Beats, Bites & Best of Jamaica

Hello Fellow World Travelers,

I am in Jamaica at the Beats, Bites and Best of Jamaica at Grand Lido Braco. Beats, Bites and Best of Jamaica is an annual event at Grand Lido Braco that highlights the Tastes, Sights and Sounds of Jamaica's distinctive culture. all day each day is a selection of cooking demonstrations, dance lessons, music instruction, fashion, entertainment and let's not forget dancing the night away. I arrived Friday, October 10th and the festival had already begun. Actually the festival began on October 7th. I arrived just in time for the J'African Fashion Show. Designs were provided by Shades of Africa. The designs were a of African and Jamaican colors and styles. Fabulous casual and formal dresses and even mens wear. Right after the fashion show I attended a cooking demonstration by Norma Shirley. Norma Shirley is a household name in Jamaica and throught the Caribbean. Ms. Shirley prepared curried crab cakes with an avocado salsa. The crab cakes were delicious. Later in the day was the Caribbean Broilers Jamaica Limited amatuer Chef of the Week Competition. Resort chefs were given ingredients and had to create 5 dishes in 1 hour. The winner was Chef Beason from Hedonism 3 resort in Runaway Bay. His lamb dishes excellent and won him the prize.

Saturday I attended the Braco Brunchins. chef Vinroy Green prepared an Appleton Pot Roast Pork Loin with Papaya BBQ Sauce and Mango Cheese Spread. This afternoon promises to have entertainment by Children of the Drum, an Ice Carving Extravaganza, an Amateur Bartender of the Week Competition, Village Vibz, Grand Fashion Show, Reggae Dancehall and will finish with Kool 97FM, a local radio station, Party Jam.

Thanks to Air Jamaica for an excellent non-stop flight from Chicago to Montego Bay. I was on the beach by noon!

Talk to you soon.

September 7, 2008 Dubai

Hello Fellow World Travelers,

Ja'Vonne's Travel Minute
Traveling with your pet can be a pleasant experience for you and your pet if you remember to PLAN AHEAD!! Before you buy your airline ticket and book your hotel accommodations call or go online to find the vendors SPECIFIC pet policy, they differ between international and domestic. Do they accept them, are there size restrictions and how they are carried. AND charges. All airlines do not charge the same amount for the same size pet and costs can be high. Get the proper certifications for both your origination and destination, descriptions of which are available from the USDA/APHIS website. Hotels may also charge additional fees for pet stays, have limited rooms that allow pets, and have size restrictions. Also when planning gauge your travel plans on your pet's needs and personality.

http://www.aphis.usda.gov/
www.petsonthego.com
www.tripswithpets.com

Live from The African Festival of the Arts in Chicago

The Traveling Eye with Bonnie DeShong and Ja'Vonne Harley airs at a new time every Sunday from 3-4pm Central time on The Talk of Chicago 1690 WVON and online @ http://www.wvon.com/. We bring you travel news, the how to's of travel and destination highlights.

This Sunday, August 31st The Traveling Eye is Live at The African Festival of the Arts!, Located at Washington Park at 5100 S Cottage Grove Avenue. The Traveling Eye will ask "What do you really know about Africa"? Come visit us at the festival and test your knowledge of Africa, Win prizes and join in on the discussion.
You've got to be there to win!


Our newest feature WHAT'S IN YOUR CARRY ON?, brought to you by Levy Home Entertainment, the nations premier book distributor, features Mary Monroe, an award winning best selling author of several books, including God Don't Like Ugly! Monroe's new book, She Had It Coming, is a steamy shocker about two best friends, Dolores Reese, a foster child and Valerie Proctor, who get caught in a web of deadly secrets and lies. Tune in to hear why She Had It Coming is a great book to have in your carry on.

Meet Mary Monroe and get an autographed copy of She Had It Coming on Wednesday, September 3 at 6:00pm at Wal-mart in Country Club Hills, 4005 W. 167th Street. Visit http://www.novelevents.com/ for more information.

Email us questions, comments and future show ideas thetravelingeye@aol.com
Visit our website for upcoming shows http://www.thetravelingeye.com/

Tune in to The Traveling Eye!
Sundays from 3-4pm on 1690 WVON or http://www.wvon.com/!

JA'VONNE'S TRAVEL MINUTE

Watching what you eat and drink may prevent the typical sicknesses while you're traveling. However, other medical issues may arise. The good news is that you'll probably be able to find competent medical care. The key is knowing where to go. Most travel guides suggest you go to a hospital where English is spoken, U.S.-trained doctors can be found or ask see the hotels doctor. For this reason, it's a good idea to always carry a written copy of your medical history with you in English & in the language of the country you are traveling to. Having such important information available in one place can help health care workers make appropriate decisions, and you won't forget important information at a time when you're likely to be not thinking clearly or able to speak for yourself. Before you leave home, create a medical history form. Below is a list of information that you should carry with you.

• Your name, address, and home phone number as well as
• Emergency Contacts name, address and phone numbers
• Your blood type
• Immunizations
• Your doctor's name, address, and office and emergency phone numbers
• The name, address, and phone number of your health insurance carrier, including your policy number
• A list of any ongoing health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes, etc
• A list of current medications you are taking and pharmacy name and phone number
• A list of allergies to medications, food, insects, and animals
• A prescription for glasses or contact lenses

LIVE IN JAMAICA

Hello Fellow World Travelers,

The Traveling Eye with Bonnie DeShong and Ja'Vonne Harley airs at a new time every Sunday from 3-4pm Central time on The Talk of Chicago 1690 WVON and online @ www.wvon.com. We bring you travel news, the how to's of travel and destination highlights.

This Sunday, August 17th The Traveling Eye is Live in Jamaica!, brought to you by Air Jamaica with non-stop flights from Chicago to Jamaica, where your vacation begins the moment you board. Visit www.airjamaica.com for your next flight to Jamaica. We're staying at Superclubs Grand Lido Braco, a super-inclusive resort. Visit www.superclubs.com for your next vacation in Jamaica!

Our newest feature WHAT'S IN YOUR CARRY ON?, brought to you by Levy Home Entertainment, the nations premier book distributor, features a New York Times Best Seller, The Women Who Raised Me by Victoria Rowell. After all, a good book is a great companion to have while traveling. Tune in to hear about the author and "A tribute to the remarkable mentors who nurtured, guided and challenged this young woman" by Parade Magazine.

Visit www.novelevents.com for more information.

Email us questions, comments and future show ideas thetravelingeye@aol.com
Visit our website for upcoming shows www.thetravelingeye.com

Tune in to The Traveling Eye!
Sundays from 3-4pm on 1690 WVON or www.wvon.com!

EXPLORE CHINA

Hello Fellow World Travelers,

The Traveling Eye with Bonnie DeShong and Ja'Vonne Harley airs every Sunday from 4-5pm Central time on The Talk of Chicago 1690 WVON and online @ http://www.wvon.com/. We bring you travel news, the how to's of travel and destination highlights.

This Sunday, July 20th The Traveling Eye Explores China! China is forever linked to its ancient civilization and many of the worlds most revered treasures. Today one can also find spectacular architecture and towering skylines, the 2008 Summer Olympics and a wealth of luxury accommodations. Learn more about this fascinating destination and how to join us on an upcoming trip to China! http://www.advantage-intl.com/Explore_And_Shop_China_2008_Cover.htm or call Advantage International 1-877-238-6843

Our newest feature WHAT'S IN YOUR CARRY ON?, brought to you by Levy Home Entertainment, the nations premier book distributor, features a great summer read, Can I get a Witness by ReShonda Tate Billingsley. After all, a good book is a great companion to have while traveling. Tune in to hear about the author and this great summer read.

Can I Get A Witness? opens with Judge Vanessa Kirk presiding over yet another divorce in one of Houston’s most notorious divorce courts. Vanessa is quick to end the couple’s marriage, as she’s done countless others, but when she chooses to work late on the night of her five-year wedding anniversary, Vanessa’s husband lets her know he’s had enough.Thinking he’s overreacting, she visits him at his hotel the next night and discovers him with his mistress, Alana. Thomas then drops the bombshell that Alana is pregnant and he’s leaving to be with her since she’s giving him the child he so desperately wants.Before the couple can divorce, their judge (and Vanessa’s colleague whom she’s clashed with more than once) orders Vanessa and Thomas to attend a two-week spiritual retreat together. Time and counseling can do nothing to save this marriage, though, so Vanessa ultimately gets her divorce and everything she thought she wanted. In the end though, when loneliness and bitterness get the best of her, she must look to God to find peace in her life.Packed with fascinating characters, drama and scandal, Can I Get A Witness? is an emotional thrill-ride that will keep readers hooked to the end.

Kmart in Homewood has launched a summer reading series with exciting authors. Come meet ReShonda Tate Billingsley, author of Can I get a Witness on Thursday, July 24th at 6:30 p.m. at the Homewood K-Mart located on 17550 S. Halsted.

Visit http://www.novelevents.com/ for more information.

For Travel and Leisure's 11 top Caribbean picks http://www.travelandleisure.com/the-ultimate-caribbean/

Email us questions, comments and future show ideas thetravelingeye@aol.com
Visit our website for upcoming shows http://www.thetravelingeye.com/

Tune in to The Traveling Eye!
Sundays from 4-5pm on 1690 WVON or http://www.wvon.com/!

ASK THE TRAVELING EYE!

Hello Fellow World Travelers,

The Traveling Eye with Bonnie DeShong and Ja'Vonne Harley airs every Sunday from 4-5pm Central time on The Talk of Chicago 1690 WVON and online @ http://www.wvon.com/. We bring you travel news, the how to's of travel and destination highlights.

July 13th is ASK THE TRAVELING EYE! We received numerous questions about travel so tune in to hear the answers. Everything from destinations to what does that mean?

This week we will kick off our newest feature WHAT'S IN YOUR CARRY ON, brought to you by Levy Home Entertainment, the nations premier book distributor. A good book is a great companion to have while traveling. Our first pick is Too Little, Too Late by Victoria Christopher Murray. Tune in to hear about the author and the book.

Kmart in Homewood is launching a summer reading series with four exciting authors. The series starts with an appearance by Victoria Christopher Murray, author of Too Little, Too Late, on Thursday, July 17 at 6:00 p.m. at 17550 S. Halsted. Visit http://www.novelevents.com/ for more information.

Jasmine returns to face new obstacles that threaten her happily ever after with husband, Hosea. Not only is she fighting to keep important secrets of her past under wraps, she also meets her husband’s fierce old flame, Natasia (modelesque and talented) who is still interested in pursuing a relationship with him despite his marriage.When Natasia, Hosea’s ex-fiancé, becomes the surprise addition to his 3-month remote production crew in Los Angeles, Jasmine feels the pain of unspoken past relationships and senses that Natasia is just the type of woman that she used to be—self-centered and manipulative—the player type who’s down for whateva. Too Little, Too Latefollows Jasmine as she ventures back to the west coast (her hometown) to keep her husband close and her competition closer.Jasmine must also avoid the threat of running into Brian Lewis, the unknowing biological father of her daughter, Jacqueline. Living in Los Angeles, Brian has other complications in his life and is preoccupied with therapy sessions to treat his sexual addiction as he is under the watchful, untrusting eye of his wife, Alexis.Too Little, Too Latechronicles the tribulations of two couples—the Bush’s and the Lewis’—as they fight for their love and attempt to move beyond temptations of their past

Tune in to the Traveling Eye this Sunday to hear more about Victoria Christopher Murray and Too Little, Too Late! on The Talk of Chicago 1690 WVON, also on www.wvon.com

The Traveling Eye June 1, 2008

Hello Loyal Listeners & Fello World Travelers,

Today we are escorting the "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" trip to New York City. Unfortunately, we will not do a live show, however we will bring you one of our favorite shows, The Road Less Traveled.

Next week we will be in the studio and tell you all about the play and New York City. Not to make you jealous but I know we are going to have a blast. Twenty five ladies taking on New York.

Tune in every Sunday from 4-5pm Central time on The Talk of Chicago 1690 WVON or listen online @ www.wvon.com

"The world is a book and those who do not travel read only a page"

Talk to you Sunday!

The Traveling Eye, May 25, 2008

The Traveling Eye with Bonnie DeShong and Ja'Vonne Harley is on every Sunday from 4-5pm Central Time on The Talk of Chicago 1690 WVON. You can also listen on line http://www.wvon.com/

The Traveling Eye is a full service travel show covering travel news, the how to's of travel and destination features.

This Sunday we will address Responsible Tourism. Responsible Tourism is bringing about a positive impact on the economy, society, culture, and environment on the communities that they touch.

Marnie Heim-Stafford, owner of Voluntours in South Africa will be our special guest. Marnie Heim-Stafford runs Voluntours - her life -passion -with the help of her husband, Jeremy Stafford. They personally run and oversee all projects with a personal touch from Midrand, South Africa. As South African's they love what they do and are able to make a difference in their own country with your help. Marnie has been involved in tourism since she started working. Through her career she has gained in-bound, out-bound, retail and wholesale travel experience. However it was with her involvement with Tourism Johannesburg that she found her love in developmental tourism through her work in Soweto and Alexandria townships.

Voluntours is a professional Volunteer Project Management Organisation (VPMO) and Tour Brokerage that provides responsible short - medium term volunteering programmes, operating from Midrand, South Africa. In a nut-shell, our core business is placing international volunteers on various community and environmental volunteer projects. Self-funding volunteers are carefully selected whereby their unique skills and interests are matched with our volunteer projects' needs. The volunteers, projects and suppliers we use must meet the core values and ethos of Voluntours. As part of your package we will also help organise the rest of your trip - whether its leopard tracking in the bush, bungee jumping over a raging river or rewarding yourself sipping cocktails at a lodge that shares our values of responsible travel. Voluntours is managed by Mamncane Projects cc, a registered close corporation in South Africa (Reg. No 2002/103415/23). The close corporation is 100% women owned. Which has been providing tours, project and event management, marketing and training since establishment in 2002. Voluntours have extensive Travel, Human Resources and NGO / Community Development experience. Mamncane is an indigenous Xhosa/Zulu term of respect meaning "Little Aunty" or "Little Mama"

Voluntours:
http://www.voluntours.co.za/
info@voluntours.co.za
+27 (0)11 315-4049 Phone
+27 (0)11 315-4050 Fax

Cat On A Hot Tin Roof

Hello Cat on a Hot Tin Roof travelers,

Time is fast approaching for our trip May 30 - June 1, 2008.

Here are some options based on communication we have had with some of the group members. If you'd like to join some of the other travelers here is a list of things that are being discussed.

Friday:

• We arrive at 9:45am and will immediately transfer to our hotel
• Check in time is 3pm, therefore the rooms may not be available. If the rooms are not available you can store your luggage at the hotel.
• For those going from the hotel directly to the theatre I suggest we share taxis
• After the play some of us are going to Carmine's, a family style Italian restaurant in the same block as the theatre. The should play end around 10:45pm

Saturday: This is a completely free day.

• Some are going shopping
• Some are touring (Ground Zero, Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty, etc)
• African Burial Ground
• Jazz club (we are open to some suggestions)
• Thurgood starring Lawrence Fishburne, playing at the Booth Theatre @ 222 W 45th

You can comminucation with other group members by placing your comments here.

See you at the airport
The Traveling Eye

May 18, 2008

Hello Fellow World Travelers,

Listen to The Traveling Eye with Bonnie DeShong and Ja'Vonne Harley every Sunday from 4 - 5pm Central time on the talk of Chicago 1690 WVON or online @ http://www.wvon.com/

Every Sunday learn whats happening in the travel industry with the latest Travel News, Funny Stories, Tips, places to go and more.

This Sunday, May 18, 2008 Bonnie and Ja'Vonne will explore the Road Less Traveled. Learn of the benefits of getting off the beaten path and how to incorporate it in your itinerary. Both will share their Road Less Traveled experiences.

Chicago made the Travel and Leisure list of 20 Great American Beaches. http://www.travelandleisure.com/slideshows/great-american-beaches-2008

Unwind in Somoa with The Traveling Eye November 9 - 12, 2008. http://www.advantage-intl.com/Sonoma_2008_Cover.htm

Join in the conversation 773-591-1690.

Email us @ thetravelingeye@aol.com

Tune in this Sunday and every Sunday @ 4pm on The Talk of Chicago 1690 WVON or online http://www.wvon.com/

See you on the road!

May 4, 2008

Hello Fellow World Travelers,

The Traveling Eye with Bonnie DeShong and Ja'Vonne Harley is live every Sunday from 4-5 PM Central time on the Talk of Chicago 1690 WVON and on line @ www.wvon.com.

This Sunday, Bonnie will be live from Punta Cana, The Dominican Republic.

The Dominican Republic is a colorful tapestry of Spanish, French, Haitian, and African influences woven by a rich and storied history. Christopher Columbus described this lush land as "a beautiful island paradise with high forested mountains and large river valleys". Punta Cana is in the Eastern Region of the Island where it's all about the beach. Punta Cana is undeniably breathtaking with tall swaying palms scattered along 21 miles of some of the whitest and finest coral sand beaches in the world. The area has become a haven for vacationers who are seeking a beach chair, a Pina Colada and a good read.

Every Sunday includes "Ja'Vonne's Travel Minute", a one minute travel tip or thought and Travel News.

Getting ripped off while traveling is never a pleasant experience. Remember that thieves thrive on confusion, crowds and tourist traps. Keep a low profile. Leave the valuable jewelry at home. If you must have bling, get the fake stuff to travel with. Take only enough money with you for the days activities and keep the rest in the safety deposit box in your room along with your passport. If you must carry a bag make it a small one that can stay close to your body like a fanny pack. If a theft happens, immediately get a police report because you’ll need it to make an insurance claim and lost or stolen traveler's checks must be reported within 24 hours. Even the most careful traveler can get ripped off. The point here is to limit your loses and don't let it ruin your trip. Tune in next week for more safety tips

We invite you to call us at 773 591-1690 during the show and participate in the conversation or ask a question.

Tune in to The Traveling Eye, this Sunday from 4 - 5 PM Central Time on The Talk of Chicago, 1690 WVON!

You can send us your questions, comments or travel story, ahead of time to thetravelingeye@aol.com.

Feel free to pass this on to friends and family!

"The world is the book, and those who do not travel, read only a page."

April 27, 2008

Hello Fellow Travelers!

The Traveling Eye with Bonnie DeShong and Ja'Vonne Harley is live every Sunday from 4-5 PM Central time on the Talk of Chicago 1690 WVON or listen on line @ www.wvon.com

The dollar is weak and the Euro is strong. Don't let that discourage you from traveling to Europe. This Sunday, April 27th, The Traveling Eye will talk to Nigel Osborne, Executive VP of Key Tours International, LLC. Key Tours International, the European Experts can make your vacation dreams come true. Key Tours offers Affordable Luxury to Europe. Visit www.keytours.com

Sensational offers, include Roundtrip airfare, private transfers, first class accommodations, highlighted meals, sightseeing and more!

10 Day Scents of Italy, featuring Rome, Florence and Venice from $2589 per person

12 Day Best of Greece and Turkey with a 3 night cruise, from $2,277 per person.

10 Day Treasures of Egypt tour including a 4 day Nile Cruise from $2,499 per person.

10 Day Classics of Turkey tour including historical Wonders of Gallipoli and Cappadocia from $1,859 per person .

8 Days Paris/London combination incl. the Eurostar train from $2,129 per person .

Key Tours makes a Luxury Trip to Europe affordable.

For information and reservations Call 1 800 576 1784
Fuel surcharges and air taxes extra, prices subject to availability, blackouts may apply depending on air.

If you would like to join in on the discussion or ask a question? Call us @ 773-591-1690 during the show.

You can send us your questions, comments or travel story, ahead of time to thetravelingeye@aol.com

Check out our blog www.thetravelingeye.blogspot.com

Tune in to The Traveling Eye with Bonnie and Ja'Vonne!

April 20, 2008

The Traveling Eye is heard every Sunday from 4-5pm Central time on WVON 1690. www.wvon.com

This Sunday Bonnie took us to Las Vegas. Bonnie was in Las Vegas to listen to and meet The Average White Band for the charity gala for the PLCCA that is held in Chicago every year.

Las Vegas is one of Bonnie's favorite destinations and this time we explored what Las Vegas has to offer off the stip and for families.

We talked about the do's and don'ts of the casinos, the Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam, Colorado river, helicoptor tours, the shows, and a whole lot more.

April 13, 2008

Hello Fellow World Travelers,

The Traveling Eye with Bonnie DeShong and Ja'Vonne Harley is live every Sunday from 4-5 PM Central time on the Talk of Chicago 1690 WVON and on line @ www.wvon.com/

This Sunday, April 13, 2008, we will talk about two of the premier resorts on the island of St. Lucia. Sunswept Resorts' Rendezvous and Body Holiday at Le Sport. Tune in and hear about the spa's, beaches, accommodations, dining and why this may be a perfect destination for you!

Sunswept Resorts features some of St Lucia’s most stunning properties. Two of which are Rendezvous and Body Holiday at Le Sport.

Rendezvous is the original couples-only, adults-only all-inclusive retreat where couples can reconnect and rediscover their love. Rendezvous is set on a stunning stretch of beach, the resort offers spectacular accommodations, gourmet dining, and a variety of activities! This is the perfect destination for couples.

Body Holiday at Le Sport is the world’s first and only body/mind/wellness resort designed to provide guest with the tools to redesign their mindset and get them on track to a healthy lifestyle. Spa treatments are included at the resort’s world-renowned Oasis Spa. An incredibly diverse range of activities are available. Gourmet cuisine with an eclectic and healthy fare completes this unique vacation experience.

Visit www.sunsweptresorts.com or call 1-800-544-2883

If you would like to join in on the discussion or ask a question? Call us @ 773-591-1690 during the show.

You can send us your questions ahead of time to thetravelingeye@aol.com.

Tune in to The Traveling Eye with Bonnie and Ja'Vonne!

Feel free to pass this on to friends and family!

April 6th Show, 2008

The Traveling Eye with Bonnie DeShong and Ja'Vonne Harley every Sunday from 4-5pm central time on The Talk of Chicago 1690 WVON or online @ www.wvon.com

This weeks show was exploring Travel Websites, what they are the differences and the ones we like.

In case you missed it. Here is a list of those websites.

FlyerTalk.com
Founded in 1998 by a frustrated frequent flier, FlyerTalk.com allows users to exchange information on how to get the most out of their frequent flier miles, credit card points and hotel points. There are separate discussion forums for every major commercial airline, and the site features a live chat for last-minute queries.

Concierge.com
The online offshoot of Condé Nast Traveler, Concierge.com has all of the magazine’s content available on the Web, as well as unique travel articles and tips. You can search by destination, hotel or activity; the magazine’s famous lists (The Gold List, Hot List Hotels and Top Spas) are available for online perusal as well.

Breezenet.com
Some of the best domestic car-rental discounts on the Internet are available here. The site compiles pricing info from car-rental companies at major U.S. airports and links to special rates on other sites (like a recent Priceline.com sale for a $12-per-day rental car). Because it works with airport locations, Breezenet.com is most useful if you’re traveling via plane and want a car waiting for you when you land.

HotelChatter.com
This Web site is an uncensored compendium of hotel reviews from all over the world: The good, the bad and the disgusting get equal weight. Click on "Hotel Hell" for horror stories (avoid the Pembridge Palace Hotel in London, which has bed bugs, it says), "Hotel Heaven" (try the peach tea at the French Quarter Inn in Charleston, S.C.) and "Celebrity Scoops" for places your favorite stars have been spotted. Tips, news and deals are available as well. The one hitch is that it’s difficult to find information on a specific hotel.

MyTripJournal.com
Personal travel blogs have overtaken mass e-mails as the tool of choice for staying in touch with family and friends while on the road--and thank goodness. I like MyTripJournal.com for its colorful and easy-to-use features and the customizable world map. Even if you aren’t currently traveling, browsing the site allows you to experience someone else’s vacation vicariously.

Kayak.com
Unlike many of the major travel Web sites, Kayak.com includes flight listings from budget air carriers like Jet Blue and Spirit Airlines. It also has user-friendly features, like remembering your home airport, letting you search more than one airport simultaneously (for arrivals and departures) and a movable grid that lets you eliminate flights whose time specifications don’t match your itinerary.

Priceline.com
Priceline.com revolutionized the way consumers bought travel, allowing them to name their own prices for everything from hotels to flights to rental cars. Today, with the abundance of airline travel sites, most online travel veterans use Priceline.com for one thing: hotels. Try bidding $99 for a four-star hotel in pretty much any American city, and users say you’ll often end up staying in one of the city’s very nicest hotels. If $99 is too steep, bid $50 or $30--even these low prices may be accepted at top hotels, according to our sources.

SeatGuru.com
Listing more than 30 commercial airlines, SeatGuru.com provides seating maps and a helpful color-coded quality key (green is a good seat, yellow means be aware, and you don’t want red). Once you select your airline and aircraft, you’ll be able to see just where each seat falls on the floor plan, as well as which in-flight amenities (including video, AC power and Internet access) are available. The site is most useful when booking a ticket on an air carrier’s site.

Lastminute.com
Lastminute.com's niche is the last-minute weekend getaway: Bookings can be made up to three hours before departure. The site works with partner hotels, airlines and car-rental companies to garner deals on last-minute inventory or services that would otherwise go unsold, compiling packages in site-specific categories like "Under $250," "Romance," or "Vegas/Casino." Packages are available in flight/hotel, flight/car and hotel/car combinations, but users must use every component of the package.

TravelZoo.com
If you can be flexible with your dates and even destination, TravelZoo.com is more effective at offering cheap fares than any other Web site we’ve encountered. Examples include $88 round-trip tickets to the Caribbean--though be warned that very often they're only available on undesirable travel days, like Monday, and the deals can sell out quickly. Airfare, car rental, lodging and cruise specials are displayed right up front on the home page. There’s limited search capability (by destination only), so be prepared to be spontaneous!

Tripadvisor.com compiles reviews of North American and European destinations from guidebooks and other travel publications.

Luxurylink.com as its name suggests, auctions high-end hotel stays and packages at discounted prices—mostly off-season.

Hotels.com and Quikbook.com are consolidators that buy rooms in bulk—mostly in North America and Western Europe—and resell them on-line. Hotels.com is somewhat simpler to use, with bookings completed in a matter of minutes, but frustratingly, it doesn't provide the phone numbers of the properties if you need additional information. Quikbook does; it also carries ratings based on staff visits, doesn't require prepayment, doesn't charge for changes, and is easier on the eyes.

Advantage-Intl.com is my company’s web site where you can find and book group travel offered as well as our major supplies like Superclubs and our newest feature General Travel Services, which is a booking engine for discounted air, hotel and car rental.

April 7, 2008

Hello Fellow World Travelers,

I'm back from Singapore and Bali. We had a wonderful trip.

The last time I blogged I was still in Singapore. On March 30 we flew to Bali, Indonesia. Bali's airport was not as big, effiencient or clean as Singapores Airport. We arrived in the evening and it was quite busy. Most of us got our visa's in the US prior to our departure. A few got their visa's on arrival at the airport in Bali. While it is less expensive to get your visa on arrival $25 vs $40, the time saved is worth it. Those of us who already had our visa went right through and there was no line at immigration. Those who had to get their visa on arrival had to go to a separate line and it was very long.

Our hotel the Nusa Dua Beach Resort and Spa was a short 20 minute ride from the airport. Upon arrival it was magical. Since it was evening and the lobby is an open air lobby it was dark and romantically lit. We passed by the resorts Temple Entrance and it felt like we were entering a mystical temple. As soon as we stepped out of our vehicles the lights went out. The resort immediately lit candles and began to check us in via candle light. It was so beautiful. The outage was short lived and the lights were back on in about 15 minutes.

The next morning we went on our full day tour of the island. We started with the Barong & Kris Dance and show. The play had 4 acts and represented the fight between good and evil spirits. Barong, a mythilogical animal, represents a good spirit and the Rangda, a mythilogical monster represents an evil spirit. We continued northbound and visited Temples, villages and rice fields along the way. When we reached the Mt. Batur Volcano we stopped for lunch overlooking the Volcano. Our Tour Guide, Sam advised us when we arrived to immediately take our photos and view the volcano because shortly we would not be able to see it because of the fog. He was right! One funny thing was when one of the guests ordered an orange juice. It took quite some time and we thought that the waited had forgotten about it. We then commented "where is he getting orange juice" then the waiter returned with the orange juice and explained that IT TOOK SO LONG BECAUSE WE HAD TO PICK THE ORANGES AND SQUEEZE THEM. Wow, how fresh. Lunch was delicious I might add.

Of course our tour route included shopping stops. We visited a place where they made the Batiks, hand dyed fabric. They even gave each of us a hand painted symbol on a garment we were wearing. My white capri jeans now have a floral design on them. Another unique item at the Batik factory were the Batik covered masks. We also, visited wood carvers and an art warehouse.

You know how you see products in stores in the US that often say made in Indonesia? We saw a lot of the shops that produce the products that are sold to overseas retailers. We passed shop after shop of wood carvings, lawn furniture and ornaments, eclectic art work, etc.

It was a full and wonderful day.

The rest of the time in Bali was free time. some went White Water Rafting, others went shoping while others relaxed and enjoyed the many facilities of the resort (the beach, the pool, the spa and the shopping)

A special thanks to the Nusa Dua Beach Resort and Spa for facilitating our broadcast back to WVON for our Sunday Show.

Wish you were there. Maybe next time.
Ja'Vonne

March 28, 2008

Today is March 28th and we have just arrived in Singapore. Our flight left Los Angeles @ 9:00pm Pacific time on March 26th and we arrived Singapore @ 6am local time in Singapore on March 28th. The flight was 17 hours long from Los Angeles and was non-stop. Since we crossed the dateline and Singapore is 13 hours ahead of Chicago, we arrived 2 days after we departed. We flew on Singapore Air, which has won the award for best airline several times. I must say that they lived up to the expectations. This particular flight is their Executive Economy flight, which means less seats and more room in economy. There are only 2 cabins on the plane Business Class and Executive Economy. Normally on long haul flights the seat configuration in Economy is 3-5-3 or 2-4-2. On this flight the economy configuration was 2-3-2.

The airport is enormous and very clean! Our arrival was so efficient and hassle free.

The hotel Marina Mandarin is a 25 minute drive from the airport and it is a beautiful hotel. It is the only Leading Hotels of the World hotel in Singapore.

We have a free day to get rested from the long flight and this evening we will get together for Singapores famous cocktail, The Singapore Sling.

I think I'll go to the fitness center to get the blood circulation going.

It is now 12:30am. we have just returned from dinner. We went t the Fishermans Village at the East Coast Seafood Centre. This is an area on the coast that s lined with seafood restaurants. It is very casual dining. One of the specialties is Chile Crab. This is a huge Sri Lankan or Snow Crab smothered in a hot chile sauce. The other speciality is shrimp or as they call it prawns. The prawns were also with a spicey or garlicky sauce. We ate to our hearts content.

The chairman of the board called the first meeting with a round of drinks in the hotel lobby bar.

Signing off for now. Check out the blog tomorrow for another update and tune in to WVON Sunday @ 4pm for a live update about the trip.

Ja'Vonne

March 30, 2008

Hello Fellow World Travelers,

Listen to The Traveling Eye this Sunday from 4-5pm Central as we will journey to Southeast Asia (Singapore and Bali, Indonesia), on The Talk of Chicago 1690 WVON or listen on line http://www.wvon.com/.

Ja'Vonne will be in Southeast Asia and call in live from Bali, the second stop of the tour.

If you have any questions and/or comments call us to be part of the discussion. 773-591-1690.

March 23, 2008

Hello Fellow World Travelers,

The Traveling Eye with Bonnie DeShong and Ja'Vonne Harley is live every Sunday from 4-5 PM Central time on the Talk of Chicago 1690 WVON and on line @ www.wvon.com/

This Sunday, March 23rd, The Traveling Eye will have a round table discussion with frequent travelers from different demographics (a married couple, a single male traveler, a female traveler and a family traveler). We will address the differences for each traveler and they will share their experiences and tips with you.

Want to join in on the discussion or ask a question? Call us @ 773-591-1690 during the show. You can send us your questions ahead of time to thetravelingeye@aol.com.

March 16, 2008

Hello Fellow World Travelers,
The Traveling Eye with Bonnie DeShong and Ja'Vonne Harley is live every Sunday from 4-5 PM Central time on the Talk of Chicago 1690 WVON and on line @ www.wvon.com This Sunday, March 16, 2008, Ja'Vonne is back in the studio after being in Southern Africa with a group of 100 travelers for the past two weeks.

This week we will address TRAVEL FEARS! There are people who will not travel because of various fears and/or phobias. We will discuss and explore everything from the fear of flying to germ phobias.

Think you are alone, think again and tune in to get your questions answered or share your experience with an expert.

Psychologist, Dr. Melissa Perrin and Psychiatrist Dr. Brett Plyler will be in the studio with us to discuss fears and phobias in travel and some of the solutions that may help us overcome them.
Tune in to the Traveling Eye, Sunday from 4 to 5 PM with Bonnie and Ja'Vonne . If you would like to call and comment or have a question, the number is 773 591-1690 or you can email us at thetravelingeye@aol.com. Visit our blog at thetravelingeye.blogspot.com and read about past shows and Ja'Vonne's travels to Southern Africa

Please feel free to pass this on to family and friends!

March 9 Southern Africa

Hello fellow world travelers,

I am in southern Africa with 100 passengers. We started our journey in Johannesburg, South Africa. In Johannesburg we learned of the culture and the Apartheid era and movement against Apartheid. We visited Soweto, an acronym for south western townships. this was the place that black South Africans were forced to live. Today all South Africans can live anywhere of their choosing but many choose to stay in Soweto. We visited Winnie and Nelson Mandelas house, the Hector Peiterson Memorial, the Apartheid Museum and we had lunch at Wandi's. Wandi's is a Sowetan Soul Food Restaurant in the heart of Soweto.

Also, during our visit we donated food to the Motswaledi Informal Settlement. We selected 100 families most in need and we handed out food parcels. We then stopped by one of the grade schools and donated school supplies. Thanks to Pam Nelson & levy Home Entertainment for their donation of 4 cases of books and 1 case of copy paper. A special thank you to Cherly Burton for her donation of a computer for the school.

We then proceeded over the river and through the woods to Botswana. We arrived at the Zambian Airport and transfered by ground to the Zambian Border and then across the river to the Botswana border. By Landrovers we transfer to our lodge, the Chobe Safari Lodge. Our accommodations were rustic but far from roughing it. We did 2 land safaris and 2 boat safaris. On these safaris we saw lots of elephants, giraffe, lion, kudu, impala, hippos, baboons and other wildlife. We continued our journey to Zimbabwe and visited Victoria Falls, one of the natural wonders of the world. The falls were specatular and yes we got very wet. The adventurous of the group went bungee jumping.

We finished our time with a Namibian Village Walk. we learned about the culture of the village.

Now we are in Durban, South Africa, our last stop. Our first day we went to the Valley of 1000 hills, and as the name suggest, we saw rolling green hills and beautiful landscape. we also went to a crocodile farm.

Today we went to Shakaland. This is the movie set where Shaka Zulu the movie was filmed. It is now a living museum. We learned about Zulu culture and the different tribes of the Zulu nation and of course the story of the famous warrior Shaka Zulu. We participated in the dances. What a time.

Tune in the 1690 WVON or online http://www.wvon.com/ to listen to the discussion of our trip.

March 2, 2008

Hello Fellow World Travelers,

The Traveling Eye with Bonnie DeShong and Ja'Vonne Harley is live every Sunday 4-5pm Central time on the Talk of Chicago 1690 WVON and on line @ http://www.wvon.com/.

This Sunday, March 2, 2008 Ja'Vonne will be traveling with a group of 100 to Southern Africa including Johannesburg & Durban, South Africa, Chobe, Botswana and Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. Ja'Vonne will be live from Johannesburg, South Africa, her first stop. We will talk about Soweto, the heart of the stuggle during Apartheid and the home of Nelson Mandela, Bishop Desmond Tutu, Winnie Mandela and many other South African leaders .

They call it the City of Gold, Egoli, Jozi and Joburg – but for many of South Africa’s brightest stars the city of Johannesburg is simply HOME.

Soweto by night is also a great option. Why not look out for Sakhumzi restaurant in Vilakazi Street Orlando West. This famous street has made history by being the only street in the world that was home to two Nobel Peace Prize winners: Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu. While in Soweto don’t forget to pay a visit to the world-famous Wandie’s restaurant or the Rock, the best shebeen in the country!

Tune in and journey with Ja'Vonne has she explores Southern Africa.

February 24, 2008

Hello Fellow World Travelers,

The Traveling Eye with Bonnie DeShong & Ja'Vonne Harley 4-5pm Central Time Every Sunday on The Talk of Chicago 1690AM WVON!

The Traveling Eye will visit Paris and continue our tribute to Black History Month. We will talk about what to see and do in Paris and discover Black Paris!

Our special guest, Kiratiana Freelon, is one our young, gifted and black. A Harvard graduate, Kiratiana, lived in Paris for one year and traveled Paris extensively. This fall she will self publish a travel guide to black Paris that will help people discover African American, Caribbean and African history and culture in Paris.

Don't miss Ja'Vonne's Traveling While Black Moment, a one minute experience of racial disparities during my personal travel that some of you may be able to identify with.

You can also send us questions that may be answered on the air, funny travel stories and topics you'd like featured on future shows to thetravelingeye@aol.com.

We're on every Sunday 4-5pm Central Time on The Talk of Chicago 1690 AM WVON or listen on line @ www.wvon.com

Tune in and be part of the conversation 773-591-1690

February 17, 2008

Hello fello world travelers,

The Traveling Eye is exploring Brazil on today's show. Tune in every Sunday from 4-5pm central timr to 1690 AM WVON or online @ http://www.wvon.com/.

Not only is Brazil a faboulous destination for fun, nightlife, Corcovado and the famous beaches, Brazil is a significant link in the African - Americas Slave Trade. It therefore boasts a full and rich Afro-Brazilian History and Culture. We will feature Rio De Janeiro, Salvadore Bahia and Afro Brazilian Cultural Tours.

We are joined today by two special guests, Van Welton, a client of Advantage International and a regular traveler to Brazil and Dr. Stephanie Davenport of the DuSable Museum in Chicago.

Van's travel to Brazil goes beyond tourism. He supports the Bahia Street organization and their efforts to support and empower young black girls in Brazil. Dr. Davenport is also a regular traveler to Brazil and has adopted an Afro-Brazilian Family. www.bahiastreet.org. Bahia Street breaks cycles of poverty, inequality and violence by providing high quality educational opportunities for economically-impoverished young women and girls in Brazil. The program was developed by African-Brazilian residents of shantytowns in Salvador, Brazil to provide a solution to what they believe to be their most pressing problems.

Brazil, part of the South American Continent is the largest of the Latin American countries. Covering almost half (47.3 percent) of the continent of South America. It is the fifth largest country in the world after the Russian Federation, Canada, China, and the United States. On a map of the globe, it can be seen that the eastern bulge of Brazil conforms to the concave curve of the west coast of Africa. According to the theory of continental drift, this is no accident; Africa and South America once bordered each other, but drifted apart over millions of years. The Atlantic Ocean extends along the entire eastern side of the country, giving it a coastline of 4,578 miles.

Current population is over 169 million. The Brazilian population is predominately young. The population is concentrated along the Atlantic coastal areas of the southeastern and northeastern states.

There are three basic racial sources for the Brazilian people. To the original inhabitants (Indians) were added successive waves of Europeans (mainly Portuguese) and Africans (mostly from the sub-Saharan west coast). Starting in the middle of the 16th century, Africans belonging to the Bantu and to the Sudanic ethnic groups (a large proportion of the Sudanic group came from the Yoruba nation from what is today Nigeria and Benin) were brought to Brazil to work as slaves in the sugarcane, and later, in the gold and diamond mines and the coffee plantations.

Portuguese is the official language of Brasil. Except for the languages spoken by Indian tribes living in remote reservations, Portuguese is the only language of daily life. There are no regional dialects. Brazil is the only Portuguese-speaking country in South America

The coastal areas of Rio de Janeiro, Recife, and Salvador have warm climates balanced by the consistency of the Trade Winds. temperatures range from 73°F to 81°F

For general tourism and more information on packages to Brazil contact Advantage International @ 1-877-238-6843 or 312-266-8687

February 10, 2008

Hello Fellow World Travelers,

We are continuing our tribute to Black History Month on The Talk of Chicago 1690 WVON and this Sunday, February 10, 2008 we have a wonderful show planned.

In our first segment we have Carol Shull, Cheif Heritage Education Services, National Park Services on Underground Railroad Sites and Black History Tours in the US. For more information on the National Park Services Heritage Education Services visit their web site www.nps.gov/history/nr/travel.

In the second half of our show we are excited to have actress and author, Denise Nicholas as our special guest. (See Below)

Tune in to 1690 AM this Sunday 4-5pm or listen on line http://www.wvon.com/

Call in to participate in the conversation 773-591-1690 and receive a special gift (limited supplies)

A Message From Denise Nicholas
Dear Reader,Many readers have contacted me, fully aware of my acting career, but not aware of my writing career. After reading my first novel, Freshwater Road, they wanted to know the catalyst behind me writing a novel of this nature. I want to share my response with each of you.My time in the Deep South in the 1960's gave me a deep and resonant understanding of American history, the history that's barely taught in our schools. What began to disturb me most was that far too many people didn't really know what had happened. Slavery really did happen, the Civil War really was fought because of slavery and though the South lost that war, the south did not lose the peace. The civil rights movement haunted me for years, like a shadow always playing at the back edges of my mind. I could not forget the power of those days, the beauty of that moment in American history.The years since those grave days right through to the modern civil rights movement form a continuum. There is cause and effect. I find the struggle of any people for human and civil rights the most noble of struggles. Implicit is a dignity and force for right that is unmistakable. Freshwater Road is a tribute to that time and place, the political times, the social and the personal. Freshwater Road is also a homage to the beauty of the South.I encourage you to read Freshwater Road. Enjoy!Denise Nicholas
Freshwater Road is on sale now at Target, Kmart, Walmart and Meijer stores!

About the BookFreshwater Road is the story of a nineteen-year-old woman's role in the Civil Rights movement and her journey towards self-discovery.In the summer of 1964, University of Michigan sophomore Celeste Tyree leaves the comforts of her middle class life to travel to Mississippi and volunteer her efforts in Freedom Summer. She ends up helping voters register in the small town of Pineyville, a place best known for a notorious lynching that occurred only a few years earlier. As the long, hot summer unfolds, Celeste befriends several members of the community who watch her develop into a powerful, strong young woman.Yet there are those who are threatened by Celeste and fear the change she represents. Through her work, she finds inner strength as she helps lift the veil of oppression and learns, valuable lessons about race, social change, and violence. All the while, she struggles with loneliness, a worried father in Detroit, and her burgeoning feelings for Ed Jolivette, a young man also in Mississippi for the summer.Sensitively written and refreshingly honest, Denise Nicholas is a brave new voice in fiction. The Washington Post called Freshwater Road surely the best work of fiction about the Civil Rights movement since Earnest J. Gaine's The Autobiograhy Of Miss Jane Pitman.

Denise Nicholas is an award-winning actress and writer who have appeared in numerous films and television shows--including Room 222 (for which she earned two Golden Globe nominations) and In the Heat of the Night, for which she wrote six episodes. She received two Emmy Awards for the PBS special Voices of Our People: In Celebration of African American Poetry as well as four NAACP Image awards for her work over the years. Freshwater Road is her first novel.

Denise Nicholas signs her novel in Chicago at Walmart at 95th & Western on Monday,
Feb. 11 at 6:30 p.m. and will be at Kmart in Homewood
(175th & Halsted) onTuesday, Feb. 12 at 6:30 p.m.

February 3, 2008

February is Black History Month and each week we will feature Black History Tours and destinations in the United States and abroad.

We will kick off February with West Africa featuring Senegal and Ghana. Moustafa Diop, owner and operator of Phisco in Senegal will call in and speak with us. We will also have a special guest from Ghana.

We will always cover Travel News and offer travel tips and how to navigate travel.

Tune in to WVON 1690 AM, The Talk of Chicago or tune in on line @ www.wvon.com 4-5pm central time every Sunday.

January 20, 2008 Show

Bonnie & Ja'Vonne will broadcast live from Charleston, South Carolina during the Bonnies Eye on Black History Tour presented by The 50 Million Pound Challenge sponsored by State Farm.

Tune in and join us as we take our journey through Charleston and our history. We will also cover our weekly Travel News, Ja'Vonne's Travel Minute, and The question of day.

We will talk to some of our tour guides, Charming Inns representative, trip participants and our sponsor State Farm. Come journey with us!

We have a new name: The Traveling Eye with Bonnie DeShong & Ja'Vonne Harley

Tune in every Sunday 4pm - 5pm Central Time to WVON 1690 AM or on the web @ www.wvon.com

We'll see you next Sunday in Charleston!

January 13, 2008 Show

Thank you for listening to our show!

Our the first segment featured Singapore and an interview with Kershing Goh, Regional Director of Singapore Tourist Board for North America. Kershing was delightful and offered an abundance of information on Singapore. Highlights included, the Ethnic District, Botanical Gardens, the street food (yes, it's safe to eat), the Singapore River,the night life and the shopping, along with many other wonderful things to see and do in Singapore.

Our second segment featured Bali and a current group trip organized by Advantage International to Singapore and Bali March 26 - April 3, 2008. Bali is a tropical destination and boasts beautiful and exoctic Flora and Balinese traditions, like the Balinese Dance, Sarongs and Batiks. We also talked about the wonderful hotels where we will stay in Singapore & Bali: The Marina Mandarin in Singapore, which is located at Marina Bay and in the center of most activities and the Nusa Dua Beach Hotel an Spa in Bali. The Nusa Dua Beach is one of the best swimming beaches in Bali and the hotel is a beautiful property with traditional design and a fabulous spa. For more information on the Singapore & Bali trip go to http://www.advantage-intl.com/Sing_Bali_Cover.htm or call 312-266-8687.

Our the final segments included an open discussion on a upcoming project in Haiti called Memory Village, which would be a living museum on slavery. The village would allow visitors to be a slave for a day (12 hour period). The 12 hour day would take you through a process of be kidnapped and/or captured, boarded on a slave ship, sold on an auction block and would end with rebellion that lead to the 1804 independence of Haiti from slavery. We posed the question "What do you think of this type of attraction" Many were offended and disagreed with the concept.