

“We can design any type of vacation, and, regardless of how much time it takes, we’ll put together the vacation that’s right for you. We really like helping people get what they want,” said CTA Sales Manager Mark Young. “In addition to our high level of customer service, the low prices and rebates can save you thousands of dollars over the course of your lifetime.”

Cost, though certainly an important factor, is not the only reason to choose Cruises, Travel and Attractions. The company works only with three-, four- and five-star properties and offers a wide range of vacation options, from cruises to condos to luxury resorts to tours.

CTA does business with most of the world’s top cruise lines, offering vacation possibilities that will take you places spanning virtually the entire globe: Alaska, New England, Italy, Africa, India, the Black Sea, the Red Sea, the North Sea, Hawaii, the Bahamas, the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, South America and even Antarctica, and every place in between.

If you’re pressed for time, cruises can be short, such as the one-day journey along the Pacific Coast of the United States or Canada. If you have nothing else to do for a month or so, however, and you want to see places you might have never seen before and might never see again, you can book passage on the 34-day Grand Asia Voyage, which will take you from Seattle to Petropavlovsk, Sendai, Yokohama, Shimizu, Kobe, Xingang, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Singapore and other places on the other side of the world. The cost of these trips depends greatly on the client’s budget.

“We can get you on any cruise line, in any type of cabin and in any price range,” Young said. “With most travel agents, you’ll have to pay for their markups and commissions. And if you try to do it yourself on the Internet, you might be rerouted to India or someplace like that. We provide top-of-the-line customer service, and it doesn’t cost you a penny.”

Planning

Vacation condos – studio and one-, two- and three-bedroom units in most of the world’s top resort locations – are also available to CTA members. Destinations range from Tampa and Savannah, Georgia, to Charleston and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, the mountains of the Western United States, Central America, Hawaii and Europe, and their average cost is only around $599 per week, according to Young.

‘Hot Weeks’ feature vacations at destinations throughout the United States and abroad. For those who love the beach, options include Brigantine, New Jersey; Kaunakakai, Molokai, Hawaii; Cancun, Mexico; Ventnor, New Jersey; Fort Walton Beach, Florida; Hilton Head Island, South Carolina; and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The mountains are also popular, at Teton Creek Resort, Idaho; Heber City, Utah; and Granby, Colorado; while other ‘hot’ locations frequented by CTA members include Las Vegas, Stowe, Vermont; Reno, Nevada; Puerto Rico; and the Dominican Republic.

Tours are also popular among CTA members. Possibilities include the Branson Music Holiday; Mackinac Island, featuring the Grand Hotel; Antarctica; Italian Lakes and Greek Islands, featuring a seven-night Eastern Mediterranean Cruise; the Canadian Rockies by rail; the Wonders of Iceland; and Europe’s Christmas markets, featuring Austria, Germany, France and Switzerland.

Young points out that even when the national economy is sluggish, Caribbean cruises and vacations at beaches all along the East Coast remain popular among the company’s clients.

“A lot of people are planning family trips right now because the kids will be getting out of school soon,” he said.

Young explains that Cruises, Travel and Attractions is able to offer deep discounts on quality vacations at locations throughout the world because the company uses the same concept utilized by wholesale clubs such as Sam’s and Costco. Since it provides services to thousands of members and many of them vacation often, Cruises, Travel and Attractions is able to purchase large blocks of space at most of the world’s top resort destinations. The company prides itself on its success in negotiating the best possible price for its clients.

“We have created our resort search system to allow you to choose the areas you would like to visit, as well as the number of bedrooms and the time of year, be it prime or low-demand season,” he said. “You simply submit this information on your vacation voucher, and we will find you the nearest match for your request from our inventory of top destinations.”

In other words, Cruises, Travel and Attractions will make it easy for you to plan memorable vacations and save money as well.