Travelingking

Don't just see the world---Experience it! 
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greatgetaways.travel

 

MUST SEE TV - well, not tv really - but such a cool website!

I have spent 45 minutes trying to cut and paste screen shots into this post so I could show you OUR COOL NEW UPDATED, IT SLICES,  IT DICES, MAGNIFICENT, UNBELIEVABLE WEBSITE ( and where is the infomercial replacement for Billy Mays when I need him?) and I've discovered I'm screen-shot challenged!!! I have one image to show you but there is so-o-o-o-o much more! Then it hit me---why not just suggest you visit our new site???? DUH!
 
Check it out and let me know what you think! We have a lot more copy to add and I'll enter it as quickly as my arthritic little fingers can type!
 
 

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Filed under  //   Australia   Great Getaways   greatgetaways.travel  

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Google and Great Getaways thanks you!

We just were notified that Great Getaways is a "Favorite Place" on Google maps! You found our business listing 1113 times and requested driving directions 54 times etween July 1 and 30 September 30, 2009! So whether you visit by phone, email, website, or in person, many thanks from all of us at Great Getaways! Welcome home!
 
The Great Getaways Family
Barbara, Michael, Judi, Becky, Ken & Shelly
www.greatgetaways.travel

 

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Filed under  //   Google maps   Great Getaways   greatgetaways.travel  

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And the reason you did it was???

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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Filed under  //   African Travel   airport delays   flight delays   Great Getaways   greatgetaways.travel   Hawaii   Judi Chaitman   travel advisor  

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Send the ultimate gift and love it when they claim it's spacey!

 

 

             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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Filed under  //   Accredited Space Agent   Great Getaways   greatgetaways.travel   space   space flight   space travel   SpaceShip 2   ultimate gift   Virgin Galactic   VSS Enterprise  

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Your Dream Vacation Awaits!


Sent with my compliments, enjoy the latest Virtuoso Travel Catalog — TRIPS OF A LIFETIME. Simply click any catalog image, link below, or click here.

Got a once in a lifetime travel dream? The trip you've dreamed about is ready and waiting for you in the pages of this catalog, and includes Virtuoso exclusive amenities to make it even more amazing. Whether you're planning the trip of a lifetime or a quick weekend getaway, you can rely on us to transform your vacations from do-it-yourself trips into unforgettable customized travel experiences.


There's simply no substitute for expert advice and personal service. Contact us for all of your travel needs.



4:: EXOTIC ESCAPES
Venture way off the beaten path to the Zulu kings' royal compound. Listen to the most melodious singing sands. Take a camel safari and camp under a trillion stars.

8:: HISTORY COMES ALIVE
Fire up the time machine and experience history. You'll marvel at ancient cities so well preserved, that the past comes to life today.

26:: EUROPEAN ESCAPADES
Explore famous cities. Have unique experiences like hunting truffles. Visit must-see museums with VIP access or taste victorious varietals at a vineyard.

34:: WESTERN ADVENTURES
Spin the globe to the west and find yourself glacier rafting, learning the secrets of the hula, diving coral reefs, or even searching for platypuses.


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Filed under  //   Europe   Great Getaways   greatgetaways.travel   Rafting   Safari   Safaris   White water rafting  

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Your Insider's Guide to Sun-Filled Vacations

 
Sun & Sand - the Insider's Guide
Sun & Sand - the Insider's Guide
Cruises Travel Packages Hotels
Cruises Travel Packages Hotels
From lavish hideaways and heavenly beaches to gorgeous golf courses and decadent spa treatments >>
Exceptional Journeys - Exclusive Amenities - Expert Advice

What's your Return on Life?
Ask the advisors at Great Getaways Travel   

 

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Filed under  //   beach   Cruises   Great Getaways   greatgetaways.travel   hotels   suin & sand   vacation   vacations  

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To Quote the Pointer Sisters: I'm So Excited!!!

(download)

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Filed under  //   Great Getaways   greatgetaways.travel  

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Are you getting yours?

We send our clients a wonderful magazine 6 times a year, VIRTUOSO LIFE. Having already garnered the SATW Lowell Thomas Bronze Award, it now adds the 2009 Gold Eddie FOLIO award! Read on:
 
Virtuoso is pleased to announce that VIRTUOSO LIFE continues its award-winning streak with a 2009 Gold Eddie FOLIO  award for “Best Consumer Travel Magazine,” emerging ahead of fellow competitors in the category, National Geographic Traveler (Silver) and Travel + Leisure (Bronze). This honor comes on the heels of another big win for the publication, the SATW Lowell Thomas award for “Best Travel Magazine.”

View the winning issue here

The FOLIO awards competition is the largest of its kind, this year drawing more than 2,000 entries from a who’s-who of well-known consumer magazines. Other gold winners included Time, Newsweek, Food & Wine, Field & Stream, Harper’s Bazaar, Golf Digest, and Entertainment Weekly. See the complete list of winners here,

 
So, we give our clients a complementary subscription and, if you aren't receiving VIRTUOSO LIFE, we offer you a 1 year subscription free!* Just email barbara@greatgetaway.com no later than 11:59 PM, December 13, 2009, with your name, complete address, and phone number (in case we have any questions). Oh, by the way, you are over 18, aren't you?


*quantities are limited.

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Filed under  //   FOLIO   Great Getaways   greatgetaways.travel   Magazine   vacation   vacations   Virtuoso   Virtuoso Life  

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If you leave now and fly to Oshkosh, you can witness this live tomorrow!

 

 

 

 

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Filed under  //   Accredited Space Agent   Great Getaways   greatgetaways.travel   Oshkosh   Richard Branson   Sir Richard Branson   space   space flight   Virgin Galactic  

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Remember when?

On Web pro News I watched a video about StumbleUpon.com.  I’ve used the SU when I want to find new and fresh sites and sometimes just because I was bored. Now I just learned how SU can increase “hits” to websites! The interviewee proclaimed that StumbleUpon “always been around “----for a couple of years or so.” In today’s world of rapid change (that sometimes translates into positive results and sometimes not), two years is a very long time.

In truth, 2 years can be a long time in the world of travel, too. How do we stay current on the world? Does the delightful couple we met in Ravello still own that delicious trattoria---and is it still delicious? Is Andrei still conducting walking tours in Florence? Truth be told, I cannot and choose not to even try to stay current on every change, opening or closing that occurs in the world. I have a few areas of interest and each of us at Great Getaways focuses on his/her passion. I firmly believe in Jack of all trades, master of none. AND---even for my areas of expertise (Africa, Antarctica, Galapagos, and Space---with a splash of China and India), I don’t rely on my knowledge alone!

Because of our membership in Virtuoso, a dynamic group of the top travel advisors in the world, I have representatives in over 70 countries. So, looking for the best vegetarian restaurant in Katmandu? No problem, my friend, Pawan, can not only tell me which is the best, he can tell me the chef’s name!

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Filed under  //   expert   Great Getaways   greatgetaways.travel   specialist   StumbleUpon   travel   travel advisor   vacation   vacations   Virtuoso  

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