Kathryn’s Kapers – September 2011
Aug 2nd, 2011 by admin
Travel Professionals International
Win Your Vacation
TPI launches Win Your Vacation
7 Chances to WIN!
Call me to book and you may be one of the lucky ones.
Xplore Magazine
The new edition of Xplore Magazine, TPI’s own publication, is now available.
Ontario Regional Meeting
The monthly TPI regional meeting was held on August 25th, which I attended. At these meetings we get the latest TPI news and also receive training from suppliers. This month we had the opportunity to have training from two suppliers.
Cruise Strategies represent and promote several high end cruise lines in Canada. We were presented two: Paul Gauguin and Silversea Cruise Lines. Both these cruise lines are ultra all-inclusive. If you have sailed in a verandah stateroom on any of the premium cruise lines (Princess or Holland America) the ships from these two lines will compare favourably. You won’t ever be nickle and dimed; drinks, gratuities and even shore excursions and often air are included in the up front pricing for these two amazing cruise venues.
Paul Gauguin specializes and has only one ship in Tahiti – but what a ship! Paul Gauguin Cruises operates the m/s Paul Gauguin, the renowned, award-winning, 5+-star, luxury cruise ship built specifically to sail the waters of Tahiti, French Polynesia and the South Pacific. Since its maiden voyage in 1998, the m/s Paul Gauguin has been the longest continually operating year-round luxury cruise ship in the South Pacific.
With Silversea you can travel the world! Silversea Cruises presents sumptuous ocean-view suites and the luxurious freedom of an all-inclusive lifestyle. Distinctive European styling is reflected in every detail, from uncompromising service to exquisite gourmet dining. Intimate spaces and well-travelled, international guests foster a convivial onboard ambience. And in each fascinating destination, Silversea provides access to exclusive explorations and uniquely enriching cultural connections.
Check out these websites and call me to compare for your next cruise.
Silk Holidays can’t be beat for Asia also gave us a presentation. Check out the Silk Holidays website.
Through its extensive network of select partners in China, Japan, Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent, among others, Silk Holidays proudly offers Canada a comprehensive range of services and a variety of travel programs for both the business and leisure market. Whether it’s a Longstay in Bali or Thailand, an Overland package in China, Thailand or Indochina… our exclusive Super Bargain Series, All Inclusive Packages, customized Wedding & Honeymoon packages, Golfing in Thailand or Malaysia, Train Tickets, River Cruises, Theme tours or Custom-made tours in exotic destinations, our experts can find the right product for you.
Silk Holidays is also a premier Air Consolidator for many reputable airlines serving Canada and the Asia Pacific, such as Air Canada, Air China, China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Cathay Pacific Airways, China Airlines, EVA Airways, Japan Airlines, Korean Air, Singapore Airlines, Alaska Airlines and West Jet etc…they are able to offer competitive airfares and the best routes.
Thomas Cook Product Launch
Under the Thomas Cook umbrella you can travel the world. On September 1st I attended the product launch for 2011-2012 season for Thomas Cook.
Thomas Cook North America is a division of Thomas Cook Group. Headquartered in Toronto, they are comprised of market leading travel brands located in Canada and the United States. Whether you are a sun-seeker travelling with Sunquest, their premier tour operator brand, an Italy enthusiast travelling with ALBA Tours, wanting to get away your way with our independent travel wholesalers Holiday House, Fun Sun Vacations or Intair, or are looking for travel experiences that are truly out of this world with Exotik Tours or Boomerang Tours, they have what you are looking for.
New TPI Preferred Suppliers
Adventure Center
What’s your idea of adventure? Careening down rapids on a bamboo raft, or taking in the Alps from a terrace with a glass of wine at your elbow?
Everyone’s tastes are different. That’s why, when it comes to adventure, Adventure Center has trips to suit every style. With over 2,000 itineraries to choose from worldwide, they have the experience and the knowledge to help me find the one that’s just right for you.
Travelodge Toronto Airport
TPI Stopover Rates
$99.00 plus taxes per night
Includes Upgrade to Business level floors and up to 15 days parking
$109.00 plux taxes per night
Executive floor, Continental Breakfast and up to 15 days parking
$79.00 plus taxes per night
Upgrade to Business level floors, no parking
Promoting Journeys …by Kathryn with TPI
If you haven’t yet had a chance to view my new promotional video, Journeys …by Kathryn with TPI, go to this link on my website: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eW6Rvuc6opg&feature=email.
Cruise News
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Save 50% off standard cruise fares plus enjoy FREE airfare from Los Angeles Explorer. Environmentalist. Educator. Film Producer. For more than four decades, Jean-Michel Cousteau has dedicated himself and his vast experience to communicating to people of all nations and generations his love and concern for our water planet. Paul Gauguin Cruises is proud of our 13-year association with Mr. Cousteau and frequently welcome him aboard the m/s Paul Gauguin as a very special guest. Now your clients have the opportunity to sail with Mr. Cousteau on any of these four sailings in 2012:
As our special guest host, Mr. Cousteau will offer a series of lectures with videos of his work in the world’s oceans. Your clients will also have the opportunity to meet him in person — and perhaps even join him on one of several dives from the ship. The m/s Paul Gauguin is the only luxury ship in the French Polynesian islands to offer PADI certification onboard for novice divers, as well as refresher courses. And here’s something else: Savings of 50% off standard cruise fares FREE roundtrip airfare from Los Angeles |
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Princess Cruise Weeks continue!
Only two more promotions for 2011. Princess Cruise’s popular Cruise Week’s Promotion are still open for the weeks of October 16th, and November 20th. These sale weeks run for 7 days and include the option to reserve your cruise with a reduced deposit of $100 per person and receive a Shipwide Savings Coupon book worth up to $325 US in savings toward shipboard products and services. If you are considering a Princess cruise this year or next, it is a great idea to book during one of these sales. When you book with a small deposit instead of the usual larger one you receive more than your deposit back in on board savings.
Vacation News
Are you ready to get away for the winter? Thinking Florida? What if I tell you that you can spend a month in the south of France or Portugal for about the same cost as a week in the Caribbean? Really! The pricing below is in Canadian dollars for air fare from Toronto and a 1 BR apartment with car rental included.
French Riviera
A journey to the French Riviera is more than just a beach stay. This glamorous region of France offers so many things to see and do. Starting with the Monte Carlo casino of Monaco, the “Croisette” in Cannes, the provincial markets of Antibes or the “promenade des Anglais” in Nice. With Italy a few kilometers away on one side and Provence on the other side, you will find one one of the world’s most evocative regions, whose landscapes and magical light have seduced innumerable artists, and whose beach resorts have seduced innumerable hedonists. Provence and the Riviera are beautiful and culturally rich, offering everything from amazing art museums to fabulous beaches, white-hot nightlife, and a distinctive cuisine that blends the best of the mountains and the sea.
Longstays in selected apartments are available in January and February from $1000 for 16 days to $1313 for 30 days. Taxes and fees are extra but you still can’t beat these prices. Call me for more information.
Portugal
With coasts along the Atlantic Ocean, Portugal has developed its own architectural style portrayed best by the unique Manueline Art. This style evokes Portugal’s passion for the ocean and is incorporated in many buildings using sculpted ropes, knots, globes, shells, leaves and the religious cross. Come and experience Portugal’s ambiance through the architecture, a glass of port, traditional vinho verde, and fado music.
Pricing for longstays January 2 to February 27 is $828 for 9 days, $1068 for 16 days or $1338 for 23 days. Again taxes and fees are extra.
Kathryn’s Kapers
East Gwillimbury Chamber of Commerce/Farmer’s Market
On August 6th I had the wonderful opportunity to represent the East Gwillimbury
Chamber of Commerce in their booth at the Farmer’s Market. This market takes place every Saturday morning from 8 till 2 at the Civic Center in Sharon. The fresh produce, meat, cheese, eggs and baked goods…what can I say except…mmmmmm! The chamber allowed me to share their booth and I was pleased to meet new local residents there.
After Hours Event
Thursday, August 11th the East Gwillimbury Chamber of Commerce was invited to my home office for an after-hours networking event. Twenty-two of my chamber colleagues arrived and after a brief introduction, I let everyone get down to the business of networking while they sipped on the wine and nibbled the cheese that I served. It must have been a success because I enjoyed the company of many lingerers long after the cocktail hour was sheduled to end.
Kingston, Ontario “Cruise”
Richard and I celebrated our 41st Anniversary in August. On our honeymoon one of our adventures was to take the 1000 Island boat cruise from Kingston. The cruise sailed around Heart Island, the home of Boldt Castle. At that time the castle had been abandoned for about 70 years and was falling into disrepair from weather and vandals. In 1976 Boldt Castle was purchased privately and eventually given to the US Parks department (Heart Island is in the USA). The castle has been undergoing extensive restoration and is at this time about one third or more complete and the gardens completely restored beautifully. It is well worth a visit if you are in the area. Ganananoque Boat Lines has a five hour cruise that stops at the island and allows you two hours of that cruise time to visit and explore the castle and grounds.
We enjoyed a leisurely drive out Highway 2 along the Lake Ontario shore, stopping for a pizza lunch in Port Hope where we also checked out a couple of antique shops. Another stop along the route was the Woodworking Museum. This only took a few minutes to explore but really made me appreciate how helpful electricity is to us now. I can’t imagine the work that went into building homes and furniture the old fashioned way without it.
We arrived in Kingston early and checked in to the Residence Inn Kingston Water’s Edge, a Marriott which I can highly recommend, especially if you want to stay any length of time in the area. All suites have very efficient kitchenettes. We were only there for two nights so did not use the kitchen, but did dine in the restaurant where we enjoyed wonderful crab cakes and a glass of Pino Grigio.
Journeys …by Kathryn – Blog
I have been trying to contribute to my blog more frequently. If you haven’t seen it yet, please feel free to take a look here. If you wish to subscribe, there is a link on my home page for you to do just that. I have not been publishing regularly, but when I can. It usually works out to once or twice a month so you are not inundated with messages. The latest blog is about travelling with children. I look forward to keeping you informed.
Finally
From Uncle John’s Unsinkable Bathroom Reader, 21st edition:
Where Did My Childhood Go?
Q: Why can’t we remember anything that happened to us when we were babies or toddlers?
A: “Our memories of past experiences are organized in our brains as narratives. Kids younger than about three don’t yet know narrative conventions. They can’t tell a story. they don’t know how to set the scene. they don’t understand time, place, character, or plot. In other words, our memories start at the age when we realize that what we’re all trying to do in life is find the moral of the story.”
(From Why Things Are & Why Things Aren’t, by Joel Achenbach)
