Tag Archives: 2010

Meet your Tour Manager: David Lyle

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We hear from happy customers all the time at Collette Vacations.
In fact, every letter or email that comes in eventually makes its way to me so I read a lot of testimonials. Many of these customer letters mention the tour manager…how professional and knowledgeable he or she is about the destination and how they seem to [...]

Alaska on my mind

Last week, Alaska was in the news due to the devastating plane crash that took the life of former Senator Ted Stevens, R-Alaska, and four others including one of his former congressional aides. In reporting the story, the news outlets have also inadvertently highlighted the vast and undisturbed beauty of our 49th state. And while [...]

Travel Reviews: Who do you believe?

I just read recently that industry experts warn that TripAdvisor, the popular travel information site, has a problem with fake reviews. And while the vast majority of the reviews and opinions are authentic, unbiased and from real users, it isn’t hard to see how one might post fraudulent information.
Personally, I consider sites like TripAdvisor a valuable [...]

My Top 10 Sea-worthy Journeys

I live in the Ocean State.
Luckily for me in under an hour I can enjoy beautiful coastal vistas in Westerly or Warwick; Block Island or Little Compton – all beautiful Rhode Island destinations.
Today marks my 20-year wedding anniversary and that summer in 1990 my reception was set in picturesque Bristol, Rhode Island, under a tent [...]

Have you considered travel to Antarctica?

Perhaps you read a few months back that due to the huge increases in tourism to Antarctica, new restrictions on large cruise ship visits have been implemented. Essentially what that means is that many of the large cruise ships will no longer be able to sail through Antarctic waters.Â
I spoke with Allison Flint, Collette’s product manager [...]

Travel News: State Department To Hike Passport Fees

For anyone traveling outside the U.S. who still needs to obtain a passport, you might want to get a move on.
The U.S. State Department on July 13 will raise the price for visas, passports and other consular services to reflect what the department determined is the true cost to provide such services.
Here’s what the little [...]

Land and Cruise Tours Combine Best of Both Worlds

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I recently sat down with Manny Paulo, Collette’s product manager for Greece/Turkey/Egypt/Jordan/Scandinavia/Russia, to talk about land/cruise programs for 2011 and why they are definitely worth taking a look at when planning your next vacation.
  Q. Why does Collette combine land and cruise components into some of its itineraries?
Manny:  Cruising has experienced 10 – 15% growth year over [...]

Helicopter tours of the Canadian Rockies

Collette Vacations recently announced the return of optional helicopter tours available on all of its Canadian Rockies itineraries.
Helicopter tour options have always been a top seller in the Rockies, according to Bethany Manchester, product manager for Canada. Adds Manchester, “They provide passengers with an opportunity to see the Rockies in a new light and showcase sections [...]

Travelers and their carry-on bags

Last week I was at Logan International in Boston bound for Denver for a PRSA conference when an agent affiliated with United Airlines stopped me just prior to the security checkpoint. Apparently her sole job is to monitor carry-on luggage.
I was told I would need to return to the ticket counter to check my back. [...]

Great Summer Destination Revealed

With summer around the corner, more Americans are banishing last year’s staycation from their vocabulary and yielding to their pent up demand for travel. We’re already seeing clues about a tour that is going to be a top seller this summer season.
What’s your guess? Hints:  It’s in North America. And it’s perfect for those looking [...]