Travelingking

Imagine . Create . Experience

Our Hearts Beat Together

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A couple of years ago we sent out a YouTube video of the song "Stand by me"  from "Playing for Change". The message is as valid today as it was in 2009, perhaps even more so.

Experiencing our world and making new friends wherever we go is our passion and our mission is to help you enjoy the same joy.

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Our friends at Micato expressed our truth in their holiday wish to us and we happily pass it on to you: Wherever we are in the world or in life...our hearts beat together.

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May your actions touch those around you with love and kindness and may peace embrace our souls...

Once again, enjoy the video of "Stand By Me":

Congratulations to Great Getaways!

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Yowzer, wowzer and more! It's official!!! Great Getaways travel has been named one of the Top 25 Women Owned Businesses in Kansas City the the Kansas City Business Journal!!!

Congrats to all of us: Judi Chaitman, Becky Sullivan, Shelly Lynch, Michael King, Ken Marshall, Kate Stroud, Jan Barash, Meredith Lutz, Dana Thompsen, and Barbara King! 

Register Now for Virtuoso's Hawaii Virtual Travel Show

Did you know that Judi Chaitman, our Vice President and General Manager, has been honored 10 years in a row as the Top Specialist in the world for Hawaii? Did you also sell more vacations to Hawaii than most other travel advisors? Now you have the opportunity to learn about Hawaii from our trusted partners. Register today and visit our Hawaii page on our website, http://www.greatgetaways.travel/where-to-go/hawaii/ to view an exclusive video we created from our personal Hawaiian vacation photos! I can hear Iz strumming his ukelele now and singing his famous rendition of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow!"

Contact me today!
Barbara King, ASA
Great Getaways Travel
913-338-2244
barbara@greatgetaways.travel
Click here to register >>

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. Attendance at the virtual travel show is required to be entered into the $1,000 gift card drawing. Registration for the virtual travel show must be completed before 11:59pm PST on 5/27/2011 to be entered into the $100 gift card drawing. The winners will be selected by random drawing on June 2, 2011. Only one email address will be entered into each drawing. Employees of Virtuoso, Ltd., travel agencies affiliated with the Virtuoso network, and the virtual travel show participating suppliers and their immediate families are not eligible to win. Requirements to register and attend the virtual travel show are a computer with internet access. It is recommended that the internet uses high speed access (Cable, DSL, Network) and that the computer be a Windows PC with Internet Explorer 6.0 minimum or Firefox x 3.6, or a Mac with Firefox 3.6 or Safari 4.x or higher. See your Virtuoso travel advisor for more details. The trademarks VIRTUOSO, the Globe Swirl Logo and SPECIALISTS IN THE ART OF TRAVEL are registered trademarks of Virtuoso, Ltd. Virtuoso, Ltd. has a U.S. copyright registration for the Globe Swirl Logo, ©2000. All rights reserved. Virtuoso CST#2069091-40 US/CAN 05/11

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Travel Essentials: Judi's Top 10

by Kimberly Winter Stern, Contributing Editor, 435 South Magazine

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Judi Chaitman, Vice President of Great Getaways Travel and one of Conde Nast Traveler's Top Specialists, knows a thing or two about traversing the world and when she packs her well-traveled suitcase and carryon, they’re filled with things that an experienced globetrotter doesn’t leave home without.

                       iPhone

  
                                                            Kindle  kindle-2-review-1.jpg


                             MasterCard and American Express
 

                           us-passport.jpg Passport 

 

               Reference material on destination
 

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                              Hanging toiletry bag

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                                      bose_headphones.jpg Bose headphones 

                                Portable DVD player

Share your list of top travel essentials! Leave your comments below or email barbara@greatgetaway.com

Dream World

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From 435 South Magazine, November 2010 issue:

Dream World

Judi

words: Kimberly Winter Stern
photos: Paul Versluis

Ask Judi Chaitman, CTA, where in the world she’s been lately and her answer is likely to include Hawaii, Paris or Italy.

The intrepid traveler, vice president of Great Getaways, Kansas City’s top-rated leisure travel company based in Overland Park, loves paradise (she’s been to the islands nearly 60 times), the City of Light and the country just a bit larger than the state of Arizona where a favorite saying is “art is long, life is short.”
But in Chaitman’s far-flung world of adventure, discovery and pleasure, the word “trip” is obsolete. Instead try the phrase “experiential travel,” a concept the award-winning travel consultant has introduced to clients from around the globe for more than two continent-hopping decades. Chaitman embraces the art of travel where the experience is paramount—the culture, the sights, the sounds, the cuisine, the history—and has shared her innate talent of matching clients’ dreams to itineraries that fulfill the desire to take more than a vacation.
In addition to hundreds of thousands of frequent flyer miles, the Overland Park travel consultant has earned a coveted title from the world’s premier travel digest, Condé Nast Traveler, since 2000. Regularly listed by the magazine’s consumer news director, Wendy Perrin, as one of the world’s top 128 travel advisors, Chaitman meets rigorous standards of offering clients unrivaled connections and destination savvy. And in the era where Internet deals can seem like the ending to a travel fairy tale, Chaitman delivers customized excellence to clients as a result of her on-the-ground experience and veteran traveler’s insider knowledge that is timely and priceless for those who want more than just a change of scenery.
For Chaitman, it’s all about the journey and the destination. And when it comes to a well-chosen travel accessory, Chaitman’s passion for new experiences is packed right along with her dog-eared passport.
435 South Magazine: How did you launch your travel career?
Judi Chaitman: I started with Braniff Airlines as a flight attendant in 1961 and moved to the Reservations Department. I helped start the Tour and Group Department for Braniff and developed that into a respected industry prototype. Once the airline closed in 1981, I worked for different travel companies, in addition to a multi-office, Dallas-based firm where I headed the Group Tour Department. I not only did proposals but also accompanied groups throughout the world.
435: You’ve spent almost half a century matching people to destinations. What are the three biggest changes you’ve seen in the leisure travel business?
JC: The Internet, security and baggage requirements. Many people do research online, but when it comes to booking a trip they turn to me for expert advice. I can help with things like current security issues and how much time is needed to connect, especially with international travel. Because I have worked with so many hotels, resorts and other travel professionals around the world I know what’s out there. I also assist people with the latest baggage updates—weight, cost of checked luggage, etc. We design itineraries that truly match the traveler. It’s not cookie-cutter.
435: You’ve sent literally thousands of people packing for “wow” experiences. Where are your clients located, and where on earth do you send them?
JC: Ninety-five percent of my clients are within the continental United States with nearly half in Johnson County and Kansas City. I also work with people in Europe, South America and Australia. I have young families, empty nesters, honeymooners and senior citizens in my Rolodex and they go everywhere. All of them start out as clients but they all end up as friends.
435: What’s your secret to success in a fiercely competitive industry?
JC: I build relationships with my clients. I always follow through, follow up and check in. Invariably when I’m doing site inspections or learn of a new shore excursion, for example, I’m thinking of specific clients who would be perfect for that hotel or tour. I never totally relax when I travel. I’m always on a discovery mission of some type and making connections with new vendors.
435: In addition to being one of Condé Nast Traveler’s top 128 travel advisors, you’re one of 15 generalists in the world. What does that mean?
JC: It’s a designation that Condé Nast Traveler gave to 15 of the 128 travel advisors—which means we’re a group that’s qualified to sell travel throughout the world, not to just one destination.
435: Tell us about your love affair with Hawaii.
JC: I know Hawaii like the back of my hand. Because of my listing in Condé Nast Traveler as a Hawaii specialist, people from all over call me about travel to the islands. It’s the perfect destination because there are world-class resorts if you don’t want to explore, there’s no language barrier or currency exchange and it’s beautifully exotic. I feel like I’ve gone home when I’m there.
435: Where are some of the most popular destinations you’re sending clients?
JC: Italy and France are perennial favorites and Spain is becoming trendier. India is a great experience and South America, what I like to call “the forgotten continent” has so much to offer for every type of traveler—plus it’s a terrific value. Antarctica is a hot spot—though it’s not for everyone.
435: Do you have any personal family travel traditions?
JC: When my grandsons become bar mitzvahs I take them on a trip. I have three down and one to go. I’ve travelled to London and Paris and gone on a cruise with my grandsons, plus Hawaii with the whole family several times.
435: You like intergenerational travel. Why?
JC: I think travel is—hands-down—one of the best educational learning experiences a child can have. And coupled with their family there’s nothing like it. The history, the sights, the culture—exposing a family to somewhere different is important. And it doesn’t have to be international travel—there are so many incredible destinations in the United States.
435: What’s your favorite city in the world?
JC: Paris. I’ve been there at least 12 times, and sometimes take small groups of women. I stay at a different hotel in a different arrondissement each trip. There’s so much to experience there.
435 South: What’s your next adventure?
JC: I’m planning a personal intergenerational trip where 13 of my family members and I will travel to Israel for my grandson’s bar mitzvah. It will be a memorable experience!


Chaitman Clinches Top Specialist 10 Years in a Row!

Extra! Extra! Read all about it! Conde Nast Traveler's August issue features the uber popular list of Top Specialists in the World and Great Getaways Judi Chaitman made the list! Since 2001 the magazine has selected Judi as the one of the Top Specialists for Hawaii and for the past 3 years she's reached the rarefied ranks of one of only a few travel advisors worthy of Top Generalist! Email your congrats to judi@greatgetaway.com on this astonishing achievement! While you're at it, ask her to help plan your next dream journey!

Grab Your Ukelele! Hawaii is SNOW free!

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Yesterday, February 12, 2010, marked the first time since 1977 that 49 out of 50 United States had snow. The only state without any trace of snow was Hawaii! Before you say, "Well, duh", consider that the Big Island's Mauna Kea Volcano stands at 13,800 feet and often has snow on it. In 1977 the only snowless state was South Carolina. And, for any of you Florida folks who may dispute having snow yesterday, even a dusting of snow counts according to the National Weather Service. Obviously, our daughter, Lauren, who moved to Kauai 2 years ago, was very, very wise!

Remember, when planning a Hawaii vacation, be sure to consult with our own Judi Chaitman. She's been selected as the Top Specialist in the world for Hawaii 9 years in a row by Conde Nast Traveler magazine. Email Judi today! Judi@greatgetaway.com

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! 

Parlez-vous ILTM?

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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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