Encore is the most beautiful hotel ever created by Vegas hotelier Steve Wynn, who also built Bellagio and Wynn Las Vegas. The Spa at Encore is truly magnificent lavishness. The locker room area is hung with gorgeous fabrics and Venetian glass chandeliers. The menu includes the Encore Escape, which incorporates hot poultices, lomi-lomi, hot stones and a scalp massage. The Spa Encore has a full menu of treatments from the basic fifty minute custom massage, a range of facials, a 50 minute session, and a 75 minute desert stone massage.

Spa Bellagio was the first uber extravagant spa to open in Vegas, and it still can hold a candle to the rest. The Spa is 55,000 square feet with 56 treatment rooms.  The salon is glitzy, but the spa upstairs is quieter and earthier. It’s one of the few places in Vegas where you can get a watsu treatment.  Watsu is a very soothing type of massage that takes place in warm, waist-deep water. Its name comes from a combination of the words water and shiatsu. A spa has to have a special pool for this treatment heated to the exact same temperature as your body. The gentle stretches have a therapeutic effect on your body.

Aria Resort & Casino is one of the most refined properties in Las Vegas, with a tasteful Green construction casino, restaurants, and clubs.  Its spa is 80,000 square feet, has 62 treatment rooms and two state-of-the-art relaxation rooms which feature heated black mineral stone beds that emit infra-red heat and a salt meditation room with lounge chairs that vibrate to music. It also has spa suites for up to eight; this is perfect for bridal parties. The spa features two floors.  The salon is located on the first floor of the hotel. Floor-to-ceiling windows near the salon stations provide natural lighting and views of City Center. In addition to skin care and massage rooms, the spa offers shiatsu, couples’ massage, Thai massage, facials, and hydro-therapy. The spa also offers Japanese stone sauna beds.

Tradewinds Vacations wants to know where you want to go. Travel with us and explore the world.

The Willis Tower

One of the top destinations for travel is the Sears Tower. Now known as Willis Tower, the still commonly referred to “Sears Tower” once held the record as the tallest building in the world. Built in 1973, this massive skyscraper stands 1,451 feet tall and including 108 stories. Today, although it no longer holds the record of the tallest, it still ranks as the tallest in the U.S. and the 7th tallest in the world today. Called the Sears Tower until 2003, the now Willis Tower was renamed officially in 2009 the Willis Group Holdings.

Welcoming over 1 million visitors each and every year, Willis Tower offers stunning views of the city skyline from the now renamed observation deck, the Skydeck. Originally opened in 1974, the Skydeck is located on the 103 floor and is one of the most famous attractions still in the city today. On a clear day, visitors can have a truly amazing experience, not only seeing 4 states but even feeling the sway on a windy day.

A visit to the Skydeck only takes about 60 seconds to get there, but the whole experience may take you a bit longer as there are many other aspects of the trip to experience. In addition to the Skydeck, visitors can also enjoy a 2.5 minute video about the skydeck and the ledge, a glass balcony 1,353 feet above Wacker Dr and even a presentation introducing you to the history of the building itself.

Just one of dozens of wonderful attractions located throughout the city, the Skydeck is open 365 days a year and during the summer months is open late for those who would rather see the city lights.

Tradewinds Travel Club invites you to get out and explore the many amazing destinations worth visiting in the U.S. and beyond. Travel with us and enjoy all this amazing world has to offer you.

Ski Season 2012-2013 Begins

Believe it or not, in some parts of the U.S., winter is here! Whether that makes you happy or sad, for skiers from around the U.S. they are giddy with excitement. In the area known as Arapahoe Basin other wise known as “the Legend”, cooler temperatures and snowfall have led to an early ski season. As of 9 am this morning, skiers hit the slopes of Colorado. The Arapahoe Basin is an alpine ski area located at the base of the Rocky Mountains and just 68 miles from the city of Denver, this world famous ski destination is most well known for having one of the longest seasons in all of North America.

Operating since 1946, this world famous destination offers many different experiences and over 350 inches of snow annually. On the mountain, terrain includes around 10% for beginners, 30% for Intermediate skiers, 37% for the advanced skier and 23% catering to expert skiers. Lifts include 1 high speed quad chairlift, a quad chairlift, a triple chair lift, 3 double chair lifts, 2 conveyer lifts and a capacity of 10,700 per hour.

Current Info:

Base Elevation – 10,780 feet
Summit – 13,050 feet
Hours – 9 am to 4 pm
Opened October 17th 2012 for the year.
Current snow depth – 18”
1 lift open

Ready or not, the ski season is here in Colorado and it won’t be long until other resorts and mountains will be open in the U.S. and ready for you to start your retreat. You can monitor conditions of many of the top Colorado resorts by visiting their website at ColoradoSki.com.

Tradewinds Vacations welcomes you to the winter 2012/2013. Start planning your ultimate ski retreat and enjoy the winter!

The Louvre’s entrance is covered by a glass pyramid designed by American architect IM Pei.  The Louvre is closed on Tuesdays.  It is open 9am-6pm Thursday – Sunday, last admission at 5:15pm, and is open 9am-9:45pm Mondays and Wednesdays with the last admission at 9:15.  Purchased tickets are valid all day, so you can enter and leave the building as much as you’d like. The Louvre also offers tours.  You can take a 90-minute tour with a museum guide that covers the most popular works and gives you an orientation of the museum’s layout.  If you want to set your own pace you can also take a four-hour audio tour.

The Louvre’s most famous work is Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa.  Since it takes several visits to get anything more than a glimpse of this museums offerings, your best bet after seeking out a few things you really want to see, is to choose a period or section of the museum and save the rest for your next visit to Paris. It would take you a month of visits to see the more than 30,000 pieces on exhibit. If you want to stay throughout your visit there are plenty of places to eat at the Louvre.  Beneath the Pyramid at the main entrance is the Le Grand Louvre, Café du Louvre, Café Napoléon and the Cafeteria.  There are several other places located throughout the museum.  Pick up a free map at the Information Desk under the Pyramid.  This will give you the locations of all the restaurants as wells as the layout and exhibits of the museum.

From the Louvre to the Grand Canyon or wherever you want to go, go with Tradewinds Vacations and explore more.

Like many other destinations, planning a vacation begins with what you hope to get from your experiences. For example, if you are traveling to the Greek islands for their natural beauty, you will want to plan on staying nearby to the top outdoor destinations for your convenience. Likewise, if you prefer to soak up the culture, you will most likely want to plan your trip in and around the city centers.

No matter what you hope to get out of your vacations, you will need to plan for some vast cultural differences you may or may not be used to. Take into account the size of the island a budget accordingly as well. Much larger than the other Greek Islands, you will likely want to have your own transportation, also making it important that you know what will be required of your to drive as well. Permits, licensing, rules of the road and costs will all be important when you begin planning your trip to Crete.

Like other Greek Islands, no matter what your interests, there are just some things that as a human being, you may not want to miss. For example the The Palace of Knossos is located on the island of Crete. Built in the 15th century BC it is home to legends dating back thousands of years including the mythical Minotaur. Located just 3 miles from Heraklion, you can take a bus, or rent a car.

Other top sights include Palm Beach, the Historical Museum of Crete and the Cretaquarium
are just a few. Stroll the city streets and embrace the culture. Try the local foods, embrace the culture and the diversity that is Crete.

A top destinations for travel in Europe and the world, Tradewinds Vacations hopes you have enjoyed this closer look at one of the best. From the U.S. to around the world, we invite you to travel with us.

Choose a flight which will allow you to better plan for your arrival. Ensuring that you can follow a schedule such as sleeping on a schedule similar to home or eating at an otherwise “normal” time for your body will help you adjust.

Staying on a schedule and adjusting to it before you leave is another easy way to avoid becoming overly jet lagged. Adjust your watch a full 24 hours before you leave to allow your body to adjust early. Gradually adjust your sleeping and eating schedules for a week before you leave.

Watch what you drink. The more you drink, the more you will dehydrate and the more apt you are to suffering from jet lag. Rather than starting the party on the plane, let the alcohol wait till you are settled in.

During your flight, not only should you drink plenty of water, but you should also feel free to get up and move around as well. When the pilot says it is ok to get up, take the opportunity to get up and stretch your legs and make sure you don’t get too stiff.

Upon arrival, if it is day time, try to stay up and alert till close to evening. If you arrive in the evening, no matter if you are tired or not, try to get some sleep.

You may not be certain to avoid jet lag, however, by following the above tips, you may be less apt to suffering from its ill effects. Be smarter, be prepared and know before you go and have the vacation of your dreams with Tradewinds Vacations Club.

The Detroit Farmer’s Market began at Cadillac Square in downtown Detroit, east of Woodward, in 1841.When it moved to its present location in 1891, it was re-named Eastern Market. From the horse drawn carts to the present semi-trailer trucks, farmers have annually hauled thousands of tons of fresh produce to Detroit’s Eastern Market area for re-sale to wholesalers, retailers and the general public.

At the heart of Eastern Market is a six-block public market. Every Saturday it is transformed into a vibrant marketplace with hundreds of open-air stalls serving up great selections of fruits, veggies, fresh-cut flowers, homemade jams, maple syrups, locally produced specialty food products, pasture and/or grass-fed meat and even an occasional goose or rabbit.

On any given Saturday Detroiters, suburbanites, and out-of-staters can be found shopping elbow to elbow at farmer’s stalls or area retail shops for products from as near as Michigan, to as far as the European, Middle East, Asian, and South American farming areas. Historic Eastern Market is not only known for its luscious, colorful fresh fruits and vegetables, but it’s also known for herbs and spices, nuts, candies and a variety of condiments supplied by retailers and wholesalers. A variety of fresh fish and seafood are also available.

We all know about the Flower Days held at Eastern Market each year, offering  plants, flowers, shrubs, and evergreens. It is recognized as the world’s largest flower market. Several generations have shopped together, bringing their children to see the market, its wares and the farm animals when available. It is also a people watcher’s delight. A melting pot of rich and poor, old and young browse and actually bargain old-world style for what suits their interests, absorbing the sights and sounds, color and excitement of the Eastern Market area. Many couples and families make an “outing” out of shopping here, arriving before 7 a.m., having breakfast at one of the area’s restaurants, then spending the morning shopping for their weekly needs.

Eastern Market was declared an historic area in 1977. Many of the original buildings are still in operation today. Most people are unaware that the Eastern Market area is open six days a week, and not just on Saturdays. (The area is closed on Sundays.) Come down and relish the rich history and colorful stories of the market and its characters.

If you enjoy travel and exploring the world around you, spend time traveling with Tradewinds Travel.

Dallas Texas

Dallas World Aquarium – Perfect for all ages, this attraction is certainly one not to miss. Filled with amazing plants and animals from around the world, the convenient layout and easy navigation make it more than just enjoyable, but educational as well.

John F. Kennedy Memorial – Honoring our former President John F. Kennedy, this and the nearby Book Depository from where the fatal shot was fired offers you the chance to explore the man, his life, and his untimely death, a minute in history that will affect our country forever.

Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District – Located in nearby Ft Worth, this historic site is a wonderful place for all ages to visit. Rodeos, cattle drives and even rides on a vintage railroad are a great way to enjoy the history of the area, and our nation. Enjoy a BBQ, Texas Style or pick up some real cowboy boots, just enjoy the nostalgia of this historic place.

Dallas Arts District – The largest urban arts district in the Nation, it includes 68 acres of arts, music and museum attractions. Stroll the area and take in all the best sights include the Dallas Museum of Art, local art organizations, Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center and the At&T Performing Arts Center.

Whether you enjoy theme parks and attractions, Arts and culture or history, Dallas has it all. All this combined with friendly locals, great food and wonderful accommodations make Dallas a can’t miss destination for your vacation.

Tradewinds Vacations Club welcomes you to explore this and other amazing destinations around the world with us.

STS Travel, a sister company of Sea to Ski Vacations, failed to pay enrollment fees for the past approximately 100 members they sold in to Tradewinds; the company(ies) have ownership by Steve Wunder and Andy Wunder and are no longer affiliated with Tradewinds Vacations. Complaints have been made that STS Travel, while acting as “agents” of Tradewinds Vacations, failed to deliver their promised benefits. Any affiliations with this company in relation to Tradewinds Vacations were terminated in 2011 and in no way represent the products or services offered by Tradewinds Vacations.

Tradewinds Vacations in no way endorses STS Travel, a sister company Sea to Ski Vacations, or Steve Wunder. Issues regarding unfilled or empty promises, unreturned phone messages and emails are in no way representative of Tradewinds Vacations and the high standards set by Tradewinds.

Tradewinds Vacations prides itself on customer satisfaction and continues to offer members access to deals on travel and vacations and rebates on other aspects of travel as well. Dedicated to its members, Tradewinds offers a value service and benefits ranging from discounted condo and hotel rentals to rebates, discounted cruises and last minute deals on travel. Tradewinds Vacations strives to ensure that all of its promises are met and that its members receive not only the options for travel that they are looking for, but the quality service and attention to detail that their members deserve.

Besides the many scenic attractions, this city also hails many museums and several very impressive galleries of art. There are shows in these galleries that highlight local artisans, as well as artistes from around the world. The Swiss National Museum highlights many different artifacts from days gone by to illustrate the history and culture of this area. There are also a variety of theaters in which visitors can take in different types of performances, such as plays and the occasional opera.

The Bahnhofstrasse is perhaps the most famous of all the streets of Zurich. The city’s most beautiful churches line this street, such as the Old Town, St. Peter’s, and the Church of Our Lady. Travelers all remark about the tranquility they feel when entering any of these age old churches. Besides the divine sensations, the architectural genius behind the structures is magnificent. The intricate carvings and paintings on the wall are spectacular.

Just as great as the Bahnhofstrasse for shopping enthusiasts is the Old Town part of the city. There are several area vendors that sell premium Swiss products, as well as shops that showcase different clothing, jewelry, makeup, and many others. The diners and cafes here are also to be discovered.

If you have always wanted to experience the culture of Switzerland, researching affordable airfare is your first destination. Then come aboard and see everything Zurich has to offer.

Tradewinds Vacations welcomes you to explore travel with us. Whether you enjoy the exotic or the everyday, the world is just waiting for you. Get out and enjoy the vacation of your dreams with reviews to help you from Tradewinds Vacations.