Q: Do you offer JUST ISLANDS?
A: I have a personal interest in islands but I do offer other destinations.
There is a whole planet out there. I came to explore as much of it as possible, a little at a time. And then, in turn, introduce others to the extraordinary places, people and experiences I’ve discovered.
Island Girl
I was born on an island and expect to end up on one. In my lifetime, I have visited islands in other parts of the world (partial list): Caribbean (numerous), Mediterranean (Greek Isles, Corsica, Sardina, Malta), Atlantic (Bermuda, Canary Islands, Falklands), South China Seas/Southeast Asia (Hong Kong, Singapore, Phuket, Koh Samui, Bali).
My motto is “so many islands, so little time”.
The Sea Goddess always gravitates back to The Sea. I mention this quite often in my travel blog.
Q: Why did you name your company Island Getaways?
A: Well, back in 1997, I had to come up with a name and a theme to form my company. I didn’t want to start a general travel agency, we already had enough of those. I began with the (then new) concept of custom-designed travel for individuals and brainstormed several possibilities.
I was leaning toward Island Girl Getaways but thought the name would be too long. So, I shortened it to Island Getaways for practical reasons, not realizing at that time, that I would eventually specialize in the South Pacific islands of Tahiti, Fiji, the Cooks , the north & south islands of New Zealand and the island continent of Australia.
Do you detect a theme here?
One of my favorite places - the island of Moorea, Tahiti
Q: Do you get to go on ALL the trips?
A: I hate to disillusion you but that travel fantasy is different from the business reality. Essentially, I have a desk job, not a “traveling” job (like a flight attendant or tour guide). I design, arrange, market, process and deliver the getaways. There’s nothing glamorous about the actual WORK but careful planning is essential to successful trips.
I advertise different getaways each month but only accompany a few select group getaways each year. When I’m not “flying my desk”, I am on location as the group leader/group concierge reconfirming opening/closing events, activities and tours, and tending to individual group member requests/needs.
So, do I get to travel? -YES! I have traveled all over the world on my own time and my own money. And I have even lived overseas long before I started my company. I usually budget for two business trips a year to broaden my expertise and occasionally take an actual vacation 🙂
For more information, go to:
"out of office" in Chiang Mai, Thailand
Q: Have you been to ANY of these places?
Yes, I have been to ALL the places for which I hold specialist credentials. I have spent literally decades and thousands of dollars visiting destinations to develop my expertise. I personally inspect, hand-select and recommend only products that meet my high standards in terms of facilities, comfort, service, cuisine and amenities. I have long-standing professional relationships with local owners, managers, concierges, tour guides and chef/owners.
As the “advance scout”, my clients benefit directly from recommendations based on my first-hand experiences and personal connections.
Wildlife Guide Extraordinaire, Newton at Joy's Camp, Kenya
On the flip side, superficially beautiful resorts or ships that are mediocre (or poor) in any one of these areas are instantly crossed off my list. If I won’t go there, I won’t send you there!
For more information, go to:
Q: Do I NEED a travel professional?
If it’s simple, DIY – Do It Yourself. If it’s complicated, consult an expert.
You can & should make simple arrangements yourself. For example, Southwest Airlines remains very user-friendly for domestic air travel. Nevertheless, I still advise my clients on ways to get the most convenient and most cost-effective flights on their direct internet bookings.
For more complex itineraries, I recommend that you consult an experienced professional who works with these types of details on a daily basis, someone who has “been there, done that” many times and has sent people to the destination. They can assure that you have the correct products at the best prices, save you time and money plus provide support or follow-up, if necessary.
International Date Line, island of Taveuni, Fiji
Your vacation time and money are valuable commodities, make the most of them!
For more information, go to:
www.IslandGetawaysTravel.com
Over the years, I have had many of the same general travel questions over and over so I have decided to post answers to the most common.
Q: What is the DIFFERENCE between a travel agent and a travel specialist?
A: A travel agent is a generalist who can assist you with general travel needs. A travel specialist is an expert who has developed expertise and acquired experience for a geographic destination or type of travel.
I am a credentialed travel specialist for the South Pacific and cruise travel with a couple other sub-specialties. See About section for details.
Aremiti Ferry to island of Moorea, Tahiti
For more information, go to:
Qamea Jungle Spa
Qamea Jungle Spa
Situated on the edge of a tropical jungle wtih five individual treatment bures, and the sounds of the Pacific ocean intermingled with a myriad of native jungle birds singing, professionally trained spa therapists will lull you into a well deserved sense of comfort and relaxation.
In addition to refreshing local Fiji spa products, the qamea Jungle Spa features Guinot therapies, products and spa equipment from the Guinot Institute in Paris, France.
For more information, contact Jacintha Perera,
Fiji Matai Specialist, www.IslandGetawaysTravel.com
Photo Courtesy of Qamea Island Resort
Following the scenic one hour flight from Nadi to the island of Taveuni, a boat transfer is provided to the island of Qamea. A wet landing on the beach brings you to the Qamea Private Island Resort, an intimate 5-star luxury hideaway comprised of only 12 spacious, thatched-roof, beachfront bures (bungalows), 2 honeymoon bures and 2 villas nestled among swaying palm trees and lush tropical gardens with sweeping views of the ocean & sunsets. Gourmet meals and activities are included with your stay. Spend idyllic days snorkeling, sailing, fishing, sea kayaking, hiking or visiting local Fijian villages. Be pampered with treatments in their unique Jungle Spa (which we will visit in acouple of days) or arrange for them in your bure.
For more information, contact Jacintha Perera,
Fiji Matai Specialist, www.IslandGetawaysTravel.com
(916) 897-9597
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Active travelers will find a wide range of land and water sports in Dubai.
Venturing outside the city of Dubai for a full day or even overnight, you can enjoy a desert safari in 4 wheel drive vehicles, camel riding or even sand skiing or sand boarding. For an extended adventure, feast on an evening barbecque buffet while listening to traditonal music in a Bedouin tent. The edutainment might also include a falconry demonstration.
Meanwhile, snow skiing and toboganning are available at the indoor Ski Dubai in the Emirates Mall. You may even engage in a snowball fight with your companions in a separate area.
Horseback riding and trekking are also available. Water sports enthusiasts can go scuba diving and deep sea fishing. And with several world class golf courses to choose from, golf addicts may even play at night on floodlit greens.
At the end of a busy day, relax with some pampering at a local spa. The Morroccan hammam or bath ritual begins with an invigorating exfoliation, followed by a relaxing steam bath and finally a rassoul clay wrap.
For other Exotic Escapes, go to www.IslandGetawaysTravel.com
