Travel Memory and No Croatia, for Me!

A Facebook memory popped up this morning. At this time two years ago, I was enjoying a wonderful expedition voyage with Hurtigruten. This week I was supposed to be in Croatia, but thanks to covid, I'm NOT. I miss traveling and hope it can resume soon. There's so much to see and experience in this beautiful world of ours.

When You Decide to Travel Again...Please use a live person. Do NOT click a “book” button on a website, ever again

I cannot take credit for writing this, but it is a great message to share. For all my industry colleagues...you are warriors. Until we are traveling again

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Travel and Tourism account for 330 million jobs - that’s 1 out of every 10 jobs around the world that are affected by tourism.

The travel industry has been dealing with the coronavirus since January... an additional 2 full months before it really impacted anyone’s lives here. And I️ know it will be the last industry to start up again since there is now so much fear installed in people’s minds of being on a plane, a cruise ship, a hotel, or even any crowded space.

We’ve stopped travel for production on movies currently being filmed around the world. Stopped travel for global concerts for our clients. Corporate travel for multi-million dollar accounts- all canceled. Sports entertainment travel, done. That’s all on top of the usual consumer leisure holiday vacations.

Travel agents only get paid when their clients travel. Many are not eligible for any sort of government loan, even with the small business funding that ran out (and will quickly run out again). Many haven’t had new trips booked now for months.

**I️ do beg you when you do decide to travel again - PLEASE use a travel agent. I️ don’t care who, or what company - were all on the same team. But please use a live person. Do NOT click a “book” button on a website, ever again.**

During Covid, travel plans have become a bit tough to navigate!

I understand that during this time of ever-changing information about coronavirus, your travel plans have become a bit tough to navigate. I am staying up-to-date with travel advisories, cancellation/postponement policies and procedures, and reviewing all the latest updates that relate directly to your travel plans. I know that the choice to postpone a vacation can be disheartening, but in that case, having something else to look forward to is certainly a great “Plan B.” I am here for you, for all your travel needs and concerns.

 

Cancelations, Changes, & Rebooking for the Future

This past week saw many dominos fall thanks to the voluntary suspension of travel by so many vendors, and all but two of my business' departures over the next four weeks have been canceled. The week ahead is already full of rebooking for future dates as 95% of my guests have chosen to still go, just at a later date. Travel and tourism, and all those of us in the industry absolutely need you in the months ahead! Don't stop traveling after this covid mess ends.

#travel #tourism #changethedate #wewillgetbeyondcovid #seetheworld #takethetrip

NOW More Than Ever, Your local Travel Agent Needs Your Business

To All My Friends, you know I work in the Travel Industry. You’ve seen so many posts about my travel experiences and the importance of booking with a travel agent. NOW more than ever, your local agent needs your business.

Did you know that in 2019, the US travel industry accounted for $2.5 trillion in economic activity, and supported 15.7 million American jobs? Plus it drives economies around the globe when Americans travel. Dire consequences come when the travel stops.

These past few weeks have been horrific for the travel industry, and last night we were dealt a bigger blow with new travel bans & restrictions. I so appreciate all of my friends, clients, and family member’s calls and acts of support. Please, continue to support your local travel professionals including locally owned hotels, tour companies, restauranteurs, taxi companies, and travel agents as travel rebounds, which will, but certainly faster with your help. When you book locally (vs with Expedia, Costco, Orbitz, VRBO, etc), you’re truly helping ensure their family’s viability, and that’s huge right now, particularly as many of us watch our earned commissions vanish (a GIANT thanks goes out to the suppliers who are going above and beyond right now, including guaranteeing commissions). We don't get paid until our guests travel...so when you cancel, all the work we've done leading up to your trip is for naught and no payday comes. Verbally thanking us might seem like a nice thing to do, but verbal thank you's don't pay our bills. These are dark times for us all, and I’m personally feeling the pressure. (To my clients, I appreciate everyone’s patience, as I know there have been long hold times, and I’m doing my best to get to everyone.)

Please don’t stop traveling after we’re all able to once again! We need to see life around the globe to better appreciate our own place in this giant world of ours, and better relate to the other inhabitants. Like so many other crises before, this too WILL pass, but the economic impact will be devastating for so many across this land and around the world if people don't start traveling once again.

Turn to your local travel professionals for assistance when you're ready to travel again. I understand you think you know what you’re doing, you found a better rate, it’s easier online, etc., etc., I’ve heard it all. Travel agents need your support. They not only need your business now, but they want it. So please do think about your local travel agent when you’re asking your Facebook friends to support small and local businesses. Expedia, Costco, Orbitz, VRBO, etc, will do just fine. But your small, local travel agency - well, they need your support. So when you post “support small business”, please do just that. I treat every trip as if it were for my own family, and care about your travel plans. The big boxes and online sites treat you merely like any other transaction - you're just a number to them. With the recent events we are all facing right now, those big box stores & online sites (i.e. Expedia, Orbitz, Costco, et al) - well they won't be there to help you through this rough patch. I am here, 24/7 if need be, to help you work through cancellations, rebookings, etc.

If you are booked for something in the next few weeks - I'm closely monitoring and working on your travel plans to re-accommodate, change, or transfer to another time as works best for you. But if you are booked for something later this summer or fall and are considering canceling - PLEASE - hold off, have some patience, and let's get through this rough patch together. This too will pass. The worst may be coming shortly, but with so many measures being put in place to slow the spread, it will not last for long. Don't throw in the towel out of fear. Be strong, and let us get beyond it and then make a measured decision at a more appropriate time.

#TravelisGood #StoptheHype #TravelAgentsNeedYou #FactsNotFear #MeasuredPatience #ThisTooWillPass

Iditarod 48

Iditarod48 has kicked off with the ceremonial opening! The 50th running is in two years... Who'd like to experience it? I'd love to come back!

Suggested Itinerary: HOLY LAND

Anyone interested in joining me on a faith-based adventure to the Holy Land starting December 1, 2020?

Day 1 - Depart USA Your pilgrimage begins as you depart the USA on an overnight flight.

Day 2- You will be welcomed at the Tel Aviv airport by our representative and transferred to your Bethlehem hotel to enjoy dinner before retiring for the night.

Day 3 - Begin your touring in the Holy Land by visiting the Herodion, the fortified palace, and the final resting place of Herod the Great. In Bethlehem, gaze out over Shepherds’ Field and visit the Church of the Nativity, where the cave revered as Jesus’ birthplace resides in the world’s oldest functioning church (Luke 2). Overnight in Bethlehem.

Day 4 - Visit the Jordan River Baptismal site of Qasr el Yahud, the traditional site of the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist. Those who wish may be baptized. Stop in Jericho, the oldest known inhabited city in the world. Visit the ruins of the ancient city, which was conquered by Joshua (Josh. 6: 1,2,20), and see parts of the ancient city walls that have been uncovered. From Jericho, you can see the traditional site of the Temptation of Jesus (Matt.4: 1-11) and the Judean wilderness. Visit Qumran, the site of the Dead Sea Scroll discovery, to discuss the mysterious community of Essenes who once lived on the shores of the Dead Sea. Stop briefly at the Shores of the Dead Sea for a quick dip in the salt and mineral-laden waters. Overnight in Bethlehem.

Day 5 - Explore the Church of the Fish and the Loaves at Tabgha, the traditional site of the feeding of the 5,000 (Luke 9:10-17). On the Mount of Beatitudes, contemplate the “Sermon on the Mount” (Matt. 5-7). Visit Capernaum, the center of Jesus’ ministry in Galilee, and visit the synagogue built on the site where Jesus taught (Matt. 4:13, 23). Cross the waters of the Sea of Galilee on a very special boat ride, complete with an onboard worship service. In Magdala, once home to Mary Magdalene, visit a recently discovered first-century synagogue. Overnight in Jerusalem.

Day 6 - Visit Mt. Zion and stand in the Upper Room (John 13), near the traditional site of the Last Supper (Mark 14). You'll walk through some of the ancient rooms of Caiaphas the High Priest’s house beneath the Church of St. Peter in Gallicantu. Here Jesus was held overnight before His crucifixion (Luke 22). Visit the Temple Mount, once the site of the Temple of Solomon. Take time to pray at the Western Wall. Sit on the Teaching Steps where Jesus once taught. Overnight in Jerusalem.

Day 7 - Stand atop the Mount of Olives as Jesus did and enjoy a remarkable view of the “Golden City” of Jerusalem. Forty days after His resurrection, Jesus ascended into heaven from the Mount of Olives (Acts 1: 9-12). Pray in the Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26) among olive trees in the Kidron Valley across from the walls of Jerusalem. View the Pool of Bethesda where Jesus performed the Sabbath miracle (John 5: 1-31). Sing a hymn in the Church of St. Anne, known for its amazing acoustics. Visit Herod’s Antonia Fortress where Jesus was brought before Pontius Pilate (Luke 23: 1-11). Walk the Via Dolorosa, “the Way of the Cross,” and stand in reverence at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Your final destination allows time for reflection at the Garden Tomb. Enjoy dinner tonight before transferring to the airport for your return flight.

Day 8 - Arrive home with a new understanding of the Bible, the land, and the life of Jesus!

What’s Included?

> All-Inclusive Pricing

> First Class Hotels

> Breakfast and Dinner Daily

> Deluxe A/C Motor Coaches

> Fuel Surcharges and Gov't Taxes

> Entrance and Program Fees

> International Airfare from NY (getting to NYC is additional)

> Guided Sightseeing with Top Guides

Corroboree 2019 - Welcome to Perth

So what exactly is this conference that brought me to Australia you ask, and why Perth?

The conference itself is called Corroboree West 2019 and is designed to provide continuing education and familiarization to travel professionals from assorted Western nations. It takes place every two years and is put on by the country's tourism authority, Tourism Australia, in an effort to help non-Aussies better know and understand what they are recommending to their clients. The reality is that you can't Google experience, and who better to invite to the country than the people working hard to sell the country to tourists? Here's a little bit about the conference itself.

"CW19 is a combined training workshop and familiarization event held exclusively for Aussie Specialist advisors from our Western markets. Here, Aussie Specialists will meet with around 100 Australian tourism operators during the workshop and networking events, followed by a six-day/five-night famil in a different part of Australia." 

And then here's a little bit about "why Perth". 

"Perth is the ideal location to host Corroboree West 2019 as it is regularly ranked in the top 10 most liveable, friendly and attractive cities in the world. The sun shines for an average of nine hours per day and finding ways to enjoy them is easy, with a huge variety of things to do. New attractions, accommodation, restaurant and food & wine offerings, cultural and entertainment precincts are continuing to change the face of Perth."

 

The conference is divided up into a combination of seminars, one-to-one networking opportunities with tourism suppliers and operators, and getting out to explore and see the city. Each day of the three-day conference will feature a little of all three of those things, as each smaller sub-group, named for native land or marine animals found only in Australia (my group is the DINGO group), will gather and do some local exploring of assorted sights in and around the greater Perth area. And then at the end of the actual conference, we'll head out for our familiarization throughout the Northern Territory and the Outback. 

On the first day of CW19, the Dingos enjoyed a tour of King's Park & Botanical Gardens, one of the largest inner-city parks in the world at over 400 hectares filled with towering trees, lakes, views of the city, WWI and WWII memorials, and the gardens feature 3,000 of Australia's 12,000 plant species.

After Kings Park, we ventured into the heart of the city to try our hand at a Segway tour, but first a little practice is required!

 

 

Following our quick training and practice, we set out to explore the city! Our Segway adventure around Perth this morning was such a kick!

 

 

 

Welcome to Australia!

Wow. Getting to Australia was both the longest individual flight, along with the longest connecting flights I've experienced yet.  16+ hours gate to gate trans-Pacific flight time from Los Angeles to Melbourne on the east coast followed 90 minutes of connecting time later by a five-hour cross-continent flight to Perth on the west coast. 21 hours in the air.  We left on Saturday night from LA, crossed the international dateline somewhere past Hawaii, and landed on Monday morning around sunrise in Melbourne, only to then fly into the early afternoon to Perth. The flights were comfortable and enjoyable for how long they were, but a bit exhausting as well.  This afternoon our smaller group (we assembled at LAX) is meeting up with the larger group attending this conference and heading over to check in to our hotel.  Then we've been the afternoon and evening off to explore and/or relax and refresh as we see fit until the conference actually begins tomorrow morning.  With so little free time, I'm not going to just hang out at the pool or bar like some of my groupmates are...I'm off to do some exploring! 

 

 

 

 

 

My visit to Rottnest Island wasn't as long as I may have wanted due to our arrival in Perth and ferry schedules, but it was worth it to visit! It's a great day-destination when visiting Western Australia, and Perth. There's so much to do to stay active or relax, from tons of water activities, tours, hiking, biking, birding, and more! Plus it's home to the world's friendliest mammal, the Quokka.

After Rottnest, I went to Cottlesloe Beach and joined many dozens of locals gathered to simply enjoy the sunset. Picnics and lawn chairs and blankets were spread out everywhere on the surrounding hills, as families and small children played in the water or on the sand building sandcastles. It was a great first-day introduction to this beautiful side of the country!

 

 

In the Year Ahead, What New Places Will You Discover?

I've got some exciting experiences on the calendar for 2017 - new places that I've not been to yet, and can't wait to share them with you when they happen. What new places will you go and discover in the new year?

Magical Mondays - Making it Easier

Did you know that not only can I help you with your cruise plans, your Disney vacations, and other exciting destinations - but thanks to the strong travel network resources provided through Cruise Planners, I can also provide Air, Car, Hotel & Vacation Home Rentals?   Sure enough!  Take a look at my website, and you’ll see how.  

This convenient booking tool offers you state of the art technology to research and book your Air, Car, Hotel, and Vacation Home Rentals, and will make your travel planning, with or without a cruise, much easier, and if you require additional service or help with the reservations, I’m just a phone call away.

This technology includes over 100,000 hotels worldwide, many of which offer specially negotiated rates.  Plus this will include Trip Advisor, the most popular and largest travel community in the world, with more than 32 million unique monthly visitors.  I encourage you to take a look at this powerful tool to book all your traveling needs.

Available 24 hours a day 7 days a week, this one-stop shopping feature offers all the services other travel websites offer without the hassle of searching through them all.  This new tool includes special rates plus an easy-to-navigate format, making searching for multiple reservation deals effortless.

So, call me to book your next vacation, and be sure to visit my website for additional travel reservations beyond your cruises, Disney, Universal, or other exciting vacations.  Or, feel free to use this new technology for your non-cruise travel needs.  Your complete vacation is just a few easy clicks away.