North South Travel V2 Feed

Visit Cambodia's Battambang Province

Mon, 04 Nov 13 23:40:05 +0000

On the border between Cambodia and Thailand is the scenic province of Battambang. Perhaps due to its beauty, it has been an area of contention between Cambodia and Thailand until after the Second World War when the world community told Thailand that the community of nations recognized the province as part of Cambodia since its way of life was similar to that of the larger Cambodia. Thailand opted to give back the province to Cambodia rather than risk alienation by the community of nations.

In 1902 the French had helped get the province back to Cambodia but with the help of Japanese, Thailand grabbed the province back in 1941. In 1947, the issue was finally settled. Amazingly, this beautiful province connects Thailand to Phnom Penh, the capital of Vietnam. It is a major overland trading route.

Battambang has an array of temples, resorts, vegetation, and Buddhist culture that is a magnet to tourist. Battambang City is the provincial capital of the Battambang province and is also the second largest city in Cambodia. The city’s beauty is added by the Sangker River that gracefully winds around most of the city.

Ba Nam Temple, Ba Seat Temple, Wat Ek Temple, and Gold Buddha hill are all tourists’ attractions that are not more than 30 kilometers from the provincial city of Battambang. They all feature 11th century architecture and are either built on a mountain or on serene secluded places in line with the Buddhism religion.

Other attractions such as Prasat Snung in Snung Pagoda area, Phnom Sam Por Resort on National Road 57, Boeng Kam Pinh Puoy Resort in Nget Vilage and SEk Sak Resort in Treng commune provide guests to the Battambang Province with nice places to stay as they experience the old ways of Battambang people.

Getting to Battambang takes you back in time. There are no trains or airplanes in operations. The only way to get to the provincial city is by buses or taxis. You can take a bus from either Phnom Penh or Siem Reap. They offer hourly services. To get to Battambang city from Phnom Penh will take you about 5 hours while a ride from Siem Reap will take you 3-4 hours.

Discover the Philippines

Tue, 22 Oct 13 18:00:32 +0000

From breathtaking beaches to towering volcanoes, there’s so much to discover in the Philippines. You will find not only a wealth of natural beauty and grandeur, but a large array of exciting activities and interesting places to explore as well.

The islands of the Philippines are a tourism goldmine, and you would do well to explore "it". Ditch every thought that tells you this place is all about gondolas and rickshaws, for it is anything but this. There are numerous untold treasures waiting for you to discover them, from superb beaches to volcanoes.

There are even bat caves to explore like Sumaging Cave and the Boracay Bat Caves, where you can check out these interesting creatures, famed for bloodsucking according to folklore. Exploring the caves is more than just about the bats though. It provides an experience of adventure unlike anything else, as you delve deeper and deeper into the heart of the cave.

The fun doesn’t stop there though. There is plenty more to discover while here, such as various water activities. You can opt for a sailing excursion, fishing or a range of water sports including water skiing and surfing. There are also marine parks and sanctuaries where you will see exotic and amazing creatures of the deep, and if you want to go a step further, try swimming with the whales, which is offered as a tour package.

The Philippines situated in Southeast Asia, consist of 7107 islands, mostly very small. The island country is located close to the equator, and on the Pacific Ring of Fire. Due to its location, the island is prone to earthquakes and typhoons, but makes up sevenfold in natural resources and beauty, making it a perfect place to explore. There are 37 volcanoes, of which there are 18 that are still active. All the others are considered sleeping or dead volcanoes.

Mount Mayon is the most active volcano here, and provides a great climbing experience, but even to sportive tourist, the climb is challenging. The best height to start at is 762 metres above sea level, where the research station is situated.

Sumaging Cave will take you 13 hours to travel from Manila to Sagada, and upon arrival you will have to register at the municipal hall. Then you have a 20 minute walk to the entrance. But all this aside, it is definitely worth the trouble.

Head to the Philippines for your next vacation, and you can enjoy all of the above mentioned activities plus more! You will enjoy a range of exciting adventures while here.

Book your trip to the Philippines today!

Virginia Beach

Tue, 22 Oct 13 18:00:25 +0000

Virginia Beach holds a wealth of fun things to do during your vacation.

Virginia Beach is a popular resort city in the United States, with miles of beaches, tons of accommodations, restaurants, attractions and things to do. You will lose yourself in the excitement of the day – everyday! From sports and water activities to tours and excursions, it’s all here.

The first thing you will more than likely be doing, is heading to the beach, as the city has miles upon miles of pristine beaches for you to enjoy. Here, you can enjoy the sun, sand and waves; lounge on the sand, swim or engage in sporting activities such as beach volleyball and football (soccer).

A popular activity to take part in while here is fishing, and Virginia Beach is full of opportunities to do so. There are fishing spots like Pier and Fishing Island Park, as well as charters and even guided fishing tours. The area also hosts fishing tournaments and competitions, and one of the biggest is the acclaimed Billfish Tournament. The area offers year round fishing, and fishing charters can not only be used for sport-fishing, but cruising and dolphin watching as well.

Golf is another great activity to take part in while here, and is abundantly offered as well. You can easily find a course to suit your taste and level of play. Hell’s Point Golf Club boasts great facilities, as well as Jungle Golf which is open all night. There are also plenty of mini-golf courses if you’re just looking to have some fun on the green.

There are a total of eleven golf courses open to the public in the city, and four country clubs. The city also hosts the annual East Coast Surfing Championships.

The climate of Virginia Beach is humid subtropical, and winters are very mild with light snowfall. Summers are hot, with warm evenings.

So if you are planning to engage in most of the above mentioned activities, be sure to book closer to summertime for the best conditions. AquaMan Sportfishing Charters are a widely used company when it comes to charters, so they are good to work with if you want to engage in this.

Come and enjoy all this amazing city has to offer, from the beautiful stretch of beaches to sports and other leisure activities. It is truly an amazing destination to spend your vacation.

Book your trip to Virginia Beach, USA today.

Live it Up with New World Caribbean Cuisine at Miami’s Ortanique on the

Fri, 09 Aug 13 16:27:25 +0000

To get your appetite going during your meal at Miami’s Ortanique on the Mile, you should consider ordering either the pumpkin bisque that has a touch of pepper sherry or the salad of spicy fried calamari.

Then don’t miss the salad of tropical mango that goes with passion-fruit vinaigrette, freshly marinated sable hearts of palm, toasted Caribbean candied pecans, julienne mango and baby field greens. Of course, the pan-sautéed Bahamian black grouper prepared in sesame oil and teriyaki should definitely grace your table for entrée.

Find out more about the Ortanique on the Mile, wherein main courses run from $21 to $44, in this review published on travel-centered site, called Fodor’s:

Food is vibrant in taste and color, as delicious as it is beautiful. Though there is no denying that the strong, full flavors are imbued with island breezes, chef-partner Cindy Hutson's personal "cuisine of the sun" goes beyond Caribbean refinements. The menu centers on fish, since Hutson has a special way with it, and the Caribbean bouillabaisse is not to be missed. On Sunday there's live jazz. The mojitos here are amazing.

Read the rest of the review here, and start to live it up with New World Caribbean cuisine at Miami’s Ortanique on the Mile.

So contact us now to begin your next gastronomic delights in Miami!

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Encounter Monochrome Luxury at London’s 41 Hotel

Fri, 09 Aug 13 15:08:37 +0000

You’ll find that all the guestrooms at the 41 Hotel are one-of-a-kind, but if there’s one that that they have in common, it’s got to be the black and white motif.

You’ll be welcomed by 30 distinctively luxurious suites and rooms that have their very own chic and separable interiors. Let the faint touch of an idealistic mystery pleasantly delight you, in addition to quaint treats like open fireplaces, fresh flowers and fruits, gorgeous pieces of mahogany furniture, delightful treats and snacks as well as fragrant candles.

Know more about this welcoming hotel in this review provided by travel-centered website, called Frommer’s:

This is the very antidote to chain hotels -- 30 individually designed rooms, packed with romantic touches such as open fireplaces and scented candles, all within walking distance of Hyde Park and Buckingham Palace. 41 Hotel is best suited to couples or those traveling alone -- especially women. Public areas feature an abundance of mahogany, antiques, fresh flowers, and rich fabrics. Read, relax, or watch TV in the library-style lounge, where a complimentary continental breakfast and afternoon snacks are served each day. Guest rooms are individually sized, but all feature elegant black-and-white color schemes and magnificent beds with Egyptian-cotton linens.

So communicate with our travel representatives now to begin your travel plans for your London vacation!

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Travel Tip: How to Avoid Scams When Traveling in Cuba

Thu, 08 Aug 13 19:00:40 +0000

In terms of street safety, Cuba boasts of firm, well-known police services, which ensure that the major cities are free from any form of crimes; hence, safety in Cuba can be well assured.

Nonetheless, it is highly recommended to always be cautious of your actions and dealings with the locals because scams still exist in this country.

Read on to learn more about ways to avoid scams when traveling in and around Cuba.

1. Avoid Jineteros

Jineteros or jineteras are usually people who get overfriendly just so they could lure you into their business. These touts usually refer you to private restaurants, in which they obtain commission from referrals, or persuade you to purchase cigars that are from the black market. Others would even offer prostitutes to travelers who are up for such paid one-night stands.

2. Money Exchange

The only places that you should trust in exchanging your money with are CADECA kiosks, hotels and banks. Apart from these, don’t give in to what seems like a good deal offered by locals on the streets as it may turn out as a fraud.

3. Restaurants

When dining in state restaurants or grabbing a drink in bars, ensure that you properly check your bill prior to shelling out for your meal or drinks. There are some waiters who’d like to earn additional income by providing you a written bill without the breakdown of your orders. Always ask for the printed check from the register so that won’t be fooled out of your money.

Overall, it takes common sense to be saved from scams, most especially when travelling in Cuba.

So get started with a positive travel experience as early as now by communicating with our travel experts!

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Fly to Apulia, and Encounter a Very Tranquil Respite

Thu, 08 Aug 13 18:59:48 +0000

Just like the rest of Italy, Apulia is filled with an abundance of history, culture and natural sceneries – so whether you want to bum on the beaches taken pride by Monopoli, get a quick tour of a small part of Italy’s history at the Old Town found in Bari or scrutinize the architecture of the imposing castle of Frederick II, namely the Castel del Monte, you’ll definitely appreciate every bit of this part of Southern Italy.

Daily Mail UK Travel writer Jenny Coad could attest to the serenity and interesting points of attraction in this part of the Salento peninsula as she tours and finds inner peace in Apulia (“Brought to Heel: Puglia Does Perfection as the Prettiest Part of Italy’s Shapely Foot”). She spent her holiday by booking a room at the Masseria, which she described to be “set loftily amid this bounty and just about overlooking the Adriatic (if you're on the roof)”.

Here’s a preview of her recent article:

This productive, hard-working landscape is dotted with dainty trulli dating from the 19th century. These turreted buildings, typical of the region, were originally designed to be dry storehouses. Now they are conical homes with tiny windows… More stately is baroque Martina Franca, under an hour's drive from Alberobello. The town begs to be admired, with pretty narrow, shuttered streets leading off its ornate, airy squares.

Discover more of her article, and learn more about the activities she enjoyed during her stay in Apulia.

Contact us to get started with your next vacation in Italy today!

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The World’s Top Destinations that Specialize in Medical Tourism

Thu, 08 Aug 13 18:58:49 +0000

People resort to the alternative of having medical procedures done in other countries primarily for cost considerations, and this is one of the reasons why medical tourism is booming, worldwide.

When cost consideration is mentioned, it does not necessarily mean that quality is sacrificed; in fact, some countries are known for certain procedures because they specialize in these areas.

Some of the country destinations for medical tourism include Colombia, which is known for cosmetic surgery, cardiovascular surgery and organ transplants.

While India could help you with cardiac and orthopaedic procedures as well as other high-end operations, you may also check out Costa Rica for dental treatments and orthopaedic surgeries, most especially knee replacements.

Furthermore, Malaysia boasts of specializing in dental, cosmetic and cardiac surgeries, and Brazil is known for concentrating on cosmetic and plastic surgery, especially in Sao Paulo.

In addition to these, the Czech Republic is the number one choice of Western Europeans for surgeries and the ever popular breast enlargement. Finally, Mexico attracts a good number of travellers as it remains to be the Lap band destination for those wanting to lose weight

On the whole, taking a short vacation, while at the same getting specialized care abroad, still remains the biggest come-on for medical tourism.

So start planning your next travel today!

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Travel Tip: Planning a Trip to Three of the World’s Smallest Countries

Thu, 08 Aug 13 18:57:39 +0000

The size of the nations in this list shouldn’t turn you off because even though they’re too small to be illustrated as a speck on the world map, these countries will blow you off with their stunning tourist spots and a wealth of history, heritage and culture.

So read on to learn more about three of the world’s smallest countries.

1. Vatican City

With only less than a thousand residents and an area of 44 hectares, Vatican City is known as the smallest city-state in the world. Don’t be fooled by its size though as this small country houses St. Peter’s Basilica, the world’s most popular Catholic Church. You may also check out the St. Peter’s Square that boasts of an Egyptian obelisk as well as the Vatican Gardens and the Vatican Palace, where the Pope lives.

2. Monaco

Within the 2.05 km² area of Monaco, you’ll already witness amazing cityscapes and seascapes in the Jardin Exotique, which primarily displays a wide array of interesting flora. Aside from this, it is in this little nation where you can see various underwater creatures and nautical devices in the Musee Oceanographique, including life-size wax statues of the country’s Princes at the Wax Museum.

3. Nauru

Of course, an island country would make it to the list in the place of Nauru. This Micronesian nation prides itself in a great selection of water activities, such as deep sea fishing, swimming and scuba diving. It also offers modest shops and boutiques where you can buy arts and crafts, including numerous restaurants where a fusion of local and international cuisines is served.

So if you’ve always been curious about the smallest nations in the world and you’ve been planning to take a trip to these places, then don’t forget that the Vatican City, Monaco and Nauru offers great travel attractions despite their size!

Start planning your next travel as early as now!

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Video: Majestic Madeira

Thu, 08 Aug 13 18:56:16 +0000

Madeira is a group of islands in Portugal that has now become a famous travel destination for travelers who seek for an all-year-round resort holiday.

Catering to approximately a million visitors each year, Madeira is not only renowned for its beaches but also for its embroidery artisans, wines, floras and striking sceneries.

Get a glimpse of one of the wealthiest places in Portugal in this video arranged by Jan Prehnal Baterka.

So get started with your next holiday trip as early as now!

Video: Making the First Ascent of Mount Edgar’s East Face

Thu, 08 Aug 13 18:55:02 +0000

Although the west face of Mt. Edgar had been successfully scaled by a Korean team back in 2001, a sad tragedy in 2009 has made this mountain in Sichuan Province a very precarious place for mountain climbing activities. This especially holds true in its East Face, where three Americans did not survive an entire climb.

Nonetheless, Kyle Dempster and Bruce Normand were able to successfully ascend Mt. Edgar during an eight-day ascent and descent in its East Face. Watch their adventure in Black Diamond Equipment’s vid, in which the user shares,

This video is Part Two and covers the first ascent on Edgar. Introspective and honest, Dempster speaks in-depth about the dangers encountered on Edgar and how accepting such risks in order to make the ascent left him heavily troubled, vowing to never again climb on such an active and dangerous mountain.

Get started with your next adventure now!

The Top 3 Surfing Beaches in the World

Thu, 08 Aug 13 18:54:11 +0000

There are a good number of individuals whose passion for surfing bring them to various parts of the world in the hope of finding the best waves to ride.

So read on to learn more about the top three surfing beaches in the world.

1. Huntington Beach

Searching for the ‘perfect break’? Then Huntington Beach is the most ideal surfing beach for you. Recognized as the Surf City of America, where the yearly OP Pro Surfing Tournament and International Surfing Championship is held, some of the best waves in this beach could be found near the huge pier. Meanwhile, most locals advise that the perfect time to catch the big swell is during winter months.

2. Jeffrey’s Bay

Primarily famous as a great surfing destination, this South African bay boasts of its nice year-round weather and six amazing breakpoints. You could check out splendid waves on places like Albatross, Magna Tubes and Kitchen Windows. These are, in fact, one of the many reasons why the annual Billabong Surfing Festival is held here every July.

3. Kandahar Beach

Almost all types of surfers could enjoy the waves in this Mexican beach. Providing access not only from the beach but also from river mouths and reefs, Kandahar caters to novice surfers, shortboarders and longboarders as well. There is room for everyone wanting to ride a good wave. Tough yet amazing waves could be enjoyed in Troncones Point, swift and great swells at the Boca and nice longboard rides at the La Saladita.

There are a lot more great beaches to find an excellent wave to ride on, but these are the top three surfing beaches that you can find!

So start planning your next surfing trip today!

Photo Credit

Video: Cairo to Aswan

Thu, 08 Aug 13 18:53:05 +0000

Cairo and Aswan would be the best places to check out when you want to learn more about the ancient Egyptian civilization, along with its pyramids, temples, mummies and hieroglyphs.

Check out this collection of photos presented by Eileen’s Videos, and see the best parts of Egypt through her lens. The user shares,

-- including a tour of Old Cairo, the Pyramids (some of us climbed inside the Great Pyramid to the burial chamber), and the Egyptian Museum (unfortunately, no cameras allowed). Then an early morning flight on New Year's Day to Aswan with a visit to the dam and to Philae Temple which was moved block by block to a higher island when the dam was built. We also saw an ancient granite quarry used by the early pharaohs for the burial chambers and sarcophagi of the great pyramids.

So start planning your trip to Cairo and Aswan today!

Video: 360 Degree of Lanikai & Kailua, Hawaii from Pill Box

Thu, 08 Aug 13 18:52:17 +0000

From waterfalls to volcanoes and mountains, Hawaii is apparently not all about plain beaches.

If you love the outdoors, then coming to Hawaii would offer a lot of great recreation plays for you. The Pill Box hike in Kailua, for instance, is one of the most rewarding activities that you could do in the Oahu Island.

Watch the 360 Degree View of Lanikai and Kailua in the video uploaded by Brian Hancock, who describes the Pill Box to have “Great view and great fairly easy hike”.

So start planning your trip to Kailua, Oahu today!

Video: Ultra-Modern Dubai

Thu, 08 Aug 13 18:51:40 +0000

This global city considers tourism as a major part of its economy, and it wisely took advantage of its wealth and oil resources to appeal to visitors who love spending their money on luxury. Dubai’s 70 malls, in particular, show how shopping becomes one of the many reasons why travelers stay in the city. In addition to this, the emirate does have a fair share of other ancient and archeologically-significant travel destinations just like its neighboring cities.

Nevertheless, Aaron Mendez’s video shows just how ultra-modern Dubai is as well as the main reasons why it remains in the top most-visited cities in the whole world.

So start planning your Dubai itinerary now!

Video: Kalahari Red Dunes Lodge – Chalet No. 1 “Nyala”

Thu, 08 Aug 13 18:50:43 +0000

Since this accommodation is located near the numerous game reserves in this South African sandy savannah, guests would surely love its location. From the Kalahari Desert to the huge grasslands of the Great Kangaroo, its accessibility to many of the region's major attractions is a huge plus.

Watch David Strauss’ delightful video, and see the luxurious accommodations that the Kalahari Red Dunes Lodge takes pride in. Strauss describes the lodge as,

“Unlike the other houses, Nyala features an additional “wide-angle scenic view” apart from the main picture window: Along the whole length of the building, the canvas contains glass windows that are arranged to exactly follow the course of the dunes.?

The living and sleeping area of Nyala is the largest one available. Its sunset view probably surpasses that of all the other guest houses. Though there is no view towards the watering hole, the dunes view more than makes up for that. A beautiful hidden outdoor shower is also available.”

Start your next trip today!

Service & Expertise

Thu, 08 Aug 13 16:18:56 +0000

"UBC travellers have enjoyed the excellent service and expertise provided by North South Travel & Tours since 1991. The agents at North South recognize the diverse needs at UBC and are flexible in catering to each request for travel."

25 Years of Great Service

Thu, 08 Aug 13 16:15:13 +0000

We want to give you a big thank you for all you did to make our recent vacation such a success. The flight reservations you made, as well as the seat selection just suited us perfectly.

We thoroughly enjoyed the wonderful service you arranged with Limolink. The driver was so helpful & looked after getting our luggage off the belt so promptly & we were off to our motel so quickly. The driver was very efficient & prompt too when we were to be picked up for our return Flight. Your research into a rental car really paid off for us. The agency was so close to our motel, and all the arrangements you made were all in line. We had a great vehicle to drive for our holiday, & would certainly use their services another time.

If it were not for you, we would likely just be sitting here on our balcony never going away, but thanks to you, no request we make of you, large or small, you always tend to so quickly, efficiently & with so much thoughtfulness.

It was so very helpful to us, when you sent the neat & concise trip plan. It meant we only had about 2 pages to look at and know at a glance what to do.

I think it is obvious, that we would never plan any holiday, without calling you for help. After all these 25 years, we have followed you across the Country, from Toronto to Vancouver.

You are never more than a telephone call away. That speaks well for how much we value your capabilities.

You made a tremendous effort on our behalf Pam, & we just want you to know how grateful we are to you. Thank so much.

Take care,

As always,

Joyce & Mo.

Professional, friendly service for our sport groups

Thu, 08 Aug 13 16:11:58 +0000

North South Travel has provided our company with high quality service since 2007. Since that time NST has help arrange over 50 trips for our Basketball group and their families. These trips have been all over the United States and the group size sometimes reaches up to 80 people. The staff at NST are always friendly, polite, and their willingness to adjust to our company's requirements and their initiative in seeking best value solutions is why we will continue to work with them. The extraordinary service occurs in our day to day travel arrangements, but is also consistently provided in times of emergency. I strongly recommend North South Travel for their high quality of professional, friendly service and their overall attitude to maintaining a constructive client partnership.

Chad Clifford Director & Head Coach

DRIVE Basketball Academy

Adventure and Learn Program

Thu, 08 Aug 13 16:09:18 +0000

Continuing Dental Education UBC hosts an annual Adventure and Learn Program at the Maui Kea Lani Resort. In a stroke of good fortune we chose Jane Patrick of North South Travel as our Travel Agent for this course. Jane has proved to be an outstanding person to have in our travel corner. She has worked tirelessly to ensure that all arrangements for our clients have been met and exceeded, including hotel arrangements, flights, car hire etc. No request is ever too big or too small for Jane, our participants are very happy to work with her and their return year after year is a true testament of her professional, knowledgeable and trustworthy travel planning. We look forward to a long relationship with Jane and North South Travel.

Thank you,

Sylvia Stephens

Director, Continuing Dental Education,

Faculty of Dentistry

“Everything went perfectly!”

Thu, 08 Aug 13 16:05:48 +0000

I’m back from my travels and thought I would let you know that everything went perfectly! It was a great trip – the safari company was very good and professional, all the pick ups and drop offs etc went very smoothly and my driver was lovely – and found me all the animals I could ever want to see. If you like to ask for a specific driver, I know a good one to ask for. Also, the lodge on the crater and the tent lodge on the Serengeti were amazing.

I would also recommend the Serena Hotel in Zanzibar. Like a Sultan’s palace – soooo beautiful, service was fantastic and they arranged an excellent tour guide for me to take me around Stonetown and the Island. Aside from being so beautiful, the hotel is right on the water – all rooms have an ocean view, its gardens are beautiful, the food was fantastic, and it is right at the very edge of Stonetown (steps away) but very quiet and calm.

Thanks for all your help with this Dana – I have also recommended you to a friend over at SEVA as they send people over to Tanzania from time to time.

Cheers,

Sheila Moynihan

Western Management Consultants

Everything you said about Cuba was true. I'm in love with it!

Thu, 08 Aug 13 15:58:01 +0000

From the perfectly clear aqua water to the pristine white beaches, everything that you told me about Cuba was spot on. I felt perfectly safe walking the streets, and spent my time drifting in all directions, speaking with the friendly locals and gliding along to the live music that drifted from the ornate and crumbling facades. I felt as though I was living in poetry and am already planning my next visit.

Lorraine makes the difference!

Thu, 08 Aug 13 15:50:38 +0000

Our family has planned numerous trips with the help of Lorraine and our expectations have always been exceeded. From an ancient monastery converted to a stunning hotel in Orvieto to a castle on its own island in Ireland, Lorraine has found the most interesting and unique accommodations to compliment our travel experiences. Her attention to detail has more than once provided services we would not thought of ourselves and which made all the difference.
Where having our connection with Lorraine has been invaluable though have been in those times when things have gone badly. When our daughter, travelling alone for the first time, missed her connecting flight in Toronto to London due to severe weather in the area, Lorraine had made all the arrangements, including advising her hotel of her late arrival before we had even processed the information. Her genuine concern for our worry and our daughter’s comfort was outstanding.
I can’t imagine planning a trip without her expertise and personal input.

Tom & Lindsay Beechinor

Kory's Performance and our Group Arrangements

Thu, 08 Aug 13 15:46:02 +0000

This is a belated note to thank you for all of the work you did to assist with the planning of our recent West Coast performance tour with the UBC Bands. Our trip was incredibly successful, in part due to your efforts.

Everything went perfectly according to plan, and the careful logistical plans you put in place allowed the students to focus on music-making and being great ambassadors for the University. In the months prior to the tour, you were professional in your communications, quick to reply to emails and phone calls, and very helpful.

On behalf of all of the students and myself, I thank you for your incredible work, and I look forward to working with you on future projects.

Sincerely,
Rob Taylor
_________________
Dr. Robert Taylor
Associate Professor of Conducting & Ensembles University of British Columbia

Special Anniversary trip to French Polynesia

Thu, 08 Aug 13 15:29:29 +0000

Having just returned from a special anniversary trip to French Polynesia, I would highly recommend this as a special "bucket list" adventure. Lorraine had suggested it a couple of years ago, and everything she described was right on. We spent 10 days on the Paul Gauguin cruising the islands and atolls in luxury with superb food, attentive service and spectacular scenery. As Lorraine says, "every view is a picture" and it is so true. She also encouraged us to take a helicopter tour of Bora Bora which will be a lifelong highlight memory, to go with swimming with sharks and rays! Lorraine is able to make suggestions based on her clients' interests and nature and so was able to recommend renting a car when most appropriate. She also follows up with her bookings and keeps in touch. It is a real benefit to have a skilled professional available when/if things "go wrong" and although this trip was flawless, she has helped us out in the past providing service "above and beyond". If tropical paradise is on your to-do list, French Polynesia is it and we plan on traveling again with Paul Gauguin Cruises.

Thanks Lorraine