Phyllis Does Peru with Globus

Our very own Phyllis Glaser has recently returned from a Globus tour to Peru. Here's what she had to say about her experiences:

My daughter Carol Miller and I just returned from a fabulous 11 day Globus Tour of Peru called “The Legacy of the Incas”. It was indeed an educational and cultural adventure- a history, geography, and geology lesson each day. Globus came through with flying colors in every aspect of the tour- deluxe hotels, excellent cuisine and above all, all-inclusive sightseeing.

The 6 hour flight to Lima was an easy one as there is no jet lag being that Lima is on Central time- 1 hour behind us. Our group of 28 was a very well travelled and diversified one- 15 USA, 10 Canada, 2 Australia and 1 South Africa- who had all been on Globus tours before and chose Peru this year because they are celebrating the 100th anniversary of the discovery of mystical Machu Picchu. Would you believe that our tour director Daniel Ferro lives in Boynton Beach in between all of his tours? He was indeed a fountain of knowledge and had a wonderful rapport with all of us.

Highlights of the sightseeing were as follows:

1. Lima- the capital city of 9 million is located on the Pacific Ocean, in between the Andean desert. Founded in 1535, we walked the historic center with it’s colonial Spanish heritage which blends in a few miles away with the modern $1+ million condos on the cliffs of the Pacific Ocean. A very vibrant financial and shopping mecca surrounds the area that also includes museums dedicated to pre- Columbian and Andean artifacts.

2. Nazca Lines –We drove the Pan American highway for 2 ½ hours to fly in a 10 passenger Cessna plane for a 90 minute flight over the mysterious and ancient Nazca Lines. Over 70 pre-Incan figures (hummingbird, monkey, spider, whale, etc) etched into the desert plateau in approximately 300BC. It was first noted from the air in 1927 and is now a Unesco World Heritage Site since 1994. We then spent the rest of the day and overnight at a Doubletree suites on the Bay of Paracas- the only place in the world where the desert meets the ocean.

3. Cusco/ Machu Picchu- We flew 75 minutes from sea level in Lima to Cusco at 10,000 feet. This beautiful city is the center of the Incas homeland. Known as the Sacred Valley, we toured outdoor fortresses and a living Inca town called Pisac before we arrived at the hotel Casa Andina which was a picturesque mountain lodge with breathtaking views.

The next morning we took a 1 ½ hour most scenic train ride – the only way to get to mystical Machu Picchu unless you want to hike up there for 4 days! Then it’s a 25 minute winding bus ride up the mountain, and there it is, the most spectacular site to behold- one of the “New Seven Wonders of the World”. Carol and I had to pinch ourselves that we were really there- it truly is indescribable! Our group divided up- 14 in each so it was really a private tour for the next 2 ½ hours of climbing and, of course, descending over 250 steps of this legendary Incan ruins built from 1460-1470. Comprising over 140 structures that are an archaeological marvel, we just did the upper half that sunny 70 degree afternoon. The following morning after staying at another deluxe hotel that was built right into the mountain, we again toured the lower half but we now had our first time of rain; thank goodness it was more of a drizzle but that didn’t distract us from learning about how the Incas worshipped and also farmed this terraced land . Then it became the forgotten city for centuries even by the Peruvians until it was rediscovered in 1911 by Yale University explorer, Hiram Bingham.

4. Lake Titicaca-a 1 hour flight from Cusco to Juliaca, near the Bolivian border, brought us to this highest and largest navigable lake of its size in the world. There are more than 40 floating islands- Islas Uros-that we toured by motor boat to see how this primitive Uros tribe has lived for centuries on these islands made of reeds. Their native tongue is Aymara, not Spanish or Quechua like the rest of Peru . We sat around a campfire as our local guide explained their simple lives of weaving and fishing. Then we went to their island school where 20 precious kids ages 6-12 sang for our group. We were all absolutely enthralled by their lifestyle.

Then it was on to another unique island: Isla Taquile , where 350 Inca families still live carrying their supplies on their backs from the boat landing to their hill top village as there aren’t even any donkeys or llamas to do that chore. The women in colorful native clothing were weaving while the men were knitting and of course displayed their wares for us to buy. They then played their musical instruments made of reed tubes while they did a native dance and asked all of us to join them. Again, we were fascinated with their simple lifestyle.

As you can see, this Globus tour of Peru had so many aspects. One thing is certain-it was an experience that we will never forget. By the way, the Galapagos Islands can be added as a 6 day extension to this tour. If you now want to add Peru to your “bucket list” of places to see, I assure you that it will be a trip of a lifetime- just contact your Sand & C Travel consultant.

Check out my photos from Peru!

Sincerely,

Phyllis Glaser
Travel Consultant
Sand & C Travel

Book your very own trip to Machu Picchu with Globus here!

Globus update on Japan

Japan Update March 21, 2011
The Globus family of brands top priority is the well-being and safety of our customers. We continue to monitor the situation in Japan and will continue to provide updates accordingly. Due to the situation at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant and the related U.S Government Travel Warning for Japan, we are cancelling departures through April 19, 2011. Customers booked on upcoming Japan tours or packages through April 19, 2011 can rebook their vacation without penalty or choose to receive a refund. We are recommending that future travel is rescheduled for later in the summer.

If your client’s are scheduled on an upcoming tour or package and you have any questions, email us at travelagentservice@globusfamily.com or call our information line at 800-221-0090.

Information about the U.S. Travel Warning for Japan can be found at:http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_5398.html

Japan Update March 17, 2011

Due to the very unfortunate circumstances in Japan and the related Travel Warning, we have made the determination that cancelling our close-in departures to Japan is the safest course of action for our passengers. Specifically, the April 5 departure of the Globus “Discover Japan” tour and the April 6 departure of the Monograms “Highlights of China with the Japan extension” are both cancelled, and we’re in the process of contacting all affected agents and customers at this time.

We continue to monitor the fluid situation very closely, and will advise of any future departures affected by these conditions. Our hearts go out to those impacted by this situation, and we will keep our attention focused on the situation.

Globus update on Fuel Surcharges & TSA information

An "In the Know Now" Advisement
Fuel Surcharges & TSA Information

Airline fuel surcharges are making news again. Did you know that when you put an air deposit down (only $250) on a Globus family of brands vacation, you can be assured that the air price will not increase as the cost of fuel goes up?

This is a big difference between the Globus family of brands and other tour companies (who give you the price of the air ticket when final is being paid.)

If an airline issues a surcharge increase, we'll ticket-typically within 24 hours. At this time, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requires that we collect passenger information prior to ticketing. This information includes full names as they appear on passports, date of birth and gender.

By collecting all TSA information upfront, we are able to issue the airline tickets quickly upon notification of a price increase and protect your price. Without this information, air could be subject to price increases, loss of promotions or even cancelation of your air schedule.

Netherlands' Floriade

Why go on an Avalon Waterways 8-day Tulip Time cruise? See below! By the way, next year the Floriade is being held in the Netherlands. This is a once every 10 year Horticultural Event, and we include this in our 2012 Tulip Time Cruise itinerary. At first glance, it looks like a giant child armed with a box of crayons has been set loose upon the landscape. Vivid stripes of purple, yellow, red, pink, orange and green make up a glorious patchwork. Yet far from being a child’s sketchbook, this is, in fact, the northern Netherlands in the middle of tulip season. The Dutch landscape in May is a kaleidoscope of color as the tulips burst into life. The bulbs are planted in late October and early November. More than three billion tulips are grown each year and two-thirds of the vibrant blooms are exported, mostly to the U.S. and Germany. Their dazzling colors are thanks to the years in the 17th century when tulip mania swept the globe and the most eye-catching specimens changed hands for a small fortune. But like a Rainbow, this colorful landscape is a short-lived phenomenon. When the flowers are gone, the land will be cultivated for a rather more mundane crop of vegetables. The Netherlands produce more than nine million bulbs a year.

Egypt Tourism

State Department
A travel warning has been issued for all US citizens traveling or planning to travel to Egypt. All non-emmergency government employees have been ordered to leave and all tourists are encouraged to avoid travelling to Egypt at thsi time.

A message from Sand & C Travel regarding travel to Egypt

Ya'lla Tours USA
January 31, 2011- Ya'lla Tours USA has confirmed that all guests currently in Egypt are safe, registered with the US State Department for voluntary evacuation, and that all upcoming tours have been cancelled. Travelers may choose another departure or opt to receive a refund.

Globus Family of Brands: Cosmos & Avalon Waterways
As the safety of passengers is the utmost concern, all cruises and tours to this region have been cancelled through February 28, 2011. Only Cosmos tours and Avalon Waterways cruises have been affected at this time. Clients may choose to receive a refund or rebook the trip without penalty. Globus Family of Brands will continue to monitor the situation.

Abercrombie & Kent
Passengers travelling with Abercrombie & Kent in this region are safe. A&K staff are in contact with local authorities and the US office to ensure safety. All travelers who are scheduled to travel to this region through February 1 have been contacted & A&K is continuing to monitor and assess the situation.

Trafalgar
As of January 31, all upcoming tours have been cancelled through until February 28. Passengers may choose an alternate departure date or opt to receive a refund. As of February 2, Trafalgar clients have all departed Egypt at this time or are in a hotel in Cairo until their commercially scheduled flight. Trafalgar is in the process of/or has notified the travel agents of all current hotel & air reservations for their respective clients.

Cruises cancelling port visits & altering itineraries:
Norwegian Cruise Line
MSC Cruises

Royal Caribbean & Azamara

Delta
Initially, all flights to Cairo were cancelled Friday January 28 but resumed Tuesday February 1 in an effort to help get people out of Egypt. While Delta is the only carrier flying directly from the US to Egypt (New York to Cairo), this flight would require an overnight in Cairo. Delta has joined with AirFrance-KLM to fly passengers from Cairo to Athens before heading back to the US. (WSJ)

British Airways
British Airways is also helping to get people out of Egypt as the current political atmosphere continues to deteriorate. They have altered flight times to avoid night curfews. Many flights have been suspended or altered. (Reuters)


Check back as we continue to monitor the situation in Egypt and continue to provide updates on suspended or altered cruises, tours, and air travel.

Travel Weekly: Tour, Cruise, & Flight Cancellations

National Park Tours

This year marks the 150th anniversary of the start of the Civil War as well as the 10th anniversary of the September 11th attacks. Many will be commemorating these anniversaries with trips to our majestic national parks. Here are a few of our favorites for such excursions:

• Globus: America's National Parks


• Globus: America's Historic East


• Tauck: Yellowstone & Grand Teton National Parks


• Tauck Bridges: Patriots of America


• Brendan Vacations: Scenic Parks Explorer
  
• Brendan Vacations: Historic Highlights


• Caravan: Mt. Rushmore, Grand Tetons, & Yellowstone

Monograms: Travel Made Easy

Don't you wish you could travel without lifting so much as a finger on logistics AND have someone available at your beck & call to help throughout? It's possible. And affordable. Here's how it works:

When & Where

You choose a destination and date. Are your travels taking you to Europe, North America, South America, Asia, or the South Pacific?

Where to Stay

In each location, at least one hotel has been preselected to ensure that the level of quality is up to par and the location is near where you need to be. You may choose from the list provided or opt for one not listed.

Getting There & Getting Around

Transportation- be it from a dock, airport, or rail service- is taken care of. You'll never have to worry about how you're going to get from point A to point B. Based on when you intend to travel, all flights will be booked to perfectly coordinate with your travel plans. You'll benefit from Monograms' partnership with airlines and receive low airfares.

Things to Do

In conjunction with your destination, a variety of activities, attractions, and tours can be chosen. This selection includes the must-see sights of the city as well as other interesting things to do and see.

Chow Down

A full buffet breakfast, the most important meal of the day, is provided. For lunch and dinner, enjoy exploring a little and get a taste of the local culture.

Personal Service

From the moment you decide to travel until the moment you return home, you'll have access to a knowledgeable and helpful travel expert or local host to help with any questions or concerns. Prior to traveling, a travel expert will help you to understand and personalize your trip. Once you arrive, you'll have access to a local host who is able to provide information about the city, helpful hints and recommendations, and ensure you have what you need to make the most of your holiday. You'll have a 24-hour Service On Call phone number should you need anything.

Why?

You're likely wondering 'What's the point of using this? I could figure this all out on my own.' Well, yes, you could. But why would you when instead of spending days and multiple resources finding the same information you can take 10 minutes to choose, personalize, and book your entire trip. With a site such as Expedia, it may be slightly less expensive (likely about 5%), but you won't have access to the local host, transfers from the airport to your hotel or hotel to train station, etc. Also, you can avoid an experience like this! (After booking her entire trip & receiving all confirmations, upon arrival at the airport she was told her tickets were nonexistent.)
Additionally, more hotels, activities, & excursions have been added and prices are lower. This service is ideal for first time travelers, baby boomers, honeymooners, girlfriend getaways, families, and cruisers.

Religious Travel

sAND & c TRAVEL Offers RELIGIOUS VACATIONS for groups

In response to the ever increasing Religious Travel Market,

Sand & C Travel offers new vacation options

Boynton Beach, FL– According to a recent Religious Travel Study conducted by Menlo Consulting Group, 4.5 million people have traveled internationally on a religious or faith-based vacation. That number is expected to increase exponentially in the next five years: The same study revealed that by 2012, an additional 9.7 million will have traveled internationally on religious journeys.

In order to meet this growing demand, Sand & C Travel has partnered with the world's leading escorted travel company Globus, which in recent years has emerged as an industry and educational leader for religious travel. This effort will serve to broaden and expand our current faith-based travel with providers such as Isram.

“We are very excited about the expansion of this market and look forward to assisting churches and religious groups to travel the world,” said Alan Rosen, the president and owner of Sand & C Travel. ”Our agency will provide an array of travel options for faith-based clients including religious tours, secular vacations, European river cruising, and much more. Sand & C Travel has a full-time group department with extensive experience in working with groups to take care of all the details!”

Highlights of some of our religious vacations include:

• Journey Through the Holy Land: Spiritual. Life changing. Profound and inspiring. There’s no other way to describe the experience of walking in the footsteps of those who started it all, in the land where it all began- Israel. Journey through the Holy Land and be a part of a once in a lifetime experience to trace the lives of those who inspired us all. Also available with a 4 night Jordan extension.
• The Ultimate Family & Bar/Bat Mitzvah Tour: Unique. Profound. Spiritual. This is an excellent way to connect with your faith while also emphasizing and experiencing the meaning and history behind this long standing tradition. Experience the rich culture and history of Israel. Travel to Jerusalem, visit the lowest spot on earth- the Dead Sea, see Tiberias, and Tel Aviv. Connect with current generations of Israelites, while soaking in the past.
• Footsteps of Apostle Paul: A unique way to experience your faith on this combination cruise and land journey. See the rich culture and history of Greece as you trace in the footsteps of the Apostle Paul. Learn about the Seven Churches of Revelation and learn about the Apostle John and his contributions to the writing the last book of the New Testament.
• Jewish Heritage Tour: Travel through Poland, Hungary, and the Czech Republic and discover the more recent history behind your heritage. Visit various Jewish communities such as the former Jewish Ghetto as well as concentration camps to learn about and understand the people who lived, operated, and suffered there. Learn about the past, how it was that such a tragedy was allowed, how it has molded future generations, and what we can do to prevent such horrors from being repeated. Experience the beauty of these countries and the wonderful culture and contributions of the Jewish people.
• Marian Shrines of Europe: Reconnect with your faith as you visit the most treasured Marian Shrines, Lourdes and Fatima. For over a thousand years pilgrims have been walking the Camino Pilgrim’s Way and on this trip you will have a chance to experience a portion of this famous walk in Santiago de Compostela. A true life-changing experience.

Sand & C Travel is now taking bookings for the 2011 season. For more information or to book a trip (whether individually or for your church/group), contact Sand & C Travel at (561)736-3880.

About Sand & C Travel

Sand & C Travel® is one of the largest independent, full-service travel agencies in South Florida. Our philosophy is to combine the personal service of a family owned & operated travel agency, with the exceptional value of a national a retailer. We are able to provide this level of service, with discount pricing and value-added amenities, due to our buying power with the travel suppliers. Sand & C Travel® is among the top producing agencies in the nation for such trusted names as Celebrity Cruises, Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Tauck World Discovery, Globus Tours, Avalon Waterways and Viking River Cruises. We are also members of Vacation.com, the largest travel agency group in the United States, giving us access to special rates with hundreds of travel suppliers.

Sand & C Travel® takes pride in providing personal service in planning terrific vacations at the most competitive pricing and appreciates the support of our clients and travel suppliers that have lead to our growth over the last 18 years.

Contact:

Stephanie Hart

(561)736-3880

stephanieh@sandctravel.com

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