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Gift of Travel

Consider the Gift of Travel.

Contact me about personalized Gift Certificates.

Cassie@BettyMacleanTravel.com

http://www.theartofthegetaway.blogspot.com/

Reasons to Use a Travel Agent

Since starting with Betty Maclean Travel there has been one question that I have been asked over and over again, "Why should I use a travel agent when I can book my own travel online?"  Well I want to clarify and give you reasons why and when a travel agent is a godsend to assist with your travel plans. 
The First misconception, atleast for my office, is that it Costs More...  Actually when booking Cruises and some other varied travel the price is the exact same!!  Your travel agent is your advocate who you get to tell what you desire for your vacation and they make it happen.  What do you get?  The Best Stateroom on the cruise ship, OnBoard Ship Credits, and so much more.  You never know what you are missing out on when you book it online!! 
HERE ARE SOME OTHER REASONS TO USE A TRAVEL AGENT: (LIST IS FROM TRIPOLOGY)
1.CONVENIENT ONE STOP SHOPPING: We can handle every aspect of your trip form airline ticket, hotel, transportation, activities, tours and so much more.
2.GUARDIAN ANGEL: if you should have a problem during your trip, we can act on your behalf to see that things are rectified to your liking
3.EXPERT GUIDANCE: travel agents are experts in helping travelers get where they need to go and in helping to create possibilities most people never would have dreamed possible or affordable.
4.UPDATED INFORMATION: travel agents are constantly communicating with the travel community, thus giving you the most up to date information on airlines, hotels, car rentals, travel visas, and other travel services to consider as you plan your trip.
5.USING CLOUT IN IMPOSSIBLE SITUATION:  whether it is airline seats, cruise reservation, or overbooked activities travel experts have more buying power than the average customer.
6.GENERAL IDEAS ON WHERE TO GO: a travel expert can offer excellent trip advice based on details of what type of trip you want to take.  Internet booking sites tend to require a destination up front.
7.A TRIP TO NOWHERE...SORT OF: want to get away to somewhere that is not normally a vacation hot spot?  Your travel specialist can help you find that perfect place.
8.YOU GET TO BE THE BOSS: you get to tell someone what to do for a change.
9.LOST BAGGAGE: if the airline should lose your baggage,  your travel agent can get on the phone and make sure the airline works as quickly as they can to solve the problem allow YOU to at least go relax at the hotel.
10.BECAUSE IT IS THE SMART THING TO DO...THE ONLY THING YOU HAVE TO GAIN IS A GREAT VACATION!!!

Please do not hesitate to contact me for your travel plans!! 
Cassie@BettyMacleanTravel.com
More of the list to come... 
thanks to tripology for the list. it was comprehensive and great!!

A Unique Getaway for Doctors to Travel & Learn about Global Health Issues

CONTACT ME FOR MORE INFORMATION

THIS TRIP IS AVAILABLE TO NON-PHYSCIANS AS WELL!!  NO CLASSES NECESSARY!!
Cassie@BettyMacleanTravel.com

If the Shoe Fits Event to benefit The Education Foundation

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A Great Event to Benefit American Cancer Society

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Travel with Roy Yamaguchi and AuthentEscapes

Turkish Delight: The Highlights of Turkey with Chef Roy Yamaguchi

Sep 24 - Oct 02 2010

A 9 day land tour of Turkey featuring exclusive culinary events, private touring and Privileged access throughout.

Explore the fascinating cultural crossroads of East and West as 4,000 years of history unfold in the Republic of Turkey: the enduring splendor of Byzantine and Ottoman Istanbul, the early Christian settlements in Cappadocia, the remarkably preserved Roman city of Ephesus and more.

Inspired dining experiences are peppered throughout the itinerary, including a gala dinner in Ephesus by Roy Yamaguchi, creator of Roy’s Hawaiian Fusion cuisine, and a dinner at Mikla where Chef Roy teams up with celebrated Turkish chef Mehmet Gurs.

Visit the Blue Mosque, St. Sophia and the magnificent Topkapi Palace Museum, the residence of the Sultans and the women of the Harem for 400 years.

Soak up the nightlife on an evening sailing along the Bosphorus, the narrow strait of water separating the Asian and European continents and view internationally renowned collections at the Turkish and Islamic Art Museum and Istanbul Museum of Modern Art.

Shop over 4,000 booths at the Grand Bazaar, Turkey's largest covered market, and stock up on saffron, Turkish apricots and freshly made Turkish Delight at the Egyptian Spice Bazaar.

Stay in a romantic "cave hotel" in the famous Cappadocia region and view the magnificent landscape from above on a Hot Air Balloon flight.

Finish in the resort town of Izmir, your gateway to Ephesus, where you will see the The Great Theater, where Paul was known to preach, the Basilica of St. John and the Celsus Library where Chef Roy takes center stage for a once-in-a-lifetime gala event.

Price: From $6950 per person, based on double occupancy

Price Details: Please contact me for room category upgrades. 25% deposit required to reserve space.

Inclusions: Fare includes 8 nights luxury accommodation; meals activities and events with transportation per itinerary; airport transfers; entrances to museums and monuments per itinerary; escort by Malaka Hilton throughout and dining experiences with Chef Roy Yamaguchi per itinerary.

Exclusions: Fare does not include international air; optional events, alcoholic beverages and meals on own as indicated on itinerary; passport and visa fees; phone calls; premium spa and personal services onboard; items of a personal nature.

Disclaimer: Rate is based on a minimum number of travelers. Rates, itinerary and scheduled events with special guests subject to change without notice.

 Contact me at Cassie@BettyMacleanTravel.com

 Epic Australia with Chef Roy Yamaguchi

Apr 14 - Apr 21 2010

An 8 Day Land Tour: Sydney & Melbourne

Experience Australia’s freshest culinary fusion, dramatic natural beauty and cultural attractions with Chef Roy Yamaguchi as your special guest chef in the “Land Down Under.”

One of the world's most beautiful harbour cities, Sydney will provide you with a cosmopolitan welcome. World renowned chefs and iconic panoramas set the scene for your dining delights.

Behold the opportunity for a magnificent evening bridge climb on the famous Sydney Harbor Bridge. The climb provides you with an unparalleled panorama of the city skyline as you watch the sunset and the city lights come to life.

Explore the hinterland hills of the Mornington Peninsula. The area's rich, fertile coastal plains produce award-winning pinot noir and chardonnay varietals as well as fresh produce, speciality cheeses, lavender, olives and other delights.

Price: Introductory fare is $5,350 per person, based on double occupancy

Price Details: Upgrades available - please contact me for details. A 25% deposit is required to reserve your space. Second payment of 25% is due 6 months prior to traveling, with full payment required 3 months prior to departure.

Inclusions: Includes four nights opera view room accommodation with breakfast at Intercontinental Sydney; three nights bed and breakfast accommodation at Crown Towers; domestic flight to Melbourne and ground transportation per itinerary; meals, events, activities, sightseeing and admissions per itinerary; services of English-speaking guide throughout.

Exclusions: Does not include international air; visa fees; travel insurance; roundtrip transfers for international flights; meals and other activities not stated in itinerary; gratuities; telephone calls; individualized services and other items of a personal nature.

Disclaimer: *Fare is subject to a minimum number of 12 travelers. Activities, special guests, properties and itinerary are subject to change. We strongly recommend purchasing Travel Insurance to protect against illness, trip interruption and cancellation.

Contact me for more information on these amazing programs from AuthentEscapes.

Cassie@BettyMacleanTravel.com

If you happen to not know who Roy Yamaguchi is, please visit http://www.roysrestaurant.com/

Also feel free to contact me about New Crystal Cruise Savings

Walk for Wishes

Make-A-Wish Foundation®

of Southern Florida

Walk For Wishes® 5K Walk/Run

Saturday, February 6, 2010 - Estero Community Park

Each year, the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Southern Florida (www.sfla.wish.org) fulfills the wishes of more than 500 children in 13 Southern Florida counties. With $5,000 being the average cost of a wish, the nonprofit organization relies on fundraisers, corporate support and donations from the public to bring hope, strength and joy to families who need it most.

If you would like to join my team "Sole Wishers" please visit the registration site by clicking Team Sole Wishers.

My Miami

I spent a weekend in Miami with some great friends and on the drive back to Naples, I contemplated why I was so excited to tell people about my great time.  I have never been one to sing the praises of Miami.  It has always given me anxiety over the money I spent on food and drinks, the need to join a gym after seeing everyone in their tight, barely there clothing and extreme exhaustion from the night before.  That was when I realized that for the first time ever, I had ACTUALLY enjoyed a weekend in Miami.  I have put together a list from experience and research of some wonderful places in Miami:

SHOP:

Books and Books

927 Lincoln Road

http://www.booksandbooks.com/

South Pointe Park

1 Wahsington Avenue

Bal Harbour Shops

9700 Collins Avenue

http://www.balharbourshops.com/

CoCo Walk

3015 Grand Avenue

http://www.cocowalk.com/

EAT:
Red Fish Grill

9610 Old Cutler Road

http://www.redfishgrill.net/

Prime Blue Grille

15 Biscayne Bay Boulevard

http://www.primebluegrille.com/

Burgers & Beer Joint

1766 Bay Road

http://www.burgernbeerjoint.com/

Sushi Samba

600 Lincoln Road

http://www.sushisamba.com/

Casa Tua

1700 James Avenue

http://www.casatualifestyle.com/

STAY: (I may be a little biased)

The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne

http://www.ritzcarlton.com/

The Ritz-Carlton South Beach

http://www.ritzcarlton.com/

Play:

For a Break from the South Beach Atomosphere:

Purdy Lounge

1811 Sunset Harbor Drive

http://www.purdylounge.com/

For a True Miami Experience:

Nikki Beach Restaurant and Bar

1 Ocean Drive

http://www.nikkibeach.com/

For the Jazz Lover:

Jazid

1342 Washington Avenue

http://www.jazid.com/

For the Daring Rock Star

Tobacco Road

626 S. Miami Avenue

http://www.tobacco-road.com/

Everyone has their own opinions, but these are few of my favorite Miami things.

cassie@bettymacleantravel.com

Betty Maclean Travel Announces Their Fall Presentations

 www.BettyMacleanTravel.com/clientpresentations

Holland America Presentation at Betty Maclean Travel

Escape the Holidays

Every Holiday Season I always play around with the idea to leave all things Cold and Christmas behind. Every year I go home to Louisiana instead. On the way back to Naples I start the vicious cycle again. I turn to Max and ask "Why didn't we go somewhere far away this year?" So for the curious and the interested, here are my top pics for Getting Away at Christmas...



Cruising around the Southern Caribbean
Cruise Line: Holland America Ship: Zuiderdam

Leaving out Fort Lauderdale on December 23rd and returning January 2nd (10 days)


Ports include: Aruba, Curacao, Cristobal PA, Gatun Lake, PA, Costa Rica and Holland America's Private Island Half Moon Cay

Holland America is a premier cruising vessel. The spacious staterooms combined with the excellent customer service and amenities will impress the most seasoned traveler. While you are on board visit the Exeditions Cafe, which is sponsored by the New York Times Magazine.



Christmas In the City of Lights
Picture yourself in Paris on the Champs Elysees and after finding a quaint outdoor bistro to grab a snack. Now listen for it..... Ahhh.... There it is... just enough noise but no one is yelling the 12 Nights of Christmas at you. See the Eiffel Tower glisten, watch the city from the steps of Sacre-Coeur and just relax in the luxuriousness and the culture that is beating around you. Do not forget your rose colored glasses.

Stay at the The Lancaster located on the Champs Elysees that was built in 1889 and "illustrates the art of living à la Française"




Ski Holiday

Maybe relaxation and shopping is not your thing, why not try one of the best ski resorts in the United States. Beaver Creek has beautiful mountains, great powder (that is snow for all those that enjoy the bottom of the mountain as oppose to the top) and sumptuous restaurants and nightlife. Most places like the Ritz-Carlton Bachelor Gulch is a ski in ski out resort which makes life and skiing a whole lot easier.


Contact me directly if you are interested in any of these ideas or if you have a few of your own...

cassie@bettymacleantravel.com

About Betty Maclean Travel, Inc.

Established in 1979, Betty Maclean Travel, Inc. is the leader in luxury and adventure travel. As the premier full service travel agency headquartered in Naples, Florida, our experienced staff of Travel Consultants has traveled the world with the top luxury cruise and tour companies such as Silversea, Crystal, Regent, Seabourn, Cunard, Abercrombie & Kent, Tauck, Travcoa and Lindblad Expeditions. Customizing itineraries and matching the right “travel experience” with the individual or family is our area of expertise.

Our Travel Consultants have been recognized by the following magazines: Condé Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure, Real Simple Travel and Luxury Travel Advisor and the agency is noted in Wendy Perrin’s book, Secrets Every Smart Traveler Should Know. With an average of 20 years experience, our Travel Consultants have earned their CTA (Certified Travel Associate) designation, CTC (Certified Travel Consultant), ATC (Adventure Travel Consultant) and (DS) Destination Specialist title.