Greetings Ladies:
Welcome to new subscribers and a warm Aloha to each of you. Most of this newsletter was written perched on Maui and admittedly I missed writing you in February. The colors, sounds, sights and sea turtles swept me into another realm. That is what travel does. Travel takes you from your wonderful ordinary daily life to something a bit extraordinary. If you need a holiday or could use a change from your day to day, join me on one of our tours and begin to add to your collection of travel stories. Imagine your life traveling a little more. The healthfulness of travel is a powerful tool for your wellbeing.  
Turkey


I am thrilled. Our first trip to Turkey is all arranged and ready to depart in September. This departure is now full with returning clients. Our next Turkey trip will be offered in 2013. The itinerary will be similar to our September departure.

 

Women Travelers


A book that celebrates women's travel history is my recommendation for Women's History Month this March. The title is, Women Travelers: A Century of Trailblazing Adventures 1850-1950 including, tales of some of the greatest women adventurers ever.  

 

Savvy women from earlier years come to life in these colorful tales of crossing all five continents. Featured women include Fanny Vandegrift, the wife of R.L.Stevenson, who traveled from Indiana to Samoa and social reformer and Journalist Nellie Bly who accepted the challenge of traveling around the world in a mere 72 days. Thirty two women are highlighted in the book from fourteen countries traveling to remote jungles, deserts, mountains and icebergs. These earlier women travelers and their spirited approach to living life continue to inspire us today. The exceptional photographs enhance the traveler's tales creating a splendid read for Women's History month this March.  

 

Author Alexandra Lapierre has won international acclaim for her writing. Her works have been widely translated and she has received numerous awards including the Honorary Award of the Association of American University Women. She earned an MFA degree in 1981 from the University of Southern California, Los Angeles. The editor, Christel Mouchard, is the author of many works about women explorers in her native French.

In This Issue
Turkey
Women Travelers
English Gardens
FAQS
The Best of Nova Scotia
Fan Mail.
First Day of Summer.
Upcoming Destinations
English Gardens


If you have ever dreamed of wandering in English gardens, this trip is for you.  Our English Garden Tour is coming soon and is one that we look forward to each May.  The timing is coordinated with the Royal Horticultural Society's stunning Chelsea Flower Show.  While English gardens are the focus, you attend the theatre in London, visit Castles in Kent and sample the English village life with walking tours, pubs and, of course, taking time for tea!  I remember a client from Chicago sincerely ask if much would be in bloom in May.  While seasons are ever changing, England is in full bloom in May.  Even the early roses are beginning which surprises everyone.  One cannot predict English weather, so always pack a brollie for this trip and some shoes for tramping the garden paths.


Click for Details...  

 

FAQS

Questions we answer often, if you think of another just call my personal line at 978 879 7464

What age are the travelers?
We encourage women of all ages to travel with us. The spirit is ageless! When a trip will require above average physical activity, it will be so stated. If you have any medical problems that may limit your travel, please check with your physician for assessment. Most trips will require lots of walking. The ages in our groups usually range from 40-75.

Is this a lesbian travel company?
No, we are not a lesbian travel company. All women are welcome to travel with us.

What to Bring?
Travel light. We always pack more than what is needed. Remember comfortable walking shoes. For our garden tours, shoes that don't mind water are a must. For tropical trips, less is more. A travel umbrella with a lightweight raincoat is always a good idea. Look at each itinerary and then pack accordingly for the various experiences planned on the trip. Before each trip if there are specifics I send out a packing list. I encourage One Bag Only.

Can I stay longer or arrive earlier?
Yes! We can arrange the necessary details on most itineraries. On overseas trips, many women like to arrive a day early to adjust to the time change and settle in.

Do I need additional money?
Most expenses are included in the cost of the trip. You will need money for some lunches, dinners, shopping, additional spa services, alcohol, laundry, telephone, and custom fees as appropriate. ATM machines are readily available and are the easiest way for you to access funds as needed. Upon arrival at the local airport, the first stop can be to the ATM machine. It is best to have a MasterCard or Visa with you. Often times, American Express is not accepted and many credit cards charge an additional fee for overseas transactions.

Do I need insurance?
Insurance is strongly recommended on all trips out of the country. We do not sell insurance and refer you to Travel Guard online.

Do I pay extra for traveling alone?
No, it doesn't cost more to travel alone with us. In 2012 there are no single supplements for our tours. Each woman will have her own private room. We think you deserve a room of your own on your vacation. Where do we Meet? Each trip is a little different. Prior to traveling you will receive arrival details, additional information for your reading pleasure and trip notes to familiarize you with our destination. Can I make my reservation via snail mail? Yes you can use snail mail for all reservations and payments. All you do is print the reservation form online, fill it out, and send it off to us with your deposit. Simple and your are on your way.
The Best of Nova Scotia


As some of you already know, we spend summers in Nova Scotia and you can come for a visit on our Nova Scotia tour which is authentic from a local's perspective.  If you remember the heat of last summer, you may wish to reserve this trip where the cooling summer breezes and Maritime beauty will offer you a stunning vacation.  No glitz or glam; just salty folk with a seafaring story.  From the renaissance of Halifax to the UNESCO town of Lunenburg, we will discover why people return again and again to this magical region which is undiscovered, untouristed, and simply beautiful.  We will visit one of the last remaining pristine untouched stretches of coastline that I have ever experienced in my travels from Nova Scotia to Florida. If you like the sea and her mystery, this trip is for you.  We only have one space remaining for this tour.  Reserve today for your summer escape Downeast.  

 

Click here for more details >> 

 

Fan Mail


Just as I was about to send this newsletter off, a thank you email arrived from a woman who traveled to Dominica with me this January on our annual Pure Bliss trip to one of my favorite islands.  Here are some of her impressions she wrote and thought would be great for me to use in our newsletter and website testimonials.  This was a great trip for her.  Enroute home, while changing planes in San Juan, she received a call her Dad had passed on.  Life is fragile.  I was glad she had experienced a refreshing and fun vacation and was in a wonderful frame of mind to receive the difficult news.  This client was from Massachusetts and I attended the memorial service.  

 

"I have traveled  a lot comfortably with friends and alone.  It was luxurious to have Peggy handle everything so that my mind could be on vacation as well as the rest of me. She sent me packing advice and activities information ahead of the trip.  In addition, Peggy has been to Jungle Bay several times ever since it opened.  Although the staff treats everyone with friendly wonderful service, Peggy was welcomed as returning family and I felt included in that extra glow.  Peggy knew what cottages to request that had excellent locations."


"Another day, when I was unable to go on a hike, I was surprised to receive a call in my cottage offering me extra spa time instead!  As usual, Peggy was constantly on the alert to ensure that I was well taken care of."


"I never felt herded as in some "tours".  I had independence and the benefit of Peggy's experience and management, the best of both worlds."


"I never would have discovered or made it to Dominica without Peggy and Serendipity Traveler."
 

 

First Day of Summer

 

You will perch mountain side in Jackson Hole for this week experiencing the wonders of Wyoming and specifically the Grand Teton National Park area.  The wildflowers will be blooming in the meadows.  There are lots of trails to walk and abundant spectacular wildlife to see.  Gallery hopping and, of course, a Western BBQ adds to the fun. Walking under the Wyoming blue skies, visiting Jackson Lake, and taking a placid float trip meandering the scenic Snake River will leave you wanting to return.  Our Wyoming trip is for women who like the outdoors and scenic wonders of the mountains.  You will find walking trails suited for all levels here.  We offer an optional photographic safari in Yellowstone and Horseback Riding can easily be arranged.  The untamed west provides amazing opportunities to see herds of Wild Bison, Moose, and Pronghorns in their natural habitats.  Sunsets are stunning here and sipping wine as the sun goes down over the Tetons is a slow ending to active days. Dust off your cowgirl boots and join us for a Wild West adventure this June in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.  

 

 

Click here for details >> 


Inspiration

 

May you oil the wheels of your heart and mind with gentle sea breezes, mountain walks and the sounds of rivers running to the sea this spring as the flowers bloom and birds sing.

 


Life is Short Travel Well!

Peggy
Serendipity Traveler
 Upcoming Destination