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 SPRING
TRAVEL NOTES
This Spring we are celebrating our 36th
year in the travel business and we thank you for making that
possible! In these fast changing time, we treasure the clients
and suppliers who have worked with us for many years. While we
attend seminars and training sessions, it is the feedback and
information we get from clients and suppliers that fills in the
"gray areas" and makes us more knowledgeable. When we say we
want to hear about your trip, we truly mean it! Give us a call
and let's start work on your next travel adventure. And...thanks
again.
TRAVELER UPDATES
As the airlines struggle along, it is
more important than ever to firm up your travel plans early.
There are times when seat availability is a real concern. The
summer season is close. And we are close by!
Since it's in the news daily, let's add a
word about avian flu from the perspective of travel. We suggest
you talk to us about future travel plans so we can discuss any
safety issues involved. Call if you would like a copy of a good
Condé Nast Traveler article on this subject.
For nonsmokers, stay at a Westin Hotel,
the first U.S. smoke-free major hotel chain. All 2,400 hotels in
the chain will be deep-cleaned and get new air filters as the
change goes into effect.
We hope Midwest Airlines' new pet
policies spread to other carriers. Midwest allows passengers to
bring two small dogs into the cabin and has a pressurized and
temperature controlled compartment for larger dogs in its cargo
area. (We assume the line doesn't discriminate against cats.)
And more! The pets can earn a free flight for every three
roundtrip flights.
 CRUISE
CORNER
A cruise continues to be one of the very
best vacation values available. How popular? Well...
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Over 50% of the 2006 total
cruise capacity is already sold out. Europe and Alaska space
is very tight; flexibility with a sailing (and air) date
will be important.
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Cunard's Queen Victoria is
already sold out for her December 2007 maiden voyage. Space
is available on her second voyage (Christmas 2007 in the
Canary Islands).
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A "city at sea" will be the
2009 ship built by Royal Caribbean, holding 3,634 guests (or
if the berths are utilized, more than 6,000 passengers).
Your "city" then stops at other cities!
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Going smaller, Princess
Cruises is adding a 680-passenger ship (the Royal Princess)
to her line in 2007 with European, Holy Land and Black Sea
itineraries.
We know it's important to match the
cruiser to the right cruise line. With so many choices, let's
discuss the best options for your voyage.
If a mega-yacht sailing experience
intrigues you, call about special discount rates on the Nov. 12
7-night Caribbean sailing of the Royal Clipper. Roundtrip from
Barbados, visit St. Lucia, Dominica, Antigua, St. Kitts, Iles
des Saintes and Martinique. Cruise from $1,345 pp/do with $595
(pp) add-on roundtrip air from Portland. (Ask also about the
sailing ship experience in the Mediterranean with pre- and/or
post-cruise tours.)
THE CHINESE EXPERIENCE
With the advent of the Olympics in China,
travel interest about this destination increases as do the
number of intriguing itineraries. Our agency works with a select
group of outstanding suppliers who offer both land and cruise
tours. Our giant Pacific Rim neighbor is indeed open for the
leisure traveler. Please call for informative brochures.
 OUR
CANADIAN COUSINS
For years, clients have enjoyed the
Victoria Clipper vacation packages to Victoria and Vancouver.
This supplier also offers golf and spa packages, fishing and
nature adventures, and all-inclusive trips such as Gardens and
Casinos in Victoria, Maifest in Leavenworth, and select festival
day trips throughout the year. We'll be happy to send you a
descriptive brochures. Also, please remember that we can mail
you the current ferry schedules if you are on a self-drive
heading north.
 THE
ALL ASIA PASS
For one incredible price of $1,299 did
you know you could see Hong Kong and up to 17 other fascinating
destinations (such as Bangkok, Bali, Singapore) over a 21-day
period? Cathay Pacific's pass also allows for optional add-ons
to Australia, India and Vietnam. Call for details on this. There
are some restrictions, fees and taxes applicable to this special
promotion.
LET'S TALK TRAINS
There's Amtrak, of course, but were you
aware of the specialty rail tours? American Orient Express for
example, offers deluxe "cruises on land" to Mexico's Copper
Canyon, our own Antebellum South, and a range of Western
journeys including national parks, the Rockies and Sierras and
the great Southwest. Summer-only rail lines in the West and
Canada make for unique family holidays (we think Amtrak to
Seattle for a short break is great fun, by the way). Do call for
information on new and adventurous ways to see majestic land by
rail. Big windows! Lots of leg space! Get up and walk!
 EUROPE
ESSENTIALS
Some clients prefer to tour with a group;
some want to go solo or do a combination. We know the suppliers
and destinations. Tap our "been there" expertise to get the most
out of your trip, working within your travel budget.
MORE
SPECIALS, CLICK ON
RIVERSIDE BROCHURE
As members of Riverside, we're pleased to
offer their travel opportunities for your review. Call us directly
about any of these items.
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