Page 10 - AAA Schuylkill County – AAA Now! – Spring 2019

TRAVEL
PRE-SUMMER TRAVEL SALE • MARCH 9-23
COLORFUL CURACAO BRIGHTENS THE CARIBBEAN ISLAND ALLURE
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The Southern Caribbean island of Curacao, which lies tucked below the Hurricane Belt, lures visitors with the promise of an even-tempered climate. Without the threat of hurricanes, travelers aren’t confined to visiting during only certain months of the year. Here the climate is dry and arid – even cactus-strewn in some areas.
Brightly colored buildings with white trim flank the streets of Curacao. The island adopted the Dutch colonial buildings of Amsterdam but added verandas, porches and shutters – to withstand
the hotter climate – and introduced a bright, bold palette unheard of in the mother country. Tropical fruit-inspired shades like papaya yellow and guava pink are common, especially in downtown Willemstad, Curacao’s capital.
Willemstad’s duality of old-world charm and duty-free shopping is a tourist draw. The port town preserves some 765 buildings as national monuments, which earned it UNESCO recognition in 1997 as a World Heritage Site. In the Punda District both the Governor’s Palace and Fort Amsterdam have been well preserved. The Dutch
built the fort to protect their settlement; today it serves as the seat of government. Some of these national monuments house shops, so a visit to Punda will satisfy an architectural curiosity as
well as an urge to browse tax-free items. Shoppers can find authentic Cuban cigars, fine oriental linens and designer clothing as well as the original Curacao liqueur made from the skins of the bitter indigenous Laraha orange.
Curacao is full of holidays and colorful festivals. Queen’s Day is a national holiday famous particularly for the free market. On this day,
anyone is allowed to sell their goods outside in specific areas without needing a permit. Families lay out blankets and set up tables to display their wares. “Vrijmarkt” also includes games, activities and performances to liven up the event. Curacao Carnival is considered the island’s party of the year. The festival begins in early January and ends the day before Ash Wednesday, bringing together more than 40 ethnic groups. Each year for the Grand Parade, tourists are invited to join the marching groups or to watch from a special
tourist booth. About 30 groups, each with an elaborate costume theme, wend the narrow streets leading into Willemstad, filling the corridor with energetic dance.
The amazing sights, culture and weather of Curacao is the trifecta that makes it a one-of-a-kind Caribbean destination.
KIDS STAY FREE!
3 NIGHTS OF UNLIMITED-FUN® FROM $459
Memories created at Sunscape Curaçao Resort, Spa & Casino last a lifetime. Grab some snorkel gear and step right from the beach into the crystal-clear Caribbean waters that a host of marine life call home. Show off your skills on a stand-up paddle board or catch a boat right from the pier for an unforgettable dive adventure. Shopping and sightseeing more your speed? Take their complimentary shuttle into downtown Willemstad for the opportunity to sightsee one of the most unique islands in the Caribbean!
CALL (570) 622-4991, CLICK AAA.com or VISIT AAA Schuylkill County
340 South Centre St., Pottsville, PA 17901
Tours operated by Travel Impressions. Rate is land only, per person and based on double occupancy. Rate based on 9/16/19 departure and vary by departure date. 2 Kids 12 & under stay free when sharing a room with 2 paying adults. Blackout, weekend, holiday and peak season surcharges apply. Rates and promotions are accurate at time of printing and are subject to changes, exceptions, cancellation charges and restrictions. All advertised savings are reflected in rates. Rates are subject to change based on currency fluctuations. Not responsible for errors or omissions in the printing of this ad. Additional higher priced packages available. Valid for new bookings only. Travel Impressions materials (including, but not limited to, names, trademark, service marks, logos, marketing materials, etc.) shall not be used, reproduced, transmitted or distributed in any way, except with the express written consent of Travel Impressions. CST #2029006-20, IOWA #758, Washington UBI #602 425 801. AG25275-18_SH_12.31.18.
Summer sunshine in the
CARIBBEAN
Hilton Curacao.....FROM $4191
Island View Room.
Vacation includes: 5 nights’ accommodation, FREE Wi-Fi PLUS Kids 18 & younger stay FREE.
AAA Member Benefit: Members receive $50 off per booking on vacations to Curaçao. This discount is taken at the time of booking.2
CALL (570) 622-4991, CLICK AAA.com
or VISIT AAA Schuylkill County 340 South Centre St., Pottsville, PA 17901
1Rate is per person, based on double occupancy, for check-in on 8/23/19, Island View Room.
2AAA Member Benefit: Discount does not apply to air/car only bookings. Discount is per booking, taken at time of booking and not reflected in rate shown.
Unless otherwise indicated: rates quoted are accurate at time of publication, & are per person, based on double occupancy. Airfare, taxes, surcharges, gratuities, transfers & excursions are additional. Advertised rates do not include any applicable daily resort or facility fees payable directly to the hotel at check-out; such fee amounts will be advised at the time of booking. Rates, terms, conditions, availability, itinerary, government taxes, surcharges, deposit, payment, cancellation terms/conditions & policies subject to change without notice at any time. Cruise rates capacity controlled. Other restrictions may apply, including, but not limited to baggage limitations & fees, standby policies & fees, non-refundable tickets & change fees with pre-flight notification deadlines, & blackout dates. Fees & policies vary among airlines. Contact airline directly for any details or questions. Advance reservations through AAA Travel required to obtain Member Benefits & savings which may vary based on departure date. Not responsible for errors or omissions. Pleasant Holidays acts only as an agent for cruise & tour providers listed. CST# 1007939-10. Copyright©2019 Pleasant Holidays, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
10
SPRING 2019
Now!