lovin` the caribbean

Transcription

CANADIAN TRAVELLER – Delivering Destination Information
Riviera Maya
Germany
Oregon
Florida
September 2011
lovin’ the
caribbean
winter getaways
Page 6
GREAT CONTEST: Win A Trip for 2 to Arizona
A canadian’s
guide to
arizona
Page 21
AN ’S GU
ID E TO
NATURA
L WONDERS
GOLF, GO
LF, GOLF
COWBOYS
REL AX,
A SPECIAL
,
INDIANS
REFRESH
SUPPLEMENT
TO THE SEPT
EMBER 2011
Publications Mail Agreement 40623544
A CA NA DI
ISSUE OF
When you say book, they’ll say si.
Book your clients a vacation package to Mexico.
Give your clients a taste of Mexico they’ll never forget. From gorgeous beaches and ancient ruins, to
sumptuous shopping and traditional crafts, Mexico is a fiesta for the senses. We fly non-stop from major
Canadian cities to Cabo San Lucas, Cancun, Cozumel, Ixtapa, Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta. Viva Mexico!
WestJet flies non-stop to six great Mexican destinations this winter:*
Destination
Non-stop from:*
Cabo San Lucas
Calgary, Edmonton, Kelowna, Regina and Vancouver
Cancun
Calgary, Edmonton, Halifax, Hamilton Kelowna, London, Moncton,
Montreal, Ottawa, Quebec City, Regina, Saskatoon, Toronto, Victoria,
Vancouver and Winnipeg
Cozumel
Toronto
Mazatlan
Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver and Winnipeg
Puerto Vallarta
Abbotsford, Calgary, Comox, Edmonton, Kelowna, Prince George,
Regina, Saskatoon, Toronto, Victoria, Vancouver and Winnipeg
Ixtapa
Calgary
We also have great connections from other WestJet cities.
WestJet provides an exceptional guest experience, with no overbooking, ample legroom and
overhead bin space. We’re constantly working on new, client pleasing packages backed by our
extensive schedule. Plus, we offer guests flexibility on departure and stay dates so they can
enjoy a package that suits their schedule.
Book today at wesjet.com/agent.
THE PLACE YOU THOUGHT YOU KNEW
*Winter schedule begins October 30, 2011. Schedule is subject to change.
CANADIAN TRAVELLER – Delivering Destination Information
Editor-in-Chief/Publisher
Rex Armstead
September 2011
Volume 26
Issue 9
Editor
Janice Strong
Staff Writer-Toronto
Merle Rosenstein
Tel: (416) 633-5522
Design and Editorial Production
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From towering mountains to lush vineyards, Oregon is indeed a special place
Destination Guides
Stephen Fountaine
Tel: (250) 861-9006
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Tel: (55) 5683-5569 Production Manager
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Caribbean
Western Canada:
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publisher assumes no responsibility for lost material.
ISSN 1207-1463
16
We’re Talking Sun
Canadian Tour Operators Tell Us
What’s New & What’s Hot
President
Brad Liski
Aaah, The Beach
Florida’s fabulous beaches are the its
greatest natural asset
Sales Development
6
Chief Executive Officer
Rex Armstead
Discover America
Wineries, Wine Tours & Festivals
Across The US
Europe
12
16
Wein, Wein Everywhere
And Always A Drop To Sip In Germany
Magical Places
Bringing Home The Spirit From
Europe’s Christmas Markets
South Pacific
19
Surf’s Up
CT Destination Guide
21
A Canadian’s Guide To Arizona
Contest
69 Win A Trip For 2 To Arizona
Promotional Feature
80 Shopping Spotlight
Premium Savings, Premium Brands,
Premium Outlets
Tree Surfing & Other Adventures In Fiji
ON THE COVER:
There are plenty of reasons
to sell the Caribbean this
winter, including a strong
Canadian dollar and plenty
of new product. Turn to
page 6 to find out more.
Photo Credit:
superclubs hotels and resorts
www.canadiantraveller.net
Canadian Traveller • September 2011 3
$elling with $teve
Where In
The World
The World Is Your
Product, Study It Well
The discussion is still on about how many
countries there are in the world and the
number moves from 190, 195, up to 200
then 210 and in some world traveller association circles the number rises to an incredible 800. This number mashes together
countries, territories, islands and all sorts of
terra firma on the planet. The thing is, do
you know where those stated 195 countries
are on the world map?
Being able to “see” the
world map mentally
allows you to, within
nano seconds, conjure
up a route, a trip,
a tour.
By Steve
Crowhurst, CTM
Steve Crowhurst, CTM,
author, keynote speaker and
trainer specializes in NBG
– New Business Generation
for the travel and tourism
industry. Visit his website
www.smptraining.com for
more information.
4 September 2011 • Canadian Traveller Go a bit further out on that map…do
you know the capital city of each country?
How about rivers, scenic spots, places
for the best views and so on? All of this
is should be included in your bank of
knowledge in your role as a travel agent. In
a recent workshop run by CITC out of 50
travel agents, veteran and new to the industry, only one came close to sketching a free
hand outline and true representation of the
world’s continents. For the newly arrived to
the travel trade, whether you are a homebased agent, virtual agent or a traditional
bricks and mortar agent – if you have truly
just joined the industry, your mission is to
study and learn world geography.
Your World IQ & NBG
Developing your world IQ will help you
focus your New Business Generation activities and close more sales. Yeah! That is the
name of the game of course, new sales, and
to start boosting your world knowledge,
CT is the best place to start.
When you read CT, be sure to have an
atlas open at the same time. Then as you
read about a country or look at a Destination Guide or study a supplier’s brochure
be sure to check where on the world map
this destination or city is located. With your
finger, follow the itinerary on the map as
you review that supplier’s brochure and
various itineraries. When you do this, the
data and information will enter your subconscious and it will be waiting there for
recall any time you need that knowledge.
Being able to see that world map also
gives you insight into what other countries
surround the original destination of choice.
What does this mean? It means that you
can now offer more. You can offer more
countries for close to the same dollars. You
can say, then ask, “Look you are so close to
‘X’ it would be a shame not to go there…
why don’t I plan a side trip for you, take
a few extra days to see the sights…?” You
get the idea. You can apply this technique
to expanding a client’s trip when they are
booking a stayput vacation as many clients
are doing these days. Even better if where
they are staying is close to a border with
another country. In some parts of the
world you can step a foot in each direction
and be in four different countries – on the
map that is. Might be a few miles apart in
real time – however, it’s worth mentioning
and worth offering.
Your World IQ & FIT
Knowing where places are and being able
to picture them in your mind is an age-old
trick of the trade. Being able to “see”
the world map mentally allows you to,
within nano seconds, conjure up a route, a
trip, a tour, and this works especially well
when moving a client from a package to a
customized flexible independent tour – an
FIT. Naturally this visualization goes handin-hand with your knowledge of flights,
routes, rules and so on.
When a client requests a packaged holiday and there is nothing available when you
check, rather than hear, “Oh well, that’s
fine, thanks anyway…” as they get up to
leave your agency, or hang up the phone –
you can respond with “Nothing available
on that date however here’s what I can do
for you…” and that’s when you launch into
your customized vacation offer.
Testing Your World IQ
Here’s where the rubber meets the road or
the map meets the mind…time to test your
World IQ. Click to: www.smptraining.com/
test-your-world-iq.html and start the program. This is an accuracy and time-based
test. You can still win points by being close,
and by being fast. There are 12 levels –
each becoming harder as you move up the
scale and to move up that scale you’ll need
to have achieved X amount of points. The
more you challenge the program the more
you will become better as you recall where
places are. However, it’s the FIRST run
that counts at this time. That is the learning
point. The world is your product, so make
sure you study it well.
Caribbean
[ sun destinations ]
we’re talkin’
sun
Canadian Tour Operators
Tell Us What’s New & What’s Hot
By Judi Lees
With the healthy Canadian dollar and
well-established tour packagers adding
new products and additional air flights,
sun-worshippers need look no further
than the idyllic Caribbean when it comes
to winter escapes. Below, meet some
of these tour packagers and what they
have to say about the upcoming
2011/12 season.
Air Canada Vacations
ACV has been packaging vacations for
Canadians for more than 30 years
utilizing Air Canada’s extensive network
of 65 Canadian cities. Zeina Gedeon,
President and CEO of ACV, says the
upcoming winter promises to be “the
most exciting yet as the Passion Collection
showcases more than 380 resorts in
40 sunny destinations.”
The news in the Caribbean is three
new destinations: Curacao, St Kitts and
St Thomas will be serviced from Toronto
beginning December 23rd. There will also
be increased service to the Caribbean – a
flight from Halifax to Turks and Caicos,
plus additional flights have been added
between Montreal and Punta Cana in
the Dominican Republic as well as more
flights from Toronto to Turks and Caicos
and San Juan.
ACV also recently introduced
PriceGuard™ guaranteeing that clients
receive the best deal; if the cost of a
package drops at least 21 days prior to
their departure, the difference will be
refunded. The offer is valid when the
package is booked and paid for
by October 3 to a maximum of
$400 per person.
Tip for travel agents from Zeina:
“Experience the Caribbean, try it, feel
it and smell it, that’s the way to really
be able to sell it. Be sure to evaluate the
complete product, we all sell the same
hotels but that doesn’t mean we all sell
the same experience. And make sure you
explain PriceGuard™ to your clients, it’s a
peace of mind guarantee.”
For more information:
www.aircanadavacations.com
Hola Sun Holdidays
Hola Sun Holidays is celebrating its
20th anniversary. Recognized as
Canada’s Cuban specialist, its vacation
packages are available from 14 Canadian
cities. (Montreal-based Caribe Sol
services Quebec.)
Hola Sun is introducing several exciting
new products to celebrate this milestone
year. Soon travel agents will be familiar
with the classy brochure for Collection
Prestige – 11 deluxe holidays offer the
ultimate in a Cuban vacation. Among the
packages are ones focusing upon romance,
families, golf, spa, yoga, diving – there is
even one for cigar aficionados. The extras
are mind-boggling. For example, the
family option includes a romantic dinner
for the parents complete with child care.
Also new for Hola clients is a weeklong cruise aboard Cuba Crystal, a
luxurious, 1,200 passenger cruise ship that
circumnavigates the island. Memorable
ports of call include six UNESCO sites.
This specialist company prides itself
on keeping in touch and educating travel
agents on their product. Tessandra Toste
in sales and marketing describes Cuba
as a destination of “endless exploration”
with a unique culture and history.
“Our hot spot for the 2011/12 season
is Cayo Santa Maria for its beaches,
peacefulness and hotel selection all
four star and up. It has it all,” says
Tessandra. Her tips for travel agents:
sunscreen, sunglasses and always purchase
health insurance.
To access the agents’ web pages, go to
holacaribeagent.ca
Sunquest
This company is truly a pioneer – it began
with a single charter program to Acapulco
and this winter will celebrate “40 Years of
Great Vacations”.
For this celebratory year, Sunquest,
part of the global Thomas Cook Group,
has added many benefits for its customers
including an enhanced Club Diamond
offering together with long-time partner
Bahia Principe, the addition of some new,
exclusive resorts and an expanded flight
program. Four additional air routes will
be introduced – Thunder Bay to Jamaica,
Calgary to Cozumel, Toronto to Ft.
Lauderdale and Toronto to Cartagena.
The latter, Columbian city will combine
an all-inclusive beach vacation with the
sights of one of South America’s greatest
cultural treasures.
So what’s a hot spot for the 2011/12
season? Hacienda Tres Rois on the
Riviera Maya promises luxury with a focus
on sustainability; located within the
132-hectare nature park and on a sumptuous
beach, it is new to the Sunquest line-up
and is an exclusive.
Antigua & Barbuda Tourist Office
With the healthy Canadian Dollar,
new product and more flights
travel to the Caribbean will be
booming this winter.
Caribbean
Cuba Tourist Board
Mihaela Henes, Brand Manager for
Sunwing Vacations, predicts Cuba,
including Cayo Coco, will be the hot
spot for the upcoming season.
Steve Butchart, VP of Sunquest is
happy to talk about a favourite Caribbean
experience: “I was recently at The Azul
Beach Hotel by Karisma in the Riviera
Maya. “The attention to detail is secondto-none, the food is great, there is lots for
kids to do and the overall ambiance of the
intimate 90-room boutique hotel is one of
luxury and relaxation.”
Tips for travel agents: For every Caribbean
or Mexican vacation booked, agents earn
TC Loyalty Points that can be redeemed
for travel, merchandise, gift cards or may be
donated to any of the charities that Sunquest
and Thomas Cook work with.
For information: www.sunquestagent.ca
Sunwing Travel Group
Sunwing, comprised of Signature Vacations
and Sunwing Vacations as well as Sunwing
Airlines has, as a group, more than 35 years
of experience. In a summer issue of PROFIT
200 magazine it was the only airline and
tour company on the list of Canada’s fastest
growing companies. Through Sunwing and
Signature Vacations, clients can book some
110 hotels and resorts in the most popular
Caribbean destinations; direct flights are
accessed from 29 Canadian cities.
There is always something new at this
thriving conglomerate. As of November
2011, Sunwing Travel Group will be
the exclusive Canadian partner for all 33
RIU’s Caribbean, Mexico and Central
American properties. Check out the new
RIU brochure.
Sunwing has purchased a majority
interest in Luxe Destination Weddings,
8 September 2011 • Canadian Traveller well-known wedding consultants,
whose services are available for any
wedding group booking with Sunwing
or Signature Vacations. Services are fully
commissionable.
Mihaela Henes, Brand Manager, says,
“our competitive pricing represents a
significant marketing attraction plus both
Sunwing Vacations and Signature Vacations
have access to our exclusive airline.”
She predicts Cuba will be the hot spot for
the upcoming season. “Travellers realize that
there are more than just beautiful beaches.
The stunning coastal settings of Santiago
de Cuba, impressive Sierra Mountains,
charming architecture of Havana, astonishing
underwater environment of Cayo Coco
and the exciting pulse of Varadero make a
vacation to Cuba really memorable.”
Her tips for travel agents: “Don’t forget
to book SMILE for families. Up to two
kids stay free at more than 20 all-inclusive
resorts. And book early for all Sunwing
packages as that is how your clients get
the best prices.”
For information: www.sunwing.ca
Transat Tours Canada
Canada’s largest travel wholesaler, Transat
Tours Canada (TTC) sells holiday travel to
and from Canada through tour operators
Transat Holidays and Nolitours. TTC is a
subsidiary of Transat A.T. Inc., an integrated
international tour operator with more than
60 destination countries and distribution in
more than 50 countries.
“This winter season is very promising,
as our winter bookings are well ahead of
last year. The group business is
quite strong and we are noticing a
solid demand for wedding groups,”
says Denise Heffron, vice president,
national sales.
What’s new? Cartagena and Cozumel,
sold under Nolitours, and Barbados,
sold under Transat Holidays, from
Toronto; St. Lucia from Montreal with
Transat Holidays; Florida programs from
Winnipeg starting December 23 with a
weekly flight operated by Air Transat.
A Cuba Cruise package is now part of
Transat Holidays’ cruise collection and
includes roundtrip airfare, all transfers and
a seven-day cruise around Cuba aboard
the Cuba Crystal. Disney Cruise Line
ships, as well as the Costa Luminoza have
also been added.
New gateways this winter include
departures from Sault St. Marie and
North Bay (Ontario) to Punta Cana, and
a direct flight to Cancun from RouynNoranda (Quebec).
Hot Spot for 2011/12: Nolitours’
“It” Zone in Puerto Plata in the DR.
Six participating hotels offer exclusive
access to fabulous entertainment and
activities such as windsurfing, zip lining,
paragliding, parties and bar hopping.
For information:
www.vacancestransatagent.com,
www.nolitoursagent.com
WestJet Vacations
WestJet Vacations provides Canadians
a vast array of Caribbean options, from
destinations in Cuba and the Dominican
TEE TiME!
e
s
i
d
a
r
a
p
f
o
e
c
Sli
included.
Majestic elegance
Punta cana HHHH 1/2
Majestic colonial Punta cana
caMeleon gold HHHH 1/2
Majestic Resorts are all about golf, which is why green
fees are included at the Majestic Elegance Punta Cana
and Majestic Colonial Punta Cana Cameleon Gold. What
better place for your clients to master their swing than the
nearby Punta Blanca Golf Club? Designed by the legendary
Nick Price, this 18-hole golf course offers a challenge for
golfers of all levels, not to mention beautifully landscaped
grounds and a refreshing ocean breeze. Take a swing at
one of the best golf courses in Punta Cana!
All inclusive
999*
$
Price per person
Majestic Colonial Punta Cana
Cameleon Gold HHHH 1/2
Junior Suite with Jacuzzi (double occupancy)
Departures from Toronto
Friday, Nov. 25, Dec. 2 & 9
Taxes and fees to be added: $388
For details, see the Nolitours Sun 2011-2012
brochure or visit nolitours.com
Flights are from Toronto via Air Transat or CanJet. Prices shown are per person, based on double occupancy in Junior Suite with Jacuzzi category. Space and prices are subject to availability at time of booking and subject to change without notice. Prices available at ad deadline. Taxes
& fees are extra and noted above. For complete details and terms and conditions refer to the Nolitours 2011-2012 Sun brochure. Nolitours is a division of Transat Tours Canada Inc., and is registered as a travel wholesaler in Ontario (Reg #50009486), with office at 191 The West Mall,
Suite 800, Etobicoke, ON M9C 5K8.
Caribbean
Hot Spot for 2011/12:
Nolitours’ “It” Zone in Puerto Plata offers
exclusive access to activities like windsurfing,
zip lining, paragliding, parties and bar hopping.
Transat Holidays
Republic to Barbados, Bahamas, Grand
Cayman and Jamaica to premium
Caribbean destinations in St Lucia, St
Maarten and Turks & Caicos.
New flights for the upcoming season
include Thunder Bay to Montego Bay,
weekly on Saturdays and Toronto to
Puerto Rico, twice a week on Saturdays
and Sundays. The latter is a new
destination this season. Chris Avery, VP and General Manager
of WestJet Vacations enthuses: “San
Juan, Puerto Rico is a great addition
to WestJet Vacation’s portfolio of
Caribbean destinations. As the number
two cruise port in the world, second
only to Miami, it connects WestJet
guests to exciting cruise holidays.
Further, Puerto Rico is a great vacation
destination unto itself from the historic
architecture and vibrant nightlife of Old
San Juan to the beautiful beaches and
luxurious hotels.”
WestJet Vacations prides itself on
delivering excellent value to consumers
through competitively priced vacation
packages – there is something for every
budget including high value vacations.
Tim Turvey, Commercial Manager,
WestJet Vacations, says his favourite
Caribbean experience was attending
the wedding for two close friends this
past spring in Montego Bay, Jamaica.
“The wedding pulled together friends
from across Canada for a great vacation
experience. Kicking off with a beautiful
ceremony overlooking the beach on the
second day, it led into a great
week-long reunion with family and
friends in a Caribbean paradise.”
Destination weddings to the Caribbean
and elsewhere in the WestJet network
can be booked through WestJet Vacations
Groups department.
For information:
agent.westjetvacations.com
NEW
VISIT THE
SMP
TRAINING WEBSITE FOR
 FREE how NOT to do it videos
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mailing list and Steve will
keep you informed.
CONTEST
WINNER
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
Karin Erickson of
Richmond
CruiseShipCenters,
Richmond, British
Columbia has
won Canadian
Traveller’s Trip
for 2 to the
Dominican
Republic,
sponsored by
Transat Holidays.
Order Your Free Copy Today
To subscribe go to
www.CanadianTraveller.net
[email protected]
T:250-752-0106
10 September 2011 • Canadian Traveller www.canadiantraveller.net
Experience Elite Service and enjoy complimentary:
Bon Voyage glass of champagne • Choice of hot meals • Wine
with hot meals • Soft drinks • Snacks • Hot towel service • Leather
seating • In-flight, first run movies • Headsets • Kids backpack
with games & toys • Courteous & friendly service
Toronto Departures • 1 Week • All Inclusive
Mazatlan
Riviera Maya
Oceanview Room
Oct 11 & 18
Hotel Room
Oct 1, 8 & 15
Riu Emerald Bay 
495
$
+ $347 taxes
Riu Yucatan 
725
$
+ $347 taxes
Riviera Nayarit
Riu Vallarta 
Hotel Room
Oct 24 & 31
895
$
+ $347 taxes
For more hotels visit signaturevacations.com
For complete selection of the most current Signature flyers, visit agents.signaturevacations.com,
OpenJaw/Fax Board or Travel HotNews/Fax Extra!/Travelinfo.ca. All product is available through Galileo
Vacations, Sabrevacations, Amadeus, www.sirev.com or by calling 905.602.0893 or 1.800.268.7063.
Toronto departures. All prices are gross per person based on double occupancy for 7 nights all inclusive (unless otherwise specified) and were available at time
of printing. Seats at the above prices are limited and subject to change without prior notice. Applicable to new bookings only. Transportation taxes & related
fees shown must be pre-paid. For full terms and conditions, please refer to our current brochure. All flights are with Sunwing Airlines. Sunwing Tours Inc. D/B/A as
Signature Vacations, 27 Fasken Drive, Toronto, ON M9W 1K6, Ont (Tico) # 2476582, BC Reg # 39606, Que Reg # 800500. 08042011
Europe
[ germany ]
Wein, Wein
Everywhere
Shutterstock/LianeM
And Always A Drop
To Sip In Germany
By Christine Potter
Gone are the days
when, if we thought
about German wine,
we thought of Blue
Nun’s rather unsophisticated Liebfraumilch or the
equally cheap and cheerful
Niersteiner Riesling. They satisfied our undeveloped palates and
our similarly undeveloped wallets a
few decades back. (Although, as a colleague points out, “if there’s a church,
nuns, or monks on the label, it’s a good
wine. The monks were the first winemakers.”)
Fuerstenberg, Germany
Europe
[ germany ]
Bo
ist+Congress
Frankfurt Tour
ard
Sampling Frankfurt’s apple wine in an ancient
tavern or restaurant is a must-do.
Germans
have long been party to what
we have now discovered – there’s a wealth
of wonderful wines in their country with a
centuries-old history.
Germany is among the world’s top
producers of Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, and
Pinot Blanc and discovering these and other
varietals in-situ can be the framework for a
delightful tour.
Attend the festivals, stay in a winemaker’s
chateau (or simpler abode), sip the nectar on
a wine-tasting tour, hike or cycle the trails
between the wineries, or enjoy a river cruise
with frequent stops in the wine-making areas.
However you choose to discover Germany’s
wines, chances are high that you’ll gain a
new appreciation for them. And you’ll find
many labels that we don’t see in Canada.
Thirteen distinctive growing regions call
Germany home, many set along romantic
river valleys like the Elbe in the north.
This is the Saxony region where wines
have been produced for almost nine
centuries and where – thanks to moderate
weather courtesy of the Gulf Stream – grapes
thrive along the same latitude as Labrador.
The Elbe connects Dresden and Meissen
to the North Sea port of Hamburg. Festivals,
exhibitions, and guided tours throughout
the state show the importance of wine in
local history and culture. In the late summer
14 September 2011 • Canadian Traveller and early fall harvest season, wine even
overshadows the area’s famous porcelain, a
300-year-old industry in itself. (But visits to
the factories add an interesting dimension to
any tour.)
Saxony’s wine route is part of Germany’s
smallest wine district where charming villages
and small towns boast architectural gems and
centuries-old art and culture.
An easy Wine Hiking trail (it’s about
90 kilometres, the length of the region,
so plan for several days) takes walkers
past vineyards, alongside baroque castles,
through historical town centres, and to
some of Saxony’s great viewpoints.
Hiking and cycling routes in other wine
and brewery regions give Germany an
outstanding network of trails totalling
some 200,000 kilometres. Some tour
packages include luggage transfer from
hotel to hotel, and some offer electric
bikes to ease the effort.
As for festivals, they’re not difficult to
spot, especially in August and September.
About 1,000 events span the regions,
ranging from the enormous to small
local festivals along the Elbe, Main,
Rhine, and Mosel rivers. “Enormous”
relates to the one in Bockenheim in
southwest Germany, claiming to be the
world’s largest. It’s on the country’s bestknown wine route, an 80-kilometre-long
road winding through Rhineland to the
French border.
One of the regions – Hesse, in
west-central Germany – has created an
informative seven-kilometre circular
“Wein and Stein” route in the town of
Heppenheim, ending in the Vino-Kino with
samples of the region’s finest. On the east
side of the Rhine, Hesse is another small
wine growing area and produces some
excellent Rieslings – hard to find outside
the district because locals like to keep it for
themselves. And who can blame them?
A highlight of the regional festivals
is choosing the nation’s Wine Queen.
She’s one of 13 candidates (each region
selects one) and becomes Germany’s
wine ambassador for a year, travelling
internationally and at home to promote
the product. These women are no emptyheaded “I-want-to-save-the-world” beauty
queen candidates. They’re often young
wine industry professionals, sometimes the
offspring of winemakers who have grown up
with the business.
Talking about festivals, Germany’s most
famous has more to do with the hop than
the grape. Oktoberfest, in Munich, is an
experience not to be missed. Next year’s
dates are September 22 to October 7, and
admission to the beer tents is free, but get
there early, or make a reservation. (More
information from www.oktoberfest.de/en)
Bavarian beer is considered among the
world’s best, and for a study of the subject
beyond the confines of Oktoberfest a tour
of Bavaria’s villages and towns, lakeside
resorts and hilltop monasteries – sharing
the common bond of good breweries – will
satisfy the most ardent aficionado.
Stay in “brauereigasthof,” small inns
attached to micro-breweries. They’re usually
charming, well-kept, and economically priced.
A favourite brewery is Kaltenberg run
by Prince Luitpold of Bavaria from his
fairytale hilltop Kaltenberg Castle near
Munich. He’s the several-greats-removed
grandson of Crown Prince Ludwig (later
Ludwig I) whose 1810 wedding was the
reason for the first Oktoberfest. (And each
July, Prince Luitpold and his wife Princess
Beatrix host Europe’s largest medieval
jousting tournament at the castle, bringing in
thousands of spectators.)
Whether you choose a wine or beer route
or a combination of both, you’re likely to
enter the country through Frankfurt if you
fly direct from Canada.
Do yourself a favour and add a couple
of days at either end of your trip to see
this interesting city, too often bypassed by
travellers. Germany’s financial capital has
plenty of facets to fascinate a broad spectrum
of interests.
Most of the town was razed by bombs in
the Second World War and the resulting new
architecture is breathtaking, particularly the
skyscrapers. Every bridge spanning the Main
River is unique in design and character and
the faithfully restored old-town architecture
encompasses a diversity of periods and styles.
The buildings resemble an open-air museum,
especially in Romerberg Square.
Sachsenhausen, possibly Frankfurt’s
liveliest corner, is a must-see and sampling its
apple wine in an ancient tavern or restaurant
is a must-do.
Germany’s genius writer/Renaissance
man Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749 –
1842) has a huge presence in many parts of
Frankfurt, and his house is one of the most
visited museums in the city. And there are
many museums to choose from.
Whether your quest is to tour the vineyards,
the micro-breweries, or both, you’ll discover
that there’s much more you want to see in
Germany than you allowed for in one trip.
You’ll be back. And meanwhile, Prosit!
For more information, visit
www.germany.travel/en
www.germany.travel
Neuschwanstein Castle
© DZT
Discover the original
Rarely does one building inspire such awe and reverence as King Ludwig II of Bavaria’s fairytale castle. This unique
monument to Romanticism has provided the blueprint for countless imitations. But there’s nothing like discovering
the original. After all, what could be better than experiencing it for real?
Destination Germany welcomes you and your clients. www.germany.travel
Europe
[ christmas markets ]
Bringing Home The Spirit From
Europe’s Christmas Markets
Visit any of Europe’s major Christmas markets and
you’ll be spoiled for finding the seasonal spirit in your
local shopping malls.
“They’re magical places,” says Martha Chapman of
Toronto. “I visited the markets in Germany and Austria,
and it’s like stepping inside a Hans Christian Andersen story.
OK, so it’s a market, and so you’re supposed to buy stuff,
but it’s about as 180-degrees as you can get from the noise,
clutter, plastic, and commercialism of Christmas in my local
super-mall.”
Every season, Martha lovingly unwraps the “teeny
wooden ornaments – tiny people in scarves on inch-long
sleds and old-fashioned Father Christmases” she brought
back, and gives them pride of place on her tree, then takes a
break to enjoy the many memories that go with them.
Europe’s Christmas markets happen across the
continent, from Spain to the northern countries, but
no nation has as many as Germany. The country hosts
a massive 144, held in big cities like Cologne with its
landmark twin-spired cathedral (and eight markets, all
beautifully illuminated with thousands of fairy lights),
and in smaller communities like the lovely winemaking
town of Rudesheim am Rhine (a UNESCO World
Heritage Site).
Most markets open from the beginning of advent (the
fourth Sunday before Christmas) and run until Christmas
Eve. Some even run beyond the holiday.
16 September 2011 • Canadian Traveller I visited the markets in Germany and
Austria, and it’s like stepping inside a
Hans Christian Andersen story.
Martha took an Avalon river cruise, and says the Festive
Season cruises are now better than ever, especially on
Avalon’s new Panorama with its two decks of suites and
3.3-metre-wide windows giving spectacular views.
Avalon’s three seasonal cruises run five, eight, and
nine days calling at markets in Germany, the Alsace
in France, and Prague in the Czech Republic, the
latter one of the most popular events in Europe and
internationally renowned.
Another river boat line offering a Christmas cruise
is AMA Waterways. This year’s cruise features two
nights in Prague, with embarkation at Nuremberg
(where the boat docks overnight). During the transfer
to Nuremberg, passengers visit the 400-year-old
Christmas Market in town. Other calls include markets
in Germany, Austria, and Hungary.
Another way to visit the markets is to take a motorcoach
tour, such as the one offered by Trafalgar Tours.
The itinerary begins in Vienna, where 25 markets
range from large to small, but the most famous is the
Christkindlmarkt dating to 1294. The tour explores
the museums and the impressive architecture along
Vienna’s Ringstrasse, the Hofburg (one-time home of the
Hapsburgs), and the stunning State Opera House.
A scenic drive along the Danube Valley brings the
coach to Salzburg (and another market of course),
where visits to Mozart’s birthplace and the Old City are
Jozef Sedmak/Shutterstock.com
Magical PLACES
By Christine Potter
Europe
[ christmas markets ]
Frankfurt Tourist+Congress Board
Eating and drinking is an important part of the shopping experience as you stroll between the little wooden huts.
novels) with its Christmas market and incorporating a tour of the
Cotswolds, or Bury St. Edmunds with its links to Charles Dickens
(the creator of Mr. Scrooge of course) and its traditional Christmas
Fayre and Medieval Fayre. Then there’s the Christmas Market at
Haworth, home of the Bronte sisters. Seasonal offerings are also
held in such stately homes as Blenheim Palace, Chatsworth, and
Castle Howard among others.
France’s festive markets (“marche de noel”) are held in
most towns from the Alsace to Brittany, but Lille is particularly
popular, perhaps because of its Eurostar link. It’s held in the
Place Rihour.
Hans Christian Andersen, creator of so many beloved fairy tales,
has as much claim to Christmas as Dickens, so it’s fitting that
in Odense, Denmark (his birthplace) the Christmas Fair named
for him draws thousands of visitors. The same can be said of
Copenhagen’s market set in Tivoli Gardens. It’s a magical place at
any time of year but takes on an extra sparkle in December.
The sights, sounds, and smells make European markets
unique. In the wine regions, you can find Gluehwein (spiced,
warmed wine), and traditional cookies and cakes like the famous
“stolle.” Christmassy describes the sounds
and the scents – candles, spices, roasting
chestnuts, and delicious grilled sausages,
with tinkling bells and soft chimes playing
in the background. Eating and drinking
is an important part of the shopping
Celebrate the holiday
experience as you stroll between the
season in Europe
little wooden huts, many decorated with
• Austria, Germany & Switzerland
colourful awnings.
• Fabulous festive celebration
What can you expect to bring back?
• Sensational value
Apart from the aforementioned tiny tree
*Fly to Europe from Toronto or Montreal. For departures
people and old-fashioned Santas, think
Oct 1, 2011 – Apr 30, 2012 combining AWS tours only.
Limited seats available. Taxes and Fuel surcharges not included.
tinsel angels, gingerbread (“lebkuchen”),
Other conditions may apply. Please call Trafalgar for details.
**Tour + $299 Air special per person based on double
dolls and dollhouses, intricately carved
occupancy. Air taxes & surcharge are confirmed at time of
wood decorations, and much more. It’s
booking. Other conditions apply.
an experience not to be missed for lovers
Reservations 800.387.2680
of Christmas traditions.
on the agenda. Then it’s on to Munich, capital of Bavaria, across
an Alpine landscape where the snow-clad vista is just icing on the
Christmas cake.
Munich’s famous Glockenspiel in Marienplatz just might be
overshadowed by the ornaments in the market and the thoroughly
festive ambience, and the itinerary includes a tour of Neuschwanstein
Castle, the fairytale edifice of King Ludwig that inspired Walt Disney
to build his landmark imitation.
And so on to Switzerland where Zurich’s market is held
inside the train station (reputedly the largest indoor Christmas
Market in Europe) and it ends in Lucerne with its smaller, more
intimate market.
Seasonal festivities in Scandinavia, northern France, Germany,
Austria, and Switzerland create a winter wonderland, especially in the
cities’ centuries-old medieval sections. In Holland, a special location is
the Fluweelengrot (Velvet Caves) in Valkenburg. It’s a market with a
difference, and includes old Dutch artifacts.
For anyone with a bent for English literature and history, there
are also options in the UK, most of them short tours in cities like
Bath (much favoured as the place to be seen in Jane Austen’s
Fly to
Europe
for $299 *
Christmas
Markets
9 Days Land
& Air
$1998 **
Air Taxes $5
08 approx
.
south pacific
Surf’s
p
U
[ fiji ]
“Soon I was
“tree surfing”,
gliding with
wild abandon 30
metres above the
emerald forest.”
Tree Surfing & Other Adventures In Fiji
A craving for adventure led me to southern Vita Levu’s Pacific Harbour, proclaimed
“The Adventure Capital of Fiji”. The Uprising Beach Resort, not only has dorm accommodations that are ubiquitous to the area, but also beachfront and garden view bures
(sleeps up to four) for those, like myself, who fancy a bit more luxury after an adventurous outing. A private ‘biffy’ is joined to each bure, and a spacious stone-based shower
opens to the sky. There was not a chance of going hungry or thirsty with the great
restaurant and two bars after a day of expending energy at such activities as snorkelling in
world-renowned coral reefs, shark diving, game fishing, white water rafting, or zip-lining.
I chose ZipFiji for my adrenaline rush. Kitty
fit me into a harness (his nick-name for
seemingly having nine lives was hopefully
not zip-line related). Mike gave me the
simple instructions and soon I was “tree
surfing”, gliding with wild abandon 30 metres above the emerald forest, whooshing
from platform to platform, reaching speeds
up to a thrilling 60 km/hour.
Back at the Uprising I gazed across the
bay at Beqa Island, home of the legendary
firewalkers. I was the first on the scene at
the Arts Village where a group of these
firewalkers would perform their over
300-year-old ceremony. The rocks had
been covered with burning wood for six
hours and I felt the intense heat radiating
from the mound. The ceremony began
with the removal of the burning wood and
leveling the rocks with poles. I cringed as
one by one they not only walked across,
but stood upon the smouldering rocks.
Wanting to experience more of the
indigenous Fijian culture, I rose early one
morning for the Sigatoka River Safari. With
Captain Jack Sparrow (a.k.a. Josh) at the
helm we skimmed over Fiji’s longest river
past cliffs of marble, verdant hillsides, and
subsistence farms on our way to the remote
village of Koronisagana. Chief Aipate’s house
brimmed with hospitality as we sat on mats
with the villagers drinking kava (the “earthy”
tasting, tongue-numbing drink) in a ritualistic ceremony, followed by a Meke dance
lesson with spry adults and giggling children
and a lavish feast the women had prepared
in their rudimentary communal kitchen. A
heart-warming glimpse into village life.
For more information on adventures in
Fiji, visit www.fijime.com
Korea Tourism Organisation
Text & photo by Irene Butler
More Adventure
Fiji adventure tour operators have so
much to offer:
•D
ive with the sharks – grey reef sharks, silvertips, hammerheads and white tips
• Swim with the giant mantas
• Explore underwater caves and wrecks
• Guided and unguided kayaking on rivers and
along the coast
• Whitewater rafting on the Upper Navua River
• Hiking and birding in Bouma National Park
• Surfing at Tavarua and Namotu
Luxury Heli Combo
9 Days
$2699
Air from Vancouver on Air Pacific, transfers, 3 nts
Castaway Island, 3 nts Outrigger on the Lagoon, FREE
helicopter transfer, FREE spa treatment, FREE dolphin
safari, bonuses valid at over $500 per couple!
Price per person twin share, Valid 01 Sep 11 - 31 Mar 12. Trip code: 87691
1 800 667 6601 · [email protected] · www.goway.com
Money-Maker$
Create your Arizona ASAP
[ selling arizona ]
- Always Sell Arizona Plan
By Steve Crowhurst, CTM
You may know by now that I always send you to the tourism board’s website to look for catchy phrases that are
so well written that they can be used as a sales tool, a title, a heading, slotted into an ad, or newsletter or press
release. So, I did just that and toddled off to the Arizona website where I found this wonderful string of words:
If you would like to make Arizona one of your niche destinations
why not zip down south and check it out? Let’s see, you could be
there and back in a weekend – so if you haven’t yet made the visit,
there’s your go-sign. Need a bit more time – why not take the week
and go for it? Do it all. Work with your contacts at the Arizona Office
of Tourism and they’ll help you arrange the best itinerary for your selfinduced FAM and that’s when you’ll be able to develop your ASAP
promotional ideas, too.
Talk The Arizona Walk
TwArizona
“We want to help you experience it.” If you can say it, you can sell it.
To sell it you must be able to Talk the Walk. To talk the walk means
you know what Arizona can offer your outdoor adventure clients and
hopefully you have actually experienced the Arizona outdoors yourself.
If that’s the case then you truly can talk the walk.
They Said It – Sales Tips
Nino Montagnese
Here’s one for you. Why not start a Twitter chat and call it
TwArizona? Invite chatter about having been to Arizona. Create
some buzz about going back there. Tell your Twitterites that they
can follow you as you walk the walk and Tweet back about your
Arizona adventure. Now you could also send out a challenge. You
can deliver a Follow Me or Lead The Way
challenge like this. Here’s your Tweet: “Going
to #Arizona. Follow me or come with me. What’s
your answer? Information here…”
Arizona Twitineraries
Vice President – Sales and
Marketing
Known for it’s outdoor adventures, ACV
has over 16 activities available in the
Greater Phoenix area. Everything from
ballooning, day trips to Sedona and Grand
Canyon to shooting ranges. Plus, clients
earn Aeroplan® Miles with every booking made, added-value exclusive to Air
Canada Vacations.
Madeleine Brydon
Stéphanie Bishop
Tammy Mosher-Cecco
Managing Director, Canada
Globus family of brands
Avalon - Globus - Cosmos
- Monograms
Pick a vacation style that best fits your clients’ interests and travel needs – many
touring vacations offer flexibility, choice and
pace that match the way travellers want to
travel. For travellers seeking an independent
style of touring, Monograms features interesting vacations such as Canyon Escapes
and Canyon Discovery driving vacations,
which are also short in duration.
Product Buyer
WestJet Vacations
One of the hottest destinations in the
US. The sun shines 325 days of the year,
it’s home to MLB Spring training among
many other professional sporting events.
Shopping, spa-ing, golfing, dining, and
sighting historical landmarks, including
the Grand Canyon, is just the beginning
to an Arizona adventure.
Vice President
Total Vacations.ca
Know the product/know your client.
There are various diverse products
in the destination that cater to long
stays, spa and golf getaways, ranch
experience, etc. Promote flexibility
and customize the package to get
the true destination experience by
renting a car, fly/drive (Scottsdale/
Sedona/Grand Canyon itinerary).
Still thinking about using your social networks to
help you live up to and experience the Arizona
State Motto? On www.arizonaguide.com/
itineraries/create-your-trip you will find a list of
ready made itineraries that you can Tweet about.
Now the clever part comes in creating those
Tweets. Remember you have 140 characters to
‘write’ your message and that 140 includes your
shortened Twitter link. Writing a Tweet is similar
to writing a catchy subject line for your e-mail. It
must attract the reader to read.
Mancations
I love that phrase! Well you know there are
vacations for women, gallivanting with the girls,
prowling with cougars and so on. But here when
you scroll down the list of things to do, you
stop at Mancation Nation. Here’s the rest of
the text: Offers a package of extreme water sports,
exotic weapons, and other activities making for an
unforgettable adventure. You never know until
you try. If a Mancation has not yet risen to the
top in your community perhaps you’ll be the first.
Anniversary Marketing
This is something every travel agent should stay
on top of. Anniversaries. Not your clients’ – but
of places and events that have happened and will
continued on page 70
>
Great sales tool! pull-out keeper guide
From thrilling outdoor experiences and rejuvenating luxury resorts, to
inspired arts scenes and authentic local cuisine, Arizona is unlike any
place else in the world – and we want to help you experience it.
Love those last eight words, and we want to help you experience it.
Now that is a gem worth repeating at any time. Its pure professional
speak. You can change the ‘we’ for ‘I’ and you’ll be on a roll. In fact
you might even make good on the State Motto: God Enriches! With
that in mind let’s get selling ASAP.
>
YOUR CHANCE TO EXPERIENCE ARIZONA
Win A Trip For 2
And Create Your Own
Arizona Experience
There really is nowhere else on Earth like Arizona. Sunny skies, natural
wonders, golf, golf golf and spas, spas spa, rich cultural history and a
warmth that comes just as much for the people and the weather.
The Prize:
• One return trip for two from any
scheduled WestJet gateway in
Canada to Phoenix
• Three nights stay at the Hilton
Tucson
El Conquistador Resort
• Three nights stay at the Pointe
Hilton Squaw Peak
Always a Pointe Perfect Stay
Entry Information
Complete all information and fax to the number below or visit
http://www.canadiantraveller.net/Contests/2011Arizona
Toll Free Fax: 1 866 562-4405
>
Great sales tool! pull-out keeper guide
Questions
1. Designed by _________________, Mesa del Sol Golf Club near Yuma features 18 championship
holes of golf in a tranquil desert setting.
2. ___________ has been named one of the country’s most bicycle-friendly cities.
3. The Grand Canyon’s magnificent _______________ overlooking the South Rim is an unbeatable backdrop
for wedding photos.
4. Each February, the town of Wickenburg celebrates ________________, a celebration of the area’s rich
Wild West heritage.
5. The new _______________________ in Benson offers a high-quality, educational astronomy
experience with three brand-new telescopes.
Terms and Conditions
1. To enter the contest, the entrant must be a bona fide travel agent actively working in the industry,
a resident of Canada who has reached the age of majority in the province in which he/she resides,
who is not an employee of, a member of the immediate family of, or domiciled with, an employee of
ACT Communications Inc., its agents or distributors, or any of the prize donors. Note: Contest is not
valid in any jurisdiction where prohibited by law. Odds of winning are contingent upon the number
of entries received.
2.
Entrants must complete all questions, and include their name, telephone number and signature.
3.
Mail or fax entries to “Arizona Contest” Canadian Traveller, 201-2080 Hartley Avenue, Coquitlam,
BC V3K 6W5. Fax: 1 (866) 562-4405. Entries must be received by December 31, 2011.
4.
The draw will be made January 3, 2012 from all correct entries
received. All questions must be answered. The solutions can be
found in the Arizona Destination Guide.
5.
One prize will be awarded consisting of a pair of round trip tickets courtesy of WestJet, 3 nights
at the Hilton Tucson El Conquistador Resort and 3 nights at the Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak for two.
Some restrictions apply.
6.
The prize redemption dates will be provided to the winner. It must be accepted as awarded, is not
redeemable for cash and is not transferable.
7.
The winner will be advised by telephone during the week of January 3, 2012 and announced in the
February issue of Canadian Traveller.
8.
All entries become property of Canadian Traveller which assumes no responsibility for printing
error or lost or misdirected entries. No communication will be entered into except with the winning
entrant.
9.
One entry per person. Duplicate entries will be disqualified.
10. If more than one agent in your office wishes to enter, please photocopy this page.
>
Money-Maker$
[ selling arizona ]
[]
We’re Here To Help
The Arizona Office of
Tourism can help you sell
the Grand Canyon State
more effectively. Check
out www.arizonaguide.
com/travel-professionals for the latest news,
commissionable deals,
images and suggested
itineraries.
AZAP, the Arizona
Accreditation Program, is
a great way to earn CITC
credits and become a pro
selling Arizona. Benefits
include CITC credits,
continued from page 20
happen. There is an anniversary for every
US state as you know and here we have
something you can get behind and include in
your ASAP.
It is the Arizona Centennial in 2012.
That’s right, the State turns 100 on February
14, 2012 with activities, events, and exhibits
in commemoration running all the way
through to the end of December 2012.
Check your calendar – you have a few months
to start working on this idea and explore
what’s going on during 2012 related to the
anniversary. Check to see if there is anything
you can package for your clients.
becoming? Now you can set the places to be
photographed and create the safari.
It is this type of tour planning that will
set you aside from the generic travel agent
selling Arizona and it will also help you
establish a niche destination, a niche tour
product, a niche clientele and you may even
be able to tie in a Canon rep to help with the
photography onsite. A headline just popped
into my head…Take Your Canon to the
Canyon! It’s yours if you want it.
So that there is a plan you can
use for any niche markets you
Tour
feel you can sell to Arizona.
Camera Safaris
ASAP 128
Being a photographer of sorts, I like to
push camera tours and for the simple reason
that is almost everyone has a camera these
days. And when you have scenery such as
Arizona can boast, you have the makings of a
photographic tour, a camera safari, or a niche
camera safari tour.
Let’s focus on this idea for a moment
as it offers so many spin-off ideas that you
can use it with anything you create for this
destination. The camera safari is a niche
product. It’s an FIT product. You can build
it for the level of photographer you are
attracting. You can even focus on the level
of photographer and the camera they use
– let’s say Canon. Then within the Canon
range you can say only photographers using
Canon 60Ds. See how focused this tour is
Easy Access
subscription to a trade
e-newsletter, collateral
materials and the opportunity to win monthly
prizes and fams. Click on
the AZAP button at www.
arizonaguide.com/travelprofessionals and sign up.
One reason Arizona is an easy
sell is the easy access with
regular flights from Canadian
cities to Phoenix Sky Harbor
International Airport (PHX).
Here’s who flies there:
• F rom Vancouver: US Airways,
WestJet
• F rom Calgary: Air Canada, US
Airways, WestJet
• F rom Edmonton: US Airways,
WestJet
• F rom Saskatoon: WestJet
(seasonal)
• F rom Regina: WestJet (seasonal)
70 September 2011 • Canadian Traveller Here are a few more ideas for
you. Actually 128 ideas! Click
to this link – (it’s long, but
worth the keystrokes) when you
get there you will find a list of
promotions. Now some of these
promotions end this month,
however, use this list as an idea
generator. www.arizonaguide.
com/travel-deals-packages/
scottsdale-thunderbird-suiteshot-summer-promotion
The Corporate Sale
We can’t leave the page without
mentioning the marketing
of Arizona to your corporate
accounts. Even if you don’t
• F rom Winnipeg: WestJet (seasonal)
• F rom Toronto: Air Canada
Beginning in the fall of 2011,
WestJet will offer seasonal
service from Kelowna and
Victoria.
Have clients near the border? Southwest flies from
Buffalo, NY to Phoenix Sky Harbor
International Airport (PHX) and
Allegiant Air offers service
from Bellingham, WA; Fargo and
Grand Forks, ND; Great Falls and
Missoula, MT to Phoenix-Mesa
Gateway Airport (AZA).
Contact us:
Jennifer Sutcliffe
Arizona Office of Tourism
1110 W. Washington St. #155
Phoenix, AZ 85007
Tel: 602-364-3693
Fax: 602-363-3701
[email protected]
have any corporate accounts you can still
venture into the small meetings and incentive
segment. As you read the Arizona guide start
to jot down all the components that go into
those meetings and incentives. Top notch
resorts and hotels. Check. Golf and other
sports. Check. Outdoor adventures for team
events. Check. Meeting rooms and services.
Check. So there you go. Everything in place
ready for your new niche segment.
Operators Selling Arizona
Adventure Center
www.adventurecenter.com
www.aircanadavacations.com
Alio
www.alio.ca
Anderson Vacations
www.canadatravelsolution.com
BC Golf Guide
BCGolfGuide.com
Collette Vacations
www.collettevacations.ca
Contiki Holidays
www.contiki.com
Cosmos
www.cosmos.com
DeNure Tours
www.denuretours.com
Fehr-Way Tours
www.fehrwaytours.com
Fun Sun
www.funsun.ca
Gendron
www.gendrontravel.com
Geo Tours
www.geotours.net
Globus Family of Brands
www.globusjourneys.ca
Golf Away Tours
www.golfawaytours.com
Golf Holidays West
www.golfholidayswest.com
Great Canadian Holidays
www.bigbluecoach.com
Groupe Voyages Quebec
www.groupevoyagesquebec.com
Gryphon Golf
www.gryphongolf.com
Hanover Holidays
www.hanoverholidays.com
Holiday House
www.holidayhouse.ca
Incursions Voyages
www.incursion-voyages.com
Insight Vacations
www.insightvacations.com
Intair
www.intair.com
International Golf Vacations
www.internationalgolfvacations.com
Intrepid Travel
www.intrepidtravel.com
Kumuka
www.kumuka.com
Mandate Tours
www.mandatetours.com
Merit Golf Vacations
www.merit.ca
Merit Longstays
www.merit.ca
Misa Tours International
www.misatours.ca
Nagel Tours
www.nageltours.com
Pacific Gold Tours
www.pacificgoldtours.com
Pathway Tours
www.pathwaytours.com
Quest Nature Tours
www.questnaturetours.com
Royal Scenic
www.royalscenic.com
Senior Tours
www.seniortours.ca
Simply Escape
www.simplyescape.ca
Sportvac Tours
www.sportvac.com
Sun Fun Tours
www.sunfuntours.ca
Sunwest Tours
www.sunwesttours.com
Total Vacations
www.totalvacations.ca
Tours Chanteclerc
www.tourschanteclerc.com
Trafalgar Tours
www.trafalgartours.ca
Travac
www.travactours.com
Westjet Vacations
www.westjetvacations.com
C A N ADA
Celebrating The Grape
nATIOnAL PARK
Wineries, Wine Tours & Festivals Across The US
By Josephine Matyas
Sipping: La Belle Amie Vineyard, Myrtle
Beach, South Carolina
What’s Unique: Just a stone’s throw away
from the popular Grand Strand Area, this
vineyard hosts many festivals and special
events. The wine tasting room features
wines and a variety of sauces, spices and
preserves.
Details: www.labelleamie.com/
Sipping: Coastal Uncorked Food and Wine
Festival, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
When: May – check website for exact dates
What’s Happening: Highlights of the
area’s premier food, wine and spirits festival
include a restaurant week, wine tasting trolley tour, outdoor entertainment and golf
tournament.
Details: www.coastaluncorked.com
Sipping: Harvest Festival, Swan Creek,
North Carolina
When: October 8 to 9
What’s Happening: Tastings, music and
seasonal refreshments at five wineries in the
Swan Creek viticultural area.
Details: www.swancreekvineyards.com
Sipping: NC Wine & Food Weekend,
Bald Head Island, North Carolina
What’s Happening: Tastings, a wine
dinner, a sparkling wine brunch, seminars,
visual art and entertainment.
Details: www.baldheadisland.com
Sipping: Maine Wine Trail
What’s Unique: Maine’s salty air and warm
summer sun coaxes grapes into full flavour.
There are three distinct regions where
artisanal wineries welcome visitors for tours
and tastes of their finest offerings. Vintages
from the 18 wineries are distinctive and
flavourful.
Details: www.visitmaine.com/restaurants/
beer_beverage/wineries/
Sipping: Acadia’s Oktoberfest Food & Craft
Festival, Southwest Harbor, Maine
What’s Happening: Live music, wine and
cheese tasting and food provided by local
restaurants.
Details: www.acadiaoktoberfest.com/
Sipping: The Winery SF, San Francisco,
California
When: Friday, Saturday and Sundays
What’s Unique: San Francisco’s winery, tasting room and event centre located along the
waterfront, with great views of the city.
Details: www.winery-sf.com
Sipping: Temecula Valley Balloon and Wine
Festival, Temecula, California
When: June 2012
What’s Unique: The theme of hot air
balloons and wine has always anchored this
event. The popular Food & Wine Pairing
includes a three-course culinary experience,
with each course offering a different, complementary wine.
Details: www.tvbwf.com
EveryThing from A To Zion
Sipping: Willcox Wine Festival, Willcox,
Arizona
What’s Happening: Showcases Arizona’s up
and coming wine region of Willcox and the
Chiricahua Mountains, just east of Tucson.
Details: www.willcoxwines.com
Sipping: Verde Valley Wine Trail, connecting
the Arizona communities of Cottonwood,
Sedona, Camp Verde, Jerome, Cornville and
Clarkdale
What’s Unique: The wineries and tasting
rooms on the Verde Valley Wine Trail offer a
variety of skilfully crafted wines to satisfy any
wine taster.
Details: www.verdevalleywinetrail.com
To find out more about the Discover America - Canada Committee, attend a meeting or receive the
bi-monthly newsletter, contact them by fax at (416) 352-5567, by e-mail at [email protected] or
visit www.discoveramericacanada.org
Two hours north and a million miles
away from Las Vegas, this National
Park favorite will amaze and inspire
you! Take advantage of hiking and
biking trails, horseback riding, jeep
tours, rappelling, atv excursions and
more. Don’t forget your camera!
Sipping: OC Wine Week, Orange County,
California
When: September 25 to October 1
What’s Happening: 2011 is the inaugural
year for this event. Prix fixe menus and wine
pairings, wine classes and demos.
Details: www.ocwineweek.com
✈
All across the United States, small wineries, wine trails and special festivals celebrate
the production of skilfully crafted wines to
satisfy any wine taster’s palate. Here are just
a few to suggest to your clients.
A year round golf destination that has
lots of options for every golfer’s skill
level, schedule and pocketbook! Ten
conveniently located courses and lots
of lodging options. Book six months
out with no fees at RedRockGolf.com.
Fly direct! Delta via Salt Lake City
or United via Los Angeles
united states
[ oregon ]
Blessed By
From Towering Mountains To
Lush Vineyards, Oregon Is Indeed
A Special Place
Oregon Bounty
Fall is the best time to take a culinary tour of the state. Every October
and November, hoteliers, chefs, winemakers and brewers and farmers
open their doors, vineyards and fields with personal behind-the-scenes
travel packages. (Visit TravelOregon.com/Bounty)
And Portland, among the hottest foodie towns in the US,
is the place to start. On Saturdays join locals at the Portland
Farmer’s Market, a great sport for breakfast among the fresh
produce, flowers, cheeses, fish and meats. Or study with
the pros at any of the city’s popular cooking classes. From
here drive the Hood River Fruit Loop, which showcases the
season’s colours, along with local produce like winter pear,
apples and wine.
Thirsty? There are more than 700 vineyards in the state
producing first-class Pinot noir, plus a variety of other
appellations. Find wineries, their varietals and amenities at the
Oregon Wine Explorer Web site (explorer.oregonwine.org). Or
sample one of the state’s many craft brews; Oregon has more
microbreweries per capita than anywhere else in the US.
Oregon Outdoors
Oregon is home to the adventurecation – white-knuckle
downtime that gets the heart racing. White-water rafting (Snake
and Rogue rivers), jet boating (Rogue River), surfing (Oswald
West State Park, Lincoln City), wind-surfing, kite boarding
(Columbia River Gorge), and kayaking (Crooked River Gorge),
Nature
Crater Lake at
Sunrise. Southern
Oregon
“I thought that I had gazed upon
everything beautiful in nature…
but I have reached the climax.”
top the water adventures. On land, Smith Rock in Central
Oregon challenges all to conquer its sheer walls, cliffs and
crags, and mountain bikers hit the trails all over the state. Or
hit the road on Oregon Coast’s Three Capes scenic route, a
64-kilometre route through old growth forests, expansive dunes
and panoramic vistas. In winter, snow lovers find some of the
most pristine powder in the US, at 12 commercial downhill ski
areas and 400 trails in three mountain ranges, including Mt.
Bachelor in Central Oregon and Mt. Hood near Portland.
At a more sedate pace, birders flock to Oregon to spot song
birds, bald eagles, ducks, geese, sandhill cranes, pelicans, herons
and tundra swans.
And then there is the golf. Golf Digest recently ranked Central
Oregon as 23rd in the top 50 best golf destinations in the world.
Overall, there are more than 150 golf courses dotted throughout
the state. Visit www.traveloregon.com/golf
Oregon Heritage
The state’s history goes back a lot further than you think.
Learn about Native American traditions at the Tamástslikt
Cultural Institute in Eastern Oregon, where exhibits chronicle
10,000 years of Cayuse, Umatilla and Walla Walla culture.
Explorers Lewis and Clark left their mark, quite literally, on
the state. The Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail stretches
from the Umatilla Tribes’ homelands in the Pendleton area,
to Fort Clatsop on the Oregon Coast, and there are six
major interpretive facilities dedicated to telling their story
throughout Oregon.
The National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center in
Baker City explains life along the pioneering route and the End
Of the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center in Oregon City tells the
story of the new lives settlers created in Oregon.
You can get a taste of the Old West at the ultimate rodeo: the
Pendleton Round-Up, one of the oldest and most prestigious
rodeos in the world. Held every September, the round-up boasts
an old-fashioned rodeo, horseback and bull riding, cowboy
breakfasts, dances, art shows and country music. Want to ride
yourself? Book into a working cattle ranch for the real deal; or
a classic “dude ranch” to experience good food and a healthy
helping of horseback riding.
Shutterstock/Z Schnepf
– Jack London on seeing Crater Lake
united states
[ oregon ]
Portland
Along with a reputation as a foodie’s slice of heaven and a beerlover’s nirvana, Portland has earned accolades for it’s green
spaces and initiatives. More than half the city’s power comes
from renewable sources and over a quarter of its workforce
commutes by bike, carpool or public transportation.
Speaking of public transit, hop on the Max light rail train for a
trip to Washington Park. Start at the deepest subway station on the
continent (Pioneer Courthouse Square) and rise to the Park and the
Oregon Zoo; the Hoyt Arboretum; the World Forestry Center (an
interactive museum of Oregon’s logging heritage), and the Portland
Children’s Museum. The Portland International Rose Garden and
the Portland Japanese Garden are just a short shuttle ride away.
Staying with green power, take a biking or walking tour.
Portland is an extremely walkable city and Portland Walking
Tours’ Best of Portland Tour provides a detailed overview of
downtown Portland including Oregon history, local culture and
Portland architecture. Pedal Bike Tours also offers a history tour
of downtown from one of their rental bikes.
Walking, biking, taking transit, shoppers love Portland. Oregon
is a tax-free state, so bargains here are really bargains. Popular
areas include Pioneer Courthouse Square, downtown; Northwest
23rd Street; and large malls like Lloyd Center and Clackamas
Town Center. Book-lovers head to Powell’s, the world’s largest
independent bookstore with more than one million books, while
foodies head to the market. Some of the best: Saturday Farmers
Market at Portland State University; Monday Farmers Market at
Pioneer Courthouse Square; and the Wednesday Farmers Market
on the South Park Blocks at Salmon Street.
At the end of the day, relax over a pint at one of the city’s 40
breweries. Known for making bitingly bitter Indian Pale Ales and
other hop-heavy brews, the latest trend with Portland brewmasters
is barrel-aged sour beers similar to the Belgian Style, using whiskey
barrels or Pinot barrels from local vintners and distillers.
When you do hop in the car, head out on the Vineyard and
Valley Scenic Tour Route, an 80-kilometre drive through the
lush Tualatin Valley in Washington County. The route showcases
local wineries, farms (some with stands offering seasonal fresh
produce and/or u-pick), historic sites, wildlife refuges and
scenic viewpoints, including the iconic Mt. Hood. Other county
attractions include birding at local wetlands and preserves; zipping
through the air at Tree to Tree Adventure Park and great golf on
public and semi-private courses.
Central Oregon
From Portland, head southeast to Central Oregon. Nearly
300 days of sunshine every year guarantee a full slate of
outdoor adventure. Bend is the largest city and the main hub
for local exploration.
Golf in the region is spectacular, and the Central Oregon
Golf Trail boasts 30 courses, many with a championship rating,
and architects like Jack Nicklaus, Tom Fazio, David McLay
Kidd and Tom Doak. The Pacific Amateur Golf Classic, one of
the premier amateur events in the US, is held on several area
courses every October.
Adrenaline junkies get the juices flowing on whitewater
rafting trips, rock climbing walls and awesome mountain biking
trails. As for mountains, Mt Bachelor, near Bend and Sunriver,
is the sixth largest ski and summer resort in North America.
In fact, Bend and the entire region offer some of the best
mountain biking and cycling terrain – both high desert and
mountain – around.
Photo credit: Washington County VA
There are more than 700 vineyards in
Oregon producing first-class Pinot noir,
plus a variety of other appellations.
united states
Photo Credit: Travel Oregon
[ oregon ]
Oregon is home to the adventurecation – white-knuckle downtime
(like white water rafting) that gets the heart racing.
Indoors you can check out local history, both
human and geographic at the High Desert
Museum in Bend. Or at the Des Chutes Historical
Museum housed in a 1914 schoolhouse. You
can also explore Native America culture at The
Museum at Warm Springs and Cowboy Culture
at the Bowman Museum in Prineville.
One of the best ways to see the beauty of
Central Oregon is to drive one of several Scenic
Byways. The McKenzie Pass-Santiam Pass
National Scenic Byway offers spectacular views
of waterfalls and the Cascade Mountains. The
Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway offers access to
Mt. Bachelor along with a dozen alpine lakes.
Some of the most stunning views are at the
top of Paulina Peak in the Newberry National
Volcanic Monument.
Speaking of trails, at the end of the day
you can follow the Bend Ale Trail to eight
craft breweries, or sample local delights at an
amazing variety of restaurants. In fact, people
take their food so seriously here there are
more restaurants per capita than anywhere
else in the state – even Portland.
Southern Oregon
Heading south along Highway 97 from
Bend, you travel through Klamath County in
One Destination. Hundreds of things to do.
Each year, nearly 2 million Canadians visit the state of Oregon, and with more than 300 attractions
and activities to see and do in Washington County, Oregon, there is something for everyone.
Photo: Rick Shafer
Enjoy an evening at the theater
Take a scenic tour
Snap shots of breathtaking views
Experience the joy of saké
Sample worldly cuisine
Plan an epic getaway;
Pack the bags and head to
Oregon’s Washington County!
n
Photo: David Papazia
Master the art of wine tasting
and sip dozens of varietals
Add miles to the credit card
with tax- free shopping
Hoist a cold, locally crafted beer
Explore natural habitats
Play a perfect round of golf
Discover the sport of disc golf
Add Oregon’s Washington County to your “To Do” list today.
Contact the Washington County Visitors Association to
learn more. Call us 503/644-5555 or 800/537-3149
E-mail us [email protected]
www.visitwashingtoncountyoregon.com/Groups
Visit Washington County, Oregon
WCVA_Canadian_Traveller_1-2pg_Ad_3.indd 1
76 September 2011 • Canadian Traveller
@WCVA
8/17/11 4:11 PM
Southern Oregon’s High Country. A
land of lovely lakes, wild rivers and high
desert, the area is home to Crater Lake
National Park, the only National Park in
Oregon. Klamath Falls is the gateway to
the Park. It is also the jumping off point
for world-class fly fishing, canoeing and
birding watching. Head to Klamath
Basin National Wildlife Refuge, it’s
actually five refuges in one.
But the real draw is Crater Lake. The
deepest lake in North America, it is
famous for its clarity and intense blue
colour. Drive the Volcanic Legacy Scenic
Byway All-American Road for a grand
view of the area’s inspiring beauty.
From Klamath, circle west and head
to The Valley. Highway 66 follows an
old stage coach trail and heads straight
to Ashland, home of the renowned
Oregon Shakespeare Festival. Fine
dining, museums, parks and Mt.
Ashland Ski Area also deserve attention.
Highway 140 travels to Medford,
Jacksonville and on to Grants Pass.
Medford is the commercial hub of
Southern Oregon and home to awardwinning wineries, artisan cheeses and
specialty chocolatiers, along with
fine dining options in the OldTown
District. The historic gold rush town
of Jacksonville is a National Historic
landmark where history comes to life in
museums and antique shops. In Grant’s
Pass you can embark on fishing, rafting
and jet-boating adventures on the Wild
and Scenic Rogue River that runs right
through the centre of town.
From Klamath Falls you can also
head back up Highway 97 and the
turn-off to Highway 138. You won’t be
disappointed. Highway 138 is called the
“Highway of Waterfalls” and heads right
to Roseburg in the heart of the “Land
of Umpqua. The Umpqua is Oregon’s
oldest wine rowing region and there are
more than 20 wineries to visit.
From Roseburg, and from Grants
Pass, head over to the South Coast and
its spectacular beaches.
∞
∞
∞
∞
∞
∞
Oregon’s Mt.Hood Territory
Oregon Coast
From the South Coast, it is an easy and
very scenic drive north on Highway
101 along Oregon’s stunning coast.
Wide beaches, thundering surf, unique
towns and a full calendar of festivals
are all highlights of this route back to
Portland.
For more information on Oregon, visit
www.traveloregon.com
From historic Timberline Lodge at 6,000 ft. high on majestic Mt. Hood to the lush
farmlands and nurseries of the Willamette Valley, a myriad of adventures await you.
Fishing, whitewater rafting, kayaking, hiking, biking, golfing, skiing and hundreds of
recreational opportunities are available. Tax-free shopping, antiquing
and touring local wineries and breweries are also favorites. Our calendar
is filled with arts, crafts, music festivals, and farmers markets in addition
to equestrian events in Oregon Horse Country. Come visit us!
w w w. M t H o o d T e r r i t o r y. c o m •
800.424.3002
United States
[ florida ]
Aaah,Beach
The
Panama City Beach CVB
Florida’s fabulous
beaches are its
greatest natural asset
The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel
Along with one of the finest stretches of beach
in Florida, Panama City Beach offers every
water sport imaginable.
museum and, last but not least, the city’s
distinction as the home of NASCAR and the
World Center of Racing.
Picture Perfect
By Donna Carter
With hundreds of miles of coastline punctuated by long stretches
of silky sand, Florida remains one
of the world’s top destinations
for beach lovers. It took root in
the late 1800s when tourists from
the northern United States began
flocking there for its sub-tropical
climate and sun-bathed beaches.
Its future as one of the most
popular vacation venues on the
planet was established and the rest
is history.
The Shell Game
The majority of Florida’s barrier islands
lie parallel to the coast in a north-south
alignment, however one exception is Sanibel
Island. Situated off the state’s southwest
shore, its unique east-west orientation results
in seashells continuously washing up on
the beach, sometimes as thick as leaves on a
forest floor. Shelling here is so popular that
78 September 2011 • Canadian Traveller the name “Sanibel Stoop” has been applied
to the posture of people, young and old,
who scour the island’s beaches in a bentover position in search of special shells. A
never-ending parade of visitors comes to
collect and admire Sanibel’s “treasures from
the sea.” Regarded among the best shelling
spots in the world, Sanibel Island is also
home to the Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum,
an outstanding repository containing an
enormous collection of shells and mollusks
from around the world.
Where The Rubber Hits
The Sand
Daytona Beach is one of the few places
anywhere where people can drive vehicles
on beaches, a local tradition dating back to
the days when its wide, smooth-compacted
sand shore served as the state’s first racetrack.
Racing eventually moved inland to the now
famous Daytona International Speedway,
however, leisurely beach driving continued.
Driving on the beach is simply one of the
city’s attributes that includes budget-wise
golf, one of the largest outdoor flea markets
in the US, outstanding dining, a world-class
It is no surprise that people annually flock to
Fort Lauderdale’s 11 kilometres of sparkling
sand beaches. Not only is it one of the most
beautiful beachfronts on the East Coast,
over the years it has been revitalized and
developed into a world-class family resort
destination. Running parallel to the beach,
a long line of swaying palms and a stylish
promenade are flanked by a host of resort
hotels, shops, restaurants and nightclubs.
The main attraction, however, is Lauderdale’s
renowned white sand beach and not far
offshore is a natural coral reef system perfect
for snorkelling and scuba diving.
Perennially Popular
One major feature that has historically
attracted vacationers to the northwest coast’s
Panama City Beach is its reputation for
value-based holidays. In addition to budget
friendly vacations, the destination boasts one
of the finest stretches of beach in Florida
lined with resort hotels and rental condos.
Offshore, the Gulf of Mexico offers excellent
sport fishing, shipwreck diving, snorkelling
and every water sport imaginable. Access to
this true family destination got better last
year with the addition of the new Northwest
Florida Beaches Airport currently served by
Delta and Southwest Airlines.
Ever consider that the road to
happiness might not be a road at all?
Pristine beaches. Exhilarating outdoors. Around Florida’s Beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel, there’s simply no end to
the ways bliss can be found. For assistance in developing your clients’ island getaway, our Travel Agent Concierge offers
complimentary personalized service. Contact us today by email: [email protected] or by phone at 1-800-237-6444.
fortmyers-sanibel.com
Shopping Spotlight
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the possibilities are endless—much like the views
The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas is an original new destination in the heart of the Strip. This unique luxury
resort features oversized living spaces with private terraces and breathtaking views. It is our pleasure to
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C O S M O P O L I TA N L A S V E G A S . C O M
87 7. 8 93 . 2 075
T R AV E L A G E N T S @ C O S M O P O L I T A N L A S V E G A S . C O M
[ premium outlet centers ]
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Wrentham Village Premium
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Orlando Premium Outlets –
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Hotels.
North Bend Premium Outlets
Thirty minutes east of Seattle, North Bend
Premium Outlets features 50 stores in
North Bend, at the foot of Mount Si. Local
attractions include spectacular views of the
Cascade Mountains; Snoqualmie Falls,
one of Washington’s top scenic attractions;
Snoqualmie Casino; winter activities like
downhill and cross country skiing and
snowmobiling; and summer adventures
like hiking, mountain climbing, camping,
hunting, fishing, horseback riding, bicycling
and swimming.
Las Vegas Premium
Outlets - North
One of the largest outlet centres in the
US offers more than 150 designer stores
just three kilometres from Stratosphere
Hotel and the famous Golden Nugget
Hotel and Casino as well as numerous
casinos lining Fremont Street in historic
downtown Las Vegas. Popular attractions
such as the Fountains and Fine Art
Museum at Bellagio Hotel, Madame
Tussaud’s Wax Museum at the Venetian
Hotel, Sky Jump, Insanity, X-scream and
Big Shot thrill rides at Stratosphere Hotel
are within
easy driving distance.
Las Vegas Premium
Outlets – South
A popular indoor centre at the south end
of the Strip, near the airport, Las Vegas
Premium Outlets has added over a dozen
new name brands, an outdoor collection
of shops and a renovated interior to
feature over 140 stores. Nearby hotels
include MGM Grand, City Center and
Cosmopolitan casinos; and attractions
include the Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay
Hotel, Callaway Golf Course, Helicopter
tours, Boulder City, Hoover Dam
Museum and Lake Mead Cruises.
La bels To Look For
Premium Outlet Centers
and small town charm, and is home
to top ranked Canyon Ranch Resort,
Cranwell Resort, Spa and Golf Club,
Norman Rockwell Museum, Tanglewood,
the summer home of the Boston
Symphony Orchestra, Hancock Shaker
Village and Shakespeare & Company.
Waterloo Premium Outlets
Shoppers find their favourite brands in
appealing, architecturally-themed settings at Premium Outlet Centers across
the US. Labels to look for include:
• Adidas
• Ann Taylor
• Areopostale
• Ashworth
Golf
• A|X Armani
Exchange
• Baccarat
• Banana
Republic
• Barneys
New York
• Bass
• BCBG
MaxAzria
• Betsey
Johnson
• Bose
• Brahmin
• Brooks
Brothers
• Burberry
• Calvin Klein
• Carter’s
• CH Carolina
Herrera
• Chico’s
• Chloé
• Clarks
Bostonian
• Coach
• Coach Mens
• Coldwater
Creek
• Cole Haan
• Columbia
Sportswear
Company
• Converse
• David
Yurman
• Diesel
• Dior
• DKNY
• Dolce &
Gabbana
• Ed Hardy
• Eddie Bauer
• Elie Tahari
• Escada
• Espirit
• Fendi
• Gap
• Giorgio
Armani
• Gucci
• Guess
• Gymboree
• Harry &
David
• Hollister Co
• Hugo Boss
• Hurley
• Izod
• J.Crew
• Janie and
Jack
• Jimmy Choo
• Joe’s Jeans
• Jones New
York
• Judith
Ripka
• Juicy
Couture
• Kate Spade
• Kenneth
Cole
• L’Occitane
• Lacoste
• Lane Bryant
• Last Call
by Neiman
Marcus
• Le Creuset
• Loft Outlet
• Lucky
Brand
• M Missoni
• MaxMara
• Michael
Kors
• Miss Sixty/
Energie
• Movado
• Nautica
• Nike
• Nine West
• Oakley
• Old Navy
• Oscar de la
Renta
• OshKosh
B’Gosh
• Pendleton
• Polo Ralph
Lauren
• Pottery
Barn
• Prada
• Puma
• Reebok
• Restoration
Hardware
• Roberto
Cavalli
• Saks Fifth
Avenue Off
5th
• Salvatore
Ferragamo
• Sean John
• St. John
• Stuart
Weitzmen
• Tag Heuer
• Ted Baker
• The North
Face
• Theory
• Tod’s
• Thomas
Pink
• Tommy
Hilfiger
• Tourneau
• Toys “R” Us
Express
• True
Religion
• Ugg
• Under
Armour
• Valentino
• VF Outlet
• Victoria’s
Secret
• Vince
• White
House Black
Market
• WilliamsSonoma
• Wilsons
Leather
Outlet
• Wolford
• Y-3
• Zales Outlet
• Zegna
North america
[ mexico ]
The Quiet Side
Exploring Your Eco-Senses
On The Riviera Maya
Text and photos by Judy Waytiuk
Small, smooth, and cool, like beads, they cascaded over my head, shoulders and arms. Turned out they
were lentils – but since I was firmly blindfolded for the Hacienda Tres Rios “Sense Adventure”, I had no
idea what the little things were until I saw them in the photos developed by the hotel’s photographer. Hotel
staff literally lead participants by the hand through the adventure, set in a little patch of hotel-adjacent
jungle, with a series of subtle sensory experiences involving touch, smell, and sound – but no sight.
“You can do the Riveria
Maya very differently
these days.”
It’s not part of an ordinary Riviera Maya vacation,
but that’s precisely the point: you can do the Riveria
Maya very differently these days.
Luxe & Large
Hacienda Tres Rios, an eco-luxury hotel built in 2008
about 90 minutes south of the Cancun Airport, is
serious about ecology, minimizing waste and use of
non-renewable energy – so serious, that, where other
all-inclusive ubiquitous buffets serve up mountains
of food, this hotel uses small platters, refilled at need,
encouraging guests to take only what they’ll really
eat, instead of piling plates high and leaving half to be
tossed. The hotel even operates a native plant nursery
to help rebuild jungle areas along the coast that have
been wrecked either by construction equipment putting up more mega-resorts, or by hurricanes.
Set in 132 hectares of jungle, the resort’s 273 suites
are built out of native materials, and it’s been designated
a Riviera Maya Green Resort, with 60 hectares of nature
preserve, 90 animal species, and 10 cenotes. Cooling is
done through deep water wells, with heat generated from
the air conditioning used to warm water for guest and
laundry use. A desalination plant supplies fresh water, so
the local aquifer need not be depleted.
Yet this is a real-deal luxury all-inclusive. Like others,
this resort comes with a fine chef who presides over a
kitchen turning out exquisite a la carte meals. Forget
frijoles refritos. The Riviera Maya’s cooking eco-upscale these days.
Older resorts along the Mexican Caribbean coastline
are now retrofitting with eco-friendly measures. And
healthy lifestyles and fitness regimens are part of it.
Vacationers can still dive into massive buffets and bar
offerings, spend their time sopping up sun, sand and surf,
occasionally venturing out on one of hundreds of local
area tours to local water parks and Mayan ruins, and collecting bright, funky souvenirs.
But swimming in cenotes, kayaking along a beach,
yoga, sensory massages, fresh fruits and vegetables artfully prepared, even the traditional Mayan form of sweat
lodge, the temazcal, are increasingly common offerings
along the Riviera Maya.
North america
[ mexico ]
If you want to punish yourself, Los Angeles personal trainer Tiffany Rothe has been
running the Center 8 Studio in Playa del
Carmen since 2009, specializing in a “yoga
mat” workout that usually has participants
flopping around on the floor and gasping
like dying fish within five minutes. If that’s
not enough holiday suffering, Tiger Athletics founders and trainers Chris and Stacie
Clark run grueling cross-training programs
“Since I was firmly blindfolded for the
Hacienda Tres Rios “Sense Adventure”, I had
no idea what the little things were.”
at Las Villas Akumal, a small condominium
development where entire apartments can be
rented just a 20-minute beach walk south of
the little coastal village of Akumal.
Luxe & Little
Or, like me, you could opt for the kinder,
gentler version of healthy lifestyle vacationing – the temazcal ceremony. Hacienda
Tres Rios does one. The very upscale,
intimate, remarkably designed and décored
(Prince Andrew and Fergie stayed here on
their honeymoon) Maroma Resort & Spa
does another, and further south and at the
exact opposite end of traditional luxe, ecorustic Cabanas Copal offers a third. More
resorts are beginning to offer temazcal
ceremonies – all of them with the rough
edges polished off (traditional ones require
slathering yourself with mud prior to the
sweat) and luxurious little side notes like
post-sweat cooling fruit drinks or herbal
teas, and thick bath towels. Temazcal rituals are done in round mud structures that
look a lot like big beehives. Entrances are
small, representing re-entry into the womb
for physical and spiritual healing presided
over by the goddess Temazcaltoci, the
great mother of both gods and humans. If
led by a traditional healer/elder, the experience can be genuinely moving, but most
86 September 2011 • Canadian Traveller along the Riviera Maya are led by acolytes
who, unlike the elders, don’t delve deeply
into participants’ emotional lives. Even so,
the effect is astonishing – far more physically and mentally relaxing and enervating
than even the hottest sauna.
For those seeking even more relaxing holistic experiences, the spas in most
hotels, whether all-inclusive or intimate,
all have incorporated traditional Maya or
lum sets of cabanas, the Azulik, neighbouring, aforementioned Cabanas Copal,
and the adjacent Zahra all offer back-tothe-earth simplicity in real thatched-roof,
bamboo-walled, open-air wooden bathtub,
concrete floored, mosquito-net-covered
beds (not for style, but out of genuine
need). Cabanas Copal operates on candlelight only; the other two clusters of cabanas
have generator-run electricity on until
“But swimming in cenotes, kayaking along a beach,
yoga and sensory massages, are increasingly common
offerings along the Riviera Maya.”
Mexican twists to their treatments – copal
or chocolate body wraps or facials, Mayan
clay or chocolate massages (after which
you’ll be desperate for a chocolate bar).
The Maroma Spa, with large, airy, utterly-serene individual treatment rooms open
to ocean breezes, is almost certainly the
most high-end of the coastal spas, and the
small hotel itself is very likely the most uberexclusive of a series of small lodgings nestled
into the undisturbed patches of jungle
greenery along the Riviera Maya coastline
or tucked into corners of busy Playa del
Carmen or Tulum. Dozens are listed in the
Riviera Maya CVB’s Small Hotels Guide
booklet. Some like the 45-minutes-southof-Cancun adults-only, suites-only Le Reve,
are decidedly upscale in both style and
price, and perfect for boomers with money
on hand and pampering in mind.
Rustic Done Small
Then there’s La Ruina right in the middle
of Playa del Carmen, a traditionallyfavoured beachside backpackers’ campground for those fond of truly roughing it,
ring in at the lowest end of the bargain/
budget scale – with an equally rustic
temazcal available.
But if you really, really want to return to
nature in all its simple glory, three EcoTu-
“Temazcal rituals are done in
round mud structures that look a
lot like big beehives.”
11 PM. Plumbing is basic; there’s no sewer
system here. Gas tanks are brought in to
heat water for the bathrooms, and bath
water is brought from Tulum by truck.
Late night reading can be done in the
Copal lobby or the Zahra restaurant,
which serves all three cabana settlements
(there is room service, but no room
phones, so this writer’s still wondering
about the practical mechanics of that
little frill). The Azulik offers slightly
more polished versions of the back-tobasics cabanas, and the Zahra has a few
with actual walls, tiled floors, and ceilings. This is where you go to get away
from it all – quite literally. Meals are not
included, but hatha yoga classes are, as is
wildlife like various bugs, geckos, and the
occasional harmless boa constrictor wandering on the properties. It’s laid-back,
slow-moving, utterly peaceful, and prices
range from a budget $40 a night (shared
bathroom) at the Zahra to $350 a night
for the Azulik’s Honeymoon Villa.
That’s about double what you’d pay
for an all-inclusive room at Hacienda Tres
Rios, but the two appeal to people worlds
apart in their vacation philosophies – even
though both can honestly lay claim to the
title “eco-resort.”
And that’s a breath of fresh air along the
Maya Riviera.
ARRIVAL:
DEPARTURE:
Fore
Ace
All-inclusive should include the chance to sharpen your game
with instruction from one of the greatest players in golf history.
That’s how we see things, anyway. And why we’re so pleased to
announce the opening of The Jack Nicklaus Academy of Golf at Palace
Resorts golf courses in Cancun and Riviera Maya. Using the latest
technology, certified instructors at the Academy are ready to help you
®
take your game to the next level.
Even better, you can use your $1,500 Resort Credit* at Palace Resorts
toward select golf schools, green fees, as well as other tremendous
vacation additions like spa visits, area tours, and even room upgrades.
*Booking dates, travel dates and restrictions apply to promotions. Visit palaceresorts.com for details.
888-987-7898 | palaceresorts.com
BOOKING
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lovin` the caribbean

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