I love to travel and live to travel, explore the world, explore Space! I have been known to run with scissors and I often play with fibers! Another hobby is finding friends wherever I am and enjoying everyday miracles!
Grew up traveling and never stopped! Now I even spend most of my days literally telling people where to go! How often can you brag about that?
An Accredited Space Agent, owner of a vacation planning company--yes! More important, I'm married to my best friend (I know, it sounds hokey, but it's true!), have 2 adult kids and 2 four-legged kids (some people confuse them for dogs---go figure!)
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When Islands Magazine wanted an expert for their Travel Agent Advisory Board, one of the superstars chosen is our own Ken Marshall! Ready for some island hopping, toes-wiggling-in-the-sand relaxation? Ken is THE MAN! Email Ken today, ken@greatgetaway.com, and surprise your Valentine with an Isle of View!
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Sometimes I just don't get it. Aren't you worth it---worth receiving a vacation that is practically seamless? Why did you book that vacation to Hawaii online? Are you sure you got the best value? Whose recommendations did you use---hopefully not the photos supplied by the resorts nor the manipulated advice offered on some consumer-based travel website??? Did you know that the villa you booked sorely needs a "facelift?" Of course, you didn't. When was the last time you saw it? Is it your ego that's the problem? Is your goal the bragging rights of "I can do it all by myself" or the quality of the experience---sometimes they aren't the same thing.
Why am I ranting on and on this morning? Because of yesterday----yesterday proves the worth of a trusted travel advisor. Let me explain:
I was sitting in my office working on the text for our new website when I noticed the door to our business open. In walked Judi Chaitman, one of the best examples of the ultimate travel professional. "Judi," I scolded, "Why are you here? It's Saturday! Do you have clients coming in?"
"Hi Barbara, I know it's Saturday. Why are you here? Oh, right, computer network maintenance, I forgot! Am I able to use my computer?" Assured she could access the Internet, Judi went on to explain, "I was working from home and decided to come in because it's just faster and easier. I have clients on the East coast who leave tomorrow for Hawaii and I'm concerned." [Note: As of December 19, 2009 and into December 20, 2009 the East coast of the US was blanketed in heavy snow].
Judi checked the flight cancellations, called the hotels in Hawaii to alert them that the guests may arrive late due to weather, to please hold the specially requested rooms, and that Judi would keep the property updated on the situation. She discussed options with the airlines and finally called the client. "Hi, it's Judi. I want to touch base to tell you what your options are for your departure tomorrow..."
The client was amazed. They had all the information they wanted and needed AND they hadn't even asked for it! They were relieved to know how to proceed and so appreciative that their travel advisor cared enough to interrupt her weekend plans to address their probable trip delays.
This is NOT a rare occurence at Great Getaways. We are a small (but mighty) company and each of our clients becomes a friend, even part of the Great Getaways family. We all care about your vacation and want you to have the best experience possible. I am not bragging---I am stating a fact. We care---we are experienced travel advisors who provide amazing journeys. What we do is NOT our job---it is our career, our passion! Can the travel website you used make that claim? Didn't think so!
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Consider what could be "the ultimate gift" for your loved ones; A three-day astronaut experience, culminating in a suborbital flight aboard VSS Enterprise! A deposit in the amount of $20,000 will secure a reservation. Deposits may be assigned to the individual of your choosing and are fully refundable minus a small handling fee. You can even receive a 10% discount for a charter flight carrying up to six astronauts. Reserving now also permits future astronauts intimate involvement in the project by way of exclusive invitations to events surrounding project milestones.
Fewer than 500 people have ever been into space and already there are about 300 more who have made their deposits. Contact me to reserve your loved ones a place in history!
Happy Holidays,
Barbara King,ASA
Barbara King | Co-President | greatgetaways.travel | 913.338.2244 | 800.546.TRIP | Virtuoso Member
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Judi Chaitman, Vice President of Great Getaways and Condé Nast Top Specialist, just returned from a whirlwind visit to Cannes, France, where she participated in the International Luxury Travel Market December 7-10. ILTM is a forum in which a select group of invited travel advisors visit with suppliers of upscale, unique experiences. Chaitman met with over 60 suppliers (well over the average 45 appointments of most attendees---Judi started each day early AND skipped lunch---oy!). The InterContinental Carlton, home away from home for Judi and several of her peers, was a short 3 blocks from Palais des Festivals et des Congrès, site of the ILTM.
And why, you ask, do we participate in this venue? No, we’re not arriving 5 months early for the Cannes Film Festival! We search the world (and now Outer Space, too) to bring you the newest, freshest ways to experience our planet. Judi found several boutique properties that provided great amenities, had a great ambiance, and met our criteria for putting the capital “E” in experiential travel! “I discovered a wonderful 10-room hotel in Italy that I’ve added to my “Must stay” list,” glowed an enthusiastic Chaitman.
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