Understanding your travel plan choices while traveling can be confusing. From European Plans to Exclusive Plans, your vacation can be catered to you every need depending on options available at your location. Some plans listed below explain a few popular plans to many hotels and resorts offer.

European Plan: Lodging cost only (no food or drink included).

Continental Plan: Your accommodations with breakfast which may consist of any or all: juices, coffee, tea, and bread. It may, but doesn’t necessarily include: cereals, fruits, egg dishes, waffles and pancakes to name a few. Again, it depends on your location and services. The Continental Plan is usually self-service but may offer waiter services to refill drinks.

Full-board and American Plan: In addition to your accommodations , you may receive three meals per day (breakfast, lunch, dinner) with drinks not included.

Half-board and Modified American Plan: Accommodations, breakfast, one main meal and again with drinks not included.

All-Inclusive: Almost always includes: Accommodations, meals, snacks, soft drinks, tea, coffee, beer and non-branded spirits (keep in mind this may only apply to specific restaurants/bars at your resort). When looking at all-inclusive remember that there also may be certain time limitations to your “free” drinks and food. This may also include all fees to on-site entertainments such as the pool, club house, tennis, gym and etc..

Exclusive (All-Inclusive Plus), Super-Inclusive, Ultra-Inclusive: Keep in mind that depending on your location these options may differ:  Accommodations, food, gourmet dining, unlimited ala carte dining, soft drinks, coffee, tea, wine, premium drinks, snacks, tips, resort entertainment, water sports, land sports, airport transfers, taxes, gratuities, turn down service, welcome basket, express check-in and check-out, and upgraded room amenities.

Bottom line ~ make sure you read all the fine print in all your travel agreements to ensure your travels are exactly as you expected. Each resort differs in their offerings and you need to be sure of what you are purchasing prior to your vacation or better yet, contact http://www.twigtravel.com/questionnaire--order.html to help plan your perfect getaway.

A for Away

B for Beach

C for California here we come

After a busy summer and the teasing of Autumn in the air, take a break while the kids are back to school; rejuvenate yourself and hold onto Summer a little bit longer.

Talk about taking a break ~ break for the Shorebreak Hotel at 500 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach, California, 92648, United States. Shorebreak Hotel is your hip and contemporary hotel with 157 rooms and 39 suites that feature ocean views.

Located just north of Newport and Laguna Beach in the original Surf City USA, where the Pacific Coast Highway meets the Huntington Beach Pier. Here you will be on the famous strand of Huntington Beach where upscale luxury meets beach casual.

Begin your visit with secure underground valet parking, limousine and car rental services, complimentary wine hour, concierge services, room service, and if you chose to bring your dog, they are pet friendly with no fee.

Settle into your room complete with a 37“ or 42“ flat-screen TV, an electronic safe and plug your iPod into their iPod docking station. Turn on some tunes and enjoy a drink from your honor bar with refrigerator on your balcony with a view. Enjoy your complimentary newspaper, send out your laundry and dry cleaning (iron and ironing board provided in your room), relax in the amazing bath with luxury bath products and robes in preparation to head out to the hotels restaurant and bar, Zimzala before falling into a heavenly sleep on your Serta mattress with 300-thread count Frette linens.

Zimzala restaurant is located on the second level adjacent to the Shorebreak Hotel and “is a casual vibe with some serious food located on the Strand. Zimzala features a bar, "living room" lounge, semi-exhibition kitchen, dining room, private dining room and outdoor patio spaces. The cool and comfortable space was created by noted design firm De Lisle, Philpotts & Staub Interiors.

The lounge is the perfect place to relax with friends and enjoy handcrafted cocktails and lighter fare over tales of the day's beach and surfing adventures. The main dining room enjoys a glimpse of the semi-exhibition kitchen which produces California comfort food. Communal sharing is strongly encouraged by our enthusiastic servers!”

After dinner be sure to take a stroll out to the private courtyard with multiple fire pits and enjoy a beautiful evening on the ocean or visit or get “stranded” at the Strand; an outdoor plaza with upscale shopping and more dining pleasures.

After you’re revived and maybe it’s time to do your daily workout in their onsite fitness center, or get your workout at Surf City USA’s greatest beachside attraction - an 8.5 mile stretch of paved boardwalk know as the Ocean Strand. The boardwalk runs parallel to the Pacific Coast Highway and the beach and stretches from Sunset Beach to Newport Beach totaling 12.5 miles. Should you decide to head inland, you can continue on the Santa Ana Trail.

After all this work, take some down time at Pier Plaza in Huntington Beach that sits pier-side and ocean front. The Plaza is a beautiful outdoor amphitheatre that host beachside concerts, events and is a hub for art and culture. The design is reminiscent of roman architecture with an artistic and colorful mural depicting historical events of Huntington Beach. Stone steps cut into the hillside between the Pacific Coast Highway and the sand, and here you will find yourself with a comfortable place to sit and relax or shop amongst the goods at the weekly farmer’s market and art-a-faire.

Hungry? Take a walk along the Huntington Beach Pier. Here you will be at the iconic heart of the city. At 1,800 ft, Huntington Beach Pier is one of the longest municipal piers in California, and it stands as the city’s front porch to the wide open Pacific. You can fish, shop, experience the sights and sounds and eat at Ruby’s where this red roofed 1940’s style diner will make you feel like you’re sitting in the middle of the ocean. Serving breakfast, lunch and diner with their motto of: “Only the best for our guest!”

With so many choices of restaurants at Huntington Beach, from Dukes that is located next to the pier serving Hawaiian, seafood and steak fare, 25 Degrees with an American fare, Cucina Alessa for some fine Italian, the Sugar Shack (known for its great breakfast), to BJ’s Restaurant & Brewery known for some great deep dish pizza, you surely won’t go hungry or thirsty in this paradise.

End you perfect getaway by relaxing with a romantic evening at Huntington Harbour at 16370 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach, CA 92649 with a sunset gondola through Sunset Gondola 562- 592-3295.

With prices from $30 for two @ 30 minutes to $140 for two for two hours, how could one resist? Enhance your ride with add-on packages of chocolates, roses and more. Bring your own beverage, snacks and ice, cups, opener and blankets are provided for you along with your gondolier singing you a song.

Before you go, keep up with all the latest with your local Huntington Beach Local Blog.

So, there you have it, and unfortunately class if over, but I bet this trip will get you an A+!!!

Those of us that own a furry four legged friend have now led the way in statistics and travel. As of this year, 93% of dog owners plan on taking their pet on vacation with them.

Before you let Fido jump in and take to the road with you, be sure to look over some safety precautions to ensure their trip is just as enjoyable as yours.

Prior to your trip make sure of the following:

Have your pet identification tag complete with the animals name, your name and cell phone number. If possible, also place your home number or another contact number.

Have a first aid kit for you pet and keep it with you incase of injury.

Visit your veterinarian and make sure you are current on all shots and tags. Get a copy of proof to carry with you of all vaccines in the case that you need to board your pet. Make sure your pet is in good health and consider a recent health certificate to carry with you as you may need if traveling to Canada or Mexico.

Packing for you pet - remember to bring enough food and water along with any needed medicines. I love this set from http://www.fetchdog.com/pet-supplies/dogcartravel/traveldogbowls/ruff-rations/00374 and use our travel bowls even when we just visit the park.

Pack: Bowls, leashes, collars, a familiar blanket, towel, toys/chew toys, treats, plastic bags/clean-up supplies, a dog brush, crate, and any other comforts your pet may need such as dog booties if venturing to a hot or cold region or a swim vest if going on a water trip.

Before you hit the road, know your route and some pet friendly stops. While traveling, keep you dog safely contained in either a safety harness or in the enclosed back area.

Purchase your supplies at numerous stores and sites such as Pet Street Mall http://www.petstreetmall.com/Travel-&-Outdoors/458.html, In The Company of Dogs http://www.inthecompanyofdogs.com/ShopCategory3.aspx?id=17,473&dispRow=473, or http://www.fetchdog.com/pet-supplies/dogcartravel/alldogcar-travelsupplies, all of which have an excellent selection of travel gear for your dog amongst many other selections.

Be sure to stop every 2-3 hours and allow them some exercise and relief along with water and their food if at their scheduled time . . . A little treat for their great behavior is always welcomed! Never leave your pet in a hot vehicle!!! Not only can this be dangerous and deadly, but the extreme heat can also cause heat stroke and/or brain damage.

Dog Friendly http://dogfriendly.com/dognews/?p=1272 has posted their Top 10 Dog-Friendly Cities to visit in the United States. With some controversy, the top ten were chosen with some cities excluded due to breed restrictive laws.

When choosing your accommodations make sure you are clear of their restrictions for size/weight, breed and amenities available for your dog. You will also want to verify any additional costs associated with having your pet travel with you. Many hotels are now offering dog-sitting and dog walking with/without additional fees.

Another great resource from Dog Friendly is their 2010 Top 10 Dog-Friendly resorts http://dogfriendly.com/dognews/?p=835

Wherever you chose to stay, make sure you follow some etiquette with your pet. Not everyone loves animals and may not look upon your pet as adorably as you do. When in public areas, make sure you keep your dog close to you as to ensure not just their safety, but others such as tripping over leash and etc., you may also want to consider a specialty style collar/leash to prevent your dog from any biting.

When at the beach, keep your dog leased if there is a leash law. Always clean up after your dog, do not let your dog visit with other beach-goers or dogs, unless welcomed. If using an official off-leash area, your dog needs to be well-behaved and must listen to your verbal commands. In an off-leash area, always pay attention to your dog.

Most of all, remember to have fun while traveling with your pet. They want to enjoy as much as you do ~ just make sure you plan ahead, be prepared and even pets like to be pampered while on vacation too.

And if by chance you have to leave your pet at home, the coziest hotel trend isn’t catering to just slippers, a robe and a comfy bed, but catering to the animal lovers traveling without their pet and upping the ante for their pet lovers.

In Chicago, IL, Chicago’s Hotel Burnham http://www.burnhamhotel.com/ (also a Chicago pet friendly hotel) and is one of 23 Kimpton Hotel properties that not only hands over your room key, but also lets its travelers choose whether to share their room with some of its “goldfish team members” as part of their Guppy Love program. Their staff cleans the bowl and feeds the fish for you while still cozying up your room; making this agreement nothing conforming or committing. New York City’s SoHo Grand Hotel http://www.sohogrand.com/ also runs a similar program for their guest

The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa in Sonoma, CA http://www.fairmont.com/SMI/Zeus added Zeus, a chocolate Labrador as the Canine Ambassador of the Fairmont. Zeus oversees interactive guest appreciation at the California classic resort destination. He also keeps an eye on a multitude of lobby activities, co-leads guest hikes and assists in grounds supervision of the classic 226-room property.

Catie Copley, a black Labrador at the Fairmont Copley Plaza in Boston http://www.fairmont.com/cop/CatieCopley.htm, is so popular with guests and they can sign up via e-mail to catie.Copley@fairmont.com in advance of their stay to take her on walks around town. Make sure you book early for Catie seems to get booked up!

In Beaver Creek, CO, a yellow Labrador is at the Ritz-Carlton Bachelor Gulch http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/BachelorGulch/Default.htm is available for hiking and snowshoeing excursions, or just playing ball with as part of the hotel's Loan-A-Lab program. He has even been incorporated into wedding ceremonies and proposals. The hotel gets its dogs from Colorado shelters, and although guests don't have to pay to book some quality canine time, they are asked to make a donation to a local animal shelter.

Out of concern for guests with pet allergies, hotels don't allow staff dogs to enter their bars or restaurants. This rule applies for the luxury hotel in New York, The Algonquin http://www.algonquinhotel.com/ has a resident cat, Matilda. In addition to welcoming guests, Matilda's official mission, according to her Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/pages/Matilda-The-Algonquin-Cat/51291379554?sk=wall, is "to nap in every corner of the hotel's historic lobby." I think I like her job!

At all the options available to you, your vacation with your pet or with a stand-in pet while on vacation, will leave you feeling comforted in having a four legged furry friend.

There’s something about the way it “use to be”, when we were inspired by a time where getting there was truly half the fun. I like to think that the journey must had been as exciting as the destination and time spent together was cherished and filled with conversation.

It seems that if our time is now limited and we forget the journey. We are busy with “To Do List”, packing up our electronics, movies for the backseat DVD players, pre-purchased tickets, and days filled to the brim. The highways are racing with us all in a rush to get to the destination. We drive through the night, go through drive-thru and forget that there is so much beauty surrounding us. We missed the picnic at the creek with priceless pictures of children playing in the water. We didn’t have time to stop at the old diner that still believes in customer service and home cooked meals. We didn’t get to meet the locals or visit the history of what we were rushing past. Yes, there is something about the way it use to be. Life was slower, and maybe that’s why some of the stories that have been passed down through time are so much more interesting. This was our heritage and what an honor to had been part of it.

Next time you get to your destination, do you still send postcards home? With the age of technology, we too often forget the beautiful handwritten note of “Wish Your Were Here”. In past reference, the first U.S. postcard came into being in 1872 and spanned a time from 1898-1918. This was a time when travelers wrote home on exquisite linen-finished, hand-tinted cards of posh resort hotels. It was also an era of global travel. People ventured to remote regions and sent exotic pictures of native people and jungle villages. “Wish You Were Here” still spans our thoughts and often our memory.

So, a little trip down memory lane to make you smile along with many companies now creating the “what was old is new again”. I hope you make your journey as exiting as your destination!

How fun to take your travels on the road in a vintage trailer! I seriously am thinking this could be my home away from home . . . Even if just in my yard.

Dressed and ready to go with beautiful Backswept Dress from Anthropologie. http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?navAction=jump&id=21110440&parentid=SEARCH_RESULTS&color=049. You will feel perfect in this Corey Lynn Calter electric silk dress that is popping with chrysanthemums and tied into a knot above a keyhole back. Paired with the Floridian Oasis Coral Heels by Schuler and Sons http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?navAction=jump&id=20780193&parentid=SEARCH_RESULTS&color=085, these suede peep-toes would take you walking anywhere.

ModCloth provides a vintage and retro selections for today’s shopper and their Pudding Pie Bag mod cloth is made with textured, vegan faux leather and topped with dashes of brassy hardware and is floral lined with plenty of pockets for all your traveling needs. http://www.modcloth.com/Modcloth%2FWomens%2FAccessories%2FBags/-Pudding-Pie-Bag.

Or, if you have everything packed, the Post Clutch from ModCloth is reminiscent of that carefully crafted postcard or letter. Decorative details and “stamps” add to the allure of this darling accessory. http://www.modcloth.com/Modcloth%2FWomens%2FAccessories%2FBags/-Through-the-Post-Clutch.

I love this photo with the old LP record player - you really will be okay without your electronics for a few hours and might even find yourself yearning for more road trips this way! If you’re like me, you’ll want to check out the portable record players at http://coolrecordplayers.com/portable_players.html especially if you’re lucky enough to have a collection of vinyl’s sitting around.

My other love . . . This Pottery Barn Found Camera with compact bodies and simple functionality, classic 35 mm cameras paved the way for both amateur photographers and professional photojournalists everywhere. The first was prototyped in Germany in 1913 and went into production as the Leica in 1924. Their collection of cameras are crafted by a variety of mid-century German and Russian manufacturers who have become vintage icons, making them perfect for display. http://www.potterybarn.com/products/found-cameras/

For a new take with technology, look at the LEICA M9, a camera that carries the legend of Leica M cameras into the digital age. It is the smallest full-format digital system camera the world has ever seen. It is a contemporary tool for all who demand the highest standards in image quality and love freedom of composition. http://us.leica-camera.com/photography/m_system/m9/.

Or what about the the Rolleiflex MiniDigi AF 5.0 Digital Camera from B & H Photo Video Audio Pro http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/560571-REG/Rollei_24613_Rolleiflex_MiniDigi_AF_5_0.html with an impressively detailed miniature replica of the famous Rolleiflex 2.8F 6x6cm Twin Lens Reflex Camera. This 5.0 Megapixel digital camera preserves many of the outstanding convenience features and of course the nostalgic design elements of the original such as the Crank Action frame advance, and classic square format images that Rolleiflex Twin Lens cameras are famous for. But this up-to-date digital camera provides an auto focus feature with the capability to focus between 4 inches (10cm) to infinity, and its 1.1" LCD display allows for both Waist Level Shooting and the ability to review your images.

So, grab a book, grab a blanket, a basket filled with goods ~ even if you don’t hit the far from home road, go ahead and getaway for a few hours.

Please note, items were available at the time of the writing of this article and does not guarantee they are still available

Top photograph from John Casablancas graduates

This just makes me smile :)

Romero Britto ~ how fun!!! Want something inspiring and uplifting, take a look at the amazing artwork at http://www.britto.com/ that is sure to make you smile!

I’m so glad to share that Romero Britto is an artistic activist for charitable organizations worldwide and has quite a bio to read.

Yes, I fell in love with this luggage set named A New Day http://shop.britto.com/ShopBritto/ProductDetails.aspx?ProductID=80132-09-0-0-0 - how appropriate. Although, while I am thinking of where to travel to, its price take might keep me grounded for a little while.

Hovering around $1,060.00 for four pieces; averaging at approximately $265.00 a piece. But my justification . . . Hymm . . . The beauty case has an elastic strap that connects with the upright case - hence being one less case to carry and it also has a customized lining that compliments the art. The Three Spinner Cases have four smart wheels designed for amazing control and satin nickel finish handles with cushioned grips . . . And it is art!

I guess even if a girl has to keep dreaming a little longer, at least it’s great to have something to look at that puts a smile on her face.

No matter where you are you will now be able to feel like you’re on a vacation.

In today’s economy some of us have had to modify our vacationing traditions. The typical Vacation turned into a Staycation - where we stay and visit sights near our home to the Naycation - where we stay in our home and do nothing.

Wherever you are there always seems to be a sense of fate ~ something you can’t control; something that is meant to be. Do you believe in fate? I do and I hope you enjoy my fate and feel like you’re on a little private vacation yourself.

I believe “You meet people who forget you. You forget people you meet. But sometimes you meet those people you can’t forget. Those are your friends” (Author Unknown).

In the beginning phase of Twig Travel I had the wonderful opportunity to a form a friendship with Chef Roman Petrack. What a marvel he has turned out to be, and I hope you too will find what I found in his charismatic spirit.

Chef Roman Petrack is the owner and executive chef of Kangaroo Catering at http://www.kangaroocatering.com/.  He was born in New Zealand as the son of a renowned patisserie and raised both in the Netherlands and Australia. Chef Roman graduated with honors from the Culinary Arts Institute in Tasmania, Australia where his talents led him to led him to work in award winning restaurants including the Owls’
Nest in Tasmania and the popular Michel's Restaurant http://www.michelsrestaurant.com/ which received the "Best Restaurant" award in North Queensland for three consecutive years.

Chef Roman now lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan and offers a variety of
services that cater to your individual needs with customized menus using fresh local produce, and organic as much as possible, in order to create a memorable dining experience for you and your guests.

Kangaroo Catering specializes in "home catering" including elegant sit down dinners, fun interactive parties, gourmet buffets and colorful cocktail parties. Customized weekly meal plans are also offered. These are prepared and cooked in your kitchen and left for you to enjoy complete with heating instructions. Who could ask for more?! I was so impressed that not only does Chef Roman tailor his catering to your wants and needs but he also has his own serving staff and rental details that truly makes your event even more memorable.

To simplify my life a little bit, I think I just might ask for one of Chef Romans gift certificates that he offers at www.kangaroocatering.com.

I may never be able to cook like Chef Roman, but I might as well enjoy a meal created by a wonderful friend and a little Naycation myself!

Grilled Jamaican Chicken served with a fresh mango, red onion and cilantro relish

Chicken and rub

· 1/2 cup vegetable oil
· 1 onion coarsely chopped
· 2 scallions coarsely chopped
· 1 large jalapeño pepper, stem and seeds removed
· 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger
· 3 cloves garlic, coarsely chopped
· 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh thyme
· 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
· 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
· 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
· 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg (or ground)
· Pinch ground cloves
· 1 teaspoon ground allspice
· 1/2 teaspoon salt
· 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
· 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice
· 4 chicken thighs, skin on, bone in
· 4 drum sticks, skin on

NOTE - you may also remove the skin if you wish and may also use chicken breasts instead

· Puree all the ingredients, except the chicken, in a food processor until almost smooth.

· Piece the chicken with a fork to make tiny holes. Place the chicken in a large shallow baking dish and rub the marinade into the chicken.

· Cover and refrigerate over night and preferably for up to 24 hours

· Preheat grill. Grill chicken on each side for 5 to 6 minutes or until cooked through.

Alternatively you may also seal the chicken on the stove top and finish it in a preheated 350 degree oven for approximately 15 minutes.

Mango, red onion and cilantro relish

· 2 ripe mangoes, peeled and diced
· 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
· 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
· 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
· 3 tablespoons fresh orange juice
· Salt and freshly ground pepper

· Combine the mangoes, onion, cilantro, lime juice, and orange juice in a bowl and gently mix. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Recipe by Chef Roman Petrack

My sincere thank you Chef Roman and may all of you enjoy!!!

chefroman@kangaroocatering.com