|
|
|
Group Travel: Is it Right for Me?
July 20, 2010 |
|
Greetings!
An unseasonable cool and wet June extended into the first half of July bringing Oklahoma above average rainfall, extreme flooding, and cooler temperatures. Now we are literally baking in the sultry hot summer sun, with no rain forecast for quite some time. I have been filming the nesting of two wrens in the light globe which hangs askew from our deck roof. The little chicks are now craning their necks to glimpse the world beyond their hideaway. Just today, one tried flapping his wings, and tottered very near to falling out, it seemed to me. I managed to catch a few minutes of film before Mama Wren became too upset. When I have some more footage, I'll be sure and post it on our Facebook page so you can enjoy the little ones' adventures, too. This issue I discuss the benefits of Escorted touring (as opposed to independent travel) and present an explanation of industry terms. I appreciate each one of you, and welcome your thoughts and suggestions. Drop me a line, anytime, through the Concierge Desk. Sincerely,  |
|
Escorted Tour or FIT travel? Which is Right For You? |
Melani guides a tour to Branson, MO |
Traveling to new places, whether abroad or across the pond for the first time can cause some people anxiety.
No Worries
Tour operators can eliminate all that stress. When travelling with a group - large or small-, you can sit back, enjoy the trip, and leave all the logistics to someone well-versed in handling the details of complex itineraries, transports, site tours, entrance fees, dining, enrichment talks, optional excursions, and more. Some tour operators will arrange your flights, arrival transfers, pre- or post- tour accommodation along with the tour itself. Your travel agent can also handle those same pre- and post- tour details if the tour operator does not. Either way, you benefit from the seamless integration of elements for a smoothly, enjoyable experience!
A Tour Company for Every Style and Budget
Quality, stable tour companies abound which offer pre-planned, escorted vacations which can save upwards of 40% over fully independent travel, or FIT. Depending upon your price point, tours can range from First Class to Superior to Luxury in accomodations, transportation choices, and activities. Choices range from Extreme Adventure (white-water rafting and cliff rappels) to Easy Stroll to Family-Oriented with plenty for the kids to enjoy.
Tour managers stay with your group from your arrival to your departure, making sure you are already checked in, handling your luggage for you, setting up "office" in your hotel lobby, pointing out those little dining gems of restaurants hiding just around a corner, where the best places to shop, exchange money, or snap photos will be; smooth out anyone's ruffled feathers, keep the group on schedule so you don't miss out on a promised feature, and more. Knowledgeable step-on guides in each locale offer cultural Insider Information, stories, and history of the paces you are visiting. Some tours even include opportunities to meet and dine with the locals in their own homes, truly offering the best in cultural exchange experience!
Escorted tours are not solely motorcoach vacations, either. Whether you prefer Cruises, Cruisetours, Rail, Horseback, Van, Motorcoach, Learjet, Charter or Commercial Flights Yachts, or any combination of the above, a group escorted tour either exists or can be arranged to exactly match your interests.
Travel Overtures and its faith-travel subdivision Joyful Catholic Journeys arranges both preplanned and customized group travel using reputable tour operators offering only Superior, Deluxe, and Luxury levels. In addition, Melani is a Certified International Tour Manager and graduate of the International Tour Manager Academy of Denver, CO - Cuernavaca, Mexico campus. She arranges and escorts her own Superior and Deluxe class motorcoach tours as well as serving as Tour Manager for other tour operators, among them Friends International Tours based here in Oklahoma City.
Let us match you with the perfect group tour according to your preferences, or let us design one for you! Call Melani today at 405-642-8139 or email her at melani@travelovertures.com !
|
Global Interest is Filling Cabins for our Exclusive Mediterranean Cruise to the Holy Lands!
The Cristal |
WOW! We have pilgrims signing up from all across the globe for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! Benedictine sisters from Ireland and Pennsylvania, several priests and Benedictine monks from our own Oklahoma City diocese, individuals and families from Australia, California, Texas, Mexico, Canada, and others across Oklahoma. What fun and fellowship we shall be having as we literally follow in the Footsteps of St. Paul and our Lord Jesus Christ. |
You can be a part of the fun, too!
Steps of Paul Cruise
March 9-25, 2011
But HURRY! Early Bird Discount if paid in full by July 31! Departs USA Tuesday, March 8, 2011
ALL INCLUSIVE from $2,999.00 per person double occupancy [inside cabin], plus $497 taxes and $492 fees pp. All cabin types available. Fare includes roundtrip air from NYC (add-on gateways available); 16 nights cruise with all meals (B, L, D); all shore excursions, airport and port transfers. Daily Mass and opportunities for the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
$300 per person Deposit; $500 due Sept. 10; Balance due Dec. 10.
For details on how your parish can host a Cruise Info Night for this Steps of Paul cruise, call (405) 642-8139 or (405) 225-8510 orsend me an email! CSA Travel Insurance is also available. Travel Insurance is always highly recommended. Itinerary provided by Steps of Paul Coastal Cruises
|
|
|
Getaways | |
Short on Time but Need a Break?
 DATE
July 31-August 1, 2010 GRANDPARENT/GRANDCHILD # 10-731
$189 per adult, $119 per child (with two adults in room)
Destination: Hutchinson Kansas. Kansas Cosmosphere & Space Center, Kansas Underground Salt Mine, Hedrick Exotic Animal Farm with hayride and camel rides.
August 12, 2010 GOSPELFEST Trip # 10-0812 $59 per person
A full day of Gospel music, comedy, and great food! Don't miss it! You will be blessed. Call today...we had a wait list this year.
Sept. 28, 2010Deep in the "ART" of Oklahoma City Trip # 10-928 $69.00 pp includes lunch
Our day includes the "art" of design, painting, sculpture, food, and music. |
Understanding "Tour Speak" |
How to Read a Travel Brochure
If you decide group touring (small or large group, doesn't matter) is for you, it is time to sit back with a cuppa and browse those enticing tour brochures. You will better understand exactly what you will receive for your dollar if you familiarize yourself with "tourspeak", terms commonly used in the industry. It also helps to know that hotel and B&B ratings in Europe generally rate a level higher but are a level lower according to American (US) traveler's standards.
Visit - Your coach will actually stop and you'll really get to go in and visit a specific site
View - A brief stop and an opportunity to take photo
See - Your motorcoach will drive by the site so you can see it
Sightseeing tour - A local city guide will accompany you on a tour of a city or site
Orientation tour - Places of interest are pointed out, allowing you to go and explore them on your own
'Why not see' or 'perhaps enjoy' - These and similar phrases refer to optional excursions not included in the tour package, but are available for an additional fee
Time to explore and discover - Free time on your own. A day to relax with no planned activities; time for optional excursions or other independent activities
Transfers - Coach or train transportation from the airport to your hotel or city centre
First Class - akin to a 2* hotel in the US (larger Motel 6s, Travelodge, Days Inn, etc)
^^
Superior - about the same as 2-1/2* - 3* hotel in the US (Hampton Inns, Choice Hotels, newer Best Westerns, Holiday Inn Express, Marriott Courtyard) ^^
Deluxe or Luxury - 4 - 5* and above in the US (Marriott, Omni, Wyndham, Fairmont, Ritz-Carlton, etc)^^
Ensuite - private bathroom in your room
European Plan - lodging and continental breakfast
American Plan - lodging, buffet breakfast and sometimes one other meal, usually dinner (late lunch by US standards)
^^Hotel chains mentioned solely as a benchmark reference, in an attempt to paint a mental picture via personal experience |
|
|
|
|
Pilgrimage to Medugorje, October 2010 |
 Rev. James Caldwell is leading a Fall, 2010 Pilgrimage to Medugorje, Bosnia-Herzegovina.
$2,449 .00
from OKLAHOMA CITY
$ 500.00 per person Deposit.
Balance due Aug. 11, 2010.
Itinerary provided by Trinity Pilgrimages. |
|
|
|
Catholic Pilgrimage to Italy, October 2011 | |
$300 deposit per person. Balance due by August 1, 2011. For full detailed itinerary and reservation form, visit Joyful Catholic Journeys
Custom itinerary provided by Unitours, Inc. |
|
|
|
Travel Concierge Services for All of Your Personal and Group Travel Needs!
 Want a seamless travel experience? Need tee times? Transfers? Advance table reservations? Spa treatments scheduled and excursions booked for you? Then let me provide you with professional, personalized travel concierge services. All you have to do is sit back and enjoy your vacation!
Feel free to contact me with any questions, or if you'd like assistance with your personal or group travel plans, give me a call at 405.642.8139 or call toll free 1-877-NOW-WE-TRAVEL (877-669-9387) I am here to help you!
|
|
|
|
|
|
