Ladies, we all know what coming in a few weeks, right? Guys, think hearts, chocolates, and overpriced but oh so necessary flowers a/k/a Valentine’s Day. Consider creating a really special valentine, a romantic getaway!
In the January/February issue of PRIME Magazine KC, I wrote an article about romantic getaways. It’s on page 46—-just in case you want to read on…
This award-winning publication gives you an inside look at the world’s best hotels and resorts. Every property included in this collection is Virtuoso-preferred and known for its unique setting, exceptional service and remarkable attention to detail. And when you book your stay through your Virtuoso travel advisor, you’ll enjoy exclusive amenities including preferred rates and availability, breakfast for two daily, room upgrades, early check-in and late checkout and complimentary extras that will make your travel experience extraordinary.
Welcome to this special destination edition of VIRTUOSO LIFE® magazine. Read on to learn more about the Chinese history and culture featured here. If you’re interested in discussing a custom itinerary, please contact your Virtuoso travel advisor.
In this issue
2: Why China? Experience the history, beauty, art and culture of this dynamic country.
4: The New China A trip down the Yangtze River reveals the superpower’s intrigue.
13: China Connection Following a VIP trip to the country, Virtuoso’s top travel agency executives share advice and insight on visiting this dynamic destination.
Sometimes a person gets lucky and sometimes there’s double luck! The Kansas City Star featured a story about me representing Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Galactic. Great ego fluff for me and mega special for Great Getaways! Post 1 in the Luck Column!!!
The second stroke of luck was getting to meet Lee Hill Kavanaugh, a features writer for the Kansas City Star. She is a delight and oh so interesting! A multi-degreed talent, Lee spent a few years sailing the oceans aboard some legendary cruise ships, entertaining guests with her music. She and her artist, musician husband, have two children.
Lee is a woman of many interests and passions and I look forward to getting to know her better. Here’s her story about me, which was prominently placed on the FRONT PAGE, by the way:
Click on the link below to read Lee’s story about my passion for space travel and Virging Galactic:
That song is getting closer to reality! While many of you know that I represent Virgin Galactic, this may be “NEWS” to some of you. Yesterday the New York Times ran an article about the burgeoning industry of consumer space flight, featuring Virgin Galactic, http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/04/science/space/spaceflights-prepare-to-expand-customer-base.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=virgin%20galactic&st=cse . I’ve given two media interviews thanks to that article and that spurred this blog post. Maybe I could remind people that I sell flights into space as well as flight within the world’s atmosphere!
In 2009 I attended the gala unveiling of Virgin Galactic’s Spaceship, the VSS Enterprise. 850 people from around the world gathered in Mojave, California to be part of that historic moment, the beginning of a new frontier of the consumer travel industry. As the mother ship, with the spaceship securely attached, rolled into the viewing area, I remember the whole crowd became silent, in anticipation and awe. When Governors Schwarzenagger and Richardson joined Sir Richard Branson in christening the ship, the crowd erupted in cheers and applause. Tears rolled down my cheeks as I realized I was experiencing a significant milestone in history. Years from now, when my toddler-aged grandsons are older and space travel more commonplace, I hope the boys will brag, “My grandma was at the christening of the first consumer spaceship!” Then again, by that time, rather than the exception, people traveling in Space will be the norm and its beginning might be a long-ago faded memory. How cool would that be? Either way, Virgin Galactic gave me an incredible life experience. Now, if I sell 10 flights, I’ll be eliglble to fly aboard Virgin Galactic! Ready to be part of my group of 10?
These offers brought to you by: Barbara King, ASA Great Getaways Travel 913-338-2244 913-338-2244 barbara@greatgetaways.travel
Greetings from Barbara King, ASA —
Now’s the time! Escape the winter doldrums with a spontaneous weekend getaway, or plan an epic adventure for later in the year. No matter where you want to go, you’ll find exciting vacations from all over the world — sail across the Atlantic on a fabulous cruise ship, zip line through the rainforest canopy in Costa Rica, or slip away for a romantic spring weekend in New York City. Call today for the best rates and availability!
Meet Angela Di Feo, Great Getaways newest family member! Angie hails from Ohio (think Akron and Kent) and moved to the Kansas City area last month to be closer to her fiancé.
Angie, who is an active member of the Air Force National Guard, has garnered many awards, honors and degrees including Associates Degree in Hospitality Management, Fitness and Lodging (graduated with honors); National Collegiate Scholars for Academic Excellence; and Airman of the Year and Air Force Achievement Medal.
Her volunteer efforts include being a Founder of the Skye Jany Humanitarian Assistance Private Organization; participating in Homerun for the Homeless; Breast Cancer Awareness; and Harvest for Hunger.
Angie is well traveled and will be a wonderful addition to our staff. Please welcome Angie, angela@greatgetaways.travel, and let us know how we can assist you with your vacation plans.
The Spark of Genius Series highlights a unique feature of startups and is made possible by Microsoft BizSpark. If you would like to have your startup considered for inclusion, please see the details here.
Quick Pitch: Wander is a free app that connects penpals and Instagram.
Genius Idea: Gives users the opportunity to immerse themselves in new cultural experiences through their iPhones.
Do you dream about traveling or backpacking through the world and meeting people from different walks of life? Well now you can get closer to that experience with Wander, a free iPhone app that connects penpals with Instagram.
Through photo-based conversation threads, Wander allows users to view and participate in the lives of foreign peers in different parts of the world while also sharing their own lives and surroundings. The one-to-one media-sharing makes the world smaller by connecting strangers on opposite sides of the world through cultural exchanges.
“We realized most social apps are only about saying hello” says Darien Brown, CEO of Wander. “What Wander does is create impossible connections with people who you would never meet, allowing users to explore life in other countries in an interactive, meaningful way.”
To get started with Wander, users have to download the free app to their iPhone and then create a simple profile that includes their age, gender, interests and a profile image. Users can also sign in with their Facebook accounts.
Each day, Wander shows you a new available “guide” or someone in the world who you can connect with. For example, a woman from Japan named Miho may show up on your screen and you can choose whether to connect with her or not.
I travel a lot, a whole lot! I’ve made so many new friends around the world and there are so many friends yet to meet! What’s a person to do? (Drum roll would be appropriate here…) I just found a new app that combines penpals and Instagram allowing me to make friends from my iPhone! How cool is that? Check out this app in Mashable’s Spark of Genius Series!
Featured here: In this online guide featuring the Best of Europe, you’ll find a host of exciting travel opportunities to spark your imagination, along with insider Advisor Tips and exclusives offered only to you. Click here to start planning your lavish Europe vacation.