Tahiti: a beautiful land with beautiful people. Note the more forceful dance style of Tahitian male dancers compared to the softer more sensual movments of the female dancers. Also notice the elaborate body art visible on some of the men. Local women tend to have designs placed a little more discreetly.
For more information on the Society Islands, contact
Jacintha Perera, Tahiti Tiare Specialist Jacintha@IslandGetawaysTravel.com
(916) 392-1520 or (866) 345-ISLE
The Tahitian Islands are a sensory experience. Enjoy the sensuous dance movements performed by these Tahitian female dancers. They are the exotically beautiful women who inspired artist Paul Gauguin, appearing throughout his distinctively vibrant paintings of French Polynesia.
For more information on the Society Islands, contact
Jacintha Perera, Tahiti Tiare Specialist Jacintha@IslandGetawaysTravel.com
(916) 392-1520 or (866) 345-ISLE
The raffle prize this month contains products from Tahiti: a Tahitian pareo (sarong) from Arii Creations on the island of Raiatea for her, an Air Tahiti Nui ball cap for him; exotic fruit jams in ananas, banane et pamplemousse (pineapple, banana & grapefruit) flavors produced on the island of Moorea, vanille de Taha’a (vanilla bean pods) grown on the island of Taha’a; fragrant Tahitian tiare (gardenia) soap with dish and a Tahitian tiare scented candle; 2 shell leis and an assortment of seashells; and finally a jeweled palm tree photo frame to hold vacation memories of this tropical paradise.
Tahiti Gift Basket
Congratulations to the winner of this gift basket: Maggie Fraser of Sacramento, Calif.
Enjoy the sensory delights within your prize!
A: I do maintain a Will Share List for each group getaway and introduce same sex singles to each other with mutual permission from both parties. I recommend they chat or meet in person to gauge compatibility before they agree to room togther.
A few companies will place solo travelers together in shared accommodations. I caution my clients NOT to to do as you will be occupying close quarters with a complete stranger. You could potentially make a friend for life or find yourself in a very stressful situation.
At the moment, a few select travel companies are offering single accommodations based on availabilty at no additonal cost or a very small (10%-25% ) additional charge.
Cross Island Mountain Trek, Rarotonga, Cook Islands
A: This is actually a misconception. Hotel room and ship cabins are priced based on double occupancy. The total cost is divided and shared by two people. A solo traveler has to pay the entire amount. This is sometimes referred to as a single supplement which sounds like a surcharge. In fact, it is simple mathematics – either way the cost of the accommodations has to be paid, whether by one person or two.
Unless the traveler wants the luxury of single accommodations, which is often the case with personal retreats, I suggest that they invite a friend to join them. This way both can enjoy the trip components and the cost saving benefits.
A: A quick reminder that travel promotions and group space/rates are time senstive and do expire. Contrary to popular belief, there are NO great last minute deals. Generally, you will be shoppingthe clearance rack for the least desirable leftovers.
Remember that the BEST VALUE is about more than bottom line price. I seek 1) the highest quality products that 2) match my clients’ interests and needs at 3) the best available prices .
My best advice is to plan well ahead for the best advance discounts and best selection.
A: YES, everything is offered at the best available price at the time. I’m very savvy about pricing for high quality travel products. However, keep in mind that prices do change and space does sell out. The only time you should be paying full price is if it is the last minute after all sale prices have expired.
There are many types of discounts: promotional, seasonal, group rates to name a few. Advance GROUP RATES are among the best available. They offer low rates based on high volume.
Bonuses or amenities may include: bon voyage or welcome gifts; room/cabin upgrades; complimentary meals or nights; resort or shipboard credits; reduced or free air included with a resort stay or cruise vacation. These all constitute VALUE ADDED components that enhance your trip.
I also have access to great rates and amenities through a national travel network that has significant buying power. And I am happy to pass these benefits along to my clients.
Thank you for all the responses to last month’s newsletter. As announced previously, the July raffle prize is a Fiji Gift Basket.
Fiji Gift Basket
The tropical flip flop design party ice tub comes with a sandal-shaped bottle opener and contains products from the Fiji Islands: a photo book entitled “Children of the Sun”, a handcrafted photo frame, handwoven pandanus fan, a ladies sulu (sarong), shell jewelry, a tapa cloth coin purse, Pure Fiji coconut beauty products, a men’s t-shirt, a reusable tote bag, and a Fiji travel mug with Fiji coffee.
raffle entries
The lucky winner of the Fiji Gift Basket is . . . Kitty Triboli of Sacramento, California.
This raffle was so popular and so much fun that I have decided to continue it into this month and request general travel questions for entries into an August Raffle for a Tahiti Gift Basket.
A: Most serious travelers have a revolving travel wish list. Here is my current personal list by geographic region: 1) South Pacific – the islands of Vanuatu & New Caledonia;
the Galapagos Islands, a unique wildlife expedition
2) Southeast Asia – Bali, the Island of the Gods (return visit)
3) Exotic Mediterranean – Morocco & Jordan,
(I have already visited Spain & Portugal; Egypt & Tunisia; Corsica & Sardinia)
4) Indian Ocean – the Spice Islands of Zanzibar; Seychelles, Maldives
5) Panama Canal – a historic voyage from Pacifc Ocean to the Caribbean Sea/Atlantic Ocean
King Tut Exhibit, Cairo Museum, Egypt
If wishes do come true, I will make it to all of them – -in due time.
September Raffle Question: What’s on YOUR Wish List?
A: Tahiti – SIMPLY SURREAL in its beauty – from the high-peaked mountains of the Society Islands to the low lying Tuamotus Atolls to the remote and mysterious Marquesas Islands.
I fell in love with this destination on my very first visit years ago. It must be what Heaven looks like.
