Fall 2009 Established 1999 Compliments of Travel …...2 FreSh BreWed TrAveL NeWS / FALL 2009...

Secrets Capri Riviera Mayaby Billie J Ruff

With winter and the holidays just around the corner, check out the top 10 reasons you should take your family on a holiday cruise this upcoming season (page 7). Cruising is perfect, from grandparents down to toddlers, for enjoying time together while still finding fun, age appropriate things to do. And if you really want to pamper yourself in the sun, read about my stay at Secrets Capri in Cancun. It is truly one of the most wonderful, affordable luxury destinations you’ll ever find. Lastly, check out our

new Café menu on page 3. Our wines, new travel tastes and chocolate boards are just a few of the international treats waiting for you at Travel Café. Cheers, Bille

InsIde

Page 2New Wine Lovers Dates!

Page 3New Travel Café Menu

Pages 4-5Photographing Europe,Travel Agency Beginnings

Page 6Chocolate Nirvana -Belgian Chocolate at Travel Café

Page 7How to Avoid Jet Lag

Welcome to the Fall Issue of Fresh Brewed

This is one secret I’m dying to tell. Nestled in 71 tropical oceanfront acres, this adults only luxury

resort put me at ease the moment I entered the spacious and relaxing lobby. Only 291 well-appointed guest room suites surround an expansive pool that leads to the white sand of the turquoise ocean, a delicious outdoor ceviche and taco bar that converts to a seaside grille in the evening, and fun swim-up bar; all of which add to the coziness of this resort. Plus, their high standards and impeccable service have been awarded special recognition by Preferred Hotels & Resorts, and those accolades don’t come easy and are well-deserved. You’ll relax in quiet elegance and, for the first time, enjoy a full automatic upgrade to the Preferred Club experience. Accommodations include tropical and ocean views, and all include luxuries such as deluxe bathroom amenities, private

furnished balconies/patios, full Italian marble bathrooms, robes and slippers, TV-DVD-CDs, alarm clocks with IPOD docks, in-room safe, daily refreshed mini-bar with snacks, daily newspaper and concierge service on every floor. Indulge all your cravings. Six restaurants are available, including five with a la carte menus and one international

www.travelcafeonline.com

Fall 2009 Established 1999 Compliments of Travel Café

TravelNewsFresh Brewed

Continued on Page 4

View of the pool

2 FreSh BreWed TrAveL NeWS / FALL 2009 COmpLImeNTS OF TrAveL CAFÉ

Happy 10-Year Anniversay Travel Café!Thank you to everyone who dropped by on July 29th to join us for cake and celebrate our 10 years helping

our friends discover the world. We couldn’t do it without you!

Check out three new pages on

travelcafeonline.com. Our Culinary Travel

and Wine Travel pages and Wine and Women

of the World all celebrate our love for everything

epicurean. Call your Travel Advocate today to

learn about upcoming food/wine travel

opportunities and events.

TravelCafeOnline.com

Wine Lovers Events at Travel CaféWine and Women of the World and Wine Lovers

WednesdaysWhile Women and Wines of the World bring you wine, wine travel, and travel clothing vendors, Wine Lovers

Wednesdays will specifically focus on wines with Sue Rydquist of Simply Wine. You’ll really enjoy our casual approach to tasting and learning about great new wine offerings from around the world. Both events are very affordable, so they sell out quickly! Cheers!

Wine Lovers Wednesdays Upcoming Dates:October 7 – I’ve never heard of that! Wines that will surprise youNovember 4 – Meet the WinemakerDecember 2 – Sparkling Wines of the World

Women and Wine of the World Upcoming Dates:September 10 – Wines from Down UnderNovember 12 – Wines of the Pacific NorthwestMarch 11 – A Sip of SpainJune 10 – Africa - Wines from the Dark ContinentNovember 11 – Terroirs of Chile

LIFELONG FAMILY STORIES BEGIN HERE...


Call 406.259.0999

Whether you’re cruising or camping, family trips create lasting smiles

and memories. What could be better than laughter and discovery, alongside the ones you love.

For grandparent/parent friendly cruises, resorts, and destinations, call a Travel Advocate today.

Travel Café Teams with “Wine Tours of the World”

On our wine travel and culinary travel web pages (pictured left), you’ll find a direct link to some of the most unique itineraries to ever explore the world of wine. The staff has 75 years experience sending happy travelers to France, California, New Zealand, Argentina, Chile, Italy, and seven more wine destination countries. Travel Café works in tandem with Wine Tours to guarantee that from home to destination, you’ll “Be Comfortable.”Call any Travel Advocate for more information.

406.259.0999 | www.travelcafeonline.com

BOOk YOur vACATION TOdAY! CALL 406.259.0999 FreSh BreWed TrAveL NeWS / FALL 2009 3

FeATUReD WINeS OF THe WORLD

Ulupalakua Red - HawaiianThe label of “The Old Jail,” a historic Upcoun-try landmark, conveys the style of Ulupalakua Red; creamy and smooth, accentuated with the robust flavors of dark berries, black cur-rants and hints of black pepper. This superb structure provides an abundance of complexi-ties that deepen with each anticipated taste. Bottle only.

Coeur d’Alene Viognier - IdahoRefreshing tropical fruit flavors of pineapple,

ripe cantaloupe and sensual cloves are met in

the nose by toasted oak and highlight warm

undertones on the palate with a delicate,

creamy long finish. Pairs well with Mexican

and Asian dishes, fish, chicken and turkey.

Bottle only.

Kung Fu Girl Reisling - Washington StateDelicate aromas of stone fruit, white peach,

apricot, Asian pear and white spring

blossoms. Long and layered. Bottle only.

Check out the New Menu at Travel Café

Travel Café’s rechargeable Gift Cards work for a cup of French roast, wine and travel tastes, or a visit to the French Riviera. Drop by and pick up one for a friend...and don’t forget about yourself.

The Gift That Keeps On Giving

In The Café


Secrets Capri Riviera MayaContinued from Page 1

buffet serving gourmet selections. Choose from Himitsu, a fusion of Pan-Asian delicacies; Portofino, Italian and Mediterranean cuisine; Seaside Grill, steak and grilled specialties; Oceana, fresh gourmet seafood; Ceviche & Taco Bar, ceviche and seafood tacos beachside; and La Riviera, continental cuisine buffet style. enjoy a vibrant nightlife…if you want it. Five bars and lounges serve unlimited premium beverages along with pool and beach wait service. You won’t be thirsty at Secrets Capri! Don’t miss Desires Night Club for casual elegance and evening entertainment. Let the world melt away at the Secrets Spa by Pevoni. Over 13,800 square feet of sublime atmosphere help you relax and enjoy hydrotherapie, multiple massage styles/indoors and out, Jacuzzi baths, steam and sauna rooms, Vichy and Swiss showers, relaxation lounge, beauty salon and a state-of-the-art fitness center. Reconnect with your playful side. enjoy multiple activities such as unlimited complimentary greens fees at Playa Mujeres Golf Club. Your pool and beach concierge can help you enjoy windsurfing, Hobie Cats, sea kayaks, scuba lessons, pool rafts, jogging trail, yoga, pool aerobics, bicycle tours, fitness classes, archery, darts and billiards, tennis, table games, Spanish lessons, tequila tastings, dance lessons and more. every ingredient for a “let go and relax” vacation is a short walk away where one of Mexico’s premier resorts meets one of the best beaches in the world.

beginning of the security nightmare, less flights, and more things to worry about. But with all those challenges, it was the birth and blossoming of online travel businesses provided the biggest. Fortunately, people realized that online booking was not always foolproof…and nothing can replace being able to talk to a person who knows you and your travel preferences. And with their established networks, travel agents are meeting and beating online prices while they watch your backs wherever you are in the world. At Travel Café, we call our agents Travel Advocates because we’re out there searching, discovering, and negotiating to get you the best value along with peace of mind. We’re your personal representatives from the moment you walk out your door to the

moment you arrive home. Whether it is a quick weekend in Montana or a 90-day cruise around the world, we are with you every step of the way. We spend your hard earned vacation dollars as though they were ours, to make sure your honeymoon, vacation, spring break trip, weekend getaway, and multi-generational family travel gatherings are exactly what you want. And we don’t just serve leisure travelers; we also manage massive corporate travel budgets to maximize our clients’ travel budgets and

save them thousands of dollars. Although we’d be happy to hear from you on the phone, Travel Café also offers the most comfortable of settings to discuss and plan your trip. Our european bistro offers a wonderful international wine list, imported and domestic beer, new chocolate and cheese trays, fresh squeezed juice, French press Italian Lavazza coffee, espresso, and wonderful travel tastes from around the globe.

For 10 years, as the world of travel has changed, we’ve made it our pledge to be one

step ahead for our clients. Come on by and visit…be comfortable and journey with confidence.

– Billie J. Ruff at Travel Café

In October 1958, Pan Am ushered in the Jet Age with its first transcontinental 707 flight from New York to Paris. People didn’t know what to expect and were

thrilled for the opportunity to cross the ocean quickly and safely. There were no major delays to deal with, no security lines…heck, you could even smoke on the plane. We really have come a long way baby. Today, travel should be easier, yet the challenges of our ever-dynamic world continually change the playing field. Like anything else, travelers did what most humans do when confronted with a problem…they found help from a professional. For over a hundred years, wanderers have been turning to travel agents to help them get from point A to point B. On July 5, 1841, Thomas Cook arranged for the rail company to charge one shilling per person that included rail tickets and food for a train journey. Cook was paid a share of the fares actually charged to the passengers, as the railway tickets, being legal contracts between company and passenger, could not have been issued at his own price…and the modern travel agency was born. For over a century, agents have leveraged their worldwide networks and knowledge to help travelers make informed decisions and enjoy the world. And then a series of those dynamic changes alluded to earlier began to emerge. In 1973, the first major shifts in the landscape hit the business like a ton of bricks. The fuel crisis, or Arab Oil embargo, literally brought travel to a standstill. Then, in 1995, the airlines began to cap and ultimately eliminated commissions paid to travel agencies, forcing them to charge fees for their services. We’ve had Mad Cow, Bird Flu, Norwalk and Swine Flu just to name a few…and then came 9/11 and the

Secrets’ private beach

Journey With Confidence

Whether it is a quick weekend in Montana or a 90-day cruise

around the world, we are

with you every step of the way.

Reconnect through travel

Family fun

The Ruby Princess was the perfect way to visit Santorini (climbing the hill on foot was an unforgettable experience – we were competing with a donkey super-highway). The views of our ship from the top of the 633 steps were postcard-worthy; the whitewashed terraced homes, restaurants and hotels were straight out of every brochure I have ever seen. Mykonos was stunning– the windy, narrow passageways (it’s hard to call them streets) held beautiful discoveries of fish markets, colorful laundry (as if placed there for a movie set), and even a feisty, resident pelican.

Snap, snap, snap. I couldn’t stop my camera. Visiting Kusadasi, Turkey and Athens, with daylong shore excursions to Ephesus and the Acropolis, was something everyone should view in their lifetime. The precision of the buildings, the sculpted artwork and magnitude of the size of pillars; it’s hard to believe that these structures were created centuries ago without computers,

cranes or trucks. Even a junk pile of puzzle-piece carved marble was artwork worthy; and therefore, snap went my camera. We loved the Greek island of Corfu. The city has a history rich with being invaded and re-developed; the nook and cranny streets are similar to Venice, yet contain Gothic-era, Renaissance, Spanish and Moroccan architecture. It’s a mishmash of every corner of the Mediterranean and that’s what makes it so beautiful. Our last night on board the Ruby Princess was unforgettable. We had made reservations at the ship’s Italian supper club, Sabatini’s. The restaurant is located on the aft portion of the ship, and as we cruised up the Grand Canal entering Venice – surrounded by the incredible scenery – the ship’s PA system broadcast Andre Bocelli singing “Time To Say Goodbye.” I’m sure there wasn’t a dry eye onboard as all 3,100 guests took to the decks to take in the experience.

If coming home with three extra memory sticks for my camera and 2,364 photos is any indication of a wonderful vacation, I’m not sure what else is.

I can’t thank you and the Travel Café staff enough for preparing our 12-day Italian and Western Mediterranean cruise on Princess’ brand new Ruby Princess – it was amazing. When I download each picture, I am amazed by the places that we were able to visit on our voyage: Monte Carlo, with its jet-set yacht basins and almost Disney-esque cleanliness and perfection. Livorno, for the shore excursion to Pisa (had to get that classic shot of me holding up the Leaning Tower!). Naples was most interesting; it had a very urban vibe (what you might find in N.Y.C.) and the occupants didn’t seem to notice tourists (especially the commuters on scooters). I must have documented every artifact from Pompeii during our visit to their Archeological Museum and our tour of the unearthed port-city of Herculaneum.


Picture Perfect!

Venice, ItalyEphesus, Turkey

The food, service and entertainment on the Ruby Princess were equally unforgettable. The staff was friendly and accommodating, and having the balcony cabin on such a romantic voyage made this truly the “Love Boat.” With such an active itinerary (11 ports in 12 days!), we still found the trip relaxing and pampering; we could do it all…or nothing! Personal Choice dining was the right fit for us. We dined where we wanted and ate with new people all of the time – an excellent way to make lots of new friends. Sign us up again. We’re ready for our next trip on Princess! I’m leaning towards an Asian adventure; yet, Dave wants to cruise South America. Maybe it’s time for us to buy two cameras and many more memory cards! Thank you again for planning our wonderful cruise vacation!

– Joni and Dave Dupille

I am amazed by the places that we were able to visit on our

voyage: Monte Carlo, with its

jet-set yacht basins and almost Disney-

esque cleanliness and perfection.

Family fun

Santorini, Greece


Part of Travel Café’s new international Travel

Tastes are chocolate boards with our newest

associate, Belgium’s Nirvana Chocolates. We

all know how wonderful chocolate tastes, but very

little about it’s storied history.

Christopher Columbus discovered the chocolate in

the new world at the end of the15th century. In fact,

the Aztecs drank chocolate well before everybody.

It was a bitter drink based on roasted kernels seeds

of cocoa blended with spices. The Aztecs also used

the cocoa seeds as money, Funny enough, they first

looked at cocoa as a means to buy their gold.

With a rich history of over 4000 years, chocolate

continues to fascinate and delight people around

the world, Nowhere are people as passionate about

chocolate as Belgium, where chocolatiers are still

considered true artisans. Crafted according to centuries

old traditions of chocolate making, their masterpieces

have inspired a whole culture based around chocolate.

Saying that Belgians love chocolate is a real

understatement. For them, chocolate is a devouring

passion, a sweet addiction, and their national pride.

Undoubtedly, Belgian chocolate is some of the finest

in the world, with a very distinctive flavor all its own,

in large part because they use cocoa beans from

Africa, which are stronger and more assertive than the

milder South American beans favored by American

Chocolatiers.

Another big difference between Belgian and United

States chocolate is the percentage of cocoa per volume

being used. Belgian chocolate is prepared from the

seeds of the Cocoa Tree. This tree bears large helmet

shaped seed pods. Once dried, the beans are sent to

chocolate manufacturers. There they are roasted and

crushed producing cocoa powder. The seeds are also

squeezed to make cocoa butter. The chocolate is then

produced by the mixing of the powder, cocoa butter,

sugar and milk powder.

Knowing the pride and reputation and care taken to

make Belgian chocolate, we at Travel Café just had to

had to have some of their finest for all of Billings to

enjoy.

Come on down and try three rotating chocolates of

the world. The first trio include Milk Chocolate with

Konacha Green Tea from Japan, Dark Chocolate with

Pink Peppercorns from Brazil, and Dark Chocolate

(88% Cocoa) from Western Africa.

See you at the Café!

Belgian Chocolate Shop

Chocolate Nirvana

Recommended Associates


Journeywith confidence

What Our Clients Say:

Rhonda Feuerstein, Travel Advocate

Send the honeymoon coupleanywhere they want through a

Travel Café Honeymoon Registry.

Memories made here

Learn more at www.travelcafeonline.comclick: vacations/registry

Call 406.259.0999

Bridal Ad 10-06-08.indd 1 10/7/08 7:59:10 AM

Recommended Associates

“At times when I travel, the lure of finding a cheaper ticket online is very tempting. However, tickets are NOT always cheaper and when I decided to book through Travel Cafe this trip, who knew it might have taken me almost 12 hours to reach my destination instead of 5 hours.

Truth is, it was only with the hands-on-help of Travel Cafe, while stranded at O’Hare Airport, that got me there. Rhonda actually stayed on the phone and guided me through a process – that even the airlines didn’t suggest – in order to make flight changes and get me to Florida on time for a meeting. None, I repeat NONe, of the online travel booking companies I’m familiar with would have helped as Rhonda did at Travel Cafe.

Thank you Rhonda, thank you Travel Cafe.” – Carina, Billings, MT

International Travel often leads to jet lag. Here are a few precautions to help you when you’re crossing time zones:Flying internationally causes jet lag because of the fact that you are crossing time zones. Some precautions to take include:Believe it or not, in the travel world, the holiday season is just around the

corner. Taking the family on a holiday cruise not only opens their eyes to a

whole new world, it takes the stress right out of the season.

Top 10 Reasons to Cruise Through the Holidays:

Travel Tips

1. You can invite everyone because we have family sized suites and villas.

2. Leave your decorations right where they are – our ships and resorts will be

totally decked out with boughs of holly and then some fa-la-la-la-la.

3. We clean up the kitchen after dinner.

4. It’s a brilliant new family holiday tradition.

5. Dashing through that shopping list is a lot more fun in duty-free shops.

6. Tan lines are way better than checkout lines.

7. We’ve got lots of suites that won’t add one calorie to your holidays.

8. Our ships are sailing to places even the reindeer haven’t been to.

9. Our holiday spirit starts with a complimentary glass of bubbly as soon as

you board a ship.

10. Three little words…hot stone massage.

Top 10 Reasons to Cruise Through the Holidays:

• Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol.• Stick with a bland diet.• Adjust your watch according to your destination’s time clock and attempt to adhere to your arrival schedule – the sooner, the better.• If at all possible, attempt to plan your travel departing eastbound and returning westbound. It is more difficult to adjust to jet lag flying eastbound.• Take half of a sleeping pill; that dosage is adequate enough to drown out the noise around you.

• Give yourself 2-3 days to acclimate to the altitude and time change.• Treat yourself to a relaxing massage once you reach your destination.

313 North Broadway | Billings, MT 59101 | Tel. 406.259.0999 | Fax 406.245.0125


At the Top of Broadway!

7-Day Alaska Explorer via Glacier Bay ms Oosterdam

Roundtrip Seattle from $1,04914-Day Spring Panama Canal

ms Zuiderdam

Ft. Lauderdale to San Diego from $1,399 10-Day Colors of Canada & New England

ms Eurodam

New York to Quebec City from $1,399

Sample fares are per person, cruise only, based on double occupancy. Fares are in US dollars and include non-discountable amounts. Taxes are additional. Additional sailings and rates available. Offers are subject to availability and may be altered or withdrawn at any time without prior notice. Ships’ Registry: The Netherlands

To book contact your Holland America cruise today contact

Travel Cafe at(406) 259-0999

UNFORGETTABLE CRUISESRemarkably a�ordable.

Welcome to Holland America Line, where

spectacular destinations, superb service and

premium amenities create an extraordinary cruise

experience.

TRAVEL CAFÉ 406.259.0999

DISCOVER MORE OF HAWAII FOR LESS THAN YOU IMAGINED

Oahu - 3-star From $439* Maui - 5-star From $485*INCLUDES: 4 nights, Sheraton Princess Kaiulani, hotel transfers and lei greeting. BONUS: guaranteed room upgrade, 4th night free and $75 dining credit. Airfare additional.

INCLUDES: 3 nights, Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa, midsize rental car and lei greeting. BONUS: every 3rd night free, breakfast for two daily and room upgrade. Airfare additional.

* Conditions apply. Prices do not include airfare. Special promotions valid on new bookings only. Prices are per person, based on double occupancy accommodations. Packages do not include meals unless otherwise indicated. Savings reflect land prices only and vary by resort and travel dates. Availability is limited. Package prices are subject to holiday blackouts, peak period surcharges, and cancellation charges may be applicable of up to the full price paid depending on the package and when it is cancelled. Hawaii valid for travel thru 12/15/09.

A sweetheart of a dealA sweetheart of a deal

$400* OFFa 4-day/4-night Disneyland® Resort vacation

package (8/12/09 thru 12/19/09)

From August 12, 2009 through December 19, 2009, you can save $400* when you buy a 4-day/4-night Walt Disney Travel Company Disneyland® Resort vacation package—featuring accommodations at one of the Hotels of the Disneyland® Resort and Park Hopper® souvenir tickets! Imagine, you’ll be right in the middle of the magic throughout your stay, just steps from both �eme Parks and all the spectacular entertainment, dining and shopping of the Downtown Disney® District. Plus, you’ll experience Disney’s legendary service, day and night. What’s not to love about that? Your Walt Disney Travel Company package includes:

Disneyland® Resort Disneyland® Resort Park Hopper® souvenir tickets

Downtown Disney® District Fun Card Disney’s California Adventure® Park

*$400 savings is based on the non-discounted price for the same 4-night package, with 4-Day Disneyland® Resort Park Hopper® souve-nir tickets, at a Disneyland® Resort hotel for a family of four (3 adults and 1 child (age 3-9)). Offer is valid for bookings from 8/12/09 through 12/19/09 and for arrivals from 8/23/09 through 12/20/09 with travel being completed by 12/2409. Not valid for previously booked rooms or for suites. Check for offers associated with different package lengths of stays. �e Disneyland® Resort Park Hopper® souvenir tickets expire 13 days after first use or 12/30/09, whichever occurs first, and each day of use of a ticket constitutes one full day of use. Tickets may not be sold or transferred for commercial purposes. �e number of rooms allocated for this package may be restricted and are subject to the blockout dates of 11/25/09-11/27/09; advance reservations required. Not valid with group rates or any other discount or promotion. Subject to restrictions and change without notice. Walt Disney Travel Company CST: 1022229-50, NVST No. 2006-0198. ©Disney

Call Travel Café to book your magical Disney vacation!

259-0999

MP2009-1545 ©Disney

* Fares in USD, per person, based on double occupancy, cruise only, subject to availability, capacity controlled, may be limited by residency. $399 fare applies to Crown Princess®, interior stateroom. Government fees and taxes are additional. Princess reserves the right to impose a fuel supplement of up to $9 per person per day on all passengers if the NYMEX oil price exceeds $70 per barrel, even if the fare has already been paid in full. See the applicable Princess brochure or visit princess.com for terms, conditions and definitions that apply to all bookings. Other restrictions may apply. ©2009 Princess Cruises. Ships of Bermudan and British registry.

FALL/HOLIDAY 2009CARIBBEAN/MEXICO

7 Days from $399!*Balconies from

$649!*

Sapphire Princess®

Mexican Riviera - 7 DaysSail roundtrip from Los AngelesSept. 26 • Oct. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 • Nov. 7, 14, 21, 28 • Dec. 5,12

Emerald Princess®

Eastern Caribbean - 7 DaysSail roundtrip from Ft. LauderdaleOct. 18, 25 • Nov. 1, 15, 22, 29

Crown Princess®

Western Caribbean - 7 DaysSail roundtrip from Ft. LauderdaleNov. 7, 14, 21, 28 • Dec. 5, 12

Escape completely by calling Travel Café’s cruising experts at

406-259-0999.

Cruise Sales October 4th - 18th with Princess Cruises October 18th - 30th with Holland America Line

Fall 2009 Established 1999 Compliments of Travel …...2 FreSh BreWed TrAveL NeWS / FALL 2009...

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