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Platinum Travel Route 66 road trip

10th March 2023 funtime65

It’s the only place you see Amarillo, Gallup, New Mexico in the same sentence… or on Platinum Travel Route 66 road trip.

And Flagstaff, Arizona, don’t forget Winona, Kingman, Barstow, San Bernandino.

All of which were on Nat King Cole’s 3,940km road trip and can be on yours too with travel providers and American specialists Platinum.

Or you can cheat too, whether it be at the top of a Tour de France mountain pass or at the Santa Monica pier finishing point for Route 66.

And I even have the keyring to prove it.

Show me the way to…

As a sample of the adventures you can enjoy along the way Platinum helpfully tell us..

‘Chicago to Los Angeles, this route is renowned for its Midwestern prairie landscapes and the bright lights of Hollywood.

‘Along the way, make sure to stop by St Louis and Oklahoma City for its famous cattle auction.

‘And don’t forget to try a 72oz steak in Amarillo.’

Now with the wide network we have here we can reliably tell you too that it’s…

‘Just beyond the highway (la-la-la-la-la)

There’s an open plain (la-la-la-la-la)

And it keeps me going through the wind and rain.

Although neither we, nor Platinum, can vouch that the sweet Maria will be waiting there for you.

And mark of these landmarks

Platinum advise we stay in an original roadside motel in Tucumcari.

And stand in awe of the Grand Canyon and the lights of Vegas, before ending your trip in Los Angeles.

All of which we’ve visited too, though we cheated by spreading those must-do trips and enlisting the help of some flights.

Platinum and their Fly Drive Specials is where to go and they are offering 13 Nights From €1599pp.

America, Countries

Canyonlands a dam fine sight

11th January 202311th January 2023 funtime65

It’s the water of life sustaining three states and north Mexico and anyone who’s been agrees… Canyonlands a dam fine sight.

For many the first sight of the cavernous expanse is out of Las Vegas when you view the Hoover Dam below.

And for those of us who pass over the hydroelectric works that fuel our own regions, well there’s no passing over this.

At least not without your jaw open.

Wonders will never cease

Top of the Choppers: En route to the Canyon

At the sight of the 726ft high and 1244ft long First Wonder of the Industrial World.

Where 90 years ago this year the first concrete was poured into the structure which created the Lake Mead reservoir.

And now means 16 million people are provided with water.

And believe me you’ll be grateful to Herbert Hoover for the aqua that is gold in the Mojave desert.

Water marvel

So as well as marking that first concrete mould for the construction which was completed in 1935 why are we focusing today on the Hoover Dam.

Other than, of course, that water preservation amid the warming Earth has never been more important.

The Hoover Dam and its hinterland is a must-see on Platinum Travel’s Enchanting Canyonlands package.

The Irish Travel specialists are offering a one-week guided tour that includes the Grand Canyon and Zion National Park.

And that will also include a trip to Sedona to marvel at the towering red rocks, and we’re fans from Colorado, and explore the funky shops.

Then travel to Grand Canyon National Park, where you can board a helicopter or a fixed wing aircraft to fly above the canyon’s floor.

Later meet a local expert, who will share the history of the natural wonder.

Navajo go, go

For the boy (or girl) racer in you hop on an 4×4 vehicle in the Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park.

With a Navajo and learn about their tribal heritage.

Changed days a 4×4 we hear you say although we imagine there will be Navajo tales of derring-do on horseback too.

If that’s not enough, then you can also take in the cliff-and-canyon landscape of Zion National Park in comfort.

From €3,550 including flights & full tour per-person based on two sharing.

All of which makes Canyonlands a dam fine sight.

Caribbean, Cruising

I have certain writing rules built up over years of scribbling about Travel, one of which is never to use the cliche ‘paradise’ but every rule has an exception and that applies to Grand Cayman and the paradise capers.

The story begins, as so many do on a foreign shore.

And a Travel fair, the American IPW, when an invitation came through to visit Grand Cayman.

Which, alas, I was unable to attend because there were still parts of America I had to explore.

Lie back and think… Of the Eastern Caribbean

Fortunately though I was in a position to share the love.

And I knew exactly the person who would do such a trip to the Eastern Caribbean justice, my fellow award-winner Melanie May.

And so I went about my travels and Melanie got her passport out and scribbling pad for the Caribbean.

Come what May

Of course she returned with a headful of ideas, pictures and honeyed phrases to do the island justice.

And all that was left for me to do was to design it into my award-winning Travel section.

And put an eye-catching headline on it… Grand Cayman the paradise capers.

All of which I was reminded of when my old friends at Platinum Travel got in touch to promote their 10-night Eastern Caribbean cruise with Celebrity Cruises.

A seven port, three sea days trip around the fabulous Caribbean with the sumptuous ocean liner is just the sort of pick-me-up.

If you’re trying to get through the cold, dark, winter months.

So get on board Celebrity Silhouette departing from Fort Lauderdale on March 13.

And soon you’ll be lounging on Aruba‘s impeccable white-sand beaches.

Coral singing

And dive in the vibrant waters of Bonaire, full of pristine coral reefs.

Now, I’m sure you’re all naturals with the scuba-diving.

So you won’t make the mistake of the amateur who stands on and kills the reef in, say the Maldives.

You’ll visit Curacao too which, of course, my own Scary One has visited.

On her well-told voyage around the world from when she came back from Australia as a child.

She usually reminds me after I get the Blue Curacao out for our Saturday cocktails.

For those of you who like to tick off continents too.

Colombia is a picture

Then you’ll be pleased to know that you get time too in the cathedral city of Cartagena in Colombia.

And when you’re in the south Caribbean then the urge is to mark South America on your map.

As was the case when we visited Tobago on the doorstep of Venezuela.

Deal us in

If you’ve been saving, or if you can put it on the long finger then the 10-night cruise comes in at from €2,6999pp including flights from Dublin, drinks, wi-fi and tips.

And $400 on board spend per person.

Now go ahead book before December 5 for up ot 75% for a second guest and up to $800 onboard credit per stateroom.

And drink in the Eastern Caribbean and Grand Cayman and the paradise capers.

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