CANADIAN TRAVELLER – Delivering Destination Information
June 2010
IN HoT WATER IN TuRkEyPage 12
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WIn BIgTrip For 2 To KenyaTrip For 2 To India
Latin AmericaCaribbean
MexicoVegas
CANADIAN TRAVELLER – Delivering Destination Information
www.canadiantraveller.net CanadianTraveller•June20103
16
The Official Sponsor Publication of the Association of Canadian Travel Agencies
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ISSN1207-1463
12Features12 Pleasures Of Parmukkale And Other Sites On The Author’s Turkish Wish List
16 Ay, Caramba, I Do! On A Beach, In A Hacienda, Get Married In Mexico
22 Into The Blue And The Green On Land & Sea Adventures In Belize & Costa Rica
26 Chillin’ In Vegas New Pools To Beat The Vegas Heat
28 Think Luxe, Sell Luxe Top-End Products Reap Top-End Commissions
31 The Sky’s The Limit Sell Your Knowledge As Well As That Seat On The Plane
2 Hot Contests8 Win A Trip For 2 To Kenya
25 Win A Trip For 2 To India
Travelines6 $elling With $teve
6 World Report
32 Web Index
38 Discover America
ON THE COVER: The natural hot springs at Parmukkale in Turkey are just one of this country’s many wonders. Check out many more beginning on page 12.
PhoTo CrediT: Turkish CulTure & Tourism offiCe
June 2010Volume 25 Issue 6
MyrecentforayintoacustomerserviceissuebroughttomindVince.Youknowhim,Vince
theSHAMWOWguy.My wife and I had purchased nine,
smallCaliforniaLilacplants to extendthe hedge in the front garden. At tenbucks each we could add a livingfence between us and our neighbours.All smiles at the garden centre whenwe bought them. All growls when wereturnedwithfivesicklylookingspeci-mensfromtheoriginalnine.“Wegrowhundreds of these, never have a prob-lem!”wastheimmediateresponse.“It’sthe soil.Youhaveaproblemwithyoursoil.Areyouwateringthem?”
Iwasprepared.Ihadmycameraandshowed them the picture of a healthyplant and a dying plant just 45 centi-metresapart.Samesoil.Thenapictureof the15-metreCaliforniaLilachedge,whichisonemetrehighand60centime-treswide.Samesoil.Forwatering,yeswewater plus it rainshere!Wehad tosee Brian. Brian is the main man herewhenitcomestoplants.Weknowhim.We’veboughthundredsofdollarsworthof plants from him. Our entire gardenwas purchased from this garden cen-tre. Begrudgingly he handed over fivereplacement plants. As we drove wayfrom the garden centre I’m thinkingthey really need some SHAM WOWSERVICE!ThenIthought,WOW!ThenI disappeared into my own world andimagined this commercial. Get intocharacterasyoureadit.
SHAMWOW Travel“Hi it’s Vince from SHAMWOWTRAVEL!You’llbesayingWOWeverytimeyoubook!It’slikeashawl,it’slikea towel, it’s likea snuggie.Wewrap itaround every client. Regular servicedoesn’t work that well, SHAM WOW
SERVICEworksdayandnight.This isforyouandallyourtravels.TheCruise.TheTour.TheAdventure.
SHAMWOW SERVICE holds 20timesMOREattractionthanthestandardservice.Whenyou think about it,whowants standard service? Vince doesn’twant it.Youwouldn’twant it.Whydoyouwanttoworktwiceashardatbeingagoodcustomerjusttogetstandardser-vice? That just doesn’t wash anymore,doesit?
Now we’re gonna do this in realtime, look at this, customer walks into a SHAM WOW travel agency. ASHAM WOW smile right away…rightthere, you following me camera guy?That’s50percentofthegreeting.Thesmile. The greeting. The words. Theknowledge. See what I’m telling ya?SHAMWOW SERVICEworks.You’llbesayingWOW!everytime.You’llbesayingIcan’tlivewithoutit,Ijustloveit! Oh my gosh I don’t even buy fromany travel agency without it. If you’regonna travel, you’ll be out of yourmindnottotravelwithaSHAMWOWagency.You’regonnaspendhundredsofdollarsworthofyourowntimeeverytimeyoutrytobookyourtravelonline.You’rethrowin’awayyourmoney!Sureyoucandabbleforeverydayusebutforthosehard toget toplaces,choiceandinsiderinformation–yougottagowiththeSHAMWOWSERVICE.Theselast10years,thislastaweek,Idon’tknowitsellsitself.
SHAM WOW SERVICE starts ataroundfiftybucksandthat’sallin,jobdone. You want SHAM WOW WOWthen you could be paying a hundredbucks,buthey…you’ll get there, to theright country that is,haveagreat timeandgetbackhomeasplanned.
Go with a SHAM WOW SERVICEtravel agency today. It’s comes with a
lifetimewarrantythattheSHAMWOWagencywillalwaysbethereforyou!
SHAMWOWSERVICEisnotavail-able fromanyother travel agency thanaSHAMWOWagency.Nowproducedrighthere.BewareofSHAMWOWimi-tators,call1-800SHAMWOWNOW!”
Your Personal SHAM WOW Service PlanCheck it out and see if you coulddeliverSHAMWOWSERVICE.It’sgotenergy.It’sgotabuzz.Howcanyoupol-ish up your service to a SHAM WOWstandard?
Is there any part of your meet andgreetthatcoulduseanupdate?Anythingon the product knowledge front youcouldupgrade?Overall,how’stheteamservice level?Canyouhandoff a file?Will it be returned in good time andcompletedas it shouldbe?What abouttheentranceway–isiteasytogetintoyouragency?Checkthewindow–isthepromotion current? Website – how isthatlooking?Allofthesethingsarepartofyourpersonal,teamandagencywideSHAMWOWandSHAMWOWWOWservice. It’s alwaysworthpolishingupyourserviceisn’tit?
Oh by the way. Those new plants…samesoil…growingandhealthy. ✈
Steve Crowhurst, CTC, of SMP Training Co., is a management trainer/consultant to retail travel agents, wholesalers, air-lines, departments of tourism and hos-pitality- and leisure-based companies in Canada and the U.S. He specializes in new business generation. Steve loves to hear from readers so please e-mail your comments and questions to him at: [email protected] or see his web-site at www.smptraining.com.
SHAM WOW ServiceIt’s Always Worth Polishing Your Service
By Steve Crowhurst
$elling With $teve
4June2010•CanadianTraveller www.canadiantraveller.net
6June2010•CanadianTraveller www.canadiantraveller.net
World Report CARIBBEAN
Selling SustainabilityOrganizedbytheCaribbeanTourismOrganization(CTO)incollaborationwiththeBarbadosMinistryofTourism,theSustainableTourismConference (STC)washeld inMayattheLloydErskineSandifordCentreinBridgetown.Nowinits11thyear,thetimelyforumattractedmorethan200delegatesfromtheCaribbean,Canada,UnitedStatesandEurope.
Withthetheme“KeepingTheRightBalance:CreatingOpportunitiesthroughaWorldClassSustainableTourismProduct”, the conference boasted an impressive roster ofspeakersincludingJonathanTourtellot,directorofNationalGeographicSociety’sCentreforSustainableDestinations,Dr. Keith Nurse, director of the Centre for InternationalTradeLawat theUniversityof theWestIndiesandMaryMahonJones, formerCEOofBritishColumbia’s tourismindustryassociationwhospokeoftheemergingmarketoftravellersseekingvacationsbeyondtheshore.“TheNorthAmericanculturaltouristisolder,moreeducatedandhigher-spendingthanothertourists,”shesaid.
Goinggreen,accordingtotourismindustryspecialists,is no longer enough for the sustainability of the region.Highlighting a focus beyond the environment, JonathonTourtellotnoted“75percentof tourists to theCaribbeanvisitaheritageorculturalsite.Weneedtomovebeyondsun,seaandsand.”
Theincreasingnumbersof thoseover55yearsoldarealsoaddinguptoanewmarket,accordingtoKerryAnnIfill,deputypresidentoftheBarbadosSenate.“Forexample,theCanadianpopulationindicatesseniorswilldoubleinthenext25yearswiththefirstbabyboomersreaching65in2011,”shesaid.“Ifcountriesandserviceprovidersarenotprepar-ingfortheinevitableagingofthispopulation,theyarenotactinginasociallysustainablemanner.”
FormoreinformationonCTO’sindustryeventsincludingCaribbeanWeekinTorontointhefallandSTC-12,whichwillbeheldnextyearinBermuda,visitwww.OneCaribbean.org.
– Melanie Reffes
Get SMART A much-anticipated trade show for international buyers and Caribbean suppliers, St. Maarten – St. Martin Annual Regional Tradeshow (SMART) was held at the Sonesta Maho Beach Resort in St. Maarten. Organized by the St. Maarten Tourist Bureau, L’Office du Tourisme de St. Martin, St. Maarten Hospitality & Trade Association (SHTA) and L’Association des Hoteliers de St. Martin, the show also attracted 27 buyers and 50 suppliers from neighbouring islands including Anguilla, Antigua, British Virgin Islands, Dominica, Guadeloupe, Montserrat, Saba, St. Bart’s, St. Eustatius and St. Kitts & Nevis. “After a difficult year in 2009, it is good to see tourism is rebounding,” said Regina Labega, director of tourism, St. Maarten Tourist Board. “Already we’ve seen a 20-per cent increase in bookings compared to last year.”
www.canadiantraveller.net CanadianTraveller•June20107
805–10th Avenue SWSuite 500, CalgaryAB T2R 0B4T: 403 269 8294F: 403 269 7776
CLIENT WestJet WES101196AB_2_June.CNT.indd
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5 weekly non-stop fl ights to Barbados. A perfect schedule to go with the perfect weather.
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WestJet is happy to give you five non–stop flights a week to Barbados from Toronto. Your clients will love its mix of fascinating history, stunning architecture, friendly locals and world famous beaches. Plus they’ll have the peace of mind of getting two free checked bags,* more legroom and as always, our friendly customer service.
Book now at westjet.com/agentweblink or on GDS and you’ll enjoy a 7% commission.†
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*Check two 50 lbs/23 kgs bags for free. For more details see westjet.com. †Commission rate subject to change.
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LeadingthepackontheDutchsidearetheGreatBayBeachResortanditsSonestasibling,MahoBeachResort.WalkingdistancetoPhilipsburg,257-roomGreatBayisone-stop-shoppingwithacasino,threerestaurantsandAdventureDiveCentrerunbyMontrealerPerryNarducci.BothSonestapropertiesareofferingagentFAMratesstartingatUS$75perroomthroughDecember19.
Re-opening in the fallwith260 rooms,CaravanseraiBeachResortontheedgeofMahoBeachwillfeaturefourbars,fourres-taurantsandacasino.Also,debutingnewroomslaterthisyear,theisland’soldesthotelisathrowbacktoamoregraciouserawithpea-cockchairsinthelobbyandaportraitofDutchQueenWilhelminaon thewall.With theadditionof41new rooms,PasanggrahanRoyalGuestHouseblithelyignorestheFrontStreethustlebeyonditswalls.
Intheattractionsector,oneadmissionticketisnowvalidforanentirevacationstayatthefamily-friendlyButterflyFarmwhere600 species flutter under a tented net. Visit www.thebutterflyfarm.com.
– Melanie Reffes
ST. MAARTEN
St. Maarten/St. Martin
THE RULES: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 “Kenya Contest” Canadian Traveller, 88 East Pender Street, Suite 555, Vancouver, BC V6A 3X3. Fax: (604)
699-9993. Entries must be received by October 31, 2010.4. The draw will be made November 8, 2010 from all correct entries received. All questions must be answered. The solutions
can be found in the Kenya Sales Guide.
5. One prize will be awarded consisting of a pair of round trip tickets courtesy of Kenya Airways and a 7 day safari 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 November 8, 2010 and announced in the December 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. Up to 3 entries will be accepted for each agent. One each for reading the Guide, attending the Kenya Webinar and also the Kenya Roadshow. Duplicate entries for any one of the three opportunities will be disqualified.
10. If more than one agent in your office wishes to enter, please photocopy this page.
Complete all information and fax to the number below, or enter online at www.canadiantraveller.net/Contests/Kenya :
NAME:___________________________________________ COMPANy:_____________________________________________________
ADDRESS:______________________________________________________________________________________________________
CITy:____________________________________________ PROV:____________________ POSTAl CODE:_________________________
TElEPhONE:______________________________________________ FAX::_________________________________________________
SIGNATURE:________________________________________ E-MAIl:_____________________________________________________
Canadian travellerFax: (604) 699-9993
THE PRIZE:· 2 round trip tickets from
Toronto to Kenya courtesy of Kenya Airways
· All-inclusive 7 day safari for two
QUESTIONS:1. “You really do need a knowledgeable driver-guide,
and there are plenty to choose from,” says
_____________________________________.
2. Today, thanks to _________________________,
safaris range from the affordable to ultra deluxe.
3. You’re sure to see wildlife from the train,
but travel first class for comfort
__________________________________
and curb punctuality concerns.
4. The freshwater and soda lakes of the Rift each
offer fantastic birdlife and scenery, including
______________________________________.
5. Why not top off your wonderful wedding with
______________________________ in Kenya?
6. With easy connections from Nairobi to all major
African destinations,
___________________________________
is the most convenient way to explore the continent.
ENTER TO WIN A TRIP FOR 2 TO KENYA!
AFRICA BOUND SAFARIS TREK ESCAPESITA AFRICA BOUND SAFARIS AFRICA BOUND SAFARIS AFRICA BOUND SAFARIS
MyESCAPADES
MexicoPresidentFelipeCalderonconfirmedthenewsthatMexicoisrecoveringfromachallenging2009inhisopeningremarksatTheTourismTianguis,heldannually
inthePacificresortcityofAcapulcoinApril.ThelargesttradeeventofitskindinLatinAmerica,thisyear’sfairshow-caseddestinationsandattractionswithinallofMexico’s31statesandtheFederalDistrict,aswellas300ofthecountry’stourismserviceproviders,andattractedmorethan1,000buyers.
“Mexicoisoneofthemostpopulardestinationsintheworld,notonlyforitslegendarysunandbeachofferings,butforitsculturalandluxuryexperiencesaswell,”Calderonsaid.“Nowthatwe’veseenthebeginningsofaneconomicrecoveryinMexico’smostimportantfeedermarkets,it’sonlynaturaltoseeit
positivelyaffectourtourismindustryaswell.”Mexicohosted1.8millioninternationalvisitors
fromMay2009toFebruary2010,upfrom1.3millionforthesameperiod12monthsearlier.Hoteloccupan-ciesarealsoontherisein2010andshouldexceedboth
2009and2008levels.Inthecruisesector,SecretariadeComunicacionesyTransportes(SCT)MexicoreportedthatMexicanportsregisteredanincreaseof9.6percentinarrivalsduringthefirsttwomonthsof2010overthesameperiodin2009.
Inhispresentation,BradMiron,vicepresidentofBusinessDevelopment&StrategicPartnerships,itravel2000,notedthatthenumberofCanadiantrav-ellerstoMexicoincreasedby7.6percentin2009insharpcontrasttothecountry’sotherimportantmarketsliketheU.S.andtheU.K.,whichdecreasedby7.6percentand17.3percentrespectively.MironattributedCanada’sstrongshowingtothefactthatMexicooffered“incrediblelowprices”andtheMexicoTourismBoard“immediatelyreactedbydevelopingstrongmarketingandpromotionscampaignsthateffectivelyinfluencedthedecisionstoconfidentlybookvacationstoMexico.”Lookingahead,henotedthat,accordingtoOutboundCanada,theCaribbean/Mexicoappearstobeafavour-abledestinationforsummerCanadiantravellersandaConferenceBoardofCanadasurveyindicates32percentofparticipantsshowedinterestintravellingtoMexicointhenextfiveyears.
– Stephen Fountaine
www.canadiantraveller.net CanadianTraveller•June20109
World Report
TAXI CANADA INC495 Wellington Street WestSuite 102, TorontoON M5V 1E9T: 416 979 7001F: 416 979 7626
CLIENT WestJet WJV101133AB_2_May.CNT.indd
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CREATED 10/05/2010CREATIVE TEAM
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LIVE N/A MAC ARTIST P/U HeatherM , DerrickL PRODUCER Marsha W (ext. 33)PROOFREADER
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PUBLICATION(S) Canadian Traveller – Cayman islands, turkey, mexico W&H, Las Vegas, Atl Provinces - June 2010CLIENT / ACCOUNT MANAGER
All colours are printed as process match unless indicated otherwise. Please check before use. In spite of our careful checking, errors infrequently occur and we request that you check this proof for accuracy. TAXI’s liability is limited to replacing or correcting the disc from which this proof was generated. We cannot be responsible for your time, film, proofs, stock, or printing loss due to error.
Along with all the great vacation packages offered in our Summer 2010 brochure, your clients can receive a $200 early booking bonus. Simply book a minimum seven-night vacation package to Mexico, the Caribbean or the US before June 15, 2010 for travel by October 31, 2010 to receive the offer*. Book with confi dence knowing that WestJet Vacations offers your clients two free checked bags†, free seat selection within 24 hours of their fl ight, no overbooking and as always, our world class guest experience. Care-anteed.
These destinations revolve around the sun.Introducing our new Summer brochure.
*Early booking offer: $200 promo code is based on one $100 discount per adult (age 18+), maximum two per room booked, for each WestJet Vacations air and minimum 7-night hotel booking made between April 19, 2010 and June 15, 2010 for travel until October 31, 2010. New bookings only. Discount will be provided in the form of a promotional one-time use code(s); any unused amount will not be returned. Cancellations will result in the forfeit of discount amount. WestJet reserves the right to amend, extend or discontinue this offer at any time by giving 24 hours notice. See westjetvacations.com for full offer details. †Check two 50 lbs/23 kgs bags for free. Golf clubs can be checked as one of two free bags.
Book today at agent.westjetvacations.com or call 1 877 737 7002.WestJet Vacations is now on SIREV.
WJV101133AB_2_May.CNT.indd 1 5/12/10 4:15:38 PM
MEXICo
Growth Indicated
At Tianguis
10June2010•CanadianTraveller www.canadiantraveller.net
World Report
White Desert
“are we still on earth...?"
www.egypt.travel
Suite DreamsHedonism III is going conservative with the re-branding of the popular SuperClubs property to a SuperFun Beach Resort. The once racy property in Runaway Bay will close on August 22 and reopen on October 14 as a 225-room resort targeting those who prefer their bathing suit to their birthday suit.
Round Hill in Montego Bay is adding a new package to its repertoire. For travel through December 18, “Stay Longer & Save” offers one night gratis with stays of up to 14 days. (Res-ervations must be made with agents referencing they read it in Canadian Traveller).
Size matters at the Grand Palladium and adjacent Grand Palladium Lady Hamilton in Lucea, near Montego Bay. A US $180 million expansion to begin in September will add 800 suites to the combined room count of 1,054. For more information, visit www.caribbeanhotelassociation.com.
– Melanie Reffes
tourism Minister edmund Bartlett (third right) caught up with a number of Jamaica’s tourism officials during the just concluded Jamaica Product exchange (JaPeX) at the Half Moon resort in Montego Bay. From left to right: Jennifer Griffith, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of tourism; Carrole Guntley, director General in the Ministry of tourism; Wayne Cummings, President of the Jamaica Hotel and tourist association (JHta); donnie dawson, deputy director of tourism - Sales at the Jamaica tourist Board (JtB); Minister Bartlett; Camille needham, executive director of the JHta and John lynch, director of tourism and Chairman, JtB.
Noel
Tho
mPs
oN
On a RollNowinits20thyear,JamaicaProductExchange(JAPEX)istheisland’spremiertradeeventorganizedbytheJamaicaHotelandTouristAssocia-tion(JHTA)andtheJamaicaTouristBoard(JTB).HeldinMontegoBay,theshowwasopenedbyJamaica’sPrimeMinister,BruceGoldingwhopraisedthestellarseasonofarrivals.“Wetrytobehumbleaboutitbutthefiguresdonotlie,”hetolddelegatesatSandalsCay.“Lastyear,weledtheentireCaribbeanregionintermsofimprovingourstopoverarrivalsby3.6percent.”
Alsotoutinghigharrivalnumbers,EdmundBartlett,ministeroftour-ism,saidtheislandattracted700,000visitorsthispastpeakseasonandhopesarehighfortherestoftheyear.
AirCanadaannouncedanincreaseinservicebydoublingthenumberofweeklyflightstotheJamaicancapital.TouroperatorsofferingsummerpackagesincludeAirCanadaVacations,TransatHolidays,SignatureVa-cations,SunwingVacations,SunquestVacations,VacancesTourMont-RoyalandWestJetVacations.
JAMAICA
DISTINCTLYRELAXING VACATIONSThese days, people’s vacations are more important to them than ever. Your clients need and deserve to relax in a beautiful environment, where they can recharge their batteries and return home refreshed. the Grand Palladium Lady Hamilton Resort & Spa Imperial Club ★★★★1/2 in Lucea, Jamaica, and the Grand Palladium Bávaro Resort & Spa Imperial Club ★★★★1/2 in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic both offer numerous irresistible Imperial Club amenities that will help make your clients’ vacation dreams come true. High-end relief for today’s high-pressure life-styles.
For more details, see the Transat Holidays Sun2009-2010 brochure or visit transatholidays.com
PALLADIUMHOTELS & RESORTSA MEMBER OF FIESTA HOTEL GROUP OF SPAIN
Pub Canadian Traveller Palladium.indd 1 06/05/10 15:29:46
By Christine Potter
Turkey
PleasuresOf ParmukkaleAnd Other Sites On the Author’s Turkish Wish List
12June2010•CanadianTraveller
CanadianTraveller•June201013
in Hot Water: a sparkling white hill of azure pools formed by centuries of cascading, lime-
rich hot springs dominates Pamukkale.
CfB PoTTer
It’seasy to imagineEphesusat itspeak: a population of 250,000 enjoy-ingbroad,columnedstreetslinedwithshopsandimposing,marble-facedpub-licbuildings.Themagnificenttheatre(whereRomanemperorDomitianfedChristianstothelionsorwhereSt.Paulpreached to thousands of Ephesians)held24,000.Todayyoumightcatchaperformanceofjazzoropera.
Ephesusisamongsome3,000ancientsites in Turkey, a must-visit countryfor loversofhistory,archaeology,andculture.Funloversflockhere, too,foradventure,water-sports,andnightlife.
I arrived with a wish list: to seeCappadocia,Pamukkale,Ephesus,andIstanbul–acityatonceexotic,eclec-tic,sophisticated,sprawling,historical,
andmodern.It linksEuropeandAsia–bothphysicallyandphilosophically–andboastsahistoryspanningmorethan 26 centuries. Legacies from itsRoman,Byzantine,andOttomanheri-tagearecountless.
Three full days seemed barelyenoughtoviewIstanbul’shighlights.
FineByzantine mosaics adorn thewallsofAyasofyaMosque,alsoknownasHagiaSophia,itsoriginalChristianname. (It was Christendom’s largestchurchfor700yearsbeforeitwascon-vertedtoamosqueinthe15thcentury.)Itawestoday’svisitorsasitawedtrav-ellers1,400yearsago,despitedestruc-tionbyrampagingCrusadersin1204.
Topkapi deserves a full day toexplore,butiftimeislimited,atleast
see the Treasury (with the fabled86-caratTopkapi emerald), and theHarem, home to the sultan’s wives,children, female servants, and theBlackEunuchs,whorantheplace.
Modern Istanbul awaits in theBeyoglu district. You’ll see womengarbed in everything from the min-niestofminiskirts toarangeofhijab– colourful silky headscarves to fullblackrobes.Takeanold-styletramtothe top of Istiklal Caddesi, the mainstreet of Beyoglu, and walk leisurelybackdown,pastthemansions,modernstores,anduniquecoveredmarkets.
Evennon-shopperslovethelegend-aryGrandBazaarandlosethemselvesinitsmazeof60tinystreetsand4,000shops.Traderscongregatebythetypeofgoods–hereisgoldjewelry,therearepashminas,thenexoticcostumes,now it’s oil lamps, antiques, and soon. The oldest sections date to the
Turkey
Meet at the Brothel: ephesus is among some 3,000 ancient sites in turkey, and includes the elegant Celcus library, brothel and public toilets.
Turkish CulTure & Tourism offiCe
Don’t Miss TheseTurkey blends Europe and Asia, and you’ll find everything here that you’d find elsewhere on the Mediterranean and Aegean coasts (both of which Turkey shares).
As well as the sights mentioned, don’t miss these:
• In Istanbul, The Blue Mosque; the underground Byzantine cistern; and a cruise on the Bosphorus – the waterway linking Europe and Asia.
• On the Aegean: fine beaches, the ruins of Pergamum, and Kusadasi – a resort surrounded by sandy bays. (Devote your days to sightseeing, and nights to hedonistic pleasures!) It’s a great base for day-trips.
• The resort-filled Turquoise Coast, where the Aegean meets the Med.
• Inland for hikers: Olympos National Park and Saklikent with miles of unspoiled trails.
“We’llmeetinfrontofthebrothel,”saidRashid,caus-
ingafewraisedeyebrowsamongoursmallgroup.
WewereintheruinsofancientEphesus,aonce-pros-
perousharbourcityonTurkey’sAegeancoast.
14June2010•CanadianTraveller www.canadiantraveller.net
mid-1400s, testimony to Istanbul’simportanceasatradingcentreontheRoyalandSpiceroads.Equallyexcit-ingistheEgyptian,orSpice,Bazaarwithitsoverwhelmingsights,sounds,andsmells.Bargainsabound:saffronfrom Spain, caviar from Iran, andjars of the aphrodisiac said to havebeenusedbythesultan.(Heofmanywives, concubines, and children.)Bargaining inbazaars isobligatory.Inmyexperience,ifthepricedoesn’tfallasfarasthevendorthinksisfair,he’llloadyouupwithextragifts.
Could Cappadocia match theexcitement of Istanbul, I wondered,as we boarded our Turkish Airlinesf lighttoKayseri?Yes,itcould.Anddid.Sowouldtheotherareaswevis-ited. Turkey’s amazing diversity iswhat makes this country such a joyforcurioustravellers.
Fantasy Valley was our firstCappadociastop,withitssurrealvol-canic landscapecreatedbyeruptionssomefivemillionyearsago.Therockfacesarepockedwithcaves.
“Peoplestillliveinthem,astheyhaveforcenturies,”guideSelimtoldus. “They’re handed down throughthe generations, but sometimesthey’re sold to Germans, who turnthemintohotels.”
Sur real ism cont inued withGoremeValley’smushroom-shaped“fairychimneys.”Beneaththebasalttopsitconical towersof tuff,asoftstoneprizedforcarving.Entireset-tlementswerecarvedfromit.
Alltoursseemtoincludeanoblig-atory visit to a carpet factory. Thefirstvisitisfascinating.Bythethird,carpetscanpall,despitetheirbeauty.But Turkey is the carpet industry’sthird-largestproducer,sotheempha-sisisunderstandable.Andeverybodyyoumeetwillknow,orbe, a carpetsalesperson.
I was dubious about taking anight-bus toPamukkale–an11-hourjourney. Ineedn’thaveworried.Thevehicle was spotless (cleaned insideandoutateachbusstationstop),seatswere comfortable, and smoking isbannedonboard.Anattendantbringscomplimentary cookies, coffee, tea,andwatereveryhour.
A sparkling white hill of scal-loped, azure pools formed by cen-turies of cascading, lime-rich hotspringsdominatesPamukkale,whosewatersarereputedtocuremanyills.In the second century, the claimbrought thousands to stay innearbyHierapolis,whoseruinsaremagnifi-cent. But, if you can only visit oneancientsiteinTurkey(verydifficult),itshouldbeEphesus.
About that brothel: an ancientstone-carved ad in Ephesus’ origi-nalpublic toilet reads“…abeautifulfacelikeDiana…singslikeanightin-gale…”Distancedbysomanycentu-ries,itseemsfarmoreattractivethantoday’sescortads. ✈
www.canadiantraveller.net CanadianTraveller•June201015
Tips on Turkey• A visa fee of US $20 must be paid in cash on entering Turkey by air.
(Not applicable to cruise ship passengers.)
• Carry tissues everywhere! Muslim countries customarily use water rather than toilet tissue and the latter is rarely provided outside major centres. Pack a “universal sink plug” (when provided, hotel plugs rarely fit), a flashlight for underground cities and cave churches, and a light sweater.
• If you ship a carpet home, sign it on the label to make sure – when it arrives – that it’s the same one you picked out in the factory.
Still there: People still live in them, as they have for centuries,” guide Selim says of the caves in Cappadocia. “they’re handed down through the generations.”
Where the Girls are: topkapi deserves a full day to explore, and include the Harem, home to the sultan’s wives, children, female servants, and the Black eunuchs.
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Mexico
16June2010•CanadianTraveller
Ay, Caramba, I Do!
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On A Beach, In A Hacienda, Get Married In Mexico
By Judy Waytiuk
CanadianTraveller•June201017
no Church required: From beachside romantic to colonial elegant there is a Mexico wedding to suit every couple and every budget.
Ay, Caramba, I Do!
All-Inclusive RomanceCancun, north of the Mayan Riviera, isprobably the hottest marriage locationchoice, with about 5,000 weddings con-ducted annually, most through all-inclu-sive resorts. Many of those resorts offerfreeweddingservices,buteventheprici-estoff-the-shelfmaritalpackagewillrunacouplelessthan$2,000.Couplescanbookstandard packages or use on-resort wed-dingplannerstocustomizenuptials;mostresortsnowkeepweddingplannersonstaff,andtheyearntheirpay.Somecanfacilitatehalf-a-dozennuptialsinaday.
Pendingbridesandgroomswhoaren’tfamiliarwithlocales–andeventhosewhoare–areusuallywisetoflydownforaloca-tion-checkingweekenduptoayearaheadofthebigevent.Often,hotelsknockdownthepriceoftheactualweddingstaybytheamountthatweekendcosts.
Other major destinations like PuertoVallarta,Mazatlan,Acapulco,Ixtapa,LosCabos, Huatulco, and Cozumel all offernumerous all-inclusive resort weddingpackagesaswell.
OnIslaMujeres,Papillon(Spanishforbutterfly) Weddings & Events’ JulietteFranzéorganizesweddingsatanyoneofmore than a dozen locations, some uber-high-end(likePlayaSecretointheMayanRivieramainlandsideorsecludedSuCasaBeachCottages,10peoplemaximum,onIslaMujeres),othersmoresuitedforseri-ouspartying,likeBuho’sonIslaMujeres’NorthBeach.She’llevendoacruiseboatwedding aboard one of the CaribbeanCarnivalGroupCruisevessels–forupto450 people. She’s found most people usetheir weddings as a jumping-off point totravel elsewhere nearby for their honey-moons–Tulum,theMayanRiviera,Belize,orCuba.
Love In A Colonial ContextThenthere’sthehistoricsideofMexico:theSpanishcolonialcities,fairlydrippingOldWorldcharmandelegancewiththeir17th-century stone buildings and cobblestonestreets,chockfulofcharmingspotstosay“I do.” Professional wedding consultantAlicia Vilar runs San Miguel Weddings
fromWorldHeritageSitecityandartsandculturalcentreSanMigueldeAllende,andwillplanweddings.
“IdothestyleofweddingthatyouwantinSanMiguel,orinothercities–Guanajuato,Queretaro,orOaxaca,”saidVilar.“ButweconcentrateinSanMiguel,whichhasthatuniquecombinationoffactors.”OldmissionchurchesandcolonialbackdropscombinewiththedashandcolouroftheMexicancul-tureforgenuinelyuniqueceremonies.Vilar,likeotherdestination-locatedweddingplan-ners,offersasetofstandardservices:help-ingselectceremonyandreceptionlocations,finding an appropriate official to conductthe ceremony, arranging legal paperworkandreligiousrequirements,transportation,accommodations, menu planning, music,decorations and f lowers, photographyandvideo,cake,tentingandpartyrentals,favours,welcomegifts forguests,printedprogramsandmenus,andtheflairoflocaltraditionsandamenities.SheoffersmodernMexicanmenuseither asbuffetor serveddinners.OtherMexicantouchescanincludemariachi bands, fireworks, giant papier-machépuppetsonparade,andtequilashoot-ersatthereception.
Vilar recommends planning start sixmonthstoayearbeforethewedding–thelongerinadvance,thebetter,togetexactlythevenueandancillaryaspectsthecouplemaywant.She’llhandleaccommodationsforguestsaswellasthebridalparty,and,likeotherplanners,canblockroomsatahotelatbetterrates.
Up The ScaleAnd then there are the high-end localeswithhigh-endpricetags.
Los Cabos-based planner Sarai Flores,whorunsSignatureWeddings,saysweddings
Mexico
18June2010•CanadianTraveller www.canadiantraveller.net
Get Me to the Beach On time: Beach wedding destinations on Mexico’s east and west coasts offer numerous all-inclusive resort wedding packages.
the real Mexico: Old mission churches, old city squares and colourful Mexican culture are highlights of saying “i do” in Mexico’s colonial cities.
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Pickaspot–anyspot.Beachsideromantic,colonialelegant,chiccitystyle–thereisaMexicoweddingtosuiteverycoupleandeverybudget.ThereareevenwebsitesdevotedentirelytoMexico
weddings and honeymoons (www.mexicoweddingdirectory.com andwww.weddingmexico.comaretwogoodones).
intheglitzyCaboareacancostupwardsof$15,000andgoallthewayto$30,000,withtheguestlistoftenassmallasjust40people.Destinationweddingscanpareaguest listrightdowntothosewhoaregenuinelymostimportanttothebridalcouple.
But even at those prices, many hotelsofferaddedfrillsordiscountsonsomeser-vices.About40percentofherclientsneverseethespotwherethey’llmarryuntiltheyarrive for thewedding. “It isdo-able.Weworkalotbye-mailandsendpicturesbackandforth.Butifpossible,Idosuggesttheycome,”saidFlores.Lately,there’sbeenalotof“last-minuteintensiveplanning.I thinkbecauseoftheeconomicsituation,couplesareleavingituntilthelastminute.”Alotofcouplesshe’sworkedwithtaketheirdestina-tionweddingasashorthoneymoon,savingalongeroneelsewhereorlater,sheadded.
Guestsalsouse theopportunity foratleast a mini-vacation in the area, Franzéadded.Andvirtuallyallhotelswillofferweddingguestdiscounts,especiallysmallerhotels where the wedding party’s takingovermost,orall,ofthehotel’srooms.
Rampinguptheromance–andpricetag–factoristheintimatehaciendawedding.DozensofoldSpanishcolonialhaciendasaround Mexico offer full-package wed-dingservices.HaciendaXcanatun,on theoutskirts of central Yucatan colonial cityMerida,madethelistof150hotelsworld-wide on National Geographic Traveler sStayListfor2008,andcanaccommodateupto34guestsplusbrideandgroom.Xcanatunco-ownerCristinaBakerorganizessmallerweddingsherself,andfindsfrom60to80gueststhebestsizeforherfacility.
Unique to a hacienda wedding, saidBaker,“isthesenseofplace.It’sreallydif-ferenttobemarriedinaplacesouniquethatthere’snowhereelselikeitanywhere.”Theability to completely takeover the entirehacienda for theweddingpartyoffersanadditionalsenseofexclusivity.“Idon’tdocookie-cutterweddings,althoughIdohaveapackageavailable.Imuchprefertosetupthe wedding with the bride and groom,”Baker noted. She recommends reservingthedateas far inadvanceaspossible, toensure the entire hacienda’s available.February and March is the busy time ofyearforlocalweddings,sophotographers,floristsandmusicgroupsgetbookedup.
Honeymooners here get their seventhnight free. If they come down the yearbefore toscout thefacility,Bakerappliesthatstayasacredittowardstheirwedding.
Butthen,onthebiggestdayofanewly-marriedcouple’slifetogether,who’sgonnabepinchingtheirpesos? ✈
20June2010•CanadianTraveller www.canadiantraveller.net
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location, location: Weddings on isla Mujeres can range from uber-high-end intimate to north Beach party-central.
no Where like it: an intimate hacienda wedding is a unique setting for gathering family and friends, and it’s exclusive, too.
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Latin America
22June2010•CanadianTraveller www.canadiantraveller.net
Warmoceanwatersteemingwithmarinelife.Lushtropicaljunglesalivewiththesoundsofbirdsandanimals.ImpassiveMayanruinsguardingancientcultures.Combinethesewithfriendlypeople,greatfoodandinfectiousmusicandthere
reallyisnobetterplaceforadventure-seekingtravellersthanLatinAmericaandmorespecifically,thecountriesofBelizeandCostaRica.
Blueinto the
And the Green On Land & Sea Adventures In Belize & Costa Rica
almost Perfect: visible from space,
the Blue Hole in the Belize Barrier reef, is an almost perfectly circular hole in the ocean
floor created when an underwater cave collapsed centuries ago.
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Best-Kept SecretBelizebillsitselfasMotherNature’sBestKeptSecret,andforgoodreason.Scoresofreef,beachandinlandactivitiesaresuitedfor all ages and activity levels. Marineadventuresincludescubadiving,snorkel-ing, wind or kite surfing, para-sailing orcruising on a catamaran; inland you canzip-line though jungle canopies, exploreamysteriouscave,orlazilycanoedownapeacefuljungleriverobservingnature.
WateradventuresinBelizeallstartwiththe Belize Barrier Reef. At 295 kilome-tres, it isthelongestunbrokenreefinthewestern hemisphere and accessible fromvirtuallyanypartof thecountry’s coast-lineorhundredsofoffshoreislands,fromfromthenorthern tipofAmbergrisCayeto theSapodillaCayes inBelize’s south-ernmostregion.TherearesevenUNESCOWorldHeritagesitesontheReefanddiversare likely tomeetupwithnurseandreefsharks, hawksbill and loggerhead turtlesas well as elegant drum fish, grouper,jacks,snapperandwhite-spottedtoadfish,
a species only found inBeliz.Fluorescentbarrelsponges and coral headsthesizeofsmallhousesarehome to emerald morayeels, butterfly angelfishand delicate purple/yel-lowdamselfish.
As for those Mayanruins, they are every-where, hosting visitorsand archaeologists alike.Visit Altun Ha, where the largest carvedjadeobjectintheMayaareawasfound;orthepyramidtemples,palacesandballcourtofCahalPech;Caracolisthelargestarcheo-logicalsiteinBelize,andoneofthelargestintheMayaworld;orElPilar,onceoneofthemostimportantsitesoftheMayacivili-zations,itisnowoneofthebestplacesforbirdwatchinginBelize.
Getaway To Ambergris CayeOn Ambergris Caye “no shoes, no shirt,no problem” is more than a marketing
phrase,it’sawayoflife.ThelargestofthecayesinBelize,Ambergris islocatedaboutakilome-trewestofthenorthernendoftheBelizeBarrierReef and is surroundedby prominent dive andsnorkelsites.
The largest town onAmbergris Cay is SanPedro,(population9,000)
renownedforitsbarefootlifestyle.Thetownboastscobblestonestreetsinsteadofasphalt;someofBelize’shippestrestaurants,funki-estbarsandawholehostofboutiquehotels;andtheprimarymodeoftransportationaregolfcartsasopposedtocars.
Familiesgosailing,fishing,birdwatch-ing,shopping,kayakingandsnorkelingatnearbyShark-RayAlleyinHolChanMarineReservewhereyoucansnorkelupclosewithdocileraysandgentlenursesharks.
For more information on Belize, visitwww.travelbelize.org.
www.canadiantraveller.net CanadianTraveller•June201023
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no shoes, no shirt, no problem: San Pedro on ambergris Cay is renowned for its barefoot lifestyle.
it’s Big: Mayan ruins are everywhere in Belize, and altun Ha is where the largest carved jade object in the Maya area was found.
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Costa Rica It’s RealAstheslogansays,“NoArtificalIngredients”inCostaRica.Divingandwatersportsarealsobighere.Onthecountry’sPacificCoastmagnificentbeachesbeckonfamilies,surf-ers, divers, beachcombers, anglers andadventuroussoulslookingforawiderangeofwaterfun.
But true adventurers head inland to acollectionofnationalparksthatharbouradiversecollectionofwildlife,plantsandnat-uralwonders.FlyintoLiberiaintheNorthGuanacasteregion,andheadtothehillsforhikes, river rafting, wildlife spotting andmemoriestolastalifetime.
Volcanoesandtherichnessofplantandanimallifetheysupportarethemainattrac-tionsforGuanacasteNationalPark,Rinconde la Vieja National park, Volcan TenorioNational Park and Volcan MiravallesProtectedArea.Seefumaroles,mudpotsandcraters,andtakeadipinnaturalhotspringsthat are the result of the thermal activity.Dryforest,wetforestandcloudforestsareallaccessiblewithintheseparks,alongwith
spectacularviews,and,withtheproperper-mit, a climb to the topof avolcano.Plantspeciesincludepalms,ferns,bromeliadsandorchids.Animalslikewhite-facedandCongomonkeys,giantanteaters,pumas,tapirsandpeccariescanbeseenandbirderslookforavarietyoftrogonbirdsandbellbirds.
The Santa Rosa sector of Santa RosaNational Park houses the largest tract oftropicaldryforestinCentralAmericaandwildlife includes white-tailed deer andCongo and white-faced monkeys, as wellasoliveridleyturtlesthatcometonestonNancitebeach.
Nesting giant leatherback turtles arethe main tourist attraction in Las BaulasNational Marine Park, while the man-groveswampisthehighlightofTamarindoNationalWildlifeRefuge.Thesemangroveforestsareidealbreedinggroundsforfish,crustaceansandmollusks.Toursareavail-ableforobservingnestingleatherbacks.
If bugs are your thing, then Lomasde Barbudal Biological Preserve is theplace for you. Several different habitats
– savanna, riverine forest, gallery forestanddeciduousforest–makethisanento-mologist’sparadise.
But this is the Pacific Coast, so thebeachesherearesecondtonone,withfab-uloussunsets,softsands, tranquilwatersforbathing,greatwindsforsurfing,kaya-king and, of course, excellent dive sites.Sportfishingishugehere,withmanytour-naments in which several world billfishrecordshavebeenbroken.
FormoreinformationonCostaRica,visitwww.visitcostarica.com. ✈
24June2010•CanadianTraveller www.canadiantraveller.net
SunBreeze Suites
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Latin America
Forecast cloudy: Costa rica’s volcanoes support a multitude of climate zones, including haunting cloud forests.
Monkey around: white-faced
monkeys are just one of the many, many species of wildlife supported by Costa
rica’s forests.
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ummertime is pool time in LasVegas.Whiletheactionheatsup
inthecasinos,clubs,theatresandres-taurants, Vegas pools are the coolestplaceintowntoseeandbeseen.
CaesarsPalacedebutsthenewGardenoftheGods,wherefivemulti-layerpools(Apollo,Fortuna,Jupiterandtwoside-by-side pools known as Bacchus) jointhethreeexistingpoolsNeptune,Venusand Temple. Amenities include swim-upgamingandan5.5-metrewaterfall.Azure-coloureddeckchairsanddaybedssurroundthepoolswith45technologi-callyadvancedcabanas.
Alsomakingitsdebut,LiquidPool&LoungeatARIAResort&Casinoprovides an adult-only alfresco hide-away with poolside pampering and a
premier party experience with VIPdippingpools,refreshingcocktailsandastate-of-the-artsoundsystemfortheworld’stopDJsandperformers.
HardRockHotel&Casinoopenedthe HRH Beach Club, doubling theexistingpoolvicinity.Thebeachclubfeaturesapool, sandybeach,17day-bedsand24luxurycabanas.Additionalelements includeaBar&Grill,eightSpa Villas, swim-up blackjack and agaminglounge.
The new Encore Beach Club fea-tures 26 cabanas, eight, two-storeybungalows, a restaurant and poolsideblackjack and craps, and access toSurrenderNightclub.
Palms Pool&Bungalowsoffers aNighttime Pool Lounge every Friday
andSaturdaynight, amonthlynight-timeeventknownasSkinnyDipandapartyeverySundayafternooncalledSunDance.Forthefourthyear,DitchFridayshasalsoreturned.
Azure, the daytime luxury poolexperienceatThePalazzoLasVegas,offersliveDJs,poolsidecabanamas-sagesbyCanyonRanchSpaClub,cui-sinefromWolfgangPuckincludinganew poolside Sunday brunch, watermistingsandsunscreenapplication.
WetRepublicatMGMGrandcom-bines the best elements of the city’sclub scene with two saltwater poolsandsixjettedspas.EliteVIPserviceand renowned entertainers are stan-dardamenities.
Mandalay Bay’s Concerts on theBeach series invites music-lovers tobringblankets,slipon theirflip-flopsand hit The Beach, where they canwade into the surf or rent a relaxingbeachbungaloworvillaforanunfor-gettablesummertimemusicexperience.Adjacenttothebeach,theadults-onlyMoorea Beach Club features dippingpools,chaiseloungesanddaybeds.
Guestscandaretoreveal(almost)allatBarePoolandLoungeatTheMirage.European-stylesun-worshippingallowsgueststoexperiencepoolsidepamper-ingattwoluxurydippingpools.
Away from thepool, theFremontStreet Experience presents the“Summerofthe‘70s”festivalandfreeconcert series. Headliners include:LittleRiverBandJuly3;BlueOysterCultAugust14;andJeffersonStarshipSeptember4.Othersummeractivitiesinclude an Ultimate Elvis Weekendwith Tribute Artist Contest and 10weeks of tribute bands TuesdaysthroughSaturdays. ✈
New Pools To Beat The Vegas Heat
Nevada
26June2010•CanadianTraveller www.canadiantraveller.net
Chillin’In Vegas
lounging by the pool takes on a new meaning in las vegas with adults-only and european-style
tanning at several properties along the strip.
mgm
mir
Age
THE RULES: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 “India Contest” Canadian Traveller, 88 East Pender Street, Suite 555, Vancouver, BC V6A 3X3. Fax: (604) 699-9993. Entries must be received by July 9, 2010.
4. The draw will be made July 12, 2010 from all correct entries received. All questions must be answered. The solutions can be found in the India Sales Guide.
5. One prize will be awarded consisting of a pair of round trip tickets courtesy of Etihad Airways, 5 nights accommodation/tour from MyEscapades by huntington, and 2 domestic India flights by Kingfisher Airlines. Some restrictions apply. The approximate retail value of the prize is $7,000.
6. The prize must be used between September 16, 2010
and June 1, 2011. 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 July 12, 2010 and announced in the September 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.
Complete all information and fax to the number below, or enter online at www.canadiantraveller.net/Contests/India :
Name:__________________________________________ Company:_____________________________________________
Address:_____________________________________________________________City:_____________________________
Prov:_______________________ Postal Code:____________________ Telephone:___________________________________
Fax:_______________________________Signature:___________________________________________________________
E-mail:_______________________________________________________________________________________________
QUESTIONS:1. Etihad Airways currently operates _____ flights a
week from ______________ to its home base
in Abu Dhabi.
2. India is home to _____ sites that have been included
on the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites.
3. Indiatourism’s
_____________________________ is an
excellent resource for discovering all the rural
pleasures of the country.
4. The newest of the luxury trains is the
____________________________.
5. India has developed a network of _____ national
parks and about _____ wildlife sanctuaries.
6. The ____________ saris are the
specialty of West Bengal as are the famed
______________________.
7. Expansion plans include the construction of a new
state-of-the-art terminal with a capacity to handle
____________________ passengers per year.
Fax: (604) 699-9993THE DESTINATION SALES RESOURCE FOR TRAVEL PROFESSIONALS
ENTER TO WIN A TRIP
FOR 2 TO INDIA
THE PRIZE:· 2 round trip tickets from
Toronto to India courtesy of Etihad Airways
· MyEscapades by Huntington will provide:• 5 nights accommodation at
the hotels mentioned below to include all currently applicable taxes and service charges.
– Delhi : Ramada Plaza or similar– Agra: Clarks Shiraz or similar– Jaipur : Four Points by Sheraton or
similar• Daily breakfast at the hotels• Private transfers and sightseeing
tours by AC car• Local guides at the monuments• Current government service tax• Mineral water in the car• Departure gift
BONUS: Extend your stay – 2 tickets from Kingfisher Airlines for domestic India travel
Howcouldtherebea luxurymarketwhentheworldcontinues to experience economic challenges, cli-
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The Luxury Channel Here’s a place to start. Why not click to The LuxuryChannel and check out the upcoming conference inCannes thisyear.Thereareexcellent interviewswithanumber of people who own and operate or CEO major
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Your Luxury VocabularyAsyouenter the luxury travelarena it’sagood idea toarmyourselfwithwordsandphrases that supportyournew-foundniche.Youcanfind thesewordsandphrasesinthebrochuresandonthewebsitesofluxuryproducts.
Gotoasmanyluxurywebsitesasyoucananddoyourduediligence–collectthewordstheyuse.
Luxury Travel Trends For 2010Onenewsywebsiteofferedthisresponsetomy‘what’supforluxuryin2010’search–travelprofessionalsarenotic-ingagrowingpressureintheindustrytoprovideexotictravelandcustomized,ultimateexperiences…travellersareseekingabove-and-beyondadventuresinexcitingnewdestinations…luxuryadventure travel ison the riseandconsumerscanenjoyagrowingselectionofluxurysafaris,heli-ski trips,nicheboatcruises,personalizedart tours,tailor-made culinary courses, and high-speed car toursin topvacationdestinations likeCapeTown,Provence,TuscanyandNewYork–sonowthereareafewtipsforyoutofollowupon.
Selling Luxury Means Being Price Sensitive Whenyousellluxurytravelyoumustbeconfidentinyourability toupgrade the sale andbeveryprice consciousin anupwarddirection.Sell downwhen selling luxuryandyou’veembarrassedyourcustomerandyourself.I’vewitnesseditfirsthand.Afellowconsultantmadeafatalerror of offering a ‘cheap’ tour to a customerwhowasbrimmingluxury.Thecustomer’sresponsewaswordforword:“Ifthat’sallyousell,cheaptours,thenI’llgoelse-where.”Andhedid.Itwasn’tsomuchthecheaptour,itwas that theagent labelled thecustomerasabuck-fiftycheapo, when, in fact, the customer wanted to pay bigdollarsforabigtripandhewantedbigservice.Insteadhewasofferedalowendtrip.Theagentmadethisenormouserrorbecausehewassoentrenchedinthecheapmethodofsellingtravel.Ifindoubtgolow!!Here’sagreatarticleonselling luxury travel: www.travelpulse.com/Resources/Article.aspx?n=632.
The Luxury InstituteOnpage239ofmynewbook (273 No Fluff No Theory Marketing Ideas for Travel Agents availablefromwww.bigbarkgraphics.com) you will find Idea #150: LuxuryTraveller Profile. On that page I have listed a website
Top-End Products Reap Top-End Commissions
By Steve Crowhurst
How To Sell – Luxury Travel
28June2010•CanadianTraveller www.canadiantraveller.net
ThinkLuxe , SellLuxe
More than coming from money is the need
to understand and be fluent in the world
ofluxury and those who travel in
this style. You have to know yourself AND
your affluent customer.
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wheretheluxurycustomerisprofiled.Clickhere:www.luxuryinstitute.com I also mention two books – The Aff luent Consumer and The Art of Selling to the Aff luent.
Choose Your Luxury NicheYou’veheardme say itbefore.Therearenicheswithinniches.Youmightgofortheoverallluxurynicheoryoucouldgoforoneofmanyluxurynichessuchascruises,orrail,oreco.ItmightserveyouwelltofollowthePowerofThreethatwehavementionedbefore.Thismeansnomatterwhat,ifyouofferthreetypesofluxuryprogramssuch as those mentioned, you should always stay busy.Forinstanceifrailfelloutoffavour,youwouldstillhavecruisingandecotodependon.Inthesameway,youmightchoose three levelsof luxury tosell.Assume thecruiseship…top cabin $100,000, half way down the layer ofdecks$50,000andluxurysteeragecominginat$20,000.Iftheeconomygoesbustagainandsomeofyourluxuryclientslosemoney,theymayoptforthemidtolowprice–butstillsailingonaluxuryline.
The Luxurious BedAnotherareaof sumptuousnessyoushouldgetacquaintedwithistheluxurybed.Okay,makethattheroomandevery-thingelsealuxuryhotelorresortoffers.Thisisgoodmoney.
Can You Sell This?Ialwaysliketoexplorethetopend.Checktoseewherethelimitsare.Whatcouldanenterprisingagentsellandretainascommission.IendedupontheCunardsiteandlookingforthatworldvoyage.FoundtheQueen’sGrillSuiteanditisluxuriouslypricedat$81,660.83perper-son.Nowthat’snice.That’sa$163,321.66booking.Yagotta like that sixty-sixcents though!Anyonegot theguts toroundthatup?“WellMr&MrsJackson,yourpriceforthecruiseisonehundredandsixty-threethou-sand,threehundredandtwenty-onedollarsandsixty-sixcents.Hey, let’s round thatupshallwe?Let’scallitonehundredandsixty-threethousand,threehundredand twenty-two dollars.” Just kidding. Well almost –wouldyouaskforthe66¢,fumbleinthepennyjarorwaiveit?
Going For The Luxury MarketHere’s a tip. Inandamongyourpromotional activitiesalwaystakeafewlines,aninchortwoofadspaceandofferaluxuryproduct.Whywouldn’tyoudothis?Sureyou may be fishing but you never know who is bitingtoday.SellfourQueenGrillSuitesandyou’vegotabout$60,000incommissionscomingin.Hmm?Wonderwhatyou’llbedoingfortheother51weeks? ✈
30June2010•CanadianTraveller www.canadiantraveller.net
How To Sell – Luxury Travel
Onething is for sure,being in thetravelindustryain’tdull!It’sbeenthroughallmannerofchallenges
over theyears.At thetimeofwritingwehave United Airlines and ContinentalAirlinesmergingtocreatetheworld’sbig-gest carrier. Everyone from frontline toivory tower suits can now add the expe-rience of handling volcanic ash to theirresume.Ican’trememberadisruptionlikethatbefore,sothiswasveryinterestingtowatch,toseehoweveryonehandledthem-selves, who did what and when for theircustomersandwhat thecustomerdid forthemselvesandsoon.
The ‘Get That Techno Info Now’ OpportunityThesetypesofeventsgiveyouashortwin-dowtotappeoples’memoriesoftheeventandinthiscasetorequesttheirtechnoinfo/addresses,linksandpushthemtojoinyourfamilyofsocialtools.Getthemonyourfanpage,onyourblog,letthemfollowyouor
youfollowthem.Whatyouwanttobuildhere is thefastestconnection toyourcli-entwhentheytravel.Ohyes,theirmobilenumber, too. Whoops, almost forgot thatoldtechnology.Twothings:youcanhelpthemintheirtimesofneed,andmarkettotheminyourtimesofneed.
Short Term MemoriesThegoodthingaboutlivingintoday’sworldis thatgenerallypeopleare toobusyandwrappedupintheirownlivestoremem-berthechaos.Thatinturnmeanstheywillforgettheturmoiltheyexperiencedorreadaboutandwillflyagain!Andthatmeansyoucan,andshould,turnupthevolumeonthefactthatyousellairlines,seats,routesandgroups.
The Airline NicheLike so many opportunities in the travelindustry many seem to be hidden fromview.Theairlinesthemselvesarebreakingoutanythingthatcanturnadollar,sohowaboutyoudoingthesamethingbyfinding
anicheyoucanownintheairlinesegment?Somecallthisancillarysales.Andairlinesare,asIsay,heavilyinvolvedinchargingextraforthisandthat.Whereyoucanmakea buck is to sell your knowledge of the“thisandthat”.PerhapsIshouldrephrasethatandsay,chargefees.Notservicefees,theseareFeesforAdvice.Arecentreportby the Centre for Asia Pacific Airlines(CAPA)predictedthatairlinesworldwideareexpectedtogenerateUS$58billioninancillaries thisyear.Can’tpromiseyouabillion,howeverlet’sreviewafewideas:•First Class:Haveyousoldafirstclass
seat lately? You have? Excellent! Howmany?Wouldyouliketosellmore?Ofcourse you would. So first things first–whatdoyouknowaboutflyingfirst?Haveyoustudiedflyingfirstclass?Haveyou reviewed each airline’s first classoffers? Are you fluent in first class? Ifyouansweredyestoallofthosequestionsthenonemorequestion:areyoumarket-ingyourknowledgeandchargingforit?
By Steve Crowhurst, CTC
How To Sell Airlines
www.canadiantraveller.net CanadianTraveller•June201031
The Sky’s The LimitSell Your Knowledge As Well As That Seat On The Plane
the airlines are not going anywhere. in fact they will be getting bigger,
stronger, greener and going farther. Air
Berl
iN
IfyouarenewtosellingFirstClassthenstartyourstudiesnow.Studytheairlineswithservicefromyourmaingateway.Goonlineandreviewtheoffer,thefrequentflyer’sclub,theFirstClassloungeameni-tiesand,ofcourse,theseating.
•Group Air:Whatdoyouknowaboutthegrouptravelofferseachairlineoffers?Thisisbigbusiness,asyouknow.Ifyouaretheonewhoknows,thencustomerswill migrate towards you as the oneagent who is fluent in terms of whichisthebetterairlinetosuittheirspecificgroupneeds.
•The Guru:CouldyoubecometheSeatSelection Guru? The Baggage Guru?The Route Guru? Speaking of routes–knowing the routesgivesyoupowerover your creativity and the journeysyoucancreate.
•Booking Engines: There are airlineswhoofferthecorporatetravellerabook-ingengine.Couldyoube theBookingEngine Guru? Yes, you would chargefeestoshowmehowtouseit.Ofcoursethe airline has a user manual. And ofcoursethereareairlinepersonneltocall,too.Nomatter–youcanwinthebusi-ness toyourself,act likeapro,chargelikeaproandyouneverknow,youmaywintheaccount,too.
What else could you advise andassist on about travelling by air andmakeabuck?Getyourcollectiveheadstogether in theagencyandbrainstormfor ideas.Dowhat theairlinesdoandgetcreative–dismantleandrearrange,add, take away. Take another lookat that airline ticket, trip, route, ser-viceandseewhereandhowyouasanagencyteamorindependentagentcangainaviablefoothold.
Their Air To StayThe airlines are not going anywhere. Infacttheywillbegettingbigger,stronger,greenerandgoingfarther.Theairlineseatasyouhavereadmanytimesinthesearti-clesisprobablythemaincomponentofatrip.It’stheonlywaytoget‘there’whentheoptionofslowtraveldoesnotsuitthecustomer’s timeandmoney.Sowecomebacktothis:ifyoustudytheairlinesyousellorwant to sell and seekoutanichemarketyoucoulddoverywellindeed.
Let’s say you thought the First Classnicheagoodidea.Someonepayinganair-fareoftengrandisnotgoingtobuyaweekatButlins,arethey?No,theyaregoingtobestayingatonegorgeousresortorhotel,ortakeaveryhighendtour–allofwhichyoucouldattractifyouputyourselfinthewayofthetransaction.Ifyougotbetweenyourcustomerandtheirmediaandpushedyournicheout into themarketplaceyouwould attract attention. I don’t see toomanytravelagentsmarketingthefactthattheycanhandlefirstclasstravel.Idoseeofferingsofbuck-fiftyflightsandmatchingtoursthough.There’samissedopportunityhere.Mindyou,whenyoustepuptosell$10,000airfaresyoumustbeabletowalkthetalk.You’llwanttopositionyourselfas,andcarryyourselfas,arefinedprofessionalagentineverythingyoudo.
Green AirEachtimethereisanecodisastersuchastherecentoilspilldownsouth,theshoutforgreengetsashadelouder.It’sanothernichetoconsider– theGreenAirAgentniche.Theairlinesareflyinganddancingasfastas theycan in their efforts tobegreenerthangreen.Theyunderstandtherepercus-sions of not being greener. So here youcanjumponthegreenwagon,studyhard,becometheguruofgreenairandcharge–orattract.Perhapsthisisayoungperson’sroutetofly.Asayoungtravelagentyouaregrowingupwithagreenmindset,sowhynottakeyourknowledgetotheairwaves?GetthosesoundbytesoutthereandTwittereveryoneyouknowaboutflyinggreen.
Air Today Gone Tomorrow The recent merger between United andContinentalhas theUnitednamestayingandtheContinentalCEOleadingthenewfirm.Historicallyairlinemergerspresentas many opportunities as they do chal-lenges. We have airlines redefining themeaningofa“salesoutlet”;baggagefeesand limitschanging;economyseats thatwillnolongerreclineallowingmoreseatstobeaddedtotheYsection;andthenwehavethepaytoilet!
Choosetheseatyoufeelcomfortablesellingandstartmarketing.Everyairlineseatsoldisanopportunitytosellmoreofeverything.
32June2010•CanadianTraveller www.canadiantraveller.net
general advertisers
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website index
How To Sell Airlines
Up In The AirAs Steve says, every airline seat sold is an opportunity to sell more. Here’s a rundown of what’s new and what’s hap-pening with a select group of airlines that service destinations around the world.
Air BerlinAir Berlin is Germany’s second largest airline with a network that links more 153 destinations worldwide in 39 coun-tries, with 23 departure and destination airports within Germany. The airline operates hubs in Berlin, Düsseldorf,
Nuremberg and Palma de Mallorca. Last year over 8,200 employees looked after a total of 27.9 million passengers.
Every year Air Berlin receives more than 10 awards for service and quality. In 2008 and 2009 alone, the company gained more than 20 awards, including the “European Business Award”. Skytrax, the UK consultancy firm, also voted Air Berlin’s cabin crew as the friendliest of all participating North European airlines.
With an average age of just 5.5 years, Air Berlin has one of the newest fleets in Europe. Its 128 modern jets offer great fuel-efficiency, thereby providing a last-ing contribution to the reduction of avia-tion emissions.
Air Berlin’s twice-weekly non-stop service, with both business and economy cabins, between Vancouver and Berlin began May 15 aboard Airbus A330 air-craft. Roundtrip fares start at $865.
Air PacificThere are deals and more deals to be had from Air Pacific. For you, Bula Buddies
Fares for IATAN agents are US $299 roundtrip between Los Angeles and Nadi or Auckland, with companion fares of US $399; and US $350 roundtrip between L.A. and Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane with companion fares of US $450. Air Pacific is also presenting monthly webi-nars on Air Pacific and specific resorts beginning July 2. For more information and invitation, e-mail [email protected].
In other news, Circle Pacific fares from Vancouver or Toronto on Cathay Pacific to Hong Kong and Air Pacific to Fiji start at
34June2010•CanadianTraveller www.canadiantraveller.net
7X4 QRNETWORK(E).pdf 1 4/20/10 3:48 PMair Berlin’s cabin crew was voted the friendliest of north european airlines.
Bula Buddies Fares are US $299 roundtrip between los angeles and nadi or auckland, with companion fares of US $399.
Air
Berl
iN
Air
PACi
fiC
Airlines
‘
Canada
USA
Australia
New Zealand
Hong Kong
Tarawa
FijiTuvalu
Vancouver
HonoluluLos Angeles
Brisbane
Solomon Islands
Vanuatu Nadi
Suva Apia
Tonga
Auckland
Sydney
Melbourne
Wellington
Christchurch
Codeshare on other airlines(Alaska Airlines between Los Angeles and Vancouver)
Air Pacific operated service
Cathay Pacific Airways betweenLos Angeles, San Francisco, Vancouver,Toronto and Hong Kong
Christmas Island
Toronto
San Francisco
For reservations and information contact
your Travel Agent or visit
airpacific.com
As voted by the readers of Global Traveler magazine
Bula!Your exotic island sojourn starts the moment you step on board one of Air Pacific’s flights to Fiji and the South Pacific. We offer non-stop service from Los Angeles and Honolulu to Fiji and code-share service with Alaska Airlines from Vancouver via Los Angeles to Fiji. Air Pacific partners with Alaska Airlines, Qantas and American Airlines in their frequent flyer mileage programs for both accrual and redemption. And if your travel plans include other cities in the Fijian Islands, Pacific Sun, Air Pacific’s regional carrier, provides seamless connections.
You’ll enjoy the true Fijian hospitality and service Air Pacific is renowned for with:
• A FREE stopover in Fiji when traveling to many South Pacific destinations, such as Australia, New Zealand, and the Island nations of Tonga, Samoa, Vanuatu and the Solomons.
• “State of the Art” entertainment system in each seat with a wide selection of movies, cultural stories and kids programming as well as interactive video games.
• Amenity kits with products suited to encourage comfort and tranquility.
• Complimentary healthy light dinners and full breakfast served with an international influence along with a broad selection of world class wines, beverages, fresh fruit, sandwiches and desserts.
• Air Pacific’s Business Class, Tabua, includes special service features including expedited check-in and priority baggage handling.
On Air Pacific you can count on friendly service, reliability and value for your dollar. Let Air Pacific take you to the enchanting South Pacific.
Welcome Aboard!
From Air Pacificthe world’s friendliest airline
$1,659 from Vancouver and $1,779 from Toronto. The Pacific Pass allows your cli-ents to add on to Vanuatu Samoa, Tonga, Solomon Island and Tarawa. Passes start at US $99 for two sectors, US $199 for four sectors and unlimited sectors for US $299. Finally, Air Pacific will re-introduce service from Suva to Auckland beginning in July, with Friday service (and Mondays beginning in August) departing Aukland at 8 a.m. and leaving Suva at 12:15 p.m.
EmiratesEmirates Airline is offering all BSP authour-ized Emirates (EK) travel agents in Canada a four-per cent commission on all pub-lished fare tickets plated on Emirates.
“In today’s increasingly competitive travel market, we recognize that our con-tinued success ties back to the tremendous support we receive from the travel agent community,” said Mary Heron, man-ager Canada, Emirates Airline. “Emirates launched this commission program in recognition of the contributions that travel agents provide and to offer an extra
incentive to all of our partners.”
Emirates pro-vides three-times-weekly flights from Toronto non-stop to Dubai aboard its A380 super jumbo aircraft. All pas-sengers are privy to the airline’s award -winning 1,200-channel on-demand entertain-ment system, atten-
tive service and state-of-the-art facilities at Emirates Terminal 3 in Dubai.
Business Class passengers enjoy addi-tional amenities such as lie-flat beds, use of Emirates airport lounges and compli-mentary chauffeur-drive service. First Class passengers receive an unrivaled experience that includes First Class Private Suites, an onboard lounge, dine-on-demand service, access to two First Class Shower Spas, use of the complimentary
Chauffeur-drive service and a compli-mentary spa treatment while in transit at Terminal 3 in Dubai.
Qatar AirwaysAward-winning Qatar Airways, the national airline of the State of Qatar, is one of the aviation industry’s fastest growing carriers with expansion averag-ing almost 40 per cent year on year. From its hub in Doha, the airline has developed a global network of destinations, covering Europe, Middle East, Africa, South Asia, North America and Asia-Pacific.
Not satisfied with unprecedented growth, Qatar has also collected hon-ours along the way. The latest include Best Business Class in the World at the World Travel Awards in London in November 2009; third best airline in the world, World’s Best Business Class cater-ing, Best Airline in the Middle East, and Staff Service Excellence Award for the Middle East in the annual 2010 Skytrax passenger survey.
SkylinkEuroLink, a member of the SkyLink group of companies has been named the Canadian GSA for AeroSvit - Ukrainian Airlines. Boasting the largest route network of all Ukrainian air car-riers, AeroSvit has more than 60 inter-national routes, connecting Ukraine with 29 countries, including Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Germany, Greece, Hungary, India, Israel, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Serbia, Poland, Russia, Sweden, Thailand, Turkey, the U.S. and the United Arab Emirates.
“[EuroLink] will be promoting travel to Ukraine and to points beyond, using two weekly frequencies initially“, said Surjit Babra, the President of EuroLink. ✈
36June2010•CanadianTraveller www.canadiantraveller.net
Airlines
emirates’ a380 superjumbo celebrates its first anniversary in Canada.
Qatar is one of the aviation industry’s fastest growing carriers with expansion averaging almost 40 per cent year on year.
emirATes AirliNe
QATA
r Ai
rWAy
s
CAD-14056-4 FP 4CA380 Lounge + FIFA 8.125 x 10.875
Canadian Traveler
Over 400 international awards and over 100 destinations worldwide. For more details contact Emirates at 800-777-3999. Discover frequent fl yer benefi ts at skywards.com
Believe.You can mingle in the sky.
Believe in luxury in the air. Believe that a flight can actually double
as a social occasion. The Emirates A380 First and Business Class
onboard Lounge. Discover more at emirates.com/ca
Emirates A380. Non-stop Toronto to Dubai.
emirates.com/ca
HK#102723
Anytimeisagoodtimeforcreatingfamily travel memories, but withthe summer break approaching
manyclientswillbelookingforuniquespotstotakethekids.Weknowallthe“bigparks”but ifyouare lookingforsomethingnew,you’ll find no shortage of family-friendlydestinationstocapturetheimaginationandtriggersomesmiles.
OregonMilkisOregon’sstatebeverage…canitgetanymore family friendly than that?StartinMedfordat theKids Time! Discovery Experience;amuseumdedicatedtolearn-ing, exploration and family interactionthroughplayexperiencesin10exhibitzones.www.discoveryspace.org.
Ranked as one of the nation’s best,the oregon Coast Aquarium is home tomore than 15,000 marine animals includ-ingseaotters,sealions,octopuses,sharks,tuftedpuffinsandanarrayoftropicalfish. www.aquarium.org.
InthecoastaltownofNewport,sciencegeeksareinseventhheavenattheHatfield Marine Science Center.Therearemarineanimals, interactive puzzles and gamesthatteachaboutouramazingoceanplanet. www.hmsc.oregonstate.edu.
CaliforniaSanFranciscoisaplaygroundforchildrenofallages–filledwithmuseumsandattractionsthatencouragecreativethinkingandexplo-ration.TheBay Area Discovery Museum isaone-of-a-kindindoor/outdoorchildren’smuseum located next to the Golden GateBridgeinSausalito,withhands-onartandscience exhibitions, cultural festivals andspecialevents.www.baykidsmuseum.org.
InGoldenGatePark,attheCalifornia Academy of Sciencesfamiliescanexploreearth, ocean and space in the only placein theworld to combine anatural historymuseum,aquarium,planetariumandworld-classresearchandeducationfacilityunderone roof. Hands-on exhibits teach about
fragile environments from rain forests tocoralreefs.www.calacademy.org.
MinnesotaHowdoes three roller coasters, a butterflyhouseand ropes courseall underone roofsound?You’llfinditatNickelodeon Universe themeparkinMallofAmerica,Bloomington.www.nickelodeonuniverse.com.
The Science Museum of Minnesota (indowntownSt.Paul) is thestate’smostpopular museum for families, with manyinteractiveexperiences thatmakescience,natureandhumanbodyfuntolearnabout. www.smm.org.
TexasSpace Center Houston is the officialNASA visitor centre. Interactive exhibits(don a space helmet, touch a moon rock,orlandtheshuttleandtryaspacewalkonstate-of-the-artsimulators),anIMAXthe-atre,andbehind-the-scenestourswillmakefor very happy young ’uns. Live satellitelinkstoNASAfacilitiesprovideup-to-dateinformationaboutcurrentspaceactivities. www.spacecenter.org.
The lush, natural habitat of the Fort Worth Zoo is home to 500 animal spe-ciesandaworld-famousreptilecollection.Namedoneof the top zoos inAmerica it
ishometoAfricanblack-footedpenguins,endangeredblackandwhiterhinos,giraffes,Sumatrantigers,crocodilesandhundredsofslitheringsnakes.www.fortworthzoo.org.
Massachusetts TheBoston Children’s Museumisdedicatedtotheeducationofchildrenwhileengagingfamiliesandbuildingcommunities.Hands-onexhibitsfocusonscience,culture,environmen-talawareness,healthandfitness,andthearts. www.BostonChildrensMuseum.org.
New HampshireWhatbetterwaytoexploreNewHampshirethanwithaWhite Mountains Attractions Value Pass to 16 unbeatable attractions.Stops include three unique railroads, theMountWashingtonAutoRoad,fouraerialridescaveadventures,andfivethemeparks.ThepassisUS$299(US$700value),avail-ableatwww.VisitWhiteMountains.com.
South CarolinaMyrtleBeachissynonymouswithfamilyfunandchock-a-blockfullofthemeparksandminigolfcourses.Lookingforsomethingdifferentfromtheusualfare?StartwiththeChildren’s Museum of South Carolina–a place where children are encouraged totouch,exploreandplay.Exploreelectricity,ride theMagicSchoolBusor sit inside agiantbubble.www.CMSCKids.org.
ThenewLethalWeaponsexhibit(through2010)atRipley’s Aquariumfeaturesdoz-ensofthemostshockinganddeadlycrea-turesof thesea(think:aPortugueseManof War that stings everything it touchesto a Crown of Thorns starfish, the mostlethal coral predator on the planet) plusa host of hands-on interactive displays. www.ripleysaquarium.com. ✈
To find out more about the Discover America - Canada Committee, attend a meeting or re-ceive the bi-monthly newsletter, contact them by fax at (416) 352-5567, by e-mail at [email protected] or visit www.seeamerica.ca
Lethal Fish, Moon Rocks & Sponge BobExploring The World Around Us Is A Family Affair
38June2010•CanadianTraveller www.canadiantraveller.net
CANADA
take the family on a safari, a cable car ride, to the moon or an aquatic encounter at kid-friendly destinations throughout the U.S.
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Las Vegas is entertaining on its own. Add a spectacular Lake Mead cruise to Hoover Dam, a rafting trip throughBlack Canyon, a helicopter ride over the Strip or any of the great scenic tours and attractions in southern Nevada, and you’ll earn a client for life and a commission for your good deed.
Go to TravelNevada.com/ct formore incredible tours and attractions.
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