Space Goddess

How about this for an out of this world Valentine?

admin — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 21:51:32 +0000

I just watched this video highlighting Virgin Galactic’s recent test flights. Even knowing about success after success in these flights, I found myself in awe! Consider this the ultimate valentine! You might even see Cupid!

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Your Guide to Inspiring European Destinations

admin — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 02:43:23 +0000

Barbara S. King
Great Getaways
913-338-2244 800-546-TRIP (8747)
Barbara@greatgetaways.travel
www.greatgetaways.travel

A Proud Member of Virtuoso ®

Europe is filled with priceless gems. Consider us your fine jeweler.
From the spectacle that is Rome to the sparkle of Paris’s lights, from the lavish grandeur of St. Petersburg to Scotland’s legendary golf courses, the Continent is literally covered with countless treasures. In this Destination Guide you’ll find these exciting travel packages featuring Virtuoso-only fares and a host of exclusive extras, along with insider tips that will put a brilliant shine on all your European adventures.

In this issue

6: NORTH
Pay a visit to Copenhagen’s Little Mermaid, then rail past Scotland’s picturesque glens. Drive around Ireland’s lovely Ring of Kerry, dine in Gordon Ramsay’s much-lauded London restaurant, or hop across all five British Isles at once.

26: SOUTH
Do you prefer a romp around Rome and the spectacular Cinque Terre, or a luxury-yacht cruise around the Greek Isles? You might taste fine wines in Tuscany, tapas in Barcelona, or a Sicilian cannoli that’ll make you swoon.

56: EAST
Visit a traditional Turkish bath and the "Black Madonna" in Poland. Watch a "Swan Lake" performance in St. Petersburg, wander Moscow’s Red Square, or cruise between the two along the scenic Volga. And speaking of scenic rivers, few compare to the storied Danube…

66: WEST
Stay in a Parisian palace, an ancestral Loire château with the count and countess, or an opulent hotel with views of Versailles. Waltz your way around Vienna, tiptoe through the tulips in Holland, and dine in an authentic GDR restaurant while in Berlin.

Enjoy this issue

Barbara S. King

913-338-2244 800-546-TRIP (8747)

Barbara@greatgetaways.travel

The trademarks VIRTUOSO, the Globe Swirl Logo, SPECIALISTS IN THE ART OF TRAVEL and WE ORCHESTRATE DREAMS are registered trademarks of Virtuoso, Ltd. Virtuoso, Ltd. has a U.S. copyright registration for the Globe Swirl Logo, ©2000. All rights reserved. Virtuoso CST#2069091-50 301202 US 02/12

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Have You Planned Your Summer Family Vacation?

admin — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 15:51:00 +0000

Introducing Perfect Summer Adventures for Families

For parents and grandparents looking for a hassle-free outdoor adventure in North America, look no further than the American West. Abercrombie & Kent is introducing two exciting new small-group journeys for 2012, The Grand Canyon & Beyond and Discovering California’s National Parks, which take you through the rivers and canyons of the Southwest and among the towering sequoias of the Golden State in the company of private guides and drivers.

Book Now, Save $250

Reserve either The Grand Canyon & Beyond or Discovering California’s National Parks by March 31, 2012 and save $250 per person.

The Grand Canyon & Beyond
June 24 – July 1, 2012 | August 4 – 11, 2012 | 8 days
From $4,845 (was $5,095)
On this Family Holiday, view stunning desert canyons awash with color, explore the Grand Canyon, float along the Colorado River and hike Zion National Park’s gorgeous trails.

•	Privately explore the Grand Canyon’s rim and trails led by Grand Canyon Field Institute guides
•	Pay an exclusive visit to Emery & Ellsworth Kolb’s photography studio
•	Explore Grand Staircase Escalante and Zion National Park with private guides

Discovering California’s National Parks
June 21-30, 2012 | July 29-August 7, 2012 | 10 days
From $5,645 (was $5,895)
Explore the Golden State’s many national parks on this Family Holiday, basking in incredible scenery that includes 2,000-year-old giant redwood trees.

•	Explore Yosemite National Park with private Yosemite Conservancy guides
•	Visit the Avenue of the Giants, Redwood National Park and Sequoia National Park
•	Take a float trip on the American River

Call us to reserve your A&K American West journey today.

Barbara King
Great Getaways Travel
913.338.2244 x301
barbara@greatgetaways.travel

Posted via email from Travelingking

What a trio: Sun, Family & Fun

admin — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 22:59:19 +0000

Please enjoy this digital edition of Virtuoso Traveler with our compliments.
If you are not able to view this message please click here.

Barbara S. King
Great Getaways
913-338-2244 800-546-TRIP (8747)
Barbara@greatgetaways.travel
www.greatgetaways.travel

A Proud Member of Virtuoso®

Why wait for summer to enjoy the sun and sand? The February issue of Virtuoso Traveler has an abundance of warm weather getaways for the entire family. Samba your way through Brazil, cruise the high seas, or simply lounge by the trendiest pools around. Your Virtuoso travel advisor can make it all happen, now.

In this issue

4: Why Do It Yourself?
How one travel advisor crafted the perfect family vacation.

18: Posh Pools
Our favorites from Maui to Miami Beach.

28: The Sporting Life
Active pursuits to fit your whole family.

38: Bespoke Brazil
Tailor-made experiences to make it your own.

Enjoy this issue

Barbara S. King

913-338-2244 800-546-TRIP (8747)

Barbara@greatgetaways.travel

Posted via email from Travelingking

Consider this a friendly reminder

admin — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 01:44:58 +0000

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…

Prime_Magazine_KC_January_February_issue.pdf Download this file

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It’s here – the 2012 Guide to the World’s Best Hotels

admin — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 20:30:25 +0000

Barbara King, ASA
Great Getaways Travel
913-338-2244
barbara@greatgetaways.travel

A Proud Member of Virtuoso®

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.

In this issue

4: Annual Best of the Best Award Winners
See the hotels that received special recognition from Virtuoso travel advisors.

5: Virtuoso Preview
Your first look at the newest gems – exclusive to the Virtuoso travel network.

6: Virtuoso Villas & Private Retreats
Private hideaways in the world’s most exciting locales.

14: Africa & Middle East
Find quiet serenity in Cape Town or at a walled oasis in Marrakech.

42: Asia & Pacific
Explore the lagoons of Bali, the heart of Tokyo or the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef.

114: Canada & United States
Stay in the Canadian Rockies, the Big Apple or the Big Sur in bespoke style.

236: Caribbean & Bermuda
Heaven awaits in a posh suite in Jamaica or at a 350-year-old convent in San Juan.

260: Europe
See the Old World anew from an idyllic hideaway in Rome or a country estate outside Bath.

Enjoy this issue

380: Mexico, Central & South America
Take in rooftop views in San Miguel de Allende or the cloud forest in Costa Rica.

414: Index of Attributes & Amenities
Useful reference information including number of rooms and sought-after amenities.

441: Presenting the Newest Best of the Best
Welcome the latest hotels and resorts to join the Virtuoso network.

Barbara King, ASA

913-338-2244

barbara@greatgetaways.travel

Fares, schedules, Virtuoso exclusives, events and amenities are subject to availability and blackout dates and may change without notice. Unless otherwise stated, prices are in U.S. dollars, per person and based on double occupancy. Restrictions may apply. See your Virtuoso travel advisor for more details and applicable restrictions. Virtuoso is not responsible for any errors in pricing. The trademarks VIRTUOSO, the Globe Swirl Logo, SPECIALISTS IN THE ART OF TRAVEL and WE ORCHESTRATE DREAMS are registered trademarks of Virtuoso, Ltd. Virtuoso, Ltd. has a U.S. copyright registration for the Globe Swirl Logo, ©2000. All rights reserved. Virtuoso CST#2069091-50 2012 BoB 1/12 © 2012 Virtuoso, Ltd. | 505 Main Street, Suite 500 | Fort Worth, TX 76102

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The Best Reasons to visit China now!

admin — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 19:48:18 +0000

Barbara King, ASA
Great Getaways Travel
913-338-2244
barbara@greatgetaways.travel

A Proud Member of Virtuoso®

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.

Enjoy this issue

Barbara King, ASA

913-338-2244

barbara@greatgetaways.travel

The trademarks VIRTUOSO, the Globe Swirl Logo and SPECIALISTS IN THE ART OF TRAVEL are registered trademarks of Virtuoso, Ltd. Virtuoso, Ltd. has a U.S. copyright registration for the Globe Swirl Logo, ©2000. All rights reserved. Virtuoso CST#2069091-50 360172 01/12

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TV Talk: An Out of This World Vacation!

admin — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 21:55:00 +0000

KCTV5, the CBS affiliate station in Kansas City aired this segment:

Posted via email from Travelingking

Holy Media, Batman, look at this front page story!

admin — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 14:21:52 +0000

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:

http://www.kansascity.com/2012/01/07/3358123/leawood-travel-adviser-offers.html#storylink=cpy

Posted via email from Travelingking

Fly me to the moon…

admin — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 03:27:54 +0000

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?

What are your thoughts about Space flight?

Posted via email from Travelingking