Untold thousands of Americans will soon be headed to London for some of the biggest events that the UK has seen in many, many years.

On June 3rd, the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee will commence celebrating her 60th year on the throne.

It all begins with the annual Epsom Derby followed by the unmissable Thames Diamond Jubilee Pagaent, an elaborate royal procession harking back to the golden age that is set to be one of the biggest royal events ever held in England.

Spectators on the Thames will enjoy more than 1,000 boats and 30,000 people take to the River Thames as Her Majesty The Queen leads the largest flotilla London has ever seen.

If that isn’t enough, the eyes of the world will be on London when the 2012 Summer Olympics start on July 27.

With all the hoopla, we thought it might be fun to make a visit this year to London and do some advance scouting for the benefit of our readers who might be planning their own trip.

We have a LOT to share with you over the coming weeks, but the most important story to share in the beginning is how we got there.  You see, Delta Vacations was kind enough to sponsor our trip so that we might share with you our experience in planning and experiencing our first trip across the pond with our “Roaming Boomer” hats on.

As you’re probably aware, we do a lot of traveling.  And we clearly understand that a major trip overseas involves a lot of planning and the task can be very daunting if you’re venturing to a new destination in a foreign country.   Planning a trip of this magnitude can literally involve months of planning.

For roughly the same amount of money that you will spend to do it yourself, Delta Vacations will get you there and do all of the planning for you.

Here’s the first thing you need to know about Delta Vacations: for roughly the same amount of money that you would spend on your own, Delta Vacations will get you to London, provide significant help in planning, and make all your reservations and bookings.  Sweet!

Carol spends untold hours planning and booking our trips.  Let me just say, Carol really, really wishes Delta Vacations would sponsor all of our trips.  They made her job considerably easier, and the process was a piece of cake.

We traveled through Delta Vacations’ luxury division and let me share with you how sweet this all was.

Delta Vacations Luxury Concierge Benefits

Once we made London our destination, we were assigned a personal luxury travel concierge (Nita) to walk us through the process.

Next, we confirmed our travel dates and Nita booked our first class seats to London and back.  Now, let me just say, it takes a good many hours to get to London from Scottsdale, Arizona.  I can’t begin to express how nice it was to experience the trip in first class.  Not only did we enjoy whisking past long airport lines, but we enjoyed a great deal of pampering, and the flat-bed seats on the long flight over the ocean were a complete joy.  After a very tasty dinner, we donned our special Delta Airlines socks, put on our provided eye-masks and settled back for a comfortable night’s sleep as we crossed the Atlantic.  A few hours before we were to touch down, those that wanted to be awakened also enjoyed a hearty breakfast before landing at Heathrow Airport.

After booking the flights, Nita presented us with a list of the very best hotels in London.  After a little of our own scouting, we quickly learned that Delta Vacations had scoured the town very well and had indeed picked the best of the best.  We chose the London Langham which is a veritable icon among London’s hotels.  We’ll tell you more about the hotel in another post.  But, you need to know that Delta Vacations got us from the airport to the hotel in a private, chauffeured Mercedes Benz.  No standing in lines for a taxi, our chauffeur was standing there with a sign and away we went.

Now that our flights were booked and our lodging all set, it was time to consider where to eat and what to do.  We enjoyed a complimentary English breakfast in our hotel each morning, and our spot on the club floor provided us with wonderful hot snacks, beverages, including wine, all throughout the day.  We decided to wing it each day for lunch. However, Delta Vacations has a massive, vetted list to choose from regarding dining, shows, and must-see London attractions.  We’ll tell you more about this in another post, but Delta Vacations booked us on the most delightful day-trip to Paris aboard a high-speed train through the famous Chunnel.  What a great day that was!!!!

Another great comfort to our trip was having Nita available should problems arise.  It turned out that our first-class seats had mysteriously disappeared for our day-trip to Paris.  Carol was major-leagued bummed at the thought of missing a day-trip to Paris.  We made a simple toll-free call to Nita, she fixed the problem, and we were back on track to visit Paris to sip a little wine in one of Paris’ famous street-side cafes.

Coming Up Next

We will be sharing a lot more from our Delta Vacations trip to London.  But the first thing we want you to understand is what a treat this whole travel experience was:

1. For roughly the same amount of money that you will spend to do it yourself, Delta Vacations will do all the planning for you.
2. They’ve planned complete pampering from start to finish.
3. If something does go amuck, a simple phone call to your Delta Vacations concierge will put things back on track.
4. Our job, and your job, when you book with Delta Vacations, is to simply enjoy, take in the sights, and create life-time memories.

Now that’s sweet!

This was our second Delta Vacations experience and we are very confident to highly recommend them to you.

Disclosure: a large portion of our London experience was provided by the cool folks at Delta Vacations.  Thanks Delta Vacations!  Thanks Nita, Sean, and Missy.  We had a GREAT time and hope to experience another Delta Vacations luxury package soon.

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Ok.  I’ll admit it.  Mr. Roaming Boomers has a tender heart and is regularly brought to tears by the beauty we see as we travel the world.

However, little did I know that about 30 schoolchildren from the French Polynesian island of Taha’a would have me chocking back tears.

It was a stunningly beautiful Monday morning aboard the m/s Paul Gauguin and we were moored just off the coast of the island of Taha’a in French Polynesia’s Society Islands.  As we finished breakfast and were headed back to our stateroom, we saw about thirty children from the island of Taha’a getting a tour of our ship and looking about in wide-eyed wonder.

And then, to our great surprise, they came prepared to share some of their beautiful Polynesian dances.

As you can see in the photograph above, the children were dressed beautifully in their traditional attire, and the moment the music started and I was able to glance into the innocent eyes of these beautiful children, I was in tears.

The music, the smiles, the innocent swaying of their little grass skirts and Carol and I were both melted.

We brought back a lot of memories from our recent cruise of the Society Islands, but this memory just may be the most precious.

If you enjoyed this article, please follow us at our website, our Facebook page, and on Twitter.  Original article link: http://www.theroamingboomers.com/smile-polynesian-school-children/

“I wish I could tell you about the South Pacific,” James Michener wrote in “Tales of the South Pacific.” “The way it actually was. The endless ocean. The infinite specks of coral we called islands. Coconut palms nodding gracefully toward the ocean. Reefs upon which waves broke into spray, and inner lagoons, lovely beyond description.”

And here, in our last sunset in French Polynesia’s Society Islands, we are standing upon the island of Tahiti and looking out at James Michener’s mysterious Bali Hai, on the island of Moorea.

Polynesian legend describes the panorama of volcanic ridges as the second dorsal fin of the fish that became the island of Tahiti. And according to the Tahitian Tourism Board, these very pinnacles later inspired the mythical “Bali Hai” that was based on James Michener’s book, Tales of the South Pacific.

Lovely beyond description.  That really does about sum it up.  We’ve had the opportunity to visit quite a few of the world’s most beautiful islands, and the islands of Bora Bora and Moorea have completely captured our hearts.

They really are lovely  beyond description, and if you can, you really must give them a visit.

If you enjoyed this article, please follow us at our website, our Facebook page, and on Twitter. Original article: http://www.theroamingboomers.com/sunset-bali-hai-moorea-tahiti/

Continuing in the wake of the Costa Concordia disaster, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) and the European Cruise Council today announced that the cruise industry has adopted three new safety policies which are to be implemented with immediate effect.  The announcement was made by Chairman of the European Cruise Council (ECC) and Member of the CLIA Executive Committee, Manfredi Lefebvre.

The three policies govern:
1)    Passage Planning – Although cruise lines have followed IMO guidance on passage planning for many years, our policy now deems this to be a mandatory minimum requirement and enhanced by endorsement of the best practices contained in the International Chamber of Shipping’s Bridge Procedures Guide.  Furthermore, under this policy each passage plan is to be thoroughly briefed to all bridge team members well in advance of its implementation and it is to be drafted by a designated officer and approved by the master.

2)    Personnel Access To The Bridge - To minimize unnecessary disruptions and distractions on the bridge, we have adopted a policy that bridge access is to be limited to those with operational functions during any period of restricted maneuvering or when increased vigilance is required.

3)    Lifejackets – In addition to the statutory requirement of carriage of lifejackets for each person onboard, we have adopted a policy of carrying additional adult lifejackets onboard each cruise ship in excess of these legal requirements so that the number of additional adult lifejackets to be provided must not be less than the total number of persons berthed within the ship’s most populated main vertical fire zone.  This ensures that the number of lifejackets carried is far in excess of the number of persons actually onboard the ship.

This is on the heals of two other sets of safety policies roll out earlier this year.

In addition to more lifejackets, a previous new policy on  emergency drill policy requiring a mandatory muster for embarking passengers prior to departure from port.

The new muster policy, which has been voluntarily initiated by the associations’ members and is effective immediately, exceeds existing legal requirements by calling for the mandatory muster of all embarking passengers prior to departure from port. On rare occasions when passengers arrive after the muster has been completed, passengers will be promptly provided with individual or group safety briefings that meet the requirements for musters applicable under the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS). The formal policy is designed to help ensure that any mandatory musters or briefings are conducted for the benefit of all newly embarked passengers at the earliest practical opportunity.

Musters are mandatory exercises conducted on cruise ships to ensure passengers are informed of safety protocols while onboard the ship, including emergency evacuation procedures. Current legal requirements for conducting a muster of passengers can be found in SOLAS and mandate that a muster occur within 24 hours of passenger embarkation.

What do you think?  Will these new safety standards make you feel safer on a cruise?

If you enjoyed this article, please follow us at our website, our Facebook page, and on Twitter.  Original article link: http://www.theroamingboomers.com/cruise-line-industry-rolls-out-new-safety-standards/

James Michener wrote of Bora Bora, “Anyone who has ever been there wants to go back.”

We completely understand his sentiment. However, we might add that anyone who has ever been to Bora Bora gives serious thought to never leaving.

The turquoise-colored waters are indescribably beautiful, the French Polynesian people are as friendly as we have ever encountered, and, as you can see from the photograph we captured from the deck of the m/s Paul Gauguin, a sunset over Bora Bora’s Otemanu mountain is the stuff romantic dreams are made of.

The ancient Polynesians called this island Porapora (first born) believing that it was the first island to rise after Havai’i (Raiatea).

Tomorrow we rent a car and plan to explore the island of Bora Bora and hope to have many interesting stories to bring your way.

Stay tuned!

If you enjoyed this article, please follow us at our website, our Facebook page, and on Twitter. Original article: http://www.theroamingboomers.com/sunset-over-bora-bora/

Today we enjoyed a day of luxuriating on Paul Gauguin Cruises‘ private islet: Motu Mahana.

Our motu was enclosed within the same barrier reef as the neighboring islands of Taha’a, and Raiatea.

The local residents live very tranquil lives fishing and raising livestock. However, the island of Taha’a is often called the “Vanilla Island” for its numerous plantations of “black gold” (vanilla beans). Taha’a is world famous for the quality of its vanilla.

As you can see in my photograph above, we spent the better part of the day laying on the white sand beach, snorkeling in the crystal clear turquoise-colored waters; enjoying Matai’s from coconuts, and a grilled chicken lunch on the beach.

In the ocean we walked amongst sea cucumbers, brain coral, sea urchins, and many colorful species of fish as we snorkeled in the beautiful waters.

All in all, a beautiful day. Don’t you think?

If you enjoyed this article, please follow us our website, our Facebook page, and on Twitter. Original article: http://www.theroamingboomers.com/luxuriating-on-a-private-island-in-the-south-pacific/

Today’s travel photographer is able to capture with stunning clarity photographs that photographers even a decade ago never dreamed of.

A decade ago, a photographer would have likely shot this scene with a flash which would have destroyed some of the color and thus character of the moment.

However, with today’s high speed DSLRs, you can easily capture a scene such as this, retain the true color of the moment, and remarkably, freeze the scene in very, very low light.

We are currently aboard the m/s Paul Gauguin, a luxury cruise liner positioned in the Society Islands of French Polynesia.

As is customary for a luxury cruise liner, we enjoy beautiful entertainment as a part of our cruise package with the Paul Gauguin Cruise Line.

Last night we enjoyed “Maeva Polynesia”, songs and dances from ancient Tahiti. For 45 minutes we were captivated by the color, the rhythmic drums, and of course the beautiful “Gauguins” as they expertly brought these ancient dances to life.

If you enjoyed this article, please follow us at our website, our Facebook page, and on Twitter. Original article: http://www.theroamingboomers.com/?p=11144

We’re about to bop off to French Polynesia and explore Tahiti, Bora Bora, and the Society Islands.

We’ve learned the hard way that the quality of the world’s water is not equal, and that a savvy baby boomer world traveler will pay attention to these matters or they’ll wind up spending their vacation to exotic destinations on the toilet.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), travelers’ diarrhea (TD) is the most common illness affecting travelers. Each year between 20%-50% of international travelers, an estimated 10 million persons, develop diarrhea.

The onset of TD usually occurs within the first week of travel but may occur at any time while traveling, and even after returning home.

20%-50% of International Travelers Develop Travelers’ Diarrhea!

The most important determinant of risk is the traveler’s destination. High-risk destinations are the developing countries of Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. Persons at particular high-risk include young adults, immunosuppressed persons, persons with inflammatory-bowel disease or diabetes, and persons taking H-2 blockers or antacids. Attack rates are similar for men and women. The primary source of infection is ingestion of fecally contaminated food or water.

What are the symptoms of travelers’ diarrhea?

Most TD cases begin abruptly. The illness usually results in increased frequency, volume, and weight of stool. Altered stool consistency also is common.

Typically, a traveler experiences four to five loose or watery bowel movements each day. Other commonly associated symptoms are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramping, bloating, fever, urgency, and malaise. Most cases are benign and resolve in 1-2 days without treatment. TD is rarely life-threatening. The natural history of TD is that 90% of cases resolve within 1 week, and 98% resolve within 1 month.

How can I prevent travelers’ diarrhea?

Travelers can minimize their risk for TD by practicing the following effective preventive measures:

• Avoid eating foods or drinking beverages purchased from street vendors or other establishments where unhygienic conditions are present
• Avoid eating raw or undercooked meat and seafood
• Avoid eating raw fruits (e.g., oranges, bananas, avocados) and vegetables unless the traveler peels them.

If handled properly well-cooked and packaged foods usually are safe.

Tap water, ice, unpasteurized milk, and dairy products are associated with increased risk for TD. Safe beverages include bottled carbonated beverages, hot tea or coffee, beer, wine, and water boiled or appropriately treated with iodine or chlorine.

Presumably, our resort destination and cruise ship have thought this matter through fairly carefully as I’m certain that it is no fun for them to have sick travelers on their hands.

Nonetheless, we will be practicing caution as we really don’t care to see Bora Bora primarily from the bathroom.

Have you ever experienced travelers’ diarrhea?  If so, where were you traveling?

If you enjoyed this article, please follow us at our website, our Facebook page, and on Twitter.  Original article link: http://www.theroamingboomers.com/how-to-avoid-travelers-diarrhea/

One of the most overlooked spectacles of travel photography is the sunrise.

I know, you’re in an exotic destination and just savored one of the most romantic nights of your life.  However, it just might be worth setting the alarm to get up for a half hour and watch one of creation’s most dramatic displays.

Come on, grab a cup of coffee and get out here!  You can go back to bed when the light show is over.

Look at this!

I was all alone as I was strolling the decks of the Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora’s over-water bungalows.  I could hear a few people enjoying the sights from their private decks, but there was no one else stirring out in the public spaces.

It was just me, my camera, and this stunningly beautiful sunrise.

Thanks God, I’ll remember it forever!

If you enjoyed this article, please follow us at our website, our Facebook page, and on Twitter. Original article: http://www.theroamingboomers.com/sunrise-in-bora-bora/

Would you want to be able to use Facebook to pick your seatmate on an airline flight?

I suppose in some ways this might be creepy.  On the other hand, if you were flying to a big conference, it might be interesting to sit with folks who might be attending the same conference.

KLM launched Meet & Seat on 3 February, making it the first airline to integrate social networking in its regular flight process. Passengers with a reservation can easily see who else will be on board via their Facebook or LinkedIn accounts.

Erik Varwijk, Managing Director KLM: “The new service was developed in cooperation with our customers. Following its success during the first month, we’re seeing a demand for the service on new routes. Meet & Seat is primarily used by business travelers for networking. The ten new destinations lend themselves perfectly for this.”

Here’s How KLM’s Meet & Seat Works

If you have booked a KLM flight on one of the pilot sights:

1. Go to KLM.com and log in to Manage my Booking.
2. Go to the ‘Seating’ tab and click ‘Meet & Seat’ on the right.
3. Log in to your Facebook or LinkedIn account.
4. Select the profile details you want to share with other passengers and add your travel details.

The seat map will show you other passengers’ profile details and which seat they have chosen. You can select your seat – for example next to someone with similar interests.

What do you think?  What to use Facebook to choose your airline seatmate?

If you enjoyed this article, please follow us at our website, our Facebook page, and on Twitter.  Original article link: http://www.theroamingboomers.com/want-to-pick-your-airline-seatmate-on-facebook/