Posted by David Porter on April 26, 2016 · Leave a Comment
At the end of March, the U.S. State Department issued a travel warning for folks considering travel to Turkey.
And just today, the U.S. Embassy in Ankara informs U.S. citizens that the U.S. Government continues to receive credible indications that terrorist groups are seeking opportunities to attack popular tourist destinations throughout Turkey. In addition, a new Reuters story recaps some of the terrorist incidents in Turkey this year
Further, we continue to see alerts and warning coming through our travel channels regarding travel to Turkey. In fact, just yesterday we learned of a Viking Ocean Cruise that changed its final disembarkation port from Istanbul to Athens.
While we’re sad to say it, we’re recommending that our clients and readers avoid Turkey while all of this unrest is occurring. While there have been widely publicized isolated problems in other parts of Europe, Turkey remains the one problem area where the danger is persistent.
Having said all of that, we don’t feel that this particular warning in Turkey should make you overly concerned about travel to other places in Europe. Turkey is the only country popular to European travelers that currently holds a travel warning from the U.S. State Department.
If you enjoyed this article, sign up for our monthly newsletter to keep abreast of our best travel tips, on-location reviews, exclusive travel offers, group travel events, and much more.
Posted by David Porter on April 20, 2016 · Leave a Comment
Where to travel next in 2016, and why.
When helping our clients and readers decide where to travel next, we find it interesting and informative to take a peek at where folks are actually booking their vacations right now.
As a member of the Virutoso® Travel Network, we’re privy to this information from the actual bookings made across the network as the information is released to us each quarter.
For the first quarter of our own travel agency, we’re seeing significant bookings in two areas: European river cruises, and land journeys in Italy. And, as it turns out, we’re not alone.
Here’s Virtuoso’s recent press release on this subject…
Virtuoso® Unveils This Summer’s Hottest Destinations
NEW YORK, April 19, 2016 /PRNewswire/ — International luxury travel network Virtuoso®, recognized as an influential trend forecaster in the industry, has mined its data warehouse of more than $35 billion in transactions to reveal the top destinations for the upcoming 2016 summer travel season. Upscale jetsetters are largely seeking perennial European favorites for summer vacations, alongside select African locales. However, a few surprises emerged when Virtuoso compared this year’s summer hot spots to last year’s “must-see” destinations.
The Virtuoso Top 10:
- Italy
- United Kingdom
- France
- Spain
- Netherlands
- Ireland
- Germany
- South Africa
- Greece
- Israel
Note: click the links above to learn more about each of these destinations.
The Top 10 analysis: While Europe continues to dominate the list of favored destinations with eight of the 10 countries, the network’s sales to the continent are flat when compared to summer 2015. In particular, France, led by Paris, has rebounded nicely and remains strong. Overall, European countries offering great value to travelers are seeing spikes. Bookings to the Netherlands are up 38 percent this summer over last, with Virtuoso’s partner hotels showing average daily rates (ADR) 44 percent lower than the European average of $793 per night. Ireland’s ADR is 31 percent lower than the European average, leading it to see a 58 percent jump in bookings. Travelers visiting Ireland are flocking to Dublin and Galway in particular, along with county Laois in the center of the country.
The Virtuoso Hot 10:
The countries that have seen the largest percentage of growth in year-over-year bookings.
Tanzania (+98%)- Portugal (+88%)
- Ireland (+58%)
- Brazil (+53%)
- Mexico (+48%)
- Russia (+44%)
- Netherlands (+38%)
- Jamaica (+28%)
- Sweden (+23%)
- Poland (+18%)
Note: click the links above to learn more about each of these destinations.
The Hot 10 analysis: Africa is hot, with 15 percent growth in travel to the continent over last year. Tanzania is experiencing a huge increase in bookings, as travelers seek out its incredible scenery and diversity of wildlife. South Africa is also up from 2015’s summer bookings; together the two countries represent 80 percent of Virtuoso’s travel to Africa. Portugal is also up significantly, with travel to the Azores of particular interest. Its hotel ADR is also favorable for travelers at 58 percent lower than the European average. Of the European countries, it’s exhibiting the strongest growth year over year, although Ireland, Russia, the Netherlands, Sweden and Poland also rate slots on the Hot 10. Brazil is seeing a big boost due to the Summer Olympics, being held August 5-21. Mexico and Jamaica, more typical winter travel destinations, are benefiting from inexpensive direct flights from the United States (U.S.) as well as reasonable hotel rates.
Data is sourced from Virtuoso’s United States and Canadian-based travel agency members and reflects future travel for June, July and August 2016. The Top and Hot 10 lists represent international travel only, so neither the U.S. nor Canada is mentioned on them. The findings were announced during the group’s annual Symposium taking place in Cape Town this week.
About Virtuoso
Virtuoso® is the leading international travel agency network specializing in luxury and experiential travel. This by-invitation-only organization comprises over 380 agency members with more than 11,400 elite travel advisors in over 30 countries throughout North America, Latin America, the Caribbean, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Africa and the Middle East. Drawing upon its preferred relationships with 1,700 of the world’s best hotels and resorts, cruise lines, airlines, tour companies and premier destinations, the network provides its upscale clientele with exclusive amenities, rare experiences and privileged access. More than (U.S.) $15.5 billion in annual travel sales makes Virtuoso a powerhouse in the luxury travel industry. For more information, visit virtuoso.com.
If you enjoyed this article, sign up for our monthly newsletter to keep abreast of our best travel tips, on-location reviews, exclusive travel offers, group travel events, and much more.
Category: Blog, Travel News & Tips · Tags: Baby Boomer Travel, Brazil, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Luxury Travel, Mexico, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Russia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Tanzania, Travel News, United Kingdom
Posted by David Porter on April 16, 2016 · 5 Comments
Three 8 and 10-day last-minute flash sale offerings from Viking River Cruises with up to FREE Air!
Every great once in a while, Viking River Cruises offers last-minute flash sale offers to fill up the remaining staterooms that might be available in its most up-coming sailings.
This is one of those times!
First of all, to learn about a 15-day flash sale offering that we recently announced, click here.
Before we get started, there are a few things you need to know:
- These offers are not available to the general public and will not be found on the Viking River Cruises website. We bring our clients and readers access to these offers because of our relationship with Viking. We do a lot of business with Viking, and they only make these offers available to their best travel partners.
- These offers are very limited in supply. Viking is filling up the remaining staterooms on these sailings, and when they’re gone, they’re gone. So, if you’re interested, don’t delay.
- Because these are very special and limited offers, Viking will require full payment at booking.
- If you’re a past customer of Viking, and thus a member of their Viking Explorer Society, you’ll get an extra $800/couple off of these already remarkable offers.
- And, if you book with us within the next two-weeks on any Viking sailing, we have an extra $200 on-board credit from us to you!
- The up to FREE AIR offer means round-trip air from the east coast of the United States is free. If you live in the middle of the U.S., or the west coast, the air will be slightly higher. We just booked one couple and their round-trip air from San Francisco was only $200/person.
- All of the prices below are per person prices based on double occupancy.
- Lastly, these last-minute offers are for new bookings only.
OK. Let’s us share with you these remarkable last-minute 8-day last-minute sailing offers from Viking River Cruises….
Danube Waltz – 8-Days, Danube River, Passau to Budapest
Bavaria to Budapest – 10-Days, Danube, Nuremberg to Budapest
Unfortunately, the link Viking sent me on this is bad. So, at the moment, I don’t have the graphics with the pricing/dates to share with you. I should have them soon. BUT, this 10-day cruise starts at $2,999/person. Plus, additional savings for past Viking customers. And, our $200 on-board credit. When I get the pricing graphics on this, I’ll swing back around and post them. Sorry. 🙁
Elegant Elbe – 10-Day, Elbe River, Berlin to Prague
Again, all of these prices include “up to” FREE AIR.
Listen folks, these are remarkable offers. To be frank, there’s no way in creation you could have a 4-star+ European, all-inclusive vacation, including air at these prices.
$5,000 for two people, with air, sailing the Danube is a crazy good offer! Plus, if you’re a past Viking customer, you can take another $800 off of that price!
What to do
If you’re interested, and want to check on availability, call our office at (480) 550-1235. Sorry, we can’t handle email requests on this one. These rooms move too fast.
We’ll get an idea of what dates work for you and then check with our back channels at Viking to check on availability. Please know that at these prices, these staterooms will get scooped up quickly. Therefore, don’t delay!
Lastly, To keep abreast of other exciting last-minute offers, be sure to join our email list by clicking below!
If you enjoyed this article, sign up for our monthly newsletter to keep abreast of our best travel tips, on-location reviews, exclusive travel offers, group travel events, and much more.
Posted by David Porter on April 13, 2016 · 3 Comments
15 Days from $267 per day (Cat C-F) including up to Free All-Inclusive Air
Imagine 15 magical days along the Rhine, Main and Danube Rivers. From Holland’s windmill-studded tulip fields to Germany’s fairytale castles, from the engineering marvel of the Main–Danube Canal to the picturesque vineyards of Austria’s Wachau Valley, this epic voyage presents the highlights of Holland, Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary. Savor a decadent Sachertorte in a Viennese café and panoramic views of imperial Budapest and along the way, discover the legend of the Lorelei, the ancient art of glassblowing, the music of Mozart and more. Guests who choose this voyage soon see why it is Viking’s most popular itinerary.
Is 15 days too long for you? To see recently announced 8-day last-minute Viking offers, click here.
—————————————–
From time to time, we’ll see exciting last-minute offers from Viking River Cruises as they seek to fill up a few remaining spaces in their European river cruise inventories. And this is one of those times!
NOTE: these Flash Sale fares are not available on Viking’s website. You must call our office for details and availability!
Before we get started, you should know that the remaining staterooms are limited, and when they’re gone, they’re gone. You should also know that these offers are for new bookings only as of April 13, 2016.
OK, let’s take a peek at what is included in this exciting Flash Sale:
As you can see, this is a “best available” stateroom sale (those highlighted in yellow). All of these staterooms are significantly discounted and you can have the best available stateroom on a particular sailing date. Also, you’ll notice that the Veranda Staterooms are also heavily discounted.
To understand the different stateroom categories on a Viking River Cruises sailing, click here.
AND, Up to FREE AIR
To make this offer even more exciting, Viking River Cruises is offering up to FREE AIR depending on what part of the country you’ll be flying from.
What to do
If you’re interested, and want to check on availability, call our office at (480) 550-1235 MST during normal business hours.
We’ll get an idea of what dates work for you and then check with our back channels at Viking to check on availability. Please know that at these prices, these staterooms will get scooped up quickly. Therefore, don’t delay!
Here’s the fine print…
Cruise from $3,999 per person (Cat C-F) based on available June-August 2016 departures of Grand European Tour. Combinable with up to FREE air from Boston, Newark, New York, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Washington D.C. other cities available, call for details. Also combinable with Viking Explorer Society Travel Credits, Viking Referral Rewards, not combinable with Viking Air Plus or Frequent Flyer programs. Other restrictions may apply; ask for details. Pay in full at time of booking. Offer expires April 30, 2016. Offer applies to new bookings as of April 13, 2016 in US dollars for US residents only. Air prices are per person based on cruise/cruisetour check-in date, and include transfers plus all government taxes and fees of approximately $160 and air fuel surcharges. Air seats are limited; airfares are subject to change until full payment of air is received. Roundtrip airport transfers are included when air is purchased with a cruise or cruisetour package; if air is not purchased from Viking, transfers may be purchased separately. All transfers must be in conjunction with a Viking-purchased cruise, cruisetour, land extension or extra hotel nights. Additional airline-imposed baggage charges may apply; Additional airline-imposed baggage charges may apply; click here to learn more about airline baggage allowances and fees. No Viking Air Plus, Frequent Flyer programs, Premium Economy Class upgrades. Note: US flights depart one day prior to check-in date. Roundtrip airport transfers are included when air is purchased with a cruise or cruisetour package; if air is not purchased from Viking, transfers may be purchased separately. All transfers must be in conjunction with a Viking-purchased cruise, cruisetour, land extension or extra hotel nights. Air prices are per person based on cruise/cruisetour check-in date and include transfers plus all government taxes/fees of approximately $160 and air fuel surcharges. Air seats are limited; airfares are subject to change and are not guaranteed until full payment of air is received.
To keep abreast of other exciting last-minute offers, be sure to join our email list by clicking below!
If you enjoyed this article, sign up for our monthly newsletter to keep abreast of our best travel tips, on-location reviews, exclusive travel offers, group travel events, and much more.
Posted by David Porter on April 12, 2016 · Leave a Comment
We bring you complimentary VIP treatment in paradise, from one end of the earth to the other.
I hate to sound like a scratched CD, but if you’re considering a getaway to one of the world’s finest hotels or resorts, anywhere in the world, you really need to let us make your booking.
Why? Because not only will you get the best available rates, but we also have valuable complimentary VIP perks at the very best hotels and resorts in the world!
Here’s proof….
Recently, Forbes added 42 new hotels to its prestigious list of hotels and resorts around the world, and Roaming Boomers Travel Services holds elite status with every single one.
We bring you complimentary VIP perks at every single property recently added to the 2016 Forbes 5-Star List!
Check out the full breakdown, including the amazing VIP treatment you’ll get when you book with us at every one of the newest properties added to this prestigious list.
Four Seasons Preferred Partners: Free breakfast for two daily, up to $100 meal, spa or golf credit, upgrade at check-in, complimentary high-speed Internet, late check-in / early check-out
- Four Seasons Resort Whistler, Canada
- Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo, Costa Rica
- Four Seasons Hotel Hangzhou at West Lake, China
- Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris
- Four Seasons Hotel Firenze, Florence
- Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues, Geneva
The Ritz-Carlton STARS Society: Upgrade at check-in, 4:00 pm late check out, free breakfast for two daily, complimentary in-room amenity, free Internet
- The Ritz-Carlton Toronto
- The Ritz-Carlton, Cancun, Mexico
- Dorado Beach, Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Puerto Rico
- Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, The Pudong, China
Rosewood Elite: VIP Recognition by hotel staff, upgrade upon arrival, complimentary breakfast, dedicated on-property staff, top-of-waitlist Elite priority, Elite Price Assurance
- Las Ventanas Al Paraiso, A Rosewood Resort, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Belmond Bellini Club: $500 voucher for any $5,000 spent, complimentary upgrade at check-in, free internet access, special in-room welcome amenity, VIP status with Belmond staff
- Belmond Maroma Resort & Spa, Playa de Carmen, Mexico
Mandarin Oriental Fan Club: One category room upgrade at check-in, daily continental breakfast for two, complimentary high speed internet, $100 food and beverage or spa credit, personalized welcome gift
- Mandarin Oriental Guangzhou, China
- Mandarin Oriental Paris
- Mandarin Oriental Milan
Peninsula Pen Club: Flexible check-in / check-out, free daily breakfast for two, room upgrade upon arrival, free spa treatment extensions, free in-room wireless internet
- The Peninsula Tokyo
- The Peninsula Bangkok
- The Peninsula Paris
Dorchester Diamond Collection: Upgrade at booking, free daily full breakfast for two, $100 off final bill for room charges, free internet access, no walk policy in sold out situations
- Coworth Park, Ascot, England
- Le Meurice, Paris
- Hotel Plaza Athenee Paris
- Hotel Eden, Rome
Sir Rocco’s Knights: Free daily breakfast, $100 to spend on food & beverage, upgrades upon arrival, early check-in and late check-out, 15% off spa services
- Rocco Forte Hotel Savoy, Florence
- Hotel de Russie, Rome
Proud Member of Virtuoso: Instant VIP, with benefits including complimentary upgrades, free daily breakfast, up to $100 in resort credits and even personalized welcome gift
- Esperanza, An Auberge Resort, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
- Eau Palm Beach, Manalapan, Florida
- Montage Kapalua Bay, Lahaina, Hawaii
- The Langham Chicago
- Wequassett Resort and Golf Club, Harwich, Mass.
- Park Hyatt New York
- Montage Deer Valley, Park City, Utah
- MGM Macau, China
- Palace Hotel Tokyo
- Shangri-La Hotel Paris
- The Goring, London
- Le Bristol Paris
- Le Royal Monceau Raffles Paris
- La Reserve Paris
- Portrait Firenze, Florence
- Hassler Roma, Rome
- J.K. Place Roma, Rome
- Sandy Lane, Barbados
While this is just a snippet of the hundreds and hundreds of worldwide properties we hold elite status with (click here for the full Forbes list), the story remains the same: our preferred partners allow us the privilege of treating our clients to the highest level of VIP treatment and value you can find.
Give us a call and ask if your next luxury hotel or resort is on our list.
To book your next luxury hotel or resort stay, complete with our complimentary VIP perks, call us at (480) 550-1235, or use our convenient online request form (click here) and we’ll reach out to you!
If you enjoyed this article, sign up for our monthly newsletter to keep abreast of our best travel tips, on-location reviews, exclusive travel offers, group travel events, and much more.
The Roaming Boomers
