Posted by David Porter on February 1, 2016 · Leave a Comment
Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa
Romance & 3rd Night Free
Are you looking for a luxurious and romantic getaway? Then we have a wonderful suggestion and offer just for you!
The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa is one of the few hotels in the United States to feature natural hot-springs mineral waters flowing directly beneath it, filling its pools and spa. (The Bathing Ritual is a must, as are the signature Kur treatments.) Many of the guestrooms offer fireplaces and balconies or patios. Play the exclusive 18-hole championship golf course, available to hotel guests and members only; join a water yoga class or daily guided morning hike; or follow one of the concierge-designed tours of Sonoma. Enjoy complimentary wine tasting in the living room–style lobby before your dinner at Michelin-rated Santé restaurant.
When you book a fabulous stay at the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn and Spa through our travel agency, not only will you enjoy the best available rates, but our guests will also receive:
- 3rd night free in any room or suite (valid for travel now through 29 Feb 2016)
- Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
- Daily full breakfast, for up to two in room guests
- Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
- $100 USD Spa Services credit, to be utilized during stay (not combinable, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
- For more details, click here.
As of this writing, room rates start at $289/night for a Fairmont King Room. Please know that room rates are subject to change and are capacity controlled. That means the longer you wait, and the more filled up the hotel gets, the more it is likely that the nightly rates will increase.
To book your romantic and luxurious stay at the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa, call our travel agency at (480) 550-1235, our use our convenient online information request (click here) and we’ll reach out to you.
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Posted by David Porter on January 30, 2016 · Leave a Comment
©2015, David A. Porter
I captured this photograph last year as our private guide was walking us through the Palace of Versailles just outside of Paris. You can read a little more about our experience by clicking here.
The Palace of Versailles is absolutely a must-see when visiting Paris. When you visit, you’re certain to have a jaw-dropping experience as you’re first assaulted with the mammoth size of this structure, the beautiful architecture, the massive gardens, and you’ll absolutely be gobsmacked as you experience the opulence of this world-famous chateau.
As an American walking through this structure, and as you begin to visually wrap your mind around the concept of an “absolute monarchy”, and look at the indescribable indulgence lapped up by King Louis XIV, you can’t help but better understand why the French Revolution took place roughly a century after this building was completed. As our expert guide described not only the beauty that surrounded us, but the beyond-lavish parties that routinely occurred in this place, you can’t help but come away thankful that you were born in a democracy and not subject to the whims of a man who behaved as though he were god on earth.
King Louis XIV, on his deathbed, is said to have given his heir the following advice:
“Do not follow the bad example which I have set you; I have often undertaken war too lightly and have sustained it for vanity. Do not imitate me, but be a peaceful prince, and may you apply yourself principally to the alleviation of the burdens of your subjects.”
A thinking person gains much through travel, and believe me, you’ll have a lot to think about after you’ve toured the self-indulgent chateau of King Louis XIV.
If you haven’t visited the Palace of Versailles, put it on your bucket list. 🙂
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Posted by David Porter on January 30, 2016 · Leave a Comment
Zika Virus Travel Alert
The Caribbean travel season is in full swing, and the CDC wants us to be mindful of protecting ourselves from biting mosquitoes. Further, pregnant women should be informed about their potential exposure to the Zika Virus from these pesky skeeters.
Zika virus is spread to people through mosquito bites. The most common symptoms of Zika virus disease are fever, rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis (red eyes). The illness is usually mild with symptoms lasting from several days to a week. Severe disease requiring hospitalization is uncommon.
In May 2015, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) issued an alert regarding the first confirmed Zika virus infection in Brazil. The outbreak in Brazil led to reports of Guillain-Barre syndrome and pregnant women giving birth to babies with birth defects and poor pregnancy outcomes.
In response, CDC has issued a travel alert for people traveling to regions and certain countries where Zika virus transmission is ongoing.
To learn more, check out the CDC Zika Virus Page.
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Posted by David Porter on January 26, 2016 · Leave a Comment
The spectacular natural beauty of Cyprus is the backdrop for your perfect family vacation, romantic getaway or wellness retreat, and Anassa is your home base. With a regal hillside setting, elegant suites and villas, a renowned spa and exquisite restaurants, Anassa encompasses all the best the Mediterranean has to offer.
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Posted by David Porter on January 26, 2016 · Leave a Comment
2016 State of the Cruise Industry Outlook
When we started our travel agency two years ago, we really had no idea what our business would look like down the road. We imagined that we would be helping folks craft fun trips to Italy, France, Spain, Greece, and the like. And while this is certainly a good percentage of our business, the largest segment of our business has turned out to be cruises.
You see, booking a cruise through our travel agency costs you no more than booking it yourself. So, a lot of folks turn to us for our expertise and the complimentary VIP perks we bring them through our affiliation with the $15 billion Virtuoso Travel Network.
With river and ocean cruises making up such a large percentage of our business, I was particularly interested in reading the annual outlook of the cruise industry published by Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). Further, I thought this article had a lot of information that might be interesting to you as well.
Please read on…
State of the Cruise Industry Outlook: Continued Evolution of Cruise Travel Drives Industry Growth
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) released the 2016 State of the Cruise Industry Outlook, revealing global cruise travel is continuing to grow and evolve at a record pace.
The industry shows no signs of slowing down, with 24 million passengers expected to sail in 2016, a dramatic increase from 15 million just 10 years prior (2006), or even 1.4 million when CLIA began tracking passengers in 1980. CLIA also revealed Member cruise lines are scheduled to debut 27 new ocean, river and specialty ships in 2016 for a total investment of more than $6.5 billion in new ocean vessels alone. Travel agents are also experiencing a higher demand for cruise travel. Eight out of ten CLIA member travel agents stated they are expecting an increase in sales in 2016 over last year.
The industry shows no signs of slowing down, with 24 million passengers expected to sail in 2016.
“In an effort to make cruising the best overall vacation experience available, the industry is continuing to evolve to ensure there truly is a cruise for every travel style and budget,” said Cindy D’Aoust, CLIA Acting CEO. “By creating unique ships, new experiences and access to destinations around the world, the evolution, appeal and value of cruise travel continues to drive the overall growth of the industry.”
Cruising also generates a substantial positive economic impact globally. Cruise industry expenditures generated $119.9 billion in total output worldwide, supporting 939,232 full-time equivalent employees who earned $39.3 billion in income in 2014.
Following are the Lucky 13 Cruise Industry Trends showcasing how the cruise industry has transformed to meet today’s travelers’ styles and preferences:
- Rise of the River Cruise – River cruises are growing in popularity, introducing the value and unique travel experience to new cruise travelers. CLIA Cruise Line Members currently deploy 170 river cruise ships with 18 new river cruise ships on order for 2016, an increase of more than 10 percent.
- More Ships, More Options – In 2015, there were a total of 471 cruise ships* with an additional 27 new ocean, river and specialty ships scheduled to debut in 2016.
- On the Map – Five years ago, cruise travel was almost unheard of in Asia. Today, the region is the fastest growing in the cruise industry. Between 2012 and 2014, passenger volume grew from 775,000 to nearly 1.4 million passengers, a 34 percent compound annual growth rate.
- G’Day for a Cruise – While Asia continues to grow rapidly, Australia also continues to experience record growth. In fact, Australia’s cruise industry surpassed a major milestone in 2014, exceeding more than one million passengers in a calendar year. In ten years, Australia’s cruise passengers have grown more than six-fold, from a base of 158,000 in 2004.
- Cruise Specialists – The cruise industry continues to leverage the expertise of cruise specialists to help guide travel decisions. Today, there are more than 30,000 CLIA-Member Travel Agents globally compared to 12,000 travel agents in 2010.
- Connectivity and Cruising – The cruise industry has made consumers’ desire to stay connected while traveling a priority. Most of today’s cruises offer a myriad of Wi-Fi, onboard texting and data options.
- A Love for Luxe – The desire for luxury travel continues to rise. Specialty cruise lines are responding with yachting experiences, concierge services, exclusive tours, gourmet dining and personal butler service.
- Brands at Sea – Cruise lines are leveraging the cross-promotional appeal of brands to appeal to new cruise travelers. From family-friendly household names like LEGO and Dr. Seuss, to upscale luxury brands like Hermes and Veuve Clicquot Champagne, and even dining options like Johnny Rockets and Margaritaville, brands are setting sail on cruise lines.
- Ships Are the Destination – While cruise ships were once considered a mode of transportation to get to a desired destination, today, for many, a cruise ship offers the experience of a destination. Today’s latest ships offer unprecedented onboard experiences and amenities for travelers, from Broadway productions and designer shops to zip lining and bumper cars.
- Stay the Night – Many cruise lines are offering overnight stays at designated ports of call to give cruisers an opportunity to fully immerse themselves in the experiences available at the destination.
- Grand(parent) Travel Experiences – Intergenerational cruising has become a popular selection for family reunions or the family vacation of a lifetime. With cruise amenities designed to satisfy every age from toddler to seniors, cruises provide the togetherness (and the independence) that makes intergenerational family travel a success.
- Cruise Voluntourism – More “voluntourism” cruises are available in 2016 with several ships including excursions to help areas of need around the world. These service-oriented cruises offer a wonderful opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the communities cruise ships visit and a rare experience to embrace and impact local culture.
- Culturally Customized – Cruise lines are continuing to customize cruise ships based upon passenger cultures. From shopping and dining preferences, vessels are being outfitted to serve guests as well as pay homage to their ports of call.
In the last few years, Carol and I have been on three river cruises and two ocean cruises. Further, with all of the exciting destinations and our need to keep abreast of the industry, we can see a lot more cruising in our future.
How ’bout you? Do you see an ocean or river cruise in your future?
If you’d like our help as well as the complimentary VIP perks we have for you, give us a call at (480) 550-1235 or use our convenient online information request (click here) and we’ll reach out to you.
About Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) – One Industry, One Voice
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) is the unified voice and leading authority of the global cruise community. As the largest cruise industry trade association with 15 offices globally, CLIA has representation in North and South America, Europe, Asia and Australasia. CLIA’s mission is to support policies and practices that foster a safe, secure and healthy cruise ship environment for the more than 23 million passengers who cruise annually, as well as to promote the value, desirability and affordability of the cruise vacation experience. Members are comprised of the world’s most prestigious ocean, river and specialty cruise lines; a highly trained and certified travel agent community; and cruise line suppliers and partners, including ports & destinations, ship development, suppliers and business services, committed to the sustained success of the cruise industry.
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The Roaming Boomers
