Spring 2024 / Fulfill Your Wanderlust

Let’s Have a Chat
In recent conversations with many of you, I learned that some of you still aren’t exactly sure what I do & how my company is different. This disconnect really surprised me so a quick review & some clarification this month. It’s important to keep the lines of communication open. You are always welcome to call or email me. JP@IslandGetawaysTravel.com  916.897.9597

Chiang Mai, THAILAND

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Aren’t you just a travel agent?
A: No. That is an outdated & inaccurate term. I’m the owner & founder of Island Getaways, an award-winning boutique travel company. I started it in May 1997 from scratch, all by myself, offering customized travel arrangements because one size does NOT fit all in travel! I believed there needed to be better alternatives to the generic, pre-packaged travel – the proverbial “whirlwind tours” – offered at that time.

Sailing the Napali Coast, Kauai, HAWAII

What’s in a name? As it turns out, a lot.  I offer a lot more as . . .
A Travel Expert with specialist credentials for different destinations & modes of travel.
A Travel Advisor offering expert recommendations. Expert advice is priceless!
A Travel Designer creating custom itineraries tailored to your interests & needs.
A Travel Manager overseeing all the details so you can “Just Show Up & Enjoy.

Moorea in the Society Islands of TAHITI

Haven’t been to Tahiti yet? Only visited Bora Bora & Moorea? There are 116 other islands to explore! I’ve been returning & sending happy travelers to this tropical paradise for over 20 years. See the 2025 Tahiti Cruise below.

Exploring the remote Marquesas Islands of  TAHITI

Q: Why did you name your company Island Getaways?
A: Well, I had to name it something. I’m the Island Girl at the heart of Island Getaways. I was born on a tropical island & I expect to end up on one. In the meantime, I have lived on, visited & explored islands all over the world. I am the company asset.

International Date Line, Taveuni, FIJI

Q: So you offer only island travel?
A: No. My company evolved & expanded from islands to more varied international travel (including cruises & train travel) and some domestic travel (limited to Alaska, Hawaii & Disney World). If it’s complicated or a special occasion travel, then you should consider custom travel. I’ve sent travelers to all 7 continents in the last 27 years.

At the Top of Sydney, AUSTRALIA

Haven’t been to Australia yet? Only visited 2-3 locations?
It is an island continent approximately the size of the U.S.
There is so much more to see & experience Down Under.

King Tut Exhibit, Cairo Museum, EGYPT

Q: Have you actually been to these places?

A: Yes. I’ve “Been There, Done That” with a breadth & depth of experience acquired over time. In my lifetime,  I have lived on 4 continents, traveled on 6 continents, visiting over 70 countries (some of them several times!) Ask me about living overseas for 10 years. I traveled in Pacific-Asia over 20 times in the last 25+ years gaining expertise & connections. And I have sailed all over the world in the last 35+ years on cruises of all sizes & types.

Group Getaways

Is your travel philosophy “the more, the merrier”?
Contact me to discuss & design a custom Group Getaway for 2024 or 2025.
Types of Groups: land, cruise or combination of both for a cruise tour getaway
Special Occasions: Family Reunion, Milestone Birthday, Anniversary, Retirement.

2025 Group Getaways

Island Getaways 25th (26th) Anniversary Sailabration

PACIFIC
Tahitian Legends Cruise
10 nights round trip Papeete, Tahiti includes:
Society Islands, Tuamotus Atolls & Marquesas
January 26 – February 5, 2025
Ship Preview: Oceania Nautica
High Value inclusions. Request the full itinerary & more details.

Bora Bora, Tahiti photo: Oceania Cruises

ASIA
Japan Cruise Tour
12 nights round trip from Tokyo including:
multiple ports in Japan + Busan, S. Korea
April 13-25, 2025
Ship Preview: Oceania Riviera
High Value Inclusions. Request full itinerary & more details.

Mt Fuji, outside Tokyo, JAPAN

EUROPE
Central Europe Getaway
2 week Danube River Cruise Tour
Budapest + 7 nts Danube Cruise + Prague includes:
Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Germany, Czech Republic
May 1- May 14, 2025

Ship Preview: AmaMagna 
High Value: Daily excursions are INCLUDED. Request the full itinerary.
Super Savings: $1035 per person, double + Island Getaways Bonus
Solo Traveler: special reduced 25% single supplement on select cabins

AmaMagna photos: Jacintha Perera

Rhine Castles & Swiss Alps
2 week Rhine River Cruise Tour
Amsterdam + 7 nts Rhine Cruise + Lake Como, Italy:
Netherlands, France, Germany, Switzerland, Italy
June 27-July 10, 2025
Preview It: Rhine Castles & Swiss Alps
High Value: Daily excursions are INCLUDED. Request the full itinerary.
Super Savings: $1650 per person, double + Island Getaways Bonus
Solo Traveler: special reduced 25% single supplement on select cabins

By Sea or Land
Not a fan of cruising? Prefer a custom land itinerary?
Contact me: JP@IslandGetawaysTravel.com 916.897.597

Planes, Trains, Boats & more!

Out of Office
April 26 – May 3 with My Travel Tribe
While I’ll be attending a multi-day business conference, in daily meetings 8 am – 5 pm, working remotely. Priority will be given to any travel “urgencies”.

On safari in KENYA, Africa

May 4- May 8 as I Walk the Talk
I’ll be in Vancouver & then on the Rocky Mountaineer Train through the Canadian Rockies. See my January/February 2024 newsletter for details on that.