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Expo Helping Travelers Plan Where They Will Go Next Year

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It’s time to get ready for Avenues of the World’s 5th Annual Northern Arizona Travel Expo. The event is scheduled for 5-8 p.m., Thursday Sept. 20, at the Doubletree by Hilton, 1175 Historic Route 66, in Flagstaff. No better place to be for Happy Hour!

Avenues of the World Travel has created this educational event for travelers like you. Meet with professionals behind the scenes, ask questions and learn what products are out there that you may not know about. Avenues of the World’s travel consultants will be on site to help guide you and answer questions. This is your chance to meet face-to-face with representatives of renowned cruise lines, hotel chains and tour operators to get the inside scoop on all things travel-related. Have you wondered what the new travel hot spots are for 2019, 2020 and 2021? Stop by the event and find out!

A few new things this year:

Step right up! Photo Booth will be there to commemorate the evening with a fun travel-themed photo booth, while also offering a passport photo service on site. Get your new photo done right. They will have passport application forms on hand for your convenience.

Thanks to Kickstand Kafe in Flagstaff, every 25th attendee will receive one free 12 oz. coffee gift card in honor of our 25th anniversary this year!

Taste an array of hors d’oeuvres from 5-6:30 p.m., and celebrate Happy Hour at the cash bar from 5-8 p.m. The first 300 guests can enjoy one welcome glass of champagne, compliments of AmaWaterways.

Also new this year, we’re collecting non-perishable food item donations at the door to support the Flagstaff Family Food Center.

There will be three new and exciting live presentations throughout the Expo this year.

At 5:30 p.m., Un-Cruise Adventures will showcase alternative ways of cruising. You move through the world as distinctly and uniquely YOU – from day-to-day to grand adventures, like small ship adventure and river cruises, unbeatable activity and culture, up-close wilderness, expertise, exclusivity and personalized service, time to experience a destination, embark on exploration and define your uniqueness.

At 6 p.m., attendees will be able to join Rocky Mountaineer to find out what a rail vacation is like. Guests from around the world are privy to the exceptional onboard experience as well as the stunning Western Canadian scenery with endless views of old growth forests, glacier capped mountain peaks and shimmering waterfalls. Renowned for its luxurious bi-level glass-dome coaches, GoldLeaf Service allows for optimal viewing of soaring eagles, spawning salmon and the occasional black bear or moose.

The final live presentation will be given by Avenues of the World Travel at 6:30 p.m. Learn how to create a five-year travel plan that will allow you to cash in on early booking bonuses and promotions and about the benefits of extended stay trips. Let us share some of our insider pro-tips with you, and see how we can help to enhance your next vacation.

There will be one giveaway at the end of each presentation.

Avenues of the World Travel is excited to offer booking specials on site, featuring as much as $250-per-person discounts, future trip deposits as low as $40 and special amenities such as extra shipboard credit, free vacation excursions, upgrades and more. Gift cards will also be available for purchase on site. So, no matter what you’re planning, or if you want to surprise a loved one – award-winning agents have you covered!

Who will be there this year? For the cruise lines: Celebrity Cruises, Princess Cruises, Viking Cruises, AMAWaterways, Seabourn Cruises, Holland America Cruise Lines, Crystal Cruises, Seadream, Uniworld Boutique River Cruises, American Cruise Lines, Star Clippers, Lindblad Expeditions, Silversea Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Zegrahm Expeditions and Un-Cruise.

For the tour operators: Club Med, Classic Vacations, Travel2, Tourism New Zealand, African Travel, Travel Impressions, Natural Habitat Adventures, Globus Vacations, Backroads, Delta Vacations, Rocky Mountaineer, G Adventures, Brendan Vacations, Trafalgar Tours, Insight Vacations, CIE Tours, The Resort at Pedregal and AMResorts.

Don’t miss your chance to enter the Northern Arizona Travel Expo Raffle! Prizes range from gift cards to gift baskets, all the way to three-night hotel stays. Only event attendees are eligible to win! QCBN

By Daniela Harrison

The event is free to all, so bring the entire neighborhood to the 5th Annual Northern Arizona Travel Expo from 5-8 p.m., Thursday Sept. 20, at the Doubletree by Hilton. The team at Avenues of the World Travel is excited to see you there! For questions about the expo, please call us at 928-556-0853 or email Daniela@avenuesoftheworld.com.

Daniela Harrison is a Travel Consultant for Avenues of the World Travel in Flagstaff AZ. For questions, or to make reservations, she can be reached at: Daniela@avenuesoftheworld.com or 928-556-0853.

Deciding on the Right Boat, Barge or Big Ship

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There are big ships, small ships, river boats, yachts, barges and sailboats. How do you know which one is best for you?
Our goal is to match the right person with the right experience! There are many options out there. A bad vacation is not just a waste of your hard-earned money but a waste of time, which is almost worse, right?
There are many river cruise companies out there. They cruise on the same rivers, the vessels are very similar in size but the experiences can be very different. What nationalities, age group or activity level do they cater to? How many people are actually on the ship, what are the cabin sizes? Is there adequate space in the public areas, where you will likely be spending as much if not more time than in your cabin? What is included and what is the quality?
Did you know that there are many different interest focuses on river cruises? There are now more options available than the traditional city walking tour or cheese making in Amsterdam. Special interests range from specific wine themed itineraries, to music, art, architecture and now even more active itineraries. Backroads – a hiking and biking tour company – recently joined forces with some River Cruise Companies and you can now enjoy some first rate mountain biking and/or hiking along the rivers and valleys.
The typical river cruise guest is changing as well. During the summer months, select voyages will cater specifically to families and their needs. Can you imagine a more relaxing way of showing your children the beauty of Europe without having to pack and unpack?
We even have the perfect River Cruise for Millennials! These itineraries offer different inclusions, spend more time in ports, encourage travelers to explore the local nightlife and cuisine and focus on more active and social excursions like whitewater rafting, rock climbing, silent discos, paint with wine nights and much more. If you need a cool Christmas or graduation gift for the Millennial in your life – this is the one that will keep them taking about it for years to come!
If you are a group of four to six couples, or planning a trip with only your immediate family, you should consider chartering a barge. Barges travel on the small rivers, off the beaten path away from the tourist crowds. You can choose rivers with a focus on wine, or castles or both! You have your own captain and chef and only your best friends along. This is a great way to celebrate a milestone or holiday! Just keep in mind that these barges are best reserved 18 months to two years in advance. As with everything else, the nicest ones are the ones that sell out first!

Now that you have sailed on a river ship or barge and have fallen in love with the small size boats, what is next? How about cruising the Mediterranean, Cuba or Caribbean on a 112-passenger yacht by SeaDream Yacht Club? These smaller vessels can visit ports the big ships cannot, but most importantly, they stay in these ports full days and sometimes late into the night or even overnight. This gives you a chance to truly experience these amazing places that you have come to see.

With so many choices and products, it’s hard to narrow it down to just the right match for you. That’s where we come in. Our expert travel consultants are trained to help you weed through the mass information and narrow it down to just the right product for your next adventure. We’d be honored to work with you and make sure that your financial investment, as well as your allotted vacation time gives you the best experience possible. QCBN

By Monika Leuenberger

 

Experiencing a Love Affair with the South Pacific

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Palm trees swaying in the gentle breeze, sand between your toes, crystal clear turquoise waters, a chilled coconut drink in your hand and not a care in the world – how could you not fall in love?

The South Pacific has many unique experiences to offer. Accommodations vary from your bucket list over the water bungalow stay, to private island resorts, from sail boats to cruise ships and everything in between. Most resorts are accessed via speed boat or hydroplane.

Activities range from hiking, biking, ATV tours to cultural immersion festivities and of course all the watersports your heart desires! The South Pacific is a snorkelers’ and divers’ paradise. Discover a plethora of tropical fish, sea turtles, colorful coral gardens, swim with sharks and much more. Experienced divers can discover ship wrecks, caves, drift diving and have some amazing night dives as well.

Make sure you plan some time on land and indulge your inner king and queen as you shop for the perfect pearls and shell jewelry.

In case you were wondering, visiting the South Pacific doesn’t require a visa and most islands are Zika free.

There are hundreds of islands and many cultures from which to choose. And the best part, wherever you go, virtually everyone will be smiling at you! It can be hard to pick, and to see a lot of variety we recommend a cruise. Our office will be hosting a group for Paul Gauguin’s 11-night Cook and Society Islands Cruise. The journey begins in Tahiti, visits two of the Cook Islands and includes overnights in Bora Bora and Moorea. The cruise will depart Nov. 17, 2018 and end Nov. 28, 2018 and will be a journey to remember!

Let’s start with the Society Islands, which include Tahiti, Moorea, Taha’a and Huahine. These islands are probably the best-known and form the quintessential image of a South Seas Paradise. They are beloved for the jaw-dropping scenic splendor of their mountainous interiors, deep verdant valleys, clear streams, high waterfalls, rugged coastlines and abundance of tropical flowers.

Then we have the Cook Islands: Rarotonga and Aitutaki. Covering an area roughly the size of Western Europe, the Cook Islands were named in the early 1800s after the legendary British explorer Captain James Cook. Today, the Cook Islanders are well known for their traditional song, dance and crafts such as tivaevae (intricate quilts inspired by nature), making these islands a repository for the authentic culture of the South Seas. They are also the quintessential tropical getaway.

Personal service and Polynesian hospitality are a hallmark of Paul Gauguin Cruises. With a crew-to-guest ratio of 1:1.5 – among the best at sea – your clients are assured the highest level of personal attention. The staff’s rigorous dedication to their comfort and well-being is gracefully expressed in a hundred thoughtful acts, from the maître d’ remembering their name or the bartender handing them their favorite drink to the room steward turning down their bed at night. Yet, the room and dining/bar staff expect no gratuities. These are included in the cruise fare.

Intrigued? To learn more about the region and the cruise line, please join Avenues of the World Travel for a South Pacific Cruise Night on November 28 starting 5:30PM at their office. Space is limited. To RSVP, contact Daniela@avenuesoftheworld.com or call 928-556-0853. QCBN

By Daniela Harrison

Daniela Harrison is a Travel Consultant for Avenues of the World Travel in Flagstaff.

For questions, or to make reservations, she can be reached at:

Daniela@avenuesoftheworld.com or 928-556-0853.

 

Travel Pro Tips for the Perfect Gift

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Summer is coming to an end and it’s time to start the conversation about holiday travel! Imagine: no dishes, no cooking marathons and no holiday decorations to put up… Who wouldn’t want to share that with their special someone?

But the gift of travel is no easy gift. There are lots of things to take into consideration. Can your special someone take the time off work, where do they want to go, do they have a current passport, should you apply for visas, are they okay being away from family or should the entire clan join you? What will the weather be like in your destination, what are travel times to get there and, finally, do you want it to be a surprise or will your giftee help in picking the right place and activities?

Let’s start with when you’d like to travel. December and January might be cold where you currently live, but there are some tropical paradises awaiting your arrival. Hawaii, the Bahamas, the South Pacific are all great places to get your winter tan. Prefer the snowy whites of Canada, Switzerland or Vermont? All you need to decide is if you’re bringing your own skis or renting them there…

There are ample vacation options available, from ocean and river cruises, to all-inclusive beach resorts, hiking and expedition trips, private jet adventures – and yes, while some resorts and cruise ships are sold out by now, there are still plenty of nice options available.

Looking to travel later this spring or summer? There will be more availability and in some cases you can still get early booking discounts. Many summer cruise itineraries offer extra amenities like ship board credit, free beverage packages or pre-paid gratuities. Hotels currently offer free room upgrades, daily breakfast, spa treatments and more…

Consider travel time when picking a destination. While flying can be all the fun needed for some, others prefer to spend time in destination. If you’re looking for a quick three- or four- day getaway, you might want to focus on destination with non-stop flight options to maximize your time in destination. If you have seven to 10 (or more!) days, you can consider more exotic options that require layovers and maybe even a pre or post night to your trip.

Did you know that most foreign travels require your passport to be valid for six months past your return home date? If you’re planning on gifting International travel this year, make sure your giftee’s passport is up to date. If you don’t know, or don’t have the ability to check on that, maybe book a trip further out, for the coming summer perhaps.

You should always check the connecting airport cities. Just because it doesn’t snow in L.A. and Jamaica doesn’t mean there won’t be a blizzard at Chicago O’Hare that will delay your flight by hours or days… While a routing through Miami might cost more, the likelihood of flight cancelations and delays will be much lower, thus getting your vacation off to a good start.

Also check on visa requirements. While many countries don’t require U.S. citizens to get a visa ahead of time, some other will deny you entry. If your gift of travel is supposed to be a surprise, stay away from visa requiring destinations. This is especially important on cruises, as some ports of call may have different requirements.

Disneyland is quite popular for families with small kids, while others prefer high entertainment cruises. Kids’ clubs, easy dining, a variety of shows and many activities in port tend to offer something for everyone. With older kids, all-inclusive, adventure tours and expedition type trips are more popular. Consider an all-inclusive ski trip to the Alps, a Christmas Market Cruise on European Rivers, an Expedition to Antarctica, kayaking in New Zealand, diving in Tahiti, surfing in Maui or white water rafting in Costa Rica as just a few popular options we’ve seen this year.

Many people will ask for time off during the holidays. Make sure your giftee can in fact take time off for the dates you are booking. Carefully check terms and conditions of hotels, cruise lines, airline tickets and tours. Only a handful of them will allow date changes without penalties. A big item to consider here is travel insurance. This way, you protect your investment and your relationship.

If you just can’t decide, consider buying a travel gift certificate. Many travel agencies like ours issue them. You can pick the amount you want to spend on the trip and your giftee can pick the fine details.

For inspiration, please join us at our 4th Annual Northern Arizona Wedding Expo on Oct. 18 from 5-8 p.m., at the Doubletree by Hilton Flagstaff. Meet with renowned cruise lines, hotel chains, tour operators and get the inside scoop on all things travel.

Should you need some additional guidance, reach out to your trusted Travel Consultant. While online booking engines only know answers to the questions you ask, a travel consultant knows which questions you should be asking. QCBN

By Daniela Harrison

Daniela Harrison is a Travel Consultant for Avenues of the World Travel in Flagstaff AZ.

For questions, or to make reservations, she can be reached at:

 Daniela@avenuesoftheworld.com or 928.556.0853

 

Exploring New Destinations and New Office Location with Avenues of the World

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We are very excited to announce that Avenues of the World Travel will be moving! Our clients will be able to enjoy the same high level of service they are used to from our award-winning team, but after 18 years on 4th Street, we are moving to 2100 E. Cedar. We invite you to join us for a fun Grand Opening Celebration from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Aug 26, with the ribbon cutting ceremony at 10 a.m.

Speaking of new, we are always on the lookout for the next new hot destination and these are two countries that need to be on your bucket list!

Sri Lanka’s diverse landscapes range from rainforest and arid plains to highlands and sandy beaches. You can stroll through the beautiful colonial city Colombo, climb the The Sigiriya rock fortress, enjoy fabulous bird watching in one of the many National Parks and spot herds of elephants!

Bhutan is probably the most authentic surviving Himalayan kingdom in existence. Because the country was closed to the world for centuries, Bhutan has preserved its culture, religion, traditions, far better than other nearby kingdoms such as Nepal, Sikkim or Ladakh.

Although Bhutan is small (a little smaller than Switzerland), it offers a wide range of climates and terrains, from subtropical rain forest all the way to snow covered peaks more 20,000 feet tall. Most of the country is covered by endless pine forests, with the snow-covered Himalayas in the distance. This is paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, and offers some of the finest hiking and trekking anywhere in the region, from half day to full day to multi-day itineraries. The most famous hike of all is in the hike to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery in the western part of the country.

In case these destinations are a bit too exotic for you, consider these great destinations that have been our bestsellers for the last three years: Iceland, New Zealand, Peru and the Galapagos. All of these offer a wide range of experiences. Iceland fascinates with its unique landscape and waterfalls. How about riding a snowmobile on a glacier? Or take a leisurely walk to one of their many impressive waterfalls! In Peru, you can either hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu or take the luxurious dome train! Take an exhilarating jet boat on the Dart River in New Zealand and after lunch, take a kayak back down to the lake! We make sure that your experiences are as unique as you are.

You could also revisit old favorites to discover new experiences. How about a completely private after-hours family dinner in the Uffizi Gallery in Florence followed by a private truffle hunting adventure through Tuscany?

Multi-generational travel continues to be on the rise and there are many wonderful destinations, villas, resorts or cruise ships from which to choose. We pay close attention to make sure that it is an unforgettable experience for all, from grandparents to grandchildren! Create memories that will last forever!

You can learn all about new destinations and emerging experiences at our Fourth Annual Northern Arizona Travel Expo on Oct 18 at the Doubletree by Hilton Flagstaff Conference Center. Save the date and bring the entire family. For more information, visit avenuesoftheworld.com. QCBN

By Monika Leuenberger

Monika Leuenberger is the CEO and president of Avenues of the World Travel. Monika would like to personally invite all of you to stop by our Grand Opening Celebration on Aug 26.

What to Know About Extended Stay Trips

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If you caught the travel bug, there is nothing worse for you than sitting idle at home for a few months. As you are getting ready to call your trusted travel consultant to plan the next adventure, take a mental note of your remaining vacation days and let’s have a closer look at the benefits of an extended trip.

First off, an extended stay can help you save lots of your hard-earned money. Consider this, while a week-long cruise through the Mediterranean might cost you $350 per day, a 16- or even 30-day long cruise costs the same or even less. The huge savings are in flight cost, complimentary amenities, combination discounts, upgrades and more.

A 30-day cruise itinerary usually consists of four separate itineraries that are sailed back to back. Meaning new people come on board every week, while some stay on for the next itinerary to come. By doing so, you can combine the maximum savings and discounts with the highest offered amenities and cover more ground in destinations.

Let me break this down further (using a premium cruise line as an example):

Instead of four separate flights to your vacation destination, you now only need to pay for one. Many cruise lines will offer discounts for combining multiple segments into one trip. You can qualify for possible cabin upgrades or become eligible for extra amenities such as pre-paid gratuities, extra ship board credit, free shore excursions, frees specialty dining or beverage packages. Some luxury cruise lines will even include complimentary pre and/or post nights or your flight.

While the initial cost of the trip maybe higher, breaking it down to the per diem cost tends to stay the same as a seven-day cruise or might even be slightly lower. But money isn’t the only benefit. You actually get to spend more time in the destination and get a more immersive experience.

On a cruise vacation, you often find yourself deciding whether to relax and enjoy the ship, but not wanting to miss out on visiting each and every port of call. Extended itineraries usually offer more sea days and generally promote a much more relaxed approach to sightseeing. It’s your vacation after all.

The best savings and amenities are usually offered on world cruises. These itineraries are between 100-180 days long and circumnavigate the globe. Most cruise lines will happily work with your travel consultant on your behalf, to include even more amenities like pre-paid gratuities, laundry services, shore excursions, cabin upgrades, ship board credit, VIP dinners, private on shore events and more.

But this is not only true for cruises. Private jet adventures follow the same model. You circumnavigate the globe by jet, which combines multiple shorter itineraries into one 25-35 day trip. If you don’t have enough vacation days to spend six months on board a ship, jets are a really good alternative. They run a bit higher in cost, but it’s also a much more intimate experience with only about 60 guests rather than a few hundred on a cruise.

Many hotels will offer extended stay pricing. This allows you to enjoy all the amenities of the hotel while discovering the destination at your own pace.

If you are planning an extended stay trip, make sure to ask your travel consultant for extended stay travel insurance policy options.

Not sure if an extended trip is for you? Start off slowly by traveling for two weeks instead of one and see how it goes. Slowly increase your travel days until you reach a nice comfortable level. Keep in mind that many travel companies give past guest discounts. So, booking within the same travel corporation can be beneficial as you’re testing the waters on frequency and length of travel. Your travel consultant can help advise you of special discounts, past guest rates and is your advocate for cabin/room upgrades and extra amenities.

Talk to your trusted travel consultant today and see how an extended stay can benefit you. And save the date for our 4th Annual Northern Arizona Travel Expo, Oct. 18, 2017, at the Doubletree by Hilton in Flagstaff. QCBN

By Daniela Harrison

Daniela Harrison is a Travel Consultant for Avenues of the World Travel in Flagstaff. For questions, or to make reservations, she can be reached at:

Daniela@avenuesoftheworld.com or 928-556-0853.

Your Wellness Travel Adventure Awaits

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Travel more. It’s something we all aspire to do. And we know we’re not the only ones who get a glimpse of a white sand beach, snowy mountaintop or quaint foreign village and dream about all of the rest and relaxation that awaits. But, for a growing set of travelers, fitness-focused vacays and destinations have become a part of their travel destination checklist.

Whether you’re looking to log a few miles under a canopy of lush rain forest trees, hike rugged trails in a state park or even surf the seas surrounding an exotic isle, “wellness” travel is definitely a “thing” now that’s grown into an almost $500 billion industry. And there are endless places to indulge your inner travel and fitness bugs all over these United States.

Taking time off to travel is definitely good for the soul, and more and more research is showing it’s good for the body as well. Losing yourself in new surroundings as you work on your physical fitness and recharge your mental batteries can provide just the gentle mood boost you need when it’s time to head back to the “real world.”

Wellness vacations are designed to be a blissful combination of immersive, fitness and mentally refreshing experiences. In other words, total body care. Wherever your wanderlust takes you, here are a few tips on how to maintain total body care before you take off and once you arrive to your ahh-mazing wellness travel destination.

Plan Ahead for Fitness

Many of us spend hours, days and even weeks researching information on the best places to travel and getting the cheapest flight possible. But how much time do you actually spend researching fitness and wellness features and options?

If you’re an avid runner, check ahead to see if treadmills are available or if there is a running route the hotel can provide you with. If you’re headed to a location to run a specific trail or route, learn as much as you can about the climate or challenges you may encounter such as higher altitudes or rough terrain, for example. Planning on getting in the water? If so, can you rent scuba equipment or do you need to have your own?

Wherever you go and for whatever activity you plan on doing, just do a bit of prep and scouting work to ensure your wellness adventure goes as smoothly as possible.

Get Off the Beaten (Tourist) Path

Traveling is all about being in a different location and having different experiences, so challenge yourself!

If you’re a yoga aficionado, why not embark on a ski trip and get acquainted with a bunny slope and challenge a new set of muscles? Or if you’re traveling to a new city for a family getaway, see if you can take a walking tour of a historical district or even a bike tour to burn extra calories instead of hopping on a tour bus.

Incorporating wellness and physical activity into your life while you’re on vacation can be simple and exciting when you find creative ways to do it.

Remember to Rejuvenate

We get it. If you’re planning a wellness or travel adventure, odds are, you’re ready to push your body to the max in some aspect. But don’t overdo it.

New wellness and fitness experiences can definitely force you to use muscles you normally don’t engage. Can you imagine how great – but sore – your legs would feel after running sand dunes at that beautiful beach you finally made it to?

Just like when you’re in your home city or town, when you put your body through the paces, a part of total body wellness is ensuring you take time to give your body the rest and care that it needs.

Massage Envy has more than 25,000 massage therapists and estheticians available to you in more than 1,100 locations nationwide in 49 states. So, chances are, there’s one close to you – wherever you may journey – ready to provide the same safe, professional and calming experiences you enjoy at home. QCBN

By Mark Love

 

Enjoying the Leisure Life on the High Seas

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DaniellaHarrisonI just returned from the most luxurious ship ever built: Regent Seven Seas Explorer.

The ship is brand new and boasts 55,000 tons of pure luxury. With 750 guests spread over 10 decks, this is the largest ship in Regent Seven Seas fleet. Walking around on board you would never know there are this many people on board. The public areas were never crowded, and I didn’t have to stand in line once for a tender, disembarkation or dinner seating. There are 542 crew members on board, and their only mission is to tend your every need. After day one, crew members knew my name and made sure I felt at home every second of my day. Since Regent Seven Seas is an all-inclusive product, you never have to worry about your personal comfort or needs.

With Regent Seven Seas Cruises, all shore excursions are included. Our groups were never more than 20 people to one guide, and the guides were phenomenal! In Sardinia, Italy, for example, we didn’t just learn that the island spans 270 km by 146 km in size and is divided into four provinces that accumulate a total of 27 sub-regions all with different languages, we also learned that it’s the third largest producer of cork (yes, the thing that keeps your wine bottled up) in the world and that it’s one of the top exporters of granite. We did an extensive wine tasting, visited the harbor and set foot into Nuraghe La Prisigiona, an archeological site built 14 centuries B.C. And we still had free time to shop our hearts out at some of the most amazing boutiques in the Mediterranean. A must do: The Ice Cream Shop in Porto Cervo – their gelato is some of the best I’ve ever tasted!

My stateroom, a Concierge Balcony Suite, provided an entire 454-square-feet to stretch out in. I had a walk in closet, a bedroom area, separate sitting area, a desk, a minibar hutch, a large balcony furnished with two chairs and a table as well as an incredibly comfortable lounge chair. My bathroom was beautifully laid out with double vanities, ample storage space, a bathtub and the most amazing rain shower ever! All drawers are easy-close draws. It’s truly the little things in life that make a difference.

Feeling peckish? Try any of the amazing six restaurants on board. Each features its own kitchen and cuisine, with the décor to match. Options range from the buffet to Asian-Fusion, French Cuisine, Italian Cooking, a top notch Steakhouse or the main restaurant. All dietary needs and food allergies can be accommodated, and unlike other cruise lines, there are no extra fees for any of the restaurants or room service.

For those who can’t sit still for too long, there is a tennis court, an 18-hole putting course, a jogging track and a top-of-the-line gym with stunning ocean views for your workout.

Are you more the lounging-by-the-pool and getting spoiled silly in the Canyon Ranch Spa kind of person? Not a problem at all. The salt water pool is accompanied by two hot tubs and the spa features a separate infinity pool for a more relaxed atmosphere. The pool bar is fully stocked and they make a mean strawberry daiquiri.

Your evening entertainment is taken care of as well. The Constellation Theater offers a different show every night. I absolutely loved the “Best of the ‘60s” performance. Nobody was able to stay in their seats! All three lounges offer live music in the evenings, and after 10 p.m., the DJ is ready for you. Make sure to pack your dancing shoes!

I can tell by now you are wondering what else there is to do on board. Clearly this can’t be it? And you are right! Any aspiring chefs amongst us? Arts Kitchen offers cooking classes (extra charge applies), themed by the port of the day. Some days you will have hands-on classes on board only, other days you will get a shopping list and get to go ashore with the chef to pick ingredients at the market and then learn how to prepare them. What’s my favorite kitchen tip? Coat your salad bowl with dressing first before adding your salad, then stir to get a more even mix on your greens…

The drawback? I’ve been home for three days now and someone has yet to ask me what I would like to drink and if they can fetch me a snack. In all seriousness though, once you get on board this amazing ship, life as you know it will never be the same. Get ready to be spoiled beyond belief in some of the most unique destinations around the world. It would be my pleasure to make your arrangements and help get you there. QCBN

By Daniela Harrison

Daniela Harrison is a Travel Consultant for Avenues of the World Travel in Flagstaff.

For questions, or to make reservations, she can be reached at: Daniela@avenuesoftheworld.com or 928-556-0853.

 

 

 

 

 

Seen By Millions, Recognized by Many

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marchcomprofMost of us can go shopping locally or travel throughout the country and generally be anonymous.

Not so with Alice Ferris.

Prescott residents may know Ferris because of her longtime “hands-on” commitment to fundraising, strategic planning and leadership training at the Highlands Center for Natural History.

That is a role she has had for almost 15 years.

It is also a role that Ferris takes considerable pride in, as the Highlands Center was her first client when she founded GoalBusters Consulting in 2001.

“I honestly value the Highlands Center as a client as much as any we have, for I’ve been able to stick with them, and they’ve stuck with me,” she said.

Dave Irvine, executive director for the Highlands Center, has nothing but praise for Ferris and her team.

“Alice initiated some of the initial strategic planning for this organization – well before I came here eight years ago. And she continues to serve us. She is our ‘institutional memory,’ if you will, and she had regularly helped us modify and make contemporary our strategic planning process. She has the capacity to energize our board, to help us prioritize, and to make us set achievable, realistic goals.”

 

Ferris’s Impact Reaches Beyond Arizona

In recent years, it is difficult for Ferris to travel anywhere in the United States without someone recognizing her and saying “Hey, didn’t I see you on PBS…?” and name one of the more than 350 public television stations in the U.S. and Canada that Ferris regularly appears on.

It is happening more and more often, too. The Wisconsin native routinely flies more than 100,000 miles each year and spends more than 200 days on the road, away from the physical offices of the Flagstaff-based business she founded in 2001: GoalBusters Consulting.

Major clients for her business include PBS, local public radio and public television stations throughout the country. She also consults with scores of non-profit service organizations – Native American groups, healthcare, education, social services, the arts, animal welfare – almost any type of non-profit imaginable has been served by Ferris and her team.

Perhaps the highest profile position she currently has is being an on-air fundraising personality for the highest rated dramatic series in public television history, Downton Abbey. Appearing in as many as 17 million households weekly, Ferris and her on-air cohost, Ken Verdoia, producer at KUED, Salt Lake City, are featured in nationally distributed PBS fundraising programming for the critically acclaimed series now in its sixth season. These fundraising programs have helped raise more than $70 million for local PBS stations.

 

Fundraising Career Provided Multiple Opportunities

Ferris is a frequently requested presenter on the international speaking circuit of the non-profit training and professional development world.

She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees at the University of Wisconsin. Involved in public broadcasting for more than 25 years, she started at Wisconsin Public Television as a human “bubble machine” blowing bubbles from behind a set piece during the long-running “Lawrence Welk Show.”

Ferris has been featured as on-air national fundraising talent for many programs, such as Suze Orman’s “Financial Solutions,” and the 25th Anniversary of Ken Burns’ “Civil War.”

Most recently, she worked with the cast of “Manor of Speaking,” an Emmy-award Houston PBS produced talk show that often follows “Downton Abbey.”

Ferris sometimes has to remind viewers that while she is seen on TV frequently, it is often the magic of digital recording, not live performance. In fact, her TV work represents no more than 10 percent of her professional work. She and her business partner, Jim Anderson, CFRE, have home offices in Flagstaff but usually are on the road serving clients in Arizona and throughout North America. GoalBusters is a team of seven staff members and contractors. For more than 15 years, they have provided fundraising training, professional development and executive coaching for myriad clients. Besides the Highlands Center for Natural History, other long-term clients include North Country Healthcare, The Hopi Education Endowment Fund and KAWC Public Radio.

GoalBusters’ lines of services also include strategic planning, capital campaigns, feasibility studies, social media management, donor acquisition and direct mail campaigns.

In addition to spearheading GoalBusters, Ferris is a dedicated volunteer serving as chair for the Advanced Certified Fund Raising Executive board (ACFRE). She is one of only 108 fundraising professionals to earn this designation, which is the highest credential of the fundraising profession. She also is on the Certified Fund Raising Executive board (CFRE) and provides volunteer service to many other non-profit organizations. QCBN

 

What business words of wisdom do you live by?

“The concept of ‘one size fits all’ really means that it fits everyone poorly. Every client we serve deserves specialized individual attention.”

 

Where do you see yourself and your business five years from now?

“In our business, we have a chance to meet people and organizations that have a deep passion for changing the world, so I assume we’ll still be traveling the world working with interesting people!”

 

Where’s your favorite place to travel?
“Places where I can have unique experiences with people who like to share what they love about their culture.”

 

What do you do to unwind?

“I cook, or I eat at restaurants that give me an opportunity to try foods that someone has put a lot of love and care into it. And I take pictures of the food to share on social media.”

 

GoalBusters can be reached at www.goalbusters.net.

By Ray Newton

 

Packing Your Bags for 2016

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TravelThe saying “Home is where the heart is” may well be true. Yet, the roads less traveled – or untraveled all together — tug at many a heartstring like the Italian troubadour plucking his lute.

Meet Stan Kephart — known as Stan The Travel Man. He founded HomeTowne Cruise & Tour Center in Prescott. Now 68 years young, a few years ago, he sold it to client Bud Jones.

But Stan the Travel Man’s passion for the business and clients compel him to remain happily working part-time. Plus he knows the industry intimately. As well he might. He’s been at HomeTowne — “the ‘e’ was added for affectation,” he chuckled — for some 20 years.

“It’s an interesting marketplace,” he said of the Prescott region. “There’s a senior and retirees element. And there’s an affluent market that has the money and time to travel.

As long as they have those — health and desire to travel — it’s finding and connecting them to what they want. That’s what we do best. And we’re local.”

Kephart acknowledges the impact of technology and big-box vendors on brick-and-mortar agencies, adding that they were not the predicted death knell. “They’ve a place in the industry. I think most of us prefer to deal with the same person as opposed to calling a big-box store or getting online with nobody and trying to ask a question and not having anybody know who or what you are. What customers are looking for is the best of both worlds. We call ourselves a click-and-brick agency.”

He says travel is dependent on disposable income and vulnerable to economic malaise. When the 2007 housing crash hit, he says HomeTowne survived because of an increase in advertising dollars and broadened product lines in response to market shifts.

“Instead of one big trip a year, people started taking three shorter trips,” while prioritizing affordability and more bang for their buck. “There’s ways to go on cruise ships without going into a room with a balcony. You can go on an inside cabin with no window and spend a lot of time on deck.”

The world is unchanged, and destinations develop themselves, he has observed. “Who in the ’60s wanted to go to Vietnam? Cambodia? Everyone wanted to go to Vietnam five years ago.”

He noted, “We’ve seen desire-based travel develop rather than everybody stampeding somewhere because everyone’s going there. Maybe you’re getting older and want to know where you came from – what we call heritage travel. Or you’re stressed and want to veg on a beach. Or you’re a culinarian and want to experience a food or wine vacation. Also, people are looking at modes of travel. That’s given rise to the incredible boom in river cruising, the long slow methodology of getting on and off every day, and mega-ships that carry 5-to-6,000 people. They’re like a city on the ship – amazing works of art and engineering.”

He notes another emerging market: trans-generational travel. “Grandma and grandpa take the grandchildren, which also gives mom and dad time to themselves.” In the past, trans-generational travel was out of reach to anyone but the moneyed. “Now, it’s becoming available to Mr. and Mrs. Middle America and their grandchildren.”

For the dampening impact of economic earthquakes, one force is potentially deadlier: an act of terrorism.

“We had in the months preceding a very large group on a cruise in the Mediterranean. When 9/11 happened, the cruise line was financially hit so badly because everything just stopped. So many travel agencies went out of business. We had insurance so even though their vacations were dashed, no client lost one penny.

“But the 9/11 disaster scared people,” Kephart added. “Fear is the biggest negative, especially to travel. People are afraid to go, and rightfully so.”

Yet, that can be overcome by lowering the price. “Money trumps fear in many cases. I’ve seen it. Something that was $1,500 is now $700. So a person [who thinks,] ‘Well, I was thinking it might not be so good to go to Paris… buuuuut maybe if I could go for that, I’d go,'” he explained.

Kephart’s travel outlook for 2016 is “excellent.”

“There’s been pent-up demand due to economic conditions, a four to five year back span where people made decisions based solely on their pocketbook and inability to go. That pent-up demand is being pressed from the other side. They’re getting older, their shoulders or knees hurt so they want to do it while they have the wealth now and health now,” he said.

Trans-generational travel will continue to blossom, he thinks. “Also, I think you’re going to see, especially here in Prescott, small groups of locals traveling. They like to meet others. It’s a great way to experience other people of similar likes and maybe have an affinity.”

Stan the Travel Man closes on a characteristically optimistic note: “There’ve been worse times in history. This time doesn’t hold a candle to the Inquisition or Great Plague. We’re really in a good place in many ways and I think people who recognize that are going to do what they can to fulfill their own wish lists.” QCBN

By Gussie Green, QCBN

 

Photo by Gussie Green