| Fun Hurley Events |
Nov. 5 - Barbados night on Thursday from 7-9pm
Nov. 12 - Family Vacations beyond Mickey spanning six continents - from Alaska to Australia and Costa Rica to Canada. Join us for an Adventures By Disney night on Thursday from 6:30-8:30pm
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| Specialist Updates |
 Michelle Ferris:
2,800 travel advisors and suppliers gathered at Las Vegas' Bellagio Hotel for the Virtuoso Travel Mart in mid-August. During the three day event I joined Beth Skypeck and Pam Hurley Moser to learn about the one-of-a-kind travel experiences offered by members of the Virtuoso network. TravelMart has amazing energy and to actually meet face-to-face with every important Travel Supplier contacts from around the world is a valuable asset for my clients!
 Beth Skypeck:
Wow! 4 hundred, 4-minute appointments in 4 days! I was thrilled to attend the recent Virtuoso Travel Mart in Las Vegas. I learned so much from our travel partners located all over the world and how lucky I am to work at such a professional agency. Hurley Travel Experts is so well respected in the world wide travel community. One thing that struck me was how our tour operator, resort and hotel partners are so willing to go the extra mile for our clients with upgrades, extra amenities etc. I am proud to work for Hurley Travel Experts and be part of Virtuoso.
 Pam Hurley Moser:
I have found my paradise. It is on a small 3.25 square mile island in the Caribbean called Canouan (pronounced Can nu wan) Island, a pristine island with the most genuine and beautiful people I've ever met in my world travels. Click here to read my review. |
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Hurley In the News |
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Baby Boomer Travel: At 78 million strong, Baby Boomers have influenced American culture and trends throughout their entire lives. Click here to learn more about how they are influencing travel options.
Jamaica: Beth Skypeck is a certified Caribbean Preferred Specialist and she recently returned from Jamaica so I asked her to share her personal experience about visiting this island paradise. Click here to learn what our expert has to say.
Space Travel: The promise of space travel is real. Click here to learn about Pam's experience as one of 110 Accredited Space Agents in the world. |
| Teaser ideas that make great holiday gifts for travel throughout 2010! |
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Family Travel:
Mexico - Dreams Puerto Adventuras
Prices start at $1,916.00 for family of four for 4 nights / 5 days all-inclusive resort
Walt Disney World, Orlando - Caribbean Beach Resort
Prices start at $2,000.00 for family of four for 4 nights / 5 days with theme parks & transfers
Jamaica - Beaches Resort
Prices start at $2,064.00 for family of four for 4 nights / 5 days all-inclusive resort Couples Retreats:
Arizona - Four Seasons Scottsdale
Prices start at $1,050.00 for two for 3 nights / 4 days for two including breakfast
Jamaica - Sandals Grande Ocho Rios
Prices starting at $1,296.00 for two for 4 nights / 5 days all-inclusive resort
Bermuda - Fairmont South Hampton
Prices starting at $1,338.00 for two for 4 nights / 5 days stay |
| Food & Wine on the Coast of Maine |
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This fall is the perfect time for foodies to enjoy the bounty of the Maine Coast. Our coastline is home to a bourgeoning food culture including aquaculture, fishing, lobstering, organic farming as well as leading restaurants, specialty food companies, vineyards and wineries. We have several outstanding packages available--from a weekend wine making course to a four-day culinary tour. Contact us today to learn about our Camden Harbour Inn special packages. |
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Australia is #1 |
 Australia was once again named the top vacation dream spot for Americans in a recently released Harris Poll survey. Because Australia has opposite seasons from ours, the fall and winter is a perfect time to visit. Equal in size to the continental US, the country boasts a wide variety of experiences from Sydney and the Blue Mountains; the Great Barrier Reef to Tasmania; Ayer's Rock to the outback.
If you dream of a vacation Down Under, contact Brenda Cadman, one of our Australian Specialists, to make your dream come true! Brenda LOVES Australia and is anxious to speak with fellow Aussie-philes about the wide variety of tours and individual fly drive packages available. |
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 Consumers have had enoughUnlike other online "do it yourself" websites such as shopping and banking, online travel sites are complicated and frustrating. This, according to Forrester Research as reported in in an article on CNN.com. And it is sending travelers back to their user-friendly travel advisors.
Consumers told researches that travel sites are not easy to use and that they are full of fine print and industry jargon that is difficult to understand. The result? Growing consumer dissatisfaction-particularly among those who travel the most, namely business travelers. America's 10 Best & Worst Airports 2009 Forever delayed in Dallas and always late at La Guardia? If it seems that every time you go through certain airports, you experience a flight delay it is not your imagination-travelers are delayed at some airports more than others.
Every year Travel + Leisure gathers statistics from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics to rank those 10 with the better track-record (10 Best) and those with the 10 Worst record for on-time performance. It is based on flights that departed more than 15 minutes behind schedule from April 1, 2008, to March 31, 2009.
What does this mean for you? Consider flying out of an alternate airport to improve the chances of an on-time departure, make your connection and get to your destination on time.
Click here for the list of the 10 Best and Worst Airports for 2009.
BCD Travel was named "most admired Travel Management Company" by the readers of The Beat, one of the most closely monitored publications in the travel industry. Click here to learn more.
Q & A
Q. Last year 63,000 passengers were bumped from their flights according to information collected by the government. So what if it happens to you? A. You have rights according to an article by Associated Press writer, David Koenig. Click here for the article. Do you have question or a travel tip to share? Contact editor@hurleytravelexperts.com |
| This Just In |
 Hurley Travel Experts and Virtuoso are pleased to welcome Wireless Traveler as a new supplier of cost saving wireless communications products and services for the international traveler.
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Partnering for Success |
This fall Hurley Travel Experts is partnering with two vital community organizations to support their important goals: The Maine International Trade Center and the United Way of Greater Portland.
To find out how Hurley Travel Experts is making a difference in our community, click here. | |
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207.874.7400 - travel@travelexperts.com - Fall/2009 |
Greetings!
Greetings:
In an article titled "Why and How We Travel," I discovered that as each of us grow and mature, we thrive on novelty and exploration. We have a lifelong need for new input--and travel provides the perfect way to change everything around us--immediately. This issue of our leisure newsletter is full of destinations for travelers of every age and stage-from the Canouan Islands where my 3 year old daughter expanded her horizons at the Kids Club to the explosion of travel experiences for the Baby Boomer 55+ set. There is a big world out there to explore--call us to plan your next journey.
Sincerely,  Pam Hurley Moser President / CEO |
| Virtual Cruise Sale Starts Tonight |
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 World's Largest Cruise Night
Hurley Travel Experts is joining CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association) and its 25 cruise lines for the "World's Largest Cruise Night" (WLCN) set for October 14th. However, you don't have to leave home because it is a "Virtual" World's Largest Cruise Night" and we've extended it for the whole month of October (not just October 14th) for a Virtual Cruise Sale.
During the month of October, we are offering discounts, shipboard credits and more! This is an exciting event designed to showcase the choices, diversity and value of cruise vacations. If you have been thinking about a cruise now is the time to buy. Click here for our cruise sale extravaganza. |
| Santa Fe Celebrating Quatracentennial |
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 Santa Fe is an intriguing place to visit anytime, but this year travelers have another reason to visit the New Mexico capital city. With the burning of Zozobra a 50-foot puppet known as Old Man Gloom in early September, Santa Fe kicked off its 400th anniversary celebration. Throughout 2010, special events in arts, history, and culture beckon visitors to the oldest continuous capital in the US.
Special rates for Virtuoso guest are available at Encantado, an Aurberge Resort, is a serene oasis set against the stunning New Mexico landscape. With 65 modern Casitas and renowned spa, Encantado is a destination of wellness and rejuvenation.
Go where the locals go: Enjoy a hearty lunch at Tomasita's located at the century old Santa Fe Southern Railway. Order your dish with either red or green chiles-or ask for "Christmas style" for both red and green. Just off the Central Plaza, you'll find La Casa Sena an historical hacienda in the heart of old Santa Fe. Stop by the restaurant for a taste of the Great White Way Santa Fe style-the wait staff serve up show tunes along with your dinner created from local produce and meat raised on sustainable farms. Canyon Road is the "must visit" thoroughfare for Santa Fe's vibrant arts scene. Take a break at El Farol, the oldest restaurant and bar in Santa Fe, on 808 Canyon Road for an extensive menu of tasty small-dish tapas served up with sangria and nightly music.
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| Ritz-Carlton - More for Less |
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 If you thought you could not afford to stay at the Ritz-Carlton, click here and think again.
In a year when change is "the new normal" it's natural to feel apprehensive about taking a vacation. The Ritz-Carlton believes a vacation should relieve stress, not cause it. That's why The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company is introducing two vacation packages to provide you with more than just your money's worth - your memory's worth - with a selection of offerings which are not just about spending less, but experiencing more. Enjoy a night at the Ritz-Carlton with breakfast and a resort credit for under $150 and see how you can escape to the warm tropical breezes! |
| Give the Gift of Travel |
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 We'll even gift wrap it!
The gift of travel makes the perfect holiday gift for the entire family. Our travel advisors can help you pick the perfect trip or gift certificate for travel that will offer a lifetime of memories. We'll put together a colorful package with lots of fun ideas for the family to select a vacation and wrap it up for you to give to your loved ones. Contact us today to start thinking about the possiblities! |
| A Culinary Tour of Thailand |
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 Intriguing and imaginative cuisine will be the highlight of a 14-day culinary tour to Thailand, one of the most captivating and enchanting destinations in the world. Personally guided by Raymond Brunyanszki, co-owner of the Camden Harbour Inn, and Lawrence Klang, executive chef of Natalie's restaurant, travelers will gain an insider's introduction to traditional and modern Thai cuisine; cooking classes; fine dining; and visit local markets.
Travelers can relax on the magnificent island beaches of the south, or marvel at the cultural wonders of central and northern Thailand. Discover the less traveled regions such as the Isaarn province, explore the archeological treasures of Ayuthaya, Pimai or Sukhothai or enjoy the endless shopping opportunities for more modern treasures in the great malls and markets of bustling Bangkok.
Hurley Travel has teamed up with the Camden Harbour Inn to offer this tour of starting at $3790 per person, based on double occupancy excluding airfares and tax. Departure dates for 2010: January 7 and 28. Contact Pat Wilcock to learn more about this wonderful culinary adventure to the land of smiles: the culture, cuisine and the beauty of Thailand. Click here for a brochure. |
| Paris in the Spring & Return on Queen Mary 2 |
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 There are still openings for the Hurley Travel Experts and the Friends of PORTopera tour to celebrate PORTopera's 15 Years of grand opera in Maine. The May 12-21, 2010, trip features three nights in Paris, an evening at the Paris Opera, and a 6-day Transatlantic return crossing on the magnificent Queen Mary 2.
Travelers fly directly to Paris for a three-night stay at a four-star hotel (includes breakfast) with plenty of free time to enjoy the City of Lights and Love. The return trip is aboard the Queen Mary 2 for a luxurious 6-day crossing back to New York and a never-to-be forgotten journey.
Priced from $3390 per person, the package includes hotel in Paris, a ticket to the opera, rail transportation, a balcony cabin, meals and entertainment onboard the ship, along with taxes, transfers, and port charges (Does not include: airfare, insurance, pre- and post- travel and meals in Paris). Click here for complete details. |
| Small & Elegant Hotels |
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 Exceptional accommodations across the globe
Imagine your next London stay in a small and luxurious hotel in elegant Mayfair, just a short walk across Green Park from Buckingham Palace, around the corner from quaint neighborhood pubs and restaurants, and a quick walk to the Underground the gateway to the entire city.
Thanks to Hurley Travel Experts' vast network of resources, you can enjoy the local charms, unsurpassed personal service and exceptional accommodations at small luxury hotels in more than 26 cities including London, Paris, Rome, Florence, Venice, Tuscany, Amalfi Coast, Cinque Terre, Prague, Budapest, Berlin, Vienna, Edinburgh, Dublin, Chicago, New York or the English Countryside. Contact us today to learn more about these special gems.
Travel tip: If the Italian countryside is your destination, consider our selection of accommodations in charming villas throughout Italy. Live la dolce vita as you shop for fresh produce at the farmer's market, sample the latest vintage at local wineries, and meet the locals at neighborhood festivals and events. |
| Spectacular Scandinavia & Wonders of Iceland |
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 Brenda Cadman, CTA is one of our Scandinavian travel advisors and she recommends "Spectacular Scandinavia" as a wonderful tour that encompasses beautiful countryside, important cities, open seas, fjords, mountains and rich history. You will be impressed with the country's traditions, picturesque villages and friendly people. You will return from your tour with stories of majestic fjords, delightful Swedish cuisine and simple traditional people who are very proud of their heritage. Click here for a brochure. Iceland is a destination that seems to surprise people, as its weather is quite mild. A trip to Iceland can be as active or relaxed as the traveler wants it to be. This "Wonders of Iceland" tour will take you from it's capitol city filled with art, history and museums to explore some of it's natural parks filled with scenic natural wonders like geothermal steaming fumaroles, mud pots and more. You will travel via plane, bus, boat and your own two adventurous feet as you explore Iceland's magnificent landscape crafted by nature. Click here for a brochure. |
| Save on a Once in a Lifetime Trip to Antarctica |
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 There is no place on earth--and no life experience--that compares with the grandeur of Antarctica. No one who has been fortunate enough to visit will ever forget the White Continent. To see nature at its most dramatic and its indescribable beauty is an adventure like no other.
Whether sailing the scenic waterways of the beautiful LeMaire Channel; admiring towering icebergs with incredible shades of white and azure blue; or visiting Penguin rookeries and viewing the other indigenous wildlife; Antarctica leaves an indelible mark on everyone who visits this natural paradise.
Hurley Travel Experts is pleased to offer a collection of superb voyages to Antarctica for departures this fall and early winter with great savings with Travel Dynamics. For January departures you can save $2,500 off per couple! Click here for to read more about this voyage and click here for a brochure with special savings.
 Antarctica Travel Tip from Babette Ladd O'Dwyer: consider extending your voyage to include the magnificent Chilean Fjords, wonderful Buenos Aires "The Paris of South America." Take a side trip to world-famous Iguazu Falls; or a relaxing but exciting stay in the Lake District, perhaps at world-famous Llao Llao Resort or a private ranch called an Estancia where the owners will treat you to unsurpassed hospitality. |
| Top 5+1 Places on Hurley's Website |
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Visit the Hurley Travel Experts' websiteYou'll find many tools to assist you with your travel. Here are six of our favorite money and timesaving ones for travelers. You can find them on our Travel Tools section or with direct links below: 1. Check-in online for your flight. Simply select your airline and the website will take you directly to the online check-in for that airline. What could be easier? 2. Access your booking 24/7. Just enter your booking number and last name to view, live, up to the minute itinerary, seats, or print an electronic ticket receipt. 3. Decide: to check or not to check? Confirm the latest price for your airline's baggage rates and click on the airline's logo for the updated baggage policies. 4. Discover what documentation you need to travel to Canada or Mexico as of June 1, 2009. 5. Know before you go. What is the average rainfall in Buenos Aires? Where is the capital of Azerbaijan? Answer these and other travel questions on the Destination Guide for a snapshot of any world destination.
#6 Read the September /October 2009 issue of VIRTUOSO LIFEŽ Whether it's the cruise you've been yearning to take, that destination you hunger to explore, or the dream vacation you weren't sure was possible, travel has never been more affordable. And, now is the time to travel, because prices won't stay this way forever.
Enjoy this food and wine themed issue of VIRTUOSO LIFE, and wherever it inspires you to go next, count on our first-hand knowledge and personal connections to create a customized vacation just for you, complete with all the extras. There's simply no substitute for expert advice. Contact us today at 800.874.1743 or via travel@travelexperts.com. | |
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